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MLF General Tire Team Series Costa Qualifier Presented by Toyota Set to Premiere Saturday on Outdoor Channel

February 15, 2024

MLF General Tire Team Series Costa Qualifier Presented by Toyota Set to Premiere Saturday on Outdoor Channel

New episodes of General Tire Team Series premiere every Saturday from 2-4 p.m. ET

ROANOKE, W. Va. (Feb. 15, 2024) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) General Tire Team Series Costa Qualifier presented by Toyota is set to premiere this Saturday, Feb. 17, at 2 p.m. ET on Outdoor Channel. The event, filmed last fall in Roanoke, West Virginia, showcases nine teams of three anglers competing to finish in the top three and advance to the Bass Pro Shops Team Series Championship.

The 2024 Costa Qualifier presented by Toyota will feature teams visiting Stonewall Jackson and Summersville Lakes in West Virginia. The competition waters aren’t revealed to the anglers until they arrive to the launch ramp each morning of the event.

The nine teams that competed in the General Tire Team Series Costa Qualifier Presented by Toyota in West Virginia were:

Team B&W Trailer Hitches:
Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas
Jeff Kriet, Ardmore, Okla.
Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas

Team Builders FirstSource:
Andy Morgan, Dayton, Tenn.
Fletcher Shryock, Guntersville, Ala.
James Watson, Lampe, Mo.

Team Crockett Creek:
David Dudley, Lynchburg, Va.
Bradley Roy, Lancaster, Ky.
Greg Vinson, Wetumpka, Ala.

Team Ferguson:
Jeremy Lawyer, Sarcoxie, Mo.
Cody Meyer, Star, Idaho
Shinichi Fukae, Osaka, Japan

Team Knighten Industries:
Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif.
Brett Hite, Phoenix, Ariz.
John Murray, Spring City, Tenn.

Team Kubota:
Jordan Lee, Cullman, Ala.
Mark Davis, Mount Ida, Ark.
Timmy Horton, Muscle Shoals, Ala.

Team Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff & Pouches:
Casey Ashley, Donalds, S.C.
Terry Scroggins, San Mateo, Fla.
Jacob Wall, New Hope, Ala.

Team Sqwincher:
Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala.
Skeet Reese, Auburn, Calif.
Fred Roumbanis, Russellville, Ark.

Team Star brite:
Kevin VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich.
David Walker, Huntingdon, Tenn.
Kelly Jordon, Flint, Texas

Saturday’s premiere episode will feature Team Kubota, Team Knighten Industries and Team Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff & Pouches.

The complete television air schedule for the 2024 General Tire Team Series on Outdoor Channel can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The 2024 General Tire Team Series is comprised of three Qualifying Events, filmed for production in the fall of 2023, where teams compete for advancement to the Bass Pro Shops Teams Series Championship. Each of the three Qualifier events consists of nine teams, each comprising three anglers.

Nearly a half of a million dollars will be paid out over the three no-entry fee Qualifiers, and the total season-long purse for the General Tire Team Series is more than $720,000.

Proud sponsors of the MLF General Tire Team Series include: Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Barbasol, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA Scales, Builders FirstSource, C-MAP, Crockett Creek Beef Jerky, Epic Baits, Ferguson, General Tire, Knighten Industries, Kubota, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Nitro Boats, Onyx, Optima Batteries, Plano, Power-Pole, Rapala, Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff, Spiderwire, Sqwincher, Star brite, St. Croix and Toyota.

For complete details and updated information on the General Tire Team Series visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

Wolfson Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament celebrates 35 years of fishing, philanthropy and community support

Brian Carter

February 15, 2024

Wolfson Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament celebrates 35 years of fishing, philanthropy and community support
Annual competition benefitting Wolfson Children’s C. Herman and Mary Virginia Terry Heart Institute returns to Palatka, Fla., May 16-18, 2024.

Jacksonville, Florida – Since the first boats launched in the St. Johns River nearly 35 years ago, the Wolfson Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament has grown to welcome more than 1,000 anglers each year. The 35th annual tournament will return to Palatka, Fla., May 16-18, 2024, and while the size of the tournament has changed, the mission behind it remains the same.

Founded by the Plant Facilities Department of Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville in 1989 to fund capital improvements and purchase the latest medical technology, the tournament has raised more than $7 million for Wolfson Children’s Hospital and the patients treated there.

The only children’s hospital in Northeast Florida, Wolfson Children’s serves children across the region with routine and complex conditions, including congenital heart disease, cancer and blood disorders, neurological conditions, traumatic injuries and more.

In 2024, as they have for the last several years, the proceeds will benefit Wolfson Children’s C. Herman and Mary Virginia Heart Institute, the only program in Jacksonville that provides a full range of cardiac services for children.

“I continued to be inspired by the support we receive from anglers who come from across the Southeast, many of them for generations, to participate in the tournament. While they have a passion for fishing, they also have a passion for making a difference in the lives of Wolfson Children’s patients,” said Sam Dean, Baptist Health system director of Plant Facilities, who helped organize the first event in 1989 and currently serves as tournament co-chair. “These are anglers with a heart.”
Along with the thousands of anglers in attendance, more than 100 volunteers from Baptist Health, Wolfson Children’s, the City of Palatka and area businesses join together to make the tournament a success year after year.

“I’m so thankful to be a part of such an important event. As the tournament grows, so does the support for Wolfson Children’s. It’s been incredibly rewarding to know that together we’re making a difference in the lives of children from across the Southeast,” said Brian Seay, tournament co-chair and executive vice president of Miller Electric.

Registration is now open for the three-day event, which includes a Lads & Lasses Tournament on Thursday, May 16, followed by a VIP & Friends Tournament on Friday, May 17. The 35th Annual Wolfson Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament kicks off at safe light on Saturday, May 18. More than $48,000 in cash prizes will be awarded during the three-day event.

Also returning in 2024 is the annual bass boat giveaway. For $20, anyone may enter a drawing to win a 21’ 2024 Bullet Boat model 21XRS with a trailer, courtesy of Bullet Boats, valued at $78,000, with a motor to be included. Like the tournament, all proceeds will benefit the Terry Heart Institute.

“Everyone looks forward to the bass boat giveaway. It’s a fun event that has also become an important part of our fundraising efforts. If you can’t make the tournament, $20 gives you a shot at a new boat while helping support Wolfson Children’s heart patients. It’s a win, win,” Dean said.

