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MLF Bass Pro Tour taps Raleigh, N.C., lakes for March 2019 destination

Falls Lake is one of three lakes in the Raleigh, N.C., area to be fished as event No. 3 in the 2019 MLF Bass Pro Tour series, scheduled for March 26 – 31. The 12,000-acre lake is one of the state’s largest and has a reputation for producing quality bass fishing with just about every type of cover and structure available. (Photo courtesy N.C. Div. of Parks and Recreation. Click to enlarge/download)
MLF Bass Pro Tour taps Raleigh, N.C., lakes for March 2019 destination
TULSA, Okla. (Dec. 20, 2018) – Major League Fishing today announced that Raleigh, N.C., is the third destination for the 2019 Bass Pro Tour, and that three prolific nearby lakes will be used over the course of the event’s March 26-31 competition dates.
Falls Lake, Shearon Harris Reservoir and Jordan Lake are the waters to share in the prestige of hosting bass fishing’s newest and highest profile tournament series, which features 80 of the best professional anglers in the country.
“North Carolina is well-known for its outdoors and natural beauty and our amazing lakes are no exception,” said Tori Collins, Associate Director of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance. “We’re excited to showcase the fishing-rich culture of our region and all the Raleigh area has to offer to the best anglers in the country and spectators alike.”
“Raleigh is a great example of how our Bass Pro Tour format allows us to take advantage of smaller venues with excellent fishing opportunities among multiple lakes instead of our having to pick a spot based only on size,” said MLF’s Michael Mulone. “I know our guys are excited about visiting these great bass fisheries during the prime spring period. It’s sure to be a wildly entertaining competition.”
Located in the Cape Fear River drainage, Shearon Harris Reservoir is a 4,000-acre power plant lake considered to be one of North Carolina’s most prolific bass fisheries. A Wildlife Resources Commission fact sheet reports that an impressive 41 percent of the largemouth bass surveyed in 2017 were within the lake’s 16- to 20-inch slot limit. It also noted that back-to-back tournaments in 2017 were won with five-fish limits weighing over 40 pounds.
North Carolina’s Shearon Harris Reservoir is a power plant lake with a reputation for producing good numbers and quality-sized bass. A large percent of the bass population falls within the sizes protected from angler possession by a slot limit of 16 to 20 inches, but will count in MLF competition because of the league’s catch, weight and immediate release format. (Photo courtesy of Visit Raleigh. Click to enlarge/download)
Falls Lake also gets high marks as a bass fishery. The 26-mile-long lake is said to have three very distinctive segments across its length, meaning that at least one area could be at the peak of bass spawning activity in the late March timeframe, potentially increasing the chances of a bass 10 pounds or more showing up.
Jordan Lake’s record largemouth bass stands at 14 pounds, 6 ounces. The 14,000-acre impoundment offers a diversity of angling cover and structure – ditches, islands, pockets and aquatic vegetation – that make it appealing to MLF’s anglers looking for springtime bass movement patterns.
North Carolina’s Jordan Lake is a familiar destination for several tournaments local to the region, but only a few of the 80 Bass Pro Tour anglers will likely have any previous experience on the fishery. The 14,000-acre lake provides miles of undeveloped shoreline and a wealth of offshore bass cover. 
MLF uses a conservation-minded catch, weigh and immediate-release-back-into-the-water format during competition, with no restriction as to the number of “scorable” bass allowed. As a result, the Bass Pro Tour often has the flexibility to go where other tournament trails can’t. Most other major bass tournaments rules allow anglers to catch and hold their daily limits, usually five bass, in boat livewells for a ceremonious weigh-in at the competition day’s end.
All Bass Pro Tour venues must also pass stringent MLF connectivity requirements because the MLF NOW! live stream and SCORETRACKER© are critical components to an event’s execution.
Bass Pro Tour events feature five hours of live streaming on each competition day, with free access to the real-time broadcast available at www.majorleaguefishing.com. Also, the Raleigh Bass Pro Tour event will result in a two-hour television show that will air on Discovery Channel in the fourth quarter of 2019. It will repeat on Sportsman Channel in first and second quarters 2020.
MLF also has programming on Outdoor Channel, World Fishing Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network and Discovery Channel, and all episodes are available on-demand on My Outdoor TV (MOTV).
For more information about MLF and its anglers, rules and sponsors, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.

LAKE AMISTAD TO HOST 2019 COSTA FLW SERIES SEASON OPENER PRESENTED BY RANGER BOATS

LAKE AMISTAD TO HOST 2019 COSTA FLW SERIES SEASON OPENER PRESENTED BY RANGER BOATS

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DEL RIO, Texas (Dec. 20, 2018) – The 2019 Costa Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) Series tournament season is set to open at Lake Amistad, Jan. 3-5, with the Costa FLW Series at Lake Amistad presented by Ranger Boats. Hosted by the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce, the three-day Southwestern Division tournament will feature as many as 300 regional bass-fishing anglers and a top prize of up to $90,000, including a brand new Ranger Z518L boat with a 200-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard engine.

“In general, it’s going to be a tough event and the weights will be lower than we’re used to, but there will still be some anglers who catch some big ones in the 6- to 8-pound range,” said Costa pro Todd Castledine of Nacogdoches, Texas., who had a 2nd place finish in FLW Series competition at Lake Amistad in 2012. “Fish will either be 2 pounds or really big. It’s hard to catch those 2½ – 4½-pounders right now – there’s a big class of fish missing. If guys can get around a wolf pack of big ones, that will be good. It’s not like other lakes where you just find one fish alone. If you come across a fish, they’ll be in wolf packs. It’s just takes some time to find them.”

Castledine said anglers will be able to catch fish from one end of the lake to the other.

“Those wolf packs can be anywhere – they roam around based on the baitfish,” said Castledine. “That’s the beauty of Lake Amistad – you can win it anywhere. Every single place you go, it looks good for catching fish.”

The Texas pro said fish will likely be caught both shallow and out deep.

“There will be some shallow fish just kind of grinding up and down the bank,” said Castledine. “They’ll be around drop-offs, grass and bushes. For those fish, I see spinnerbaits, ChatterBaits, swimbaits, jerkbaits, and Rat-L-Trap-type baits being players.

“The big schools get out deep. You can catch them in 30 to 70 feet of water,” Castledine continued. “They’ll be on big ridges and points. There are phenomenal ledges that run way out to the middle of the lake and some of them even have bushes as deep as 30 or 35 feet down. Carolina rigs, big jigs and drop-shot rigs will be favored.”

As for a winning weight, Castledine said that the large gap in fish size makes it’s hard to pinpoint an exact number. He said it could take as little as 28 pounds to make the top-10 cut, with the winner posting up over 60 pounds.

“There’s no doubt that someone could weigh in on Day One and make the cut,” said Castledine. “Limits won’t be made up of 3s and 4s – someone could have a couple 8s and some small ones and do well. It’s hard to predict right now – its boom or bust.”

Anglers will take off from the East Diablo Launch Ramp, located off Highway 90 West in Del Rio, at 7:30 a.m. CST each day. Weigh-ins will also take place at the East Diablo Launch Ramp location, and will begin at 3:30 p.m. each day. All takeoffs and weigh-ins are free to attend and open to the public.

In Costa FLW Series regular-season competition, payouts are based on the number of participants competing in the event. At Lake Amistad, pros will fish for a top prize of up to $90,000 including a brand new Ranger Z518L boat with a 200-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard if Ranger Cup qualified. Co-anglers will cast for a brand new Ranger Z175 boat with a 115-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard, and $5,000 if Ranger Cup qualified.

The Costa FLW Series consists of five U.S. divisions – Central, Northern, Southeastern, Southwestern and Western – along with the International division. Each U.S. division consists of three regular-season tournaments with competitors vying for valuable points that could earn them the opportunity to compete in the season-ending Costa FLW Series Championship. The 2019 Costa FLW Series Championship is being held Oct. 31 – Nov. 2 on Lake Cumberland in Burnside, Kentucky.

For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Costa FLW Series on FLW’s social media outlets at FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube and Snapchat.

Falls Lake December Review by Even Fleming

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Falls lake is a 12,410 acre reservoir located in the central portion of North Carolina. Falls covers areas in Wake, Granville, and Durham Counties and is part of the Neuse River system. The lake is made up of flooded timber and flats on the northern end, and river channel and creek arms on the southern end. Falls offers 175 miles of undeveloped shoreline. This body of water has become known to produce 25-30 pound five fish bags over the past few years. B.A.S.S ranked the reservoir 17th in 2018 in the southeastern area top 25 lakes.

The weather Sunday was in our favor, 55 degrees, partly cloudy to sunny, and a warm front pushing Friday and Saturdays rain out. The warmer air temperature and rain causing the snow to melt, created some warmer creek waters to run into the lake in areas. The run off also made for very stained and muddy water.

Between cold fronts and rising muddy water, the conditions made for some tough fishing. With the water being over four and a half feet above full pool and less than a foot of visibility, the fishing was not the best. The lakes full pool elevation is 252.00 while the water elevation was 256.70 on Sunday. Not even mentioning the water temperature being in the low to mid 40’s. Consistent temperatures in the upcoming week should help to stabilize the fishing in the near future. A lot of bait fish were found on the northern end of the lake from interstate 85 bridge to the highway 50 bridge. Muddy water conditions making it difficult to finesse fish in the bait balls. I marked good schools of fish on main lake humps and points near creek arms. Loud noisy crank baits and baits that displace a lot of water is key to getting a strike. Fish were tucked tight to offshore cover like isolated rock piles. Bluff walls near river and creek bends produced fish on the southern end of the lake. Water clarity was higher on the southern end of the lake as well.

Warm pockets of water was key as well. Pockets of water 45-46 degrees were the most productive. Slow rolling crawfish colored crank baits, and maintaining bottom contact in ten to fifteen feet of water, seemed to trigger the most strikes. With current water conditions, try to stay away from finesse baits (shakey head, drop shot, and silent jigs). Moving reaction baits (crankbait, rattle trap, A-rig, and spinner baits) are your best bet. Throw contrast colors with the muddy stained water, dark colors with dark water. On your spinner baits throw larger Colorado or Indiana blades to make it easier for the bass to locate.

