Search
Subscribe
Sunday, December 21, 2025
Home Blog Page 909

NEW SUFIX® ADVANCE™ MONOFILAMENT “THE MONO THAT THINKS IT’S A BRAID” – Rapala

wpalert
-
0
NEW SUFIX® ADVANCE™ MONOFILAMENT “THE MONO THAT THINKS IT’S A BRAID” – Rapala

NEW SUFIX® ADVANCE™ MONOFILAMENT “THE MONO THAT THINKS IT’S A BRAID”

[print_link]

For a mono, new Sufix® Advance™ Monofilament hits a triple — it’s supple, sensitive and strong. It’s the monofilament line anglers have always sought but never found, until now – a mono that thinks it’s a braid.

“Sufix Advance is easy to handle and fishes smooth — like mono always has — but it shares some of the qualities of braid too, like enhanced sensitivity and abrasion resistance,” says Al Lindner, legendary co-founder of In-Fisherman and host of the influential “Angling Edge” and “Fishing Edge” TV shows.

After revolutionizing braided line with 832® Advanced Superline®, Sufix turned its attention to monofilament, creating a durable, low-stretch, abrasion-resistant line that makes no sacrifices that limit performance.

“It lays on the reel phenomenally and the handling is amazing,” Lindner says.

There’s some serious science at work making it a breeze to boat fish with Sufix Advance mono, which combines HMPE molecules with Hyper Copolymer. HMPE molecules are the material braided superlines are made from. Sufix engineered a proprietary magnetic-extrusion process to draw HMPE molecules toward the surface of the line and bond with the Hyper Copolymer. The result of all that engineering is superior, long-lasting abrasion resistance that doesn’t make the line stiff and unmanageable.

While Sufix Advance is well-suited for targeting multiple species in many situations, Lindner favors the new mono most when targeting shallow walleyes. “In the walleye world, so many guides and professional anglers I know have swung, full-tilt, back to monofilament, especially in shallow water,” Lindner says. “So, they’re really going to get excited about this new Sufix Advance.”

No matter the species you target, however, if your preferred angling method relies on spinning gear, you can count on Sufix Advance to put more fish in the boat or creel. “On spinning gear, fluorocarbon can come off the reel like a slinky,” Lindner says. “Advance mono has abrasion-resistance like fluoro, but comes off the reel smooth. And, that abrasion-resistance helps a lot with all the zebra mussels in a lot of the lakes we’re fishing.”

Additional features of Sufix Advance include enhanced castability, reduced line memory, unrivaled knot strength and 50 percent lower stretch and UV absorption than standard monofilament. It’s available in two colors, clear and low-vis green, and nine strengths: 4-, 6-, 8-, 10-, 12-, 14-, 17-, 20- and 25-pound test.

See Sufix® Advance™ Monofilament

The Suicide Buzzbait new for 2018 – Big Bite Baits

wpalert
-
0
The Suicide Buzzbait new for 2018 – Big Bite Baits
The Suicide Buzzbait new for 2018.
Big Bite Baits Fishing Lures pro Michael Neal targets Bream beds during the dog days of Summer looking for opportunistic Largemouth. Our new Big Bite Baits Fishing Lures Suicide Buzzbait is a great option for covering water in search of those Largemouth taking advantage of the Bream spawn. “The new Suicide Buzzbait will definitely be one of the baits I have tied on all Summer long. I can cover a lot of shallow water with it in a hurry, and it does a great job at imitating a fleeing Bream.” said Neal
Big Bite Pro Russ Lane doesn’t like to leave anything on the table when it comes to Summer time ledge fishing. The Alabama pro urges you to make sure you play clean up before leaving that sweet spot that seems to have played out. “Often times I see anglers leave a spot too soon once an active bite has begun to taper off,” says Lane. “When I find an active school of fish on a ledge, and they stop biting moving baits like a crankbait or swimbait, I am always going to follow up with what I like to call a clean up bait.” Lane’s clean up bait of choice during the Summer is a 10″ Big Bite Baits Kriet Tail worm, fished on a 1/2 oz or heavier stand up style jig head. Lane fishes this bait on a 7’2″ Heavy Denali Kovert Lite Worm & Jig rod (K864WJ), paired with a 6:3:1 gear ratio reel spooled with 16 lb Sunline FC Sniper. “Playing clean up on a spot will often times allow you to catch several more fish, and sometimes they can be the largest fish in the school.” Lane concluded.
Our Big Bite Baits Fishing Lures 4″ Shrimp Tail in Pearl/Chartreuse Tail and New Penny are hot colors right now for Summertime inshore saltwater fishing!
 Big Bite Baits Fishing Lures Neon Green mesh back hat.