To register for the Wolfson Children’s Hospital Bass tournament, enter the bass boat drawing or donate to the hospital’s mission, visit wolfsonbasstournament.com.

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Wolfson Children’s Hospital relies on the generosity of members of our community. To support Wolfson Children’s Hospital, please visit wolfsonchildrens.com/give.
About Wolfson Children’s Hospital of Jacksonville Nonprofit Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, is a part of Baptist Health, Northeast Florida’s most comprehensive health system serving every stage of life. Wolfson Children’s is the only children’s hospital in Northeast Florida and serves as the pediatric referral center for North Florida, South Georgia and beyond. Staffed 24/7 by pediatric nurses and other healthcare professionals specially trained to work with children, the 281-bed, patient- and family-centered hospital features the latest pediatric medical technology in a welcoming, child-friendly environment. At Wolfson Children’s, nationally recognized pediatric specialists representing nearly every medical and surgical specialty work with pediatricians to provide care for children of all ages with congenital heart conditions, cancer, neurological disorders, diabetes and endocrinology disorders, orthopedic conditions, behavioral health conditions, traumatic injuries, and more. Wolfson Children’s collaborates with pediatric organizations, including Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville, the University of Florida College of Medicine—Jacksonville and Mayo Clinic Florida. A Magnet™-designated hospital since 2010, Wolfson Children’s Hospital has been named among the U.S. News & World Report 50 Best Children’s Hospitals year after year, and in 2021, was selected as one of only eight children’s hospitals in the country as a Leapfrog Top Children’s Hospital, a recognition of patient quality and safety. For additional information, please visit wolfsonchildrens.co m.

B.A.S.S. announces Fort Worth, Texas, as site for 2025 Bassmaster Classic

Brian Carter

February 15, 2024

B.A.S.S. announces Fort Worth, Texas, as site for 2025 Bassmaster Classic

Fort Worth, Texas will host the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors March 21-23, 2025.

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

February 15, 2024

B.A.S.S. announces Fort Worth, Texas, as site for 2025 Bassmaster Classic

FORT WORTH, Texas — The Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors, will return to Fort Worth for fishing’s biggest event of the year. Dubbed the Super Bowl of Bass Fishing, this tournament is estimated to draw crowds approaching 150,000 to Fort Worth as anglers compete for a $1 million dollar purse on March 21-23, 2025.

The Fort Worth Sports Commission will host the tournament and festivities at the Fort Worth Convention Center and Dickies Arena. The tournament will be a week-long, fishing-themed party with the world championship of bass fishing as its centerpiece. Only the fourth time the Classic has been held in the Lone Star State, it will get a Texas-sized boost in attendance and participation with an expected economic impact of more than $25 million for local businesses. Weigh-ins and all of the usual festivities will be held in Fort Worth, the state’s 12th-largest city, with competition being held on Lake Ray Roberts in nearby Denton.

Fort Worth and Lake Ray Roberts hosted the event in 2021, drawing 147,197 fans. At the time, it was the second-largest crowd ever for a Bassmaster Classic and still a record for a Classic held in Texas.

“There was a lot of uncertainty in the world in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic the last time we visited Fort Worth — so much so that we had to move it to June instead of holding it in March,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. “But the city of Fort Worth was so great to work with and the people in Texas came out and still made it one of the most exciting Classics we’ve ever had. They treated the Classic like what it is — a true celebration of the sport — even though circumstances forced that move to the summertime.

“Now, we’re really looking forward to going back to this fantastic venue during the time when the Classic is traditionally held.”

The annual Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo at the Fort Worth Convention Center will offer attendees deals on the latest fishing tackle and outdoors accessories from more than 200 exhibitors. They’ll also be able to rub shoulders with legends of the sport like Bassmaster and television superstar Bill Dance.

After soaking in all the Expo has to offer, attendees can enjoy the daily weigh-ins at nearby Dickies Arena, where a new angler will be crowned the Classic champion on Sunday, March 23, 2025. This title provides lifelong clout and a $300,000 first-place prize.

“We are extremely excited to welcome back the Bassmaster Classic and all the amazing anglers and fans to Fort Worth for an experience that they won’t soon forget,” said Jason Sands, executive director of the Fort Worth Sports Commission.

The last time the Classic visited Lake Ray Roberts in 2021, North Carolina pro Hank Cherry became the fourth angler to win the event in back-to-back years, holding off fellow North Carolina pro Matt Arey, who lost a crucial big fish at the boat late in the event. Cherry’s winning three-day weight was 50-15 pounds — an average of more than 16 pounds per day.

About Fort Worth Sports Commission

The Fort Worth Sports Commission advances the city as an international sports destination. A division of Visit Fort Worth, the Sports Commission attracts youth, collegiate, and professional events that deliver economic impact and boost Fort Worth’s image. The Commission supports the development of and access to facilities that enhance the quality of life for all of Fort Worth. For more information, visit FortWorthSports.com and follow on Instagram @FortWorthSports and Twitter account @FortWorthSports.

About Dickies Arena

Dickies Arena is a 14,000 seat, spectacular multipurpose venue that was built in 2019 and is owned by the City of Fort Worth and managed by the not-for-profit operating entity, Trail Drive Management Corp. (TDMC). The facility is the result of a pioneering public-private partnership between the City of Fort Worth, Tarrant County, the State of Texas and a group of private-sector participants, including foundations, individuals and organizations. The arena is located adjacent to the Will Rogers Memorial Center campus in Fort Worth, Texas. The state-of-the-art arena hosts concerts, sporting events and family entertainment, and is home to Fort Worth Stock Show Rodeo performances. Dickies Arena has been nominated for Arena of the Year by both the Academy of Country Music in 2022 and Pollstar Magazine in 2022 and 2023. The Arena also just made Billboard’s Year End Boxscore Top 10 Worldwide chart, ranking 4^th in the world among similar sized venues. For more information, visit www.DickiesArena.com.

Weights could amaze during Bassmaster Elite Series opener at Toledo Bend Reservoir

Brian Carter

February 14, 2024

Weights could amaze during Bassmaster Elite Series opener at Toledo Bend Reservoir

Louisiana’s Toledo Bend will be the kick-off site for the 2024 Bassmaster Elite Series season February 22-25.