Gilbert & Siggers WIN CATT SML Fall Final Dec 16,2018 with 19.04lbs

Tournament Results Smith Mtn Fall Final Dec 16, 2018 Gilbert & Siggers Whack Em! 19.04 lbs $2,100.00! SML 2018 Fall Payback Tops $13,000.00!

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This was our best Fall season yet on Smith Mtn! Couldn’t have been possible with out Kevin & Joey Dawson! Thanks guys!

We paid back over $13,000.00 this past Fall on SML. We will have a 2019 Spring SML Trail consisting of 3 Qualifiers and a Final. Plus the Fall Trail will be back in 2019. Remember CATT has a seasonal memberships…Spring & Fall. That enables us to pay back as much as possible at the trails!

Dennie Gilbert took advantage of his $35 Fall membership by joining Landon Siggers at SML. Dennie won Saturday at Kerr with Charlie Reed fishing the Kerr Fall Final! Dennie and Landon weighed in 19.07 lbs and took home $2,100.00!

Ben & Brandon Reynolds finished 2nd with 18.54 lbs worth $1,420.00!

Josh Dudley & Tyler Farmer 3rd with 18.23 lbs. They also won the points!

Damien McMahon & Mike Toney brought in the Big Smallmouth at 3.68 lbs and received $400.00 for their 4th place finish. Damien & Mike also were awarded a Lews  Mach Combo!

                                                                      

Craig Wright & Mickey Bergeron claimed the Big Largemouth with a 5.75 lb Hawg! They also received a Lews Mach Combo!

Don’t forget guys, you can qualify for the 2019 CATT Championship on Kerr be entering any 3 CATT events! Fall and Spring combined!

Also if you’re looking for some great fishing apparel check out Phantom Outdoor Apparel! Use PHNATOMCATT15 and receive 15% of your order!

Click on the link and visit the Phantom site!

$ Awarded to Big SM & Big LM BIG
TEAM FISH TOTAL WINNINGS
DENNIE GILBERT/LANDON SIGGERS 5.68 19.04 $2,100.00
BRANDON REYNOLDS/BEN REYNOLDS 3.59/5.63 18.54 $1,420.00
TYLER FARMER/JOSH DUDLEY 3.37/5.49 18.23 $930.00
DAMIEN MCMAHON/MIKE TONEY 3.68/4.54 18.00 $400.00
BRYAN CALLOWAY/WILLIAM HUBBARD 4.43 17.13 $175.00
JOHNNY MARTIN/CHAD GREEN 3.96/4.37 16.62 $125.00
IAN MCCROY/JOSH INGRAM 4.64 16.16
TONY WALKER/WAYNE NIDIFFER 4.94 15.45
RICK TILLEY JR./RICK TILLEY SR. 0.00 9.96
STANLEY COFFER/MATT KLUENDER 4.87 9.59
JERAME EDWARDS/CHRIS DAWSON 3.76 6.93
CRAIG WRIGHT/MICKEY BERGERON 5.75 5.75 $125.00
CHASE COOPER/RICKY YOUNG 5.31 5.31
BRYAN HARLOW/ERIC CATLETT 0.00 0.00
CHRIS ATKINS/MATT ATKINS 0.00 0.00
JEREMY KENT/BRENDAN KENT 0.00 0.00
MATT POWERS/JUSTIN MEDEIROS 0.00 0.00
DONNIE WYATT/DYLAN GAULDIN 0.00 0.00
SCOTT STILTNER/JEFF DAVIS 0.00 0.00
MAURICE OAKES/BRYAN HUMPHREYS 0.00 0.00
JOEY DAWSON/KEVIN DAWSON 0.00 0.00
STEVE WOODROOF/CHARLIE DAVIS 0.00 0.00
MATT HICKS/RICK WHITE 0.00 0.00
RANDY ANDERSON/SEAN COOK 0.00 0.00
CHARLEY FOCHTMAN/FIELDING FOCHTMAN 0.00 0.00
DAVID MARTIN 0.00 0.00
Total Entrys $3,000.00
BONUS $ $800.00
Smith Mtn Fall Final Fund $1,430.00
Total Paid At Ramp $5,230.00
Total Paid Fall 2018 Smith Mtn $13,400.00

Bryan Thrift forms partnership with Catch Commander®

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Bryan Thrift forms partnership with Catch Commander®

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Raleigh, NC (December 17, 2018) Propel IP, Inc., the inventor of the Catch Commander digital culling scale, is excited to announce a new partnership agreement with FLW Pro Bryan Thrift. The top-ranking angler has amassed over $2.4 million in winnings, 12 FLW Cup appearances, 10 tour wins, 60 top 10 finishes and 2 Angler of the Year titles.

How can one of the best anglers on the planet get better? Efficiency, that’s how! The new partnership with Catch Commander Culling Scale, which is hands down the most advanced culling scale on the market today, will save more time – and more time means more money. Thrift is known as one of the most efficient and productive anglers on the water, and just got better.

“I am excited about the new partnership with Catch Commander. The ease of use, speed, and accuracy of this scale is absolutely incredible. It will speed up my culling on the water which in turn will make me more efficient. I look forward to the future with Catch Commander” commented Thrift.