Ledge Fishing: Summer Solutions For Catching The Big Ones Out Deep – MTB

wpalert
-
0
Ledge Fishing: Summer Solutions For Catching The Big Ones Out Deep – MTB

Ledge Fishing: Summer Solutions For Catching The Big Ones Out Deep

[print_link]

Ledge fishing is a classic river system technique in the summer when many bass leave the bank for the wide-open spaces of the lake. Finding them was easy when the fish were close to shore, but now it becomes more of a challenge.

While the novice angler continues to pound the shoreline and catch small bass, savvy anglers target off-shore structure that produces for them throughout the summer. Once hot weather arrives, you can locate bass along ledges, a structure with many of the same features (lay-downs, stump rows, brush and rock piles) you find along the bank.

Ledge Fishing Is Structure Fishing

Ledge-Fishing-Bass-Electronics

Similar to steps in a swimming pool, ledges serve as stairways for bass. A ledge is just a shallow area with immediate deep water access that provides a congregation point and/or a feeding area. The structure itself can be anything–a point, river channel swing, bluff bank or a flat–that has immediate juncture to deep water.

Productive ledges can either have slight or significant drop-offs. The drop in depth is a variable thing and can be as much as a very drastic drop (15 to 20 feet) to as little as a 2-foot drop.

Ledge Fishing Techniques

Two productive techniques for probing the drops are cranking a deep-diving crankbait and stroking a jig.

During early summer, try a deep-diving crankbait for aggressive postspawn bass bunched up on the ledges.  You should crank with 8-pound test line, which allows you to make longer casts. The lighter line also gives the lure more natural action and allows it to dive deeper.

When retrieving the crankbait make sure it bangs into cover or use a stop-and-go retrieve to create an erratic action in the bait.

Ledge Fishing: Strokin’ The Jig

Ledge Fishing: Jig

As the sun gets higher and the fish become less aggressive, you should switch to the jig stroking technique. The stroking aspect of ledge fishing is getting a reaction strike from relatively deep-water fish (in the 10- to 20-foot range). This technique involves jerking a 1/2- or 3/4-ounce jig and plastic trailer along the top of the ledge all the way to the drop.

Initiate the stroking technique by casting your jig to the ledge and letting it fall to the bottom on a semi-taut line. Be sure to watch your line the whole time because strikes frequently occur on the initial fall.  When the jig hits the bottom, jerk your rod from about the 10 o’clock position to about 1 o’clock to make the jig hop along the ledge.

Save 30% On Your Tackle!

mystery-tackle-boxIt’s time to join the club! With a Karl’s Club Membership, you’ll save 30% on all your tackle purchases, receive access to members only deals, AND 50% off your first order! Join Karl’s yearly club to save on everything in Karl’s Bait & Tackle Shop!

Learn More

Bassmaster Elite Series To Return To St. Lawrence River For Smallmouth Slugfest

wpalert
-
0
Bassmaster Elite Series To Return To St. Lawrence River For Smallmouth Slugfest

Bradley Roy of Lancaster, Ky., will be among a full field of 107 anglers vying for the $100,000 first-place prize and last chance to earn valuable Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year points at the 2018 Huk Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River presented by Black Velvet Aug. 23-26 out of Waddington, N.Y. Roy is currently leading the race with 617 points. 

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

Aug. 17, 2018

Bassmaster Elite Series To Return To St. Lawrence River For Smallmouth Slugfest

[print_link]

WADDINGTON, N.Y. — Giant smallmouth bass worth $100,000 to the top finisher will be the centerpiece of the final regular-season tournament stop on the Bassmaster Elite Series at the 2018 Huk Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River presented by Black Velvet.

The tournament will be held out of Waddington, N.Y., August 23-26. The Upstate New York community currently holds the record for the most attended Elite Series event, which took place in 2013 with more than 34,000 loyal fans.

“We’re very excited to be back in Waddington again this year. The Bassmaster fans along the St. Lawrence River are some of the finest in the country,” said B.A.S.S. Director of Event Operations Eric Lopez. “There are a lot of activities planned in addition to the daily takeoffs and weigh-ins, including live music, military appreciation, lots of food and even a fireworks show Saturday night.”

There will be something for everybody to enjoy throughout the entire event, especially intense competition between the world’s 107 best bass anglers.

This event offers a thrilling final shot at an invitation to the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship for many anglers at or outside the Top 50 in points. Bradley Roy of Lancaster, Ky., will leave the docks during the opening round leading the AOY race.