Photo by Grant Moxley/B.A.S.S.

February 14, 2024

Weights could amaze during Bassmaster Elite Series opener at Toledo Bend Reservoir

MANY, La. — The Bassmaster Elite Series will make its much-anticipated return to historic Toledo Bend Reservoir at the perfect time of the year to catch giant bass and record-setting bags, according to Louisiana pro Darold Gleason.

“I’d be more surprised if they didn’t break 100 pounds than if they did,” said Gleason, a Toledo Bend guide and a Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Elite Qualifier. “The fishery is just too good. This time of the year, our fish weigh more and are bigger than they will be all year. They are full prespawn. I personally think it will happen if they get the right weather conditions. There should be several bass over 10 pounds.”

Tournament days for the Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite at Toledo Bend are scheduled for Feb. 22-25 with daily takeoffs at 7 a.m. CT from Cypress Bend Park and weigh-ins back at the park each day at 3 p.m. All pros will compete the first two days before the field is cut to 50 for Semifinal Saturday. Then, the Top 10 anglers will duke it out on Championship Sunday for a chance at $100,000 and a coveted blue trophy.

It’s been seven years since the Elite Series last visited the massive reservoir on the Louisiana/Texas border, an event won by John Murray with a four-day total of 77-10. After several perceived down years, the Opens returned to Toledo Bend in April 2023 where Ben Milliken showed the true potential of the lake with a three-day tally of 77-14.

Throughout 2023, giant bass were caught on Toledo Bend, with multiple 40-pound bags brought to the scales in events, as well as plenty of lunker-class bass. The fishing has remained strong this winter as well, and Gleason noted grass is starting to show up in several areas.

“The fish are good and healthy,” he said. “We are starting to see some grass pop up in popular areas of the lake, and there are tons of baitfish and bream in there right now. Tournament weights have been really good. It should be one of the higher-weight events of the year.”

Water levels were low most of the winter until a major rainstorm moved through several weeks ago. The lake has since stabilized, and Gleason doesn’t anticipate any drastic changes unless another major weather event rolls through.

Warming temperatures leading up to the tournament will create multiple opportunities for anglers to catch a winning bag. At the time of this writing, water temperatures were already in the high 50s.

What’s more, Gleason believes the entire lake will play.

“What you end up with is a really interesting tournament on Toledo Bend. They are very diverse,” Gleason said. “With it being such a big fishery and with it being in February, guys can literally fish to their strengths. Guys can catch them out deep with LiveScope, and there will also be lots of activity near the bank.”

Much of the focus will be around prespawn staging areas. Gleason believes there’s a good chance the first wave of spawners will be wanting to make their way to the bank. The key to that bite will be finding the hydrilla that has made a comeback the last two years. ChatterBaits and Rat-L-Traps will be important lures.

“We have some deep grass this year as well. It’s 12 feet deep in places,” Gleason said. “We have some other grass, but deep hydrilla is the deal. It seems to me that a lot of times the grass fish feed on bream and seem a little healthier and bigger.”

There will also be plenty of opportunities for anglers to capitalize on a deep bite. The lake has tons of standing timber and hard bottom around creek channels, and Gleason thinks forward-facing sonar will play a big role in catching those bass. Jerkbaits and Damiki-style rigs will be popular choices, as well as jigs.

Whether deep or shallow, Gleason believes if someone can get on something and keep it to themselves, they have a chance at having a special tournament.

“I’m talking about 35-pound bags and stuff like that,” he said. “It is hard to find that special stuff, and you have to be fortunate to fish it effectively for several days in a row.”

As with many tournaments this time of year, the wind speed and direction will determine just how good the fishing will be. If there is a strong north or south wind, Toledo Bend gets rough in a hurry, which will make navigation nearly impossible in some cases.

“All of us who have fished there throughout the years have had tournaments where it was like, ‘If we could have only gotten to where we wanted to fish.’ There are literally some days you can’t fish it,” Gleason said.

Bassmaster LIVE will be streaming on Bassmaster.com all four days, and coverage will also be available on FS1 on Saturday and Sunday.

Those wanting to attend will be able to enjoy the “B.A.S.S. on the ’Bend” festival on Saturday and Sunday at Cypress Bend Park before weigh-in. The festival will feature live music and many local vendors.

The event is being hosted by Toledo Bend Lake Country and the Louisiana Office and Tourism.

2024 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2024 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2024 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew’s, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC

Eric Sommers and Robbie Pelt win ABT Lake Jordan by Jason Duran

Brian Carter

February 14, 2024

Eric Sommers and Robbie Pelt win ABT Lake Jordan by Jason Duran

The 2024 season of The Alabama Bass Trail began at Lake Jordan for the south division. 225 teams competed for a for an increased payday of $15,000 for first Place. Teams reported having a tough practice but were expecting to catch the quality 4-pound bites needed to win this event. Lake Jordan is full of largemouth and spotted bass. The results show the fish catching was good. The top five teams all weighed in over 19-pounds. It took 14.35-pounds to collect a check in 40^th place. 208 teams weighed fish in this event. The competition was tough but at the end of the day the Team of Eric Sommers and Robbie Pelt took home the win in the first event of 2024.

The first-place team of Eric Sommers and Robbie Pelt spent the day fishing much different than other teams on the lake. A large majority of the field spent the day using forward facing sonar to locate and catch fish. However, Robbie and Eric kept it old school for the win. The team shared ‘we had a good day; it wasn’t a fast and furious day. We caught maybe 10- 11 fish all day.” Erik said, “We had to fish multiple baits today to get the fish to bite.” A key for them was bait presentation, “we noticed that when we got a bite, we had to multiple casts with different baits to the exact same area to finally catch the fish. We had to use many different presentations to catch the fish we ended up with.” They made a long run upriver to fish the way they love to fish. They called it “old school fishing.” Robbie shared they really mixed it up, “we drifted some, went offshore fishing ledges, we used a jig, a spinnerbait, swimbait, and we fished s scrounger.” The team said they relied a lot on their long-time history and local knowledge of the lake to put together a sold bag weighing 21.35 pounds. They collected the $15,000 first place check and a $8,000 Phoenix Boat Bonus.

