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Waller Takes The ABA Win in Area 4 Championship On Lake Hartwell

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Waller Takes The ABA Win in Area 4 Championship On Lake Hartwell

Waller Takes The Win in Area 4 Championship On Lake Hartwell

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ATHENS, Ala. – Mark Waller of Hartwell, Ga. won the Bass Pro Shops Open Series Area 4 Championship held October 5th and 6th 2019 on Lake Hartwell.  Running out of Green Pond Landing in Anderson SC, Waller weighed in a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 22.47 pounds. Waller took home a check for $3700.00 for the win.

“On day one I caught my fish on a Carolina Rig. On day two I caught some fish early on a Carolina Rig. About 8:00 I started catching fish on a fluke rig,” said Waller.

Taking second for the boaters Carl Hayes III of Eatonton, Ga. weighed in a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 21.37 pounds.

Hayes was tight-lipped on how he caught his fish only saying I caught some on topwater and some on the bottom.

Taking third for the boaters David Lowery of Milledgeville, Ga. weighed in a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 20.86 pounds.

“I caught my bass for both days shallow on a frog and a Big Bites Bait craw said,” Lowery.

In fourth place for the boaters John Holder of Blackshear, Ga. weighed in a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 20.17 pounds.  Rounding out the top 5, Brad Fowler of Townville, SC weighed in a two day total of 10 bass weighing 20.31 pounds.

John Holder of Blackshear Ga. took the boater big bass honors for a bass caught on day two that weighed 4.46 pounds. Holder took home an additional $490.00 for his bass.

In the co-angler division, Sam Naib of Atlanta Ga. weighed in a two-day total of six bass weighing 12.25 pounds including the co-angler big bass weighing 3.99 pounds.
Naib took home a total of $1765.00 for the win and big bass.

“I caught my bass on day one using a spybait and a jerk bait. On day two I caught my bass on a drop-shot,” said Naib.

In second place for the co-anglers Brandon Pent of Sumter, SC. weighed in a two-day total of six bass weighing 12.05 pounds.

“I caught my fish for both days on topwater,” said Pent.

Taking third for the co-anglers Wesley Mullins of Guyton, Ga. weighed in a two-day total of 6 bass weighing 10.98 pounds.

Mullins was tight-lipped on how he caught his fish only saying he caught some on top and some on the bottom.

In fourth place for the co-anglers, Jackie Belt of Fountain, Inn SC weighed in a two day total of six bass weighing 10.55 pounds.  Rounding out the top five, Zachary Hudson of Pendleton SC, weighed in a two day total of six bass weighing 10.38 pounds.

Being in the Berkley Cast for Cash program the following anglers will receive extra monies from Berkley:
Carl Hayes boater $250.00
Steve Wicker boater $150.00
Jackie Belt co-angler $150.00
Blake Whittaker co-angler $100.00

Deacon Collins and Jay Salloum were the lucky recipients of a $100.00 Engel Cooler gift card.

About American Bass Anglers – American Bass Anglers is committed to providing low cost, close to home tournaments for the weekend angler while offering an upward path for individual angler progression.  For more information about American Bass Anglers and all their bass tournament trails visit www.americanbassanglers.com.

American Bass Anglers is sponsored by: Bass Pro Shops, Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, Nitro Boats, Tracker Boats, MotorGuide, Garmin, T-H Marine, Abu Garcia, Berkley, Engel Coolers, Four Roses Bourbon, Lucas Oil, Maui Jim, Optima Batteries and Power-Pole.  Mailing address: American Bass Anglers, Inc, PO Box 475, Athens, AL 35612 PH (256) 232-0406.

Bo Boltz & Mickey Anderson Win Catt James River, VA Oct 5-6, 2019

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Bo Boltz & Mickey Anderson Win Catt James River, VA Oct 5-6, 2019

Tournament Results James River, VA Oct 5-6, 2019 Bo Boltz & Mickey Anderson Weigh 10 bass @ 36.59 lbs! Claim 1st Place & 1st Side Pot For a Total of $5,240.00!

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We wrapped up a great year on the James River by paying back over $11,000.00 at the James River Final! All total the James River CATT Trail paid back over $70,000.00 in 2019! The 2020 James River schedule is posted and we hope you’ll join us for another big year on the James River!