Bryan will be promoting the Catch Commander culling scale on the 2019 FLW Tour and help with new product development for the upcoming season.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with our new partnership with Bryan. It makes perfect sense to have one of the most skilled anglers, who takes his craft so seriously, to join our team. Bryan is about precision and so are we here at Catch Commander. We know Bryan is going to be a big part of our plans as we continue to make a splash in the market,” says Mike Blocher, Marketing Director for Catch Commander.

Keep your eyes open on the trail in 2019 and if you see Bryan ask him about his Catch Commander, he will be happy to tell you all about it. 2019 is going to be a banner year for Catch Commander. Please check us out at www.catchcommander.com.

Propel IP, Inc. is an emerging developer and manufacturer of fishing related tools and accessories located in Raleigh, NC. With more than 100 years of cumulative experience in the fishing industry, the company seeks to disrupt existing markets by supplying highly-functional, top-quality technology integrated solutions for the angling market. Photos courtesy of FLW Outdoors.

Contact: Please contact Mike Blocher, Marketing Director @ 813-363-5266 or [email protected].

Dennie Gilbert & Charlie Reed Win CATT Kerr Fall Final December 15,2018

Tournament Results Kerr Fall Final Dec 15, 2018! Gilbert & Reed Make it 2 in a Row! Take Home $2,140.00! Grand Total 2018 Kerr Payback Tops $50,000.00!

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Guys this was our best year to date! The total payback for the 2018 Kerr Spring and Fall season totaled up to $50,715.00! Thanks for fishing with us and hope to see you in 2019! The 2019 Kerr Spring Trail schedule is posted and the 1st Qualifier is Feb 19th!

Also keep in mind the 2019 CATT Championship on Kerr! in 2018 1st Place took home $25,000 with the Triton Gold Bonus added in!

2019 Academy Sports CATT Championship June 1-2 Kerr Lake!!!

$10,000.00 1st Place GUARANTEED!

(Stay Tuned – 1st Place $$ May be Increased!)

New Nutbush Ramp – Kerr State Park!

A team or solo angler must fish 3 CATT events to Qualify!

You can get in your 3 events by fishing any CATT Fall 2018 and CATT Spring 2019!

The 3 events do not have to be in the same CATT Trail!

$200 Per Team Entry

Optional Platinum BONUS $100

Optional BONUS $50

Dennie Gilbert & Charlie Reed took 1st on a very tough day on Kerr! They weighed in 5 bass at 14.51 lbs and took home $2,140.00!

2nd went to Tyler Trent & Jacob Lloyd with 14.03 lbs! They also weighed in the Lews 1st BF at 5.15 lbs. They took home $1,313.00 and Lews Mach Speed Spool Baitcaster!

 

Jay & Tate Fogleman eared 3rd and $648 .00! They weighed in the 2nd Lews BF at 4.60 lbs and received a Lews Mach Speed Stick!

 

Brian Howard & David Ford won the Points!

CATT Kerr Fall Final Dec 15, 2018 Big Total Total
17 Teams Fish Weight Winnings
Dennie Gilbert – Charlie Reed 4.02 14.51 $2,140.00
Tyler Trent – Jacob Lloyd 5.15 14.03 $1,312.00
Jay Fogleman – Tate Fogleman 4.60 10.40 $648.00
Brian Calloway – William Hubbard 0.00 6.34
Clay Ausley – Ken McNeil 0.00 0.00
Derrick Bowden – Mathew Little 0.00 0.00
Mike Knapp – Aydin Knapp 0.00 0.00
Gary Colewell – Ryan Roller 0.00 0.00
Donnie Avant – Randy Waterman 0.00 0.00
KC Choosakal – Tim Pinhollow 0.00 0.00
Jake Osbourne – Keith Dutton 0.00 0.00
Gene Williams – Edward Towens 0.00 0.00
Tommy Marrow – Dennis Reedy 0.00 0.00
Mike Burr – Joe Triho 0.00 0.00
Billy Orr – John Parson 0.00 0.00
Brendan Kent – Jeremy Kent 0.00 0.00
Brian Howard – David Ford 0.00 0.00
Total Entrys $1,920.00
BONUS $ $540.00
Kerr 2018 Fall Final Fund $1,640.00
Kerr 2018 Fall Final Total Payback $4,100.00
Kerr 2018 Fall Total Payback $12,535.00
Kerr 2018 Grand Total Paid $50,715.00

Curing the wintertime blues by Steven Slayton

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Curing the wintertime blues

For many of us, the cold winter weather has made its way to your favorite local fishery. Water temperature has been flirting with 40 degrees and the bass are adjusting accordingly. Their metabolism slows way down and bites can be few and far between.

If many of you are anything like me, and I know that many of you are, you try to get your fishing fix any way you can. Whether you’re changing split rings and treble hooks or cleaning your reels, there are many ways you can have a productive off-season off of the water.

I like to spend the colder months of the year beefing up my jig stash. Instead of heading to the tackle shop and buying jigs that everybody else is buying I like to pour my own. In this week’s article I’m going to go a little in-depth about the process of hand pouring, painting and skirting your very own custom bass jigs.

What you will need:
Melting Pot (Lee Precision)
Heat Gun (Local Hardware Store)
Dremel (Local Hardware Store)
Safety Glove (Local Hardware Store)
1/8” brass dial rod (Local Hardware Store)
Needle Nose Pliers (Local Hardware Store)
Epoxy (Local Hardware Store)
Powder Paint (Do-It)
Jig Mold (Do-It)
Jig Tying Thread (Do-It)
Vise / Fly Tying Vise (Do-It or Hardware Store)
Hooks For Your Specific Mold (Do-it)
Weed Guards (FishingSkirts.com)
Silicon Skirting Material (FishingSkirts.com)
Oven (Use your Mom’s, Wife’s or Girlfirend’s..They wont mind)

Step 1:
Plug in your melting pot
(This specific pot has 10 different temperatures; I like to set mine on 10)

Step 2:
Place your mold’s specific hook in the hook slot with the weed guard pin.
(These pins will come with the purchased mold)

Step 3:
Once the lead has melted place your mold under the pour spout and lift up on the handle. Stop pouring once the lead becomes flush with the top of the mold.

(If using a ladle pot, scoop the melted lead out of the pot with your ladle and pour it into the slot that your hook is resting in until flush with the mold.)

Step 4:
Once the lead cools, use a pair of needle nose pliers to jar the jig head loose. Then, break off the excess lead leftover from the pour cavity and remove the weed guard pin.

Step 5:
I like to take a dremel to the jig head to clean it up and remove any impurities. Once the jig head is clean I take a ½ inch piece of your 1/8” brass dial rod and place it into the weed guard slot. This is to prevent any paint from getting into where the weed guard needs to be epoxied in. You can get away with using the same pin that comes with your mold but it is very difficult to clean and re-use for another pour.

Step 6:
You are now ready to powder coat your jig head! Once your heat gun is plugged in and standing upright, turn it on high. Use your needles nose pliers to hold the jig head over the heat gun for about 12-15 seconds. After 12-15 of being heated dip the jig head into the powder paint and then remove your brass dial rod.

(Pictured you will see that I made a fluid bed out of an aquarium pump, some PVC and a coffee filter. This fluid bed pushes air from up under the powder paint. If made correctly, your powder paint should appear as though it is “boiling.” This allows the jig head to be covered in a very even coat of paint and yields better results than dipping your heated jig head directly into your jar of powder paint. Ican go more in depth about how to make your own fluid bed at a later time.)

Step 7:
Place your jig head in the oven for about 30 minutes and 350 degrees. This process allows the powder paint to adhere to the lead making it much more chip resistant.

Step 8:
Once taken out of the oven and cooled, it is time to tie on your skirt. The average jig utilizes about two and a half tabs of silicon skirting but for simplicity’s sake we will only be using two.

Place your jig head in your vise and wrap the throat of the jig about 5-7 times with your fly tying thread. This provides a good foundation for the skirting material that you will be adding.

Next, fold your first tab of skirting over the thread (as pictured)
And continue the wrapping process. Once the first tab is secure, I like to go over it three more times before adding the second tab of skirting material. Then, repeat this process for the remaining tab. Once the skirting material is evenly distributed, tie off your thread.

Step 9:
Though super glue would suffice, I prefer epoxy due to its strength and clean finish. After mixing a small amount of your two-part epoxy together in a bottle cap, apply a small amount to the bottom of your weed guard and place it in your jig’s weed guard slot. If you are having trouble fitting the weed guard into place, chances are a little paint made it’s way into the slot. This can be easily removed with a 1/8” dremel bit.

Step 10:
The finished product! You now have a jig that is unlink any other that the bass in your local lake have seen. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different head styles, colors, and types of skirting materials.

Nothing compares to the satisfaction you get when fooling a finicky bass on something you made with your bare hands. I encourage everyone to craft their own tackle in some way shape or form. Whether its pouring plastics, tying jigs or carving swim baits, I encourage everyone to craft their own tackle in some way shape or form. Sometimes the slightest tweak or adjustment in a presentation makes all the difference in the world.

For a closer look at some of my work, head on over to www.SlatesBaits.com
or @SlatesBaits on Instagram.

For any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to email me at [email protected]. I would be more than happy to discuss this process to anyone looking to dive head first into it!

Baker’s Dozen of Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas for the Hunter or Angler on Your List

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Baker’s Dozen of Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas for the Hunter or Angler on Your List

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Minneapolis, MN (November 17, 2018) – Hunters and anglers who seem to have everything can be difficult to buy for. Don’t be confused, intimidated, or cave to mounting pressure and buy some ill-conceived gizmo in order to wrap up your shopping. Instead, simply follow our recommendations for these thirteen, can’t-miss gift ideas any hunter or angler will be thrilled to unwrap.

OZRadial 400 Portable Ozone Generator

Ideal for hunters, campers, vehicle interiors and in-home use, the OZ Radial 400 employs a unique, cylindrical design that attacks and destroys odors with an industry-leading 360-degrees of ozone output. Its one-of-a-kind bottle shape allows the unit to be placed in a backpack bottle holder, vehicle cup holder, or on any level surface. For additional utility, the quiet, streamlined Radial is easily hung with its provided tether strap—no bulky and noisy brackets required. The OZ Radial Power Bank provides up to eight hours of operation per charge, and can also be used to charge portable devices like phones and tablets. MSRP is $249.99. Learn more at ScentLok.com.

Aqua-Vu micro™ Stealth 4.3 Underwater Camera

From the company that brought you the original underwater viewing system, the Aqua-Vu micro Stealth 4.3 is the most compact, affordable, user-friendly underwater camera available today. Featuring an extra bright, colorful 4.3-inch LCD and thumb-sized micro camera (with 50-feet of cable), the Stealth fits in your coat pocket or your tackle box. Extra goodies include auto infrared (IR) lighting for seeing in low light conditions, an RCA video out port and an all-new waterproof (IP67-rated) waterproof magnetic battery charger. The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (with on-screen charge status) for 6 hours of runtime. Also included are adjustable Trolling Camera Fin and Clip on Ballast Weight. MSRP is $229.99. Learn more at aquavu.com.

Muck Pursuit Supreme Fleece

The Pursuit Supreme Fleece boot delivers maximum stability, comfort and warmth in a lightweight, athletic fit that looks as aggressive as you are. These premium, 100% waterproof hunting boots feature a warm, fleece lining and are fully insulated with 5mm neoprene to keep feet comfortable in sub-zero temperatures. Muck’s OPTIMAL FLEX technology allows the boot to bend and flex with your foot to provide better comfort and stability. Available in brown or Mossy Oak Infinity. MSRP is $220. Learn more at muckbootcompany.com.

Howard Leight Impact Sport BOLT Digital Electronic Earmuff

Howard Leight’s Impact Sport BOLT digital electronic earmuff combines high-performance hearing protection with a slim and comfortable ergonomic design that’s ideal for any shooting situation. All-new digital compression circuitry delivers Impact Sport BOLT’s remarkable audio performance. Ambient and low frequency sounds are safely amplified up to five times to a peak of 82dB, making it easy for the wearer to hear range commands and conduct conversation. Amplification automatically shuts off at 82dB, attenuating gunfire noise with a lightning-fast .5-millisecond attack time. Durable, recessed microphones—one on each side—reduce wind noise while providing true stereo sound. Impact Sport BOLT is also equipped with an external 3.5mm AUX jack and included cord for connection to a phone, computer, MP3 player or scanner. Batteries included. MSRP is $129.95. Learn more at HoneywellSafety.com.

Raymarine Dragonfly Ice Fishing Kit

With a waterproof bag and rugged base designed specifically for Raymarine Dragonfly sonar/GPS units (not included), this portable kit is built to withstand the harshest winter elements. The Ice Fishing Kit also houses a rechargeable 12v/7Ah battery, charger, and high-frequency CHIRP CPT-S ice fishing transducer with float. Full-sized cargo pockets provide ample room for tackle, and the integrated rod holders make it easy for ice anglers to travel with all their gear and stay organized. The Raymarine Ice Fishing Kit is truly an all-in-one portable fishing package. MSRP is $199.99. Learn more at raymarine.com.

Fish Monkey® Tundra EX Waterproof Premium Insulated Glove

The most advanced, customized winter fishing glove ever tailored, the Tundra EX features several different textiles, strategically placed to keep hands and fingers warm and dry. A waterproof laminated membrane is light, breathable and flexible. For warmth without excess bulk, 260-gram Thinsulate / cotton insulation maintains comfort without detracting from natural movement, while a soft polar-fleece lining wraps hands in luxury and wicks moisture away. A PU Leather Monkey Palm lets anglers grip fishing rods and steering wheels with confidence. Special oversized, extra durable glove-pulls allow for easy-on / easy-off. Extra long neoprene cuffs hug wrists and keep cold air out. Two final touches—a touchscreen friendly index finger and special nose-wipe thumb—make the Tundra EX the ideal solution to fish and function all winter long. MSRP is $69.96.Learn more at fishmonkeygloves.com.

Gill Thermoskin Beanie

Keeping your head warm and looking cool can be difficult task… But not with Gill’s Thermoskin Beanie! Constructed from neoprene with flat locked seams, the Gill beanie hat has been carefully designed, rigorously tested and tweaked to prevent heat from escaping the head area. Double-lined and 2.5mm thick, this winter hat is both water and wind resistant, making it ideal for fishing in the coldest weather. Bottom line: the Gill Thermoskin Beanie makes a great gift for any active angler—male or female, young or old. MSRP is $29.95. Learn more at gillmarine.com.

St. Croix BASS X Rods

St. Croix’s BASS X (casting and spinning) series is a comprehensive collection of rods delivering legendary St. Croix performance at an exceptional value. Ten casting rods and four spinning rods round out the family, providing a solution for every bass fishing technique. Each BASS X rod is constructed of SCII graphite providing the foundation of lightness and sensitivity. Fuji® reels seats are paired with hard aluminum-oxide guides; a winning platform for casting, retrieving and fighting big green fish. While the technology drives design, the aesthetics of the blank, guides, and split grip handles ensure these rods look and feel as good as they fish. BASS X delivers incomparable value and provides anglers the abilities to build a large arsenal of technique-specific rods without taking out a loan. When paired with a 5-year warranty backed by its Superstar Service, St. Croix delivers on its goal of combining awesome performance and affordability. MSRP is $100-$110. Learn more at stcroixrods.com.

