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The Bassmaster Classic: Friends, Family and More by Bruce Callis

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The Bassmaster Classic: Friends, Family and More by Bruce Callis

The Bassmaster Classic is so much more than just the pinnacle of the bass fishing community. It is more than just the dreams of anglers around the world. It is about the fans and their love of this great sport. It is about family. This is the one event where anglers bring their family to be near them, to share in the experience.

It is something special about being here and rooting for your favorite angler. To be here to root for the local angler that made their dream a reality by being out there trying to make it happen and walk across that big stage. To be the angler that lifts that trophy high over their head and be forever known as a Bassmaster Classic winner. Many have dreamed it, but so few can claim it as their own.

And everyone at the Classic is basically family, we all share that love of fishing. We all are here for what this event means and what it offers. We all want to meet the anglers we feel the closest to, the anglers who helped shape us. Bill Dance, Roland Martin, Jimmy Houston, Cody Meyer, Mike Iaconelli, Kevin Van Dam, Brandon Palaniuk, Edwin Evers, John Crews, and so many more. It doesn’t matter that they are no longer fishing B.A.S.S., they are family.

And the Classic is the one place where we can connect with others we may have only talked with through social media. Danny Barker and Preston Rogers from Florida are 2 people I truly look forward to seeing each year at the Classic along with many others. And then it is the changing location of the event that brings about the opportunity to meet new friends.

I have also had the opportunity to do something that I would have never thought I would do. From that shy guy who graduated high school to the guy who came out of his shell and found his voice. God provided the opportunity to find my voice through service and he showed me that fishing is a perfect ministry. I don’t preach, but I will share when asked. I have found that I can make a difference in the lives of others just by smiling and sharing some fun.

Walking around the Classic Expo, I am able to meet people attending, to find out what they think about everything. From the couple attending their 10th Classic, to those experiencing their first, and the families who are bringing their daughters or sons to their first ever Classic, it is amazing. Helping to make it better is an honor. Even though you have to be careful in this day and age.

It is also an opportunity to learn. I get to talk to the anglers working the Expo and ask questions. I know that their time is stretched, but by keeping the questions simple, hopefully it will help others at the same time. But the anglers go out of their way to make sure every fan gets to talk with them, have an autograph, and a picture with them. And special attention is given to the kids.

The Bassmaster Classic is about fishing and so much more. We are one large fishing family! And that makes us unique! Have you been to a Classic? Who did you meet there and did it change your life!

Hank Cherry Maintains Solid Lead At Bassmaster Classic On Lake Guntersville

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Hank Cherry Maintains Solid Lead At Bassmaster Classic On Lake Guntersville

March 7, 2020

Hank Cherry Maintains Solid Lead At Bassmaster Classic On Lake Guntersville

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — If Hank Cherry’s arm is bothering him, it certainly doesn’t show.

The North Carolina veteran pro, who fell and injured his arm in his boat Friday, played through the pain Saturday to catch five bass that weighed 16 pounds, 10 ounces. Added to the 29-3 he caught Friday, it gives him a two-day total of 45-13 that leads the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk.

Competition is taking place at Lake Guntersville, and weigh-ins are being held at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. Cherry’s solid Saturday catch gave him a lead of 4-13 going into Championship Sunday with a $300,000 first-place prize on the line.

“I’m gonna do what I’ve got to do to get this done,” Cherry said. “New fish are still moving into my area. I’ve just got to relax — and if it’s my time, it’s my time.”

Cherry fished the same three baits Saturday that he used to catch his massive bag Friday — a bladed jig, a jerkbait and his own Hank Cherry Signature Series Jig from Picasso. He’s fishing one small area with a causeway and a flat, and he’s done so little running that he hasn’t even had to buy gas for his boat this week.

Now, it’s just a matter of settling down and finishing the job.

“My last thoughts before I go to bed tonight will just be to thank the good Lord for putting me in this position,” said Cherry, who finished third in the 2013 Classic at Grand Lake in Oklahoma. “Then I’ll just get up in the morning ready to go.

“I have to stay relaxed. I have to get that first one in the boat. The first one’s always the roughest one. After that, they start coming.”

The angler closest to Cherry going into the final day is Fayetteville, Tenn., pro Brandon Lester, who caught 20-1 Saturday and jumped from fourth place into second with a two-day mark of 41-0.

Lester started his day with a lipless crankbait and caught a limit early. But since he didn’t have the quality of fish he knew he’d need to win, he made a drastic change.

“There’s this one stretch of boat docks where I’ve caught them before,” Lester said. “I just had a hunch they would be there, so I went there and fished a jig.

“I thought they’d be there, but I didn’t know they would be that big.”

Lester’s catch was anchored by a 6-7 largemouth, as he managed to cull all but one of the original five bass he caught early on the crankbait.

He said plan B has now officially become plan A.

“I didn’t fish that stretch of docks at all (Friday),” Lester said. “I saved it as a backup plan, and I’m glad I did.

“Today, the way the wind was blowing in there, straight out of the north, I could really only fish the back sides of the docks. Hopefully tomorrow, if that wind will kind of lay, I can pick some more off.”

Virginia pro John Crews will start Championship Sunday in third place after catching 16-11 Saturday and pushing his total to 38-3.

“I had to change gears today,” Crews said. “The first few areas I went to where I caught some (Friday) … they just weren’t there. I don’t know if it was the wrong time or whatever, but I didn’t have a bite.

