Gone Fishin Entries

Free Boaters Safety Course Offered

2009-07-15T08:10:00.000-07:00

Free Boaters Safety Course Sept. 19; Final class for 2009

Are you new to the great recreational activity of boating? Or would you like for you and members of your family to be safer boaters?

Well, we’ve got a class for you…. and it’s free.

The IGFA and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission are teaming together to host the next free Boaters Safety Courses beginning on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, Dania Beach, Fla.

The all day class begins at 8 a.m. and lasts till 4 p.m. It’s the final class offered for 2009.

This course, taught by the law enforcement division of the FFWCC meets the mandatory boating safety education requirements for the State of Florida.
The class is comprised of a six chapter review and a final exam and is limited to 16 people with advance registration. For more information and to register, please call Joanie Tomlin at the IGFA at 954-924-4312 or email her at JTomlin@igfa.org.

Interesting Fishing Facts

2009-07-15T08:07:00.000-07:00

Interesting facts from the IGFA -- Did You Know?

This month the IGFA features recently released figures from The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Fisheries and Aquaculture Department has just released The State of the World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2008. Some interesting facts from the recent report (all values annual totals for the year 2006):

Catch
Global capture fisheries production was about 92 million tonnes.

Value
Our calculations indicate that is equivalent to the weight of 18.4 million elephants or 46 million SUVs (all these SUVs lined up would stretch five times around the earth at the equator).
Global fish capture production first sale value is estimated at US $91.2 billion.

Countries
Top five countries in world capture production:
• China
• Peru
• United States of America
• Indonesia
• Japan

• Asian countries accounted for 52% of global
capture production.

People
• 43.5 million people are directly engaged, part time or full time, in primary production of fish (including fish capture from the wild and aquaculture) with an additional four million people engaged on an occasional basis.
• For each person employed in the primary sector, it is estimated there are four employed in the secondary sector (fish processing, marketing and service industries), indicating employment of about 170 million people in the industry as a whole.
• If you consider the number of dependants, about 520 million people could be dependent on the sector, that’s about 8% of the world population.

Species/Stocks
The top five marine species for capture production:
• Anchoveta
• Alaska pollock
• Skipjack tuna
• Atlantic herring
• Blue herring

• Overall, 80% of the world fish stocks for which assessment information is available are reported as fully exploited or overexploited.
• Quote from text: “As stated before in The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture, the maximum wild capture fisheries potential from the world’s ocean has probably been reached, and a more closely controlled approach to fisheries management is required, particularly for some highly migratory, straddling and other fishery resources that are exploited solely or partially in the high seas.”
These values do not include data from recreational fisheries, bycatch or illegal, unreported, unregulated catches.

Youth News from IGFA

2009-07-15T08:04:00.000-07:00

Courtesy Johnson Communications Inc.

IGFA Education News
Outreach Program at Palm Beach, Fla., Kid’s Fitness Festival
On July 16-17 the IGFA’s Outreach Program will be among 40 different sports clinics at the Palm Beach County Kid’s Fitness Festival at the South Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach.

“Each July, over 6,000 South Florida youth gather at the South Florida Fairgrounds for two days of fitness and fun,” said IGFA Education Director David Matagiese.
“The two days are filled with excitement and energy, festival participants have the opportunity to get hands-on experience and develop skills in over 40 different sports clinics.
“The IGFA will have knot tying and spin casting target practice as its activities.
Each clinic is conducted by a professional from that sports area sharing techniques, enhancing skills and providing an introduction to the sport. The weekend event also features mascots, autograph sessions, special guests, demonstrations and a midway with a bounce house, rock-wall and mist tent, and much more,” said Matagiese.
Open to groups and individuals, space at the Kids Fitness Festival is limited so early sign-up reservations are recommended.

For more information please contact George Linley at 561-233-3178 or via email at glinley@palmbeachsports.com. And for more information on the IGFA Outreach Program call Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or via email at dmatagiese@igfa.org.

Weekly IGFA Junior Angler Summer Camps in full fun mode
For hands-on activities and lots of fishing for youngsters, nothing beats the IGFA’s annual Junior Angler Summer Camps and there’s still a chance to sign-up.
Presented in 10 weekly sessions they are now underway till August 14th.

In its 10th year and held at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Fla., the association offers the weeklong camp adventures for children ages 8 – 13.

IGFA Education Director Dave Matagiese said. “We’ve revamped some of the activities so that each camper will spend more time each day fishing both here on-site at the museum and on field trips. In addition the camp instructors are also teaching them about the in-and-outs of fish anatomy through dissections, fish biology, plus conservation techniques and environmentally themed topics.

He said they also learn about tying flies and jigs, how to tie fishing knots and participate in simulated fishing tournaments. And the campers take field trips on a variety of fresh and salt water adventures: drift boat, pier and shore fishing, wetlands exploration and much more.

“These camps give children the opportunity to have fun while being educated on local habitats and ethical practices,” Matagiese said. “During each week-long experience, campers will discover the importance of the different fresh and salt water habitats for sport fishing.”

For much more information, please call Veronica Woods 954-924-4309, email reservations@igfa.org, or visit www.igfa.org/summercamp.asp .

Gallops and Raskob capture titles at FKO/IGFA Inshore World Championships

2009-07-15T07:53:00.000-07:00

Story & Photo Courtesy of Johnson Communications Inc.

Mike Gallops and Jared Raskob had different strategies in accomplishing their goals in winning the light tackle and fly divisions respectively at the Florida Keys Outfitters/ International Game Fish Association Inshore World Championship in Islamorada, Fla., USA, July 7- 9.

In the fly division, Raskob of Key Largo, Fla., held the lead from start to finish focusing his scoring of points of the five targeted species – bonefish, tarpon, permit, snook and redfish. Despite not catching a permit, deemed the hardest fish to entice on a fly, Raskob accumulated a total of 1950 points. With the help of his guide Capt. Dave Borras he had three bountiful days breaking further away from his fly competitors with rounds of scores of 575, 650 and 725 points.

They had correctly predicted that his 15 competitors in the division would have the same trouble he had of getting the slam of five fish, especially the tight-jawed permit. The only contestant to release a permit on fly was Alex Cruz of Miami and it was his only fish of the contest caught on the final day.

For Gallops in the light tackle divsion, who won the championship in 2003, his goal was completing slams by catching all five species, considered just a bit easier using bait. His biggest day came on Day 2 when Capt. Larry Sydnor put him onto catches and releases of seven fish among four species. Now with one slam completed on a permit caught the first day, Gallops needed one more to complete a second slam. He did by catching a permit on Day 3, and added a third permit for added points or a chance at a third slam.
Finishing second by completing one slam in the light tackle division was Tony Pruitt, Naples, Fla., teamed with guide Capt. Rob Fordyce. In third was Nick Cardella, Delray Beach, Fla., guided by Capt. Frank Ortiz.

Two Houston, Texas competitors, Charles Duncan, III and Rand Holstead,
took second and third in the fly division. Duncan was guided by Capt. John Donnell and Holstead by Capt. Andy Thompson.

The field of 32 top anglers-- 16 in fly and 16 in light tackle -- were invited to compete in the all-release championship after winning in a variety of 36 qualifying tournaments held across the U.S., the Bahamas and Australia in 2008.
From a drawing the champion qualifiers were paired with a premier Keys guide, fishing as a team for the three days.

In an interview with Bill Kelly, host of The Friday Night Radio Show on WKEZ-FM in the Florida Keys, Duncan and Rand emphasized the quality of the guides and how much everyone enjoyed the single guide format as compared to a different one each day.
“It helped in the strategy of the event and the development of the relationship between angler and guide,” said Duncan.

On the same show tournament director Sandy Moret, owner of Florida Keys Outfitters smiled and said, “This ninth annual tournament promised to be one of the most outstanding competitions of the year, and it was. The on-site logistics and hospitality of the staff at the Bayside Marina and Islamorada Fish Co. which is part of World Wide Sportsman was fantastic. We’re looking ahead to next year when we’ll have more international competitors.”

The championship events will be featured on a future ESPN Outdoors Saltwater Series cablecast on ESPN2. Highlights of each day are also featured on ESPNOutdoors.com.
For more information on the FKO/IGFA Inshore World Championship and the event’s qualifying tournaments contact Moret at 305-664-5423 or via e-mail at flkeyout@bellsouth.net or visit the web site at inshoreworldchampionships.com .

Fly Winners

Place
Angler
Guide

1st
Jared Raskob Key Largo, Fla.,
Dave Borras

2nd
Charles Duncan III, Houston, Texas
John Donnell

3rd
Rand Holdstead, Houston Texas
Andy Thompson

Light Tackle Winners

Place
Angler
Guide

1st
Mike Gallops, Naples, Fla.
Larry Sydnor

2nd
Troy Pruitt, Naples, Fla.,
Rob Fordyce

3rd
Nick Cardella, Delray Beach, Fla.,
Frank Ortiz

Better Bass Fishing - A "Must Have" Book for Every Bass Angler

2009-06-01T12:36:00.000-07:00

Secrets from the Headwaters by a Bassmaster Senior Writer, Robert U. Montgomery

Bass fisherman Robert Montgomery provides readers with secrets for becoming better bass anglers

Better Bass Fishing contains plenty of how-to information while at the same time concentrating on the “big picture” of bass fishing, educating bass anglers about weather and how it affects fish; bass biology; and both bass and angler behavior, emphasizing the importance of taking care of the fishery, fishermen themselves, and their favorite equipment.

Montgomery recommends ways that anglers can improve their fisheries through specific, individual actions; provides an in-depth look at how anglers can improve their performance through fitness and diet; and offers specifics on how anglers can better protect themselves, their vehicles, and their rods, reels, electronics, and boats while on the road.

These secrets encourage both a thoughtful approach to fishing and a realization that success is tied to far more than just using the right bait. Bass fishing is more than just catching fish; it is about enjoying meteor showers and fireflies, and about the pleasure derived from taking a kid fishing.

Robert U. Montgomery is a longtime senior writer for ESPN/BASS publications. His work has appeared in Sports Afield, North American Fisherman, Fishing World, In-Fisherman, Sport Fishing, Florida Sportsman, Saltwater Sportsman, Outdoor Life, Bassin’, Fish & Game, and other publications, and he has written special reports for the American Fisheries Society and the Clean Water Network. Montgomery lives in Bonne Terre, MO.

June 2009 $21.95 (Can. $24.00) | paperback | 978-0-88150-849-9 | 7x10 | 224 pp

2009 BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship Announces Largest Collegiate Bass Fishing Event Ever Held

2009-05-22T13:03:00.000-07:00

NEWS From BoatU.S.
Boat Owners Association of The United States

LAKE LEWISVILLE, TX, May 20, 2009 -- With 286 student anglers representing 73 universities registered for the 2009 BoatU.S. National Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship , it will easily surpass last year's record field of 194 by over 90 anglers making it the largest collegiate bass fishing tournament ever held. Officials for the event this year had to expand the field to accommodate the record number of registrants.

"The explosive growth that club fishing has had among America's colleges over the past few years is a testament to the quality of this event, which is the premier collegiate fishing tournament. The participating anglers are the future of our sport, and we are proud to support them in their quest to be successful - and safe, tournament anglers," stated Chris Edmonston of BoatU.S.

Every two-person team attending Cabela's College Day at the Cabela's retail store in Fort Worth, Texas on May 25 will be treated to a $100 shopping spree complements of Cabela's. Seminars will also be provided by several top bass fishing pros such as Clark Wendlandt, Kelly Jordon, Dave Smith, Sean Hornke, Mike Hawkes and Jeff Kriet.

The collegiate anglers will enjoy numerous incentive and discount purchasing programs provided by BoatU.S. Angler, Cabela's, Pure Fishing, Costa Del Mar, Sperry Top-Sider and Gemini Sport Marketing, as well as product samples provided by all the sponsors on site at the event. Contestants will also receive travel stipends and complementary meals to further offset costs. Scholarships and merchandise awards will be made to the top finishers - all designed to promote the growth of collegiate bass fishing.

"We continue to be impressed by the rapid growth of this tournament and collegiate bass fishing as a whole, but we're most proud to be here to provide these students the support they need both on and off the water. The dedication and can-do attitude that they bring to the table is so encouraging for the future of tournament angling and the sport of recreational fishing," said Mike Pellerin of BoatU.S. Angler .

All of the action and excitement during this event will be captured by Careco Multimedia's camera teams and will be featured on the television series airing on the Versus network starting this August on Saturdays at 12:30PM EST.

"This field size this year is amazing. This event features some of the anglers who participated in our very first event in 2006. As seniors this year, they will be transitioning into the business world and will be ambassadors of the sport of fishing based on their experiences at this event and others," stated Wade Middleton, Tournament Director.

All tournament activities will take place at Sneaky Pete's, located on Lake Lewisville in Lewisville, Texas. The official practice period is May 26 and 27. Registration and the pre-tournament banquet will take place on the evening of May 27. Competition days are May 28 and 29. For updates on the event, visit http://www.CollegiateBassChampionship.com .

The 73 schools that will be represented include: Arizona State University, Arkansas Tech University, Auburn University, Baylor University, Boise State University, Clemson University, Drury University, East Carolina University, Eastern Kentucky University, Eastern Oklahoma State College, Faulkner University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Freed-Hardeman University, Friends University, Georgia College and State University, Henderson State University, Indiana University, Kansas State University, Lamar University, Louisiana State University - Shreveport, Louisiana Tech University, Metro State College of Denver, Midwestern State University, Murray State University, North Carolina State, Northeastern AM College, Northwestern State University, Oklahoma State University, Penn State University, Purdue University, Radford University, Sam Houston State University, Southeast Missouri State University, Southern Illinois University - Carbondale, Stephen F. Austin State University, Tarleton State University, Tennessee Tech University, Texas AM Galveston, Texas AM Kingsville, Texas AM University, Texas State University, Texas Tech University, University of Alabama, University of Alabama - Birmingham, University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas - Little Rock, University of Arkansas - Monticello, University of Central Arkansas, University of Central Florida, University of Florida, University of Iowa, University of Kentucky, University of Louisiana Lafayette, University of Louisville, University of Mississippi, University of Montevallo, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, University of Nevada - Reno, University of North Alabama, University of North Texas, University of Oklahoma, University of Oregon, University of South Alabama, University of Tennessee - Chattanooga, University of Tennessee - Knoxville, University of Tennessee - Martin, University of Texas - Arlington, University of Texas - Austin, University of Texas - Tyler, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, Virginia Tech University, Wabash College, and Western Kentucky University.

National supporters of the BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship and Association of Collegiate Anglers events include: BoatU.S., Cabela's, BoatU.S. Angler, Ranger Boats, TruckVault, Costa Del Mar, Berkley, Aviva Fishin Buddy, Sperry Top-Sider, Sebile Lures, Frogg Toggs, Columbia Sportswear, Yamaha, Plano, Garmin, Power Pole, All Star Rod, Abu Garcia, Gemini Custom Apparel, Columbia Sportswear, Power Pole, Activision's Rapala Fishing Frenzy, American Rodsmith, Lago Vista Lodge, City of Lewisville, Dodge, Sneaky Pete's and The Bass Federation.

ECONOMY MOTIVATES NATIONAL RETAILER TO

2009-05-22T12:49:00.000-07:00

Springfield, Missouri
May 21, 2009 -With families struggling through the economic downturn, one retailer has decided to do something to help families enjoy activities together as a family at a very affordable price – absolutely free!

Beginning Saturday, May 30th and continuing through Sunday, July 5th, Family Summer Camp events will be held at Bass Pro Shops destination retail stores across America and Canada (the event will not be at Miami, FL, Branson, MO, or the Worldwide Sportsmen in Islamorada, FL).

Every Saturday and Sunday stores will be offering free craft activities for the kids including decorating a fishing bobber, making key chains, designing their own birdhouse, creating plaster animal tracks and painting a souvenir wooden lure for Dad.

The whole family will enjoy free outdoor workshops about hiking, camping and fishing basics. Other workshops include bird watching, archery, animal identification, plants & insects, and even how to make campfire S’mores. Kids will earn a collectable pin for every workshop completed.

Store activities will vary but could include a laser shooting gallery, casting pond, soft strike foam bow range and BB gun range. You can even have a souvenir photo made or test drive a kayak in the kayak pool. Again, absolutely free! (Click here to see an exciting clip about the Family Summer Camp!)

“This is our way of helping families enjoy affordable, fun activities together and create lifelong memories,” stated Bass Pro Shops President Jim Hagale. “Bass Pro Shops is committed to helping adults and children put away their laptops, video games, and cell phones this summer and head outdoors.”

Bass Pro Shops Family Summer Camp provides families the opportunity to improve their outdoor skills and reconnect with the outdoors. This is a great time to increase awareness and interest in becoming good stewards of the land and its natural resources, to feel good about themselves and to improve their general health and well-being. Here are some supporting facts and figures:

• Long-term health concerns among children are increasing. According to information from the US Fish and Wildlife Web site (www.fws.gov), Americans, kids especially, spend less time playing outdoors than any preceding generation.
• Kids spend an average of 6.5 hours a day with television, computers and video games and are six times more likely to play a video game than ride a bike.
• According to information from the US Fish and Wildlife site, nature is good for your health. New research shows that children who feel connected to nature have better physical, mental, and emotional health. Other various studies have shown that kids that engage in outdoor classrooms have improved grades and test scores.
• These same studies show that kids involved in the outdoors are more motivated to learn and achieve.
• Studies suggest that families that interact together outdoors create lasting bonds by making life-long memories.

For more information on the free Bass Pro Shops Family Summer Camp, go to www.basspro.com/camp.

About Bass Pro Shops Group:
Bass Pro Shops -55 retail stores in 26 states and Canada visited by over 100 million people annually, international catalog and internet retailing, American Rod & Gun wholesale division selling to over 7,000 independently owned retail stores worldwide, Outdoor World Incentives also selling Bass Pro Shops gift cards through over 132,000 retail outlets across America and a restaurant division with 26 locations.

Tracker Marine Group – Manufactures and sells Tracker, Nitro, SunTracker, Tahoe, Grizzly, Fisher, Pro Craft, Kenner, Mako, and SeaCraft boats through Bass Pro Shops retail stores and over 400 dealers worldwide.

Resort Group – Big Cedar Lodge and other resort properties including restaurants and golf course.

For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops store locations, products or special events, please visit www.basspro.com. To request a free catalog call 1-800-BASS PRO.

FOR HEALTH’S SAKE, KIDS (AND ADULTS) NEED TO GET OUTDOORS

2009-04-30T13:46:00.000-07:00

Springfield, Missouri

April 29, 2009

Once upon a time, not so long ago, kids went outside to play. Many a fort and treehouse were built, favorite swimming holes were enjoyed, and stringers of fish meant campfires and fish fries. Kids got bumped, scraped, bruised, stung, bit and sunburned. But, they got exercise and learned about the outdoors—how to fish, pitch a tent, make a campfire, identify which plants (and snakes) are poisonous and count the stars at night. It was the real world.

Today, kids don’t walk to school or anywhere else much for that matter. They and adults are inside spending countless hours in front of hand-held monitors or TV screens playing video games. They get caught in the artificial worlds of watching television shows, chatting on the Internet and text messaging. And, studies show that living in the daily urban world with all its distractions, stimuli, and confusion can seriously impair cognitive thinking and mental health in general. Bottom line, kids and adults are not getting enough time outdoors.

During the National Go Outdoors Event going on at 51 Bass Pro Shops store locations from May 16th through May 25th, the company is offering kids and adults all kinds of ways to get off their couches and go enjoy the great outdoors. Events include a life jacket trade-in, outdoor skill demonstrations, interactive activities and a chance to win a sweepstakes package with a retail value of approximately $11,000.00.

“One of the most exciting and invigorating places to go this summer is just beyond your front door,” said Larry Whiteley, Bass Pro Shops Manager of Communications. “Bass Pro Shops is committed to helping adults and children across the nation put away their laptops, video games, and cell phones this summer and head outdoors. Whether it’s fishing, hiking through a local park, or simply laying on your lawn watching the stars at night, there are so many great things to do outdoors this summer.”

Why is this important?

Bass Pro Shops’ National Go Outdoors Event is a way to give kids (and adults) the chance to learn about the outdoors and the reason why is simple. Kids need this chance to re-connect with the outdoors to learn valuable lessons —how to swim, how to camp, first aid, survival techniques, orienteering, conservation—but more importantly, to become good stewards of the land and its natural resources, to feel good about themselves and to improve their general health and well-being.

Likewise, adults need this ‘disconnect’ from their everyday urban life. An article that appeared in the Boston Globe January 2, 2009, cites studies scientists are conducting to examine how urban life affects the brain and our mental health. "The mind is a limited machine,"says Marc Berman, a psychologist at the University of Michigan and lead author of a new study that measured the cognitive deficits caused by a short urban walk.

"And we're beginning to understand the different ways that a city can exceed those limitations." The article goes on to state that “natural settings are full of objects that automatically capture our attention, yet without triggering a negative emotional response -- unlike, say, a backfiring car. The mental machinery that directs attention can relax deeply, replenishing itself.”

Read entire article at: http://www.childrenandnature.org/news/detail/nature_essential_for_the_brain_scientists_report/

Listed below are some supporting facts and figures:

• Long-term health concerns among children are increasing. According to information from the US Fish and Wildlife Web site (www.fws.gov), Americans, kids especially, spend less time playing outdoors than any preceding generation.

• Kids spend an average of 6.5 hours a day with television, computers and video games and are six times more likely to play a video game than ride a bike.

• In fact, of all the major recreational activities in 2006, bicycling suffered the worst in declining participant numbers (down 13.3% from last year) according to an annual report by the National Sporting Goods Association. (“Sports Participation Series I and II”)

• Stress, depression, obesity, and low self-esteem among children are on the rise.

Why is going outside good?

• According to information from the US Fish and Wildlife site, nature is good for your health. New research shows that children who feel connected to nature have better physical, mental, and emotional health. Berman’s study, as cited in the January 2nd article in the Boston Globe, states that, according to several studies, “children with attention-deficit disorder have fewer symptoms in natural settings. When surrounded by trees and animals, they are less likely to have behavioral problems and are better able to focus on a particular task.”

• Other various studies have shown that kids that engage in outdoor classrooms have improved grades and test scores.

• These same studies show that kids involved in the outdoors are more motivated to learn and achieve.

• Studies suggest that families that interact together outdoors create lasting bonds by making life-long memories.

As you look forward to this summer and begin to wonder what you will do with the kids while they are out of school, investigate summer programs that your local Park Board, YMCA, or Boys Scouts and Girls Scouts offer that will help them benefit from being outside. In the meantime, begin with Bass Pro Shops’ National Go Outdoors Event at your local Bass Pro Shops store location.

Exciting events being offered to entice kids and adults to go outdoors include canoe and kayak demonstrations, casting contests, rock climbing walls, GPS classes, outdoor skills workshops on boating safety, Dutch oven cooking, outdoor survival training and much, much more. (Events will vary per store. Please visit www.basspro.com/gooutdoors and select individual store location for events listing.)

