One On One With 2013 Cbc Champions Mike Stephens And Hunter Hicks!!
One on One with 2013 CBC Championship winners Mike Stephens and Hunter Hicks with Tournament Director Brett Collins as we talk about their amazing weekend on Murray and how every fish they caught was paramount to their BIG WIN! This team won almost $60,000in Cash and Prizes this year fishing the CBC-Congrats Guys!!
Carolinas Bass Challenge Championship On Lake Murray Caps Lucrative Year For Anglers In Both States
Two years ago when Brett Collins launched the Carolina’s Bass Challenge for 2012 he said it “without a doubt will be the most lucrative bass tournament series ever in the Carolinas.”
And he was not wrong.
In 2013, the second year of the tournament series between South and North Carolina, anglers will have won a hefty three quarters of a million dollars in cash and prizes for the years! The total purse for the CBC Championship on Lake Murray this weekend will be right at $100,000.
“We expect a 180-boat field,” Collins said. As of right now (Wednesday) with the number of boats registered the top six this weekend will receive: a 2013 Skeeter ZX200/200Yamaha SHO for first place; $10,000 for second place, $5,000 for third, $3,500 for 4th, $2,500 for 5th and $2,000 for 6th. Big Fish will pay $1,000 and the top Skeeter owner will get $5,000.”
Skeeter Boats, Marshall's Marine in Lake City, N.C., Foothills Marine in Morganton, N.C., and Palmetto Boat Center in Greenville, S.C., are the primary sponsors of the CBC tournament series.
Collins said 684 different teams from both Carolinas, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Georgia entered at least one tournament this year, a large increase over the entry for 2012.
“Next year we expect another good increase in numbers as we are adding some things that will really make the CBC the trail to fish,” Collins said.
While the rewards will be great, the tournament on Lake Murray Saturday and Sunday will not be an easy one to fish, he said.
“Conditions have been very tough as they always seem to be on Murray this time of the year. Schooling activity has almost died out so teams will have to rely on beating the banks or sitting on deep holes to catch a limit. With cold coming Saturday morning it may actually be good and bunch the bass up. Water temperature should not be a factor and the fish that are shallow should stay there.”
Collins conducted the very first Buckeye Lures Lake Murray Open last Saturday on the lake and the weigh-in bore out his prediction for this weekend.
Les Westberry and Dean Chapman weighed in a more than 3 1/2-pound average to take first place, but only 15 teams weighed a fish. Westberry and Chapman had a total of 18.22 pounds, anchored with a 4.68-pound largemouth.
Collins noted that based on past tournament success on Lake Murray there are some teams entered in the CBC Championship that are very capable of matching or even bettering that weight this weekend.
“Teams to watch at Murray include Tony and Clint Jackson who won the Murray Qualifier in February, plus the teams of Michael Murphy and Kevin Sanders; Doug Lown and Rhett Manus; Ben Lee and Neil Huffstetler; Phillip Anderson and Andy Lake; and Sean Anderson and George Berry,” he said.
Carolinas Bass Challenge Championship
Oct 26-27, 2013
Lake Murray
Dreher Island State Park
Call Brett Collins at 803-413-7521
www.carolinasbasschallenge.com
Oakley Big Bass Tour Wraps 2013 Season This Weekend On Oklahoma's Ft. Gibson Lake
The Oakley Quantum Big Bass Classic on Oklahoma's Ft. Gibson lake was canceled in the spring because of severe flooding, but with lake levels back to near normal and excellent weather in the forecast the re-scheduled tournament will close out the 2013 Oakley Big Bass season this weekend on the lake.
“This is the second annual Quantum Big Bass event on Ft. Gibson Lake,” said tournament director Mark Jones. “We had around 400 anglers in the first one and we expect an increase over that number this weekend.”
Heavy rains in the springs caused severe flooding across much of Oklahoma and Ft. Gibson Lake rose dramatically, Jones noted. The Corps of Engineers estimated then that the lake would crest at more than 571 feet, more than 15 feet above normal levels.
“The lake is back down to normal levels so there is no issue at all with the lake level,” Jones said. The Corps of Engineers reported this week that the lake was at 554.38 feet.
The tournament will be held out of Taylor's Ferry park and ramp area five miles east of Wagoner, Okla. Jones noted that with the federal government shutdown now over, all the park and ramps facilities on the lake are open and accessible to anglers.
The Quantum Big Bass Classic will follow the same format as other Oakley Big Bass events. The format provides hourly payouts for weigh-ins during the 8-9 a.m., 9-10 a.m., 10-11 a.m., 11 a.m.-12 noon, 12-1 p.m., 1-2 p.m., and 2-3 p.m. time periods both days of the tournament.
Jones noted that prizes were increased across the board for 2013, with the top weight each hour worth $1,000, up from $500 last year, followed by $500 for 2nd, $300 for 3rd, $200 for 4th and $150 for 5th.
The top prize, given for the biggest bass weighed over the weekend is a 2013 Nitro Z7 powered by Mercury 150, with Tandem Trailer and Dual Console Upgrades, valued at $30,000.
Randy Edens won the 2012 Quantum Big Bass Classic on Fort Gibson lake with a 6.30-pound big bass to take home the championship and the Nitro Z7 grand prize.
“This is our last Oakley Big Bass event of the year,” Jones said. “Anglers will be able to watch the televised events on the Sportsman Channel starting in January.”
Jones said details are being finalized on the 2014 Oakley Big Bass Tour and the schedule will be announced in mid-November.
The Oakley Big Bass Tour is a premier big bass tournament series open to all amateur anglers. The tour provides anglers of all skill levels with an exciting tournament format and event experience on some of the nation's best bass fisheries. Since it was established in 2007 the tour has focused on the promotion of bass fishing and bass conservation at the grass roots level.
Oakley produces an array of market-leading products including premium sunglasses, goggles, prescription eyewear, apparel, footwear and accessories.
Oakley Quantum Big Bass Classic
Oct 26-27, 2013
Fort Gibson Lake
Call Mark Jones 214-605-4600
Excellent Weather, Good Fishing Forecast For Morristown Marine Year-End Tournament
Fishing on Douglas Lake is expected to be really good this weekend for the final tournament of the 2012 Morristown Marine Team Trail.
“The weather is getting colder,” said tournament director Sam Phillips. “It's supposed to get down into the 20s with the highs into the 50s this weekend. The water temperature is dropping so the crankbait bite should really turn on.”
Phillips said the final on Douglas Lake will cap a tremendous year for the trail, which saw 588 anglers sign up to fish, with boats awarded for first place in four tournaments and $10,000 paid to the winners of the other two tournaments
But he said he will announce plans at the year-end Team Trail Dinner Thursday night for an even more spectacular tournament trail in 2014, with one angler provided the opportunity to fish his way to the 2015 Bassmaster Classic.
“We've got a lot of big things going on for next year, starting with a title sponsor for the trail,” he said. “Fairlane Ford and Quick Lane have partnered with Morristown Marine-Skeeter/Yamaha for 2014.”
Phillips said the 2014 trail will be held on five lakes across East Tennessee, with $10,000 guaranteed for first place in four of the tournaments.
“We are going to have a points system next year. We are also going to have a two-day Super tournament in September on Fort Loudon/Tellico lakes at Knoxville where we will give a $36,000 boat for first place,” he said. “We will have a two-day classic on Douglas Lake and we will give a $45,000 Skeeter with a Yamaha 200 SHO on it to first place.”
Also, he noted, in every tournament there will be contingency money for the highest finishing Skeeter boats – $3,000 for first, $2,000 for second and $1,000 for third.
“We'll have over $36,000 in contingency money available if you have the Skeeter/Yamaha package,” Phillips said.
“As for the Bassmasters, the way it works is with a points system. You will got an fish a BASS championship, then the three top teams will advance to the BASS Team Championship. They will split up and go in individual boats for that. The winner of that Classic will qualify for the Bassmaster Classic.”
At the year-end banquet Thursday night there will be a lot of food, a live band, plus a casting contest for a chance to win at $70,000 Skeeter FX with a Yamaha SHO, Phillips said.
Morristown Marine Team Trail
Oct 26-27, 2013
Douglas Lake
Swann's Marina
CONTACT: Sam Phillips 423-587-5555
2013 Cbc Lake Murray Championship Preivew With Ac Pro Staffer Rob Digh!
AC Pro Staffer Rob Digh gives us some great insight on what shallow patterns you are going to have to use and execute this weekend if you are going to win the 2013 Carolina's Bass Challenge Championship on Lake Murray! Don't forget to get all your gear on the way there at SPORTSMANS WAREHOUSE!!
Win A Trip To The 2014 Bassmaster Classic!
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — In February 2013, fishing fans hailed a new hero as Cliff Pace of Petal, Miss., won the Bassmaster Classic, the “Super Bowl” of bass fishing, after bringing the heaviest bass to the scales during three days of competition in Tulsa, Okla. This year, as those same fans of Bassmaster’s highly skilled anglers look on, a new field of 50-plus fishermen will vie for the top prize in bass fishing, and two lucky fans will be there in person to see a new champion crowned.
Birmingham is headquarters for B.A.S.S. and the site of the 2014 Bassmaster Classic, which will be held on Lake Guntersville, Feb. 21-23, 2014. It’s also the destination for the grand prize winner of the Bassmaster Classic VIP Sweepstakes presented by the Alabama Bass Trail.
Between now and Oct. 31, 2013, bass fishing fans can go online to Bassmaster.com and register to win a trip for two to the 2014 Bassmaster Classic in Birmingham. The trip begins Feb. 20 and ends Feb. 24. The prize package includes hotel accommodations for four nights, local transportation, VIP seating at the weigh-ins and special access to the Bassmaster Classic Expo.
In addition, the grand prize winner will receive $1,000 cash and special promotional items from the Alabama Bass Trail (ABT). The ABT received the state’s Tourism Partnership Award in August and was created to promote recreational and competitive bass fishing on key reservoirs and rivers throughout the state.
There’s no better time to visit Birmingham than during the 2014 Bassmaster Classic and no better way to see bass fishing’s finest than as the grand prize winner of the VIP Sweepstakes presented by the ABT. Click here to enter.
B.a.s.s. Rocking The Boat With New Payout Stucture
They say crime doesn’t pay. Depending on whom you speak with, neither does tournament bass fishing these days.
At least, not like it used to. Just last year.
After 8 years with a top prize of a half -million dollars the Bassmaster Classic will award $300,000 to the 2014 champion. That amount is still life-changing by most standards, and if a guy is good at promoting himself he can cash-in on the win for years to come.
But it’s not $500,000.
During regular season events the top 40 anglers will still make a minimum of $10,000 but places 41-through-50 will now get $8,000 instead of the $10,000 that has been the standard for a while now.
B.A.S.S. had planned to cut the pay to $5,000 for spots 41-50. The $8,000 figure will offer a chance for frugal travelers to still make a slight profit and keep themselves in the game even when they don’t dominate an event.
That extra bit of insurance can be important when you work with unpredictable animals for a living.
So where’s the lost money going?
According to Bruce Akin of B.A.S.S. it is being used to fund a much larger prize for the 2014 Bassmaster Angler of the Year. Due to angler outcry over lost earnings potential in regular season tournaments, B.A.S.S. decided to fund spots 41-50 at each event with an extra $3,000 (to bring the total to the current $8,000) by slashing the Classic Champion’s prize to the tune of $200,000.
So when a guy places 50th and cuts a check for $8,000 instead of $5,000 he can thank the 2014 Classic Champ, maybe even take him to dinner. After all, the as-yet-to-be-determined Champ is already single-handedly funding the deeper payout structure.
Reynolds Wins Walmart Bass Fishing League Regional On Lake Texoma
Fowler Wins Walmart Bass Fishing League Regional On Lake Hartwell
Piedmont Bass Classics 'End Of Year' Bass Trail #8 Results - Falls Lake - Oct 19, 2013
19 teams showed up for the final qualifying tournament of the 2013 Piedmont Bass Classics 'End of Year' Team Tournament Bass Fishing Trail.
The weather was great! 61 degrees in the morning, getting up to about 71 in the pm. Bobby & David Matthews took 1st place honors with 5 bass weighing 22.81 lbs. They won the 1st place money, 1st place Big Fish (7.99 lbs.) and 1st place TWT for a grand total of $1,162! Vernon Fleming & Glen Long won 2nd place (13.39 lbs.) taking home $400 !!
Only 30 fish were weighed in for a total weight of 95 pounds. Big fish for the day was 7.99 lbs. with a 7.01 close behind. The quality fish were caught from 8 to 14 feet of water on a variety of baits including crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs and c-rigs for the most part. Spinnerbaits were the 1st place teams choice lures. Water temps were around 65 degrees.
I want to thank all the anglers that participated and that support this trail. I also want to thank everyone that fished, sponsored and helped Piedmont Bass Classics Tournament Trails this year! 2013 has been a great success and I look forward to even better times in 2014! Thank you!
Our next tournament will be the 2013 Piedmont Bass Classics 'End of Year' Team Tournament Bass Fishing Trail
Championship, November 2nd at Jordan Lake out of Farrington Point Wildlife Ramp. This Championship is for
qualified teams only.
All the information on our tournaments can be found at: www.piedmontbassclassics.com
Now here are the full results:
1st Place: Bobby & David Matthews of Durham...5 bass...22.81 lbs...$700
2nd Place: Vernon Fleming & Glen Long of Raleigh & Henderson...5 bass...13.39 lbs...$400
3rd Place: Mark Herndon & Jay Garrard of Bahama & Durham...3 bass...10.61 lbs...$260
4th Place: Tony Woodard & Scott Smith of Four Oaks & Apex...2 bass...7.81 lbs...$160
1st Place Big Fish..1st Place Team above...7.99 lbs...$252
2nd Place Big Fish..Lonnie Whitfield & Phillip Smith of Burlington & Mebane...7.01 lbs...$108
1st Place TWT..1st Place Team above...22.81 lbs...$210
2nd Place TWT..3rd Place Team above: 10.61 lbs...$90
Contact Information:
Phil McCarson...Tournament Director
922 Valetta Rd.
Durham, NC 27712
Home: 919-471-1571 Cell: 919-971-5042
email: philsflags@msn.com
website: www.piedmontbassclassics.com
Les Westberry and Dean Chapman win the Buckeye Lures Lake Murray Open-Full Results Here!