“I’ve been doing my best to not think too much about the AOY title,” Roy said. “I know the fishery is renowned for kicking out plenty of 20-pound limits of smallmouth bass, and big fish over 6 pounds are very likely. The anglers who can catch bass a little bigger than average are the ones who will be left standing at the end.”

Roy said that he thinks maintaining a 4-pound average inside the daily five-bass limit will be necessary to earn a Top 12 appearance on Championship Sunday.

“I wouldn’t be surprised to see a 25-pound bag, but that isn’t an easy weight to catch at any tournament,” he said. “This fishery is the kind of place where everybody will be catching fish, and that will keep the standings tight each day. My goal is to look for and catch as many big smallmouth as possible.”

This will be Roy’s third visit to the St. Lawrence River, and considering his momentum so far this year, he’s in good position to finish strong. In 2015 the 27-year-old pro finished in 73rd place, and 59th in 2015.

He wants another shot at the abundant St. Lawrence smallmouth.

“I love that fishery,” he said. “There are so many fish to be caught, but to have a good finish or even win, you have to catch plenty 4- and 5-pounders — and that’s my goal this time around. I believe I’ll have to finish in the Top 12 to stay in control of the AOY race going into the Championship.”

Wrapping up the season on a healthy St. Lawrence River with lots of fat smallmouth bass is sure to wow B.A.S.S. fans. Adding a tight AOY race to the mix is only going to kick the excitement up a notch.

Takeoff will occur daily at 6:15 a.m. ET out of Whittaker Park Boat Launch, and weigh-ins will take place at the same location at 3 p.m.

Robertson and Sumner Take the ABA win on Kentucky Lake August 12,2018

wpalert
-
0
Robertson and Sumner Take the ABA win on Kentucky Lake August 12,2018

Robertson and Sumner Take the win on Kentucky Lake

[print_link]

Sunday, August 12, 2018 the ABA Triton 100% Plus Team Tour held its third tournament of the season. Launching from Paris Landing State Park on Kentucky Lake located in Buchanan, Tennessee. Forty-six teams went to battle to try and win the 2018 Triton 17TX powered by a 60HP Mercury four-stroke with Garmin Echo-map plus 93SV valued at 20K.  Matthew Robertson of Kuttawa, Kentucky and Billy Sumner of Hanson, Kentucky took the victory, weighing in 5-fish for a total weight of 19.65-lbs. The team also earned a check of $700 for taking 1st place in the High Stakes Option Pot.

“We started the day fishing in 20ft of water, we caught a few good ones, then decided to move shallow fishing topwater.  Later in the day we moved back to deeper water fishing out our limit using a jig”, said Robertson.

Second place team James Foster and Brad Washburn brought 5-fish to the scales weighing 19.13-lbs.  They earned a check for $1800.00 for their catch.

“We ran down south trying to make things happen but that didn’t go as planned, so we decided to run back north to the 79 bridge and we found one particular spot that was holding fish pretty good and we were able to fill our limit by throwing a shaky head”, said Foster.

Coming in 3rd place was the team of Robert Bryant and Donald Wilson bringing 5-fish to the scales weighing 18.62-lbs.  Earning a check for $1200.00 for their catch. They also had the biggest bass of the tournament weighing 8.40-lbs earning them an extra $340.00 for this kicker.

“We found fish in practice south of New Johnsonville, so we decided to make the long run today and found one spot and stayed there all day being patent catching a total of 7-fish on a Texas rig 10-inch worm.  Our fish that weighed 8.40lbs was caught early in the morning.’ said Bryant.

Finishing 4th was the team of Gary Singleton and Edward Gettys weighing in 4-fish at 18.25-lbs. Earning a check for $900.00 for their efforts plus a check for $450.00 for 2nd place in the High Stakes Option Pot.  Rounding out the top 5 was the team of Tom O’Bryant and Buddy Wallace weighing in 5-fish for 17.84-lbs.  They earned a check for $750.00 plus a $250.00 check for the High-Stakes Option Pot.

The next Tennessee/Kentucky Triton Plus 100% Team Tour Tournament is September23,2018 on Kentucky Lake going out of Paris Landing State Park in Buchanan, Tennessee.