The first-year team of Kolby and Kade Crowson caught 20.18- pounds of Lake Jordan bass and finished in second-place. They shared, “Practice for us was pretty good we caught a 6-pound spotted bass and a couple other three pounders. We just left them alone and didn’t really fish the area again until today. We are from Lay Lake, and we understand the Coosa River spotted bass really well. With boat number 41 it helped us fish the area we wanted. After a 15-minute run upriver, we fished an area in about 15 feet of water. We knew the fish were keying in on bait fish, so we stuck with a shad pattern. We used natural color six-inch swimbaits with a Dirty Jigs Guppy Swimbait Jig Head in blue shad color. For us the key was to fish the current and make cast around rock piles today. We caught about 7 fish total and had our limit at about 8 o’clock this morning. We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome for this tournament our goal this year is to be consistent.” They collected a $7,500 paycheck for their second place finish.

The third-place team of Lucas Lindsay Brendon Holt shared practice for them started back in December. Lucas said, “I love this place. We are from Auburn Alabama. Characteristically the fall is tough here. However, as we move into December the bite gets good. The fish start chasing bait and they start to fatten up for the spawn. During this time or year baits like the Damiki Rig and the jerk bait really come in to play. I was here seven- or eight-times during December. The fish were more in the pockets, and they were really biting well. I caught lots of numbers during that time. Today the fish had pulled out of the pockets working their way back. I assume the bait had pulled them out of the pockets and they are now making their transition back.” Brendon said “During practice we noticed the water was really dirty on the end of the lake near take off. The areas were really blown out down here. We had to move up the river to find the better bass and clean water.” The team shared, “We fished the main river in about 60 feet of water about 15-minutes upriver. The key for us was to stay out about two full cast from the bank.” Lucas said, “Garmin LiveScope was the deal for us today. I run a 8616. The pixels are crisp and it really helps a lot when you’re trying to catch these fish. It help you see the details and gives your every little edge to show your bait a lot better. The bait for us was the Damiki Armour Shad. We probably covered 2 miles of water today” For third place they caught 19.44-pounds and collected a $6,000 check plus a $300 Garmin highest finisher bonus.

The top ten standings are below for a complete list of standings please visit: https://www.alabamabasstrail.org/lake-jordan/results/

Download and listen to the ABT Podcast on your favorite Podcast app by searching for “Alabama Bass Trail Podcast.” The Podcast is released each week on Tuesday.

For Live coverage from this event and others visit https://www.youtube.com/@alabamabasstrailtv

The 2024 Alabama Bass Trail Sponsors Include: Phoenix Boats, AMFirst, Landers – McLarty Chevrolet, McGraw – Webb Chevrolet, Rapala, VMC, Crush City, Buffalo Rock, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Jack’s, Garmin, Alabama State Parks, Halo Fishing, Snag proof, NetBait, Bait Fuel, TH Marine Supplies, Power-Pole, Pro Guide Batteries, American Trailer Rental, Yamaha, Anheuser-Busch, Big Bite Baits and FishAlabama.org.

Australia Signs on as 17th Country to Operate MLF Fishing Tournaments

Uncategorized

Brian Carter

February 14, 2024

Australia Signs on as 17th Country to Operate MLF Fishing Tournaments

Hiqua Fishing agrees to exclusive licensing agreement, will run MLF-sanctioned events in 2024

BENTON, Ky. (February 14, 2024) – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced an exclusive licensing agreement today with Hiqua Fishing, a new pioneering force in Australian fishing tournaments designed to provide Australian anglers an unprecedented opportunity to elevate their fishing prowess and gain international recognition. The agreement provides Australian anglers the opportunity to compete in MLF-sanctioned fishing tournaments in 2024.

Hiqua Fishing will run a series of tournaments that advance anglers who are citizens or permanent residents of Australia to the International Division at the MLF Toyota Series Championship beginning in 2024. Two anglers from MLF Australia will compete as pros – with MLF providing a fully-rigged boat for each – and two anglers will compete as Strike King co-anglers.

MLF Australia will operate under the direction of Jan Oosthuizen, CEO of Hiqua Fishing.

“MLF Australia is excited to work with Major League Fishing and to be involved in the growth and expansion of Australian fishing,” said Oosthuizen. “Hiqua Fishing is thrilled to be at the forefront of this transformative new venture, offering a tournament experience that goes beyond the ordinary and adding to Australia’s magnificent fishing tournament platform.”

The top pro award at the Toyota Series Championship is $200,000, along with an invitation to REDCREST 2025 – the MLF Bass Pro Tour Championship – and an additional $35,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus for qualified anglers. The top Strike King co-angler award is a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard. The highest finishing pro from the International Division at the Toyota Series Championship will also be awarded a $10,000 bonus as well as qualification into the MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals.

“We’re excited to add Australia to the growing list of countries that are offering MLF tournaments,” said Dave Washburn, Vice President of Operations at Major League Fishing. “MLF Australia will be the ultimate platform for Australian anglers to showcase their skills on a global stage, and we look forward to the addition of talented Australian anglers to the MLF family in 2024.”

For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and its international partners, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

About Hiqua Fishing
Hiqua Fishing demonstrates an unwavering commitment to supporting the fishing community, offering an array of benefits and making the MLF Australia Tournament Series a must-attend event for both seasoned professionals and emerging talents. From camaraderie among participants to fostering a love for the sport, Hiqua Fishing and the MLF Australia Tournament Series aims to unite anglers and showcase Australia on the world stage. The Australia Tournament Series embraces the rich fishing culture of Australia and is more than a competition – it’s a celebration of the fishing community.

SRD20 helps anglers, boaters – and dealers – ring in the spring season.

Brian Carter

February 14, 2024

Success with Boats and Buyers
SRD20 helps anglers, boaters – and dealers – ring in the spring season.

Lafayette, LA (February 14, 2024) – Belle Chasse, Louisiana tackle dealer, B&B Tackle, started carrying SRD20 boat cleaning products a year ago on “kind of a trial basis.”

“We got all types of fishermen down here – from bass guys to crappie and catfish guys to inshore and offshore anglers. Turns out most of them need more than the typical soft plastics, hooks, weights, line, and other tackle we offer. Most of them want to keep their boats looking spic and span, too. I was kind of surprised the SRD20 stuff moved as quickly as it did. I had to reorder a couple times during the year,” notes B&B Tackle’s Wayne Borne.