Here are the full results from this past Saturdays Buckeye Lures Lake Murray Open.........congrats again to the Champs who drove home with $5000 CASH!! Below the results are some pics of the winnners:
| Place | Team | Fish | Weight | Winnings |
| 1 | Les Westberry - Dean Chapman | 4.68 | 18.22 | $5,000.00 |
| 2 | Russell Anderson | 4.35 | 16.23 | $500.00 |
| 3 | Ronnie McCoy | 3.33 | 13.13 | $300.00 |
| 4 | Josh Rennebaum - Ross Burns | 4.31 | 12.70 | $200.00 |
| 5 | Dusty Turner - Chip Grice | 3.73 | 11.73 | |
| 6 | Kevin Rake - Terry Morris BF | 5.29 | 11.63 | $330.00 |
| 7 | Sean Anderson - George Berry | 2.72 | 11.25 | |
| 8 | Hunter Hicks | 3.88 | 10.58 | |
| 9 | Patrick Walters - Todd Walters | 3.65 | 9.89 | |
| 10 | Beau Dixon - Andy Sease | 3.41 | 9.16 | |
| 11 | Matt Bickley - Delaine Woodward | 2.80 | 7.98 | |
| 12 | Roy Altman - Julious Lively | 3.84 | 5.66 | |
| 13 | Brett Colins - Brad Petway | 2.73 | 5.61 | |
| 14 | Eric Mora - Donald Miller | 4.10 | 5.61 | |
| 15 | Harold Hite - Darin Hite | 1.91 | 1.91 | |
| 16 | Howard Stephens - Mark McCormick | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 17 | Bart Blackburn - Glen Gentry | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 18 | Donald Garner - Brent Sutton | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 19 | Chris Heath - Steve Debord | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 20 | Johnny Player - Robert Hall | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 21 | Jay Adams - Glenn Sparrow | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 22 | Ronnie Mueller - Vernie Haltiwanger | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 23 | Josh McGregor - Randall Driggers | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 24 | Gettys Brannon - Brandon Chandler | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 25 | Jason Moyer - Artie Worthington | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 26 | Hans Cansler - Shannon Jordan | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 27 | Ben Lee - Neil Huffstetler | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 28 | Chris Calvert - Andrew Allen | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 29 | Jerry Barnes - Dan Barnes | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 30 | Joey Sabbagha - Anthony Gagilardi | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 31 | Chad Hastings | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 32 | Daniel Cook - Charlie Sanbury | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 33 | Art Lance - Mike Stewart | 0.00 | 0.00
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Buckeye Lures Lake Murray Open Wrap Up With Director Brett Collins
After seeing a solid 18+ Lb bag come in and win the 1st Annual Buckeye Lures Lake Murray Open, Brett comments on some very key points as to why the Lake is so difficult right now as well as what you will need to do next week at the CBC Championship-this is a MUST VIEW for all participating anglers!!
2013 Buckeye Lures Lake Murray Open Champions
Tournament Director Brett Collins goes one on one with the 2013 Buckeye Lures Lake Murray Champions Dean Champman and Les Wes Bury after they hauled in 18+ Lbs and took home a check for $5000!!! If you watch closely you will find out whats not working on Lake Murray right now...............
Tharp Closes Out Victory In Bassmaster Open On Ross Barnett
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Tharp Still Leads Heading Into Final Day Of Bassmaster Central Open On Ross Barnett
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Tharp Tops Day 1 Field In Bassmaster Open On Ross Barnett
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2014 Schedule For Cabela's Collegiate Bass Fishing Series Presented By Boatus
San Antonio, Texas (October 16, 2013) - Cabela's, The World's Foremost Outfitter, has continued their sponsorship of the Association of Collegiate Anglers, and the Cabela's Collegiate Bass Fishing Series. Once again the title sponsor of the entire series which consists of three major events, including the Cabela's Collegiate Big Bass Bash, the Collegiate Bass Fishing Open and the season-ending BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship. The sponsorship also includes numerous school run events nationwide, many which count towards the prestigious 2014 Cabela's School of the Year race.
"Cabela's is one of several companies that have been behind our series and collegiate bass fishing since its inception in 2006. Their involvement and support of this initiative have allowed us to continually enhance our programs and offerings to collegiate anglers," said Wade Middleton, President of CarecoTV and Co-founder of the ACA. "We are honored to have their continued support and this collaboration between Cabela's and the ACA will allow us to continue to raise the bar for collegiate bass fishing events and opportunities."
The 2014 Cabela's Collegiate Bass Fishing Series presented by BoatUS will be nationally televised and hosted on some of the nation's top fisheries. The series will include :
- Collegiate Bass Fishing Open - March 14-16, 2014 - Lake Chickamauga - Dayton, Tenn.
- Cabela's Collegiate Big Bass Bash - April 4-5, 2014 - Kentucky Lake - Paris, Tenn.
- BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship - May 28-30, 2014 - Pickwick Lake - Florence, Ala.
"The Collegiate Bass Fishing Series provides an opportunity for young anglers from across the country to showcase their skills and passion," said Scott Williams, Cabela's Chief Marketing Officer. "Cabela's is proud to support this event and its competitors, who represent a strong future for fishing and outdoor industries."
Chris Edmonston, President of the BoatUS Foundation, added, "We're proud to be a founding partner in the Association of Collegiate Anglers along with Cabela's. What started as a little collegiate fishing event in Texas several years ago has grown into a series of premier collegiate fishing events; thanks in large part to the number of partnerships that have developed over the years. Cabela's expanded commitment to collegiate anglers everywhere really solidifies everyone's investment into this important youth program. We look forward to the future and the opportunities that lie ahead for the students."
Official rules and registration dates for the 2014 Cabela's Collegiate Bass Fishing Series will be announced in coming weeks at www.CollegiateBassChampionship.com
About the ACA
The Association of Collegiate Anglers, a division of CarecoTV and The Bass Federation, is a sanctioning body developed to facilitate growth, development, and structure within competitive collegiate bass fishing. The ACA provides support to dozens of regional events nationwide and owns the Cabela's Collegiate Bass Fishing Series, the largest participatory collegiate tournament circuit in the country. With dedicated programming on television networks such as NBC Sports, Pursuit, World Fishing Network, Destination America among others, three nationally televised collegiate bass fishing events, and thousands of members, the ACA is the leader in competitive collegiate bass fishing. For more information on the ACA, or the Cabela's Collegiate Bass Fishing Series, visit www.collegiatebasschampionship.com.
About Cabela's Incorporated
After Finishing 3Rd On Lanier, Cobb Swinging For The Fences In Bfl Regional On Lake Hartwell
Brandon Cobb will be swinging for the fences in the Walmart Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Lake Hartwell this weekend, but there is one problem. Right now it's pretty hard to determine where the fences are.
“I've not been on the lake in a couple of weeks and the fishing is tough,” said Cobb while practicing for the championship. “I believe the high water has got the largemouth bass scattered in the flooded grass and you can't really get to them. Then when you do it's hard to catch them.”
On top of that, he said, the lake is the middle of fall turnover so the offshore bite “is a little weird, too.”
And, then there is the weather. Lake Hartwell is full of blueback herring and the bass follow the herring.
“A herring lake never fishes very strong when it is cloud and the weather has been cloudy with a light rain this week. That is generally not good on a herring lake and it is showing it,” said Cobb, a former member of the Clemson University Fishing Team who graduated last December.
He has been fishing two BFL Divisions and the Bassmaster Southern Opens this year, finishing 4th in both the Bulldog and Savannah River Division, and therein lies the reason he is swinging for the fences on Lake Hartwell.
He does not need to finish in the top six on Hartwell to advance to the BFL championship, the Walmart BFL All-American, because he took care of that business in the Lake Lanier Regional Oct. 10-12 with a third place finish.
“I was really happy to finish third at Lake Lanier,” Cobb said. “That takes a lot of pressure off this week. It feels like 100 pounds have been lifted off my shoulders.”
Ironically, he noted, he fully expected to do well in the Hartwell Regional and probably not as well in the Lanier Regional since he is so much more familiar with Lake Hartwell. The lake winds up past the Clemson campus so he has had the opportunity to fish it on a regular basis for the past four or five years.
“Now it looks like it will be the other way around,” he said. Unless he locates the fences on Lake Hartwell this week and lands five hefty bass each day to win the tournament Thursday-Saturday.
“I plan to fish slow and try to get five big largemouth bites each day,” he said. “If that fails I could go offshore and try to catch spotted bass on a drop-shot, but I don't know if the tournament can be won with spotted bass, so I don't know if I will even try that.”
The three-day tournament features the top 40 boaters and 40 co-anglers from each of the Bama, Bulldog, Piedmont and Volunteer divisions. Anglers will be competing for a Ranger Z518 with a 200-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard and a Chevy 1500 Silverado in the boater division and a new Ranger Z518 with a 200-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard in the co-angler division.
Anglers in both divisions will also compete to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for the Walmart BFL All-American. Top winners in the BFL can move up to the EverStart Series or even the Walmart FLW Tour.
Walmart BFL Regional – Piedmont, Bama, Volunteer, Bulldog Divisions
Oct 17-19
Lake Hartwell
Tugaloo State Park
2013 Buckeye Lures Lake Murray Open Preview with AC Pro Staffer Rob Digh
AC Pro Staffer Rob Digh helps us break down the conditions on Lake Murray for this weekends 1st Annual Buckeye Lures Open! Murray turned over 2 weeks ago setting up what could be one heck of a day to go out and win the GUARANTEED $5000 1st place prize!! Click here for Tournament details, or just go to the Tournaments page here on Anglerschannel.com!!
Wilcox and Coats win the Texas Team Trail on Falcon with 48+ Lbs-Full Results Here!
TEXAS TEAM TRAIL PRESENTED BY CABELA’S WRAPS UP CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT AT FALCON LAKE
Championship event pays out over $105,000 to competitors
NORMAN, Okla. (Oct. 14, 2013) – Bill Wilcox, of Burleson, Texas, and Gib Coats, of Fort Worth, Texas, brought 48.56 pounds of bass to the scales to win the two-day championship event of the Texas Team Trail presented by Cabela’s (TXTT) on Oct. 13 at Falcon Lake. The winning anglers took home a brand new, fully rigged Ranger Z119C boat powered by an Evinrude outboard, valued at $45,000.
Texas Team Trail Classic Champs Bill Wilcox and Gib Coats
Running 25 miles to the lower end of Falcon Lake, the anglers concentrated in a feeder creek with chatterbaits and soft plastic trailers.
“We had a decent game plan and stuck to it,” said Wilcox. “We managed our fish real well. I felt like we could have had a lot bigger stringer the first day, but with a multi-day event, you don’t want to catch all your fish the first day.”
With a 20-pound limit by 9:30 a.m., the anglers moved to several different locations to try and upgrade their weight.
“We went to similar areas where we knew we could get a few bites,” said Wilcox. “We upgraded three times to get to 24.51 pounds. I knew that somewhere in the mid-twenties would be real respectable.”
Starting the final day in second place, the anglers returned to their most productive spot.
“It was a little feeder creek that had a couple sub-feeder creeks in the back of it,” said Wilcox. “With the lake coming up six feet in the last month, there was a lot of new growth along the edges. In one particular stretch, it was about four and a half feet deep, which seemed a key area for where we caught our big fish. “
Staying at that location all day proved vital to their win. With baitfish pushed up into the shallow water, the anglers waited for the bass to come to the edges and feed.
“I felt like it reloaded,” said Wilcox. “The fish were up in that shallow water but you couldn’t reach them. You just got to wait them out until they come out to the edge of the creek.”
Second-place finishers Mark Mueck, of Livingston, Texas, and David Curtis, of Trinity, Texas, weighed 47.45 pounds of bass to take home a new fully rigged Ranger Z118C boat powered by a 150hp Evinrude – which was upgraded to a Ranger Z119C as a result of their participation in the Ranger Cup contingency program, providing nearly $5,000 added value. In addition, the duo took home $1,000 Cabela’s “Angler Cash” contingency and another $1,178 from their participation in the Angler’s Advantage program.
With three top-five finishes, including a TXTT win at Belton Lake, Mueck and Curtis also won the TXTT Team of the Year presented by Lucas Oil. The anglers will receive custom Lucas Oil rings and paid entry fees for the 2014 season.
Dean Golmon, of Georgetown, Texas, and Jayson Kisselburg, of Jarrell, Texas, took home the $1,984 for their efforts. Running only one half mile to creeks near the river channel, the anglers did well despite their inexperience on Falcon Lake.
“The wind pushed the shad shallow, but it helped our spinner bait bite,” said Golmon. “This was only our second trip to Falcon so we were very pleased with our performance.”
The championship wraps up another successful season for the TXTT. Next year’s stops includes some familiar waters and a first ever TXTT stop at Lake Texoma. The 2014 TXTT Championship is set for legendary Toledo Band Lake, featuring high payouts with unprecedented contingency opportunities.
For additional information, anglers are encouraged to call 210-788-4143 or check out the TXTT website at www.texasteamtrail.com. Site visitors can register for events, review the television schedule, get official Texas Team Trail gear, view results and learn more about what’s in store for 2014.
Along with title-sponsor Cabela’s, Texas Team Trail has also welcomed Lucas Oil®, Ranger Boats, Stratos Boats, Triton Boats, Evinrude®, Minn Kota®, Talon, RAM Trucks, Lowrance, Power-Pole, General Tire, Boater’s Insurance®, Amphibia, Protect the Harvest, Valley Fashions and Arctic Ice as official partners.
For full results, please go to www.texasteamtrail.com/tournaments/events-results.
Opens Angler James Johnson Shot to Death in Jackson, Mississippi
James Johnson of Ganado, TX has fished the Bassmaster Central Opens for 4 years. Heading into this weekend's season finale he was 11th in points.
Johnson was shot and killed Sunday evening in a Motel 6 parking lot in Jackson, Miss. Reports indicate that Johnson approached a thief who was in his bass boat. Apparently, the confrontation turned deadly when the burglar opened fire.
Jackson police used security camera footage to produce a photo of a potential suspect.
Johnson had been in Jackson to practice for the Open on Ross Barnett Reservoir.
He was 56 years old.
Angler's Lodge in Texas has set up an account to assist with funeral expenses. Donations can be made by calling (830) 719-9907.
Brian Callaway and Gary Dickerson win the 2013 Anglers Choice Marine TT Championship on Kerr
On an overcast day Sunday with light drizzle, Brian Callaway and Gary Dickerson bring in a 17.67 Lb sack to give them a comfortable 30.70 2 day Total to win this years AC Marine TT Championship on Kerr lake. They beat out 143 other qualifying teams in what has become one of if not the premier Team Trail in the country. Full results are attached as well as some great pictures including this years Points Champions below. Congrats to Brian and Gary on their big win and their new Ranger Z118C that they pulled home!!