The cooler weather seemed to lower the weights from what we have been seeing this year but someone always seems to catch some good fish! Bo Boltz & Mickey Anderson topped the field with 10 bass weighing 36.59 lbs! They also claimed the 1st Side Pot for a total of $5,240.00!

2nd Place went to Kelly Robinette & David Collins with 29.49 lbs worth $2,000.00!

Charles James & John Conway finished 3rd with 27.84 lbs and they collected $1,000.00!

Jeffery Valentine-Daryl Mood weighed in the 1st BF at 7.10 lbs! They received $287.00 and a Lews Mach Speed Stick!

William Clements with the 2nd BF!

Richard Bates & Chad Holmes brought in some nice bass!

Thanks for fishing and we’ll see you in 2020!

BF 1st Day 2nd Day Total Winnings
Mickey Anderson – Bo Boltz 6.06 17.62 18.97 36.59 $5,240.00
Kelly Robinette- David Collins 0.00 14.63 14.86 29.49 $2,000.00
Charles James- John Conway 0.00 14.14 13.70 27.84 $1,000.00
Brandon Hill- Kevin King 0.00 15.44 11.85 27.29 $750.00
Marshall Johnson- Ryan Lachinet 0.00 13.08 13.08 26.16 $500.00
Richard Bates-Chad Holmes 0.00 13.94 12.12 26.06 $300.00
Kelly Pratt-Charlie Reed 0.00 14.52 10.91 25.43 $410.00
Greg Ball-Jamie Nealy 0.00 11.12 13.91 25.03 $200.00
Ryan Drewery-Wayne Drewery 0.00 12.06 12.92 24.98
Howard Austin-Jerry Britt 0.00 9.45 15.08 24.53
Leidy Clark-Ricky West 0.00 11.80 12.60 24.40
Trey Goodman-Tim Chaffin 0.00 14.76 9.55 24.31
Larry Whitt – Zack Whitt 0.00 10.99 13.12 24.11
Donnie Bowman – Mike Wright 0.00 10.37 13.13 23.50
Matt Chisholm- Todd Fisher 0.00 12.46 10.28 22.74
Jake Eheart – Ethan Morrison 0.00 11.91 10.66 22.57
Ray Hooge – Donnie Daniels 0.00 10.81 11.46 22.27
William Clement- James Cornett 6.46 16.54 4.24 20.78 $123.00
Jason Bishop 0.00 11.01 9.62 20.63
Francis Martin- Ray Griffin 0.00 8.75 11.87 20.62
Jeffery Valentine-Daryl Moody 7.10 7.10 13.34 20.44 $287.00
Robert Whitehurst-Parker Hinks 0.00 10.30 9.86 20.16
Johnathan Ceaser- Luke 0.00 9.27 9.27 18.54
Luke Carson- Donald Carson 0.00 6.51 11.71 18.22
Chris Burnett-Chris Powell 0.00 8.97 8.97 17.94
Brian Snipes-Chris Cockrell 0.00 9.50 7.59 17.09
Dave Carney- Andy Bollhurst 0.00 13.18 2.63 15.81
Burley – Brian Langford 0.00 7.49 7.49 14.98
Doug Warton- Ben kindrick 0.00 4.17 9.85 14.02
Steven Webb- Lance Taylor 0.00 9.55 4.41 13.96
Roger Williams- David Fox 0.00 5.64 0.00 5.64
Andy Semenco – Wayne Andrews 0.00 5.15 0.00 5.15
Mike Hinkley Matt Pulley 0.00 0.00 8.86 8.86
Stacy Vassar 0.00 3.06 0.00 3.06
John Barnes- Ryan Barksdale 0.00 2.11 0.00 2.11
Wayne Taylor-John Doyle 0.00 1.95 0.00 1.95
Harvey Reece – Anthony Weithers 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Craig Fagan-Torry Aiken 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Chris Atwell-Gary Atwell 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Ben Knapp-Rodney Manson 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Bryan Keane 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
James Condrey – Jimmy Condrey 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Charles Ramer- Paul brock 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Tommy Little 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Craig Chambers & Derek Cummings Win Catt Lake Norman, NC Oct 5, 2019

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Craig Chambers & Derek Cummings Win Catt Lake Norman, NC Oct 5, 2019

Tournament Results Lake Norman, NC Oct 5, 2019 Craig Chambers & Derek Cummings Took 1st Place With 5 Bass Weighing 13.19 lbs! $1,239.00!