The US Coast Guard Auxiliary will be on hand at most Bass Pro Shops store locations to answer questions on the proper fit of life jackets as well as to address water safety questions. You can even bring any old or non-fitting life jackets into your local Bass Pro Shops on Saturday and Sunday, May 16th and 17th, for recycling and receive an instant discount of $5 to $20 off the purchase of a new Bass Pro Shops or Stearns life jacket or SOSPENDERS® inflatable PFD.

While at Bass Pro Shops, register to win the “Experience the Great Outdoors Sweepstakes.” The National Grand Prize will be awarded to one winner nationwide and has a retail value of approximately $11,000.00. Each store location will select a first place winner who will receive a gift package with a retail value of $550.00. See store for more details.

This year, commit to getting outdoors with your kids for all your health’s sake. Visit Bass Pro Shops during the National Go Outdoors Event, interact with your family in the great outdoors and make some memories to last a lifetime.

About Bass Pro Shops

A major catalog and Internet retailer, Bass Pro Shops, headquartered in Springfield, MO, currently has 55 retail locations across the United States and Canada. The stores attract some 100 million visitors a year. In addition, Bass Pro Shops also provides products and services for thousands of independent dealers world wide through its subsidiary company, American Rod & Gun. For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops store locations, products or special events, please visit www.basspro.com.

Women’s Bassmaster Tour Winner Takes Her ‘Victory Laps’ at Talladega

2009-04-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

Story and Photo Courtesy of BASS

April 28, 2009

BASS Reporter’s Notebook: Women’s Bassmaster Tour Winner Takes Her ‘Victory Laps’ at Talladega

Women’s Bassmaster Tour angler Janet Parker of Little Elm, Texas, lapped the entire Academy Sports + Outdoors Women’s Bassmaster Tour field April 25 in Louisiana on the Ouachita River when she took her first BASS win by a margin of more than 8 pounds.

A scheduled appearance the next day in Alabama gave her the opportunity to do two more laps — victory laps, if you will — on the track at Talladega Superspeedway.

Parker led the parade lap at the April 26 Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. It was the third year in a row she led the race parade in her Aaron’s Dream Machine bass rig on behalf of her major sponsor, Atlanta, Ga.-based Aaron’s.

She also was at Talladega to accept a commendation given to her and Aaron’s by the U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute. The award was presented to Parker on the Talladega driver introduction stage.

The U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute is a program of the Secretary of the Army and Chief of Staff of the Army. Founded in 2005, it recognizes “special supporters” of soldiers and the Army’s mission.

“We’ve raised in excess of $90,000 so far for the Armed Forces Foundation through auctions of a donated boat rig and sponsors’ products. All my sponsors have really stepped up,” Parker said. Aaron’s has donated thousands more to military and veteran groups over the years, she added.

She started her charity efforts soon after making an appearance to talk about fishing at an Air Force base and decided she wanted to do more.

“Although I can’t begin to comprehend the sacrifices the military and their families make for our country, I want them to know that it is appreciated,” she said.

About that second “victory lap” at Talladega: Parker was a passenger in a pace car.

“I wasn’t expecting to do that,” she said. “The G force at 150 mph is incredible. It was scary and very exciting at the same time. The adrenaline going through me was about the same as when I caught my largest bass of 12 pounds, 5 ounces.”

That bass, for the record, was not at a WBT event, but in Mexico at Lake El Salto last December.

Texan Janet Parker Claims Her First Women’s Bassmaster Tour Victory

2009-04-28T19:27:00.000-07:00

Story and Photo Courtesy BASS

April 25, 2009

Parker Held Wire to Wire Lead, All Three Competition Days

WEST MONROE, La. — All week Janet Parker of Little, Elm, Texas, has been saying she was “keeping it simple” out on the water, but Parker also made it look easy when she won wire-to-wire Saturday by more than 8 pounds at the second stop of the 2009 Academy Sports + Outdoors Women’s Bassmaster Tour event on the Ouachita River.

The first day she led by 11 ounces. The second day she stretched her lead to almost 5 pounds. With Saturday’s weight of 11 pounds, 2 ounces — her best of the three days — she totaled 32-2, easily staying in front of Sheri Glasgow of Muskogee, Okla., who took second with 23-13.

Patti Campbell of Waxahachie, Texas, who on Friday moved up from 21st into third place, also finished there with 21-13.

It was the first WBT title for Parker, who’s been competing in the women’s circuit since its inception in 2005. Her previous best finish was in June 2008 at Tennessee’s Old Hickory Lake, where she finished 14th after leading the first day.

“Last night, when I realized I had a 4-pound, 12-ounce lead, I thought maybe I could win here,” Parker said. “I didn’t get overconfident because maybe my fish would turn off, or someone would catch an 8-pounder — you just don’t know. I did not count my chickens before they hatched.”

Her wire-to-wire win was worth a $55,000 Triton/Mercury boat package, $650, and a valuable 315 points in Toyota Tundra Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year race, where the eventual AOY winner will qualify for the 2010 Bassmaster Classic. Parker also received a bonus $500 that was donated to the winner by the Ouachita River Valley Association.

By “keeping it simple” on the Ouachita River, she meant she worked a Texas-rigged plastic crawfish in the same way to trigger a reaction bite, regardless of where she fished.

“I felt the key was having a weight and a magnetic bead,” Parker said. “I’d let the lure fall, then hop it up, and the beads would clack together. Then I’d let it rest and hop it up again.”

She fished the same rig in two markedly different areas. One was a shallow backwater, and the other a main-river ledge.

In the backwater, she picked up bass hitting baitfish at the mouth of an underwater culvert in water from 2 feet to about 8 feet deep. She also flipped to trees and brush in the same backwater.

On the main river channel, she threw her craw to bass holding in an eddy behind a ledge. Her only alteration in the rig for the main-river spot was a switch from a 3/8-ounce to a 1/2-ounce weight.

Ending in second place, Glasgow relied on a custom-made spinnerbait with a single Colorado blade, the same bait she used to win a WBT event at Arkansas’ Lake Dardanelle in 2007.

“It puts out a lot of thump, a lot of vibration, your rod tip’s bouncing as it pulses through the water,” said Glasgow, the 2007 Toyota Tundra WBT Angler of the Year. “You can slow-roll it, and when you bring it by a piece of structure, you can stop it and let it flutter. It worked great in this muddy water.”

Glasgow said she stayed in the Ouachita’s backwater lakes, working flooded buckbrush and cypress trees, moving with the fish as the water level changed each day.

Winner in the co-angler division and the $25,000 Triton/Mercury boat rig was Day Two leader Linda Owens, a retired law enforcement officer from Brandon, Miss. Her three-day weight of 16 pounds, 14 ounces, was almost 5 pounds more than her closest competitor.

“This is my first win at a tournament, ever,” said Owens, whose first look at the Ouachita River was on the first day of competition. She said the boat she won will replace a boat she had to give up after retirement.

Owens said she flipped and pitched to cypress trees and brush all three days, a technique that is “right up my alley.” Her go-to lure was a soft-plastic creature bait with a chartreuse dip on the tail.

“For some reason, they wouldn’t hit if the tail wasn’t dipped,” Owens said.

Other top finishers in the co-angler division included Gail Wood of Russellville, Ark., was second with 12-2. First-day leader Terri Bittner of McKinleyville, Calif., was third with 10-12.

The final two stops of the WBT regular season will be out of Little Rock, Ark., for a June 4-6 competition on the Arkansas River; and Sept. 10-12 stop at Old Hickory Lake out of Hendersonville, Tenn.

After the Old Hickory tournament, the top 20 in both the pro and co-angler points standings will advance to the Oct. 16-18 Academy Sports + Outdoors WBT Championship on the Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La.

One pro will emerge from the championship as the Toyota Tundra Women's Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year. She’ll win a Toyota Tundra and qualify for the 2010 Bassmaster Classic, Feb. 19-21 on Lay Lake out of Birmingham, Ala.

Pam Martin-Wells of Bainbridge, Ga., who finished in seventh place at Ouachita, retained her first-place position in the points race with 582 points. Juanita Robinson of Highlands, Texas, is second in the AOY with 556 points.

The local sponsor of the Women's Bassmaster Tour stop on the Ouachita River is the Monroe-West Monroe Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Sponsors of the Women’s Bassmaster Tour
Title Sponsor: Academy Sports + Outdoors. Official Sponsors: Toyota Trucks, Berkley, BOOYAH Baits, Mercury, OPTIMA Batteries, Skeeter Boats and Yamaha Marine. Supporting Sponsors: Ramada, Triton Boats, LaserLure and Legend Boats.

For more information, contact BASS Communications at (407) 566-2208 or visit Bassmaster.com. Visit ESPNOutdoorsMedia.com for BASS and ESPN Outdoors latest releases, schedules and other news, plus photos and more.

2009 Academy Sports + Outdoors Women’s Bassmaster Tour - WBT #2
04/23-04/25 Ouachita River, West Monroe, La.
Professionals Standings Day 3

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$

1. Janet Parker Little Elm, Texas 15 32-02 315 $55,650.00
Day 1: 5 10-14 Day 2: 5 10-02 Day 3: 5 11-02
2. Sheri Glasgow Muskogee, Okla. 15 23-13 295 $3,575.00
Day 1: 5 6-13 Day 2: 5 9-09 Day 3: 5 7-07
3. Patti Campbell Waxahachie, Texas 14 21-13 290 $2,925.00
Day 1: 4 4-02 Day 2: 5 10-03 Day 3: 5 7-08
4. Laura Gober Pendergrass, Ga. 13 20-15 285 $2,600.00
Day 1: 5 8-14 Day 2: 3 5-02 Day 3: 5 6-15
5. Juanita Robinson Highlands, Texas 12 17-12 280 $2,275.00
Day 1: 5 6-00 Day 2: 3 4-14 Day 3: 4 6-14
6. Dianna Clark Bumpus Mills, Tenn. 11 16-10 276 $1,950.00
Day 1: 3 4-10 Day 2: 4 5-07 Day 3: 4 6-09
7. Pam Martin-Wells Bainbridge, Ga. 11 16-06 272 $1,625.00
Day 1: 5 7-08 Day 2: 3 4-04 Day 3: 3 4-10
8. Debra Petrowski Arlington, Texas 10 15-13 268 $1,300.00
Day 1: 2 5-10 Day 2: 3 4-03 Day 3: 5 6-00
9. Christiana Bradley Bealeton, Va. 11 15-12 264 $1,138.00
Day 1: 1 0-10 Day 2: 5 7-03 Day 3: 5 7-15
10. Lori Masters Nashville, Tenn. 12 15-05 260 $975.00
Day 1: 5 6-00 Day 2: 3 4-01 Day 3: 4 5-04
11. Jennifer Nevans Dayton, Tenn. 10 14-15 257 $878.00
Day 1: 1 2-00 Day 2: 5 7-08 Day 3: 4 5-07
12. Karen Savik Minneapolis, Minn. 8 14-03 254 $715.00
Day 1: 2 5-06 Day 2: 4 6-09 Day 3: 2 2-04
13. Tami Kashiwabara London, Ark. 11 13-01 251 $650.00
Day 1: 3 3-03 Day 2: 5 6-04 Day 3: 3 3-10
14. Meta Burrell Fort Worth, Texas 9 12-09 248 $634.00
Day 1: 5 7-09 Day 2: 2 2-07 Day 3: 2 2-09
15. Tammy Richardson Amity, Ark. 9 12-06 245 $618.00
Day 1: 2 2-02 Day 2: 5 6-05 Day 3: 2 3-15
16. Lynda Gessner Foristell, Mo. 11 12-03 243 $601.00
Day 1: 5 5-10 Day 2: 4 4-06 Day 3: 2 2-03
17. Kali Weatherford Athens, Texas 9 10-15 241 $585.00
Day 1: 2 1-15 Day 2: 5 7-03 Day 3: 2 1-13
18. Danalee Lofton Little Rock, Ark. 4 10-03 239 $569.00
Day 1: 4 10-03 Day 2: 0 0-00 Day 3: 0 0-00
19. Debra Hengst San Antonio, Texas 6 10-01 237 $553.00
Day 1: 3 6-03 Day 2: 3 3-14 Day 3: 0 0-00
20. Mary Croft Bedford, Va. 7 9-10 235 $536.00
Day 1: 3 4-01 Day 2: 2 4-00 Day 3: 2 1-09
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 10 141 194-09
2 8 128 178-15
3 6 64 93-10
----------------------------------
24 333 467-02

2009 WBT #2 - West Monroe, LA - WBT #2 - West Monroe, LA Boater Points After Ouachita River, West Monroe, La. Ending 04-25-2009, Day 3

-------------------------------------------
Place Name St Pts
-------------------------------------------
1 Pam Martin-Wells Ga. 582
2 Juanita Robinson Texas 556
3 Laura Gober Ga. 553
4 Sheri Glasgow Okla. 543
5 Tammy Richardson Ark. 540
6 Debra Petrowski Texas 525
7 Janet Parker Texas 512
8 Lisa Johnson Ala. 495
9 Patti Campbell Texas 489
10 Dianna Clark Tenn. 479
11 Mary Croft Va. 478
11 Emily Shaffer Tenn. 478
13 Melinda Mize Ark. 475
14 Jennifer Nevans Tenn. 468
15 Judy Wong La. 466
16 Lori Masters Tenn. 465
17 Cindy Hill Tenn. 460
18 Karen Savik Minn. 455
19 Lynda Gessner Mo. 452
20 Robin Babb Texas 451
21 Mary DiVincenti La. 442
22 Lucy Mize Ark. 436
23 Christiana Bradley Va. 435
24 Teri Neal Ga. 434
24 Paula Alexander Ga. 434
26 Debbie Kemp Texas 432
27 Tami Kashiwabara Ark. 428
28 Cheryl LaLumandier Mo. 426
29 Heather Broom N.C. 424
29 Sandi Karnes Texas 424
31 Robinette Fox Ark. 419
32 Kathy Womack Ala. 412
33 Kris McClendon Texas 410
34 Debra Hengst Texas 384
34 Jan Heavener Ark. 384
36 Christena Baugh Ark. 382
37 Laura Heflin Kan. 380
38 Meta Burrell Texas 379
39 Kali Weatherford Texas 374
40 Bridget Allen Pa. 366
41 Susan Gregory Miss. 356
41 Linda Redford Mo. 356
43 Helen Gordon Texas 354
44 Danalee Lofton Ark. 352
44 Marsha Gipson Ark. 352
46 Kathi Hurst Miss. 348
47 Keri Schieber Ga. 346
48 Michelle Armstrong N.C. 344
48 Jo Dee Lake Ala. 344
50 Terri Elkins Texas 342
51 Lisa Craig Texas 332
52 Lila Bass Texas 324
53 BJ Carson Okla. 322
54 Mary Hencken N.C. 320
55 Cindy Van Horn Texas 314
56 Secret York Ky. 302
57 Robbie Hartline Mo. 290
58 Rhonda Pope Ga. 285
59 Kim Stapp Ga. 264
60 Kim Bain-Moore Ala. 251
61 Pam Bolton Ark. 245
62 Cheryl Bowden Texas 233
63 Karen Elkins Ala. 227
64 Kat Ealey Ala. 221
65 Gina Jones Ala. 217
66 Penny Berryman Ark. 213
67 Linda Sands Ala. 195
68 Diane Phillips Texas 193
69 Kathy DiMartino Ala. 191
70 Audrey McQueen Ariz. 187
71 Betty Stahl Ala. 185
72 Barbara Wetzel Ala. 169
73 Lisa Sternard Tenn. 165
74 Kelley Shepherd Ariz. 163
74 Deb Doyal La. 163
76 Sherri Dodson Ala. 155
77 Kimberlee Striker Ala. 151
78 Pat White Texas 149
79 Patsy McDaniel Ala. 137
80 Kim Hicks Ga. 127
81 Judy VanCanneyt Ala. 125
82 Ann Swinks Ga. 119
83 Kathy Freehling Fla. 115
84 Sharon Teague S.C. 0

2009 Academy Sports + Outdoors Women’s Bassmaster Tour - WBT #2
04/23-04/25 Ouachita River, West Monroe La.
Co-Anglers Standings Day 3

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$

1. Linda Owens Brandon, Miss. 11 16-14 310 $25,325.00
Day 1: 2 1-13 Day 2: 5 8-07 Day 3: 4 6-10
2. Gail Wood Russellville, Ark. 7 12-02 295 $1,950.00
Day 1: 3 4-08 Day 2: 3 4-13 Day 3: 1 2-13
3. Terri Bittner Mckinleyville, Calif. 8 10-12 295 $1,625.00
Day 1: 4 6-05 Day 2: 1 1-09 Day 3: 3 2-14
4. Debbie Pegoli Loveland, Ohio 6 9-07 285 $1,300.00
Day 1: 1 0-11 Day 2: 3 4-11 Day 3: 2 4-01
5. Donna Newberry Van Buren, Ark. 6 8-07 280 $1,138.00
Day 1: 2 2-04 Day 2: 3 5-01 Day 3: 1 1-02
6. Teri Cindric Hermitage, Tenn. 6 7-12 276 $975.00
Day 1: 3 3-06 Day 2: 3 4-06 Day 3: 0 0-00
7. Kala Wright Spiro, Okla. 4 7-12 272 $813.00
Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 3 5-09 Day 3: 1 2-03
8. Charlotte Frazier Dallas, Texas 4 7-11 268 $650.00
Day 1: 2 3-07 Day 2: 1 1-11 Day 3: 1 2-09
9. Monica Altman Angier, N.C. 7 7-06 264 $585.00
Day 1: 1 1-06 Day 2: 5 5-01 Day 3: 1 0-15
10. Kim Martin Clayton, Ind. 4 7-03 260 $536.00
Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 3 5-13 Day 3: 1 1-06
11. Renee Gumbrecht Oakhurst, N.J. 5 6-07 257 $488.00
Day 1: 1 0-15 Day 2: 4 5-08 Day 3: 0 0-00
12. Katie Hogan Bon Aqua, Tenn. 4 6-06 254 $455.00
Day 1: 2 3-13 Day 2: 2 2-09 Day 3: 0 0-00
13. Donna Rutledge Orland Park, Ill. 5 6-02 251 $423.00
Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 3 4-00 Day 3: 2 2-02
14. Lisa Diehl Pittsburg, Pa. 6 6-01 248 $390.00
Day 1: 4 3-08 Day 2: 1 1-04 Day 3: 1 1-05
15. Barbara Gaskins Suffolk, Va. 5 5-14 245 $374.00
Day 1: 3 3-05 Day 2: 1 1-11 Day 3: 1 0-14
16. Jill Matheis Jasper, Ind. 5 5-13 243 $358.00
Day 1: 2 2-15 Day 2: 2 1-11 Day 3: 1 1-03
17. Kat Arnold Shreveport, La. 4 5-00 241 $341.00
Day 1: 2 3-02 Day 2: 1 0-14 Day 3: 1 1-00
18. Sherry Melton Monterey, Tenn. 3 4-05 239 $325.00
Day 1: 3 4-05 Day 2: 0 0-00 Day 3: 0 0-00
19. Linda Walker Beebe, Ark. 2 3-12 237 $309.00
Day 1: 1 1-08 Day 2: 1 2-04 Day 3: 0 0-00
20. Barbara Ferge Somerville, Tenn. 3 3-05 235 $293.00
Day 1: 1 0-10 Day 2: 2 2-11 Day 3: 0 0-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 0 59 66-13
2 2 82 110-01
3 0 21 31-01
----------------------------------
2 162 207-15

2009 WBT #2 - West Monroe, LA - WBT #2 - West Monroe, LA Non-Boater Points After Ouachita River, West Monroe, La. Ending 04-25-2009, Day 3

-------------------------------------------
Place Name St Pts
-------------------------------------------
1 Donna Newberry Ark. 585
1 Terri Bittner Calif. 585
3 Teri Cindric Tenn. 540
4 Debbie Pegoli Ohio 526
5 Gail Wood Ark. 516
6 Martha Goodfellow S.C. 512
7 Charlotte Frazier Texas 503
8 Sherry Melton Tenn. 496
9 Kala Wright Okla. 495
10 Kim Martin Ind. 493
11 Colleen McKay Mass. 491
12 Donna Rutledge Ill. 476
13 Monica Altman N.C. 471
14 Renee Gumbrecht N.J. 470
15 Linda Owens Miss. 469
15 Cheryl Buelow La. 469
17 Vicki Henderson Ark. 455
18 Trish Levitt N.M. 447
19 Kim Petrowski Texas 444
20 Katie Hogan Tenn. 439
21 Barbara Gaskins Va. 434
22 Linda Walker Ark. 432
22 Kat Arnold La. 432
24 Lesley Childers S.C. 412
25 Lisa Diehl Pa. 411
26 Sabrina Thompson Texas 410
27 Kim Mendoza Texas 404
27 Linda Berry N.C. 404
27 Bertha Cavakis Ark. 404
30 Bonnie Ward Wash. 398
31 Susan Dameron Tenn. 388
31 Nancy Oliver La. 388
33 Barbara Ferge Tenn. 386
34 Melissa Bond N.M. 380
35 Elizabeth Sanders Miss. 370
35 Jill Matheis Ind. 370
37 Susan Wild Fla. 356
37 Neva Brown Texas 356
39 Diane Smith Ga. 350
39 Karol Whitehurst Texas 350
41 Denese Freeman Okla. 348
41 Pam Chism Ark. 348
41 Christine Martin Colo. 348
44 Jane Brunner Miss. 346
45 Debra Cook Ala. 338
46 Patti James Texas 336
46 Katie Ellis Miss. 336
46 Dawn Dudek Ill. 336
46 Patty Houston Ala. 336
50 Stacy Zhelesnik N.J. 305
51 Nancy Stumpe Fla. 276
52 Linda Higginbotham Fla. 272
53 Vicki Hester Ala. 251
54 Lori Steele Okla. 248
55 Lesli Lively Texas 245
56 Michele Gunderman N.C. 243
57 Kelly Wells Ga. 237
58 Cynthia Tayloe Texas 231
59 Bunny Hicks Ga. 227
60 Cheryl Sprayberry Fla. 221
61 Torrye Vineyard Texas 217
62 Brandi Frasier Ky. 211
63 Miriam Donohoo Fla. 209
64 Laura Bean Ala. 201
64 Judy Pate La. 201
66 Jada Tidmore Ala. 199
67 Sarah Davis La. 197
68 Inez Zeagler La. 195
69 Cynthia Bryan La. 191
70 Jennifer Blackwood Ga. 181
70 DeLynn Montez Calif. 181
70 Sharron Stone Texas 181
73 Juanita Blasingame Tenn. 179
74 LaShea Raynor S.C. 175
75 Leslie Anderson Mo. 169
76 Linda Rinker Fla. 167
77 Lisa Skelley Tenn. 153
78 Nancy Dugas Ala. 143
79 Petra Ramsey Texas 141
80 Jennifer Rice Ala. 135
81 Virginia Buckner Ala. 133
82 Marilyn Biszmaier Ky. 131
83 Cassie Hall Ala. 129
84 Sugar Walker Ala. 125
85 Mona Crawford Fla. 123
86 Kimberly White Ill. 117
87 Sharon Lawson Tenn. 113
88 Gerry Threadgill Texas 0
88 Caprice Cherry La. 0
88 Leanne Snowden Mich. 0

About BASS
For more than 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multimedia platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive Web properties in ESPN360.com, ESPN’s broadband sports network, Bassmaster.com, BASSInsider.com and ESPNOutdoors.com, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content – from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage – to passionate audiences.