2013 Anglers Choice Marine TT Champions Brian Callaway and Gary Dickerson!
Brian Calloway and Gary Dickerson win the 2013 Anglers Choice Marine TT Championship on Kerr!!
Congrats to the 2013 Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail Champions Brian Calloway and Gary Dickerson--their Day 2 bag of 17.67 pushed their 2 day total to 30.70 which earned them a new Ranger Z118C to drive home in!
Sportsman's Warhouse October Report and the Buckeye Lures Open just 9 days away!!
Sportsman's Warehouse fishing Manager Craig Baird preps us on the conditions at Lake Murray for the upcoming Buckeye Lures Open on Sat, October 19th!! $5000 CASH GUARANTEED for 1st place...click here for all the details!
Rains From Tropical Storm Karen Could Help Fishing In Anglers Choice Classic On Kerr
Tropical Storm Karen was bearing down on the Gulf Coast this weekend and that could mean better fishing for the Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail Classic on Kerr Reservoir next weekend.
“It looks like we are going to get some pretty heavy rains Sunday night and Monday and that should bring the water level up a little bit,” said Chris Lucas, Anglers Choice tournament director.
Jeffrey Thomas of Broadway, N.C., one of the North Carolina Division qualifying anglers, agreed.
“They are forecasting it will come inland rather than go off the coast. For Kerr to jump up it has got to be wet around Danville and Smith Mountain Lake. If it does that Kerr would jump up and there would be a good shallow water bite,” said Thomas, a fishing guide and tournament angler from Broadway, N.C.
And that would suit Thomas fine, since he is an avid shallow water angler.
“Normally, the water level dictates the fishing, but it's at a level that is frustrating to the shallow fishing guys,” Thomas said. “Right now the water is a little higher than we would like it, but not quite as high as we'd like it if it is going to be up. There is not enough water around the shoreline stuff and it's not low enough to take the fish off the structure.”
The situation is ideal, he said, for the anglers who fish away from the bank, the crankbait guys. But Karen could change things for the better by the first of the week, he added, if it pumps some heavy rains into the system that flows through Kerr.
“The lake would jump up and there would be a good shallow water bite then,” he said. But if the lake does not rise, he and teammate Dennis Reedy of Siler City, N.C., will probably run up the river to find some current and fish shallow.
“I think we can still catch them. We probably won't get the number of bites the cranking guys will, but we should still catch some quality fish.”
Reedy and Thomas fished three tournaments in the North Carolina Division and two in the Virginia Division, catching a limit in each of the five tournaments, to qualify for the Classic. Anglers had to fish at least five of the 12 tournaments, six in each division under the new two-state format this year, to make it to the Classic.
The new format has gone over very well in both states, said Lucas, and next year promises to be even better with some tweaking of the schedule.
“In next year's format three may not be quite as many tournaments and the schedule may be spread out a little bit. The trail is going to get even bigger next year and we hope to be able to unveil things about it really soon.”
First prize in the Classic is a fully-rigged Ranger Z118 with a Mercury 150 outboard, valued at over $30,000.
Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail Classic
Oct 12-13, 2013
Kerr / Buggs Island Lake
Occoneechee State Park Ramp #1
Call Chris Lucas 276-358-0844
Frog Expected To Produce Heavy Weights In Chattanooga Bass Final Qualifier On Chickamauga
Throwing a frog will probably be the main tactic and likely will produce the winner in the final Chattanooga Bass Association qualifying tournament Saturday on Chickamauga Lake, said Tom Kizziah with the CBA.
“Fishing should be good and I think the fish are getting ready to get up in the grass,” said Kizziah, who worked a frog Friday and Saturday in another tournament on the lake, finishing just out of the money in 38th place.
First place was 36 pounds for a two-day total in this past weekend's tournament, but Kizziah said weights should be up considerably for the CBA tournament Saturday.
“There were 360 boats in the tournament this past weekend, plus another bunch that launched out of the lower end of the lake, so the lake won't be nearly as crowded this weekend and weights should be up. I'd say it will take probably 23 1/2 pounds Saturday.”
Another reason, he said, is that cooler weather is predicted this week, along with the chance of some rain early in the week, which should lower the water temperature and make the fish more active.
First place in CBA tournaments pays $2,000. Fishermen must fish seven of the 12 regular season events to qualify for the year-end Classic November 2- 3. At the classic first place is guaranteed $10,000 guaranteed by TowBoatUS. Last year more than $60,000 in cash and prizes was awarded at the classic,
Some fishermen will be fishing Saturday to make their seven tournaments and qualify for the Classic, but one will be fishing to lock down his third points championship in the history of Chattanooga's oldest open team tournament trail.
Rogne Brown, a tournament pro and a fishing guide on Chickamauga, Nickajack, Watts Bar and Guntersville Lakes for two decades, is leading the points this year by a fairly comfortable margin. Brown teamed with his nephew Michael Neal to win the points title in 2008 and 2009. Neal missed a tournament this year so he is not eligible to share in the title, Kizziah said.
“Unless something happens to cause Rogue to bomb out he pretty much has it wrapped up,” said Kizziah, who noted that the points champion will have all his entry fees paid for 2014 with the exclusion of the Classic next year.
Brown is a formidable angler on Chickamauga. He and Tim Saylor of Morristown weighed in a five-fish limit at 44.31 pounds in a tournament run by Neal, who is an FLW pro and runs the tackle shop at the Dayton Boat Dock. Brown's and Saylor's nearly 9-pound average, which was a lake-record, included the big fish of the tournament at 10.57 pounds.
Brown and Neal won the February CBA tournament and he and George Brown also won the June night tournament and the July day tournament.
“This year has gone really well for the CBA,” Kizziah said, “and the Classic payout probably will be the most we've ever paid. Our tournament payouts have got bigger every year and hopefully that will continue as long as we keep our sponsors on board and the anglers keep participating.”
Chattanooga Bass Association
Sat, Oct 12, 2013
Chickamauga Lake
Chester Frost Park
Call Justin Medley 423-667-5054
Price Will Be 'fishing Blind' At Bfl Regional On Lanier, Just Like On His Home Lakes This Year
Bo Price has never fished Lake Lanier before so he is going to approach the Walmart BFL Regional Championship on the lake next weekend the same as he has had to do on all the lakes he is intimately familiar with in the Savannah River Division.
“I had a good year in the Savannah River Division but it was a weird year because of all the rain we had. All the lakes have been really high and there essentially has been no thermocline. All the lakes were pretty much 100 percent rainwater this year.”
All that freshwater brought on by more than two months of rain every day had the fish and the fishermen mixed up, Price said.
“Usually the fish will be deep or shallow, but all that rain scattered them from 40 feet deep all the way to the bank. All the advantage I have had in years past went away because I could not rely on those places I had depended on when the water was not as high,” he said.
“I just had to fish those Savannah River lakes like they were brand new lakes – like I will be going to Lake Lanier.”
It won't be easy, he noted, because he will be going up against a bunch of anglers with a definite local advantage.
“A lot of the guys who fished the Savannah River Division this year were from the Lake Lanier area and they fished the division so they could qualify for the regional on Lanier,” said the Westminster, S.C. angler. “Some of them have 200 brushpiles on Lake Lanier so it would be naive for me to go down there and try to beat them at their own game.”
Price said his strong point in bass fishing is finding and catching fish in deep water, so he plans to pursue that at Lake Lanier.
“I'm terrible at fishing shallow, so I am going to look deep and fish deep. I'll try to find some standing timber with fish chasing bluebacks in it,” said Price who is a reactor operator at the Oconee Nuclear Station when he is not bass fishing. “I fish a deep diving crankbait a lot, a football jig a lot and a jigging spoon at times.”
Tropical Storm Karen, which was bearing down on the Gulf Coast this week was projected to turn northeast and the resulting heavy rains could change things drastically at Lake Lanier, Price said.
“All the lakes are on the verge of fall turnover and if we get a deluge of cold rain, with 55 to 60 degree water, that might be what it takes to turn the lakes over and change fishing completely.”
Although he did not win a tournament in the Savannah River Division this year (he has three wins and 15 top 10s in BFL competition), Price finished 8th in the points. He has been ranked as high as second three times in the division – 2009, 2011 and 2012.
He and the rest of the Savannah River Division will be competing with the top 40 anglers from the Choo Choo, Music City and North Carolina divisions on Lake Lanier, The top six anglers at Lake Lanier will qualify to fish the Walmart BFL All American next year.
Price also ventured into the Volunteer Division in Tennessee this year, too, for the same reason the Lake Lanier anglers fished the Savannah River Division – to qualify for the regional championship on Lake Hartwell.
“I'm just praying I am good enough for a top six spot in one of the regionals so I can go to the All American,” he said.
Wal-Mart BFL Regional
North Carolina, Savannah River, Choo Choo and Music City Divisions
Oct 10-12, 2013
Lake Lanier
Laurel Park
Skeet Reese joins Ranger Boats Pro Team
Auburn, Calif. – Skeet Reese, the 2007 Bassmaster Angler of the Year and 2009 Bassmaster Classic Champion will be joining the Ranger Pro Team for 2014. Reese will be adding Ranger's new Z521cto his arsenal of advantages starting with the February 2014 Bassmaster Classic at Lake Guntersville, Alabama.
“I am excited to partner with Ranger Boats; they’re a strong brand with outstanding people and an incredible commitment to excellence," said Reese. "I have always prided myself in working with great companies with the best products offered and Ranger fits that description very well. I’m proud to join the phenomenal team of Ranger Boat pro anglers.”
With a rich history spanning more than 45 years, Ranger has long been the boat of choice for many of the sport’s biggest names. “Skeet has always been a top notch angler and we’re thrilled to have him on the Ranger team,” said Ranger Boats Vice President of Marketing Bart Schad. “Our pro staff is such an important part of our company, and not just from a promotions standpoint but research and development of new models as well. We’re looking forward to spending more time with Skeet and can’t wait to see him kick off the 2014 Bassmaster Classic in a Ranger.”
Ranger Boats builds a full line of bass, multi-species, fish and play and saltwaterfishing boats, including the new Ranger Aluminum Series, which is built for the most rugged of fishing conditions. Ranger Boat Company was founded by Forrest and Nina Wood in 1968 and has helped shape the bass fishing industry, setting the highest standards for performance, innovation, quality and service.
Reese will begin the 2014 season with the Bassmaster Classic, and the 2014 Bassmaster Elite Series in his signature black and yellow color scheme on his new Ranger z521c powered by Mercury Pro XS 250 and matched with MotorGuide trolling motor and Lowrance Electronics.
About Ranger Boats
Headquartered in Flippin, Ark., Ranger Boats is the nation's premier manufacturer of legendary fiberglass and aluminum fishing boats, which include series of bass, multi-species, fish 'n play, water fowl utility and saltwater boats. Founded in 1968 by Forrest L. Wood, Ranger Boats continues its commitment to building the highest-quality, strongest-performing boats on the water. For more information, go to RangerBoats.com.
About Skeet Reese
Skeet Reese, a Bassmaster Elite Series pro, is the 2009 Bassmaster Classic Champion and the 2007 Bassmaster Angler of the Year and has compiled more than $3 million in career earnings. Reese has qualified for 13 Bassmaster Classic appearances, and has 62 “Top 10” finishes, including seven wins in B.A.S.S. competition in a 14-year career.
His sponsors include Lucky Craft, Berkley Havoc and PowerBait, Berkley Trilene, Redemption Lures, Mercury Outboards, TroKar Hooks, MotorGuide Trolling Motors, Wright & McGill Co., Lowrance Electronics, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Wiley X Eyewear and AdvancedAngler.com. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Tackle the Storm Foundation. Visit his website; www.skeetreeseinc.com and follow him on https://twitter.com/SkeetReese1.
Piedmont Bass Classics 'End Of Year' Bass Trail Qualifier #7 Results - Oct 5, 2013 - Kerr Lake
The weather was great! 70 degrees in the morning no winds and getting up to about 88 in the pm. A 'Bluebird Day'!
Ken McNeill (R) and Keith Deal took 1st place honors with just 4 bass weighing 12.57 lbs. & 1st place big fish, bringing their total winnings to $1,118.
Jr. Nance & Keith Roberts won 2nd place (11.65 lbs.) and took home $440!!
Only 52 fish were weighed in for a total weight of 120 pounds. Big fish for the day was 4.80 lbs. with a 3.91 lagging behind. The fish were caught from 2 to 20 feet of water on a variety of baits including crankbaits, jerk baits, finesse worms, and c-rigs for the most part. Water temps were around 75 degrees. With no wind, clear water, bright sunshine & a high pressure system in place, the fish basically shut down. It was a tough day to catch fish at Kerr. I want to thank all the anglers that participated and that support this trail.
Our next tournament will be the 2013 Piedmont Bass Classics 'End of Year' Team Tournament Bass Fishing Trail Final Qualifier #8, October 19th at Falls Lake out of Ledge Rock Wildlife Ramp. This is also an 'Open' tournament.
All the information on our tournaments can be found at: www.piedmontbassclassics.com
Now here are the full results:
1st Place: Ken McNeill & Keith Deal of Raleigh & Holly Springs...4 bass...12.57 lbs...$810
2nd Place: Jr. Nance & Keith Roberts of Angier...4 bass...11.65 lbs...$440
3rd Place: Tom Wilkinson & Dennis Gilbert of Oxford & Nathalie, VA...5 bass...11.41 lbs...$300
4th Place: Kenneth & James Phillips of Clayton...5 bass...11.29 lbs...$220
5th Place: Walt Bowen & Tyler Purcell of Walnut Cove & Townsville...5 bass...10.90 lbs...$150
1st Place Big Fish..1st Place Team above...4.80 lbs...$308
2nd Place Big Fish..Mark & Larry Inman of Greensboro...3.91 lbs...$132
1st Place TWT..3rd Place Team above...11.41 lbs...$385
2nd Place TWT..5th Place Team above: 10.90 lbs...$165
Contact Information:
Phil McCarson...Tournament Director
922 Valetta Rd.
Durham, NC 27712
Home: 919-471-1571 Cell: 919-971-5042
email: philsflags@msn.com
website: www.piedmontbassclassics.com
Pappas and Smith win the final Tom's Marine TT on Douglas with 17.52 Lbs!