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Next CATT Lake Norman Pro/Am Event is Oct 19 at Pinnacle!

Craig Chambers & Derek Cummings took 1st Place with 5 bass weighing 13.19 lbs! They took home $1,239.00!

Craig & Derek also won the Pro Side!

2 Teams BF Weight Winnings Points
Craig Chambers / Derrick Cummings 3.74 13.19 $255.00 110
Hank Cherry & Christian Cherry 0 12.01 109
Pro Final Fund $45.00
Pro Final Fund Total $120.00

Check out the rest of the winners!

27 Teams BF Weight Winnings Points
Craig Chambers / Derrick Cummings 3.74 13.19 $1,239.00 110
Matt Stout 0.00 10.65 $350.00 109
Tim Cline / Bobby Snyder 2.90 10.46 $225.00 108
Dylan Fulk / Adam Waters 0.00 10.38 $125.00 107
Aaron Jordan 2.48 10.34 $100.00 106
Mark Morrison / Rodney Lambert 3.30 10.32 $81.00 105
Troy & Fisher Armstrong 2.74 10.09 104
Hunter Harwell 2.59 9.97 103
Luke Helms / Kevin Toler 0.00 9.64 102
Doug Easton 1.88 8.41 101
Kenny Kanipe 0.00 8.18 100
Jody & Jay Wright 2.54 7.53 99
Josh & Gene Hall 2.57 4.40 98
Allen Tuttle 2.77 4.03 97
T J Rumph 0.00 3.46 96
John Miller / Alan “BOO” Whitaker 0.00 2.61 95
Kenny Seagle 0.00 0.00 94
Will Price 0.00 0.00 94
Dale Phillips 0.00 0.00 94
Matt Mcbee 0.00 0.00 94
Joel Marcotte 0.00 0.00 94
Shane Suddeth / Fred Moore 0.00 0.00 94
Mike & Major Collier 0.00 0.00 94
Nick Miller 0.00 0.00 94
Keith Speece / Willie Norman 0.00 0.00 94
David Beard 0.00 0.00 94
Roger Hoover 0.00 0.00 94
Total Entrys $2,160.00
BONUS $ $500.00
Total Paid At Ramp $2,120.00
Norman FALL 2019 Final Fund $460.00
2020 CATT Championship/Phantom Fund $50.00
2019 Norman Fall Final Fund Total $905.00
2020 CATT Champ/Phantom  Fund Total $835.00

Jason Miller Wins ABA on Kentucky Lake Occtober 5,2019

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Jason Miller Wins ABA on Kentucky Lake Occtober 5,2019

On October 5, 2019, Jason Miller of Bon Aqua, TN for the second tournament in a row won the American Fishing Tour (AFT) Division 40 tournament presented by American Bass Anglers (ABA).

Running out of Lucas Harbor near New Johnsonville he brought back the only 5 fish limit that locked in the scales at 13.47 lbs.

For the victory Jason took home $294.00.

Second place was claimed by Todd Ruth with 4 fish and a total weight of 8.90 lbs.

Larry Franklin took third with 4 fish and a total weight of 8.79 lbs.

The Biggest Bass of the tournament was caught by Jason Miller. His fish locked in the scales at 3.71 lbs. and earned him $60.00.

Top five finishers:

1.    Jason Miller    13.47 lbs.
2.    Todd Ruth         8.90 lbs.
3.    Larry Franklin   8.79 lbs.
4.    Greg Salley      4.27 lbs.
5.    Randy Ragan   1.90 lbs.

American Bass Anglers (ABA) American Fishing Tour (AFT) is a National Draw Trail with almost 40 Divisions across the country.

You can get more information about AFT divisons at www.americanbassanglers.com (AFT Trail).

A one-year American Bass Anglers (ABA) membership is $35; entry fee is $70.

Most divisions have a Big Bass Option Pot. Call Larry Franklin with any questions:931-209-2995.

The circuit uses a draw format, meaning anglers from age 14 can compete as boater or non-boater. Partners are drawn just before tournament take-off.

These anglers earn valuable points toward the Divisional Angler of the Year (AOY) title.

The points champion from each division will compete in the annual American Bass Anglers (AFT) Angler of The Year (AOY) Final Round at the AFT National Championship tournament held in October of each year.

In addition, the top 500 anglers from the various divisions will earn the right to compete in the three-day, AFT National Championship tournament.

American Bass Anglers commitment is to provide low cost, close to home tournaments for the weekend angler and at the same time offer each competitor an upward path for individual angler progression.

For more information about American Bass Anglers Bass Pro Shops Fishing Tour (BPSFT), the Bass Pro Shops Open Series, the Bass Pro Shops Team Tour or the Bass Pro Shops Couples Series visit www.americanbassanglers.com.

American Bass Anglers is sponsored by: Bass Pro Shops, Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, Nitro Boats, Tracker Boats, MotorGuide, Garmin, T-H Marine, Abu Garcia, Berkley, Engel Coolers, Four Roses Bourbon, Lucas Oil, Maui Jim, Optima Batteries and Power-Pole.

Mailing address: American Bass Anglers, Inc.

PO Box 475, Athens, AL 35612 PH (256) 232-0406.

Major League Fishing To Acquire  Fishing League Worldwide

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Major League Fishing To Acquire  Fishing League Worldwide

Major League Fishing To Acquire 
Fishing League Worldwide

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October 10, 2019 (Tulsa, Okla.) Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today that it has reached an agreement to acquire Fishing League Worldwide (FLW), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization. The Letter of Intent (LOI) sets in motion the most significant brand merger in competitive bass fishing history, linking a tour and original, award-winning programming featuring the top professional anglers in the world to an extensive grassroots organization that serves tens of thousands of competitive anglers from high school and college to weekenders and tour pros.

“We’re thrilled about welcoming FLW to the MLF team,” said Jim Wilburn, President and CEO of Major League Fishing. “FLW shares our commitment to creating tournaments and opportunities centered on the success of the angler. Through this acquisition, we are better positioned to support anglers and sponsors at all levels.”

“Our business plan always included reaching all levels of grassroots fishing,” said Boyd Duckett, MLF co-founder and President of the Professional Bass Tour Anglers’ Association (PBTAA). “FLW does it best with the Tour and grassroots tournaments; their reputation in competitive bass fishing is remarkable and their culture has always been pro-angler, which makes this the perfect opportunity for both organizations. We couldn’t be more excited about FLW: their team, anglers, and sponsors.”

“This announcement marks a thrilling new chapter in FLW’s history as we join Major League Fishing and begin a new era in the sport of competitive bass fishing,” said FLW President of Operations Kathy Fennel. “As part of the Major League Fishing team, we look forward to enhancing and expanding tournament offerings to our anglers and fans. Our teams have a very similar mission and vision – to support anglers at all levels, provide the industry with unmatched opportunities, and grow the sport. The complementary strengths of our organizations make this a win for the entire sport.”

Established in 2011, MLF began as a television product and has grown into a sports league with the launch of the Bass Pro Tour in January of 2019. MLF is a partnership between the PBTAA and Outdoor Sportsman Group (OSG), a division of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment.

“As MLF continues to grow, we’re committed to find the right opportunities to extend the Outdoor Sportsman Group properties,” Outdoor Sportsman Group President and CEO, Jim Liberatore said. “Through this acquisition, MLF can leverage our extensive media reach and award-winning content production to promote competitive bass fishing at all levels.”

Each year FLW offers thousands of anglers of all skill levels across the globe the opportunity to compete for millions of dollars in prize money in five tournament circuits. Under the leadership of Irwin Jacobs, FLW expanded the top level of competition to include the industry’s first seven-figure purse.

“It has been our mission since my father, Irwin Jacobs, purchased FLW in 1996 to bring the highest quality of tournaments to anglers, sponsors and fans around the world,” said Trish Blake, FLW President of Marketing. “By joining forces with Major League Fishing, the sport of professional tournament fishing will be taken to new heights for anglers across the world at all levels.”

Major League Fishing and Fishing League Worldwide anticipate an acquisition close date of October 31, 2019.

For more information about this acquisition, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com/FLW

About FLW
FLW is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, providing anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to compete in more than 290 bass-fishing tournaments across five circuits. Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, FLW and their partners offer a High School Fishing and College Fishing Series, the Bass Fishing League (BFL) series for grassroots anglers, the Costa FLW Series for aspiring professionals and the FLW Tour, which showcases some of the top anglers in the world. For more information visit FLWFishing.com and follow FLW on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

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). New for 2019, the Bass Pro Tour consists of eight events and a championship streamed live onwww.MajorLeagueFishing.com and MOTV. MLF uses the entertaining and conservation-friendly catch, weigh and immediate-release format where every scorable bass counts and the winner is the angler with the highest cumulative weight.

Tom Bateman & Dave Wilder Win Battle of the Border MD vs VA

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Tom Bateman & Dave Wilder Win Battle of the Border MD vs VA

Kevin & Alan Chandler Win Catt Yadkin Badin Lake, NC Oct 6, 2019

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Kevin & Alan Chandler Win Catt Yadkin Badin Lake, NC Oct 6, 2019

Tournament Results Yadkin Badin Lake, NC Oct 6, 2019 Kevin & Alan Chandler Weighed in 5 Good Ones 18.82 lbs 1st place & 1st BF With a 6.24 lb Hawg! $1,018.00!

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The Yadkin CATT Fall Series continues to be strong with 24 teams entering this past weekend! Next Yadkin CATT Fall Qualifier is back at Badin Lake Oct 19th launching from Circle Drive!

Kevin & Alan Chandler weighed in 5 good ones at 18.82 lbs taking 1st place and the 1st BF prize with a 6.24 lb Hawg! All total they collected $1,018.00!

2nd went to Todd Haynes & Jeremy Talbert 18.47 lbs!

3rd Chris Brown & Wayne Ingram 15.69 lbs!

Matt Stanley & Jason Haithcock received a $50 Wacky Riggers Gift Certificate!

24 Teams BF Weight Winnings Points
Kevin Chandler & Alan Chandler 6.24 18.82 $1,018.00 110
Jeremy Talbert & Tod Haynes 5.34 18.47 $522.00 109
Wayne Ingram & Chris Brown 0.00 15.69 $250.00 108
Mike Kiser – David Cheek 0.00 14.57 $120.00 107
Matt Stanley – Jason Haithcock 4.55 14.39 106
Robin Collins – Ronnie White 0.00 13.39 105
Randy Weddington & Ronnie Smith 0.00 13.23 104
Ron Wolfarth – Larry Inman 5.46 12.76 103
Matt McBee – Charlie Brock 3.73 12.64 102
Cameron Andrews – Connor Usher 0.00 12.36 101
Andy Nix – James Wall 0.00 11.81 100
Jason Thomas – Rodney Thomas 0.00 11.32 99
Tim Skeen & Darryl Crumbly 0.00 11.29 98
Herby Young – George Lambeth 0.00 10.84 97
Derek Crumbley – Calvin McCaskills 0.00 10.78 96
Dwayne Hughes – Stan Gobbel 0.00 10.73 95
Orlando Giles & Mike Ray 0.00 8.87 94
Jerry Bono & Marty Williams 4.31 8.70 93
Terry James & Robbie Burr 4.37 5.58 92
Scott Henley & Austin Wike 0.00 3.10 91
John Kistler & Ritchie Melton 0.00 0.00 90
Duke Dennison & Bobby Cline 0.00 0.00 90
Jerry Davis – Tony Tysinger 0.00 0.00 90
Todd Barbie – Joe Swaim 0.00 0.00 90
Total Entrys $1,920.00
BONUS $ $500.00
Total Paid At Ramp $1,910.00
2020 CATT Championship/Phantom Fund $430.00
2019 CATT Championship Fund $50.00
2019 Yadkin Fall Final Fund Total $1,320.00
2020 CATT Championship/Phantom Fund Total $785.00

David Winters & Mike Allman Win Catt Lake Wylie Oct 5,2019

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David Winters & Mike Allman Win Catt Lake Wylie Oct 5,2019

Tournament Results Lake Wylie, Oct 5, 2019 David Winters & Mike Allman Win Wylie! 13.13 lbs! Next Wylie CATT is Oct 19th!

Next Lake Wylie Fall CATT is Oct 19 at Buster Boyd Bridge!

Don’t forget guys you can go by Rusty Hooks Bait & Tackle and pre pay! 1st Place at the Lake Wylie Fall Final is $2,000.00!

Mike Allman & David Winter win with 5 bass weighing 13.13 lbs!

Glenn Sparrow & Chris Baumgardner 2nd with 11.98 lbs!

3rd Michael Yochem & Jeff Wilson 11.23 lbs!

15 Teams BF Weight Winnings Points
David Winters/Mike Allman 3.62 13.13 $795.00 110
Glenn Sparrow/Chris Baumgardner 2.43 11.98 $200.00 109
Michael Yochem/Jeff Wilson 3.75 11.23 $185.00 108
Thomas Richmond/Artie Phillips 2.79 11.06 107
Brian Dooly/Cacey West 2.56 7.70 106
Ryan Shoaf 2.93 6.81 105
Chris Cook/Donald Black 2.06 6.73 104
Terry Carteret 1.79 1.79 103
Gordon Smith 0.00 0.00 102
Jay Adams/Tony Colcurcio 0.00 0.00 102
Phillip Carson/Gene Sparks 0.00 0.00 102
Rick Corn/Rick Corn Jr 0.00 0.00 102
Teddy Hutchinson 0.00 0.00 102
Tim Chapman 0.00 0.00 102
Todd Garner/Robert Fowler 0.00 0.00 102
Total Entrys $1,200.00
BONUS $ $300.00
Total Paid At Ramp $1,180.00
Wylie 2019 Fall Final Fund $260.00
2020 CATT Championship/Phantom Fund $30.00
2019 Wylie Fall Final Fund Total $260.00
2020 CATT Championship/Phantom Fund Total $815.00

Secret Baits for Fall Bass by Bruce Callis Jr

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Secret Baits for Fall Bass by Bruce Callis Jr

The Baits to Find the Bass This Fall

by Bruce Callis Jr

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It finally feels like fall is in the air. The cooler days and nights mixed with a little rain has been a welcome feeling for us anglers. It is also a welcome sight for the hunters that are making their way into the woods for a little fun. For some of us, we are happy for both reasons. And the bass are ready to start feeding up for winter.

I got my first taste of fall this past Saturday morning as it started off in the high 40s. I also got my first taste of slot limit fishing on the James River. And my first taste of smallmouth bass. I can live with the cooler weather, as they make clothing to stay warm. I can understand the need for a slot limit to help a fishery grow. I can not understand the need to make it so low. And having hooked into my first smallmouth and then losing it, now has turned into an obsession. I’ll be going back to find more!

Fall is one of my favorite seasons. Winter is my favorite by far, but that is for another time. When those big bass that have been hiding in the deep haunts of summer make their way up shallow and start to actively chase baitfish, the chance to catch a personal best is right at hand. Baits that have been resting in our toolbox collecting dust are now prime choices. And topwater starts to become prime again. What isn’t there to like?

One of my favorite fall baits is the spinnerbait. It allows you to cover a lot of water and a variety of depths. I just got back from an adventure with my buddy Tim, who always gives me a run for my money. We hit up a local Wildlife Refugee and found the water to be in the low 70s all day. The cooler air temperature and overcast skies made a perfect day for fishing. We started out hitting the shallows with a variety of baits, baits that we had confidence in, a shallow running crankbait, a Senko, jigs, and soft plastics. While they normally produce, this day was different. I then took out the Death Shimmer spinnerbait and started to hit around the lily pads and all the laydowns. It didn’t take long to find legal, meaning 13” and above, bass. It didn’t take long for me to jump ahead, catching 6 bass up to 3 pounds before Tim finally caught his first bass on a jig.

The spinnerbait has become an overlooked bait by so many. The market is flooded by so many different brands and by local builders. And they have become truly a fine choice as to design and look. Long gone are the days of just a simple spinnerbait like Hank Parker rode to victory in the Classic. Tim managed to catch an almost 8 pound bass, on a spinnerbait that day. But like so many, it isn’t a bait that they use and catch bass on regularly. It has been one of my favorites since I first tied one on over 40 years ago.