Seaguar AbrazX

Made from 100% Seaguar resins and produced using Seaguar’s proprietary extrusion process, AbrazX is the best-in-class product for abrasion resistance, providing TWICE the abrasion resistance of leading competitive fluorocarbon lines. AbrazX was developed to fish heavy cover around rocks, weeds, and docks, yet is suitable for all conditions on both spinning and baitcasting reels. The line has exceptional knot and impact strength and is extremely soft and sensitive for better feel and smoother casting. AbrazX is much less visible underwater than monofilament line, and is virtually invisible to fish. It’s also UV resistant, chemical resistant, non-absorbent, high-density and impervious to cold conditions. Available in 2 to 25 lb. test in 200 to 1,000 yard spools, AbrazX starts at $28.99. Learn more at seaguar.com.

LIVETARGET Hollow Body Sunfish

When it comes to bass fishing, it’s hard to beat the excitement created when a bass explodes the surface to attack a hollow-body frog… Unless, of course, it’s a girthy green monster pushing a juvenile sunfish to the surface with the same intent. That’s where LIVETARGET’s 2015 ICAST New Product Showcase Winner, the Hollow Body Sunfish, comes in. With its weedless design for penetrating the thickest of slop, the LIVETARGET Hollow Body Sunfish replicates a juvenile sunfish and is ideal for largemouth bass and northern pike. A custom double hook ensures solid and high hookup ratios but ease for pulling through the junk. It’s simple to walk slow with a 180-degree swing or work fast to create a bubble trail. Available in three sizes (3”, 7/16 oz.; 3 ½”, 5/8 oz.; and 4”, ¾ oz.) and 10 forage-matching colors including Natural/Blue Pumpkinseed, Natural/Olive Bluegill, Fluorescent/Pumpkinseed, Natural/Green Bluegill, Blue/Yellow Pumpkinseed, Bronze Pumpkinseed, Green/Bronze Pumpkinseed, Copper Pumpkinseed, Olive/Metallic Bluegill, and Midnight/Metallic Bluegill. If the angler on your list is big on frog fishing, make sure to expand his or her world with a whole new approach to catching fish on the surface with the LIVETARGET Hollow Body Sunfish. MSRP is $14.49. Learn more at livetargetlures.com.

Honeywell UVEX Genesis Shooting Glasses

Versatile Genesis eyewear models from Honeywell UVEX combine military-grade protection with adjustable temple length and lens inclination for a comfortable and customized fit. UVEX HydroshieldTM Anti-Fog Coating and a unique ventilation channel between the frame and lens work together to deliver superior fog control. UVEX Genesis meets U.S. Military V0 ballistic test for impact and exceeds ANSI Z87+ high impact standards. Made in the USA. MSRP is $18.80 with a lifetime frame guarantee. Learn more at uvex.us.

Z-Man® Bait BinderZ™ Doublewide

For anglers who’ve discovered the power of ElaZtech softbaits, carrying extra bags of baits is essential. It’s now easier than ever when you grab a Bait BinderZ™ Doublewide, Z-Man’s newest softbait storage solution. With twice the bait-storage capacity of the original Bait BinderZ, the Bait BinderZ Doublewide offers ample real estate to house two side-by-side stacks of Z-Man ElaZtech bait bags—up to 20 packs or more. Within the tough 500-denier nylon satchel, two sets of corrosion resistant nickel-plated rings align to accept pre-punched holes on all standard size Z-Man bait bags. Re-sealable bait bags allow anglers to access individual baits without removing packaging. The Bait BinderZ Doublewide is further outfitted with clear plastic pockets sized to store an array of jigheads, terminal tackle, leader spools and other essential tools. Secure plastic clips and hook-and-loop enclosures eliminate zipper failure or breakdown via corrosion. Each Bait BinderZ Doublewide bag sports a built-in handle with a slip-free grip. MSRP is $34.99. Learn more at zmanfishing.com.

FLIR ThermoSight PRO PTS233

A superior primary optic for hog hunters, predator hunters and tactical professionals and enthusiasts, the FLIR ThermoSight Pro PTS233 thermal riflescope features a wide, 12-degree field of view for rapid target acquisition and delivers crisp, clean thermal imagery in any light, from low-contrast daylight to total darkness. The PTS233 offers a 60Hz video refresh rate, 320×256 thermal resolution, USB-C connectivity, enhancement filters, built-in digital compass and inclinometer, and multiple user-selectable reticle and thermal palette options. Shot-activated onboard recording allows for the internal storage of up to two-and-a-half hours of video or 1,000 JPEG images. MSRP is $2,199.99. Learn more at flir.com.

GILL UNVEILS A LARGE-SCALE BRAND REFRESH, TURNS TO TRADITIONS MEDIA FOR SUPPORT IN THE FISHING INDUSTRY

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FISHING APPAREL AND PR LEADERS UNITE

GILL UNVEILS A LARGE-SCALE BRAND REFRESH, TURNS TO TRADITIONS MEDIA FOR SUPPORT IN THE FISHING INDUSTRY

December 17, 2018: Respected for their marine apparel innovations in the technical sailing and boating industries, Gill is pleased to announce a new partnership with media relations and marketing strategy group Traditions Media to help them communicate within the fishing industry.