Eighty-nine teams took to the water on October 5th in the final regular season event for Toms Marine Team Trail. The weather was beautiful and for many the fish cooperated. Mark Pappas and Mike Smith topped the field with a 5 fish limit weighing in at 17.52-pounds which included the lunker of the tournament. They took home a total of $2,870 for this great catch. Second place and $1,000 went to Mike Livesay and Robert Jones with 16.84-pounds. Chad Waddell and Rodney Craddock won $600 for their 16.41-pound third place limit. Fourth place and $450 went to Herschel Brady and Kevin Burns with 15.89-pounds. Rounding out the top five and winning $400 was Steve Gibson and Tim Smiley with a 15.57-pound limit. Complete results, photos and points are now posted at http://www.tomsmarinetn.com . Toms Marine would like to thank everyone who participated this year and helped make this trail the great success it is!
Tom's Marine TT Douglas Lake Champions Mark Pappas and Mike Smith
Combs Leads Day 1 of Toyota Texas Bass Classic
Strike king Pro Keith Combs nearly won a big tournament in Texas this time last year, falling to fellow Strike King pro-staffer Phil Marks who used the (at the time) brand new 10XD crankbait to pile up 30-plus pounds of bass in the final round.
The year before that, Combs tied Mike Iaconelli for the 3-day lead at the Toyota Texas Bass Classic on Lake Conroe with a total of 76 pounds, 12 ounces. Combs won the sudden death fish-off to claim the 2011 TTBC title.
Flash forward to 2013 and Combs is right back at it. So is Iaconelli. Combs holds the Day 1 lead with over 24 pounds. Ike is about 3 pounds back of him in 2nd. And they both have one of bass fishing's hottest anglers on their tails - Jason Christie is 3rd, a pound behind Iaconelli.
Ike and Christie agree that Combs is the guy to beat on Conroe. He has hundreds of quality waypoints - ledges, points, brushpiles - and combs has demonstrated his superior skills with deep diving crankbaits on South Texas lakes that have no grass. Beneath the surface Coroe is a moon scape except for some boneyards of old timber.
That Combs caught big bass on his first 2 stops and his biggest of the day on his 3rd, underscores his strength in this tournament where Iaconelli had to rally late to catch what he ended up with and Christie owes a lot of his success to one big bite.
Here are the Top 10 so far:
1. Keith Combs: 24-8
2. Mike Iaconelli: 21-8
3. Jason Christie: 19-12
4. Jacob Powroznik: 18-00
5. Bobby Lane: 17-8
6. John Crews: 17-4
7. Mike McClelland: 16-8
8. Kevin VanDam: 16-4
9. Shin Fukae: 15-4
10. (tie) Fred Roumbanis: 15-00
10. (tie) Cliff Crochet: 15-00
American Bass Anglers Announces 2014 Weekend Bass Series Details, Dates
The Weekend Bass Series 2014 Season Details:
American Bass Anglers officials announced today the 2014 Weekend Bass Series season details with several enhancements. The series offers a boater/co-angler format with 20 divisions. Both boaters and co-anglers may advance to one of four regional championships. Top finishers from each of these regional championships advance to the no-entry fee Weekend Angler Bass Classic with $100,000 going to the champion.
The Weekend Bass Series is designed for the weekend bass angler with 100 qualifying events held annually for both boaters and co-anglers, which allow anglers to compete for top prize money while improving their bass fishing skills. In 2014, 25 percent of the field from each event will earn a check, an increase from 2013. In addition, anglers may also win cash awards for catching the big bass.
Each of the 20 divisions will host four single-day qualifying events, each with a total purse of up to $52,000 cash plus sponsor-supported bonuses. To enter the tournaments, boaters pay $200 and co-anglers pay $100 per event after paying an annual ABA membership fee of $25. In each qualifying event, the winning boater may receive up to $6,000 cash, based on a full field. The winner may also qualify for another $7,000 in Triton Gold bonus money totaling a whopping $13,000 for a day of fishing! The winning co-angler in each event may win up to $3,000 with a full field, plus the opportunity to collect significant bonus cash and prizes from tournament sponsors.
At the end of each divisional season, each division will hold a two-day divisional championship to crown an Angler of the Year for that division. This event carries a total purse of up to $74,500. The winning boater may take home as much as $16,000 in winnings and Triton Gold bonus money. Divisional Anglers of the Year will each receive a special sponsor package and automatically advance to the Weekend Angler Bass Classic regardless of their regional championship finish. Entry fees for the two-day divisional championship are $300 for boaters and $150 for co-anglers.
At the regional championships, the top 40 boaters and co-anglers from five different divisions will complete for more than $150,000 in cash and prizes. These championships will payback 100 percent of the entry fees and more than 170 percent overall, based on a full field. Winning boaters may earn up to $14,000 in cash, a new Triton/Mercury boat and trailer package equipped with Carlisle Tires and Wheels and ODYSSEY batteries, plus qualify for a $7,000 Triton Gold bonus for a first place prize package valued at $57,000 in all. The top co-anglers will take home up to $7,000 in cash, a new Triton boat and trailer package with Carlisle Tires and Wheels and ODYSSEY batteries. For the regional championships, boaters pay $300 to enter with co-anglers paying $150. The top 25 percent of the field will receive a check and the top 20 percent will advance to the 2014 Weekend Angler Bass Classic, the most prestigious event of the year for the competitors. The no-entry fee 2014 Weekend Angler Bass Classic will be held on Wheeler Lake in Decatur, Ala., from Nov. 15-18.
At the national championship, the winning boater will receive a check for $100,000 and up to $105,000 in bonuses plus a new special award to be announced at the 2013 national championship. The co-angler champion will win $50,000 and up to $52,250 in sponsor bonuses.
As a special championship bonus the boater champion will also receive sponsorship and entry fees into one of two professional bass tournament circuits. This will put the 2014 champion within striking distance of one of two professional world championships of their choice. No other organization offers this to the weekend angler from this type of format.
Sponsored by Triton and Mercury, The tour also offers the ABA Alliance Program, which pays anglers’ entry fees. This program pays up to $1,100 in entry fees plus ABA membership to any ABA tour for new Triton/Mercury owners. To learn more about the program visit www.tritonboats.com.
Currently there are several sponsor programs available for the anglers to win more cash from sponsors such as: Triton Gold, Mercury Bonus Bucks, MotorGuide Bonus Bucks, T-H Marine Atlas Awards, Royal Purple Rewards.
Registration for the 2014 season begins Monday, Oct. 21, 2013, at 8 a.m. CST. For more information, visitwww.weekendseries.com or call (256) 232-0406. ABA Lifetime members and Triton Boat owners receive priority registration.
Also new for 2014 and starting October 21, 2013 there will be no handling fees associated with any online registration for any American Bass Anglers tournament. Late fees will still applied as required (see the 2014 rules for more details).
American Bass Anglers is sponsored by: Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, Busch Beer, Royal Purple, Best Western Hotels, ODYSSEY Batteries, Carlisle Tire and Wheel, T-H Marine, Livingston Lures, BioborEB, and Simms Fishing Products.
2013 Season Schedules - Also available online at www.weekendseries.com
Alabama North - Division - 1
02/15 Guntersville - State Park
04/19 Neely Henry - Coosa Landing
05/17 Wheeler – Ingalls Harbor
06/07 Weiss - Little River Marina
08/16-17 2-Day Guntersville - State Park
South Alabama - Division - 2
02/08 Martin - Wind Creek State Park
03/15 Lay Lake - Beeswax Creek
05/17 Eufaula - Lakepoint Resort State Park
06/14 Logan Martin - Lakeside Park
09/27- 28 Eufaula - Lakepoint Resort State Park
Florida - Division - 6
01/25 Okeechobee - Scott Driver Park
03/08 Harris Chain - Hickory Point
04/05 Toho - Lakefront Park
06/07 Harris Chain - Hickory Point Recreational Facility
08/16-17 Kissimmee Chain - Camp Mack
Georgia - Division - 8
02/01 Seminole - Bainbridge Boat Basin
02/22 Sinclair - Little River Park
03/29 Oconee - Sugar Creek Marina
05/03 Eufaula - Lakepoint Resort State Park
09/20-21 Eufaula - Lakepoint Resort State Park
Kentucky - Division - 15
02/22 Kentucky Lake - Moore’s Resort
04/05 Barkley - Barkley State Park
05/10 Kentucky Lake - Moore’s Resort
07/12 Kentucky Lake - Paris Landing
09/09-10 Kentucky Lake - Moore’s Resort
Louisiana North- Division – 12 (New)
01/25 Red River - Red River South
02/22 Black Lake - Chandler’s Landing
03/22 Lake D’Arbonne - Ludwig Marina
04/05 Red River - Grand Ecore
07/26-27 Toledo Bend - Cypress Bend
Louisiana South- Division - 13
02/01 Bayou Black - Bob’s Bayou Black Marina
03/01 Lake Henderson - I-10 Landing
05/03 Atchafalaya Basin - Doiron’s Landing
06/07 Pearl River - East Pearl Boat Ramp
07/19-20 Red River - Buhlow State Park
Maryland - Division - 21
03/29 Potomac - Smallwood State Park
05/17 Potomac - Smallwood State Park
06/28 Potomac - Smallwood State Park
07/19 Potomac - Smallwood State Park
09/06-07 Potomac - Smallwood State Park
Mississippi - Division - 17
02/01 Pickwick - JP Coleman
03/15 Pickwick - JP Coleman
05/03 Pickwick - JP Coleman
06/14 Pickwick - JP Coleman
08/09-10 Pickwick - JP Coleman
Missouri -Division - 16
03/03 Table Rock - Table Rock State Park
04/26 Lake of the Ozark - Public Beach #2
06/28 Truman - Sterett Creek
07/19 Truman - Sterett Creek
09/13-14 Lake of the Ozark - Public Beach #2
New York - Division - 23
06/14 Lake Champlain - Plattsburgh NY
06/28 Chautauqua Lake - Mayville NY
07/26 Oneida Lake - Oneida Shores Park
08/16 1000 Island St. Law. River - Cape Vincent NY
09/13-14 Oneida Lake - Oneida Shores Park
North Carolina - Division - 5
03/15 Norman - Pinnacle Ramp
04/19 Kerr - Nutbush
06/14 High Rock - Tamarac Marine
08/02 Wiley - Ebenezer State Park
08/30-31 High Rock - Tamarac Marine
Oklahoma - Division - 14
03/29 Lake Tenkiller - Chicken Creek Landing
04/26 Lake Eufaula - Eufaula Cove
05/31 Grand Lake - Wolf Creek
06/28 Ft. Gibson - Taylor Ferry North
09/20-/21 Grand Lake - Wolf Creek
Ohio - Division - 20
04/12 Rocky Forks - East Shore Marina
05/10 Indian Lake - Moundwood
06/07 Alum Creek - New Galena
07/12 Mosquito Lake - Mosquito Lake State Park
08/16-17 Lake Erie - Sandusky
South Carolina - Division - 9
01/18 Murray - Dreher Island State Park
03/22 Russell - Richard B. Russell State Park
04/26 Santee Cooper - John C. Land III
06/21 Lake Greenwood - The 45 Landing
09/06-07 Hartwell - Gum Branch
Tennessee Central - Division - 3
03/01 Center Hill - Ragland Bottoms
03/29 Paris Landing - Paris Landing
04/12 Old Hickory - Sanders Ferry
06/21 Old Hickory - Sanders Ferry
08/23-24 Kentucky Lake - Paris Landing
Tennessee East - Division - 4
02/15 Chickamauga - Dayton Boat Dock
03/01 Watts Bar - Tom Fuller Park
04/12 Chickamauga - Dayton Boat Dock
06/28 Watts Bar - Tom Fuller Park
08/23-24 Chickamauga - Dayton Boat Dock
Texas Southeast - Division - 10
03/08 Sam Rayburn - Umphrey Pavilion
04/12 Sam Rayburn - Umphrey Pavilion
05/10 Sam Rayburn - Umphrey Pavilion
06/14 Toledo Bend - Fin & Feather Resort
09/13-14 Sam Rayburn - Umphrey Pavilion
Texas East - Division - 11
02/15 Lake Palestine - Villages Marina
03/15 Lake Tyler - Lake Tyler Marina
05/17 Richland Chambers - Oak Cove Marina
06/21 Cedar Creek - Log Cabin
07/12-13 Lake O’ the Pines - Johnson Creek
Virginia - Division - 19
03/22 Kerr - North Bend
04/26 Anna - Sturgeon Creek
05/24 James River - River Front Park
07/26 James River - Osborne Landing
09/13-14 Kerr - North Bend
Championships
Southern Regional Championship
• 09/26-27 Chickamauga - Dayton, Tennessee
Divisions attending: North Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Central Tennessee
Northeast Regional Championship
• 09/26-27 High Rock Lake - Salisbury, North Carolina
Divisions attending: Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia
South Central Regional Championship
• 10/10-11 Red River - Alexandria, LA
Divisions attending: North Louisiana, Louisiana South, Oklahoma, Texas East, and Texas Southeast
Southeast Regional Championship
• 10/17-18 Toho - Kissimmee, Florida
Divisions attending: Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama South, Florida, East Tennessee
Weekend Angler Bass Classic
• 11/12-15 Wheeler Decatur, Alabama
About American Bass Anglers
American Bass Anglers is the largest tournament organization for the weekend angler. American Bass Anglers operates the American Fishing Tour, The Weekend Bass Series, the American Couples Series and the annual Military Team Bass Championship. Each tour is designed specifically for the weekend angler, offering low-cost, close-to-home events where anglers can qualify for a larger championship. For more information on American Bass Anglers, visitwww.americanbassanglers.com.
For more information about American Bass Anglers or the Weekend Bass Series, visit www.weekendseries.com or call (256) 232-0406.
Cherry Aiming To Make It Two In A Row At Toyota Texas Bass Classic On Lake Conroe
Hank Cherry on the water at the Elite Series All-Star Week tournament, which he won! Photo courtesy bassmaster.com
Hot off winning his second Bassmaster tournament in less than a year, Hank Cherry would love to make it two in a row in the Toyota Texas Bass Classic on Lake Conroe at Conroe, Texas, this weekend.
Cherry won the 2013 Elite Series Toyota All-Star Week and Evan Williams Bourbon Championship held on Muskegon Lake and White Lake at Muskegon, MI, last week.