“I just kept moving, kept fishing — and luckily, I was able to put together a decent limit.”

Crews said he his game plan for Sunday would likely be a last-minute thing.

“I honestly don’t have any idea what I’m going to do tomorrow,” he said. “There are parts about that I like and parts about that I don’t like.

“I’m not married to any certain spot. That might be good because I’ll just be fishing.”

The angler who made the biggest move on Day 2 was Texas pro Keith Combs. With the day’s biggest bag of 23-10, he jumped from 43rd place into 13th. Canadian pro Jeff Gustafson earned Berkley Big Bass honors for the day with a 7-3 largemouth, but South Carolina angler Todd Auten still holds the lead for big bass of the week with the 7-9 he caught Friday.

The tournament concludes Sunday with the Top 25 remaining anglers taking off at 7 a.m. CT from Civitan Park in Guntersville. Fans planning to attend the takeoff should make note of the time change for Daylight savings time.

The final weigh-in will be held at Legacy Arena, which is part of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. Doors will open at 3 p.m. for credentialed B.A.S.S. Life and B.A.S.S. Nation members and 3:15 p.m. for the general public.

The Classic Outdoor Expo, which features nearly 200 exhibitors from around the world, will be open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Get Hooked on Fishing attraction will be open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Piazza in the BJCC. Free activities for children will include a Kids Fishing Pond, giveaways and more.

2020 Bassmaster Classic Title Sponsor: Academy Sports + Outdoors

2020 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk 3/6-3/8
Lake Guntersville, Birmingham  AL.
(ANGLER) Standings Day 2

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

1.  Hank Cherry Jr         Lincolnton, NC          10  45-13    0
Day 1: 5   29-03     Day 2: 5   16-10
2.  Brandon Lester         Fayetteville, TN        10  41-00    0
Day 1: 5   20-15     Day 2: 5   20-01
3.  John Crews Jr          Salem, VA               10  38-03    0
Day 1: 5   21-08     Day 2: 5   16-11
4.  Todd Auten             Lake Wylie, SC          10  38-00    0
Day 1: 5   20-00     Day 2: 5   18-00
5.  Stetson Blaylock       Benton, AR              10  37-09    0
Day 1: 5   18-05     Day 2: 5   19-04
6.  Brandon Card           Knoxville, TN           10  37-02    0
Day 1: 5   17-11     Day 2: 5   19-07
7.  Micah Frazier          Newnan, GA              10  36-00    0
Day 1: 5   20-00     Day 2: 5   16-00
8.  David Mullins          Mt Carmel, TN           10  35-05    0
Day 1: 5   18-08     Day 2: 5   16-13
9.  Jason Williamson       Wagener, SC             10  34-03    0
Day 1: 5   18-03     Day 2: 5   16-00
10. Matt Herren            Ashville, AL            10  32-12    0
Day 1: 5   18-12     Day 2: 5   14-00
11. Seth Feider            New Market, MN          10  32-03    0
Day 1: 5   16-10     Day 2: 5   15-09
12. Luke Palmer            Coalgate, OK            10  32-01    0
Day 1: 5   14-09     Day 2: 5   17-08
13. Keith Combs            Huntington, TX           8  31-06    0
Day 1: 3   07-12     Day 2: 5   23-10
14. Bill Lowen             Brookville, IN           8  31-00    0
Day 1: 3   11-10     Day 2: 5   19-06
15. Lee Livesay            Gladewater, TX          10  30-15    0
Day 1: 5   14-02     Day 2: 5   16-13
16. Skylar Hamilton        Dandridge, TN            9  30-11    0
Day 1: 5   19-11     Day 2: 4   11-00
17. Clent Davis            Montevallo, AL           9  30-02    0
Day 1: 5   21-08     Day 2: 4   08-10
18. John Cox               Debary, FL               9  29-14    0
Day 1: 5   15-02     Day 2: 4   14-12
19. Drew Cook              Midway, FL              10  28-00    0
Day 1: 5   15-06     Day 2: 5   12-10
20. Caleb Kuphall          Mukwonago, WI            9  27-00    0
Day 1: 4   14-01     Day 2: 5   12-15
21. Greg DiPalma           Millville, NJ            8  26-10    0
Day 1: 4   15-03     Day 2: 4   11-07
22. Cody Huff              Ava, MO                  9  26-09    0
Day 1: 4   12-13     Day 2: 5   13-12
23. Chris Zaldain          Fort Worth, TX          10  26-02    0
Day 1: 5   10-08     Day 2: 5   15-10
24. Hunter Shryock         Newcomerstown, OH        8  26-01    0
Day 1: 5   18-06     Day 2: 3   07-11
25. Grae Buck              Green Lane, PA           6  25-13    0
Day 1: 2   13-06     Day 2: 4   12-07
26. Caleb Sumrall          New Iberia, LA           8  25-10    0  $10,000.00
Day 1: 3   09-09     Day 2: 5   16-01
27. Bob Downey             Hudson, WI               9  24-11    0  $10,000.00
Day 1: 5   14-12     Day 2: 4   09-15
28. Shane LeHew            Catawba, NC             10  24-04    0  $10,000.00
Day 1: 5   11-10     Day 2: 5   12-10
29. Drew Benton            Blakely, GA              8  23-10    0  $10,000.00
Day 1: 5   15-03     Day 2: 3   08-07
30. Jake Whitaker          Fairview, NC             7  23-03    0  $10,000.00
Day 1: 5   16-05     Day 2: 2   06-14
31. Jeff Gustafson         Keewatin Ontario CANADA  7  22-03    0  $10,000.00
Day 1: 5   12-12     Day 2: 2   09-07
32. Patrick Walters        Summerville, SC         10  22-03    0  $10,000.00
Day 1: 5   11-12     Day 2: 5   10-07
33. Brian Snowden          Reeds Spring, MO         8  21-13    0  $10,000.00
Day 1: 5   14-09     Day 2: 3   07-04
34. Chris Johnston         Peterborough Ontario CA  9  21-09    0  $10,000.00
Day 1: 4   09-14     Day 2: 5   11-11
35. Darold Gleason         Many, LA                 7  21-03    0  $10,000.00
Day 1: 5   14-04     Day 2: 2   06-15
36. Jamie Hartman          Newport, NY              9  21-02    0  $10,000.00
Day 1: 5   13-15     Day 2: 4   07-03
37. Whitney Stephens       Waverly, OH              7  20-01    0  $10,000.00
Day 1: 5   14-02     Day 2: 2   05-15
38. Josh Busby             Rogersville, MO          6  19-13    0  $10,000.00
Day 1: 1   02-03     Day 2: 5   17-10
39. Cliff Prince           Palatka, FL              6  18-05    0  $10,000.00
Day 1: 2   04-05     Day 2: 4   14-00
40. Brock Mosley           Collinsville, MS         6  17-05    0  $10,000.00
Day 1: 1   01-10     Day 2: 5   15-11
41. Taylor Smith           Spokane Valley, WA       7  16-09    0  $10,000.00
Day 1: 4   08-12     Day 2: 3   07-13
42. Clifford Pirch         Payson, AZ               6  16-08    0  $10,000.00
Day 1: 1   03-04     Day 2: 5   13-04
43. Matt Arey              Shelby, NC               6  16-05    0  $10,000.00
Day 1: 5   14-00     Day 2: 1   02-05
44. Ray Hanselman Jr       Del Rio, TX              7  15-00    0  $10,000.00
Day 1: 4   08-01     Day 2: 3   06-15
45. Mark Menendez          Paducah, KY              5  14-15    0  $10,000.00
Day 1: 4   12-10     Day 2: 1   02-05
46. Scott Canterbury       Odenville, AL            5  14-02    0  $10,000.00
Day 1: 5   14-02     Day 2: 0   00-00
47. Cory Johnston          Cavan CANADA             6  13-09    0  $10,000.00
Day 1: 2   04-10     Day 2: 4   08-15
48. Chad Pipkens           Lansing, MI              4  11-13    0  $10,000.00
Day 1: 1   03-04     Day 2: 3   08-09
49. Mike Huff              Corbin, KY               3  07-13    0  $10,000.00
Day 1: 3   07-13     Day 2: 0   00-00
50. Brandon Cobb           Greenwood, SC            3  07-09    0  $10,000.00
Day 1: 1   02-08     Day 2: 2   05-01
51. Cody Hollen            Beaverton, OR            2  05-05    0  $10,000.00
Day 1: 2   05-05     Day 2: 0   00-00
52. Paul Mueller           Naugatuck, CT            2  04-15    0  $10,000.00
Day 1: 1   02-08     Day 2: 1   02-07
53. Cam Sterritt           Newfields, NH            0  00-00    0  $10,000.00
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
1        31       209       677-06
2        26       197       604-06
———————————-
57       406      1281-12

Tennessee Team Wins High School Classic

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Tennessee Team Wins High School Classic
Matthew Vandagriff and Asa Robertson, of McMinnville, Tenn., win the 2020 Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Classic presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors with 13 pounds, 15 ounces.

                                                                                                                                            Photo by Gary Tramontina/B.A.S.S.

March 7, 2020

Tennessee Team Wins High School Classic

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Matthew Vandagriff and Asa Robertson relied on tactics that work for them back home in middle Tennessee to win the Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Classic presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors held Saturday on Alabama’s Lay Lake.

Vandagriff and Robertson, seniors at Warren County High School in McMinnville, caught a five-bass limit that weighed 13 pounds, 15 ounces to outfish the runner-up team by 9 ounces.

After a slow practice, the Warren County anglers were unsure how they would spend the tournament day.

“At 10 o’ clock we didn’t have a fish in the livewell,” said Vandagriff. “We had tried just about everything and nothing worked.”

Except for a Rapala DT6 crankbait. The 2-inch, 3/8-ounce lure is designed specifically to run about 6 feet deep. The lure was an ideal choice because it matched the strike zone where they had greatest success.

“We tied it on and immediately started catching keepers,” said Robertson.

They focused on secondary points in 3 to 5 feet of water.

“That’s what we do this time of the year back home in Tennessee,” added Robertson. “So, there was no reason not to do it.”

Riley Underwood and Chandler Holt of Briarwood Christian School took second with 13-6. The team from Birmingham found success using a shaky head rig in shallow water.

Andon Goins and Blake Wheat, fishing for Tennessee’s Rhea County High School, finished third with 13-5. Fourth place went to Caz Anderson and Griffin Hopkins of Chatuge High School with 9-13.

Teams weighed in at Legacy Arena prior to the Saturday weigh-in of the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk.

Competing were the top high school teams from the 2019 season, and the Top 2 teams from the series event on Smith Lake held March 1.

The tournament was hosted by Discover Shelby County.

2020 Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Classic presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors 3/7-3/7
Lay Lake, Birmingham  AL.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1

    Angler                                       Club/School                       Pts

1.  Asa Robertson – Matthew Vandagriff           Warren County High School Pionee      0
Day 1: 5   13-15   Total:   5  13-15
2.  Riley Underwood – Chandler Holt              Briarwood Christian                   0
Day 1: 5   13-06   Total:   5  13-06
3.  Andon Goins – Blake Wheat                    Rhea County High School               0
Day 1: 5   13-05   Total:   5  13-05
4.  Caz Anderson – Griffin Hopkins                Chatuge Anglers                      0
Day 1: 5   09-13   Total:   5  09-13
5.  Colby Badeaux – Tyler Jordan                 Live Oak High School                  0
Day 1: 5   08-08   Total:   5  08-08
6.  John Walley – Justin Duke                    Satsuma High School-AL                0
Day 1: 4   08-08   Total:   4  08-08
7.  Brody Robison – Levi Cox                     Sand Rock Wildcats                    0
Day 1: 3   08-00   Total:   3  08-00
8.  Westin Moss – Josh Willis                    Whitwell High School-TN               0
Day 1: 2   06-06   Total:   2  06-06
9.  Tyler Finley – Hunter Jones                  Mount Pleasant                        0
Day 1: 2   04-09   Total:   2  04-09
10. Braden McNamara – Mike Abbott                Hartley’s Hawgs                       0
Day 1: 2   04-07   Total:   2  04-07
11. Mercedes Ellis – Gage Sherrod                Henry County High School              0
Day 1: 1   03-09   Total:   1  03-09
12. Alex Bradley – Rylan Green                   Chapman High School                   0
Day 1: 2   03-04   Total:   2  03-04
13. Tyner Redden – Hayes Grooms                  Greenbrier High School                0
Day 1: 1   03-02   Total:   1  03-02
14. Brody Hopper – Landon Franks                 Cullman High School                   0
Day 1: 1   01-08   Total:   1  01-08
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
1         5        43       102-04
———————————-
5        43       102-04

The ever changing Day 2 at the 50th Bassmaster Classic

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The ever changing Day 2 at the 50th Bassmaster Classic

Day 2 did not disappoint at the 50th Bassmaster Classic on Lake Guntersviille take a listen as Brandon Cobb,Seth Feider,Brandon Lester,John Crews,Jason Williamson,Stetson Blaylock, Brandon Card & Jank Cherry give us a look at their Classic so far.

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Knoxville’s Jim Davis Dominates Inaugural B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Event At Logan Martin Lake

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Knoxville’s Jim Davis Dominates Inaugural B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Event At Logan Martin Lake
Jim Davis, of Knoxville, Tenn., won the inaugural Huk Bassmaster B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series powered by TourneyX presented by Abu Garcia on Logan Martin Lake with a five-fish limit measuring 87 3/4 inches.

                                                                                                                                                        Photo by Laurie Tisdale/B.A.S.S.

March 6, 2020

Knoxville’s Jim Davis Dominates Inaugural B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Event At Logan Martin Lake
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PELL CITY, Ala. — Heavy rains inundated central Alabama until the final whistle blew at the inaugural Huk Bassmaster B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series powered by TourneyX presented by Abu Garcia on Logan Martin Lake. Knoxville, Tenn., resident Jim Davis topped the field of 222 anglers with a strong five-bass limit measuring 87 3/4 inches.

Davis’ big fish measured 20 inches to cap off his winning limit, earning him the $10,000 first-place purse.

Logan Martin is the third reservoir along the Coosa River, which begins in northwest Georgia and runs south to the Alabama River. The Coosa River is home to the legendary Coosa spotted bass, one of the strongest fish that swims.

However, to win on Logan Martin, a big largemouth or two are necessary.Davis caught nearly 40 bass during official competition, but his limit consisted of three solid largemouth and two spotted bass.

“I launched in Clear Creek, along with many other kayakers, and spent the day working a short length of bank,” he said. “This part of Alabama is saturated and there was plenty of current rolling through the lake, which helps the fishing. I got on a short stretch of rocky shoreline and literally fished it all day long.”

He said the current was positioning the bass along an edge that seemed to reload with fish by the minute.

“I spent seven hours on that little section and never moved,” he said. “I used a Storm Arashi Spinbait the entire time, which is unusual for me because I typically throw a Senko. However, the Spinbait was the only lure I had that matched the baitfish I was seeing. The fact that I was fishing from a kayak forced me to slow down and focus on a specific area, and it worked.”

Davis fished out of an Old Town Predator PDL that he’s had for two years.

“I sold my bass boat and bought a couple of kayaks. The Old Town has been incredible,” he said. “I’ll be fishing from a kayak as long as I can. I love it.”

Mark Edwards from Pipestem, W.Va., wrapped up his event in second place after a solid day on Logan Martin where he produced a five-bass limit measuring 84 3/4 inches. Edwards runs a Native Watercraft Titan, and attributes his success to its stability and accessories.

“I run a Torqeedo kayak trolling motor, which was critical to covering a lot of water and dealing with the current running through the lake right now,” Edwards said. “I started in Clear Creek on both days of practice. I found fish in the main lake pockets, but in a kayak I couldn’t cover enough of those pockets to be competitive. So, I focused on the fish I found in Clear Creek and it paid off.”

Edwards’ limit consisted of two largemouth and three spotted bass.

“The spotted bass were schooling all day long in Clear Creek and I managed to catch some nice ones throughout the day,” he said. “This was a great event on a great lake even though it rained nearly the entire day. I’ve been fishing competitively from a kayak for three years and I’m super excited to see it getting national attention from Bassmaster. That’s going to take this community to new levels and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Jonathan Lessmann of Madison, Ala., fished out of a Bonafide 127 rigged with a Torqeedo trolling motor, YakAttack accessories and a Humminbird Helix 7.

“I launched in Clear Creek and watched the water muddy up as the day went on,” Lessmann said. “But as the current picked up, I was able to catch fish from a mudline on a consistent basis. I threw a custom white spinnerbait with a hybrid skirt in 2 feet of water or less to catch most of my fish. After several passes, I was able to narrow down the specific area where the bulk of the fish were staging and it really paid off.”

Lessmann is a disabled Army Veteran and found that competitive kayak bass fishing is good medicine for the body and soul.

“I can’t really stand for long periods of time, so a kayak is a natural fit,” he said. “I’ve always been an avid fisherman. Without fishing I don’t know what I’d do. Thankfully, a veteran friend of mine introduced me to the sport and I’ve been crazy about it ever since.

Rounding out the Top 10 was Eric Siddiqi (84 1/2 inches), Lance Burris (84 1/4), Dave Sewell (84), Jimmy McClurkan (83 3/4), Mark Brinkley (83 1/4), Rus Snyders (83 1/4) and Corey Racer (83).

The B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series continues on Lake Fork in Texas next week, then to Tennessee’s Chickamauga Lake, the Upper Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wis., and wraps up at Clear Lake in Northern California.

The tournament was hosted by the Pell City Chamber of Commerce.

Ultra-sensitive NEW St. Croix Legend® Xtreme rods available RIGHT NOW

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Ultra-sensitive NEW St. Croix Legend® Xtreme rods available RIGHT NOW

The Wait is Over!

Ultra-sensitive NEW St. Croix Legend® Xtreme rods available RIGHT NOW

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Park Falls, WI (March 6, 2020) – Designed and handcrafted for extreme sensitivity in Park Falls, USA, the NEW Legend® Xtreme blends St. Croix’s reengineered SCV carbon and proprietary technologies with Daiwa AGSTM carbon fiber guide frames with SiC rings and an all-new Gen2 Xtreme-Skin handle. The series includes seven rods — four new casting models and three new spinning models – all of which are available for purchase online and at participating St. Croix dealers RIGHT NOW.

Legendary Materials Combine with Xtreme Attention to Craftsmanship and Detail

The reengineered SCV carbon found in the new Legend Xtreme is an example of St. Croix’s constant drive to obtain the unimaginable – proven Xtreme durability with proven, unprecedented sensitivity – so anglers can fish without compromise. Engineered as a result of a new proprietary manufacturing processes, the new Legend Xtreme employs a resin that significantly increases strength in compression during the hookset, as well as flexural strength when the rod is under load. The new SCV carbon construction also incorporates an improved, overlaid ART (Advanced Reinforcing Technology) to yield the highest levels of carbon fiber density found on any fishing rod on earth. Simply put, the new Legend Xtreme offers an unquestionably pure and dense carbon, to transmit the slightest vibration through a carbon fiber guide train and proprietary handle, all while achieving a tensile strength never attained in any previous St. Croix fishing rod.

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  • Reengineered high-modulus/high-strain SCV carbon with FRS and carbon-matte scrim for unparalleled strength, durability and sensitivity
  • Daiwa AGSTM carbon fiber guides with SiC rings and Fuji® KG tip top with Torzite ring
  • Fuji® SK2™ split reel seat for the ultimate in light weight and sensitivity
  • 2nd Generation Xtreme-Skin™ handle provides unparalleled control
  • Kigan titanium hook-keeper
  • Machined wind check, handle trim pieces and butt cap
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  • Designed and handcrafted in Park Falls, USA

Retail price $630-$650

MEET OUR MACHINERY

Coming to northern Wisconsin? We’d love to meet you, and we’d love for you to have the chance to Meet Our Machinery. Call us at 800.826.7042 or email us at [email protected] to schedule a factory tour. Learn more at https://stcroixrods.com/pages/factory-tours.

#stcroixrods

And the Competition Begins: Day One of The Bassmaster Classic by Bruce Callis

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And the Competition Begins: Day One of The Bassmaster Classic by Bruce Callis

And the Competition Begins:

Day One of The Bassmaster Classic

By Bruce Callis

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The first day of competition at the 2020 Academy Sport + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk was an exciting day. All 53 competitors took off and faced a stiff breeze all day. One angler, despite injury, emerged as the leader and placed himself ahead of the nearest competitor by almost 8 pounds. It was also the opening day of the Outdoors Expo 2020.

For the media, it is always a fun time. Some choose to ride along in the media boat following the anglers around to take pictures of their catches, while others decide to walk the Expo and check out the amazing exhibitors. Others sit glued to the live feeds and watch the BASSTrakk to see who is finding them and who is struggling. For those who decide to attend the Expo, we are given early admittance to the show along with life B.A.S.S. members. We conduct interviews with the anglers working the show and try our best to get a story that will allow you to feel like you are there. And we also try to find the exciting new products that are being unveiled at the Classic. We then make our way to the weigh in to watch the anglers come into the stadium and make their way onto stage

Darold Gleason was the first angler to take the stage for Day 1, and had a 5 fish limit that weighted 12 pounds 5 ounces. He held the lead and the big bass lead with a nice 4 pound 3 ounce bass. But, that lead didn’t last long as the next angler up, Drew Benton, bumped him into 2nd with a 5 fish limit weighing in at 15 pounds 3 ounces. But how long would it last and who would take the lead away.

It didn’t take long as Hank Cherry, the 6th angler, brought a huge bag to the scales with a 5 fish limit weighing 29 pounds and 3 ounces anchored by a 7 pound 2 ounce bass to take the Big Bass lead. And thus the bar was set high.

But that was challenged by John Crews Jr and Clent Davis, who each produced a 5 fish limit weighing 21 pounds 8 ounces. Hank held the lead still, once everyone weighed in, but lost the big bass to Todd Auten who caught a huge bass weighing in at 7 pounds and 9 ounces. And the stage was set for day 2 to begin Saturday morning.

Saturday will set up to be a different day for the anglers with the the winds out of the North at 5-10 mph and a bright sunny day with a high around 58, a big change for the anglers. They should find favorable conditions to make better runs around the lake. It should also allow anglers to better fish areas. One condition that will change for some is the ability to feel the bites. The winds Friday were “creating such a big bow in the line that it made it impossible to properly fish the baits.” Many said that they were fishing the right spots, but that the wind made it difficult to fish the area properly. Most were going back to the same areas because they knew the big bass they needed were there.

With the field being cut down to the top 25 anglers after day 2, it should be an exciting day. The BASSTrakk and live feeds from B.A.S.S. should start to show a lot action early and often. Will someone find that magic spot that has the big bass staged up on it? Will Hank be able to make his magic happen. Only time will tell.

Despite Injury, Hank Cherry Takes Big Lead At Bassmaster Classic On Lake Guntersville

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Despite Injury, Hank Cherry Takes Big Lead At Bassmaster Classic On Lake Guntersville

March 6, 2020

Despite Injury, Hank Cherry Takes Big Lead At Bassmaster Classic On Lake Guntersville

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Halfway through Day 1 of the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk, North Carolina pro Hank Cherry fell and injured his right arm.

For a moment, he thought it might even be broken.

But Cherry powered through the pain — and with only one good arm, he caught five bass that weighed 29 pounds, 3 ounces to take the lead at the 50th edition of the Super Bowl of Professional Bass Fishing. Competition is taking place on Lake Guntersville with weigh-ins at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.

Cherry said his injury, which occurred as he was reaching down to grab a fish, would likely require a visit to a local doctor — but it wouldn’t keep him from fishing Saturday morning.

“I didn’t expect to catch them like this at all,” Cherry said. “What I caught my fish on was actually plan B. But it’s plan A now, for sure.”

Believing the location and structure he was fishing were the real key to his success, Cherry made no secret of the bait he was using. He said he started with a lipless crankbait, but the high winds kept a loop in his line and made it hard for him to maintain proper contact with the bait.

“That’s why I switched to a bladed jig,” he said. “It just made more sense for the conditions we were fishing, and it turned out to be the perfect choice.”

Cherry, who’s previous highest finish in a Classic was a third-place showing at the 2013 event on Oklahoma’s Grand Lake, said his injury won’t affect him — and he believes the area where he caught his bass could continue producing big bags the rest of the event.

“I think the area where I caught them, historically, has shown the potential to reproduce,” he said. “The fish are coming in there. There were none in there in practice until Wednesday. That’s when I started getting a hint they might be coming.

“I’ve still got one good arm, and I think the fish will keep coming.”

As Classic leads go, Cherry has a good one with his closest competition almost 8 pounds back. Virginia pro John Crews is tied with Alabama angler and Lake Guntersville veteran Clent Davis.

They both have 21-8, but they told vastly different stories about their Friday surroundings.

Davis, who has fished Guntersville all of his life, caught the bulk of his weight on a spot he hadn’t done well on since at least 2006. The spot was good to him, but it was crowded.

“There’s a lot of boat traffic in the area I’m fishing,” Davis said. “I wasn’t even the first one to fish the spot Friday morning. There were boats sitting everywhere when I got there.

“With tomorrow being Saturday, it could be even more crowded. Who knows? It is what it is.”

Crews, on the other hand, said he caught his limit quickly fishing one small sweet spot on a long stretch of grass.

“It’s like a mile-square grass flat, and I never saw anybody out there,” Crews said. “It’s like a needle in a haystack, the spot where I caught them. It’s not obvious. There’s no point or anything. I was just fan casting like an idiot in practice and caught two in two casts and got out of there.

“There’s something special about it, but I don’t know exactly what.”

Even on a tough, blustery day, Lake Guntersville produced six bags of 20 pounds or more and numerous bass in the 7-pound range. Cherry’s bag was anchored by two 7-2 largemouth, but South Carolina pro Todd Auten took the lead in the race for Berkley Big Bass of the week with a 7-9.

The tournament resumes Saturday with the full field of 53 anglers taking off at 7 a.m. CT from Civitan Park in Guntersville. Only the Top 25 remaining anglers after Saturday’s semifinal round will compete on Championship Sunday for the grand prize of $300,000.

Weigh-ins Saturday and Sunday will be held at Legacy Arena, which is part of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. Doors will open at 3 p.m. for credentialed B.A.S.S. Life and B.A.S.S. Nation members and 3:15 p.m. for general public.

The Classic Outdoor Expo, which features nearly 200 exhibitors from around the world, will be open Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Get Hooked on Fishing attraction will be open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Piazza in the BJCC. Free activities for children will include a Kids Fishing Pond, giveaways and more.

2020 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk 3/6-3/8
Lake Guntersville, Birmingham  AL.
(ANGLER) Standings Day 1

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

1.  Hank Cherry Jr         Lincolnton, NC           5  29-03    0
Day 1: 5   29-03
2.  John Crews Jr          Salem, VA                5  21-08    0
Day 1: 5   21-08
2.  Clent Davis            Montevallo, AL           5  21-08    0
Day 1: 5   21-08
4.  Brandon Lester         Fayetteville, TN         5  20-15    0
Day 1: 5   20-15
5.  Todd Auten             Lake Wylie, SC           5  20-00    0
Day 1: 5   20-00
5.  Micah Frazier          Newnan, GA               5  20-00    0
Day 1: 5   20-00
7.  Skylar Hamilton        Dandridge, TN            5  19-11    0
Day 1: 5   19-11
8.  Matt Herren            Ashville, AL             5  18-12    0
Day 1: 5   18-12
9.  David Mullins          Mt Carmel, TN            5  18-08    0
Day 1: 5   18-08
10. Hunter Shryock         Newcomerstown, OH        5  18-06    0
Day 1: 5   18-06
11. Stetson Blaylock       Benton, AR               5  18-05    0
Day 1: 5   18-05
12. Jason Williamson       Wagener, SC              5  18-03    0
Day 1: 5   18-03
13. Brandon Card           Knoxville, TN            5  17-11    0
Day 1: 5   17-11
14. Seth Feider            New Market, MN           5  16-10    0
Day 1: 5   16-10
15. Jake Whitaker          Fairview, NC             5  16-05    0
Day 1: 5   16-05
16. Drew Cook              Midway, FL               5  15-06    0
Day 1: 5   15-06
17. Drew Benton            Blakely, GA              5  15-03    0
Day 1: 5   15-03
18. Greg DiPalma           Millville, NJ            4  15-03    0
Day 1: 4   15-03
19. John Cox               Debary, FL               5  15-02    0
Day 1: 5   15-02
20. Bob Downey             Hudson, WI               5  14-12    0
Day 1: 5   14-12
21. Luke Palmer            Coalgate, OK             5  14-09    0
Day 1: 5   14-09
21. Brian Snowden          Reeds Spring, MO         5  14-09    0
Day 1: 5   14-09
23. Darold Gleason         Many, LA                 5  14-04    0
Day 1: 5   14-04
24. Scott Canterbury       Odenville, AL            5  14-02    0
Day 1: 5   14-02
24. Lee Livesay            Gladewater, TX           5  14-02    0
Day 1: 5   14-02
24. Whitney Stephens       Waverly, OH              5  14-02    0
Day 1: 5   14-02
27. Caleb Kuphall          Mukwonago, WI            4  14-01    0
Day 1: 4   14-01
28. Matt Arey              Shelby, NC               5  14-00    0
Day 1: 5   14-00
29. Jamie Hartman          Newport, NY              5  13-15    0
Day 1: 5   13-15
30. Grae Buck              Green Lane, PA           2  13-06    0
Day 1: 2   13-06
31. Cody Huff              Ava, MO                  4  12-13    0
Day 1: 4   12-13
32. Jeff Gustafson         Keewatin Ontario CANADA  5  12-12    0
Day 1: 5   12-12
33. Mark Menendez          Paducah, KY              4  12-10    0
Day 1: 4   12-10
34. Patrick Walters        Summerville, SC          5  11-12    0
Day 1: 5   11-12
35. Shane LeHew            Catawba, NC              5  11-10    0
Day 1: 5   11-10
36. Bill Lowen             Brookville, IN           3  11-10    0
Day 1: 3   11-10
37. Chris Zaldain          Fort Worth, TX           5  10-08    0
Day 1: 5   10-08
38. Chris Johnston         Peterborough Ontario CA  4  09-14    0
Day 1: 4   09-14
39. Caleb Sumrall          New Iberia, LA           3  09-09    0
Day 1: 3   09-09
40. Taylor Smith           Spokane Valley, WA       4  08-12    0
Day 1: 4   08-12
41. Ray Hanselman Jr       Del Rio, TX              4  08-01    0
Day 1: 4   08-01
42. Mike Huff              Corbin, KY               3  07-13    0
Day 1: 3   07-13
43. Keith Combs            Huntington, TX           3  07-12    0
Day 1: 3   07-12
44. Cody Hollen            Beaverton, OR            2  05-05    0
Day 1: 2   05-05
45. Cory Johnston          Cavan CANADA             2  04-10    0
Day 1: 2   04-10
46. Cliff Prince           Palatka, FL              2  04-05    0
Day 1: 2   04-05
47. Chad Pipkens           Lansing, MI              1  03-04    0
Day 1: 1   03-04
47. Clifford Pirch         Payson, AZ               1  03-04    0
Day 1: 1   03-04
49. Brandon Cobb           Greenwood, SC            1  02-08    0
Day 1: 1   02-08
49. Paul Mueller           Naugatuck, CT            1  02-08    0
Day 1: 1   02-08
51. Josh Busby             Rogersville, MO          1  02-03    0
Day 1: 1   02-03
52. Brock Mosley           Collinsville, MS         1  01-10    0
Day 1: 1   01-10
53. Cam Sterritt           Newfields, NH            0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
1        31       209       677-06
———————————-
31       209       677-06