The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail, which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Academy Sports + Outdoors Women’s Bassmaster Tour and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS annually sanctions more than 20,000 events.

BASS also offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.

Fish - The Fantastic Health Food

2009-04-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

Story & Photo Courtesy of Creative Concepts
Birmingham, AL

April 15, 2009

Going fishing helps you and your family to have fun and provides healthy, delicious food for you to eat, besides reducing your food budget. Recent scientific discoveries name fish as one of the healthiest foods you can eat.

Coenzyme Q, a vitamin-like substance in fish, acts as an antioxidant and keeps dangerous LDL cholesterol from destroying your heart and arteries, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. You get the most Coenzyme Q by eating oily fish like those found in salt water.

Fish has the ability to help prevent heart disease and also...

* has low calories and low fat content;
* contains all nine-essential amino acids required by our bodies;
* digests easily and has low sodium content; and
* provides vitamins A, D (recent research has shown the importance of vitamin D to bone health), and B.
Although the price of fish has increased as more people have discovered the value of eating fish, you can have fish for less money.
* Go fishing yourself. You don't need a boat, a motor or expensive equipment to fish. Purchase inexpensive rods and poles. You can fish the ponds across the country for free or for a nominal charge by asking permission. Miles of small streams where you can fish at no charge probably cross roads and highways near your home. Every state has public-fishing waters, usually heavily stocked with fish you can catch for your table.
* Clean fish on the halves for neighbors and family. Many people consider fish cleaning a hassle. Often anglers will give half their catch away to someone who will clean their fish for them.
* Plan to fish on your family's vacation. If your family goes to the beach this summer, fish a day, and bring home your catch to freeze. You'll have fun fishing from piers and jetties, in the surf or on a boat. You can learn more at www.nighthawkpublications.com.

To prepare tasty fish dishes, order "Fish & Fixings Cookbook" by John and Denise Phillips, which includes more than 125 recipes for cooking fish in a variety of ways and dishes to accompany fish. Receive 3 more free fish recipes by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Fish Recipes, 4112 Camp Horner Road, Birmingham, AL, 35243, or write nighthawkpub@mindspring.com, and request the recipes be emailed to you.

Easy Grilled Mackerel (This fish is one of the highest in Coenzyme Q)

Ingredients:

4 mackerel steaks, 1/2- to 3/4-inch thick
1/4-cup margarine
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
2 Tablespoons chopped parsley
Paprika

Preparation:

Melt margarine, lemon juice and parsley together. Place fish steaks on seafood rack on grill; sprinkle paprika on each; drizzle margarine mixture on each. Cook for 5 minutes on high and then 5 minutes on low. Turn fish; brush fish with remaining margarine mixture; grill for 8 minutes longer or until fish flakes easily when tested with fork.

Fish Hors D'oeuvres

Ingredients:

20 to 30 fish fillets (freshwater or saltwater) cut in 2" by 1" pieces
Steak sauce with a base of Worcestershire and soy sauces
Salt, margarine, lemon juice and strips of bacon

Preparation:

Lightly salt fish; sprinkle steak sauce, squeeze lemon and apply a small piece of margarine to each fillet; cover fish with slices of bacon. For oven cooking, place the fish in the oven at 350 degrees until the bacon is done, 30 minutes or so. Or, microwave in glass dish on HIGH for 5 minutes; turn dish; microwave on HIGH for 3 minutes more; possibly microwave fish another 3 minutes on MEDIUM HIGH.

LaserLure, Inc., New Women’s Bassmaster Tour Sponsor

2009-03-25T15:22:00.000-07:00

March 25, 2009

BASS announced today that LaserLure, Inc., a Shreveport, La.-based lure manufacturer, will join the organization as a sponsor of the Academy Sports + Outdoors Women’s Bassmaster Tour during the 2009 tournament season.

Most recently, LaserLure has made a splash in the fishing industry with sponsorship deals with Bassmaster Classic champions Mike Iaconelli and Boyd Duckett. The innovative company was able to leverage its hometown roots during the 2009 Classic in Shreveport-Bossier City, La., to garner significant exposure for its brand of lures.

“We are excited to sponsor the 2009 Women’s Bassmaster Tour,” said Mike Lopez, national sales manager for LaserLure, Inc. “At LaserLure, we know we have developed the most innovative, futuristic and exciting new lures and we are equally certain that we have formed a valuable relationship with ESPN and BASS that will bring the spotlight to our product.”

As part of its association with the Women’s Bassmaster Tour, LaserLure will receive space and signage at each WBT event to promote and display their products.

The sponsorship agreement includes a large presence across BASS’ multimedia assets, including Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer in addition to ESPN Outdoors programming on ESPN2.

“LaserLure is building a fine reputation as an innovator and avid supporter of the fishing industry,” said Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager, BASS & ESPN Outdoors. “We are pleased to align the Women’s Bassmaster Tour with such a creative force.”

Women’s Bassmaster Tour sponsors: Academy Sports + Outdoors, Toyota, Berkley, BOOYAH, Mercury, OPTIMA Batteries, Skeeter, Yamaha, Ramada, Triton Boats and Legend Boats.

About LaserLure, Inc.:

Shreveport, La.- based LaserLure, Inc., produces water-activated, computer-controlled lures that come in five body styles. For more information on products, visit www.laserlure.com or call 1-877-527-5873.

About BASS:

For more than 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multi-media platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive Web properties in ESPN360.com, ESPN’s sports broadband network, Bassmaster.com, BASSInsider.com and ESPNOutdoors.com, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content – from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage – to passionate audiences.

The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail, which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Women’s Bassmaster Tour and the Bassmaster Classic, the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS sanctions more than 20,000 events annually.

BASS also offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.

WBT 2010 Championship on Red River

2009-02-24T09:03:00.000-08:00

Red River Will be Site of 2009 Women’s Bassmaster Tour Championship

Story / Photo Courtesy BASS /ESPN

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY, La. – With the 2009 Bassmaster Classic festivities in full swing, BASS announced today that Shreveport-Bossier City, La., and the Red River will host another championship event in 2009: the Academy Sports + Outdoors Women’s Bassmaster Tour Championship, set for Oct. 16-18.

The WBT Championship will feature the 20 top anglers from the WBT regular season based on the Toyota Tundra Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year standings. The top 20 co-anglers will also qualify for the event.

The winner on the pro side will receive $10,000 and a boat package valued at $55,000. Additionally, anglers will accrue points to finalize the Angler of the Year race. After the championship, the top angler in the standings will qualify for the 2010 Bassmaster Classic, marking the second time a woman will qualify for the pinnacle event via the Women’s Bassmaster Tour.

“We are delighted to host the 2009 Women's Bassmaster Tour Championship in Shreveport-Bossier City,” said Mary Ann Tice, executive director of Shreveport Regional Sports Authority. “We look forward to helping elevate the championship and bring as much profile and celebrity to the tournament as the WBT anglers deserve.

This Friday, Kim Bain-Moore of Alabaster, Ala., will make history as the first woman to compete in a Bassmaster Classic in the event’s 38-year history.

“We are excited to bring another Championship-level event to Shreveport-Bossier City,” said Tom Ricks, general manager and vice president, BASS. “The region has embraced us and we are grateful for the support.”

More information on the Women’s Bassmaster Tour Championship can be found at www.Bassmaster.com.

Boat For Sale

2009-02-10T13:50:00.000-08:00

* The Champion "203" Elite is a classic style known for it's stability and rough water handling - excellent for tournament anglers, guides and families as well.
* Garage kept - used 4 times - Still like new
* Loaded with upgrades
* Single console - Dual console available
* White with yellow / black trim
* Gray carpet, charcoal seats with yellow insets
* 250 Mercury Pro XS, Tempest 26' SST prop, Hot foot,
* Tilt wheel with trim lever on steering, hydraulic steering
* Remote oil fill and battery plug (easy access to both)
* Matching custom tandem trailer with breakaway tongue, chrome fenders, spare tire, etc.
* Motor Guide Trolling Motor - TR 109- deck recessed foot control
* Lowrance LMS 520-C color in dash graph with GPS, X-135 front deck
* 3rd seat floor base (great for guides)
* Hamby's Keel Protector
* 4 bank, 10-amp battery charger
* 4 Continental deep cycle marine batteries
* Auto bilge, hydro air
* Safety boarding ladder
* Loc-R-Bar (keeps thieves out)
* Built in rod holders, compartment lights, and more
* Belongs to Women's Bassmaster Tour Pro
* Reason for selling: Retiring
* Very low hours, boat and engine easily in warranty.

Price: $40,500
For more information, contact Kathy Magers 972) 938-0250 Kmagers1@att.net

Academy Sports + Outdoors Moves up to Title Sponsor of the Women’s Bassmaster Tour

2009-02-02T11:33:00.000-08:00

BASS

Celebration, FL
February 2, 2009

Academy Sports + Outdoors Moves up to Title Sponsor of the Women’s Bassmaster Tour

BASS announced today that Academy Sports + Outdoors increased its involvement with the Women’s Bassmaster Tour, becoming the title sponsor of the circuit in a multiple-year agreement. Academy enhanced its level of association with BASS after serving as the presenting sponsor of the WBT since 2007.

The Katy, Texas, sports and outdoors lifestyle retailer will continue to have a significant presence at WBT events, including holding events at Academy stores on all three days of competition. Academy will also host all angler registrations and tournament briefings at applicable locations.

In its fourth year of existence, the WBT has made great strides, most notably since Academy joined as a presenting sponsor. In October 2007, BASS announced that the Toyota Tundra Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year would receive a qualifying berth in the Bassmaster Classic. Later this month, Kim Bain-Moore will make history as the first woman qualifier in the Classic, set for Feb. 20-22 on the Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La.

“Academy Sports and Outdoors is actively involved in communities and events promoting healthy sports and outdoors lifestyles for every member of the family. We are pleased to sponsor the Women’s Bassmaster Tour because it reflects our own philosophy that team sports and outdoors recreation should be accessible and affordable for everyone,” said Jerry deBin, Academy’s director of outdoor marketing. “Each tournament week kicks off at the Academy Sports and Outdoor store with ‘meet the pros’ Wednesday night, daily weigh-ins Thursday and Friday, and the final weigh-in Saturday that includes a host of free games and festivities for the whole family.”

The 2009 Academy Sports + Outdoors Women’s Bassmaster Tour schedule will kick off in less than two months with a season-opening event on Alabama’s Neely Henry Lake, set for March 26-28 out of Gadsden, Ala. The rest of the schedule can be found below.

The 2009 Academy Sports + Outdoors WBT Championship has yet to be announced. That event will feature a limited field and will be billed as a championship, stand-alone event. A decreased field – only the top 20 pros and co-anglers in the AOY standings will qualify – will battle for the Toyota WBT Angler of the Year and a coveted Bassmaster Classic qualifying berth.

“We are excited to enhance our fantastic relationship with Academy Sports + Outdoors,” said Tom Ricks, BASS vice president and general manager. “Companies like Academy understand the importance of growing the participation in our sport.”

For more information, contact BASS Communications at (407) 566-2208 or visit http://www.Bassmaster.com.

Schedule: 2009 Academy Sports + Outdoors Women’s Bassmaster Tour

Date
Fishery Host City Local Sponsor

March 26-28
Neely Henry Lake
Gadsden, Ala.
City of Gadsden

April 23-25
Ouachita River
West Monroe, La.
Monroe-West Monroe Convention & Visitor’s Bureau

June 4-6
Arkansas River
Little Rock, Ark.
Little Rock Convention & Visitor’s Bureau

Sept. 10-12
Old Hickory Lake
Hendersonville, Tenn. Sumner County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau

Kim Bain-Moore is Fast Approaching Her Biggest Challenge Yet, the 2009 Bassmaster Classic

2009-01-28T10:20:00.000-08:00

Story & Photos Courtesy of BASS

January 28, 2009

Professional angler Kim Bain-Moore of Alabaster, Ala., hasn’t slowed down since Oct. 25, the day she qualified for the Bassmaster Classic and became the first woman to do so in the prestigious tournament’s 38-year history.

“Nonstop” was the word the 28-year-old Australian native used in a recent Bassmaster.com blog to describe her life since she won the Toyota Tundra Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year competition, her route to the Feb. 20-22 Classic out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La., on the Red River.

With so much going on in her life now, is Bain-Moore in danger of hitting the river running on empty?

No way.

“I think I function on the excitement,” she said Monday. “I just jump from one thing to the next, and I’m always excited to go to the next thing, and that keeps me pumped.”

She said she was on her way to Connecticut for a taping at ESPN headquarters.

“They’ve invited me to be involved in a special about women who have achieved important milestones in sports, and they think that my story and the Bassmaster Classic is an interesting angle,” she said. “I’m really excited to be a part of it.”

She was also excited about her win the day before in a pro-level kingfish tournament out of Key West. Bain-Moore teamed with three other anglers, including her husband, Andre Moore, to take the top overall prize, and Bain-Moore scored first place in the women’s division.

“We’ve been fishing (kingfish events) for a while, and to come through with the win was pretty special,” she said.

As much as that win meant to her, she said the Classic, now less than a month away, still counts as the biggest competition of her life.

One reason, of course, has to be the first-place prize of $500,000; no one forgets what winning it could mean. But the reasons Bain-Moore cited had more to do with the energy of the Classic.

“It’s an event I’ve been to as a spectator, and I’ve always been amazed at the crowd participation, the huge numbers it draws, and how exciting it is when the anglers drive in and their song plays. I’ve dreamed about being in the Classic my whole life, and now it’s really happening.”

She’ll be competing against the biggest names in pro fishing for a crown known to lead to lucrative sponsorship deals and a flurry of speaking engagements and public appearances. Not to mention instant fame.

The fame, Bain-Moore already has. It began to build in early 2008, her rookie year on the Women’s Bassmaster Tour presented by Academy Sports & Outdoors, when she pulled off an upset win in the season opener. She kept up the pace, never finishing lower than sixth place in the tour’s other events. She wrapped up 2008 with a coup: same-day wins in the tour’s championship and points race that qualified her for the 2009 Classic.

And then the media really sat up and noticed Bain-Moore. She appeared on ESPN’s First Take, and the news of her Classic qualification was covered by SportsCenter and ESPNews. CBS Evening News with Katie Couric produced a segment on Bain-Moore for the Dec. 11 broadcast. Features on Bain-Moore have run in magazines and U.S. newspapers — USA Today and The Palm Beach Post, to name just two — as well as in the Australian media. An Internet search for her name produces scores of hits.

She handles the publicity well. Poised, well-spoken and sincere, she comes across as exactly who she is: a serious competitor who loves the sport. She is appreciative of those who have helped her. She readily acknowledges her debt to the women who pioneered the sport, paving the way for her Classic qualification.

Admittedly, her hectic schedule has put prep time for the Bassmaster Classic on the Red River on the back burner.

“I haven’t really done a lot in regards to getting my tackle ready,” she said. “Of course it’s been on my mind every day, and I’ve been thinking about it. Certainly, once I get back home to Alabama, which will be in about a week’s time, I’ll be doing nothing else but getting ready.”

She has been working on sponsorships. She said her new Legend-Evinrude rig with a Reaction Innovations wrap is almost ready to roll. She also has cemented first-time deals with Plano and Pflueger, strong additions to her sponsors lineup, as well as previous seasons’ supporters Hi-Seas/AFW, Minn Kota, Humminbird and PowerPole.

In a few weeks, Bain-Moore will be in Shreveport-Bossier City for official practice days, Feb. 13-15. She said only after those three days on the water will she have an idea of how she’ll attack the Red River fishery.

“I really just want to go out the first day of the tournament, put my head down and try to make good decisions,” she said. “Whatever (weight) I catch will be what I catch, and I’ll certainly be proud of it, whatever it is.”

The public is invited to daily launches presented by the Red River Waterway Commission at 7:15 a.m. CT, Feb. 20-22, at the Red River South Marina, Highway 71 South in Bossier City. Also free and open to the public, the daily weigh-ins will be at the CenturyTel Center, 2000 CenturyTel Center Drive, Bossier City. Doors will open each day at 3:30 p.m.

About BASS

For 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multi-media platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive Web properties in Bassmaster.com and ESPNOutdoors.com, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content – from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage – to passionate audiences.

The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail, which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Women’s Bassmaster Tour and the Bassmaster Classic, the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS sanctions more than 20,000 events annually.

BASS also offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.

BASS Reporter’s Notebook:

2009-01-27T13:55:00.000-08:00

Sit, Stay, Down, Heel – SportDOG Brand Will Showcase Dogs, Dog Training at Bassmaster Elite Series Events in 2009

Article and Photo courtesy of BASS

January 27, 2009

A leading maker of dog-training devices, SportDOG Brand will present demonstrations at seven events during the 2009 Bassmaster Elite Series regular season.

Fishing fans will be treated to the free sessions — Dog Training and Retriever Demos, Brought To You By SportDOG Brand — beginning with the March 26-29 Diamond Drive on Lake Dardanelle out of Russellville, Ark. (Below, see the full schedule of events at which SportDOG will appear.)

Kevin Lee of SportDOG said pro staffers will be on hand at Elite events with Labrador retrievers to show Elite fans how they can train their dogs to obey basic commands.

“We’ll be doing 20- to 30-minute presentations on stage,” said Lee, SportDOG’s field staff manager and sales specialist. “We’ll cover basic obedience, meaning how to make your dog a good citizen in a human environment. We’ll show the processes to teach a dog how to behave, and how dog owners can work with them to accomplish that.”
The trainers will also cover advanced techniques, such as those used by hunters, Lee said.

“We’ll probably be able to run some retrieves, such as the blind retrieve or water retrieve,” he said. “We’ll cover how to take your dog to the next level, how to give your dog the opportunity to learn.

“The pro staffers will bring in a couple of dogs. They’ll have what they call a beginner dog — a dog that’s had a little bit of formal training — plus what’s called a finished dog. Most will be black, yellow and chocolate Labrador retrievers.”

In addition to the demos, trainers will be available at the SportDOG Brand booth to answer specific questions about dog-training problems they’ve encountered in the field or at home, Lee said. SportDOG will have a presence at the Elite events on the final two days of competition.

SportDOG Brand manufactures a complete line of dog-training products, including professional-grade training accessories for field and hunting dogs.

SportDOG Brand’s Web site (www.sportdog.com) contains training tips and articles as well as information about its new SportDOG Conservation Fund.

SportDOG Brand Demo Schedule:

March 26-29: Diamond Drive on Lake Dardanelle out of Russellville, Ark.

April 2-5: Dixie Duel on Wheeler Lake out of Decatur, Ala.

April 23-26: Blue Ridge Brawl on Smith Mountain Lake out of Moneta, Va.

May 7-10: Southern Challenge on Lake Guntersville out of Guntersville, Ala.

June 3-6: Tennessee Triumph on Kentucky Lake out of Paris, Tenn.

June 11-14: River Rumble on the Mississippi River out of Fort Madison, Iowa

Aug. 13-16: Champion’s Choice on Oneida Lake out of Syracuse, N.Y.

BAIN-MOORE TAKES SALTWATER EVENT: Kim Bain-Moore, the 28-year-old Alabaster, Ala., pro who is the first woman to qualify for the Bassmaster Classic in the event’s 38-year history, won a kingfish tournament last weekend in Florida.

She competed as a member of a four-angler team that included her husband, Bassmaster Open pro and team captain Andre Moore. The team took the top prize in the first 2009 event of the Southern Kingfish Association’s Yamaha Professional Kingfish Tour. Bain-Moore also scored first place in the women’s division.

“We’re so excited,” Bain-Moore said the day after the team won with a two-day, two-fish weight of 92.03 pounds. “We’ve been fishing these tournaments for a while, and to come through with the win was pretty special. It was an aggregate tournament — we had to catch big fish both days. We were able to do that. It was a good start to 2009.”

Their “Team Crikey” bested a field of 129 teams. Bain-Moore landed their Day 1 fish, a 36.68-pounder.

Next stop for Bain-Moore is the Feb. 20-22 Classic, where she will look to carry forward the momentum from this victory.

NEW DEALS: With the 2009 Bassmaster Classic out of Shreveport-Bossier City., La., less than a month away, many of the 51 qualifiers are busy completing boat-wrap deals and other new sponsorships.

Among the anglers with new agreements in place for the Feb. 20-22 Red River competition are:

Rick Clunn of Ava., Mo.: When he competes in his 32nd Bassmaster Classic, the Bassmaster Elite Series pro will be wearing a new model of the Xtreme Glove.

The Montgomery, Ala.-based company said a prototype of the Rick Clunn Signature Series glove will be ready in time for Clunn to use it during the three-day competition. The glove, designed to protect an angler’s hand as well as the fish, is expected to be available for retail sales by April.

Clunn holds at least two unique BASS records: He’s a four-time Classic champion (1976, 1977, 1984 and 1990), and he has qualified for 32 Classic competitions. Clunn also was the 1988 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year.

Bassmaster Elite Series pros Bill Lowen of North Bend, Ohio, and Dustin Wilks of Rocky Mount, N.C., also on Xtreme Glove’s pro staff, will also compete in the Classic.

Michael Iaconelli of Runnemede, N.J.: LaserLure of Shreveport, La., is a new sponsor for Elite pro Iaconelli, the 2006 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year and 2003 Bassmaster Classic champion.

The 2009 Classic will be Iaconelli’s 10th. He’s looking to repeat in Louisiana -- his 2003 win was on the Louisiana Delta out of New Orleans.

LaserLure makes a series of crankbaits that emit a laser light said to attract fish. The company also recently signed 2009 Classic qualifier and Elite pro Boyd Duckett of Demopolis, Ala., the 2007 Classic champ.

Byron Velvick of Del Rio, Texas: Georgia-based FishHarder has signed Elite pro Velvick, a first-time Classic qualifier.

FishHarder brands include Tru-Tungsten, Picasso, Capt. Mike’s and Youvella. FishHarder’s pro staff includes eight other 2009 Classic qualifiers.

Kim Bain-Moore of Alabaster, Ala.: She will be running a new Legend-Evinrude rig with a new wrap showcasing longtime sponsor Reaction Innovations. Bain-Moore, the first woman to qualify for a Classic, also recently signed two new sponsors, Plano and Pflueger.

FOUR RIDES: Toyota has expanded its Bonus Bucks contingency program to include the 4Runner and Tacoma.

The program previously included only the Tundra and Sequoia.

Bonus Bucks awards cash prizes to tournament anglers who own or lease one of the four Toyota vehicles; anglers with a 2007 model or newer are eligible. The registered angler who finishes highest among program participants in a sanctioned tournament wins the bonus money.

Eligible tournaments include events of the Bassmaster Elite Series, BASS Federation Nation, Women’s Bassmaster Tour presented by Academy Sports & Outdoors, Bassmaster Opens and the Bassmaster Weekend Series operated by American Bass Anglers.

Details of the no-cost Bonus Bucks program are available at www.ToyotaFishing.com.

HERE WE GO: The first BASS event of the 2009 season is set for Jan. 29-31 out of Tavares, Fla. The Bassmaster Southern Open on the Harris Chain of Lakes will run Thursday-Saturday. The daily takeoffs and weigh-ins, which are free and open to the public, will be at Wooton Park, 200 South Rockingham Ave., Tavares. Anglers will launch at 7 a.m. ET and the weigh-ins are scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.

Open pros are competing for a $45,000 first-place prize and points that count toward qualifying for the 2010 Bassmaster Classic and Bassmaster Elite Series.

SUCCESS BREEDS SUCCESS: “Having already qualified for the 2009 Classic helped me fish in a very relaxed way in the 2008 Elite season. I could focus on fishing rather than on winning points. There’s something about that dynamic that worked for me.” — 2008 Classic winner Alton Jones of Waco, Texas, on how he managed a fifth-place finish in points in the Bassmaster Elite Series 2008 season to earn a 2009 Classic berth, even though his Classic crown guaranteed him an entry

Bassmaster Classic Anyone's Game

2009-01-21T12:16:00.000-08:00

Courtesy: BASS

January 21, 2009

Fifty-One Competitors, 51 Potential Victors: The 2009 Bassmaster Classic Shapes Up as Anyone’s Game

With a field of 51 of the world’s most accomplished anglers, the Feb. 20-22 Bassmaster Classic out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La., comes with only one guarantee: three days of drama as the competitors battle for the coveted Classic crown and $500,000 first-place prize.

The competition water is the Red River, known as a challenging fishery full of bass. Who will catch them three days in a row, amass the most weight and go home as victor of the 39th Classic?

The fact is any one of the 51 anglers is more than capable of winning. That’s one reason the Classic is the most talked-about, most anticipated competition in the sport.

The field is diverse: 50 men, 1 woman; six past Classic champions and 12 Classic rookies; nine with at least one Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year title to their names; and representatives of 23 states, with Alabama topping the list with nine anglers (see list below).

Each competitor possesses fishing skills and accomplishments that make him or her unique, yet several stand out for possessing traits no other 2009 Classic contender can claim. Among the unique qualifiers are:

— Kim Bain-Moore of Alabaster, Ala.: As the first woman to compete in a Bassmaster Classic, Bain-Moore will command the spotlight. She qualified by winning the 2008 Toyota Tundra Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year title. She also won the 2008 WBT Championship presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors.

— Alton Jones of Waco, Texas: He’s the defending champion, but he said he’s not feeling the pressure to repeat — at least not yet.

“There’s always pressure associated with the Classic,” said Jones, a Bassmaster Elite Series pro. “Having won it, I understand better than ever the importance of winning a Bassmaster Classic. It heightens your drive to achieve something as lofty as a Classic win. It’s every fisherman’s dream.

“Back-to-backs is an extremely difficult feat. It is kind of cool to be the only one in the field who has the chance to do that this year.”

— Rick Clunn of Ava, Mo., on three counts: He’ll be fishing a record 32nd Classic, he holds four Classic titles and he has achieved back-to-back Classic wins (1976, 1977). On all three points, Clunn, an Elite Series pro, stands far above any other angler in BASS history.

— Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., on two counts: He is the reigning Toyota Tundra Bassmaster AOY and holds a total of four AOY titles, more than any other Classic angler. VanDam, with two Classic victories (2001 and 2005) and Clunn are the only 2009 crown contenders with multiple Classic wins to their names.

— Timmy Horton of Muscle Shoals, Ala.: Along with five other contenders, he will compete in his

10th Classic, but along with VanDam, the consistent Elite pro is the one of two anglers to string 10 Classic appearances in a row.

“It’s the biggest event of the year. You really start getting ramped up as it starts getting close, and it’s close now. I’m looking forward to the Red River. It’s a place I’ve struggled on in the past, but I’ve had some really good practice days, so hopefully I can put it together this year.”

— Greg Hackney of Gonzales, La.: Another Elite pro, he’s the only home-state competitor.

“I don’t think that really gives me an advantage, but I am a river fisherman — I grew up fishing the Arkansas and Mississippi rivers,” Hackney said. “The Red River is my favorite body of water in the state of Louisiana. It changes daily, there’s plenty of water for anglers to fish and there are a lot of variables.

“For many reasons, the Classic is different than any other tournament. It should be the easiest tournament to win. It only lasts for three days, there are only 51 competitors, but for some reason it’s the hardest.”

The public is invited to daily launches presented by the Red River Waterway Commission at 7:15 a.m. CT, Feb. 20-22, at the Red River South Marina, Highway 71 South in Bossier City. Also free and open to the public, the daily weigh-ins will be at the CenturyTel Center, 2000 CenturyTel Center Drive, Bossier City. Doors will open each day at 3:30 p.m.

About BASS

For 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multi-media platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive Web properties in Bassmaster.com and ESPNOutdoors.com, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content – from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage – to passionate audiences.

The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail, which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Women’s Bassmaster Tour and the Bassmaster Classic, the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS sanctions more than 20,000 events annually.

BASS also offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.

2009 Bassmaster Classic Field (alphabetical by state)

Alabama

Kim Bain-Moore, Alabaster

Boyd Duckett, Demopolis

Matt Herren, Trussville

Timmy Horton, Muscle Shoals

Randy Howell, Springville

Steve Kennedy, Auburn

Kotaro Kiriyama, Moody

Aaron Martens, Leeds

Greg Pugh, Cullman

Arizona

Dean Rojas, Lake Havasu City

Arkansas

Mark Davis, Mount Ida

Mike McClelland, Bella Vista

Scott Rook, Little Rock

California

Ish Monroe, Hughson

Skeet Reese, Auburn

Florida

Shaw Grigsby, Gainesville

Bryan Hudgins, Orange Park

Bobby Lane, Lakeland

Bernie Schultz, Gainesville

Terry Scroggins, San Mateo

Peter Thliveros, St. Augustine

Georgia

Waine Pittman, Villa Rica

Iowa

Terry Fitzpatrick, Waukon

Kansas

Brent Chapman, Lake Quivira

Kentucky

Kevin Wirth, Crestwood

Louisiana

Greg Hackney, Gonzales

Michigan

Kevin VanDam, Kalamazoo

Missouri

Rick Clunn, Ava

Brian Snowden, Reeds Spring

Montana

Jay Evans, Corvallis

New Hampshire

Scott Parker, Londonderry

New Jersey

Michael Iaconelli, Runnemede

North Carolina

Dustin Wilks, Rocky Mount

Dave Wolak, Wake Forest

Ohio

Bill Lowen, North Bend

Oklahoma

Edwin Evers, Talala

Kenyon Hill, Norman

Fred Roumbanis, Bixby

Pennsylvania

Ken Baumgardner, Monongahela

South Carolina

Casey Ashley, Donalds

Davy Hite, Ninety Six

South Dakota

Jami Fralick, Martin

Texas

Michael Burns, Plano

Todd Faircloth, Jasper

Alton Jones, Waco

Kelly Jordon, Mineola

Gary Klein, Weatherford

Bryan Schmidt, Olney

Byron Velvick, Del Rio

Virginia

Rick Morris, Lake Gaston

51st Qualifier Highlights Women in Bass Fishing

2009-01-21T09:29:00.000-08:00

January 20, 2009

Story and Photo Courtesty of BASS

BASS Reporter’s Notebook: ESPN2 Show 51st Qualifier Highlights Women in Bass Fishing

When Kim Bain-Moore of Alabaster, Ala., became the first woman to qualify for a Bassmaster Classic, she joined an exclusive club whose pioneering members include Vojai Reed, who in 1991 was the first woman to compete in a BASS event, and Sugar Ferris, who in 1976 founded the former Bass’n Gal circuit.

Ferris and Reed are two of the people featured in 51st Qualifier, a programming short that debuted last Saturday morning on ESPN2 that traces how women broke the glass ceiling in competitive bass fishing.

“To be the first woman to fish a Classic would really be overwhelming,” said Reed, who hails from Broken Bow, Okla., and is the wife of 1986 Bassmaster Classic champion Charlie Reed.

Also interviewed for the piece was veteran pro Kathy Magers of Waxahachie, Texas, an early advocate of women’s bass fishing. In 2005, Magers helped BASS establish the Women’s Bassmaster Tour presented by Academy Sports & Outdoors, the avenue through which Bain-Moore earned an entry into the 2009 Classic by winning the 2008 Toyota Tundra Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year title.

51st Qualifier will be broadcast four more times before the Feb. 20-22 Bassmaster Classic, in which 51 anglers — including Bain-Moore — will compete on the Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La., for a $500,000 first-place prize.

To see the segment again before the Classic, fans can tune in at 7:26 a.m. Jan. 31 and Feb. 7; and at 5:26 and 7:26 a.m. Feb. 14. It’s also scheduled to be shown at 5:26 a.m. Feb. 21 and 28, and in the same time slot March 14, 21 and 29.

All times are Eastern.

So, Who Wants To Go Crappie Fishing?

2008-12-07T22:02:00.000-08:00

Top Guide, Rick Loomis Shares Crappie Fishing Tips

By Kathy Magers
Photo Courtesy Loomis Guide Service

What’s more fun than a warm winter day on the lake crappie fishing? In the southern U.S. where the season is often full of mild winter days, anglers don’t sit home wishin’ they were fishin’ – they grab a rod and go!

My good friend and long time fishing guide, Rick Loomis shares a few of his best crappie fishing tips with us today. Rick guides on Lake Fork, the home of Texas trophy bass fishing – where presently, talk has turned to crappie fishing instead. Loomis’s tips work well on all lakes, so take notes no matter where you fish.

Each fall – crappie begin their annual migration out to the main lake where eventually, they go deeper and take up winter residence along the main river. In February and March they will return to the shallows to spawn. But in the meantime, the main lake area will be covered with a floatilla of boats, each tempting crappie with a variety of lures and live bait.

In a recent interview, Loomis said, “Lake Fork is turning on for a great crappie season. Look for main lake points and humps in 18 to 24 feet - that’s where crappie are now. Eventually, they will hold at depths of 35-40 feet. Just move deeper as the weather gets colder – and by December and January, the crappie will be at their deepest in the main lake.”

By graphing main lake humps and points, you should be able to locate the crappie which will look like a wave on graph, with 3-4’ rises. They usually stay close to the bottom, so Loomis suggests dropping your lure into the water and letting it fall all the way down until it stops.

“Then just turn the handle a few times to get it off the bottom – and wait” he says. “ If you don’t get any hits after awhile, turn it two more cranks up, raising the lure depth slowly until you reach the magic zone where bites begin. And try to remember how many cranks off the bottom your lure is when you catch the first fish.”

Experienced crappie anglers set out brush to attract fish. “Brush piles are usually not good until May-June , after the spawn, but then, they are good all summer – until the crappie pull out in early fall and on their annual migration to their winter haunts on the main lake. There, the cycle begins all over again.” Never built a brush pile? Loomis explains how:

“It doesn’t take massive brush piles and you don’t need big, hardwood tree limbs. Willows make great brush piles because they’re flimsy and you can un-hang a lure much. Just a few limbs tied together weighted by a cinder block attract more fish than you think.”

Location matters. Set out brush piles where you can tie up over them. Fish vertically, tying up to a nearby tree – or inside a boat house. Putting brush piles in out-of-the-wind places (like back in coves) helps, too, making it easier to stay on the fish and brush piles on windy days.

When asked about lures, Loomis has a few tricks up his sleeve. “A lot of people use live minnows but I prefer jigs, especially hair crappie jigs which are better than tubes because you don’t have to re-set the lure body if you miss a fish” he explains.

“Bright colors like chartreuse and blue or bright pink work well in stained water but my best colors on Lake Fork are cinnamon and blue, and pink and blue. Other colors work, too. You just need to find out which color the fish want and how they want the lure presented that particular day. Sometime, they like it moving and other times, just sitting still.”

Loomis continues: “I throw two crappie jigs on my line about a foot apart. (The extra weight makes casting the rig easier.) I use 1/16th ounce jig on the top and the 1/8th ounce on bottom.

Equipment is affordable. All you need is 6 -8 pound test line spooled onto a small, light spinning reel. The rod should have good tip with action, yet it needs to have enough backbone to pull the crappie up and out of any cover. A good combo rod and reel runs about 25$. You’ll only need a bobber if the fish suspend.

As for where to go, Loomis likes bridge fishing. “The best bridge on Lake Fork right now is Hwy 154. The crappie have been in 18 to 24 feet but will be moving deeper soon” he says.

The Lake Fork guide also has a comfortable lodge with affordable, cozy rooms and attached boat garages separating each room. For more information on guide service and room reservations contact:

Rick Loomis Lake Fork Guide Service, Lodging and New Boat Storage. www.rickloomis.com or email rloomis@peoplescom.net

Loomis is sponsored by: Lockhart Lures, Fisherman’s One Stop, Yamamoto Baits, Nickels’ Bait’s, H&W Marina Marshall, TX, Triton Boats and Powell Rods.

BASS Reporter’s Notebook: 2008 BASS Season Set Records

2008-12-04T09:05:00.000-08:00

Year Marked Milestones and Made History

In 2008, BASS milestones were marked, records set and new pages written in the history of professional bass fishing. As the close of the year draws near, let’s highlight a few of the year’s most notable stories:

Four-Day BASS Weight Record Set: On April 6, Paul Elias of Laurel, Miss., blasted the BASS four-day heaviest catch mark by nearly 10 pounds. He established the record for a five-bass-limit weight when he won the Bassmaster Elite Series Lone Star Shootout on Texas’ Falcon Lake with a total of 132 pounds, 8 ounces.

Elite pro Steve Kennedy of Auburn, Ala., had held the record for almost a year with his 122-14 from California’s Clear Lake.

BASS Marks 40th Year: A lot has changed since 1968, the year Ray Scott founded the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society in Montgomery, Ala., but the organization retains its original mission: to serve bass anglers worldwide. The 40th anniversary year brought ceremonies, retrospectives and celebrations as well as new member benefits, such as a beefed-up Web site and offerings such as Digital Bassmaster.

QUADS FOR KVD: With two more wins in 2008, Kevin VanDam became the first pro to own four Bassmaster Elite Series event titles.

The Elite pro from Kalamazoo, Mich., took the Citrus Slam in March, then the Bluegrass Brawl in June. VanDam wrapped up his remarkable 2008 season by capturing his fourth Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year title. VanDam joins Roland Martin, who scored nine AOY awards, as the only other angler to win the prestigious award more than three times.

32-Time Classic Qualifier: The 2008 BASS season wrapped up with Rick Clunn of Ava, Mo., qualifying for his 32nd Bassmaster Classic, coming up Feb. 20-22 on the Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La.

A four-time Classic champion (1976, 1977, 1984, 1990), Clunn actually qualified twice for the 2009 Classic. The first time was on Oct. 18, when Elite pro Bobby Lane of Lakeland, Fla., earned a Classic spot through the Bassmaster Southern Open. The berth Lane won through the Elite Series was then awarded to Clunn, next on the Elite qualifying list. Two weeks later, Clunn captured his own Classic berth through the Bassmaster Central Open division on Nov. 1.

First Woman Qualifies for Classic: Kim Bain-Moore of Alabaster, Ala., became the first woman to qualify for a Classic when she won the 2008 Toyota Tundra Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year title.

Bain-Moore, 28, will be up against 50 other anglers for the Classic’s $500,000 first-place prize. The Feb. 20-22 event will be contested on the Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La.

Over the next few months, fans can follow Bain-Moore by reading her new Bassmaster.com blog.

IN THE HUNT. Shaw Grigsby is as passionate about hunting as he is about fishing, but he rarely picks up his rifle. For the Bassmaster Elite Series pro from Gainesville, Fla., it’s all about bow hunting.

This time of year, he spends as much time as he can hunting deer on his place in South Carolina near Santee Cooper Reservoir. When he’s at home, the quarry is wild hogs, which are prolific in central Florida.

“I just love shooting a bow,” he said. “With a rifle, you can get a deer at 300, 400 yards. With a bow, you almost have to be able to spit on them. The stealth that it takes to get the animal that close — to me, that’s what hunting is all about.”

He said he took up archery after trying out a bow at an outdoor sports show. Over the years, he’s built his skills to be accurate to about 80 yards.

“I’d take the bow with me out on the (Bassmaster) tour, set up a target outside the motel, and shoot, shoot, shoot, and have fun with it,” Grigsby said. “Just learning to shoot 20, 25, then 30 yards — when you are getting started, just hitting the target is a big deal.”

Grigsby, who qualified in 2008 for his 11th Bassmaster Classic appearance, said he often hunts with his 21-year-old son, Shaw Eric. His primary teacher has been his father, who has passed on not only the mechanics of the sport, but management practices that help ensure healthy deer herds. The meat is never wasted in the Grigsby family.

“I love eating venison,” Grigsby said. “Deer meat is extremely healthy. It’s very low-fat, and has enzymes you can’t get from store-bought meat. We have made our own deer sausage, but now have it made at a place in South Carolina that makes great spicy sausage. But we still process a lot of our own meat.”

WAY TO SAY THANKS. After Sherwood, Ark., angler Kathy Crowder became the first woman to win a BASS co-angler competition, she decided to send personalized thank-you baskets to each of the three pros with whom she was paired.

Crowder came out on top in the co-angler division Nov. 1 at Lake Texoma in the season finale of the Bassmaster Central Open circuit. Her Open win came just one week after Kim Bain-Moore of Alabaster, Ala., became the first woman to qualify for a Bassmaster Classic. Bain-Moore earned her berth by winning the Toyota Tundra Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year race.

Aaron Johnson of Bossier City, La.; Logan Sherrer of Shongaloo, La.; and John “Nick” Aber of Piedmont, Okla., are getting gift baskets packed with “some of my favorites,” Crowder said.

Besides her favorite coffees, chocolates and other goodies, she’s packing the baskets with lures.

The choice for Sherrer’s basket was a War Eagle buzzbait “so he’d have a brand-name buzzbait in his box,” said Crowder. Sherrer’s loan of what Crowder described as a “no-name” white buzzbait resulted in a 4-pound, 2-ounce bass for Crowder. It was good enough for Big Bass honors on Day 2 at the Texoma event, and helped her into the final-day cut.

She packed Johnson’s basket with a shallow-running Daiwa crankbait, one of her favorites. For Aber, the lure will be a customized job. Crowder said she’s waiting for the components to arrive. “Let’s just say it will be a special bait,” she said, “so it won’t spoil the surprise.”

Crowder plans to move into the pro division of the Central Open in 2009.

HOLIDAY. Three Bassmaster Elite Series pros took a day off last week — to go fishing.Terry Scroggins of San Mateo, Fla., Shaw Grigsby of Gainesville, Fla., and Derek Remitz of Grant, Ala., got together for a day trip to Florida’s Cedar Key to go grouper fishing.

“We actually took a day for just playing,” Grigsby said. “I think we caught seven, eight, nine grouper, something like that. Nothing real big, just keeper-size, and a ton of sea bass and a bunch of grunts (a saltwater panfish). We just had a good time.”

EXCITING DAYS. “It's been pretty crazy juggling so many obligations at once. Every day is a new experience.” — Kim Bain-Moore of Alabaster, Ala., in her new blog on Bassmaster.com, in which she will describe what it’s like to be the first woman to qualify for a Bassmaster Classic.

For more information, contact BASS Communications at (407) 566-2208 or visit Bassmaster.com. Visit ESPNMediaZone.com. for ESPN’s latest releases, schedules and other news, plus photos, video, audio clips and more.

About BASS

For 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multi-media platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive Web properties in Bassmaster.com and ESPNOutdoors.com, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content – from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage – to passionate audiences.

The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail, which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Women’s Bassmaster Tour and the Bassmaster Classic, the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS sanctions more than 20,000 events annually.

BASS also offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.

Major Lodging Chains Attract Boating Guests

2008-11-25T12:59:00.000-08:00

When Bassmaster Classic XXXIX kicks off on the Red River in Shreveport-Bossier City, LA, Feb 20-22, fans from across America will be arriving in search of boater-friendly lodging. Some bring their boats in hopes of spending a day on the water with binoculars watching their favorite pro attempt to win the biggest of events - the "Classic."

When the average traveler pulls into a hotel, all they want is to grab a clean, safe room and get a good night’s sleep. Main considerations are little more than finding easy fuel and food. But touring bass pros or Classic fans, it’s a different story. With a small fortune in “tools of the trade,” these guests often stays 3-10 days at a time, and want special lodging facilities where their needs are recognized and provided. And it’s the wise hotel that accommodates them.

Long ago, luring fishermen with boats was not exactly the main goal of major hotel chains. Instead, boaters stayed at local motels, state parks, marina cabins or they camped out lakeside. Today, these same traveling anglers have become a target market for some of the largest hotel chains.

One such group, is headed by Jeff Rogers, President of Southern Host Hospitality (SHH), the hotel management corporation for multiple well-known lodging brands such as Quality, Microtel, Rodeway, Best Western, Comfort Suites, Holiday Inn Express (all “Inn & Suites”) and Howard Johnson’s Bossier City. Rogers understands the tournament market well. When anglers drive past his hotel with boat in tow, Rogers wants and welcomes their business. And he often gets it - because his corporation reaches a little farther than some of the competition.

“We installed 12 outdoor electrical plugs at each hotel for guests to charge their boat batteries. We put these plugs at the ends of the buildings because we knew boaters needed to have easy access to them from their rooms,” says Rogers.

“We cater to the fact that boaters need to be downstairs. That’s hard to do since, most Bossier hotels have inside corridors (which is what we have) but putting the outlets at the end of the building, opens up at least ten downstairs rooms in each hotel. And we try to put these guests in rooms on the back side with windows overlooking the parking lot so they can see their boats at all times.”

When it comes to hotel / motel security, consider the advice of Robin Babb, a former threat assessment professional and stalking expert. She offers advice for touring pros looking for the right room:

“At a minimum, the location should offer 24-hour lobby reception, security camera monitors, well-lighted parking area, doors with a deadbolt or door knob lock, plus a chain or swing-arm locking mechanism and peep hole. Also, it is a plus if the location offers night security patrol.

Joanna Wilson- Southern Host Hospitality’s Regional Sales & Marketing Director says, “We have 24-hour security – our managers live on property. We have security cameras and inside corridors, which provide more personal guest safety. Policemen continually travel the hotels here, making parking lots more secure.

We’ve been able to enjoy the fruits of making the Red River navigable for port and casinos – and since then, it also lured a lot of fishing tournaments here. Growth of the river gave more publicity to other interests in the area,” she says. “Just overnight, it became known as a wonderful tournament spot.”

More fishing tournaments mean more hotel business for Shreveport and Bossier City – a welcome sight - unlike years past when tournament anglers were not considered a major target. But today, this market in cities that host major tournaments, is considered a valuable one.

“Established tournament trails are desirable because they can provide economic impact in excess of a million dollars per event” says Mary Ann Tice, Executive Director and CAO of the Shreveport Regional Sports Authority, an economic development corporation that secures sports tourism for it’s economic impact.

Following the first bass event we hosted, the 1997 BASS Federation Championship," adds Tice, "we rapidly recognized the potential for bass fishing and the Red River became our primary venue. That first BASS tournament on the Red River basically opened the area to bass fishing.

B.A.S.S. ushered the advent of televised bass fishing along with corresponding print media – B.A.S.S. caused the explosion and we ‘poised to reap the benefits.’ Bass fishing ranks very high as a preferred sports tourism event for us to host.”

For more information on the Bassmaster Classic, http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/tournaments/classic/news/story?page=b_Attend_2009_Classic

For more information on hotel accommodations during the Classic or throughout the year, contact Quality Inn / Suites at 318) 742-7890, Microtel Inn / Suites 318) 742-7882, Rodeway Inn / Suites at 318 747-2400 or Howard Johnson Bossier City, at 866-538-0336.

Boaters Lodging Needs Met by Major Hotel Chains

2008-11-25T12:49:00.000-08:00

When Bassmaster Classic XXXIX kicks off on the Red River in Shreveport-Bossier City, LA, Feb 20-22, fans from across America will be arriving in search of boater-friendly lodging. Some bring their boats in hopes of spending a day on the water with binoculars watching their favorite pro attempt to win the biggest of events - the "Classic."

When the average traveler pulls into a hotel, all they want is to grab a clean, safe room and get a good night’s sleep. Main considerations are little more than finding easy fuel and food. But touring bass pros or Classic fans, it’s a different story. With a small fortune in “tools of the trade,” these guests often stays 3-10 days at a time, and want special lodging facilities where their needs are recognized and provided. And it’s the wise hotel that accommodates them.

Long ago, luring fishermen with boats was not exactly the main goal of major hotel chains. Instead, boaters stayed at local motels, state parks, marina cabins or they camped out lakeside. Today, these same traveling anglers have become a target market for some of the largest hotel chains.

One such group, is headed by Jeff Rogers, President of Southern Host Hospitality (SHH), the hotel management corporation for multiple well-known lodging brands such as Quality, Microtel, Rodeway, Best Western, Comfort Suites, Holiday Inn Express (all “Inn & Suites”) and Howard Johnson’s Bossier City. Rogers understands the tournament market well. When anglers drive past his hotel with boat in tow, Rogers wants and welcomes their business. And he often gets it - because his corporation reaches a little farther than some of the competition.

“We installed 12 outdoor electrical plugs at each hotel for guests to charge their boat batteries. We put these plugs at the ends of the buildings because we knew boaters needed to have easy access to them from their rooms,” says Rogers.

“We cater to the fact that boaters need to be downstairs. That’s hard to do since, most Bossier hotels have inside corridors (which is what we have) but putting the outlets at the end of the building, opens up at least ten downstairs rooms in each hotel. And we try to put these guests in rooms on the back side with windows overlooking the parking lot so they can see their boats at all times.”

When it comes to hotel / motel security, consider the advice of Robin Babb, a former threat assessment professional and stalking expert. She offers advice for touring pros looking for the right room:

“At a minimum, the location should offer 24-hour lobby reception, security camera monitors, well-lighted parking area, doors with a deadbolt or door knob lock, plus a chain or swing-arm locking mechanism and peep hole. Also, it is a plus if the location offers night security patrol.

Joanna Wilson- Southern Host Hospitality’s Regional Sales & Marketing Director says, “We have 24-hour security – our managers live on property. We have security cameras and inside corridors, which provide more personal guest safety. Policemen continually travel the hotels here, making parking lots more secure.

We’ve been able to enjoy the fruits of making the Red River navigable for port and casinos – and since then, it also lured a lot of fishing tournaments here. Growth of the river gave more publicity to other interests in the area,” she says. “Just overnight, it became known as a wonderful tournament spot.”

More fishing tournaments mean more hotel business for Shreveport and Bossier City – a welcome sight - unlike years past when tournament anglers were not considered a major target. But today, this market in cities that host major tournaments, is considered a valuable one.

“Established tournament trails are desirable because they can provide economic impact in excess of a million dollars per event” says Mary Ann Tice, Executive Director and CAO of the Shreveport Regional Sports Authority, an economic development corporation that secures sports tourism for it’s economic impact.

Following the first bass event we hosted, the 1997 BASS Federation Championship," adds Tice, "we rapidly recognized the potential for bass fishing and the Red River became our primary venue. That first BASS tournament on the Red River basically opened the area to bass fishing.

B.A.S.S. ushered the advent of televised bass fishing along with corresponding print media – B.A.S.S. caused the explosion and we ‘poised to reap the benefits.’ Bass fishing ranks very high as a preferred sports tourism event for us to host.”

For more information on the Bassmaster Classic, http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/tournaments/classic/news/story?page=b_Attend_2009_Classic

For more information on hotel accommodations during the Classic or throughout the year, contact Quality Inn & Suites at 318) 742-7890, Microtel Inn & Suites 318) 742-7882, Rodeway Inn & Suites at 318 747-2400 or Howard Johnson Bossier City, at 866-538-0336.

Alabama’s Kim Bain Becomes First Woman to Qualify for Bassmaster Classic

2008-10-25T23:10:00.000-07:00

Story & Photo Courtesy of B.A.S.S.

October 25, 2008

Kim Bain has been to the Bassmaster Classic as a spectator and an ESPN2 analyst and now in four months, the Alabaster, Ala., pro will attend the Classic as the first woman competitor in its 39-year history as she secured the ultimate prize Saturday, earning the Toyota Tundra Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year and the subsequent Bassmaster Classic berth with a dominating season-long performance.

In her first year competing on the Women’s Bassmaster Tour presented by Academy Sports & Outdoors, Bain has been cool and collected throughout, fighting the significant nerves in trying to accomplish the historic feat. The 28-year-old broke down Saturday after finishing first at the Women’s Bassmaster Tour Championship presented by Academy Sports & Outdoors on Arkansas’ Lake Hamilton, her second victory of the five-event season. Bain scored bookend victories in her banner season sandwiched around two second-place finishes and a sixth.

Bain left her birthplace of Brisbane, Australia, when she was 19 to pursue a career in professional bass fishing, which was a tough decision at the time. The AOY, Classic berth and Championship win have cemented her reputation as one of the top women anglers in the world and validated her decision.

“I truly have come full circle. I grew up watching the Bassmaster Classic and reading about it and have experienced it on many levels” said Bain, who was presented the Classic invitation by Bobby Murray, the 1971 and first Bassmaster Classic champion. “Qualifying is a dream come true. Hopefully, I can make female anglers everywhere proud.”

Despite Bain’s dominating regular-season performance, she entered the tournament within striking distance for the AOY. Cindy Hill of Smyrna, Tenn., and Juanita Robinson of Highlands, Texas, failed to leapfrog Bain at the Championship and Bain seized the momentum on the second day of competition, taking home a $55,000 boat package and $5,000 with the victory.

Bain now has four months to experience the publicity onslaught sure to follow her to the 2009 Bassmaster Classic, set for Feb. 20-22 on the Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La.

“I had a big dream as a kid to fish in the Bassmaster Classic,” said Bain. “Anytime you accomplish something that you have put a lot of work and time into, it is pretty special.”

The full list of AOY standings can be found below.

The Championship event closed out the WBT season, which Academy Sports & Outdoors supported as a presenting sponsor. Jerry deBin, outdoor marketing director for Academy, reflected on the history-making season.

“Academy Sports & Outdoors is excited to be sponsoring another women’s sporting event” said deBin. “We are especially pleased to partner with BASS in creating an environment where the first woman angler will qualify for the Bassmaster Classic.”

Sponsors of the Women’s Bassmaster Tour include Academy Sports & Outdoors, Toyota Tundra, Advance Auto Parts, Lowrance, Mercury, Skeeter, Yamaha, OPTIMA Batteries, Triton Boats, Legend Boats, MoGills and Mustang.

About BASS

For 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multi-media platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive web properties in Bassmaster.com and ESPNOutdoors.com, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage to passionate audiences.

The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Women's Bassmaster Tour and the Bassmaster Classic, the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS sanctions more than 20,000 events annually.

BASS also offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.

2008 TOYOTA TUNDRA WOMEN’S BASSMASTER TOUR ANGLER OF THE YEAR STANDINGS

1. Kim Bain Alabaster, Ala. 1200
2. Juanita Robinson Highlands, Texas 1140
3. Cindy Hill Smyrna, Tenn. 1133
4. Pam Martin-Wells Bainbridge, Ga. 1097
5. Lucy Mize Ben Lomond, Ark. 1073
6. Angie Douthit Clewiston, Fla. 1070
7. Sheri Glasgow Muskogee, Okla. 1055
8. Patti Campbell Waxahachie, Texas 1038
9. Debra Petrowski Arlington, Texas 1030
10. Audrey McQueen Eagar, Ariz. 1017
11. Lisa Sternard Clarksville, Tenn. 1013
12. Jan Heavener Sherwood, Ark. 1006
13. Bonnie Johnson Weatherford, Texas 1002
14. Laura Gober Pendergrass, Ga. 1000
15. Dianna Clark Bumpus Mills, Tenn. 978
16. Kat Ealey Moody, Ala. 975
17. Tammy Richardson Glenwood, Ark. 972
18. Mary DiVincenti Clinton, La. 957
19. Kathi Hurst Ripley, Miss. 950
20. Helen Gordon Flower Mound, Texas 948

Alabama's Kim Bain Takes Women's Bassmaster Tour Championship; Secures Women's Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year

2008-10-25T22:57:00.000-07:00

Becomes First Woman to Earn Bassmaster Classic Berth

October 25, 2008
Hot Springs, AR

Story & Photo Courtesy of B.A.S.S.

With a victory in the Women’s Bassmaster Tour Championship presented by Academy Sports & Outdoors, Kim Bain finished the season just as she started it. To kick off her first season of WBT competition, Bain of Alabaster, Ala., scored victory on Texas’ Lake Lewisville in April.

Saturday, she came full circle, outlasting 19 other competitors with a three-day total of 23 pounds, 8 ounces, on Arkansas’ Lake Hamilton, which was enough to earn the top prize of a $55,000 boat package and $5,000.

Buoyed by her customary Day 2 charge, Bain used the victory to accumulate the most points in the Toyota Tundra Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year Race. With the AOY, Bain earned the subsequent Bassmaster Classic berth and will become the first woman angler to fish the marquee event in its 39-year history.

With history on the line, Bain was able to hold off nerves and hard-charging Audrey McQueen of Eagar, Ariz., climbing from seventh on Thursday into the lead Friday and not relinquishing on the final day of competition.

“I was so excited I had a rough start today,” said Bain, 28. “I lost two fish in the first hour of competition and I got very frustrated. But I was able to settle down and stick with what I knew would work.”

Bain, who caught her limit by noon, worked pockets of grass, targeting water that was 3 to 4 feet deep. She primarily worked a Reactions Innovations Trixie Shark in two productive spots she located during practice. While the Trixie Shark was her main lure, she mixed in a finesse worm and a crankbait throughout the competition.

Bain now will set her sights on the 2009 Bassmaster Classic, set for Feb. 20-22 out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La., and the Red River. She has four months to prepare for the competition.

“I’m going to use the time and relax,” said Bain. “This is such an accomplishment that I really need some time to reflect.”

McQueen, who posed the biggest threat to Bain, posted a three-day total of 21 pounds, 11 ounces. Amazingly, she finished the first day of competition in 19th place, but used the biggest limit of the tournament Friday, a 12-5 bag, to move up to second place and vault into contention.
She rounded out her Championship event with 7 pounds, 12 ounces, on Saturday, a solid limit but ultimately not enough to overtake Bain. McQueen was able to figure out Hamilton even though she spent only the official practice day on the fishery. McQueen is four months pregnant and received last-minute permission from her doctor to compete and had little time to prepare for the Championship.

An eight-time champion elk caller, the Arizona pro exclusively used a Texas-rigged Zoom green pumpkin finesse worm.

“I had a fantastic tournament and really, I had low expectations coming in,” said McQueen. “But I put myself in position. I am kicking myself because I didn’t change my hooks on the first day of the event. Making that adjustment made all the difference on the final two days.”

Rounding out the top five was Thursday leader Debra Petrowski of Arlington, Texas, in third with 16-6; Juanita Robinson of Highlands, Texas, in fourth with 15-1 and 2007 WBT Championship winner Pam Martin-Wells of Bainbridge, Ga., with 14-11.

Winning the co-angler division and a $37,500 boat package and $3,250 was Barbara Gaskins of Suffolk, Va. Gaskins posted a three-day total of 9 pounds, 5 ounces and outlasted Monica Altman of Angier, N.C., in second with 8-0 and Debra Cook of Gardendale, Ala., in third with 7-14.

Sponsors of the Women’s Bassmaster Tour include Academy Sports & Outdoors, Toyota Tundra, Advance Auto Parts, Lowrance, Mercury, Skeeter, Yamaha, OPTIMA Batteries, Triton Boats, Legend Boats, MoGills and Mustang.

Women’s Bassmaster Tour Championship presented by Academy Sports & OutdoorsLake HamiltonHot Springs, Ark.Oct. 23-25FieldTwenty pros and co-anglers fish all three days of competitionLaunch/Weigh-in7:00 a.m. CT/3:00 p.m. CTAndrew H. Hulsey Fish Hatchery 350 Fish Hatchery Rd. Hot Springs, AR 71913

About BASS
For 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multi-media platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive web properties in Bassmaster.com and ESPNOutdoors.com, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage to passionate audiences.

The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Women's Bassmaster Tour and the Bassmaster Classic, the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS sanctions more than 20,000 events annually.
BASS also offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.

2008 WOMEN’S BASSMASTER TOUR PRESENTED BY ACADEMY SPORTS & OUTDOORS-
FINAL

2008 Women's Bassmaster Tour Championship 10/23-10/25 Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs AR. (BOATER) Standings Day 3

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Kim Bain Alabaster, AL 15 23-08 310 $60,000.00 Day 1: 5 05-02 Day 2: 5 10-14 Day 3: 5 07-08 2. Audrey McQueen Eagar, AZ 12 21-11 295 $43,000.00 Day 1: 2 01-10 Day 2: 5 12-05 Day 3: 5 07-12 3. Debra Petrowski Arlington, TX 13 16-06 295 $5,000.00 Day 1: 5 07-12 Day 2: 4 04-05 Day 3: 4 04-05 4. Juanita Robinson Highlands, TX 13 15-01 285 $4,000.00 Day 1: 5 06-06 Day 2: 5 05-09 Day 3: 3 03-02 5. Pam Martin-Wells Bainbridge, GA 12 14-11 280 $3,500.00 Day 1: 5 04-15 Day 2: 2 02-07 Day 3: 5 07-05 6. Angie Douthit Clewiston, FL 13 14-10 276 $3,250.00 Day 1: 5 05-09 Day 2: 5 06-03 Day 3: 3 02-14 7. Lucy Mize Ben Lomond, AR 10 12-15 272 $3,000.00 Day 1: 2 03-01 Day 2: 3 02-13 Day 3: 5 07-01 8. Lisa Sternard Clarksville, TN 9 12-03 268 $2,500.00 Day 1: 5 06-12 Day 2: 3 04-03 Day 3: 1 01-04 9. Patti Campbell Waxahachie, TX 9 11-15 264 $2,250.00 Day 1: 2 02-08 Day 2: 4 05-00 Day 3: 3 04-07 10. Bonnie Johnson Weatherford, TX 9 11-06 260 $2,200.00 Day 1: 3 04-00 Day 2: 3 03-02 Day 3: 3 04-04 11. Cindy Hill Smyrna, TN 9 10-15 257 $2,150.00 Day 1: 2 02-04 Day 2: 5 06-12 Day 3: 2 01-15 12. Sheri Glasgow Muskogee, OK 10 10-05 254 $2,100.00 Day 1: 2 01-13 Day 2: 5 06-01 Day 3: 3 02-07 13. Mary DiVincenti Clinton, LA 10 10-04 251 $2,050.00 Day 1: 5 05-00 Day 2: 2 02-04 Day 3: 3 03-00 14. Dianna Clark Bumpus Mills, TN 9 10-02 248 $2,000.00 Day 1: 4 04-15 Day 2: 3 02-15 Day 3: 2 02-04 15. Helen Gordon Flower Mound, TX 10 09-14 245 $2,000.00 Day 1: 5 05-05 Day 2: 3 02-05 Day 3: 2 02-04 16. Jan Heavener Sherwood, AR 9 09-05 243 $2,000.00 Day 1: 5 05-15 Day 2: 3 02-10 Day 3: 1 00-12 17. Laura Gober Pendergrass, GA 10 08-13 241 $2,000.00 Day 1: 5 04-05 Day 2: 1 01-04 Day 3: 4 03-04 18. Kat Ealey Moody, AL 6 05-10 239 $2,000.00 Day 1: 4 03-15 Day 2: 2 01-11 Day 3: 0 00-00 19. Kathi Hurst Ripley, MS 5 05-04 237 $2,000.00 Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 03-13 Day 3: 2 01-07 20. Tammy Richardson Amity, AR 4 04-00 235 $2,000.00 Day 1: 2 02-00 Day 2: 2 02-00 Day 3: 0 00-00 -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Big Bass Day 2 Laura Gober Pendergrass, GA 01-04 $0.00 3 Lisa Sternard Clarksville, TN 01-04 $0.00
Big BASS of Tournament Lesley Childers Anderson, SC 04-06 $0.00 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals Day #Limits #Fish Weight 1 10 73 83-03 2 6 68 88-08 3 4 56 67-03 ---------------------------------- 20 197 238-14
2008 Women's Bassmaster Tour Championship 10/23-10/25 Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs AR. (NON_BOATER) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Barbara Gaskins Suffolk, VA 8 09-05 305 $40,750.00 Day 1: 3 02-13 Day 2: 3 03-06 Day 3: 2 03-02 2. Monica Altman Angier, NC 9 08-00 295 $34,500.00 Day 1: 4 03-06 Day 2: 1 00-13 Day 3: 4 03-13 3. Debra Cook Gardendale, AL 6 07-14 295 $3,500.00 Day 1: 3 03-10 Day 2: 2 03-04 Day 3: 1 01-00 4. Lesley Childers Anderson, SC 4 07-04 285 $3,000.00 Day 1: 1 01-01 Day 2: 2 01-13 Day 3: 1 04-06 5. Patti James Dayton, TX 5 06-11 280 $2,500.00 Day 1: 2 01-09 Day 2: 2 04-04 Day 3: 1 00-14 6. Debbie Pegoli Loveland, OH 4 06-08 281 $2,000.00 Day 1: 2 04-08 Day 2: 2 02-00 Day 3: 0 00-00 7. Denese Freeman Lawton, OK 5 05-06 272 $1,500.00 Day 1: 2 02-08 Day 2: 2 02-03 Day 3: 1 00-11 8. Kim McGuffey Weatherford, TX 6 05-05 264 $1,400.00 Day 1: 3 02-11 Day 2: 2 01-10 Day 3: 1 01-00 8. Gail Wood Russellville, AR 6 05-05 264 $1,400.00 Day 1: 3 02-14 Day 2: 2 01-12 Day 3: 1 00-11 8. Linda Walker Beebe, AR 5 05-05 264 $1,400.00 Day 1: 3 03-08 Day 2: 2 01-13 Day 3: 0 00-00 11. Sharon Lawson Red Bank, TN 5 05-00 257 $1,300.00 Day 1: 2 01-11 Day 2: 1 01-01 Day 3: 2 02-04 12. Lesli Lively Palestine, TX 4 04-15 254 $1,250.00 Day 1: 2 02-04 Day 2: 2 02-11 Day 3: 0 00-00 13. Bonnie Ward Snohomish, WA 4 04-05 251 $1,200.00 Day 1: 1 01-00 Day 2: 3 03-05 Day 3: 0 00-00 14. Kim Petrowski Arlington, TX 3 04-02 248 $1,100.00 Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 04-02 Day 3: 0 00-00 15. Elizabeth Sanders Brandon, MS 3 03-00 245 $1,100.00 Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Day 3: 3 03-00 16. Stacy Zhelesnik Hoboken, NJ 2 02-07 243 $1,100.00 Day 1: 1 01-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Day 3: 1 01-07 17. Susan Dameron Chattanooga, TN 2 01-15 241 $1,100.00 Day 1: 2 01-15 Day 2: 0 00-00 Day 3: 0 00-00 18. Cheryl Buelow Pollock, LA 1 01-06 239 $1,100.00 Day 1: 1 01-06 Day 2: 0 00-00 Day 3: 0 00-00 19. Diane Smith Fayetteville, GA 1 01-01 237 $1,100.00 Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Day 3: 1 01-01 20. Bertha Cavakis Amity, AR 1 00-15 235 $1,100.00 Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Day 3: 1 00-15 -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Big Bass Day 1 Cheryl Buelow Pollock, LA 01-06 $0.00 2 Sharon Lawson Red Bank, TN 01-01 $0.00 3 Lesley Childers Anderson, SC 04-06 $0.00
Big BASS of Tournament Lesley Childers Anderson, SC 04-06 $0.00 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals Day #Limits #Fish Weight 1 0 35 37-12 2 0 29 34-01 3 0 20 24-04 ---------------------------------- 0 84 96-01

BASS Reporter's Notebook

2008-10-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

Three Arkansas Contenders Get Ready for Historic WBT Championship in Their Home State

Story & Photo Courtesy of BASS / ESPN

October 8, 2008

Three of the 20 pros who qualified for this month’s historic Women’s Bassmaster Tour Championship presented by Academy Sports & Outdoors — set for Oct. 23-25 on Arkansas’ Lake Hamilton — are from Arkansas.

Jan Heavener of Sherwood, Tammy Richardson of Glenwood and Lucy Mize of Ben Lomond are looking forward to representing their home state at the event on Hamilton, a 7,200-acre impoundment of the Ouachita River on the southern edge of Hot Springs.

“It’s a beautiful lake with a big population of spotted bass,” said Heavener, who is a first-time WBT Championship qualifier. “I fished it a few years ago, but I really don’t know the lake. I was there in the hot summer just to learn my way around, and I’ve been back to practice the past few weekends.”

Mize, a one-time WBT event winner who has qualified for all three of the circuit’s championships, said she’ll scout Hamilton for a few days before the cutoff, a practice approach with which she’s most comfortable.

“I have fished Lake Hamilton, but not for several years,” said Mize, who lives more than 100 miles from the championship fishery. “I have some areas in mind that I’ll concentrate on. I think the lake plays to my strengths, but Hamilton is going to be a tough tournament.”

Richardson, also a championship qualifier since the WBT's inception, spent about a week scouting the lake.

“I have so many other lakes closer to me — Ouachita, De Gray and Lake Greeson — that Hamilton isn’t one I’ve fished a lot,” Richardson said. “But I have competed on Hamilton in team tournaments. This time of year, the fish are in transition to fall patterns, and you can catch them deep and you can catch them shallow.”

All three home-staters said a win in Arkansas would be the icing on the cake of the WBT Championship title, which includes a Triton/Mercury boat rig valued at $55,000, plus $5,000 cash.

The competition will be the biggest event of the WBT season on another count: It will result in the first woman to qualify for a Bassmaster Classic. The Toyota Tundra WBT Angler of the Year, the pro who has amassed the most points through the season, will qualify for the Classic. She will be up against 50 other anglers in the 2009 Bassmaster Classic, set for Feb. 20-22 on the Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La.

The points leaders going into the Lake Hamilton event are Kim Bain of Alabaster, Ala., who has 890 points; Cindy Hill of Smyrna, Tenn., who has 876 points; and Juanita Robinson of Highlands, Texas, with 855 points.

While one of the points leaders could score both the Classic berth and the championship title, it’s possible that the championship winner will be among the other 17 qualifiers.

The three pros from Arkansas know they are perhaps too far behind to catch the points leaders, but they’re more than happy to be able to focus on taking the WBT Championship trophy.

“All I can do is get out there and try to win it,” Heavener said. “Winning would be the highlight of my career, of anyone’s career. To have it happen in my home state would be even more special.”

For more details on the event, click here.

Oklahoma Angler, Denese Freeman Qualifies for Women’s Bassmaster Championship

2008-09-30T16:01:00.000-07:00

Denese Freeman of Lawton, Oklahoma will is one of forty female anglers qualifying for the 2008 Women’s Bassmaster Championship (WBT) to be held on Hot Springs, Arkansas' Lake Hamilton, October 23-25.

Championship qualifiers were announced September 20th following weigh in of the fourth and final event of the 2008 season held in Appling, Georgia on Clark's Hill Reservoir.

The top twenty pro anglers and top twenty co anglers accumulating the most points, after fishing all four qualifying events, made the final cut.

Freeman was stunned when her name was announced. She started the year right by winning first place in the co-angler division on Lake Lewisville (Texas,)receiving a 2008 Skeeter boat package valued at $25,000. But Freeman struggled at the remaining three events and worried that her goal to qualify for the Championship might be unattainable.

But her one fish catch at the September Georgia event gave her the points needed to place 17th in the final standings, going into the Championship. First and second place Pro Division finishers at the Championship will receive two fully rigged Triton boat packages valued at $50,000 each. In the Co-Angler Division, first and second place finishers will each receive a boat package valued at $25,000.

Also, for the first time in history, the Pro division Angler of the Year (determined at the championship) will earn an automatic berth into the Bassmaster Classic - considered by most to be the "Super Bowl of Bass Fishing." This prestigious event will be held on the Red River in Shreveport, Louisiana in February 2009.

Freeman has fished every WBT event as a co-angler since the tour began in July 2005, including the inaugural October 2005 event in Texas.

You can learn more about Denese Freeman at www.denesefreeman.com.

And for more information on the Women’s Bassmaster Tour, please visit http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/tournaments/wbt/index

BASS Receives Paralyzed Veterans of America Corporate Leadership Award

2008-09-29T14:24:00.000-07:00

September 26, 2008

Citing the organization’s nearly decade-long involvement in providing fishing opportunities for Americans with disabilities, the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) presented BASS with its Corporate Leadership Award.

BASS Vice President and General Manager Tom Ricks accepted the award during the 2008 American Gala Thursday evening in Washington, D.C.

“The partnership we have created is based on a common ground,” said Ricks in accepting the award. “The missions of PVA and BASS and ESPN align rather closely. The PVA focuses on the enrichment of sports and recreation for paralyzed veterans, and both BASS and ESPN, to a broader audience, look to do the same.”

For nearly 10 years, BASS has partnered with the PVA to conduct bass fishing tournaments in which paralyzed veterans and other Americans with disabilities can compete. To date, nearly 3,000 anglers with disabilities have taken part in 44 tournaments, including some that qualify fishermen for the prestigious Bassmaster Classic.

With the assistance of BASS officials and members of affiliated bass clubs in the BASS Federation Nation, the PVA hosts a tournament trail with a season-long points race. The winner of the points race advances to the BASS Federation National Championship, to be held Nov. 6-8 on Milford Lake out of Junction City, Kan. The top anglers in each of six geographic divisions, including one in which the PVA angler competes, receive berths in next year’s Bassmaster Classic in Shreveport-Bossier City, La., Feb. 20-22.

PVA tournaments are covered by BASS multi-media platforms, including BASS Times, Bassmaster Magazine and http://www.Bassmaster.com.

Founded in 1946, Paralyzed Veterans of America advocates quality healthcare and ample retirement benefits for armed forces veterans who have experienced spinal cord injury or dysfunction. Its 2008 American Gala focused on the enrichment of sports and recreation for Paralyzed Veterans and other individuals with disabilities in expanding their quality of life.

Also receiving awards from the PVA were: Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, a highly decorated veteran who received the 2008 Congressional Award for his support of PVA initiatives and issues; U.S. Rep. Steve Buyer of Indiana, the Public Service Award; and HOK Sport, the Sport and Design Leadership Award.

NASCAR legend Kyle Petty served as master of ceremonies for the event.

About BASS

For 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multi-media platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive web properties in Bassmaster.com and ESPNOutdoors.com, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage to passionate audiences.

The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Women's Bassmaster Tour and the Bassmaster Classic, the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS sanctions more than 20,000 events annually.

BASS also offers a wide array of services to its more than 525,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.

Future Fisherman Foundation Releases You Tube Video

2008-09-26T13:55:00.000-07:00

The Future Fishermen Foundation has recently released their first You Tube video titled C. A.T.C.H.-Caring Anglers Teaching Children How. This short clip demonstrates how adults that give a little of their time can make a big impact on the next generation of anglers.

The video was filmed in Buffalo, NY. in early August at the Bassmaster Elite Series Tournament where the Future Fisherman Foundation, BASS, and professional staff and youth from 20 Boys & Girls Club’s across the country met for a day of fishing with the pro anglers.

The two young anglers from each club were chosen based on their participation in the Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs program implemented in each club during the year through a grant from the Department of Justice Youth Partnership for Crime Prevention which targets increasing opportunities for youth to get mentoring from adults in the community such as police officers-to assist in character development and responsible decision making.

The program uses skill development and exposure to “lifetime” recreation activities such as fishing to set the stage for the experiences that can spark changes that last a lifetime.

We’d like to share this good news with you to share the excitement of “catching” youth and hooking them on an activity they can participate in for a lifetime.

Go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54rpAY3l12s to enjoy the CATCH clip.

Are you inspired to help create more opportunities like this to get our youth outdoors experiencing lifetime sports? Contact the Future Fisherman Foundation to see how you can get involved and make a difference!

Teresa Rodriguez

Manager of Education

Future Fisherman Foundation

225 Reinekers Lane Suite 420

Alexandria, VA 22314

703.519.9691 ext. 224

Fax: 703.519.1872

www.futurefisherman.org

The Future Fisherman Foundation: Ensuring the FUTURE of fishing.

Hill Gains on Bain for Possible Classic Berth

2008-09-24T08:17:00.000-07:00

Story courteousy of BASS COMMUNICATIONS

September 23, 2008

BASS Reporter’s Notebook:

Tennessee’s Cindy Hill Moves In On Kim Bain in the Race to the Bassmaster Classic

Going into the homestretch, Cindy Hill of Smyrna, Tenn., is catching up to leader Kim Bain of Alabaster, Ala., in the race to be the first woman to qualify for a Bassmaster Classic, bass fishing’s premier event.

Hill lags by just 14 points, giving her a realistic chance to overtake Bain, who has led the race since the beginning of the 2008 season of the Women’s Bassmaster Tour presented by Academy Sports & Outdoors.

Along with 18 other pros vying for the same prize, the leaders are banking on earning more points at the Oct. 23-25 WBT Championship presented by Academy Sports & Outdoors on Arkansas’ Lake Hamilton out of Hot Springs.

Besides a berth in the 2009 Classic — Feb. 20-22 on the Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La. — the WBT pro who ends up with the most points takes two other big prizes: the Toyota Tundra Women’s Bassmaster Angler of the Year title and a 2009 fully-rigged Toyota truck.

The points race has not been a dash, but a long-distance run in which the pros have earned points according to their finishes in four regular-season events. The top 20 then qualified last weekend for the Arkansas championship.

And now the question has become: Can anyone earn enough points in Arkansas to catch Kim Bain?

Does Hill think she can?

“I don’t really know,” said Hill, who took her first WBT win last weekend at Clarks Hill Lake in Georgia. “There’s nothing that can’t be done. I go out and fish every tournament like it’s for Angler of the Year. I don’t really think about points that much, I just think about me and the fish.”

She is thinking about the WBT Championship, and has been for quite some time.

“Last October, right after the 2008 schedule was released, I went to Lake Hamilton and marked spots that looked good. I wanted to see it when the water was down. I feel confident with my fishing ability that I can catch them.”

So is the WBT points race now a Bain-Hill faceoff? Hardly — they’re the two who are closest to the prize, but not the only ones who could score it.

A glance at the standings (available at www.Bassmaster.com) reveals a list of formidable competitors. Ten of the championship qualifiers have WBT event titles on their fishing resumes, and several boast multiple wins. Juanita Robinson of Highlands, Texas, is only 35 points behind Bain in third.

2009 Women's Bassmaster Tour Schedule Released

2008-09-21T21:19:00.000-07:00

September 17, 2008

Story Courtesy of BASS Communications

BASS Announces Schedule for 2009 Women’s Bassmaster Tour presented by Academy Sports &Outdoors

BASS announced today that, in 2009, the Women’s Bassmaster Tour presented by Academy Sports & Outdoors will visit fisheries in Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas and Tennessee for its four regular-season events. Building on its landmark announcement before this past season, the circuit will continue to provide a direct qualifying berth into bass fishing’s premier event, the Bassmaster Classic.

In 2009, the WBT will again stage five tournaments, four regular-season events and the Women’s Bassmaster Tour Championship presented by Academy Sports & Outdoors. The top 20 anglers in the regular season will qualify for the Championship based on their Toyota Tundra Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year standings, and the winner of the AOY will go on to compete in the Bassmaster Classic. The location for the Championship will be announced at the 2009 Bassmaster Classic, set for Feb. 20-22 on the Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La.

“The WBT has made some great strides and continues to receive significant attention from media, fans and anglers,” said Jamie Wilkinson, senior director of event operations and business development, BASS. “We established the circuit to provide a tournament venue for an underserved market, and we are always looking to grow the profile of the format.”

The 2009 season will kick off March 26-28 out of Ouachita River and West Monroe, La. BASS previously has held events on Ouachita but the season opener will mark the first WBT event on the spacious fishery.

The second event will be held April 23-25 on Lake Neely Henry and out of Gadsden, Ala. The circuit last visited the Alabama fishery in 2008 and has visited Neely Henry three times in its three-year history. Pam Martin-Wells, a three-time WBT winner, took the 2008 event with a three-day total of 36 pounds, 1 ounce, which was enough to hold off Lucy Mize of Ben Lomond, Ark., by more than 10 pounds.

Next, anglers will compete June 4-6 on the Arkansas River out of Little Rock, Ark. The Arkansas River has hosted five BASS events, including two Bassmaster Classics. The WBT visit will be the first since a Bassmaster Major was held on the fishery in 2006. Mize, wife of Bassmaster Elite Series angler Jimmy Mize, figures to be the local favorite.

Finally, anglers will visit Old Hickory Lake on Sept. 10-12 out of Hendersonville, Tenn., for the fourth event of the season. Site of Bassmaster Elite Series and WBT events in 2008, Old Hickory yielded a three-day winning total of 36 pounds, 5 ounces to Dianna Clark at the June WBT event.

Entry fees will be collected for all five events. Tournament payouts and rules can be found at http://www.bassmaster.com/">www.Bassmaster.com. Once again, anglers will be able to drop their lowest finish from the four regular-season events before the regular-season standings are finalized and the Championship berths are decided.

At each event, the champion pro will receive $1,000 in addition to a fully-rigged boat package valued at $55,000. The winning co-angler will receive $500 plus a boat package valued at $25,000.

The full schedule with hosts can be found below. While anglers are keeping an eye on the 2009 season, the 2008 season is in full swing. This week, WBT anglers will converge on Clarks Hill Lake and Evans, Ga., for the fourth event of the season. The top 20 qualifiers for the WBT Championship will be determined in Georgia and the Championship event is slated for Oct. 23-25 on Arkansas’ Lake Hamilton.

The first stand-alone championship in WBT history will determine the 2008 Toyota WBT Angler of the Year, who will make history as the first female angler to qualify for the Bassmaster Classic. In addition, the AOY recipient will take home a Toyota Tundra. Academy Sports & Outdoors, a Katy, Texas-based sporting goods retailer, has reaped the benefits of sponsoring the WBT this past season.

“Academy Sports and Outdoors is pleased to sponsor the 2008 Women’s Bassmaster Tour,” said Jerry deBin, Academy’s director of outdoor marketing. “With 110 stores in 11 Southern states and growing, Academy is ideally positioned to support the WBT throughout the South, where bass fishing is a way of life. Academy already supports female athletes in our core business, and sponsoring the WBT is just one more way to show it."

Registration for the four 2009 regular-season events can be completed at www.Bassmaster.com. Priority registration is open to the top 50 pros and co-anglers in the 2008 Toyota WBT Angler of the Year standings at 9 a.m. ET Monday, Nov. 3.

Registration will open at 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 10, for all BASS members who wish to sign up for all four regular-season events. Those who wish to sign up for single events can register beginning at noon Monday, Nov. 17.

For entry fee information and other Women’s Bassmaster Tour information, visit www.Bassmaster.com.

Fans can visit Academy stores for additional information on the WBT and find out more about the organization, at www.Academy.com.

For more information, contact BASS Communications at (407) 566-2208 or visit www.Bassmaster.com. Visit www.espnmediazone.com for ESPN's latest releases, schedules and other news, plus photos, video and audio clips and more.

Sponsors of the Women’s Bassmaster Tour include Academy Sports & Outdoors, Toyota Tundra, Advance Auto Parts, Lowrance, Mercury, Skeeter, Yamaha, OPTIMA Batteries, Triton Boats, Legend Boats, MoGills and Mustang.

About BASS
For 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multi-media platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive Web properties in Bassmaster.com and ESPNOutdoors.com, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage to passionate audiences.

The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Women's Bassmaster Tour and the Bassmaster Classic, the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS sanctions more than 20,000 events annually.

BASS also offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.

Schedule: 2009 Women’s Bassmaster Tour presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors

Date Fishery Host City Local Sponsor

March 26-28 Ouachita River West Monroe, La. Monroe-West Monroe Convention &
Visitor’s Bureau

April 23-25 Lake Neely Henry Gadsden, Ala. City of Gadsden

June 4-6 Arkansas River Little Rock, Ark. Little Rock Convention & Visitor’s Bureau

Sept. 10-12 Old Hickory Lake Hendersonville, Tenn. Sumner County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau

Woman To Earn Berth in Bassmaster Classic

2008-09-09T15:28:00.000-07:00

September 9, 2008

BASS Reporter’s Notebook:
Who Will be the First Woman to Qualify for the Bassmaster Classic?

Story and Photo Courtesy of BASS Communications

The chance to make history by being the first woman to qualify for the Bassmaster Classic has motivated every pro who’s competing this year on the Women’s Bassmaster Tour presented by Academy Sports & Outdoors.

For the first time, the winner of the Toyota Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year points race will receive a qualifying berth into the Classic. As the first woman to qualify for the Classic, the angler will earn a place in the record books, no matter how she fares against the other 50 contenders in the Feb. 20-22 event on the Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La.

WBT rookie Kim Bain of Alabaster, Ala., has held the lead in the AOY points race since she pulled off an upset win at the 2008 season opener in Texas. Gunning for her top spot are formidable competitors, including Juanita Robinson of Highlands, Texas, who is just 23 points behind, in second place.

Robinson, a one-time WBT winner who has finished in the top 10 in every event this season, will try her best to overtake Bain at next week’s Clarks Hill Lake tournament in Georgia.

“I’m not paying attention to the numbers, I’m just working as hard as I can,” Robinson said. “I’ve been coming in earlier to events all season, spending a ton of time on the water practicing. I got to Clarks Hill Wednesday night (Sept. 3), and I’ve been out on the water every day since.”

In third place — 65 points behind Bain — is the reigning AOY, Sheri Glasgow of Muskogee, Okla., who has a win and 10 other top-10 finishes in her career on the women’s tour. Like Robinson, she isn’t obsessed with crunching numbers to work out possible points scenarios.

“I have a ballpark idea of where everybody’s sitting, but if you allow the points thing to get in your head, you can’t concentrate on fishing, on what you need to be doing at the lake,” Glasgow said. “I keep busy with my job when I’m not fishing, so I don’t even think much about a tournament until I’m physically there. I think there’s an advantage in that because, in the sport of fishing, you can overthink and mess yourself up.

“Don’t get me wrong, I talk to people about it. The Classic spot is as big as it gets for women in fishing.”

And then there’s Patti Campbell of Waxahachie, Texas, 92 points behind Bain. Not to mention Pam Martin-Wells of Bainbridge, Ga., 94 points out. Martin-Wells’ record could give anyone reason to pause: she has won a multitude of bass tournaments in her career, including three WBT events: the preview event of 2005 before the tour officially kicked off, the 2006 championship, and a 2008 tournament in Alabama.

A new twist to the WBT points system this year — what’s known as “the drop” — might help some and might hurt others.

Here’s how it works: Pros compete in four regular-season tournaments (Clarks Hill being the final one), earning points on a sliding scale according to finishes. After the Sept. 18-20 Clarks Hill event comes “the drop”: Each pro’s lowest tournament finish will be dropped from the points tally. The resulting top 20 in the standings earn the right to compete in the fifth 2008 event, the Women’s Bassmaster Championship presented by Academy Sports & Outdoors on Lake Hamilton out of Hot Springs, Ark.. Points earned at that Oct. 23-25 event will top off each pro’s total.

That’s when one pro will emerge as the points race winner to be the 2008 Toyota Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year, and thus the historic Classic qualifier.

About BASS

For 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multi-media platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive Web properties, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content – from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage – to passionate audiences.

Women's Bassmaster Tour Moves To Georgia for Decisive Event

2008-09-08T18:19:00.000-07:00

Story courtesy ESPN / BASS Communications

September 8, 2008

The historic 2008 season of the Women’s Bassmaster Tour presented by Academy Sports & Outdoors season will feature its fourth event Sept. 18-20 out of Clarks Hill Lake and Evans, Ga. The event takes Women’s Bassmaster Tour pros one step closer to scoring the ultimate prize through the WBT, a berth into the 2009 Bassmaster Classic, the first time a female angler will qualify for the prestigious event.

Only the top 20 anglers, decided with the culmination of the regular season on Clarks Hill, will move on to the WBT Championship and have a shot at the Classic berth. The Championship is set for Oct. 23-25 on Arkansas’ Lake Hamilton and will determine the 2008 Toyota WBT Angler of the Year, who will move on to the Feb. 20-22 Classic on Louisiana’s Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City.

In the points lead is Kim Bain of Alabaster, Ala., who took control by winning the season’s first event and has never let go. But Bain is just 24 points ahead of Juanita Robinson of Highlands, Texas, and 65 points in front of Muskogee, Okla., pro Sheri Glasgow, the reigning Toyota WBT Angler of the Year.

The top three, though, can’t count out other pros. For the first time in the tour’s three-year history, each pro’s lowest 2008 regular-season tournament finish will be dropped from the points tally, making the outcome of the points race tough to gauge at this point in the season.

Anglers will be fishing for more than points, though, as the winner of the Clarks Hill tournament will earn a Triton/Mercury boat rig valued at $50,000 to the winner. The event marks the ninth BASS event on spacious Clarks Hill but will be a first for the WBT. Fishing fans are invited to watch the anglers at the free and public weigh-ins. They’re set for 3:15 p.m. ET, Sept. 18-19 at Wildwood Park in Appling, Ga.; and 4 p.m. ET, Sept. 20 at the Academy Sports & Outdoors store at 4120 Washington Road in Evans, Ga.

Live video of the weigh-ins and real-time leaderboards will be available at www.Bassmaster.com through all three days of the competition.

Clarks Hill promises to give the pros a workout. The water level is about 15 feet below full pool — a condition that can concentrate the lake’s bass, but also a factor that cuts into the cache of shoreline sweet spots, said WBT pro Laura Gober who is from Pendergrass, Ga., located less than an hour’s drive from Clarks Hill.

Gober won the 2007 WBT season-ending event in Louisiana on the Red River and she’s hoping another late-season surge will carry her into the WBT Championship. Going into next week’s event, she is 46 points below the 20th-place cutline, but her experience on Clarks Hill could help her boost her standing.

“It has come down to this event to make it or not make it,” said Gober, who’s looking to qualify for her first WBT Championship. “If I can get a top-15 finish, I may be able to get there.”

Gober said that although Clarks Hill’s water temperature is still about 82 degrees, productive summertime patterns have all but shut down.

“The water’s really low and the fish are in transition, big-time,” she said. “The bass are starting to go back into the creeks, following the bait. Once that water temperature drops below 80, the fishing’s going to change. It’s going to be a tough tournament — I think it’ll take just 8 to 10 pounds a day to get near the top.”

“If we can get on some good schooling fish, that’ll probably result in a heavier weight,” she said.

Like Gober, Judy Wong of Many, La., the winner of the 2007 Women’s Bassmaster Tour Championship presented by Academy Sports & Outdoors, is banking on doing well enough at the Clarks Hill event to qualify for this year’s championship. She is just 24 points out of the current top-20 cutline.

“I’ve never fished Clarks Hill, but I have in mind what I need to do,” Wong said. “I’ll decide what’s best after I scout it and get a feel for it. I’m planning on five to six days of practice.”

“This hasn’t been a real good year for me, but I hope to correct that at Clarks Hill,” she said.

Debra Hengst of San Antonio, Texas, is another pro who’s hoping Clarks Hill will be the charm. Like Wong, she’s now 24 points under the cutline.

“I’m going into it to win it,” Hengst said. “That’s my goal. I have no history on Clarks Hill, but I’ll be getting five days of practice in and I’ve done extensive research. It’s a grass lake, and that will play to my strengths.”

All WBT events are free and open to the public. In addition to live, streaming videos of the daily weigh-ins, fishing fans can log onto www.Bassmaster.com for see daily editorial coverage and photo galleries.

Sponsors of the Women’s Bassmaster Tour include Academy Sports & Outdoors, Toyota Tundra, Advance Auto Parts, Lowrance, Mercury, Skeeter, Yamaha, OPTIMA Batteries, Triton Boats, Legend Boats, MoGills and Mustang.

Local hosts include Columbia County.

About BASS

For 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multi-media platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive web properties, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage to passionate audiences.

The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Women's Bassmaster Tour and the Bassmaster Classic, the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS sanctions more than 20,000 events annually.

BASS also offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.

Fishing's "Square One"

2008-09-04T22:55:00.000-07:00

Where Do New Anglers Begin?

By Kathy Magers

A visitor from Chicago wrote to ask where to begin learning to fish. He and his wife have an 8-year-old son they would also like to teach to fish. He asked, “What is the best way to get started? Should we just purchase some rod/reels and go to a lake? Or join some organization and learn how to properly fish with experienced people?

I felt my reply might be of help to others “in the same boat” (pardon the pun) so I cut and pasted it here. If any of you have additional questions, please feel free to leave me a message here on the site. I will answer questions as soon as possible.) I would suggest you go to a tackle store - independently owned smaller shops are usually run by experienced fishing families who can give you one-on-one help over some big box stores who's clerk's may be less experienced. Larger outdoor stores like Academy Sports (my sponsor) , Bass Pro Shops, and Cabela's have highly experienced help in each department.

IN larger "box stores" some sales clerks are not familiar with fishing and are unable to help with how-to questions. But at the outdoor stores, you can ask "which rod, which reel, which bait /lures?" And they can tell you... Fortunately - most companies make starter combo sets, pre-packaged rods and reels for all ages - which omits the guesswork on your part. Explain that you're learning the sport so you don't want the cheapest equipment but then again, you won't want the most expensive, either.

Get a good, reputable name brand - like Zebco, All Star or Berkley, etc. I worked with Zebco for many years, know their products and like them. Good investment. Good rule of thumb once you decide if you like fishing – is to always buy the best you can afford… as quality is well worth the investment.

Store clerks being local, can often suggest nearby places you might go fishing. These might range from a local lake or river to a farmer's pond (get permission first of course.) I'd also suggest going to a "fishing barge" - which is a floating room with a hole cut in the floor center with a railing around it. They are usually baited out to draw fish - and also heated and / or air conditioned year round.

Some are fancy and have TV --- but you and your family can fish out of the weather elements and catch some fun fish..... Fishing barges usually rent rods and reels and sell bait....So with this option, you wouldn’t even need to buy equipment. Just bring along things like folding chairs to sit in --- a stringer to put your fish on - a minnow bucket to put your bait in --- and a camera, of course!

Educate yourself and other family members by reading the "outdoor sports" section of your local paper - the fishing section, especially where there are normally great how-to articles on various species - especially those that might be the most active at the current time. You can learn to catch winter crappie, summer catfish, or year-round bream - even a trophy bass can show up on your hook.

But your #1 best way to learn to fish is to hire a guide. Explain that you will be learning and teaching your son or daughter- and ask for their help. Many people like tackle store owners, and marina operators have a list of guides and can set you up with the "best" guides suited to teaching and working with kids.

Most guides furnish everything - rods, included - which would give you the opportunity to try them out - then ask the guide for his suggestions on which brands, action, etc. to buy. A guide costs more, sure - but it makes a wonderful "gift" for the person who has everything, especially a child who has never been fishing. Hiring a guide guarantees fish will be caught by everyone.

If you are going out in a boat for the first time, especially if you are not familiar with being around water or swimming - always wear a life jacket. Wear it tightly zipped or fastened because loose ones come off easily and do no good. Become familiar with your local boating laws with regards to children. In Texas - any child under 13 must wear a life jacket anytime the boat is not anchored or tied at dock.

Guides make the new experience of fishing fun and educational, both. In only one trip - you will learn as much as it would normally take you two years to learn on your own. Hint: Bring a small pocket tape recorder and when you ask an important question - tape the answer --- then play it back when you get home - and you'll always have great information available. It's easy to forget exactly what a guide said a year or more ago.

In case you forget tips between fishing trips.You can also go to my website (http://www.kathymagers.com/ ) and click on Kids & Teens - then search the archived articles for "Taking Kids Fishing." There are many good tips for kids there.

Finally – remember that youth who have fishing poles in their hands seldom have time to get into trouble. And also remember that what matters most, isn't the size or number of fish that you catch - but the memories you make. Good Fishing ----

WBT Pro Angler, Linda Redford Discusses Her Mentors

2008-09-04T12:27:00.000-07:00

MO Pro Linda Redford's father and both grandfathers were fishing guides and mentors

by Linda Redford

As long as I can remember, I have been fishing. It started when my father, Bernard "Pete" Peterson hauled me around on his back while wading in Long Creek, which is now a major tributary of Table Rock Lake in the Ozark Hills of Missouri. I was 3 years old and he would carry me on his back while he waded the creek and fished. Dad had his old Marine Corp bag over his shoulder filled with hooks, sinkers, wooden top waters, a can of grasshoppers, and a couple of candy bars.

Tied on a belt loop was a minnow bucket full of minnows, crawdads, and hellgrammites (the larva of the Dobson fly). We would catch goggle-eye (rock bass), catfish, and bass and put them on a stringer tied to another belt loop. Things really got exciting when an occasional snake would swim up and hang onto one of the stringered fish.

My father and both of my grandfathers were fishing guides on the White River chain. So fishing was a tradition in my family. They fished even when they weren't guiding and I often tagged along. If they were guiding, that meant I had to stay home. I didn’t have any brothers or sisters so I didn’t have anyone to play with. Mom would usually have some peas for me to hull, green beans to break or some sort of other garden related job for me. Of course, I would have rather been fishing with dad and grandpa.

Somehow, there was always time for me to take my old rod and reel (named "Zizzer" due to the noise it made when I cast it) out in the back yard and practice casting. I would set a Folgers's coffee can in the yard and tie a big sinker on the line and practice trying to cast the sinker into the coffee can.

I was really practicing for a contest. Each year the local Sportsman's Association had a fish fry and casting contest at the old Kimberling homestead next to the Kimberling Bridge on the White River. A large tractor tire was filled with sand and a distance was measure and a line drawn where you would stand to cast.

There were entry categories for men, women, and boys. I was the only girl that wanted to enter, so I had to enter in the women's category. I was so excited, because I knew if I could cast the sinker into a coffee can every time, that big old tractor tire would not be a problem. Sure enough, finally it was my turn and my cast landed right in the middle of the tire. An 8-year-old girl had beaten all the women in the contest. I was presented with a big brown/tan tackle box filled with all the lures I had always wanted.

My father guided for the legendary Bill Rogers from the Kimberling Bridge on the White River. Dad was one of the first guides on Table Rock Lake after the White River was dammed, working out of Baxter and Highway 13 boat docks. I always loved to play on the docks and fish for those large carp that stayed under them.

When we went fishing in those days we almost always used live bait. One day my father guided some people from Kansas City and they brought a big sack of plastic worms and gave them to him. It was about the time the Creme purple worm came out.

We went fishing shortly after that and he said, "Today, I'm going to show you how to use a plastic worm". I said, "No fish in it's right mind would bite this old rubber worm, just give me a crawdad."

I didn't want to try the rubber worm, but he insisted and showed me how to rig and fish it. Before the day was over, I had caught several fish, including a 6-pound largemouth bass and a 6-pound walleye. I decided, "Yeah, these fish are dumber than I thought if they'll bite a rubber worm." Fishing a plastic worm was a whole lot easier than chasing grasshoppers or getting pinched by crawdads.

Those days are only memories now and fishing has changed. I have taken what Dad taught me and expanded on it. Now I'm the fishing guide and a professional fisherman on the Women's Bassmaster Tour (WBT.)

When Dad started guiding, all that was needed was a home made Jon boat and a paddle. Later came the 16-foot Richline aluminum boats with 25 to 40 horsepower motors and hand held electric tolling motors. Today I guide and fish out of a 520 Ranger Comanche loaded with all the latest equipment including a 225 hp Mercury Opti Max and a foot controlled Motorguide trolling motor.

Back then if you were lucky enough to have a Jon boat and some knowledge of fishing you were a guide. Today to be a guide on Table Rock Lake a U.S Coast Guard permit is required. Schooling is necessary to be able to pass a 3 phase written test given by a U.S. Coast Guard official from Saint Louis, Missouri. A medical examination is required including a vision, hearing, and drug testing. Licenses are renewed every 5 years with periodic drug testing.

I enjoy guiding people who have never been fishing before, especially the one's who have never caught a fish. There is something special about catching that first fish; people always remember it. I guide many of the same people several times a year. During the holidays, I get many Christmas cards from them, telling me how much they enjoyed their fishing trips and how they are looking forward to returning. .

The really neat thing about my guiding on Table Rock Lake is that after all these years, I still meet people on the lake that Dad guided 40 years ago. They say, “You're Pete’s daughter, that little black headed girl with the pony tail who was always on the boat dock."

"Oh yeah, that's me" I'll say. They reply, "It's great to see you are still here fishing all his favorite fishing holes." They always ask about Dad and want me to tell him hello. When I do, he remembers them and always has a memorable story about them to tell me."

Guiding is more than simply taking people to fish. It is letting them experience first-hand, the beauty of the outdoors and helping them create memories that will last a lifetime. Each day we have is a blessed gift from God just waiting to unfold the adventure of a lifetime. Why don't you grab a fishing partner and make some memories? You'll be glad you did.

Taking Memorable Fishing Photos

2008-09-03T08:19:00.000-07:00

Best Shots Are Not Posed

Story and Photo By Kathy Magers

Magazine editors call them "grip and grin" shots - the ones of anglers gripping a fish and grinning at the camera. They're normally a dime a dozen and nothing gets boring faster in a magazine than these shots.

So editors ask photographers to take pictures from different angles - not always head on - but sometimes get lower or higher and snap a shot. This creates unique photos -such as the one accompanying this article.

My grand daughter, Miss Priss - who was usually found in my closet digging through my jewelry box and high heels to play dress up - was this day, actually insisting that she could take the bream off the hook herself, no help needed from Grandma.

So I gave her a chance and while she figited with the tiny bream, I stood overhead taking photos. To no surprise, of all the shots I got that day - these showing her hands but no face tunred out favorites.

Most adults will also stop taking a picture if a child begins to frown or cry for any reason - but don't! Take it anyway - these turn out to be the most priceless. Anyone can stand and pose with a "1-2-3- cheese!" grin. But the real memory of the day comes years later when you see a frowning child, frustrated by being told "it's time to go." Or pouting because a passing duck snuck up and ate his/her cookie.

To take professional type photos,look through your camera viewfinder and move forward toward the subject until what you see is exactly what you would want to frame and hang on your wall. Standing too far back makes the subject so small they can't be seen. Close ups are great. It's called "fill-the-frame."

With children, you might also get down on the same level with them - eye-to-eye to snap photos. Or get beneath or above them for a different perspective. A child's face framed by a solid blue sky can be striking.

Color also makes a photo. Imagine if a person wearing a baby blue T-shirt and shorts is fishing in baby bluye water against a baby blue sky. The monotone photo would be dull. But a red visor or hat would absolutely "pop" the photo and make it eye-catching.

So consider these tips in making all your family fishing photos more meaningful and memorable - and even more professional, too!

Say cheese!

Put ’em Back Alive!

2008-09-03T08:06:00.000-07:00

The Case for Better Catch and Release Methods

By Danny Suggs

Next time you’re on the water, watch a group of anglers, especially the youngsters. Notice their natural impulse when they bring in a fish. They’ll reel it in, hold it aloft, smile and laugh, then almost automatically, toss it back.

That’s amazing when you consider that just 20 to 25 years ago, the concept of “letting them go” at best raised eyebrows, and at worst, prompted a good tongue lashing. Catch and release has come a long way.

I love catch and release. Not being a big fish eater myself, the fun of fishing for me is in the catching, plus there’s the satisfaction in knowing that someone else can tussle with my releases another day.

With added fishing pressure hitting the water every year, lake associations, the general angling public, fisheries departments, and the tournament community all are demanding more respect for conserving our fisheries.

Study conclusions vary dramatically over how many fish die as a result of poor handling and release, but clearly, it’s an area receiving more attention.

As a pro angler, I believe tournaments have done an awesome job of showing the public how to catch fish, but we tournament guys could probably do a better job at demonstrating the best way to release fish.

Even though I’m exclusively a catch and release guy, my live well often contains fish. There are some legitimate reasons for placing fish in a livewell, even if you don’t intend to keep them.

For example, when I find a hot little honey hole, I’ll sometimes place the first couple fish I catch into the live well to avoid educating other fish. No, fish can’t talk, but they somehow communicate that my wacky rig is dangerous.

Think I’m crazy? Watch your electronics next time you’re on a nice school. You’ll catch a couple fish, throw ’em back, then the bite will stop. Yet you’re still marking fish!
That’s happened to you, hasn’t it? Next time, place the first couple in the live well, and see if you can extend that bite. Trust me, it will.

Of course, tournament anglers often keep fish temporarily in their live wells during events. These fish ultimately will be released, but we owe it to our sport, and the fish, to release them as healthful as possible.

Enter the Oxygenator, from Aqua Innovations. This revolutionary piece of equipment helps ensure that fish leaving your live well return to the lake in tip-top condition.

When you haul a bucket mouth, or any species, out of the water, he’s exhausted. Who wouldn’t be after being dragged out of their home by their mouth?

Though I’m confident enough in my handling of fish that the fish survive release, I figure I’ll boost its odds by placing them in a live well containing the Oxygenator. Lake and river water typically ranges about 21 percent dissolved oxygen. With the Oxygenator, your live well can contain between 80 and 98 percent oxygen, regardless of temperature.

The device accomplishes that feat through its remarkable design, which splits the water molecule into its two basic components — hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen harmlessly dissipates into the air, while the nanobubbles of oxygen saturate the surrounding water in your live well.
With that kind of oxygen available, fish revive from their angling struggle in mere seconds. Fish a spot, place a couple of eager biters in your Oxygenator-containing live well, and before you head out, release them. You’ll be amazed at how fresh and lively those fish return to the water.

It works at keeping your live bait healthy, too. Just drop your entire minnow bucket into the live well, and your minnows will benefit from that surplus oxygen. No more dead minnows after 60 minutes on the water, in any weather.

Now let’s talk proper release methods. I hate those TV fishing shows where the host flings the bass, walleye, or whatever back into the water 30 feet from the boat. Belly flops hurt fish, too.

Handle your fish delicately. Instead of throwing them into the water, kneel down and gentle lower them into the water and release.
Bass are a little more resilient than walleyes, but still deserve a little TLC. For instance, when lipping bass, especially big ones, support that belly underneath. When you lip a bigger fish, it places a lot of stress on the jaw.

You know the other basic rules. Keep your hands wet to help protect the slime layer on that fish when you’re handling them. And get them back into the water or your live well as quickly as possible.

I’ll leave you with one final tip. If your game plan begins with working fish in the warm shallows, say bass in the slop, stop first in the deeper, colder main lake water to fill your live well. Then put the live well into recirculate mode when fishing those warmer shallows.

That colder water will retain oxygen better, so — combined with the Aqua Innovations Oxygenator — it ensures a constant environment of cold, well-oxygenated live well water, even when you’re fishing over a warm water area.

That means fish in tip-top shape when you release ’em, and more aggressive bass for your next outing!

More Than Just a Pillow Under Your Head

2008-08-28T15:44:00.000-07:00

Lodging For Touring Pros / Boaters

By
Kathy Magers

Major Hotel Chains like Quality, Microtel, and Rodeway (all Inn & Suites) are reaching out to accommodate boating guests more than ever before. When the average traveler pulls into a hotel, all they want is to grab a clean, safe room and get a good night’s sleep. Their main considerations are little more than finding easy fuel and food.

But for the touring bass professional with a boat full of expensive “tools of the trade,” who often stays 3-10 days at a time, it’s a very different story. Touring pros need special lodging facilities where their needs are recognized and provided. And it’s the wise hotel that accommodates them.

Long ago, luring fishermen with boats was not exactly the main goal of major hotel chains. Instead, boaters stayed at local motels, state parks, marina cabins or camped out. But with the dawning of professional bass tournaments, anglers on the road have become a target market for many of today’s largest hotel chains.

One such group is Quality Inn & Suites, Microtel Inn & Suites and Rodeway Inn & Suites in Bossier City, LA. Shreveport / Bossier City is the site of the 2009 Bassmasster Classic on the nearby Red River, a liquid dividing line between “Bossier” and Shreveport.

Jeff Rogers is President of Southern Host Hospitality (SHH) the hotel management corporation for multiple well-known lodging brands such as Quality, Microtel, Rodeway, Best Western, Comfort Suites and Holiday Inn Express (all “Inn & Suites”.) He understands the tournament market well. When boat owners drive past his hotel with boat in tow, Rogers both wants and welcomes their business. And he often gets it - because his corporation reaches a little farther than some of their competition.

“We installed 12 outdoor electrical plugs at each hotel for guests to charge their boat batteries. We put these plugs at the ends of the buildings because we knew boaters needed to have easy access to them from their rooms,” says Rogers. “We cater to the fact that boaters need to be downstairs. That’s hard to do since, most Bossier hotels have inside corridors (which is what we have) but putting the outlets at the end of the building, opens up at least ten downstairs rooms in each hotel. And we try to put these guests in rooms on the back side with windows overlooking the parking lot so they can see their boats at all times.”

When it comes to hotel / motel security, consider the advice of Robin Babb, a former threat assessment professional and stalking expert who just happened to be a professional angler on the Women's Bassmaster Tour. Babb offers advice for touring pros looking for the right room: “At a minimum, the location should offer 24-hour lobby reception, security camera monitors, well-lighted parking area, doors with a deadbolt or door knob lock, plus a chain or swing-arm locking mechanism and peep hole. Also, it is a plus if the location offers night security patrol."

Joanna Wilson- Southern Host Hospitality’s Regional Sales & Marketing Director says, “We have 24-hour security – our managers live on property. We have security cameras and inside corridors, which provide more personal guest safety. Policemen continually travel the hotels here, making parking lots more secure. We’ve been able to enjoy the fruits of making the Red River navigable for port and casinos – and since then, it also lured a lot of fishing tournaments here. Growth of the river gave more publicity to other interests in the area,” she says. “Just overnight, it became known as a wonder tournament spot.”

More fishing tournaments mean more hotel business for Shreveport and Bossier City – a welcome sight - unlike years past when tournament anglers were not considered a major target. But today, this market in cities that host major tournaments, is considered a valuable one.

“Established tournament trails are desirable because they can provide economic impact in excess of a million dollars per event” says Mary Ann Tice, Executive Director and CAO of the Shreveport Regional Sports Authority, an economic development corporation that secures sports tourism for it’s economic impact.

"Following the first bass event we hosted, the 1997 BASS Federation Championship," adds Tice, "we rapidly recognized the potential for bass fishing and the Red River became our primary venue. That first BASS tournament on the Red River basically opened the area to bass fishing. B.A.S.S. ushered the advent of televised bass fishing along with corresponding print media – B.A.S.S. caused the explosion and we ‘poised to reap the benefits.’ Bass fishing ranks very high as a preferred sports tourism event for us to host.”

For more information on hotel accommodations and rates during your next Red River fishing trip or Next Year's Bassmaster Classic, ( Feb. 20-22, 2009) contact Quality Inn & Suites at 318) 742-7890, Microtel Inn & Suites 318) 742-7882 and Rodeway Inn & Suites at 318 747-2400. All are located on exit 22 – (Airline Drive) in Bossier City.

TOP TEN INSURANCE CLAIMS FOR PONTOONS

2008-08-28T14:40:00.000-07:00

BoatUS Looks at the Claims Files

ALEXANDRIA, VA, August 25, 2008 - Seaworthy, the newsletter from BoatU.S. that helps boaters and anglers prevent damage to their vessels and injuries, has looked into the causes of insurance claims for pontoon boats.

Unlike the average fiberglass runabout, a pontoon boat's aluminum construction and log hull forms set it apart in both on-the-water handling and maintenance. "These spacious boats make great platforms for tubing, fishing, or just gunkholing. However, owners need to be aware of certain safety and maintenance issues unique to these vessels," said Seaworthy Editor Bob Adriance.

After reviewing the BoatU.S. claims files, here are ten recurring items that most often lead to trouble:

1. Anode awareness: Galvanic corrosion, which occurs when dissimilar metals are in contact with an electrolyte such as salt water, can quickly destroy aluminum. And unfortunately, most insurance policies don't cover this damage. In salty, brackish and even freshwater, aluminum sacrificial anodes are best as they outlast other alloys. Outboard engine zincs also need replacement if they have deteriorated to less than half their original size.

2. Get Wired: In order to protect the boat and engine, the pontoon needs to be electrically connected to the pontoon's engine via a ground wire. If not, galvanic corrosion can set in.

3. Avoid the "pits": Pontoon logs that sit on muddy lake bottoms during low water can become pitted with corrosion. This occurs because the mud prevents dissolved oxygen in the water from making contact with the aluminum, which relies on an oxidized layer or "skin" for corrosion protection. Consider pulling or moving the boat if water levels drop.

4. Don't "plow" ahead: When seas build, pontoons have a tendency to plow into waves, which can lead to a significant amount of water over the deck. Pontoons are also challenging to handle in following seas. If you can't avoid rough weather, slow way down and trim weight aft.

5. Passenger injuries: One big difference with pontoon boats is that they don't bank in turns, which can lead to injuries when passengers are thrown to the deck or even overboard in a hard turn. Large wakes from passing vessels can nearly stop a pontoon if taken improperly. Passengers should always remain seated while underway.

6. Watch out for windage: Another reason to slow way down in heavy weather is the increased windage from a pontoon's large bimini top. Never trailer a pontoon without removing the bimini.

7. Don't Under-size-me: The normally benign wind conditions on many small lakes and rivers can also lull pontoon owners into using undersized dock lines and too few fenders. Since many pontoon boats don't have rub rails, damage can occur quickly during summer thunderstorms.

8. Swimmers take care: Because they make great swim platforms, pontoons are involved in a fair share of swimming injuries, often diving related. If you're going swimming, it's safest to enter the water via a ladder - not head first.

9. Grand theft pontoon: No, it's not a new video game. Because it's difficult to hide or secure expensive gear on a pontoon, things like chartplotters and iPods should be removed at the end of the day.

10. Four-legged vandals: Raccoons, muskrats and their furry brethren enjoy upholstery and wiring like a vegetarian at a salad bar. There's no simple solution to keeping critters off the boat, but reducing fish or food smells by washing it down, or using commercially available repellants such as fox urine, have been known to help.

BoatU.S. - Boat Owners Association of The United States - is the nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its 650,000 members with a wide array of consumer services including a marine insurance. For more information or for a free quote, call 800-283-2883.

MoGills To Sponsor Women’s Bassmaster Tour

2008-08-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

March 12, 2008

Celebration, Fla. -- MoGills, Inc. manufacturer of apparel for anglers, and BASS, the worldwide authority on bass fishing, announced an agreement Wednesday that McGills has become an official apparel of the Women's Bassmaster Tour presented by Academy Sports & Outdoors.

MoGills, based in Cocoa, Fla. and dedicated to outfitting female anglers with cutting-edge apparel and accessories, will serve as a promotional sponsor for the WBT.

"We at MoGills are absolutely thrilled to be a part of the WBT as these wonderfully talented women make history in fishing," said Linda Lanier, vice president of MoGills. "Being part of the WBT is both an honor and a challenge as a young company, and we look forward to helping grow the WBT this year through our Freshwater Chic clothing."

As part of the agreement, MoGills will be represented daily at WBT tournaments, with logos on the weigh-in stage and opportunity for promotions and hospitality at all WBT events, and will have a presence across BASS' multimedia platforms, including in Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Bassmaster.com.

"Bass is thrilled to have MoGills join the Women's Bassmaster Tour as a new sponsor," WBT Director Bruce Mathis said. "We appreciate that MoGills realizes the value of brand-loyal BASS members and the continuing growth of the Women's Bassmaster Tour."

Sponsors for the Women's Bassmaster Tour include Academy Sports & Outdoors, Toyota Tundra, Advance Auto Parts, Lowrance, Mercury, Skeeter, Yamaha, OPTIMA Batteries, Triton Boats, Legand Boats, MoGills and Mustang.

Budweiser ShareLunker: Falcon, Fork Send Lunkers to Athens

2008-08-28T13:35:00.000-07:00

Pamela Plummer caught her

Budweiser ShareLunker off a

dock on Lake Fork. The fish

weighed 13.11 pounds and was

25.5 inches long and 22 inches in girth

ATHENS, Texas—

Saturday evening Pamela Plummer of Fort Worth was fishing in seven feet of water off a dock on Lake Fork when her ZOOM watermelon red plastic worm got hung up in some vegetation—or so she thought.

“Then my pole bent, and I realized I had a fish,” she said. “It jumped and I realized I had a big fish. It jumped three times before I got it in. My husband almost had a heart attack.”

Plummer’s fish weighed 13.11 pounds and was 25.5 inches long and 22 inches in girth.

The Budweiser ShareLunker program is made possible through support from Anheuser-Busch, Inc. Since 1991, Anheuser-Busch, in partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, has contributed millions of dollars in funding to support conservation causes and fishing, hunting and outdoor recreation programs in Texas.

Anglers Willing to Take Action to Protect Favorite Fishing Spots

2008-08-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

From Southwick Associates

June 3, 2008

An overwhelming majority of anglers would take positive, preventive action if one of their favorite fishing spots were threatened with government closure, according to a recent survey.

In the May 2008 survey of 2,017 anglers, nearly all said they would take action if they learned that a government entity was considering closing one of their favorite fishing spots. A mere 0.02% responded that they would do nothing, either because they do not have enough time or because the threatened closure is not important to them.

Of the possible actions listed in the survey, the largest number of anglers (77%) stated they would e-mail their state or federal legislative representatives to protest the threatened closure. A further 49% said they would write a letter to their state or federal representatives, while 44% said they would telephone their representatives.

In other possible actions named in the survey, 33% of anglers said they would be willing to join organized demonstrations and protests. Another 29% stated they would write letters to newspaper editors, and 22% said they would visit fishing clubs to find out how they could be involved in stopping the closure. Slightly more than 21% stated that they would take other actions not listed in the survey.

From the survey results, it appears clear that the vast majority of anglers are willing to take action to prevent the loss of favorite fishing spots. However, according to Rob Southwick of AnglerSurvey.com, “In some past fishing closure issues, many anglers, though willing, did not take action. Either they did not know who to contact or felt their voice would not be heard. As with any political issue, people need help and encouragement if they are to invest time and become involved.”

Launched in 2006, AnglerSurvey.com helps the outdoor equipment industry, government fisheries officials, and conservation organizations track consumer activities and expenditure trends. The results are scientifically analyzed to reflect all U.S. anglers. For more information, contact Rob Southwick at 904-277-9765.

TOP TEN REASONS FOR PONTOON BOAT INSURANCE CLAIMS

2008-08-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

BoatU.S. Looks at the Claims Files

Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304

ALEXANDRIA, VA, August 25, 2008 - Seaworthy, the newsletter from BoatU.S. that helps boaters and anglers prevent damage to their vessels and injuries, has looked into the causes of insurance claims for pontoon boats.

Unlike the average fiberglass runabout, a pontoon boat's aluminum construction and log hull forms set it apart in both on-the-water handling and maintenance. "These spacious boats make great platforms for tubing, fishing, or just gunkholing. However, owners need to be aware of certain safety and maintenance issues unique to these vessels," said Seaworthy Editor Bob Adriance.

After reviewing the BoatU.S. claims files, here are ten recurring items that most often lead to trouble:

1. Anode awareness: Galvanic corrosion, which occurs when dissimilar metals are in contact with an electrolyte such as salt water, can quickly destroy aluminum. And unfortunately, most insurance policies don't cover this damage. In salty, brackish and even freshwater, aluminum sacrificial anodes are best as they outlast other alloys. Outboard engine zincs also need replacement if they have deteriorated to less than half their original size.

2. Get Wired: In order to protect the boat and engine, the pontoon needs to be electrically connected to the pontoon's engine via a ground wire. If not, galvanic corrosion can set in.

3. Avoid the "pits": Pontoon logs that sit on muddy lake bottoms during low water can become pitted with corrosion. This occurs because the mud prevents dissolved oxygen in the water from making contact with the aluminum, which relies on an oxidized layer or "skin" for corrosion protection. Consider pulling or moving the boat if water levels drop.

4. Don't "plow" ahead: When seas build, pontoons have a tendency to plow into waves, which can lead to a significant amount of water over the deck. Pontoons are also challenging to handle in following seas. If you can't avoid rough weather, slow way down and trim weight aft.

5. Passenger injuries: One big difference with pontoon boats is that they don't bank in turns, which can lead to injuries when passengers are thrown to the deck or even overboard in a hard turn. Large wakes from passing vessels can nearly stop a pontoon if taken improperly. Passengers should always remain seated while underway.

6. Watch out for windage: Another reason to slow way down in heavy weather is the increased windage from a pontoon's large bimini top. Never trailer a pontoon without removing the bimini.

7. Don't Under-size-me: The normally benign wind conditions on many small lakes and rivers can also lull pontoon owners into using undersized dock lines and too few fenders. Since many pontoon boats don't have rub rails, damage can occur quickly during summer thunderstorms.

8. Swimmers take care: Because they make great swim platforms, pontoons are involved in a fair share of swimming injuries, often diving related. If you're going swimming, it's safest to enter the water via a ladder - not head first.

9. Grand theft pontoon: No, it's not a new video game. Because it's difficult to hide or secure expensive gear on a pontoon, things like chartplotters and iPods should be removed at the end of the day.

10. Four-legged vandals: Raccoons, muskrats and their furry brethren enjoy upholstery and wiring like a vegetarian at a salad bar. There's no simple solution to keeping critters off the boat, but reducing fish or food smells by washing it down, or using commercially available repellants such as fox urine, have been known to help.

BoatU.S. - Boat Owners Association of The United States - is the nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its 650,000 members with a wide array of consumer services including a marine insurance. For more information or for a free quote, call 800-283-2883.

Bassmaster Juniors and Pros Paired for New York

2008-08-18T12:53:00.001-07:00

2008 Junior Bassmaster World Championship Pairs Youth with Bassmaster Elite Series Pros on New York's Onondaga Lake

As the 2008 Bassmaster Elite Series season comes to a close with the climactic Trail to the Trophy and the crowning of the 2008 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year at this week’s Champion’s Choice on Oneida Lake out of Syracuse, N.Y., one more round of thrills will be added to the tournament mix as the Junior Bassmaster World Championship takes place Sunday, Aug. 10, just down the road at Onondaga Lake out of Liverpool, N.Y.
On Friday, Aug. 8, at 8 p.m. ET, kids from two divisions of junior anglers will be paired with Elite Series pros at the Bassmaster Elite Series weigh-in stage at Oneida Shores County Park in Syracuse. The teams will then spend a day having fun on the water and practicing Saturday, Aug. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Ninety-three junior anglers will compete in the World Championship in two age groups: 11-14 and 15-18. Along with the amazing experience of being able to fish with a professional, the junior anglers will compete for a piece of a scholarship prize pool totaling $23,000.
In 2007, South Africa’s Jeffrey Toplis, 14, and Kentucky’s Kalem Tippett, 17, persevered through chilly temperatures and gusting winds on Alabama's Logan Martin Lake to win the fourth annual Junior World Bassmaster Championship in their respective age divisions.
Onondaga Lake is located on the outskirts of Syracuse, N.Y., and is 5 miles long and 1 mile wide. Just south of Lake Ontario, Onondaga has an area of 4.6 square miles and plenty of smallmouth bass for the taking. Many locals consider the lake a secret “hot spot.”
Fourteen-year-old Junior Bassmaster World Championship competitor Justin Rollans of Little Rock, Ark., fished the lake in June.
“I hope to have very good results,” Rollans said. “I’m hoping to get my limit on the smallmouth in the morning and then later on in the afternoon find some largemouth to increase my weight.”
Rollans’ strategy will be to use worms in the morning and then change to jigs in the afternoon.
Rollans isn’t the only junior angler with a carefully crafted plan for the championship – 16-year-old Christian Johnson of Iron Station, N.C., said he’ll use a jig or something slow, and promises that he’ll be “going for the largemouth!”
What Johnson and the rest of the field are most looking forward to, however, is the experience. Johnson has been fishing for seven years and said he can’t wait to just take in the 2008 Junior Bassmaster World Championship.
“I’m excited to fish with an Elite pro,” Johnson said. “It’s just a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
About BASSFor 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multi-media platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive Web properties in Bassmaster.com and ESPNOutdoors.com, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content – from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage – to passionate audiences.The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail, which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Women’s Bassmaster Tour and the Bassmaster Classic, the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS sanctions more than 20,000 events annually.BASS also offers an array of services to its more than 525,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.-30-Media contact: Doug Grassian, (407) 566-2216 or doug.grassian@espn.com or Anthony Bartkowski, (407) 566-2135 or anthony.a.bartkowski@espn.com Age group: 11-14
Josh Abernathy, Estacada, Ore.
Wesley Allensworth, Hannibal, Mo.
Cole Bowen, Colony, Kan.
Drew Brantley, Gaston, S.C.
Max Brovarney, Wauwatosa, Wis.
William Brown, Wetumpka, Ala.
Nick Deering, Portland, Maine
Dean DeWet, Kirstenhof, South Africa
Nicky Diamandas, Oak Ridge, N.J.
Nick Dietrich, Fork, Md.
Ryan Edwards, Stuart, Fla.
Brett Ellis, Hattiesburg, Miss.
Alec Engleman, Milton, Pa.
Michael Evers, Innisfil, Ontario, Canada
Chase Frechette, Flushing, Mich.
Garath Fulks, San Angelo, Texas
Hunter Gaines, Wittman, Ariz.
Noah Garnica, Potomac, Ill.
Bryan Golding, Pleasant Valley, N.Y.
Justin Isaacs, Moorseville, N.C.
Dakota Jones, Mead, Wash.
Robert Jones, Battle Mountain, Nev.
Lane Kemper, Olive Branch, Miss.
Logan Latuso, Gonzales, La.
Jacob Lorea, Magnolia, Del.
Jordan McMorris, Bloomfield, N.M.
Brody McWilliams, Greenwood, Ind.
Ryan Mezenen, Clinton, Utah
Dakota Nelson, Anamosa, Iowa
Blaine Newman, Kalispell, Mont.
Chris Pottts, Carmichael, Calif.
Dylan Pounds, Houston, W.Va.
Dylan Ralph, Thornton, Colo.
Jared Raymer, Brandenburg, Ky.
Travis Rockett, Intervale, N.H.
Justin Rollans, Little Rock, Ariz.
Zach Rubendall, Sioux Falls, S.D.
Brad Schaefer, Omaha, Neb.
Lowell Turner, Bradford, R.I.
Richard Vespa, Millis, Mass.
Mitchell Willis, Lincoln, Va.
Benjamin Winge, Chaska, Minn.
Zach Zeno, Southbury, Conn.
Age group: 15-18
Zach Alexander, Salt Lake City, Utah
Chaz Antos, Wickenburg, Ariz.
Joshua Bender, Lakewood, Colo.
Bryce Breslin, Dunedin, Fla.
Zach Brooks, St. Joseph, Ill.
Sam Chavez-Strickler, Castleford, Idaho
Seth Davis, Decatur, Tenn.
Jordan Decker, Clarkson, Ky.
Tyler Dennis, Shawnee, Okla.
William Dionisio, New Fairfield, Conn.
Jacob Dugan, Townsend, Del.
Charl Engelbrecht, Auckland Park, South Africa
Blake Gillispie, Cascade, Va.
Brett Glodfelter, Nescopeck, Pa.
Jordan Graham, Center Point, Iowa
Matthew Gray, Bryant, Ark.
Justin Hamner, Northport, Ala.
Kyle Harrigan, Bradley Beach, N.J.
Daniel Hoffman, Chester, N.Y.
Ryan Jimenez, Elko, Nev.
Christopher Johnson, Ocean Springs, Miss.
Christian Johnson, Iron Station, N.C.
Frank King, Summerville, S.C.
Nate King, Dayton, Maine
Derek Kuntz, Inver Grove Heights, Minn.
Eddie Levin, Westerville, Ohio
Steven Littlefield, Abington, Mass.
Andrew Loberg, Rocklin, Calif.
Douglas McClung, Gramercy, La.
Colt McMahan, Tecumseh, Okla.
Sam Nelson, Hutchinson, Kan.
John Newman, Oregon City, Ore.
Colton Nichols, Howard, Ohio
Joseph Parker, Commerce Township, Mich.
Matt Peed, Tyndall, S.D.
Aaron Pounds, Houston, W.Va.
Jacob Pyzer, North Platte, Neb.
Robert Rahm, Bloomfield, N.M.
James Richardson, Alton, N.H.
Ryan Rogers, Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada
Brad Rutherford, Lavonia, Ga.
Branson Schmidt, Greenacres, Wash.
Benjamin Sharpton, Hartwell, Ga.
Halden Smith, Missoula, Mont.
William Staley, Smithsburg, Md.
Austin Terry, San Angelo, Texas
Daniel Tuite, Pawtucket, R.I.
John Weber, Hampshire, Ill.
Jacob Wheeler, Indianapolis, Ind.
Dalton Wilson, Houston, Mo.

Midsummer Boat Maintenance Tips

2008-08-06T10:21:00.000-07:00

MIDSUMMER BOAT MAINTENANCE TIPS FROM BOATU.S.

ALEXANDRIA, VA, August 6, 2008 - Seaworthy, the newsletter from BoatU.S. that helps boaters and anglers prevent damage to their vessels, recently looked into some of the more common reasons for on-the-water boat troubles that occur mid-season.

"Preventive maintenance will help you avoid the headaches and keep your crew or fishing buddies comfortable and safe," says Seaworthy Editor Bob Adriance. "So going over the boat's systems in the spring is very important. But now after a couple months of use, it's time to look at things again.

A midsummer check-up will ensure you make it back to home port without a problem."Here are some midsummer maintenance tips for both power and sailboats:·

Through-hulls: Make a thorough check around any below-the-waterline hole or opening. Check all through-hulls for leaks and cycle seacocks to ensure they close properly. If it's hard to move the handle, make a note to service it next time the boat is out of the water.

Any hose clamps should be tight and hose ends secure. A bilge pump cycle counter is a simple upgrade and the best early warning system that unwanted water is coming aboard.

· Engine belts: For inboard engines, look in areas near the belts checking for evidence of black dust - a sure sign that engine pulleys need to be realigned and the belt replaced. Push on the longest run of the belt - it should not deflect more than one half inch.

· Engine hoses: Squeeze coolant and fuel hoses with your hands, looking for softness, cracks or bulges. Replace any that are suspect. Wiggle the ends to ensure they are secure and inspect for any possible chafing issues in the engine compartment.

· Sterndrives: Inspect the folds in the bellows and replace if they show signs of cracking.
· Sacrificial zincs and anodes: A wasted zinc is a sure sign of trouble, possibly stray current at the dock. Ensure all zincs are no less than half gone - and replace them now if they are.

· Control cables: Look for chafe, splits or swelling of the plastic jacket - a sure sign the cable needs replacement.

· Outboard engine mounts: Smaller engines can sometimes vibrate loose, so re-tighten clamps and ensure the cut-off switch is operable.

· Hydraulic steering system and trim tabs: Ensure reservoirs are full. If you have to add fluid, there is leak that must be fixed immediately.

· Batteries and electrical system: Dead batteries are often nothing more than corroded connections - sandpaper can easily clean them up. With conventional batteries check water levels and add if necessary. Inspect cables and wiring for chafe, especially wherever they may pass through a bulkhead.

· Shorepower cable: Look for burn marks on the plug ends and the connection to the boat. Replace both the plug and receptacle immediately if you find any.

· Head: If your boat has a flushing toilet and its handle is getting hard to operate, you've likely got calcium buildup. Pour a cup of vinegar into bowl pumping only once or twice. Let it sit for one night before flushing with one-fourth cup of mineral oil.

· On deck: Old, stiff, or chafed dock lines should be replaced. Also check anchor line and chain shackles and any splices.

· Sailboats only: Look for any broken strands on standing rigging. You can find them by running a loose rag up the rigging, which will snag on any broken ends. Cracked swages are an indicator for immediate replacement. Contact a rigger if you suspect a problem. Running rigging also needs to be looked at - especially the roller furling line.

· Trailers: Inspect bearings and ensure they are well packed with grease. Hydraulic brake reservoirs should be full. Lastly, check the tires for wear and ensure lugs are tight.

BoatU.S. - Boat Owners Association of The United States - is the nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its 650,000 members with a wide array of consumer services. For membership information call 800-395-2628.

WBT Pro Sheri Glasgow Get's Keys to Toyota.

2008-08-04T15:33:00.000-07:00

TRICK OUT MY TOYOTA

Story Courtesy of ESPN / BASS Communications
Photo By Kathy Magers

Reigning Toyota WBT (Women's Bassmaster Tour) Angler of the Year Sheri Glasgow just picked up her prize, a 2008 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 4x4 Limited with all the extras.

“It is gorgeous, I mean gorgeous. You name it, this truck has it. They let me load it up, and it’s tricked out,” said Glasgow, who earned the vehicle by winning the 2007 AOY title in the Women’s Bassmaster Tour presented by Academy Sports & Outdoors.Toyota of Muskogee — the dealership in her Oklahoma hometown — handed the WBT pro the keys in a ceremony that marked the conclusion of several months of arrangements to build the truck to her specifications.

“The dealership and Toyota did everything they could to get the truck just right,” Glasgow said. “It’s such an unusual truck, the guys at Toyota of Muskogee were as excited as I was to first see it.”The four-door truck has a beige leather interior with ostrich leather insets on the doors, console and headrests, a creation of the custom boot maker Lucchese.

The exterior has a two-tone custom paint job, a combination of “super white” with “desert sand mica” along the bottom. Other extras include 20-inch alloy wheels, matte-black running boards, a backup camera, built-in GPS navigation unit, moonroof, power-adjustable tow mirrors and a sound system with 12 speakers.

Among those on hand to witness the handing over of the keys was 9-year-old fishing fan Riley Hamm, daughter of Toyota of Muskogee’s general manager, Rick Hamm. She had asked her father if she could meet Glasgow and get her autograph.

“He had mentioned that his daughter loves to fish with (Zoom) Brush Hogs in ponds, so I brought her some,” Glasgow said. “I walked in and heard her say, ‘Look, Dad, Brush Hogs!’ and I hadn’t even gotten over to her yet.”

Juniors and Pros Paired for Bassmaster NY Event

2008-08-04T14:48:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 4, 2008
2008 Junior Bassmaster World Championship Pairs Youth with Bassmaster Elite Series Pros on New York's Onondaga Lake

As the 2008 Bassmaster Elite Series season comes to a close with the climactic Trail to the Trophy and the crowning of the 2008 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year at this week’s Champion’s Choice on Oneida Lake out of Syracuse, N.Y., one more round of thrills will be added to the tournament mix as the Junior Bassmaster World Championship takes place Sunday, Aug. 10, just down the road at Onondaga Lake out of Liverpool, N.Y.

On Friday, Aug. 8, at 8 p.m. ET, kids from two divisions of junior anglers will be paired with Elite Series pros at the Bassmaster Elite Series weigh-in stage at Oneida Shores County Park in Syracuse. The teams will then spend a day having fun on the water and practicing Saturday, Aug. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Ninety-three junior anglers will compete in the World Championship in two age groups: 11-14 and 15-18. Along with the amazing experience of being able to fish with a professional, the junior anglers will compete for a piece of a scholarship prize pool totaling $23,000.

In 2007, South Africa’s Jeffrey Toplis, 14, and Kentucky’s Kalem Tippett, 17, persevered through chilly temperatures and gusting winds on Alabama's Logan Martin Lake to win the fourth annual Junior World Bassmaster Championship in their respective age divisions.
Onondaga Lake is located on the outskirts of Syracuse, N.Y., and is 5 miles long and 1 mile wide. Just south of Lake Ontario, Onondaga has an area of 4.6 square miles and plenty of smallmouth bass for the taking. Many locals consider the lake a secret “hot spot.”

Fourteen-year-old Junior Bassmaster World Championship competitor Justin Rollans of Little Rock, Ark., fished the lake in June.

“I hope to have very good results,” Rollans said. “I’m hoping to get my limit on the smallmouth in the morning and then later on in the afternoon find some largemouth to increase my weight.”
Rollans’ strategy will be to use worms in the morning and then change to jigs in the afternoon.
Rollans isn’t the only junior angler with a carefully crafted plan for the championship – 16-year-old Christian Johnson of Iron Station, N.C., said he’ll use a jig or something slow, and promises that he’ll be “going for the largemouth!”

What Johnson and the rest of the field are most looking forward to, however, is the experience. Johnson has been fishing for seven years and said he can’t wait to just take in the 2008 Junior Bassmaster World Championship.

“I’m excited to fish with an Elite pro,” Johnson said. “It’s just a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

About BASSFor 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multi-media platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive Web properties in Bassmaster.com and ESPNOutdoors.com, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content – from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage – to passionate audiences.The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail, which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Women’s Bassmaster Tour and the Bassmaster Classic, the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS sanctions more than 20,000 events annually.BASS also offers an array of services to its more than 525,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.-

2008-06-11T13:21:00.000-07:00

Here is your to ask Kathy about special fishing techniques, lakes, lures, or tips on everything from family fishing to how to get sponsors if you're going pro.

Important Instructions:
To leave Kathy a message, leave a post in the guestbook in the link below. If you do not wish to have your message viewed by anyone but Kathy, be sure to select the "private" box. Otherwise, your message will be viewable to everyone who looks at the guestbook. If you do not wish to disclose your name, simply type "Anonymous" in the name slot. Putting in your emai,l and location are optional, but if you want a response back from Kathy, you will need to add your email address.

Click Here To Send Kathy A Message

2008-06-03T12:54:00.000-07:00

About this site:

Welcome to http//kathymagers.blogspot.com - a fishing blog with something for every angler in the family. From toddlers to touring pros, you'll not only find time-saving, money-saving, fish-catching tips but discover what a "one-size-fits-all sport" fishing really is.

Hosted by Women's National Fishing Champion and double "Hall-of-Famer" Kathy Magers. Kathy's background in fishing:

Career Achievements

‘05 Inductee-Legends of the Outdoors Nat’l Hall of Fame
‘02 Inductee Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame
·Bass’n Gal Women’s National Champion
·*13 Time Classic Qualifier – Consistent Top Money Finisher
·Bass’n Gal Tour Small mouth bass Record Holder – 6lbs. 3 ozs.
·Owner/Editor - Www.KathyMagers.com
·Women's Sport Fishing Foundation:Advisor
·Past TV host of Outdoors USA (TNN) & Fishing Stories (HSE)
·Frequent Radio / TV Guest
·Freelance Outdoor Writer/Photographer & Seminar Speaker
·Patented Lure Designer - “EZ Rig” (licensed to Strike King)
·Texas Parks & Wildlife Certified Boating Safety Instructor

Most Memorable Career Achievements

Instrumental in creation of Women’s Bassmaster Tour, BASS/ESPN
Helping an untold number of women and children learn to fish
Guided President George W. Bush during 6-hour fund raiser
Guided Regis Philbin–taped 6 minute humorous clip fishing with Regis for “Live with Regis & Kathi Lee." Show guest following day.
Interviewed by Paula Zahn on “CBS This Morning”
Filmed with Hall of Fame baseball pitcher Nolan Ryan –FOX Sports
Featured in Book “Reel Women” by Lyla Foggia – Covers women’s contributions to the sport of fishing over the past 500 years.

**Dedicated to Family, Fishing & Boating**