“I hope this will be the icing on the cake for me. Two in a row would be great,” said the pro from Maiden, N.C., who won the 2012 Bass Pro Shops Southern Open on Smith Lake in Jasper, Ala., last October to qualify for the 2013 Bassmaster Classic and advance to the Elite Series this year,
Cherry has already had a super first year on the B.A.S.S. Elite circuit, finishing 14th overall in the Angler of the Year standings and earning Rookie of the Year honors, 40 points ahead of the nearest competitor.
The Toyota Texas Bass Classic is a super tournament, pitching the top 15 finishers in the Angler of the Year points races from all three major circuits, including the Walmart FLW Tour, Bassmaster Elite Series and Bass Pro Shops PAA Tournament Series.
The three-day tournament combines the top daily tournament weigh-ins, outdoor expos and free concerts and will be held at the Lone Star Convention and Expo Center in Conroe.
“We’re very excited about this amazing group of anglers that have qualified, there are some true legends of the sport along with some new faces that will get to compete for not one but two Toyota Texas Bass Classics in a row,” said Tournament Director Lenny Francoeur.
Earlier this year TTBC officials announced that in 2014 the event will return to Lake Fork, the inaugural host site, May 9-11, 2014. Final field qualification for both this year and next year’s TTBC events are based on 2013 Angler of the Year points races. The PAA Tournament Series has one event remaining in its 2013 AOY qualification for the 2014 TTBC.
The TTBC field is one of the strongest to date - field accomplishments include a combined $70 million in career earnings, 238 tournament victories, 22 AOY titles and 17 major championship wins.
Anglers will compete on Lake Conroe over three days starting Friday, with the field reduced to the top 10 for the final round on Sunday. The tournament is a non-entry fee event and all 50 competing anglers will receive guaranteed prize money.
Cherry got in a little practice Wednesday before a storm ran him off the lake. On Thursday he will be fishing in the Pro-Am, where the pros take sponsors and sponsors' guests on the lake and try to help them catch fish.
“I will try to use that time to see what is going on with the fish,” Cherry said. “I'll try to narrow some things down in the Pro-Am. I have an idea, but I'm not really sure yet.”
Cherry said the fish were biting okay, but most of the bites he got Wednesday were little fish.
“Some fish are hitting off points and rocks and some are hitting off docks. The lake is down and the bait is up so the fish are kind of scattered and moving around,” he said.
“That storm cooled things off and I think that will help the fishing. Another front is coming in Friday evening which should also cool things down for Saturday.”
With the top anglers from all three major circuits in the tournament, the competition will be stiff, Cherry said.
“But, everybody has the same challenge,” he added.
Toyota Texas Bass Classic
Oct 4-6, 2013
Lake Conroe
Lone Star Convention & Expo Center
www.toyotatexasbassclassic.com
Fish Are Hungry For Final Tom's Marine Regular Season Tournament On Douglas Lake
Fall bass fishing on Douglas Lake is turning on just in time for the final regular season tournament on the Tom's Marine Team Trail schedule, said tournament director Richard McMaster.
“We are looking for them to catch a bunch of fish this weekend,” McMaster said. “The fish are starting to school up around big balls of baitfish. They started early this year to feed up for fall and winter, getting ready for cold weather. We've seen a lot of fish chasing bait and scattering bait, especially on the upper end of the lake.”
And that is where most of the action is expected to be this weekend, he said.
“The water seems to be a lot colder up the river. It's probably around 70 degrees up there and down on the lower end of the lake it's still pushing 80 degrees. I'm sure a lot of boats will be running to the upper end of the lake.”
McMaster said a lot of teams will be trying to get in their last tournament Saturday so they can qualify for the two-day championship, Nov. 2 on Cherokee Lake and Nov. 3 on Douglas Lake.
“We take the top 100 and those who have fished at least six of the seven scheduled tournaments get in automatically,” he said. “We've had a really good season, averaging 100-plus boats per tournament and we expect about 90 to 100 boats this weekend on Douglas Lake.”
McMaster said the 2013 points championship is David Mullins' and Brent Hoskins' to lose.
“It looks like Hoskins and Mullins are going to win the points again this year unless they have a really bad day, but if they weigh in just one fish the title is theirs.”
Hoskins and Mullins are more than 70 points ahead of the second place team in the standings after finishing in the top 10 four out of the six tournaments so far. They were 13th march 9 at Cherokee, 10th March 30 at Cherokee, 1st in April on Douglas, 3rd in May on Cherokee, 14th in June on Douglas and 6th in September on Cherokee.
“We are starting to get really excited about the championship in early November,” McMaster said. “We want to thank Mickey Furr and Ranger for bringing their cooker and doing a Ranger barbecue for everybody at our championship banquet.”
McMaster said the winning team at the championship will take home a new $44,000 Ranger Bass Boat with a Mercury motor on it.
“We are looking forward to giving away a lot of prizes at the championship and we are inviting everybody who fished our tournament trail to come and enjoy the banquet, even if they did not make the championship.”
The Tom's Marine Team Trail is a seven-tournament series, culminating with a two-day championship, Nov. 2 on Cherokee Lake and Nov. 3 on Douglas Lake. Entry fee for the Tom's Marine tournaments is $110, which includes a $10 lunker fee. First place is guaranteed $2,500, with the payout at least 90 percent of entry fees, paid one for every six entries, at the ramp.
The Tom's Marine Winter Trail starts Nov. 9 with seven tournaments on both lakes, culminating with the championship Jan. 11 on Cherokee. The 2014 Tom's Marine Team Trail will kick off March 15 on Lake Cherokee and end with the championship Oct. 25 on Cherokee and Oct. 26 on Douglas.
The trail offers most major boat bonus programs, including the Ranger Cup, Triton Gold, Stratos 2X, Skeeter Real Money, Phoenix First Flight, plus other incentives including the Bass Pro Shops Tournament Rewards, Motor Mate and the PAA Pay Day Program.
Tom's Marine Team Trail
Sat, Oct 5, 2013
Douglas Lake
Shady Grove Access
Call Richard McMaster at 423-748-3240
Burns expects frogging and punching mats to be key in BFL Regional on Guntersville
The Clemson University football team is known for producing future National Football League pros, but the school's bass fishing team is also gaining a reputation for turning out winning tournament anglers.
In the last year or two former fishing team members Andy Wicker and Brandon Cobb have stormed through local and regional bass series in South Carolina and current team member Ross Burns is leading the South Carolina Division anglers into the Walmart BFL regional on Alabama's lake Guntersville this week.
Cobb has qualified for two BFL regionals – the Lake Lanier regional through the Savannah River Division and the Lake Hartwell Regional through the Bulldog Division, finishing 4th in the points in both divisions. Wicker was the points champion in the Bassmaster Weekend Series South Carolina Division and is fishing the regional championship this weekend on Lake Hartwell.
Burns made all top 10s in the South Carolina BFL Division, 2nd at lake Murray in March, 9th at Santee Cooper in April, 3rd at Clarks Hill in May, 4th at Lake Wylie in June and 9th at lake Hartwell in September.
Burns is fishing his third regional in the three years he has fished as a boater since moving up from co-angler status. He finished 7th in points in 2011 and 14th in 2012 before claiming the title this year, but he was not satisfied with missing out on winning a tournament.
“I had a lot of missed opportunities this year,†he said.
He began fishing BFLs as a co-angler in 2009, but his road through the tournaments began with a home-made Carolina rig when he was 11 years old.
“I was watching people on television catching bass on a Carolina rig. I did not have a Carolina rig, so I put a split shot behind the hook and I caught bass the first time I went fishing with it. I was hooked from that point on.â€
Although Burns has fished Guntersville before he does not have any experience fishing the famous lake this time of year.
“I've been here in mid-June, July and mid-August and late October, so I really can't relate to how I caught fish here in the past,†he said. “I've found them in a summer pattern and a fall pattern, but this is somewhere in between.â€
After dawn-to-dusk practicing since he arrived on the lake Sunday, Burns said he had not discovered a specific pattern or found any spots with a “mother lode†of bass on them.
What he is sure of, however, is that everybody will be fishing the grass, either working a frog over it or punching the mats and flipping in it.
“I've covered maybe 20 to 30 miles of grass and that is what I have seen so far. But, I have not found what everybody talks about on Guntersville, where you catch one fish and there is a group of them there. I've caught one fish here and one there and I've been doing everything under the sun to catch them.â€
But you don't notch five straight top 10s in stiff state competition without having the fishing skills to overcome diversity, so don't count him out when the boats blast off Thursday.
Wal-Mart BFL Regional
South Carolina, Gator, LBL and Mountain Divisions
Oct 3-5, 2013
Lake Guntersville
Lake Guntersville State Park
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Celebrates First Year Success of 'TrophyCatch'
Barely a year ago it was just a good idea waiting to happen, now the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is preparing to give away the first TrophyCatch championship ring and a slew of other prizes – a boat, fiberglass fish mount and more – to the winners, including a special $10,000 prize presented by Experience Kissimmee.
“TrophyCatch is the ultimate reward program for anglers, offering great prizes for doing the right thing,” said Tom Champeau, director of the FWC’s Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management.
TrophyCatch is FWC’s latest angler-recognition program and goes much further than ever before to reward anglers for documenting and releasing trophy largemouth bass. The largemouth bass is the most sought-after recreational species in North America. Florida is home to a unique subspecies that has long been known for it’s superior growth rate and trophy size. The FWC will use data from this program to help enhance and promote trophy bass fisheries throughout the state.
Anglers who register for free at www.TrophyCatchFlorida.com are immediately eligible for an annual drawing for a Phoenix bass boat powered by Mercury. Then, when they catch a bass over 8 pounds, they simply take a quick photo of the entire fish on a scale clearly showing the weight, snap a few more optional photos and release the bass to thrill another angler another day.
By submitting photos for verification online, anglers become eligible for a custom certificate and decal, plus awards based on the bass’ weight. Lunker Club entrants (8-9.9 pounds) receive a $50 Bass Pro Shops gift card and Bass King T-shirt. Trophy Club participants (10-12.9 pounds) earn a total of $150 worth of gift cards (Bass Pro Shops, Dick’s Sporting Goods and/or Rapala), plus a long-sleeve T-shirt. To be entered into the Hall of Fame, anglers must catch, carefully document and release a bass weighing more than 13 pounds – but it’s worth it. Hall-of-Fame entrants also receive a free $500 fiberglass mount of their fish from New Waves Taxidermy, $200 in gift cards, a duffle bag full of Bass King apparel, a Glen Lau video library and other prizes worth a total of $1,000.
Bob Williams of Alloway, N.J., was fishing on Rodman Reservoir with guide Sean Rush of Trophy Bass Expeditions on Feb. 18,2012, when he hooked a 13-pound, 14-ounce largemouth on a big shiner. Rush contacted the FWC to have the fish certified in Florida’s new TrophyCatch program, the result being that Williams gets more than $1,000 in rewards for documenting and releasing his catch.
Williams will also claim the statewide grand prize of the TrophyCatch ring. Over 4,000 anglers registered this first year, and 132 Lunker Club bass and 58 Trophy Club bass were documented. According to KP Clements, TrophyCatch coordinator, there were innumerable other huge bass reported around the state this first year, including one that may have been nearly 17 pounds, but these submissions could not be verified.
“Next year, we want everyone to be prepared to take a photo of their fish on a scale, quickly release their bass and submit photos to www.TrophyCatchFlorida.com,” Clements said.
The winner of the 2013 Phoenix 619 bass boat, powered by Mercury, will be announced following a random drawing in the near future. In addition, Experience Kissimmee will announce the winner of its $10,000 cash award for the biggest verified TrophyCatch bass from Osceola County caught between Oct. 1, 2012, and Sep. 30, 2013. The catch must have already been caught and be documented and verified by Oct. 8 to count. Keep an eye on Facebook.com/TrophyCatchFlorida to see who wins.
For the second year, which began Oct. 1, the only required photo, for all three club levels, must show the entire bass (head to tail) on a scale, with the weight clearly visible. Additional photos of the the angler holding the bass, the entire bass on a measuring board with the length clearly visible, and the fish being released can be submitted, but are not required.
Anglers who catch a Hall-of-Fame Club-level fish (13 pounds and larger) are encouraged to contact the FWC at 855-FL-TROPHY (358-7674). If possible, an FWC employee will meet the angler to collect data and document the catch. If someone cannot immediately respond, anglers will be advised to photograph and release Hall-of-Fame bass as soon as possible. Experience Kissimmee will again offer a $10,000 prize, so check the TrophyCatch website for important updates on the process and leader board.
For trophy bass caught and released during organized bass tournaments, anglers can either submit a photo of the entire bass on a scale with the weight visible, have the catch verified by an FWC employee or volunteer working that event, or submit a photograph of the fish with a Web link to the documented weight.
The FWC is seeking additional input from the public on how to best promote the program and to encourage anglers who catch trophy bass to document them and then release them. In addition to rewarding themselves and being able to say, “My trophy swims in Florida,” anglers will be helping biologists learn the best ways to ensure the presence of trophy bass for future generations.
People can also “like” us on www.Facebook.com/TrophyCatchFlorida to hear about all the big winners this year. Anglers should register now and be sure to have a scale and camera in their boat, so they can be the FWC’s next TrophyCatch winner.
Toyota Texas Bass Classic - A Big Deal, A Good Deal For Anglers
The Toyota Texas Bass Classic is the only event to bring together the top performers from the Bassmaster Elite Series, the FLW Tour and the Professional Anglers Association tournament trail.
As such, it is a true world championship of bass fishing.
Slated for Friday, October 4th through Sunday, October 6th, the TTBC pits 50 of this year’s most accomplished tournament anglers in competition on 22,000-acre Lake Conroe.
The field will be cut to the top 10 anglers for Sunday’s final round but all participants will cut a check and there is no entry fee.
And the anglers aren’t the only ones who benefit. According to TTBC officials, “Over the last six years, the Toyota Texas Bass Classic has donated over $1.5 million to the TPWD, an effort that will continue again this year.”
Anglers will take off at 8 a.m. each morning from Waterway Plaza –address: 15256 Texas Hwy 105 West.
The bass are, reportedly, scattered as usual for this time of year on Conroe. Pros haven’t whacked a ton of big ones in practice, but most of the guys don’t want to do that in practice anyway. The guys who have fished past TTBC’s on Conroe know what to expect and seem content to ride, look, and just get a feel for the lake.
Conroe is just 45 miles outside of Houston and is actually farther south than a good chunk of Mexico so there’s a strong offshore bite left over from the heat of a South Texas summer. There are also plenty of fish up shallow. Winners here tend to find a pattern as the tournament unfolds - if they find one at all.
