Jocumsen Signs with Rapala for 2021

Rapala® Australia will help Bassmaster Elite Series pro Carl Jocumsen achieve his dream of becoming the first Down Under angler to raise a Bassmaster Classic trophy. The company this month signed its native son to fish Rapala hardbaits in his quest to top the ranks of Bassmaster competition in the U.S.

“We are proud of how hard Carl has worked and how far he has come over the past 10 years in the U.S. and are happy to help him strive to achieve his goal of fishing the Bassmaster Classic,” says Tim Morgan, Rapala Australia National Sales and Brand Manager. “Now that he is using Rapala, I am sure he will achieve the goal even sooner.”

The only Australian to qualify for and compete in the Bassmaster Elite Series in the U.S., Jocumsen remains the all-time tournament-money-earner back home in Australia, despite not having fished a competition there for more than a decade.

Virtual Toronto International Boat Show 2021

Covid 19 has been a death sentence for the trade show industry. Trying to embrace their audience and link protentional customs with the boating and marine industry, some trade shows are gong virtual. 

January 18 to 21, 2021 the Toronto International Boat Show will go live.

• Virtual Exhibitor Spaces – live chat, email, join a video room, schedule a meeting – or just browse
• Great Boat Show Specials – Compare. Shop. Deal
• TIBS Live – Exclusive live content, created just for boaters. And ONLY at the show!
• Get advice from fellow boaters & expert answers to your questions
• Seminars & Workshops
• Contests
• Buy a Boat & Enter to Win $10,000
• Virtual Show Hours: Monday – Friday 11am – 7pm & Saturday & Sunday 9am – 5pm

 Link here to visit

Mark Zona Joins Team Lew's for 2021 and Beyond

As the new year starts, Mark Zona will be featuring Lew's rods and reels on his Mark Zona's Awesome Fishing Show. Since Lew's fishing was acquired by Strike King Lure Company, the move to Lew's from Daiwa is a natural progression of brand family endorsement. 

To hear the news from Mark himself, link over to his Facebook page right here. 

Best Sellers of 2020: Dartspin has a touch of Sébile magic

The success of A Band of Angler’s Dartspin lure brings back fond memories for product designer and company founder Patrick Sébile. 

By Mel Bagnall

Originally posted by Angling International

It is almost a decade ago that he introduced his Magic Swimmer to the market.

Like the Magic Swimmer, the Dartspin (below) is his company’s best selling lure everywhere that ABOA lures are sold around the world. “There are definitely similarities, which is very encouraging,” says Sébile.

The broad appeal of the Dartspin is no accident. With sizes ranging from 2.5in to 7in (with more sizes to come), it can be used to catch a multitude of species, from freshwater trout, perch and pike to seabass, snook and cubera in the salt. “People are catching asp and chub on the 3.5in model, zander and redfish on the 4.5in, bass and calicos on the 5.5in and catfish or white marlin on the 7in,” says Sébile. “Bottom fishing anglers are using it to catch cod in Massachusetts and shallow water anglers are targeting barramundi in Northern Australia. It fits the needs of lure anglers everywhere.”

The Dartspin combines a soft plastic body with a metal tail blade. The body can be rigged almost any way the anglers wants. The tail blade creates a turbulence and flash; and the link between the body and the blade – a Sébile patent – also creates a vibration that adds to the action.

“The Softough material that constitutes the body is not only long lasting but is also eco-friendly,” adds Sébile. “It will breakdown without releasing harmful chemicals. This was one of the main reasons I chose it. Single use soft plastics are more and more of a problem.”

To view more of Angling International link here. 

Randall Tharp Teaches You How To Punch Heavy Matted Grass

MLF Pro and 2013 Forrest Wood Cup Champ Randall Tharp explains how to improve at heavy cover punching. A lot of anglers are beating the cold this winter by hunting big bass in Florida. One of the best techniques is punching and it requires the correct gear. Learn from one of the very best as Tharp explains how to be better at punching.

2021 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk moved to June 11-13, 2021.

Due to the ongoing public health emergency and associated limits on large gatherings, B.A.S.S. officials announced today that the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk and Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo originally scheduled for late March would be moved to June 11-13, 2021. 

“It’s our hope that this delay will allow us to alleviate many of the challenges — including any potential capacity restrictions and travel complications — related to hosting both the tournament and Outdoors Expo in the current pandemic environment,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin. “We look forward to seeing thousands of fans, along with our partners and industry friends, at the 51st Bassmaster Classic. 

“Our team will be working with the Fort Worth Sports Commission and Visit Fort Worth to make this historic trip to Texas an incredible and memorable event.”

B.A.S.S. Chairman Chase Anderson emphasized the importance of cooperation with the city of Fort Worth. “We are so appreciative of Fort Worth officials and our hosts at Visit Fort Worth for working with us during these unprecedented times to reschedule this exciting event and ensure we have an outstanding Classic.”  

For more than 50 years, the iconic Bassmaster Classic has been the premier tournament in sportfishing. Recent Classics held in Birmingham, Ala., and Knoxville, Tenn., have drawn record-breaking crowds of 122,814 and 153,809 fans respectively to Classic Week events, including the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo. 

X Zone Lures Signs Carl Jocumsen

X Zone Lures is pleased to announce that they have added Carl Jocumsen to their pro staff. Starting in January of 2021 Carl Jocumsen will represent X Zone Lures and become a major contributor to bait design and promotion for the premium bait brand. 

Carl Jocumsen says ''One of the very first Smallmouth baits introduced to me in the US was the original Slammer back in 2011, it fast became my confidence dropshot bait since that day. To now be apart of the X-Zone team is super exciting for us as their unique, innovative designs are right on my style. Looking forward to fishing with the entire range, working on new baits and having out best year yet in 2021''

Carl joins fellow X Zone pro staffer – Elite Series Pro, Brandon Palaniuk.

“X Zone Lures is very excited to have Carl on our team” says X Zone Lures owner, Jim Van Ryn. “Carl is one of the most versatile pro anglers today. His great personality, excellent fishing skills and his ability to win on all levels is a credit to him as an angler and to our team. We couldn’t happier to have him with us.”

For more about X Zone Lures, visit their site at www.xzonelures.com

NEW: Raptor + Talon Wireless Stomp Switches

The Raptor and Talon Wireless Stomp Switch allows for hands free control of your Minn Kota shallow water anchor. Control one or two anchors independently or simultaneously. Large target, individually mountable arrow indicators conserve space. Battery removal and installation can be completed without removal of mounting hardware. Requires Talon software version 1.460 or newer, or Raptor software version 1.210 or newer. Update your software at minnkotamotors.com/software.

For more technical support link here

Scott Martin Moves to Skeeter Boats for 2021 BASS Elite Season

After 26 years with Ranger Boats, Scott Martin has moved to Skeeter Boats and Yamaha rig. 

Check out the video for the announcement.