Headquartered in the U.K., the company is present in over 35 countries and sees this as a natural step in the brand’s five-year growth plan, the first phase which started in early 2018 with the acquisition of Gill North America, the U.S. distributor of 35 years.

Gill’s PR team is long trusted in the marine, sailing, and boating industries, and to augment their efforts, Gill sought a partner with effectiveness in fishing industry communications.

This new approach is part of the brand’s five-year growth plan – the first phase of the plan started in early 2018 with the acquisition of Gill North America, the US distributor of 35 years. Whilst the new creative direction seeks to strengthen Gill’s current brand position within the fishing apparel market, the refresh is also designed to change perceptions and elevate the brand – to deliver growth with new shoppers and retailers as well as maintain their loyal fan base of fishing consumers.

“Traditions Media came highly recommended from many of the major stakeholders in fishing. We talked to B.A.S.S., Fishing Tackle Retailer, etc., and the fact that they came highly recommended by their peers was significant. Secondly, after talking with agency head Noel Vick and the team we felt very comfortable with their PR approach. They know the market and are enthusiasts themselves, which is another big factor,” said David Pritchard, Senior Vice President, Gill NA.

“We also felt like there would be good cross-pollination opportunities with other brands they represent in the fishing space,” Pritchard continued.

Traditions Media co-founder and President, Noel Vick, is enthusiastic about the opportunity as well. “We are honored to be working with a pioneer of proven, legacy rainwear – a company that concepts, designs and produces fail-proof apparel for all marine applications, including fishing. Gill fits in perfectly with our tradition of working with category leaders.”

Minn Kota, Humminbird And Talon Sign Multiyear Agreements To Become Premier Sponsors Of B.A.S.S.

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Dec. 17, 2018

Minn Kota, Humminbird And Talon Sign Multiyear Agreements To Become Premier Sponsors Of B.A.S.S.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Johnson Outdoors, one of the most innovative companies in the fishing and boating industries, has expanded its sponsorship of B.A.S.S. events, including the Bassmaster Classic and Bassmaster Elite Series.

Under the multiyear agreement announced today, three of Johnson Outdoors’ most powerful brands — Minn Kota, Humminbird and Talon — will be premier sponsors of B.A.S.S., the world’s largest fishing organization with more than 500,000 members, through 2019, 2020 and 2021. Minn Kota and Humminbird will continue their prominence at Bassmaster events. Minn Kota’s Talon shallow-water anchors brand is new to the family of premier sponsors of B.A.S.S.

“We at B.A.S.S. value our close relationship with Johnson Outdoors companies, and we appreciate their loyalty over the years,” said Bruce Akin, B.A.S.S. CEO. “We share a dedication to inspire more people to experience the great outdoors, and we look forward to working alongside Johnson Outdoors to accomplish that goal in the coming years.”

“We are excited to continue our long-standing partnership with B.A.S.S. as it reflects our mutual commitment to the sport of fishing,” said Johnson Outdoors Senior Director Joe Brown. “Minn Kota and Humminbird have deep roots in the fishing community. Educating and inspiring anglers from first-fish to high school competitions, and even up to the Bassmaster Elite Series, is the embodiment of our agreement, and it gives us a platform to connect with anglers at every stage of their passion.”

Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics will serve as a premier sponsor in three categories — boating electronics, trolling motors and shallow-water anchors — for all levels of B.A.S.S. competition, including the Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, Bassmaster Elite Series, Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens Series, Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation presented by Magellan Outdoors, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops and Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series.

The Classic is set for March 15-17 in Knoxville, Tenn., with Minn Kota, Humminbird and Talon logos prominently on display at the Bassmaster Classic weigh-ins at Thompson-Boling Arena adjacent to the Tennessee River in Knoxville.

“The 2018 Classic in Greenville and Anderson, S.C., drew record attendance of more than 143,000, and we look forward to a similar turnout in Knoxville,” Akin added.

But before the Classic, the new premier partnerships will kick off Jan. 24-26 with the BassPro.com Bassmaster Eastern Open on Florida’s Harris Chain of Lakes at Leesburg and will continue with two back-to-back Elite Series events, one on the St. Johns River at Palatka, Fla., Feb. 7-10, and another at Lake Lanier, Gwinnett, Ga., Feb. 14-17.

The nine-stop Elite Series circuit features a full field of 75 top-tier professional anglers striving to catch the heaviest five-bass daily limits on some of the hottest and most productive bass fisheries in the United States. In addition to $100,000 first-place prizes in each contest, the anglers will be gunning to qualify for the “Super Bowl of Bass Fishing,” the Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods. The career-making event will be held in the spring of 2020 and will mark the 50th Classic since the inaugural championship on Lake Mead, Nevada, in 1971.

In addition to connecting with anglers through 35 Bassmaster tournaments next year, Minn Kota, Humminbird and Talon will reach bass fishermen through B.A.S.S.’s diverse, industry-leading media, including Bassmaster.com, Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times magazines, The Bassmasters television show, Bassmaster LIVE, Bassmaster Radio, social media and expos at the best-attended tournaments in existence — the Elite Series and Classic.