Little fish are plentiful and 5-fish limits should be common place on the weigh in stage but a big bite each day will set an angler apart. Two such fish could make a winner of him.
A full-blown carnival is held in conjunction with the TTBC. According to The Courier of Montgomery County, “The tournament will feature an Outdoor Adventures Area, hosted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, with a climbing wall, archery and other outdoor-themed educational and interactive exhibits.
“Barbecue aficionados can also look forward to the TTBC’s second annual cook-off, where over 50 teams will compete to cook up the best brisket, ribs and chicken. Donald Canterbury with “We Be Smokin” will return to defend their 2012 titles. A number of award-winning food trucks will also be on-site, along with a 25,000 square foot Yamaha Test Track and a Toyota Drive Center.”
A concert series will feature top music artist including: Eli Young Band, The Band Perry, Southern Slang, Lee Brice, Thompson Square and Gloriana.
Event gates open at 2 p.m. and the free festivities will take place at Lone Star Convention Center - 9055 Airport Road. There will be a parking fee of $15 – cash only.
Tournament Director Lenny Francoeur said, “We’re very excited about this amazing group of anglers that have qualified, there are some true legends of the sport along with some new faces that will get to compete for not one but two Toyota Texas Bass Classics in a row.”
The field of competitors for the 2013 Toyota Texas Bass Classic:
Angler: Hometown: Qualified Through:
Matt Arey Shelby, North Carolina PAA Tournament Series AOY Points
Adrian Avena Vineland, New Jersey FLW Tour AOY Points
Tommy Biffle Wagoner, Oklahoma Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points
Stetson Blaylock Benton, Arkansas FLW Tour AOY Points
Tommy Brown Louisville, Tennessee PAA Tournament Series AOY Points
Hank Cherry Maiden, North Carolina Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points
Jason Christie Park Hill, Oklahoma FLW Tour AOY Points
Luke Clausen Otis Orchards, Washington FLW Tour AOY Points
Keith Combs Huntington, Texas Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points
Brandon Coulter Knoxville, Tennessee PAA Tournament Series AOY Points
John Crews Salem, Virginia Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points
Cliff Crochet Pierre Part, Louisiana Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points
Ott DeFoe Knoxville, Tennessee Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points
Jim Dillard West Monroe, Louisiana PAA Tournament Series AOY Points
David Dudley Lynchburg, Virginia FLW Tour AOY Points
Brent Ehrler Redlands, California FLW Tour AOY Points
Edwin Evers Talala, Oklahoma Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points
Todd Faircloth Jasper, Texas Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points
Shinichi Fukae Palestine, Texas PAA Tournament Series AOY Points
Randy Haynes Counce, Tennessee PAA Tournament Series AOY Points
Mike Iaconelli Pittsgrove, New Jersey Sponsor Exemption
Alton Jones Lorena, Texas Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points
Kelly Jordon Palestine, Texas Sponsor Exemption
Brad Knight Wartsburg, Tennessee PAA Tournament Series AOY Points
Russ Lane Prattville, Alabama PAA Tournament Series AOY Points
Bobby Lane Lakeland, Florida Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points
Justin Lucas Guntersville, Alabama FLW Tour AOY Points
Aaron Martens Leeds, Alabama Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points
Mike McClelland Bella Vista, Arkansas PAA Tournament Series AOY Points
Cody Meyer Auburn, California FLW Tour AOY Points
Ish Monroe Hughson, California Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points
David Hendrick Cherryville, NC PAA Tournament Series AOY Points
Andy Morgan Dayton, Tennessee FLW Tour AOY Points
Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, Idaho PAA Tournament Series AOY Points
Jacob Powroznik Prince George, Virginia FLW Tour AOY Points
Matt Reed Madisonville, Texas PAA Tournament Series AOY Points
Mark Rose West Memphis, Arkansas FLW Tour AOY Points
Fred Roumbanis Bixby, Oklahoma PAA Tournament Series AOY Points
Terry Scroggins San Mateo, Florida Sponsor Exemption
Spencer Shuffield Hot Springs, Arkansas FLW Tour AOY Points
Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, Missouri PAA Tournament Series AOY Points
Wesley Strader Spring City, Tennessee PAA Tournament Series AOY Points
Gerald Swindle Warrior, Alabama Sponsor Exemption
Randall Tharp Port Saint Joe, Florida FLW Tour AOY Points
Bryan Thrift Shelby, North Carolina 2012 TTBC Defending Champion
Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, Michigan Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points
Greg Vinson Wetumpka, Alabama Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points
James Watson Waynesville, Missouri PAA Tournament Series AOY Points
Jay Yelas Corvallis, Oregon FLW Tour AOY Points
Chris Zaldain San Jose, California Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points
- See more at: http://www.toyotatexasbassclassic.com/2013/09/19/final-field-announced-2/#sthash.JDP30Q8b.dpuf
Lew's 'American Hero' program honors military veterans
American Hero is more than just a product line though. It is a program that Lew's developed as a way to help organizations that support veterans in their return to life after military service, and especially those organizations that use fishing as part of the transitional process. American Hero has already provided fishing gear support to a few such groups, including FOCUS Marines Foundation, Reel American Heroes Foundation and Operation HOOAH.
Lew's CEO Lynn Reeves says his company's decision to give back to veterans is probably the easiest one his management team has ever made.
"We have an obligation to those who have served our country, and this is one small way that the folks at our company can say 'thank you,'" he explained. "I can promise you there is no marketing-driven agenda behind American Hero ... our intentions are truly based on wanting to help veterans get an opportunity to enjoy some of the same activities that we have been participating in while they've been on duty, such as fishing.
"As many of us who fish recreationally already know, there's nothing like being in the neutral setting of the great outdoors with family and friends, and having a rod and reel in hand, to refresh the mind and soul."
A portion of the profits from the sale of American Hero and other specially identified Lew's products go into a budget line item for the program. Company officials review rod and reel requests from organizations, mostly focusing on those groups that provide assistance to veterans with health concerns.
Steve Kokai, a veteran who also works in the fishing industry, originally owned and trademarked the American Hero brand.
"It was during an unrelated phone visit with Steve that I realized he and Lew's shared a similar vision as to what American Hero was all about," said Gary Remensnyder, Lew's president. "It wasn't long after that he graciously made the brand available to our company. Steve is active in programs like the Reel American Heroes Foundation of Virginia that helps wounded warriors and veterans of all services, and we consider him a valued ally in our efforts to provide meaningful support to such organizations. We couldn't have a better name than American Hero for this initiative."
During the same timeframe as the Kokai discussions, the Missouri-headquartered FOCUS Marines Foundation and Lew's crossed paths. Part of the foundation's regular class structure included a fishing activity on a private lake, for which they needed rods and reels. Lew's was ready to help with this program that assists Marine veterans and Navy corpsmen who are having difficulty in returning to civilian life.
Therefore, it seemed only appropriate that Kokai and Isaac Saldivar, a Marine veteran and FOCUS Marines student, were both present in the Lew's booth at ICAST 2013 in Las Vegas last July when Lew's announced its plans for the American Hero series and program.
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Lew's recognized two organizations and their attending representatives at its ICAST 2013 booth for their support of military veterans - FOCUS Marines Foundation and Reel American Heroes Foundation. Left to right: Lynn Reeves (Lew's), Isaac Saldivar (FMF), Steve Kokai (RAHF) and Gary Remensnyder (Lew's). (Click to view/download hi-res image.)
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At the gathering, Saldivar told the group that the fishing outing at FOCUS was the activity that "brought smiles and laughter" to the entire class.
Other FOCUS stories have also since been shared by the foundation. One is from marine Yasmin Garay, who e-mailed class officials after returning home. Her note told about how she had taken a niece and nephew fishing with the Lew's rod and reel she had received at class, and how her 14-year old nephew said, "You seem alive ... not that you were dead before, but it seemed like it." Her note went on to explain it was a real eye-opener as to where she had been in her life and a motivator to "fix it."
Last month, Garay received a rare invitation to attend the FOCUS class again and made the return. This time she and Reeves came face to face lakeside during the fishing event. It was an emotional exchange for both as she shared again her family fishing experience, and told him that she has a whole new perspective on life as a result. She followed that with, "thank you."
Reeves said, "No. I'm the one to say thank you. You had, and have, the hard job."
"Without a doubt, fishing is one of the favorite class activities here," said FOCUS Marines Foundation Vice President Ted Kretschmar. "We literally watch it lift a burden from the shoulders and minds of many as they change the focus from whatever their personal concerns might be to instead trying to catch what swims in our lake. The buzzing of excitement continues into dinner that night and beyond.
"Lew's donation of rods and reels is a great help in the healing process of our students who attend our classes."
"Reel American Heroes, FOCUS Marines and Operation HOOAH are just three of what I'm sure are a few hundred organizations dedicated to helping veterans through fishing, and we're pleased to have been able to help each in recent efforts," Remensnyder said. "We know we can't help all groups every year, but we're sincere in wanting to do as much as we can. American Hero gives us the means for providing support."
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The American Hero product series currently consists of seven models of rods, casting and spinning, featuring quality IM6 graphite blanks with stainless steel guides and the red, white and blue American Hero logo. A portion of the profits from the sale of American Hero rods and other select Lew's products are used to support organizations that assist veterans, especially through fishing. (Click to view/download hi-res image.)
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The current American Hero product series consists of seven models of rods, including casting and spinning versions. They feature quality IM6 graphite blanks with stainless steel guides and inserts. Handles are EVA split grips, with blanks exposed through the reel seat for added sensitivity. The rods are attractive with their black blanks, shiny stainless guides and colorful red, white and blue American Hero logo. Each model sells for around $69.99 each. They are available now at fishing tackle retailers across the country.
For more information on Lew's products and the American Hero program, visit www.lews.com.
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Lew's American Hero Pledge
We promise to never forget nor take for granted, the service of our American veterans who have given unselfishly during their time of duty so that all who please, can enjoy their favorite activities in the great outdoors of this free country.
While a sincere thank you will always be on our lips, it is from our hearts that we pledge a portion of our profits to help with select programs that benefit the mind, spirit, soul and body of these American Heroes so that they too can experience the same enjoyment outdoors. With the purchase of this Lew's item, you are contributing to our support of these heroes.
For program details, visit www.Lews.com/AmericanHero.
Phillip Anderson wins the Jason Williamson Big Bass Classic on Lake Murray-Full Results here!
Phillip Anderson hauls in a 7.55 LB lunker in the last hour to win the 2013 Jason Williamson Big Bass Classic on Lake Murray.......he beat out 483 other anglers who showed up to compete in this 2 day hourly format tournament that has really caught on fire the past 2 years. Here are the hourly resutls from both Sat and Sun:
RESULTS: JASON WILLIAMSON'S BIG BASS CLASSI
| RANK | ANGLER | WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phillip Anderson | 7.55 |
| 2 | Joshua Baggott | 6.84 |
| 3 | Robert Rikard | 6.75 |
| 4 | Johnny Cole | 6.54 |
| 5 | Jonathan Smith | 6.39 |
| 6 | Stan Gunter | 6.28 |
| 7 | Beau Dixon | 6.22 |
| 8 | Donald Garner | 6.09 |
| 9 | Bobby Stanfill | 5.95 |
| 10 | John McKenzie | 5.86 |
Saturday 8-9
| RANK | ANGLER | WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Robert Rikard | 6.75 |
| 2 | Sean Anderson | 4.03 |
| 3 | Zach Hyder | 3.99 |
| 4 | Noah Steere | 3.75 |
| 5 | Ray Turner | 3.65 |
Satuday 9-10
| RANK | ANGLER | WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beau Dixon | 6.22 |
| 2 | Rocky Mullis | 5.46 |
| 3 | Zach Hyder | 4.76 |
| 4 | Edgar Alewine | 4.67 |
| 5 | Ray Turner | 3.87 |
Saturday10-11
| RANK | ANGLER | WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | David Bowers | 5.76 |
| 2 | Ben Kennedy | 4.67 |
| 3 | Beau Dixon | 3.72 |
| 4 | Earl Purcell | 3.38 |
| 5 | Eric Weir | 3.35 |
Saturday 11-12
| RANK | ANGLER | WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stan Gunter | 6.28 |
| 2 | Donald Garner | 6.09 |
| 3 | Billy Davenport | 4.75 |
| 4 | Gerald Moss | 4.24 |
| 5 | Scott Jones | 3.92 |
Saturday 12-1
| RANK | ANGLER | WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johnny Cole | 6.54 |
| 2 | Jerry Minnick | 5.05 |
| 3 | Terry Morris | 5.02 |
| 4 | Jeff Glover | 4.62 |
| 5 | Casey Hendrix | 4.27 |
Saturday 1-2
| RANK | ANGLER | WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John McKenzie | 5.86 |
| 2 | Ted West | 5.01 |
| 3 | Evan Weaver | 4.09 |
| 4 | Dan Montgomery | 4.08 |
| 5 | Roger Haines | 3.87 |
Saturday 2-3
| RANK | ANGLER | WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua Baggott | 6.84 |
| 2 | Kevin Fulmer | 5.40 |
| 3 | Chad Schroeder | 5.06 |
| 4 | Craig Baird | 5.03 |
| 5 | Zach Jacobs | 5.01 |
Sunday 8-9
| RANK | ANGLER | WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bobby Stanfill | 5.95 |
| 2 | Sean Anderson | 5.40 |
| 3 | Phil Morris | 4.95 |
| 4 | Keith Cartee | 4.75 |
| 5 | Michael Shepherd | 3.98 |
Sunday 9-10
| RANK | ANGLER | WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zach Jacobs | 5.28 |
| 2 | Tony Postell | 5.11 |
| 3 | Sean Anderson | 4.50 |
| 4 | Sean Goldman | 4.48 |
| 5 | Andrew Bridges | 4.21 |
Sunday 10-11
| RANK | ANGLER | WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Edward Foust | 5.02 |
| 2 | Carl Williams Jr | 4.74 |
| 3 | Robert Thomas | 4.24 |
| 4 | Wayne Liming | 3.69 |
| 5 | Chad Griffin | 3.63 |
Sunday 11-12
| RANK | ANGLER | WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hunter Ciccio | 5.11 |
| 2 | Alan Rae | 4.35 |
| 3 | Matthew Goldman | 3.88 |
| 4 | Timothy Edwards | 3.45 |
| 5 | Justin Quarles | 3.38 |
Sunday 12-1
| RANK | ANGLER | WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | David Sample | 5.10 |
| 2 | Mike Weaver | 4.93 |
| 3 | Russell Anderson | 4.39 |
| 4 | George Berry | 3.96 |
| 5 | Chris Sample | 3.68 |
Sunday 1-2
| RANK | ANGLER | WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan Smith | 6.39 |
| 2 | Robert Martin | 4.56 |
| 3 | Beau Dixon | 3.88 |
| 4 | Rhett Manus | 3.73 |
| 5 | David Cornwell | 3.52 |
Sunday 2-3
| RANK | ANGLER | WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phillip Anderson | 7.55 |
| 2 | Hampton Anderson | 5.34 |
| 3 | Steven Sparrow | 3.76 |
| 4 | George Berry | 3.69 |
| 5 | Rhett Manus | 3.29 |
Overall
Alabama Bass Trail Announces New Tournament Trail And 2014 Schedule
Decatur, Ala. (September 30, 2013) – The Alabama Bass Trail is excited to announce the launch of a new tournament series beginning in February, 2014. The 10 lake team-style tournament series will be held on ten of the lakes of the Alabama Bass Trail with the championship tournament taking place on the 11th lake. Attracting amateur anglers from across the southeastern United States, each tournament is expected to generate an approximate $500,000 economic impact for host cities.