The shallow running crankbait, something I use to love to hate, is also one of those baits that is made for the fall. I never was any good with these baits, but then I started to listen to and talk with John Crews, the man behind the SPRO Little John series of baits. He explained the difference between the different baits and shapes. He helped me to understand how to work them, where to work them, and to not be afraid to throw them in certain areas. I am still not great with them, but I have a lot of confidence in them. Work them up shallow, around laydowns and even in them. One of my favorites this time of year is the Fat John 60. The tight wobble is a sure fire fish exciter. It is always tied onto my cranking rod.

Another great fall bait is also my favorite winter baits. The SPRO Aruku Shad can be worked at any depth and any speed. And the new Wameku Shad is a shallow version. These baits are always tied onto my rod. I work them from shore and across the drop offs. Speed and action varies, I let the bass tell me what to do. Chrome with blue back is my go to color, but a black back can be the difference on certain days.

I am always going to have a Wacky rigged worm on and a Texas rigged one too. I am going to have a Texas rigged creature bait on, like a Power Team Lures Mauler or a Missile Baits DBomb. And a jig is a must to also have tied on. Flipping and pitching around the wood and grass is one of my favorite things to do.

Topwater is also one of those baits I am going to have tied on. Actually, I will have to different types tied on. One rod is going to have a SPRO Bronze Eye frog tied on with 60 lb Seaguar Smackdown braid. The other is a walking bait. I love poppers, but a walking bait has always been my favorite. It took me a while to learn to use it properly, but it can outshine so many times. A Heddon Zara Spook Jr in chrome has been my go to bait. There are times when the popper can outshine it, so I have one ready to switch out if needed. Go with which ever you have more confidence in.

While the list is just a start, it gives a glance into what you need to be using. For a beginner, the idea is to be diverse and to not overlook baits just because it isn’t as popular. The chatterbait has replaced the spinnerbait in so many anglers tackle box. So many are afraid to use crankbaits, not because they can’t use them, but because they don’t confidence in them. Now is the time when you can pick up a bait and gain confidence in it. Just remember, confidence is built by using a bait, catching will come, so don’t give up too quickly on any bait. Change the color, change the action, and change your understanding of the bait.

What is that one bait you have confidence in to catch bass in the fall? Leave a comment below and let me know.

Tournament-winning angler talks simple, down-to-earth tactics for small waters

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Tournament-winning angler talks simple, down-to-earth tactics for small waters

B. Lat’s Day Off

Tournament-winning angler talks simple, down-to-earth tactics for small waters

Ladson, SC (October 9, 2019) – It’s the day before a major FLW Tour event, and rising star Brian Latimer is fresh off a full day of prefishing. He’s tired, more than a little frazzled and has a meeting to attend in just a few hours. You might imagine an in-demand angler like “B. Lat” would want to kick back, de-stress, or maybe grab a nap.

Instead, the native South Carolinian heads right back to the water. This time, there’s no bass boat attached to his truck. No fancy tournament jersey on his back. No high-tech sonar, GPS or electric trolling motor to monkey with.

Latimer simply laces his sneakers and loads a backpack with a cold drink and a small tackle box. He snares a single rod and reel and quietly walks down to the grassy banks of a little pool of water he’s never fished in his life. Within the next hour, B. Lat’s friendly grin is back, having lipped enough largemouth bass to reset his frame of mind.

7-year-old son Brevyn Latimer loves lipping pond bass almost as much as his dad.

“I love hitting up ponds,” admits the affable Latimer, winner of the 2019 FLW Tour event at Lake Seminole, Florida. “But growing up fishing with a father who was a tournament angler, I didn’t get into pond fishing until I was old enough to drive. I’d pick up maps of my area and discover a whole new world of fishing on these little lakes. Plenty of them still hide some pretty awesome bass fishing.”

Now married with a 7-year-old son, Latimer’s passion for fishing ponds on foot, as well as wading or kayaking small rivers and streams, hasn’t wavered. “My son Brevyn and I have a blast discovering small waters together. You never know what you’re going to catch. Each one of these little fisheries has some sort of surprise up its sleeve. I caught my personal best, double-digit bass at one of these ponds this past year, right in the heart of a big city.”

Latimer poses with a small water giant, incognito-style.

No matter where you live in the country, says Latimer, you’re likely surrounded by ponds, creeks or other small waters filled with fish. “Back in high school, we’d knock on a lot of doors asking for permission,” he recalls. “These days, it’s a little different. But even though folks are a bit less likely to let you on their property, there’s still only one way to do it if you’re in doubt about access: get permission or go somewhere else.”

To find ponds in unfamiliar areas, Latimer calls up Google Earth on his phone, and zooms in on waterbodies with interesting potential. “Google Earth’s aerial views sometimes show you underwater structure, as well as inlets, boat docks, and the access points. If you’re still unsure whether the pond is open to public fishing, you can go to your county office and pick up a plat map, which indicates land ownership.

What B. Lat particularly loves about walking, wading or kayaking is that it lets him reach untouched water. “I can get to a lot of places and skinny water where anglers with bigger boats can’t put a lure,” he says. “A ton of nice fish can live in areas like this, whether it’s far up a little creek or even way up into the far reaches of a larger pond or lake. Same deal with a lot of small, non-descript ponds. They can be way down remote county roads or surrounded by condos, so a lot of anglers pass them by in favor of more obvious fishing spots. These are the places I like to explore first.”

The simplicity of pond fishing, says Latimer, provides a nice break from the pressure of big tournaments. “Great thing about a pond is you’re just dealing with the water that’s right in front of you. It forces you to focus on your presentation and simply figure out how to make bass bite. On a bigger lake, you often drive your boat to spots that fit the baits you want to throw. But when walking a pond, you bring a few of your favorite baits and focus on each cast and retrieve.”

For B-Lat, a small variety of all-star baits fill a pair of “sneak boxes,” each stowed neatly into a backpack, along with pliers, sunglasses and a few snacks. “I pack a lot of smaller finesse-style baits. Ned rigs are great, especially for kids, because they simply catch fish.

“One sweet pond bait and one of my son’s favorites is a Ned rig with a tiny spinner blade inserted into the tail. I like to use a mushroom jighead and Z-Man Finesse TRD with a TRD SpinZ tail spinner; the spinner gives the bait a little extra flash and vibration. Put it into the hands of any young angler, and they just about can’t fish it wrong—slowly hopped along bottom, dragged or dead-sticked, or even straight-retrieved like a spinnerbait. It’s a fish catcher everywhere we go.”

Other B-Lat pond bait essentials: “A few smaller Rat-L-Traps; they help cover water and find the sweet spots,” he adds. “Wacky rigged baits like the Hula StickZ are money; most pond fish haven’t seen a wacky rig before and they smash ‘em. The TRD TicklerZ is the other Ned rig bait we throw a lot—and we throw a ton of Neds. A soft jerkbait like the 3.75-inch StreakZ rigged on a keel-weighted ChinlockZ hook scores, too.

“Anything weedless and weightless is perfect for kids. My son loves throwing topwater baits. The soft Pop ShadZ can be rigged weedless so it works cleanly over any type of cover. This bait keeps my son interested and tuned-in— even if the fish aren’t going— because it’s a visual thing.”

Rather than casting straight out into the pond, Latimer prefers to walk quietly and cast parallel to the bank. “A lot of ponds lack underwater ledges, drops or other structure. The bank itself is often the best ambush point for bass to use, especially banks with a little lip or at least a 1-foot drop, rather than a gradual taper. I’ve caught some of my biggest pond bass a few feet off the bank. But if you’re loud or don’t take a low profile, you can spook a lot of these fish.”

B. Lat’s bag of pond fishing tricks.

Five more B-Lat pond-fishing tips:

  • Concentrate on the shady side of the pond, or where buildings or large trees create a shade edge.
  • On hot days, fish ponds in the early morning, evening or at night.
  • Use a longer 7- to 8-foot rod, which proper lures further and allow you to hold line above emergent vegetation or other obstructions while fishing from shore.
  • Look for fish on any shallow cover, such as a fallen tree, dock or boulder. If the pond lacks cover, fish close to the deepest water—where a drop-off runs close to   shore.
  •  Keep it simple and fun!

B. Lat prefers to fish ponds on his days off.
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