Maverick Daiwa pros compete in the Bassmaster Classic, other big names in the booth

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Maverick Daiwa pros compete in the Bassmaster Classic, other big names in the booth

Daiwa pro Randy Howell, the 2014 Bassmaster Classic champion and a Guntersville, Alabama resident, is a 21-year veteran of the Elite Series and currently competes in Major League Fishing (MLF). Photo courtesy of MLF

On the Water and in the Building

Maverick Daiwa pros compete in the Bassmaster Classic, other big names in the booth

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Cypress, CA (March 6, 2020) – Bass fishing fans should consider it a 2-for-1, a BOGO…or even Happy Hour! Daiwa is pleased to be backing a quartet of contenders fishing in the 50th Anniversary Bassmaster Classic. And while those boys are probing Guntersville for paycheck sized bass, another five-pack of household bassing names will be in Birmingham, AL at the Bassmaster Classic Expo, greeting folks at the Daiwa booth. (Wear your favorite fishing cap and get that lucky thing signed!)

On the water, Daiwa will have eyes on New Market, Minnesota’s Seth Feider. A perennial Bassmaster Elite Series threat, with a trifecta of career wins, Feider will be making his third Classic appearance.

Daiwa pro Seth Feider

Bassmaster writer Ronnie Moore recently had the opportunity to pre-fish the Classic with Feider. He wrote just before jumping in Feider’s boat: “I have the opportunity to ride with Seth Feider for the final day of practice for the 2020 Academy Sports and Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk. I asked him what goals he had for the final practice period on Lake Guntersville and this is what he said:

1. Learn something

2. Stay away from his one good area he already has

3. Find confidence in a bridge or two just in case that becomes a thing

4. Check the water color in different regions of the lake

Moore continued, “It’s very interesting the approach some anglers take for Classic practice. It’s not always about actually catching fish, but rather feeling comfortable in areas and patterns to then catch bass when it counts. A lot can change from the three-day practice period one week before the event. Then the changes that happen could change again from Wednesday’s practice until tournament day on Friday. You don’t want to be where the fish were, you want to be where they are headed.”

Daiwa pro Cory Johnston (Photo courtesy of Bassmaster)

Daiwa pro Chris Johnston (Photo courtesy of Bassmaster)

New to Team Daiwa, Peterborough, Ontario sticks Cory and Chris Johnston will be competing in separate boats during the Classic, but united as brotherly kindred spirits.

“I am really excited to have the Johnston brothers come on board and join our team,” said Daiwa U.S. Marketing Manager, Curt Arakawa. “They are excellent fisherman and have done really well in both Canada and the U.S. They will help strengthen our Bassmaster Elite Series staff.”

Daiwa pro Patrick Walters (Photo courtesy of Bassmaster)

Daiwa’s Patrick Walters, another Classic contender, is in his 2nd season on the Bassmaster Elite Series. Calling Summerville, South Carolina home, Walters was recently interviewed by Bassmaster writer Craig Lamb about where in the water column he expects to find Guntersville fish during the Classic: “I’m going to go with midrange. It’s prespawn and the fish want to move up, but they aren’t going to be too shallow. That is because they are still bringing the water down. I’m going to say 4-7 feet of water.”

Meanwhile, back at the Expo, bass fishing fans can meet popular Daiwa pros Randy Howell, Brent Ehrler, Ish Monroe, Brandon Palaniuk and Cody Meyer.

Howell, the 2014 Bassmaster Classic champion and a Guntersville, Alabama resident, is a 21-year veteran of the Elite Series and currently competes in Major League Fishing (MLF). Photo courtesy of MLF

Auburn, California’s Cody Meyer racked up 30 Top 10 finishes in the FLW, and now fishes the MLF.

Brent Ehrler, one of the winningest anglers in competitive bass fishing history, also competes in the MLF. Photo courtesy of MLF

Daiwa pro Ish Monroe hails from Oakland, California. He, too, fishes the MLF, and has over $2.2 million in career earnings.

Idaho native Brandon Palaniuk boasts four major career wins, competes in the MLF, but will return to the Bassmaster Elite Series next year. Photo courtesy of MLF

DAIWA BOOTH APPEARANCE SCHEDULE:

Randy Howell

  • Friday 1-2 pm and 6-7 pm
  • Saturday 1-2 pm and 5-6 pm
  • Sunday 10-11 am

Brent Ehrler

  • Friday 1-2 pm
  • Saturday 10 am -12 pm
  • Sunday 10 am -12 pm

Ish Monroe

  • Friday 12-3 pm
  • Saturday 12-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am – 1 pm

Brandon Palaniuk

  • Friday 3-4 pm
  • Sunday 2-3 pm

Cody Meyer

  • All day, every day

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/

Day 1 of the 50th Bassmaster Classic is in the Books take a listen – Podcast

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Day 1 of the 50th Bassmaster Classic is in the Books take a listen – Podcast

Day 1 is in the books & we had an awesome time talking to Hank Cherry, John Crews, Brandon Card, Brandon Cobb, Grae Buck ,Jake Whitikaer & many other anglers. Take a listen as they give us a look at how they did & their thoughts on tomorrow.

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