“Alabama is a great state for fishing,” Governor Robert Bentley said. “We have professional tournaments here on a regular basis. The goal of this amateur tournament is simple. We want to encourage more people to fish where the pros fish. The Alabama Bass Trail was established to help us share our lakes and rivers with more people. When more people come to our lakes and rivers that increases tourism. And when tourism increases, that benefits our local and state economies.”
Sanctioned by BASS (Bass Anglers Sportsman Society), the Alabama Bass Trail Tournament Series gets underway February 1, 2014. The tournament trail will feature two divisions: Northern and Southern. Each division is made up of five tournaments on five different lakes. Each tournament will have a $10,000 guaranteed first place prize and will pay 20 places. Maximum number of boats is 200.
Northern Division:
Lake Guntersville February 1, 2014 hosted by Marshall County CVB
Pickwick Lake March 22, 2014 hosted by Florence-Lauderdale Tourism
Neely Henry Lake April 5, 2014 hosted by City of Gadsden Parks & Recreation
Wheeler Lake May 31, 2014 hosted by Decatur-Morgan County CVB
Logan Martin Lake June 21, 2014
Southern Division:
Mobile-Tensaw Delta March 1, 2014 hosted by North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce
Lake Eufaula March 15, 2014 hosted by Eufaula-Barbour County Chamber of Commerce
Lake Jordan April 19, 2014 hosted by Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce
Alabama River (Millers Ferry) May 10, 2014 hosted by Wilcox County Chamber and the City of Monroeville
Lay Lake June 7 hosted by Shelby County Commission
The championship is a 125 boat, two-day event. The 125 boats are comprised of the top 50 teams in points from both divisions that fished all five events in their respective divisions, along with the top 25 student boats collectively from both divisions that fished all five events in their respective division. Hosted by Chamber of Commerce of Walker County, the championship tournament is set for October 10-11, 2014 on Lewis Smith Lake.
The championship is a no entry tournament and the first place prize is a fully-rigged 2015 Phoenix 619 Pro with a Mercury 150, trolling motor and electronics valued at $37,495 with an additional $40,000 in cash and prizes. The official bass boat of the Alabama Bass Trail, Phoenix Bass boats will also offer the tier one First Flight incentive plan to tournament winners in a qualifying Phoenix boat.
“The Alabama Bass Trail is excited to announce this new tournament for amateur anglers. Since the launch of the Alabama Bass Trail in 2012, we have received numerous requests for the development of a tournament series. We are challenged with creating more fishing opportunities in the state of Alabama, and we believe this gives anglers in the southeast an opportunity to fish a highly competitive trail on the best lakes in Alabama,” said Alabama Bass Trail Program Director Kay Donaldson.
A few select tournaments including the February 1 launch tournament will be filmed and aired at a later broadcast on Anglers Channel reaching a viewership of over 10 million households.
“We are all grateful for Governor Bentley’s vision and will work together to make the Tournament Series a success,” said Lee Sentell, director of the Alabama Tourism Department. Just two years ago, Sentell, Governor Bentley, and the staff of the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association began laying the groundwork for the Alabama Bass Trail. After its launch in the spring of 2012, its popularity quickly grew and Donaldson look for another opportunity to reach out to anglers.
Alabama Bass Trail Tournament sponsors include Bill Penney Toyota, the Alabama Tourism Department, Phoenix Bass Boats, Inc., McDonalds of Alabama, and Pradco-FISHING representing BOOYAH and YUM, Dobyns Rods, Randy Jones Agency – Nationwide, T & H Marine Supplies, Inc., Alabama Power Company, Buffalo Rock, Inc., Jet-Pep, Inc., Tennessee Valley Authority, Rigid Industries, Inc., and Frogg Toggs, Inc., Go Pro and Gander Mountain. Fishlife will be the official tournament directors and Elite Outdoors Media will be the live-streaming company.
Registration will be available online beginning at noon on September 30th at www.alabamabasstrail.org. Entry fee per tournament is $250 per team or from September 30-October 30 2013, teams can register for all five tournaments for $1150.
According to Donaldson, each tournament is expected to pump an estimated $500,000 into the local economy of the host city. “Anglers typically pre-fish, or scout a location, three or four days prior to a tournament, and during this time, they patronize restaurants, gas stations, and tackle shops. During a tournament, approximately $300 is spent each day on accommodations, gasoline, food and other supplies,” stated Donaldson.
For more information, call Donaldson at 855.934.7425 or visit www.alabamabasstrail.org.
About Alabama Bass Trail
The Alabama Bass Trail is a program of the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association. Its mission is to promote Alabama as a year round fishing destination, to preserve natural resources for generations to come, and to educate high school and college aged students to be good stewards of natural resources. The 11 bass fishing lakes consist of Lake Guntersville, Wheeler Lake, Pickwick Lake, Lewis Smith Lake, Neely Henry Lake, Lay Lake, Logan Martin Lake, Lake Jordan, Alabama River (Millers Ferry), Lake Eufaula, and the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. For more information, visit www.alabamabasstrail.org.
Jordan Lee Wins College Tourney; Qualifies For 2014 Bassmaster Classic!
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Hank Cherry Wraps Up Bassmaster All-Star Win After ‘perfect Day’
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Jason Williamson/oakley Big Bass Classic Lake Murray Weigh-In Highlights
If you haven't been to or seen how an hourly format Tournament works, here is a quick clip of this weekends Jason Williamson Big Bass Classic and how this anger won a quick $1000!!
Oakley Big Bass Tour Mc Scott Gordon
Oakley Big Bass Tournament MC Scott Gordon gets us caught up to speed quickly as to why this format is so successful and how easy it is to win each and every hour!!
One on One with JW at the Jason Williamson Big Bass Classic on Lake Murray
Bass Master Elite Series Pro Jason Williamson stops by the Oakley Big Bass Lake Murray event this Sunday to talk about the incredible success that this tournament and format are seeing in such short time--he also chides in on what it will take to win the $30,000 Boat-Motor-Trailer pkg later this afternoon!
Reigning Bassmaster Classic Champ Cliff Pace Takes Lead In All-Star Event
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Young Pro Wants To Use Everstart Texas Division Final At Sam Rayburn As A Learning Experience
In June 2000, 9-year-old Austin Terry of San Angelo, Texas, was fishing in Lake O.H. Ivie when something ate his Carolina-rigged worm. When he finally wrestled it in, he took it to the scales where a local tournament was being weighed in and found himself the hero of the day with an 11-pound largemouth.
Seven years later, Austin won the Texas State Junior Bassmasters Championship at Amistad Reservoir, arriving there after driving with his dad all night from Amarillo, where he played in a football game for San Angelo’s Central High School. In 2008 he finished 10th at the World Junior Bass Masters at Syracuse, N.Y.
An avid fisherman since he was 4 or 5 years old, Terry, now 22, notched an incredible series of finishes in 2012, including a 6th-, 8th-, and 9th-place in the Texas EverStart Division. This was his best season to date and it gave him the confidence to move up to the next level of FLW fishing. Last October he qualified for the FLW Tour and he raised a great deal of the money he needed to fish the trail this year by winning the first tournament of the Texas EverStart Division's year in January on Lake Amistad, earning a $35,000 paycheck. His best finishes on the Tour this year was 11th place on Beaver Lake in April and 14th place a month earlier on Lewis Smith Lake.
Terry slipped to 83rd in EverStart competition at Toledo Bend in February, but bounced back to a 22nd place finish at Texoma in April and he is ranked 16th in the standings heading into the Texas Division Final next week on Sam Rayburn Reservoir.
“I've only fished one other tournament at San Rayburn, but I got an 8th place there last year,” said Terry who also sandwiches in some time as a student at Angelo State University where he is majoring in marketing. “Last year I was mostly fishing structure and I had a couple of key spots where I caught some good fish.”
Terry said he will check out the deep structure again when he starts practice at Sam Rayburn this weekend because he believes the tournament will be won deep.
“I want to find out where several schools with some good fish are and focus on fishing for big fish,” he said. “I really want to have a deep structure tournament to gain some experience for what is coming up next year. I like fishing that way, but I've never really had a tournament where I found them good enough and had the confidence to stay on the deep schools all day.”
He will also check out some key shallow water areas because the deep fish may be too elusive, he said.
“From what I've heard it sounds like the schools that people are winning off of are on needle-in-the-haystack spots. They are hard to find right now.”
As soon as tournament fishing slacks off Terry will jump right into his other love, guiding deer hunts until the FLW season cranks up again.
“This will be my third full year of guiding,” he said. “The last two years I was in school full time so I did not get to guide as much as I wanted to.”
This year he is taking fewer courses, mostly on-line, so he can spend as much time as possible fishing and hunting.
At Sam Rayburn next week pros will fish for a top award of $40,000 plus a Ranger Z518 with a 200-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard if Ranger Cup guidelines are met. Co-anglers will cast for a top award consisting of a Ranger Z117 with 90-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard and $5,000 if Ranger Cup guidelines are met.
The EverStart Series consists of five divisions – Central, Northern, Southeast, Texas and Western. Each division consists of four tournaments and competitors are fishing for valuable points in each division that could earn them the Strike King Angler of the Year title, which allows them to fish the 2014 Forrest Wood Cup.
FLW EverStart Series Texas Division
Oct 3-5, 2013
Sam Rayburn Reservoir
The Umphrey Family Pavilion
Cobb Hoping To Make Second Bfl Regional This Year In Savannah River Division Final On Clarks Hill
Brandon Cobb has made it into one Walmart Bass Fishing league regional championship, now he's trying to fish his way into a second one.
Cobb, of Greenwood, S.C., finished 4th in the BFL Bulldog Division points standings to qualify for the
Regional Championship on Lake Hartwell Oct. 17-19. He is hoping to at least hold on to his 5th place in the Savannah River Division standings in the two-day final on Clarks Hill this weekend to qualify for the Regional championship next month on Lake Lanier.
“It would be a long shot for me to win the points,” said Cobb. “Even if I got a top five at Clarks Hill some of the other guys would have to slip for me to win it.”
But don't count him out of it. The points in the two-day final count and Cobb has done well on Clarks Hill in the past. He finished second in a BFL tournament on the lake in 2010, seventh in 2011 and second again this year.
In the past six years he has notched 18 top 10s in BFL competition, including first place in the Savannah River Division tournament on Lake Hartwell earlier this year, and he has wins in other series, too, all while attending Clemson University where he was a member of the Clemson University Fishing Team until he graduated last December. He also won the ABA Division 96 Championship on Lake Greenwood in August 2012.
Since 2008 he has finished no lower than 12th in the points in the Savannah River Division, with three top fives including first place in 2010. Balancing tournaments and school, Cobb has won $34,000 in BFL competition.
He expects fishing to be tough at Clarks Hill this weekend, although the cooler weather this week should get the fish more active and fishing should really pick up over the next couple of weeks, he said.
“All the high water has provided a lot of shallow cover and there is a lot of vegetation, so the fish have plenty of places to hide. The fish are shallow and there should also be some schooling activity in the lower end of the lake, judging from years past,” he said.
Cobb said that normally he would target wood cover in the shallow water this time of year, but with all the vegetation he plans to use reaction baits in those areas to locate and catch fish.
“If I can't find any shallow fish because of the high water, I will probably look for schooling fish on the points and humps,” he said. “Generally, this time of year the fish set up on the sides of the humps and off the ends of the points in 15 to 40 feet of water, waiting on the herring to come by. I'll throw a fluke and a topwater lure for those fish.”
Already in the Lake Hartwell regional through the Bulldog Division, Cobb hopes to fish his way at Clarks Hill to the Lake Lanier Regional with an eye on next year.
“I'm waiting to see how I do in those regionals. I'm debating fishing the FLW Tour next year, but if nothing else I will fish the BFLs again.”
The top 40 boaters and co-anglers from each division qualify for a regional tournament and compete to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Walmart BFL All-American presented by Chevy. Top winners in the BFL can move up to the EverStart Series or even the Walmart FLW Tour.
Walmart Bass Fishing League (BFL) - Savannah River Division Final
Sep 28-29, 2013
Clarks Hill Lake
Wildwood Park
Poinits Leader Says Fishing 'tough' For Choo Choo Division Bfl Final On Guntersville
This year all the Walmart BFL Choo Choo Division tournaments were held on Lake Guntersville which set up perfectly for Johnny Patterson of Grant, Ala., since he can be on the lake in five minutes from his house – and he takes full advantage of that prime location.
This year he has dominated the Choo Choo Division, winning the first tournament of the season in February and the last tournament before this weekend's two-day final in June, and sandwiching a 5th and 11th place finish in between.
So, it's no wonder he is champing at the bit to catch some fish this weekend and hold onto his first place ranking for the division. But, he admits, it's going to be tough.
“I've been on the water every weekend for the past four weeks and fishing has been tough, extremely tough. All the reports I am getting from most people is that weights are down,” he said. “But this weekend, with that many guys fishing on a lake as good as Guntersville, somebody will catch them.”
While he thinks the winning weight will be about 43 pounds for the two days, Patterson said the weights will drop off sharply from a few good limits at the top.
Patterson won the June tournament by almost three pounds, fishing a deep-water ledge for five bass that weighed 28 pounds, 14 ounces, but this tournament will probably be won shallow, he said.