For more information on this event call/text Tournament Manager: Daniel Sylvester- (256)230-5633 Email: [email protected]

About American Bass Anglers: American Bass Anglers is committed to providing 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, the Open Series, the American Fishing Tour or the American Couples Series, visit www.americanbassanglers.com 

American Bass Anglers Inc. is supported by Triton Boats, Mercury Outboards, Geico, Berkley,ABU Garcia, T-H Marine,  Maui Jim, Garmin, Optima Batteries and Sirius XM Marine weather. American Bass Anglers can be contacted at (256) 232-0406 or by visiting www.americanbassanglers.com

Robertson Makes it Two in a Row ABA on Kerr Lake August 11,2018

wpalert
-
0
Robertson Makes it Two in a Row ABA on Kerr Lake August 11,2018

Robertson Makes it Two in a Row

[print_link]

ATHENS, Ala. – Following up his win on Kerr Lake, Mark Robertson of Henderson, North Carolina won the American Bass Anglers open series held on Lake Gaston on 8/11/18. Running out of Holly Grove Marina in Bracey, Virginia Robertson weighed in a  five-bass limit weighing 16.67-lbs. Robertson’s limit was anchored by a bass weighing 4.76 pounds. For the win Robertson took home a check for $5000.00.

“I caught all my fish today on a jig fishing points in seven foot of water,” said Robertson.

In second for the boaters, Chuck Murray of Louisburg, North Carolina weighed in a five-bass limit weighing 14.39 pounds. He took home a check for $800.00 for the effort. Also for being the highest finisher in the Triton Gold program Murray qualified for contingency monies from Triton Boats.

“I had to work hard today to get the bites. I caught my fish out of the grass and around docks,” said Murray

Taking third for the boaters Richard Shaffer of Oakland, Maryland weighed in a five-bass limit weighing 12.78 pounds. His limit was anchored by a bass weighing 6.60 pounds. He took home a check for $600.00 for his catch. Shaffer also took home an additional $510.00 for weighing in the largest bass caught by a boater. For catching the largest bass of the tournament and for catching the bass on an ABU Garcia reel Shaffer took home an ABU Garcia Revo reel valued at $160.00.

“I caught my fish today flipping a baby brush hog. I caught the big fish on a laydown,” said Shaffer.

In fourth place for the boaters, JT Palmore of Blackstone, Virginia weighed in a five-bass limit weighing 12.51 pounds. Rounding out the top five, Brandon Gray of Bullock, North Carolina, weighed in a five-bass limit weighing 12.47 pounds.

In the co-angler division Danny Towe of Salem, Virginia weighed in a co-angler limit of three-bass weighing 7.01 pounds. His limit was anchored by a bass weighing 3.70 pounds. Towe took home $900.00 for the win and an additional $130.00 for weighing in the largest bass caught by a co-angler.

“I caught my fish today on a drop shot and a crankbait fishing 15-18 feet. My big fish came off the crankbait in about 9 feet,” said Towe.

Taking second for the co-anglers, Ray Toombs of Drakes Branch Virginia, weighed in a three-bass limit weighing 5.95 pounds. His catch was anchored by a bass weighing 3.20 pounds. He took home $400.00 for the effort.

“I started out with a shakeyhead. I caught probably 10 fish today,” said Toombs

Taking third for the co-anglers, Brian McDonald of Hope Mills North Carolina,
Weighed in a three-bass limit weighing 5.64 pounds. He took home $300.00 for his catch.

“I caught 10-15 keepers today in the grass with a hollow-bellied frog,” said McDonald.

In fourth and fifth among the co-anglers, Steven Jacobs of Sanford North Carolina and Ralph Taylor of Rockville Virginia each weighed in three-bass weighing 5.62 pounds.

Slated for 9/22/23 2018, the next event will be the two day regional on Kerr Lake launching from Nutbush park.

About American Bass Anglers: American Bass Anglers is committed to providing 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, the Open Series, the American Fishing Tour or the American Couples Series, visit www.americanbassanglers.com.

American Bass Anglers Inc. is supported by Triton Boats, Mercury Outboards, Geico, Berkley, ABU Garcia, T-H Marine,  Maui Jim, Garmin, Sirius XM Marine weather and Optima Batteries.
American Bass Anglers can be contacted at (256) 232-0406 or by visiting americanbassanglers.com

St. Croix pro James Niggemeyer picks away at Ouachita and comes away satisfied and thankful to be fishing the Best Rods on Earth

wpalert
-
0
St. Croix pro James Niggemeyer picks away at Ouachita and comes away satisfied and thankful to be fishing the Best Rods on Earth

The Happiest 2nd Place Finisher

St. Croix pro James Niggemeyer picks away at Ouachita and comes away satisfied and thankful to be fishing the Best Rods on Earth

[print_link]

Park Falls, WI (August 16, 2018) – In the 2006 comedy Talladega Nights, the lovable and eccentric stockcar driver Ricky Bobby put being runner-up into perspective: “If you ain’t first, you’re last.” The infinitely upbeat 2018 FLW Cup runner-up, James Niggemeyer, sees standing on the second highest platform through an entirely different lens, however…

Photo courtesy of FLW

“You’re talking to the happiest second place finisher in the world,” said Niggemeyer. “Clent Davis literally had a career day in the biggest FLW tournament you can fish. Kuddos to him. I wasn’t even close to first. The conditions were tough, and I did the best with what I had.”

“I wouldn’t change a single thing,” said Niggemeyer, arguably the noblest guy on the circuit.

Fishing southern reservoirs in August and September has its challenges. On Lake Ouachita, for example, you have a blend of surface temps that kiss the 90-degree mark and ozone clear water conditions. What makes for a beautiful beach and barbeque backdrop, however, urges bass anglers to fish with stealth and finesse, while continuously thumbing through their encyclopedia of tactical options.

And Niggemeyer did just that.

He reached into his menagerie for very precise, technique-specific rods that matched each situation. But the bulk of his tournament-grade fish came buzzing by the surface, so the choice was easy: 7’4” heavy power, fast action, St. Croix Legend Elite casting rod (EC74HF)

Photo courtesy of FLW

In a tournament with a tough bite, having the right rod and reel combo is critically important. If Niggemeyer was going to weigh bag fish, he needed to buzz a lot of water, and make extra-long casts to skittish fish that were already stuffed with young-of-the-year shad. The 7’4” Legend Elite paired with a Cabela’s Arachnid reel was the ticket.

“The rod is so light,” said Niggemeyer. “I could make long casts repeatedly without feeling fatigued. The engineering built into this rod makes casting seem effortless. It’s literally so smooth I didn’t think about what I was doing—I was able to focus on getting bit and putting fish in the boat.”

Three 8 to 10-hour days of repetitively making 100’s of casts can completely wear an angler out. Niggemeyer credits the lean weights, handling comfort and peerless performance of his entire St. Croix collection to his overall success.

“Whether you are fishing in a tournament or fishing for fun, your goal is to land more fish. St. Croix builds quality equipment that makes you enjoy more success on the water with every cast.”

LEGEND ELITE® CASTING RODS features:

  • Integrated Poly Curve® (IPC®) tooling technology.
  • Advanced Reinforcing Technology™ (ART™).
  • Taper Enhancement Technology (TET) blank design provides curved patterns for improved action with increased sensitivity.
  • Super high-modulus SCVI graphite with FRS in lower section for maximum power and strength with reduced weight.
  • High-modulus/high-strain SCV graphite with FRS and carbon-matte scrim for unparalleled strength, durability and sensitivity.
  • Slim-profile ferrules.
  • Fuji® Torzite® tangle-free guides with titanium frames for unrivaled, 100% corrosion-proof performance.
  • Fuji® TVS blank-touch reel seat with built-in hood on spinning rods.
  • Fuji® PTS blank-touch reel seat with built-in hood on casting rods.
  • Anodized, machined-aluminum wind check.
  • Super-grade cork handle.
  • Kigan titanium hook-keeper.
  • Two coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish.
  • Includes protective rod sack.
  • 15-year transferable warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service.
  • Designed and handcrafted in Park Falls, U.S.A.

Campbellsville’s Ratliff Wins College Bass Shootout With Last-Minute Heroics

wpalert
-
0
Campbellsville’s Ratliff Wins College Bass Shootout With Last-Minute Heroics

Nick Ratliff of Campbellsville University won the 2018 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Classic Bracket presented by Bass Pro Shops earning a berth in the 2019 Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods to be held on the Tennessee River out of Knoxville, Tenn.

Photo by Kelly Bostian/B.A.S.S.

August 16, 2018

Campbellsville’s Ratliff Wins College Bass Shootout With Last-Minute Heroics

[print_link]

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — A storm rolled in and the lighting struck not twice but three times as two college anglers put on the kind of show in a bracket finale that would even make Mother Nature nervous.

Nick Ratliff, 21, of Elizabethtown, Ky., a senior at Campbellsville University, pulled lightning out of his pocket, twice, to punch his ticket to the 2019 Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods in a crazy 2018 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Classic Bracket presented by Bass Pro Shops.

Ratliff fought down to the final minutes of the third day in an oh-so-close bracket against a scrappy West Virginia University junior, Nolan Minor of Charlottesville, Va., who rolled out a lightning strike of his own.

The anglers wrapped up the day with the two biggest bags of the tournament; Ratliff with 13 pounds, 8 ounces and Minor with 13-4.

Ratliff not only landed the biggest bag of the contest and a berth in the 2019 Bassmaster Classic March 15-17 on the Tennessee River at Knoxville, but he also earned a fully-rigged Toyota Tundra, a Nitro Z20 bass boat and a $7,500 tournament stipend courtesy of Carhartt.

Ratliff, who is majoring in business administration with an emphasis in marketing, started off with his first strike immediately after the launch with back-to-back 2-plus-pound smallmouth bass. He appeared to have a nearly insurmountable advantage at the first break and reveal, which came an hour early as a passing storm with lightning forced the anglers back to a covered dock.

He had posted five fish the first two hours for 9 pounds, 11 ounces using a wacky-rigged Senko stickworm in green pumpkin. He had weighed in the heaviest bag of the tournament on Day 1, a 12-13 limit, and followed that with 11-0 to advance to the finale.

Minor, a wildlife and fisheries major, seemed like a major underdog at the break with only one keeper to his name at 13 ounces.

While Minor had advanced in his bracket challenges, his first two bags, at 7-15 on Day 1 and 10-8 on Day 2, were not as impressive as Ratliff’s totals.

Minor acknowledge the shortfall, and at the time said he knew that Ratliff had been wishing for calm, clear conditions all week, and those conditions appeared after the storm cleared. He assumed his competitor was onto a good bite that would continue.

“I’m going to need to change it up,” he said.

But Minor made a strike of his own while Ratliff’s pattern seemed to fade.

He ran to a shallow, rocky ledge on the main lake that sloped out to about 7 feet deep and fell off to more than 20. The place was so thick with shad it looked like it was still raining on the smooth water. He tried the surface baits for a few casts before breaking out a football-head jig. Within 25 minutes, he had not only covered the gap but eclipsed Ratliff’s lead. In less than an hour he had culled up to 13 pounds with at least 10 more keepers.

Meanwhile Ratliff plugged along consistently, throwing his weightless wacky-rigged stickworm and keeping his faith.

“I had the feeling I was behind,” he said. “I kept my head down, and I knew if the Lord meant it to be, then it would be.”

With just 30 minutes left in fishing time, lightning struck for the final time and three more fish allowed him to cull up to his winning 13-8.

Like anyone struck by lightning, Ratliff was emotional and stunned as family and friends hugged and congratulated him.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet,” he said of the win and the Classic berth. “It was so close. I thought I’d lost. I really did.”

For more information, visit Bassmaster.com/college.

Name # Fish # Live Lbs – Oz
1 Nick Ratliff Campbellsville University 5 5 13- 8
2 Nolan Minor West Virginia University 5 5 13- 4

TOTALS
Day # Fish # Live Lbs-Oz # Limits
1 31 31 61-12 5
2 19 19 38- 3 3
3 10 10 26-12 2

Healing Our Heroes The 8th Annual Reel American Heroes Tournament by Bruce Callis

wpalert
-
0
Healing Our Heroes The 8th Annual Reel American Heroes Tournament by Bruce Callis

Healing Our Heroes
The 8th Annual Reel American Heroes Tournament

[print_link]

The day started early, as I arrived at 3 am for the 8th Annual Reel American Heroes Tournament out of Hope Springs Marina. I checked in and got my safety vest and flashlights and headed out to the entrance to the marina to greet the arriving warriors and volunteer boaters. There was a light mist falling all the way as I drove in, and it continued as the first boaters began to arrive. A light rain came down at times, but as the dawn started to break through the darkness, the skies lightened, the dark clouds began rolling out, and hopes rose. As I walked from my post at 6 am towards the marina and the awaiting warriors, I could feel and hear the excitement in air.

I stopped at the breakfast table and refilled my coffee then made my way through the crowd, talking to everyone as I went over to the registration table and dropped off my safety vest and flashlights, so they may be used another year. I then went back out into the crowd and talked some more. My first year I knew very few people there, but as the years click by quickly, I have met and made friends with so many of the volunteer boaters and warriors. While faces change yearly, as warriors move about, and some boaters have tournaments that may conflict with this event, they always come back. For us volunteers, its not about glory, it is about giving back to those who gave so much so we, American citizens, can enjoy the freedoms we have. And the one freedom they help ensure is the ability to enjoy our passion, fishing.


The Elite pros, who take time out of their busy schedule to volunteer, are no different. They come to give back as well. One of these is John Crews, a fellow Virginian, who gives so much to this event. He has been on board for over 5 years and he goes far beyond this one day. He has been there at times when he was unable to fish because the river was off limits due to a pending BASS tournament, but did make sure that everyone knew not to mention anything about how the river was, what was working, or even where they found fish. Everyone made sure that he didn’t endanger his status for the tournament. But this speaks to how important this event is to him. This year, Caleb Sumrall, a fellow BASS Elite Pro from New Iberia, Louisiana, made the decision to help take a warrior fishing. What a true gentleman indeed. I am hoping to see him back again next year. And another regular BASS Elite Pro, Shaw Grisby from Gainesville, Florida, came to show his support by taking out a Hero. While he could not stay to the end, he made sure his warrior had an awesome day.


Then there are the sponsors who help make this event possible. Lews is a title sponsor who helps make sure that every warrior is given a brand new rod and reel combo to fish with that they take home with them. Steve Parks of Rage Tail is another sponsor. This year, Steve gave to one warrior, the opportunity to go fishing with him, all expenses paid, and the choice of lakes, including one in Mexico. There are so many others that help offset the cost of this event. From the food, to tackle (each warrior is given a tackle box filled with everything they need for the day, to keep and carry home), to those that provide on site help in addition to helping prepare everything.

And the real work is done by Ron Defreitas, the founder of the foundation and Chief Financial Officer. When Ron began his cancer treatment, his daughter Ashley Gardner was there with him and his wife Maria, and took over so many daily operations for the 100% volunteer 501©(3)nonprofit foundation. She is now the Chief Executive Officer. Her husband Chris Gardner Jr. also stepped up to become the Chief Operations Officer for the foundation. They are joined by Leslie Van Horn and Jay Nicely, both Directors. They work throughout the year putting everything together that leads to this one day, plus they also help put warriors on the water during the year through the Team RAHF, where volunteers work with them to make it happen at any time of the year, and it is not limited to just here in Virginia. Volunteers come from all across the entire country and they travel here to volunteer also. This year, I met a volunteer from North Dakota who came in just to give back to our Heroes.

After the Heroes came to weigh-in, they made their way to the amazing lunch that is provided to them. Here is where they really relax and get an opportunity to talk, about their day, fishing, and anything they want. It is here under the tent that you find so much laughter and brotherhood (and sisterhood). It is only broken up by the call to gather for the Awards Presentation.

Everyone moves over to the former check in area that has been transformed into the Awards Presentation and Prize booth. As the winners are announced, they go to the prize booth and select what prize they want. The 1st place winning team of Randy Waterman (boater) and David Rheuark (Hero) brought in 5 fish for a total of 15.77 pounds. David took home the kayak so that he could continue to use fishing as therapy.

The winner were: 2nd place, Matt Pastino (B) and John Pastino (H) with 5 fish for 14.73 pounds. In 3rd was Michael Majchszak (B) and John Henry (H) with 5 fish for 12.80 pounds. They also won big bass with 4.46 pounds. In 4th place were Angie Merza (B), Jose Merza (H) and Ira Benoit (H) with a 5 fish limit of 12.78 pounds. Rounding out the top 5 were Michael Nichols (B) and Billy Stickney (H) with 5 fish for 12.63 pounds.

While they award the top 5 teams, and do a raffle giveaway, the real winners was everyone there. No one left unhappy. The only frown was that the day was over, but the glimmer in those eyes were looking forward to next year. While we are not related, and mostly strangers, we are family. We are brothers and sisters coming together to enjoy each others company. We give from the heart and live life fully, one day at a time.
If you want to be a part of this great foundation, to volunteer to take a warrior out fishing, to volunteer to help on shore, or to donate to help make this event happen in 2019, you can go to their website and do so. Their website is http://www.reelamericanheroes.org/ and click on the donate button or contact them.
Hope to see you there in 2019 as we honor our Heroes and help them through fishing.

Performance Enhancing Gloves for . . . Fishing – Fish Monkey – August 16,2108

wpalert
-
0
Performance Enhancing Gloves for . . . Fishing – Fish Monkey – August 16,2108

Performance Enhancing Gloves for . . . Fishing 

Fish Monkey gloves become standard equipment for the athlete angler

“If fishing is a sport, that must mean we’re athletes.”

– Anonymous Angler

[print_link]

Destin, FL (August 16, 2018) – Whether or not you buy into the notion above, there’s little doubt about the role your hands play in the successful pursuit of fish. It’s no accident the best anglers also possess exceptional hand-eye coordination. You cast and reel—all the better if your pitches land with pinpoint accuracy. You tie knots—veteran anglers can do it with their eyes closed. How about picking sticky lures out of crowded tackle boxes? Or sharpening and extracting hooks? Steering the boat. Paddling the kayak. Lip-locking bass.

That’s a lot of metacarpal exercise.

Bassmaster Elite Series angler Timmy Horton says fishing-specific gloves enhance his on-water performance.

You can make a pretty solid case that your hands—and protecting them— play equally important roles in successful fishing as they do in sports like baseball, football or golf. You might even say an anglers’ hands potentially take as much abuse as those of a boxer or MMA fighter. (If you doubt it, shake hands with a veteran fishing guide, sometime—not pretty.) Plus, fishing is performed directly beneath harsh UV rays for 12 hours or more per day. Hands get hammered from all directions and undoubtedly, deserve protecting.

“Professional athletes have always used gloves as standard equipment in their respective sport,” notes Bassmaster Elite Series pro Timmy Horton. “Could be a pair of baseball batting gloves worn to prevent blisters. Or hockey gloves to protect against pucks and sharp stick slashes. Or gloves worn by wide receivers in football. The grip they provide is so good some people refer to them as ‘performance enhancers’—and for good reason.

“In professional fishing,” Horton observes, “seeing anglers wearing gloves has become the new normal—and a pretty cool statement, depending on the style or colors you wave. It’s about protecting the skin on the back of your hands from UV rays, no doubt. But good fishing gloves also give me a better grip of my fishing rod. And on cooler days, they keep my hands warm and working at peak performance.”

For Horton, a pair of Fish Monkey Guide Gloves serve as an insurance policy for his two most valuable fishing appendages. “My Guide Gloves have a soft, slightly tacky silicone grip. They actually enhance my ability to grip and cast the rod and reel, especially given the torque and tension we experience during a full day on the water. Definitely reduces fatigue and raises the level of my performance, all while protecting my skin from the fish, the sun and the elements.”

“Few years ago, I made a commitment to my family to do a better job of protecting myself against the outdoor elements while fishing,” says Steve Pennaz, professional angler and host of Lake Commandos TV. “For me, Fish Monkey Guide Gloves are a big part of the overall protection program.”

Like a lot of anglers, Pennaz had long disdained the use of liquid sunscreen products, which leave a greasy residue on the skin and give off unnatural, fish-repelling odors. Even more alarming are recent studies that suggest certain sunscreens may contain skin-penetrating chemicals with potentially harmful side effects. It’s another reason the easiest, safest solution to skin-protection today is a pair of gloves and other clothing with verified ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) ratings of 50 or more. Fabric with a rating of UPF 50+ means just 2-percent (1/50th) of the sun’s ultraviolet rays can penetrate through to the skin.

“For me, slipping on a pair of gloves and a Face Guard is simpler, safer and doesn’t put offensive sunscreen chemicals on my lures,” notes Pennaz. “What I particularly like about Fish Monkey—beyond their total UPF 50+ shield—is that the company is totally committed to building the most angler-centric gloves, period.

“The company consists of apparel design experts who are also hardcore fishing people,” he continues. “They’re so serious about fabricating task-specific fishing gloves that they actually offer twenty different styles—each for different fishing situations, species, environments and climatic conditions. That level of dedication is evident when you slip a pair on your hands.”

Patterned to grant sensitivity and total freedom of movement in the wrists and fingers, Fish Monkey designs such as the versatile Stubby Guide Glove give anglers a super natural fit on the water. The half-finger, shortened open-wrist guide glove provides extra comfort with a non-slip silicone palm print for gripping things like fishing rods and kayak paddles. Its quick-drying spandex back provides total UPF 50+ sun protection. Special “pullers” yield easy-on, easy-off without turning the glove inside out. Guides and pro anglers continually call out the following advantages: casting, dexterity and enhanced performance while fishing, tying knots, safe fish handling, poling the flats, and hand protection from cuts, sun and fatigue. Kayak anglers, too, largely consider fishing gloves standard equipment.

“Few days ago, I landed over 60 bass while wearing Fish Monkey Guide Gloves,” says Pennaz, “What amazed me is that besides totally protecting my hands from sunburn, I noticed absolutely no signs of bass thumb—those annoying scrapes and punctures associated with lipping largemouth and smallmouth bass. Nothing against battle scars—had them for decades. But for me, fishing gloves have become the new way of doing business on the water.”

For more information, visit www.fishmonkeygloves.com or call (888) 659-8864.
1...908909910...1,534Page 909 of 1,534

Follow Us

The latest

Winter Is Prime for Trophy Bass

Fresh Baitz 0
Late fall and early winter are often overlooked, yet...

Bassmaster Elite Angler and St. Croix Rod Pro, Bob Downey, Joins SEVIIN Reels Team

Bass News 0
PARK FALLS, WIS. – “Ol’ Bob Downey” will be competing...

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

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

© 2023 The Bass Cast. All Rights Reserved.