In terms of which anglers are buying SRD20, Borne says it’s probably 50/50 between bass anglers combined with 20- to 24-foot bay boat owners and then offshore anglers running big center console boats. According to Borne, many not only stop in frequently for more of the local redfish fave, Capt. Lane’s Magnum Mullets, Marker 54 Shrimp for trout, and Zoom baits for bass, but also to restock SRD20 boat cleaning supplies.

“The two most popular SRD20 products are the Waterless Wax & Wash and the Pink Boat Soap,” states Borne.

Curious as to the quality of SRD20 himself, Borne started using SRD20 Graphene Ceramic Spray Coating & Protectant on the big Mercury tiller he runs on an aluminum, multi-species, flat-bottom rig. “That spray keeps my motor looking brand new. That’s pretty amazing considering the conditions we’ve got down here in southern Louisiana.”

“Besides lots of Pink Soap and Waterless Wax & Wash for cleaning entire boats – most fiberglass and/or gel-coated – this past year we had a lot of saltwater in the supply down the road, so customers were buying Graphene Spray to eliminate the water and saltwater spots all over and on their engines, just like I did, so that’s kind of taken off, too.”

Overall, B&B Tackle has been very happy with SRD20 sales in an area of the country where boats get super dirty—from saltwater and mud—to interior fish scales/slime and blood stains given extremely high catch rates in both inshore and offshore areas in the Louisiana Gulf region.

As far as unique applications, many anglers are using SRD20 Graphene on their trolling motors not only to eliminate water spots and salt, but also to coat the surface for easier deployment and stowing.

Additionally, offshore anglers have taken to using both Graphene and Waterless Wax & Wash in offshore boat fish boxes to clean up blood, slime, and scales in much less time – and the resultant coating makes it much easier to clean on a routine basis.

SRD20 Regional Rep On Earning Potential

“The first thing I can tell you is more money has been put into developing SRD20 products than marketing it,” says David O’Donnell of the PSS Agency. “But the anglers and boaters using it are coming back to our dealers and telling them how much they like the product, so word is starting to spread.”

O’Donnell says dealers can make money on SRD20 “without a ton of investment,” adding that SRD20 offers two different retail displays to draw customer attraction.

“The first display is a smaller counter/register oriented piece that shows all of our products, which a lot of dealers first gravitate to monitor sell-through. It makes a great conversation piece and added sale when a customer comes up to pay for tackle,” offers O’Donnell.

Then there’s a full, free-standing display that holds more SRD20 product and can be placed anywhere in a retail environment, which many dealers have converted to as word has spread and product demand has increased.

Like Borne, O’Donnell is an angler himself and has used SRD20 on his boat. While he uses the entire SRD20 product “system”, he’s most excited about a new addition to the product line, SRD20 Vinyl Protectant.

“For vinyl boat seats and other trim, instead of just removing mildew and creating an environment where it’s easy to grow back, the Vinyl Protectant kills the mildew and impacts the surface so it doesn’t grow back,” offers O’Donnell.

For prospective dealers, O’Donnell says margins are very good and there’s a good possibility of shops “doubling their money” and the product “doesn’t just sit there and collect dust.”

“We offer two tiers of product investment that make it very easy for tackle or marine dealers to get onboard with us. We just ask that dealers order enough product to fill a counter or free-standing display. With that, dealers also receive support marketing materials to help educate them in explaining the SRD20 boat cleaning ‘system’,” adds O’Donnell.

SRD20 founder and inventor, Stewart Delcambre, concludes: “2023 sales increased 480% over 2022, so we’re definitely making headway. Every angler and recreational boater wants a clean ride. It’s like detailing your car or truck. Whether you’re running an older boat or a newer rig, we supply a system that offers the means for keeping your investment looking good and adding longevity. We all know boats aren’t cheap these days…”

ABOUT SRD20
Our decision to create products to clean and protect the surfaces of boats started years ago, tinkering with our boats, testing endless formulas. After years of discussions with boat owners about cleaning and protecting their boats, it was apparent that most were unhappy. It’s either too much work or the products just don’t perform. SRD20 products work, are easy to apply, and incorporate the newest technologies. Plus, all our products are made in the U.S.A.

Filling A Limit: February Monsters by Bruce Callis Jr

Brian Carter

February 14, 2024

Filling A Limit:
February Monsters
by Bruce Callis Jr

February can be a killer month. Sometimes snow can produce some awful times getting out on the water and sometimes its just so cold. But it can also be the time of the biggest bass of the year. So what do we do? I’m going fishing!

So what do we need to think about? Water clarity and temperature are the big things. And sometimes we have muddy or stained water from the rain and snow melt. And the sun is going to warm the water in the shallows and the surface of the water. The fish should be taking advantage of this and be up shallow in the water column.

Fish will be holding tight to cover and we need to make sure we target those areas.
For me this means a couple different baits. The first is a jig. I can work in as tight as I want to the cover and really present a big offering to the bass. I’m going to go with a Missile Baits Ike Mini Flip in either Bruiser or Black Neon and depending on how much action I want either a D Bomb or Mini D Chunk in a matching color. Lots of repeated casts at different angles covering everywhere I can think they are hiding. Sometimes its all about putting it right in front of there face. Or as we say, “hit them in the head!”

The next bait I like to throw is a spinnerbait. I like a single bladed Colorado blade in either white, black, or black/blue. And I like the blade to be painted the same color to match. It gives the bass something to really hone into and then see it as they get closer. Make sure to cast as close to your targets and make repeated casts. Some like a bladed jig better and can be used in the same way.

And finally a squarebill crankbait that rattles and for me it’s the SPRO Hunter Crank 65 SB. You want it to run into the cover and make noise so the bass can hear it. Pick some dark colors like Blue Gill, Chartreuse Black Back, Chartreuse Blue or Spring Craw. Long casts around cover, rocks, and stumps.

Now for clear or slightly stained water we need a totally different set of baits. Since we are late winter and getting close to the pre-spawn time of year, the bass will still be holding off the drop offs or out in deeper water most of the time. There will always be some bass holding up in the shallows, but the big ones are usually deeper.

A suspending jerkbait is still one of my favorites right now. I can cover a lot of water, targeting where I think they will be holding the most. Just remember, the colder the water the longer the pause, the warmer the water, the shorter the pause. Counting is the only way to stay consistent on your pause and make sure to jerk it on a slack line.

For me, the lipless crankbait is still a bait I will have tied on. I can cover a ton of water and it will produce some of those big monster bass. On bright, sunny days I like one with a lot of flash or one with a more natural look to it.. Here I like some like the SPRO Aruku Shad in Chrome Blue, Chrome Black, Gold Black, Green Shiner, Nugget, Magic Shad or Nasty Shad. On cloudy days, I like either a bright color or a dark color. Something like a Western Chartreuse Black Back, Purple Rain, Pearl White, or even Spring Craw. Its all about making long casts and covering water.

Now if it the water has warmed up a little into the low 50s, there is also the fact that the bass can start to move towards the spawning areas. That doesn’t mean they are on the flats, just moving toward those areas.

A spinnerbait is also something I am going to have tied on. Here I like either a big willow blade with a small Colorado blade or a double willow blade. Making casts around any cover available and around any submerged stumps and laydowns. I like to use a trailer like a Missile Baits 3.5 Shockwave or a 3.5 Spunk Shad depending on if I want a little tail thump or not. It is a proven bass catching weapon since it was first invented.

February can be a fun time to fish. And it can be miserable with the weather. You have to be prepared for it. And be prepared for those big bass that are just waiting to be caught. Go have fun and share those catches with us!

Sam Rayburn Reservoir Set to Host MLF Toyota Series Southwestern Division Opener

Brian Carter

February 13, 2024

Sam Rayburn Reservoir Set to Host MLF Toyota Series Southwestern Division Opener

BROOKELAND, Texas (Feb. 13, 2024) – Fresh off of last week’s extremely successful Major League Fishing (MLF) Tackle Warehouse Invitational event last week, the MLF Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats is set to return to Brookeland, Texas, next week, Feb. 21-23, for the Southwestern Division opening event – the Toyota Series at Sam Rayburn Reservoir Presented by FX Custom Rods.

The three-day tournament, hosted by the Jasper – Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce, will feature a roster of the region’s best bass-fishing pros and Strike King co-anglers competing for a top prize of up to $100,000 in the pro division and a new Phoenix 518 Pro boat with a 115-horsepower outboard motor plus $5,000 in the co-angler division.

Local pro Jim Tutt of Longview, Texas, who has fished over 250 MLF tournaments in his career, said the event is setting up to be a really exciting tournament.

“This is the perfect time of year to fish Sam Rayburn,” said Tutt. “The bass are still in prespawn patterns but are getting close to spawning, so they’re eating really good. There are a lot of fish moving up shallow right now – due to the water being up a bit and the warmer temperatures – so there’s a lot of new stuff in the shallow grass line for fish to spawn on.”

Sam Rayburn Reservoir has a surface area of more than 114,000 acres, providing ample opportunities for anglers to fish the style that suits them, and Tutt said he expects to see an array of baits being thrown throughout the event.

“I think we’ll see guys throwing a lot of different baits this time of year, especially with the fish getting set up for spawning patterns,” said Tutt. “[Bill Lewis] Rat-L-Trap baits and ChatterBaits are going to be really strong for prespawn fish – that’s how some of the bigger fish will probably be caught. The Senko is always going to be one of the best lures for that fishery – get on some fish, slow down and throw a Senko on that inside grass line.

“Forward-facing sonar comes into play pretty much year-round now, but I think a guy could do really well in a multi-day event fishing shallow. Anywhere from 2 foot to 7 foot of water is a good depth on Rayburn right now.”

As for winning weights, Tutt said he expects to see big numbers coming out of this event.

“If a guy can catch around 23 to 25 pounds per day, he could probably win,” Tutt explained. “That sounds high, but the guy who’s catching a 10-pounder with some other good solid fish every day is going to be up around that mark, and that’s pretty likely to happen.”

While the current forecast is calling for sunny, blue-bird skies, Tutt cautions that weather could play into the numbers a bit.

“Now, if the weather doesn’t cooperate and we get a super windy day, guys might not be able to move around like they normally could and that could hinder them from covering more water,” Tutt said. “But I expect we’ll see some big ones, and there’s a big possibility that someone will bring in a Toyota ShareLunker fish during the event.”

While there are a lot of things in play on Sam Rayburn Reservoir during the tournament, Tutt said he believes the recent influx of hydrilla will be key.

“There’s a lot of grass all over the lake right now – probably the best hydrilla that the lake has had in the past 10 years,” Tutt explained. “So, it’s not limited to just a few areas like it has been in the past. You can go to pretty much any arm of the lake, and you’ll find hydrilla. It’s fishing really good, and really big.”

Anglers will launch at 7 a.m. CT each day from the Umphrey Family Pavilion, located at 5438 Sam Rayburn Parkway in Brookeland. Weigh-ins will also be held at the pavilion and will begin at 3 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend and encouraged to follow the event online through the “MLF Live” weigh-in broadcasts and daily coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

In Toyota Series regular-season competition, payouts are based on the number of participants competing in the event, scaling up for every 20 boats over 160 and scaling down for every boat below 160. With a 160-boat field, pros fish for a top prize of up to $75,000, if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard (valued at $33,500). With a 260-boat field, pros fish for a top award of up to $100,000, if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard plus $5,000 cash.

The 2024 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats consists of six divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern, Southwestern and the Western Division Presented by Tackle Warehouse – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the six divisions or the Wild Card division and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning up to $235,000 and a qualification to REDCREST 2025. The winning Strike King co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard. The 2024 Toyota Series Championship will be held Nov. 7-9 on Wheeler Lake in Huntsville, Alabama, and is hosted by the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Madison County Commission, and the Huntsville Sports Commission.

Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Toyota Series include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, FX Custom Rods, General Tire, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota and YETI.

For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Toyota Series updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Fishing Transition Banks For Bass In Winter!

Brian Carter

February 13, 2024

Fishing Transition Banks For Bass In Winter!

Fishing for bass in the winter presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for anglers. As water temperatures drop, bass metabolism slows down, prompting them to seek more stable environments. Transition banks, where different types of structure or depth changes occur, become crucial areas to target. These locations can offer bass the stable conditions they need during the colder months. Anglers should focus on these areas, understanding that bass might not be as aggressive as in warmer seasons. The key is to adapt your strategies to match the bass’s winter behavior. This means employing slower, more deliberate techniques that can entice a bass to bite. Recognizing the importance of these transition areas is the first step in successfully following bass through the winter. By concentrating efforts on these key spots, anglers can increase their chances of connecting with bass. It requires patience, observation, and a willingness to adapt to the conditions presented by the winter season. Additionally, leveraging detailed knowledge of the local waterbody’s geography and bass habits can significantly enhance an angler’s ability to find perfect transition zones.Introducing the FreshBaitz Newest Mandingo Trick Worms – the ultimate game-changer in bass fishing! Engineered for the angler who knows SIZE does matter, this lure is designed to attract only the BIGGEST bass with a penchant for the larger bait. The Mandingo Trick Worm boasts a solid 7-inch body enhanced with a hyperactive ribbed design, ensuring irresistible mouth-watering action for those trophy bass. Officially available in a vibrant array of 7 colors. Each worm is made from durable, high-grade Non-Salted plastic for lifelike action and unparalleled durability. Perfectly balanced for a variety of rigging options and scented for total and maximum attraction, the Mandingo Trick Worm promises year-round effectiveness in lakes, rivers, and streams. Whether you’re rigging it on a Shakey Head, Drop Shot, Texas Rig, or Carolina Rig, these worms are your ticket to landing the big ones. Proudly made in the USA by real anglers to help elevate your fishing experience and catch more bass year-round!

Soft plastics become an invaluable tool for winter bass fishing due to their versatility and ability to closely mimic the natural prey of bass. In the colder water, bass are less likely to exert energy chasing fast-moving baits, making soft plastics an ideal choice. Anglers should focus on presentations that are slow and subtle, such as slow dragging, dead sticking, or slight twitching. These techniques can be more effective in triggering strikes from lethargic bass. The selection of soft plastics should prioritize those that can perform well with minimal movement, maintaining a natural appearance and action even when moved slowly or paused. This approach mimics the reduced activity level of natural prey during cold conditions, making it more appealing to bass. Rigging methods that allow for a slow, natural descent and keep the bait in the strike zone longer can be particularly successful. The key is to present the soft plastics in a way that is both enticing and easy for the bass to catch, considering their slower metabolism. By understanding and leveraging the unique advantages of soft plastics in winter, anglers can significantly improve their chances of success. This requires not only the right selection of baits but also a strategic approach to how they are presented along transition banks.The newest FreshBaitz Lizard delivers a realistic profile that excels in both power and finesse techniques. Act fact, we just released a new 10w30 Syntheic Lizard color! The unique forward-facing leg design creates drag that holds it in the strike zone longer or produces wild flapping action with every pull of the rod. Additionally, its slightly ribbed solid body and large head hold your hook in place and provide much better weedless performance making it the ideal bait to use in any condition. Water clarity always plays a super big role in color selection but in any season year-round, you can’t miss when using colors such as Watermelon Red, Black & Blue, or Green Pumpkin. Its flexible tail design ensures added movement, tempting even the most cautious fish. The superior 5.5-inch profile stretches to a whole 7 inches which is perfect for predatory fish including bass year round. Each HellaMite is made from long-lasting durable high-grade non-salted plastic for total and maximum attention-grabbing action underwater.

Understanding the behavior of bass during the winter is crucial for effectively targeting them on transition banks. As temperatures drop, bass seek out deeper water where temperatures are more stable, but they will move to shallower areas to feed if conditions are right. This behavior highlights the importance of being observant and understanding the environmental factors that influence bass movements. Anglers should pay close attention to the sun’s position and its impact on water temperatures, as areas receiving more sunlight during the day may warm slightly, attracting bass. These subtle changes can dictate when and where bass will be most active, guiding anglers on where to focus their efforts. It’s also essential to recognize that bass may not feed as frequently in winter, making the timing of their feeding periods critical to success. By aligning fishing efforts with these feeding windows, anglers can increase their chances of encountering bass. Additionally, being mindful of the types of structure and depth changes that make up transition banks can help in locating these feeding bass. It involves a combination of patience, keen observation, and an understanding of bass behavior to effectively fish these areas in winter. Success in winter bass fishing on transition banks comes down to leveraging knowledge of bass habits and environmental cues to find and catch these elusive fish.We use our Fresh Scorpion because it closely imitates a crawfish. Our newest 10w30 Synthetic , Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink Scorpion colors work wonders in the winter. The Scorpion is a revolutionary new look to soft plastics. Its intricate detailing and texture mimic the nuances of a real crawfish, making it hard for bass to resist. Of course, water clarity always plays a role in color selection but in any season, you can’t miss using colors such as Green Pumpkin Seed, Brown Bark, Magneto. This bait not only appears natural to fish but gives them something to become curious about. The Scorpion paired with a stand-up jig is deadly because the jig actually sits the bait upright in a defensive stance. The subtle color variations across the bait further enhance its appeal, mimicking the natural color shifts found in live prey. Each Fresh Scorpion has a unique and exclusive 3-axis tail design that is engineered like no other soft plastic bait. Our Scorpions are made from high-grade non-salt plastic to provide superior life-like action-triggering strikes!

Patience becomes a virtue when fishing for bass in the winter, especially on transition banks. The colder water temperatures mean that bass are less active and less likely to feed aggressively. This requires anglers to adopt a more patient approach, understanding that bites may be fewer and further between. However, the bass that are caught during the winter months are often of good size, making the wait worthwhile. Anglers should be prepared for a slower pace of fishing, taking the time to thoroughly work an area before moving on. This methodical approach can make a significant difference in success rates, as it gives bass more time to respond to the presented baits. Additionally, paying close attention to subtle changes in the environment and water conditions can provide clues to bass behavior and potential hot spots. It’s about making the most of the opportunities that arise, no matter how sparse they may seem. Keeping a positive attitude and a focused approach can lead to productive outings, even when the conditions are challenging. Winter bass fishing on transition banks is a test of patience and perseverance, but the rewards can be substantial for those willing to adapt.Each Fresh HellaMite is scented for complete and total attraction underwater along with being made in the USA by real fishermen just like you. Our newest 10w30 Synthetic HellaMite color is a must-have. We also just released new eye-catching colors including the Slimer Green and Barbie Pink HellaMite. Act fast, these colors won’t stay in stock for long. If you’re fast enough you can also grab our seasonal limited-release Pumpkin Spice HellaMite along with the Money HellaMite. We also recently restocked our Red Bug, Purple Rain, Brown Bug, Electric Chicken, and Goby Wan colors for those who’ve been waiting. Take this time to stock up! The HellaMite’s solid body and hyperactive ribbed tail design produce a life-like quivering action with every twitch of the rod. Additionally, its unique flat underbelly detail enables this bait to be fished as a drop shot, Ned rig, neko rig, and even a small Carolina-rig, making it the ideal bait in any condition. When the water is clear, the fish can see the bait more clearly and is more likely to look like real food, increasing strikes.

Adapting to the conditions is essential for winter bass fishing success on transition banks. As weather patterns shift, so too do the bass’s location and feeding habits. Anglers need to be flexible, ready to explore different depths and areas along the transition banks, adjusting their approach as necessary. This flexibility can mean the difference between a successful day on the water and a fruitless endeavor. Experimenting with different soft plastic presentations can also be key, as bass may respond differently to various techniques depending on the conditions. It’s important to not get locked into a single strategy but to be willing to change tactics as the situation demands. Being observant of the water conditions, such as clarity and temperature, can provide valuable insights into how bass might be behaving. Staying attuned to weather changes and how they affect the aquatic environment can guide anglers in choosing the most effective fishing spots and techniques. Success in winter bass fishing requires not only a deep understanding of bass behavior but also an adaptable mindset that is ready to embrace the challenges presented by the season. By remaining flexible and responsive to the conditions, anglers can enhance their ability to follow and catch bass on transition banks during the winter months.Our Fresh Beetle delivers ultimate versatility in a soft plastic bait. Its slim yet wide body design and four claws are engineered to naturally glide and wobble as it moves through the water. This design ensures they remain enticingly active longer than conventional baits. Its unique texture also provides a realistic feel, making bass hold on longer once they bite. Water clarity plays a big role in color selection but year-round you can’t miss when using go-to colors such as Chocolate Mint, Ox Blood, or 10w30 Synthetic beetles. The hyper-active swimming claws are designed thin with long-lasting durable non-salt plastic to make them come alive with the slightest movement. The Fresh Beetle offers an enticing 4-inch profile and is scented for complete and total attraction! You can rig these Beetles as a Jig/ Chatter Trailer, Flippin/ Punching, Texas Rig, Swing Jig, and Carolina Rig. Making the beetle beyond perfect in any weather condition year-round!

Safety should never be overlooked when pursuing bass in the winter, especially when fishing transition banks. The colder conditions introduce additional risks, not only from the water itself but also from the environment. Proper preparation and gear, including personal flotation devices and appropriate clothing, are crucial to ensure a safe fishing experience. Anglers should also be mindful of the shorter daylight hours during winter, planning their trips accordingly to maximize safety and fishing time. Being aware of weather changes and understanding how to navigate the water safely under different conditions are essential skills. Furthermore, it’s important to communicate your fishing plans with someone else, providing details on your location and expected return time. This level of precaution can make a significant difference in safety, allowing anglers to focus on the fishing experience with peace of mind. Emphasizing safety in winter bass fishing not only protects the angler but also ensures that the pursuit of bass remains a pleasurable and responsible activity. Additionally, checking ice conditions thoroughly before venturing onto frozen bodies of water is critical to avoid dangerous situations, ensuring that every fishing trip is conducted under the safest possible weather conditions.Using a stick-styled worm is the most tried and true ways to catch fish. We have a wide variety of 5-inch Worms to choose from. You can experience our new wacky rigging kit while it’s ON SALE! The WACKY Pack offers our most popular colors and essential tools, featuring 24 high-quality worms in the popular Green Pumpkin, Watermelon Red, and Black & Blue, alongside four precision-crafted Owner Wacky Hooks 1/8oz. If you’re fast enough you might be able to grab the limited-release Pumpkin Spice Worm before it’s completely sold out along with our newest Brown Worm, Electic Chicken Worm, and Goby Wan Worm colors. The high-grade non-salt plastic they’re made from provides positive buoyancy and it even floats underwater! We also just recently released new 6-inch Worms that catch some trophy bass. Charmeleon, Rainbow TRT, Bone, Chocolate Mint, and Fire TGR are all available in 5 and 6-inch. We’ve also recently released new 8-count packs of worms available in Watermelon Red, Black & Blue, and Green Pumpkin. We also offer worms that have the unique ability to shift from one color to another. Each Fresh Worm is scented for complete and total attraction underwater.

Lastly, by focusing on transition banks with a strategic approach to soft plastics, anglers can find success in the challenging conditions of winter bass fishing. This strategy involves understanding the subtle nuances of bass behavior during colder months, coupled with patience, adaptability, and a keen observation of environmental changes. The rewards of winter bass fishing can be significant, offering the chance to catch large bass that are less pressured by fishing activity. It’s a time when the water is quieter, and the landscape offers a different kind of beauty, adding to the overall experience. While the conditions may be more demanding, the satisfaction of successfully catching bass during this season is unmatched. Anglers willing to embrace the challenges of winter fishing, equipped with the right knowledge and approach, can enjoy the solitude and potential for memorable catches that this time of year offers. Winter bass fishing on transition banks is not just about the fish caught but also about the experience and growth as an angler in navigating and appreciating the complexities of nature. Furthermore, this approach encourages conservation-minded fishing practices, emphasizing the importance of sustaining fish populations for future generations to enjoy.We have a wide variety of terminal tackle to choose from. For Scorpions, we love to use the Stand-Up Jig because it sits your bait up-right in a defensive stance! The Owner All Purpose Hook is built with an extra-wide gap and is made to accommodate a wide range of soft plastics. Mosquito Hooks work for drop-shotting and are perfectly designed to better accommodate a wide range of soft plastics. The Block Head Jig is perfect for ned rigging the HellaMite with its mushroom-style head that seamlessly matches a wide variety of soft plastics such as lizards and worms. The Shakey Ultrahead can permanently secure baits by inserting the pin in the center and screwing the twist lock coil spring for perfect rigging every time! The Ultrahead Wacky Jig features precise weight positioning and hook orientation for the ultimate wacky presentations. For fast Texas rigging, we use the Bullet-Type Rig which has an attached weight saving you pressure time when fishing cover. The 4x Jungle Flippin Hook is designed for big fish and the toughest conditions. Covering a wide range of soft plastics including worms and other types of creatures.

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