“If somebody gets on some deep ledge fish they could dominate the tournament, but the question is, can they do it two days in a row? That fishing is very unpredictable this time of year.”
He said the dominant pattern this weekend probably will be typical September fishing at Guntersville – fishing heavy grass mats, either punching the mats and flipping or throwing a frog on top of the mats.
“Some guys will also catch some fish off the scattered grass, but normally the dominant pattern this time of year is flipping and frogging,” he said.
Conditions are pretty stable for the tournament, he said, with rain in the middle of the week and highs in the 80s with lows in the 60s.
“It has cooled off quite a bit with the water temperature starting to cool down. The bite has been tough, but it's going to get better and better real soon.”
The top 40 boaters and co-anglers from each division qualify for a regional tournament and compete to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Walmart BFL All-American presented by Chevy. Top winners in the BFL can move up to the EverStart Series or even the Walmart FLW Tour.
Walmart Bass Fishing League (BFL) - Choo Choo Division Final
Sep 28-29, 2013
Lake Guntersville
Goose Pond
Hill Wins Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing, Upgrades From Canoe To Bass Boat
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CBC SC Regional Champs Chris Wagner and Chase Deal walk home with $30k Boat/Motor/Trailer Pkg
126 teams competed for over $60,000.00 in cash and prizes Saturday on Lake Wyle and as in a lot of cases the weather decided to change on Friday night. Early AM Saturday we were greeted with wind and with a much cooler air temp as the teams gathered at Ebenezer park but these teams have seen rain and plenty of snow this year so they are accustomed to it. We want to thank York County with their help in bring the 2013 CBC North Carolina Championship to Lake Wylie and the people at Ebenezer Park. We served SKEETER Beans along with pork chops to the teams when they were off the water. The food alone is a good reason to enter a CBC event!
Chris Wagner and Chase Deal had a special day on Lake Wylie bringing in 5 bass weighing 15.20 lbs anchored by a nice 5.33 bass. Chris and Chase took 1st place which was a 2014 SKEETER TZX190/Yamaha 175 HPDI and they were our SKEETER BONUS winners which earned them another $5,000.00. Add in another $1,000.00 they earned under the SKEETER REAL MONEY Program and their total winning in cash and prizes was pushing $40,000.00!
We paid back 22 places and the top 6 teams looked like this:
2nd went to Louie Hull and Chuck Montgomery with 5 bass weighing 14.57 lbs and they received $9,400.00.
Tim Chapman also had a great day fishing solo. Tim brought in 14.63 lbs and collected $4,000.00 for his 3rd place finish.
Jeff and KJ Queen took 4th with 5 bass weighing 14.56 lbs and they took home $2,500.00.
Charlie and Jeffrey Hanshaw traveled all the way from West Virginia to fish with us and they weighed in 5 bass at 13.92lbs and claimed 5th. They received $1,700.00.
Jason and Keith Barnes were our 6th Place team with 5 bass weighing up at 13.88 lbs and they took home $1,150.00.
Robert Branch took a demo ride in a SKEETER and that earned him $500. We will also be having SKEETER demo rides out of Portman Shores on Lake Hartwell Thursday Sept 19 and Friday Sept 20. Take a ride and you may take home $500 at the conclusion of the Hartwell weigh in.
We will award the North Carolina Division points money at the Oct 26-27 2013 CBC Classic on Lake Murray. Our Top 3 teams in the points were:
1-David & Gerald Williams
2-Steve Sink & Tony Foster
3-Nathan Webber & Paul Rigsbee
All 126 teams that entered the CBC North Division Championship this past Saturday are qualified to enter the Oct 26-27 CBC Classic on Lake Murray. Remember if you are planning on fishing the Classic on Murray your entry fee MUST be to me by mail or on line by Wed Oct 23. Any entry received by mail or on line after Oct 23rd will not be accepted. Thanks for fishing and we will see you at Lake Murray!
Below are the complete results from the 2013 Carolinas Bass Challenge NC Championsip on Lake Wylie:
| Place | Team Name | Team # | Fish Weighed | Net Weight | Big Fish | Winnings |
| 1 | Chris Wagner - Chase Deal | 14 | 5 | 15.200 | 5.330 | Skeeter TZX190 |
| * Plus $5,000 Top Finishing Skeeter/Yamaha - Plus Additional $1,000 in Skeeter REAL MONEY!! |
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| 2 | Louie Hull - Chuck Montgomery | 15 | 5 | 14.870 | 4.050 | $9,400 |
| 3 | Tim Chapman | 69 | 5 | 14.630 | 0.000 | $4,000 |
| 4 | Jeff Queen - KJ Queen | 52 | 5 | 14.560 | 0.000 | $2,500 |
| 5 | Charlie Hanshaw - Jeffrey Hanshaw | 3 | 5 | 13.920 | 0.000 | $1,700 |
| 6 | JASON BARNES - Keith Barnes | 2 | 5 | 13.880 | 4.170 | $1,150 |
| 7 | William Blanton | 25 | 5 | 13.880 | 3.360 | $825 |
| 8 | Patrick Tierney - Moe Freeze | 109 | 5 | 13.200 | 3.650 | $600 |
| 9 | Kevin Toler - rodney lambert | 51 | 5 | 13.160 | 0.000 | $550 |
| 10 | todd walters - jason threadgill | 36 | 5 | 12.930 | 0.000 | $500 |
| 11 | John Davis - Mark Swink | 119 | 5 | 12.670 | 0.000 | $460 |
| 12 | Paul Rigsbee - Nathan Webber | 21 | 5 | 12.470 | 0.000 | $440 |
| 13 | Ronald Farrow - Mike Brehm | 19 | 5 | 12.290 | 3.940 | $425 |
| 14 | Milton Yancey | 91 | 5 | 12.240 | 0.000 | $390 |
| 15 | Stacey Richards - Brian Triplett | 46 | 5 | 12.120 | 0.000 | $370 |
| 16 | Steve Shaw - Ken Fender | 23 | 5 | 12.050 | 0.000 | $340 |
| 17 | Allen Eaker - Jason Eaker | 62 | 5 | 11.940 | 0.000 | $320 |
| 18 | Nathan White - Chris Guest | 27 | 5 | 11.930 | 0.000 | $300 |
| 19 | roger hoover - Scott Hamrick | 44 | 5 | 11.920 | 0.000 | $270 |
| 20 | Brandon Williams - Reid Mcginn | 98 | 5 | 11.750 | 0.000 | $240 |
| 21 | Larry LeHew - Shane LeHew | 96 | 5 | 11.740 | 0.000 | $220 |
| 22 | Rob Digh - Robert Stiltner | 5 | 5 | 11.350 | 4.070 | $200 |
| 23 | Hunter Hicks - Mike Stephens | 89 | 5 | 11.200 | 0.000 | |
| 24 | Ronnie Britt - Jim Britt | 35 | 5 | 10.820 | 0.000 | |
| 25 | Joshua Queen - Mike Queen | 67 | 5 | 10.490 | 0.000 | |
| 26 | Rusty White - Gray Bennett | 111 | 4 | 10.490 | 4.540 | |
| 27 | Jeff Coble - David Wright | 105 | 4 | 10.480 | 0.000 | |
| 28 | Chris Baldwin - James Blankenship | 79 | 5 | 10.470 | 0.000 | |
| 29 | Duke Denison - Jamie Denison | 22 | 5 | 10.340 | 0.000 | |
| 30 | mike mcdonald - dave farrington | 40 | 5 | 10.300 | 3.610 | |
| 31 | Robert Walser - Mack Lowe | 84 | 5 | 10.060 | 0.000 | |
| 32 | Reginald Pickett - Larry Kirk | 61 | 5 | 10.000 | 0.000 | |
| 33 | shane lineberger - jerry lineberger | 64 | 5 | 9.780 | 0.000 | |
| 34 | Rick Dunstan - Cliff Kirby | 59 | 5 | 9.620 | 0.000 | |
| 35 | morris ruff - Kelly Ruff | 80 | 4 | 9.430 | 0.000 | |
| 36 | Kelly Logan - Jason Wilson | 56 | 3 | 9.250 | 5.490 | $1.000 |
| * Winners of the $1,000 Big Fish Award | ||||||
| 37 | Darren Sigmon - Brian Huffman | 73 | 5 | 9.250 | 0.000 | |
| 38 | Eric Jeter - Darron Jeter | 43 | 5 | 9.220 | 0.000 | |
| 39 | Eric Self - Ricky Self | 54 | 5 | 9.080 | 0.000 | |
| 40 | jason dew - randall soles | 118 | 5 | 9.070 | 0.000 | |
| 41 | Drew Montgomery - Kenny Seagle | 93 | 5 | 9.040 | 0.000 | |
| 42 | Steve Sink - Tony Foster | 37 | 5 | 9.000 | 0.000 | |
| 43 | Mark Inman - Larry Inman | 100 | 5 | 8.990 | 0.000 | |
| 44 | Bryan LeFever - Wayne Sharpe | 1 | 5 | 8.880 | 0.000 | |
| 45 | Robin Collins - Ronnie White | 41 | 5 | 8.810 | 0.000 | |
| 46 | Todd Moss - John Schohn | 12 | 4 | 8.720 | 3.500 | |
| 47 | steve harwood - steve godfrey | 50 | 5 | 8.690 | 0.000 | |
| 48 | John English - Victoria English | 86 | 4 | 8.630 | 0.000 | |
| 49 | Darrell Fisher - WILLIAM GREGORY | 60 | 5 | 8.540 | 0.000 | |
| 50 | Jason Costner | 24 | 5 | 8.510 | 0.000 | |
| 51 | David Williams - Gerald Williams | 49 | 5 | 8.450 | 0.000 | |
| 52 | Billy Bledsoe - Brian McDonald | 72 | 5 | 8.340 | 0.000 | |
| 53 | Dempsey Carter - Ted Mobley | 39 | 5 | 8.250 | 0.000 | |
| 54 | Randy Weddington - Ronnie Smith | 107 | 5 | 8.250 | 0.000 | |
| 55 | Paul Guthrie - Danny Hucks | 122 | 4 | 8.060 | 0.000 | |
| 56 | Jimmy Drumm - Ben Parker | 55 | 5 | 8.040 | 0.000 | |
| 57 | Wilbert Thornton - Jimmy Holland | 124 | 3 | 7.060 | 0.000 | |
| 58 | Dwight Dellinger - doug dellinger | 10 | 4 | 6.910 | 0.000 | |
| 59 | Jimmy Cummings - Jesse Smith | 76 | 3 | 6.530 | 0.000 | |
| 60 | Matthew McBee | 53 | 3 | 5.490 | 0.000 | |
| 61 | Scott Mooneyham - Skeet Bennett | 82 | 2 | 4.790 | 0.000 | |
| 62 | Steve Kocell | 26 | 2 | 4.340 | 0.000 | |
| 63 | Michael Riggs - Doug Stallings | 4 | 2 | 4.270 | 0.000 | |
| 64 | Wayne Skipworth - Don Sprinkle | 63 | 1 | 3.420 | 3.420 | |
| 65 | casey johnson - Cody Shuffler | 9 | 2 | 2.670 | 0.000 | |
| 66 | Jimmy Stein | 6 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 67 | Jimmy Carswell - Donald Carswell | 7 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 68 | Terry Wien - sue wien | 8 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 69 | robert mabrey - kyle whisnant | 11 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 70 | Rory Saliger - Ivan Honeycutt | 13 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 71 | Joe Giampa - Derek Wynkoop | 16 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 72 | CHAD POTEAT | 17 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 73 | Brian Stowe - Shannon Stowe | 18 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 74 | Greg Creech - Chris McDuffie | 20 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 75 | Steven Austin - Roger Wood | 28 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 76 | Matt Stout - Mike Branch | 29 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 77 | Robert Branch, Jr - Gene Parker | 30 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 78 | Kyle Westerman - jim davis | 31 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 79 | Shawn Crosby | 32 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 80 | Corey Patton - Joshua Sanders | 33 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 81 | Bob Furstenberg - Chadd Eriksen | 34 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 82 | clay williams - david redman | 38 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 83 | Donald Poteat - John Allen | 42 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 84 | Andy Greene | 45 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 85 | Gordon Smith - Mike Smith | 47 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 86 | Thomas Vickers - Brian Huskins | 48 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 87 | Bill Grier - Robby Byrum | 57 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 88 | Mark Lamb - Rob Griswold | 58 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 89 | Brian Morgan | 65 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 90 | Billy Medlin - Rustie Davis | 66 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 91 | Rodney Bell | 68 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 92 | Nick Miller - Brandon Brickweg | 70 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 93 | Buster Seabolt - Ronnie Hatem | 71 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 94 | Mark Whitman | 74 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 95 | Brad Petway | 75 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 96 | Kevin Foster - Robert Hammonds | 77 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 97 | roger pope - michael smith | 78 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 98 | Chuck Morton - lonnie fox | 81 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 99 | Rob Johnson - Matt Johnson | 83 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 100 | Mike Scott - Chris Johnson | 85 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 101 | Chris Ellis - Kyle Shropshire | 87 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 102 | TODD GARNER - JEFF RABY | 88 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 103 | Steve Addington - Scott Beattie | 90 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 104 | Ernest Stephens - Richard Greene | 92 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 105 | Jerry Goble | 94 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 106 | Jerry Craig - Bobby Latuch | 95 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 107 | Barry Bost - Will Petty | 97 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 108 | Matt Deese - William White | 99 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 109 | Todd Smith - Eric Schell | 101 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 110 | Rod Poole - Heath Fesperman | 102 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 111 | Wyatt Blevins - Greg Osborne | 103 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 112 | John Drew - Howard Bean | 104 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 113 | Jerry Pruitt | 106 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 114 | Eddie Morton - Gerald Ritchie | 108 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 115 | Dennis Reedy - Jeffrey Thomas | 110 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 116 | Mark Beck - bill goodrich | 112 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 117 | Doug easton - Pete Bejte | 113 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 118 | Daniel Hill - Parks Jones | 114 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 119 | Ray Harris - James Blackstock | 115 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 120 | Drew Adkins - Allen Wellman | 116 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 121 | Larry Hipps - Jeff Hodges | 117 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 122 | Todd Sumner - Robert Parrish | 120 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 123 | dennis allen - travis allen | 121 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 124 | Tony Lambert - Dean Talbert | 123 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 125 | Glenn Sparrow - steven sparrow | 125 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
| 126 | Andy Nix - justin goodyear | 126 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | |
