Friday, December 30, 2011

WISHING EVERYONE A GREAT
NEW YEARS
Please don't drink and drive!

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Scott Martin and Okuma Team Up to Win.

Get The Gear. Grab The Deals.
We're celebrating the release of the Okuma tournament platform with exceptional opportunities that begin January 1, 2012.
  • Purchase a new Komodo or Serrano baitcast reel and receive a FREE Okuma die-sublimated tournament jersey by mail, a $69.99 value!
  • Purchase a Helios or saltwater-specific Cedros low-profile baitcast reel and qualify for a $30 cash rebate by mail.
  • Purchase a Citrix and receive a $20 cash rebate by mail.
  • All-new Krios baitcast reels are accompanied by a $10 rebate by mail.
Join Okuma with the most exciting and performance-driven products in the industry!

New Alabama Rig: "The Rig" by Guru Tackle

"The Rig" offers 4 arms to make it legal in Ontario and many other regions.  
Cross Bay Outdoor would like to introduce the first product under the Guru Tackle brand, “The Rig”! Spreader (Umbrella) Rigs like the Alabama Rig have taken the fishing tackle industry by storm. Recent major tournament successes have hurled this relatively simple concept to the forefront.



“The Rig” has been designed to be legal in Ontario with 4 adjustable arms. When armed with swimbaits such as the X Zone Slammers & Fluke-type baits, this outfit closely resembles a school of baitfish swimming through the water! “The Rig” is available with 2 different arm lengths, 5 and 7 inches! “The Rig” comes into the market at the extremely attractive MSRP of $9.99!

Please contact Cross Bay Outdoor Sales Manager, David Chong for dealer pricing and availability date!
Contact Info: 416-993-3477 Dave@UltraTungsten.com

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

2011 FLW Champion Scott Martin Joins Okuma Nation!
Okuma FIshing Tackle is proud to have teamed with FLW Champion Scott Martin, both on tour and within The Scott Martin Challenge television series.
In getting to know Scott, we quickly realized that like Okuma, he shares uncommon enthusiasm for the sport. Sure, he won the FLW Cup in 2011, but rather than talk about himself, Scott's interest is often directed at YouTube videos of exceptional catches by anglers that have never entered a tournament.
It's about the fish. It's about the experience. It's about the energy and excitement of every day with Scott. And that's exactly why there's not another professional angler in the country that we'd rather work with to showcase Okuma designs and technologies.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Doug Brownridge joins the Set The Hook Pro Staff Team

                                                  



Set the Hook is both elated and humbled to be able to announce that
Doug Brownridge will be joining the Set The Hook Pro Staff Team. Doug
is one of the finest anglers in the Country and exemplifies professionalism both on and off the water. For 2012 Doug will be using Set The Hook, Duckett Rods and Lews Reels accompanied by all the products under Set The Hook distribution.

Doug had this to say: "I'm excited about this opportunity! It was a tough decision to leave great companies like St Croix and X Zone but I feel that Set The Hook, Duckett Rods, and Lews Reels will a better fit to my style of angling and help with my quest for a Canadian Open Championship."

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Barry Graves joins the SET THE HOOK TEAM.












“I have known for the past few years about the large number of tournaments being won on Set The Hook baits. It's great to finally partner this rapidly expanding Canadian company and I look forward to their baits giving me an extra edge in the upcoming season.” States Graves

Peter Savoia announces, “We feel Barry brings a great deal of passion and accomplishment to the Set The Hook pro staff team and we are proud to have Barry on our team and look forward to working with him.”

Monday, December 12, 2011

David Chong Makes the Move to Charger Boats

Exclusive Canadian Distributor for Charger, Playcraft, and Hampton Boats, Dale Minicola of Marine Central, announced today that David Chong, the Aurora Ontario tournament pro and fishing personality, has made the move to Charger Boats. “David’s name is synonymous with bass fishing in Ontario. He performs at the elite level, involves himself in community and children’s initiatives, and is a true ambassador to the sport,” states Minicola. Chong will be fishing in the Renegade Bass Tour, CSFL Bassmania, Kingston Canadian Open of Fishing, Berkley B1, and the Simcoe Open – amongst others – in a Charger 797 and Yamaha 250 SHO.

“After running a Ranger for 17 years, my Charger is going to be compared to one of the best makes of bass boats on the market. But after meeting Vice President Joe Dorris, visiting the Charger plant, and test driving various models, I am fully confident that my 797 will live up to my every expectation. Dale Minicola’s drive and commitment to making Charger Boats a success here in Canada is another vital component in my decision to sign with the team. Best of all, Charger Boats have a long standing reputation for being fast, stable, and a great handling boat in big water – of which there is no shortage of up here in Canada,” states Chong.

Among his accomplishments, Chong has 25-plus tournament wins to his name, has been crowned “Angler of the Year” and “Team of the Year” multiple times, and is a published outdoor writer, guide, charity host, and much sought after seminar presenter.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Christmas Party, Alabama Rig, Jika Rig and HAVOC

Its been a super busy week. I cannot believe I have not had time to write. Last weekend, I attended the annual Ontario Chinese Anglers Association Christmas dinner. This is one of the best fishing clubs I have ever known. They do everything well. Everything from holding tournaments, seminars with great guest speakers, conservation, influence fishery policies, etc, etc. As a whole, they have improved fishing and fishing values not only for the Chinese community in Markham and Toronto but for the whole province.

This dinner has now turned into a who's-who of big shots in the community. In the past and again on last Saturday, members from the provincial and municipal governments plus key members of fishing industry and celebrities. It really is a fun time and to chat with everyone off the water and after the season helps take the sting out of the cold weather.

So what is new? A lot!

The Alabama Rig
The Alabama Rig is hot. Chatting with a few company owners at the dinner, it seems that by the new year, 4 different versions of the Alabama rig will be on the market just from the Toronto (southern Ontario) area alone. My last count was three but now I was told another is being made. This should allow for a lot of choice. I was told I'll have a sample within weeks. So stay tuned. It looks like you'll have an inclusive look at a few in the next 60 days for sure.

HAVOC Baits
Chatting with a friend (no name can be given), it seems that the 2012 Bassmaster Classic will be the launching pad for several new HAVOC baits. I wasn't able to tease too much information but more soft plastic baits are coming. I've made plans to do a few product videos at the Toronto Sportsman Show in March.

Jika Rig
A funny story. I get an email from Ontario OUT OF DOORS Magazine's head office to call Owner Hooks in California. (I've been with Ontario OUT OF DOORS Magazine for over 15 years and am their bass editor.) So, I call and talk to their head guy. The story goes like this, he was at the KTL show just outside of Toronto a few weeks ago. KTL Canada is a large company which is a fishing and hunting supplier to smaller retailers. The mom and pop stores go to KTL and make their orders for the year. So, Owner is there trying to lure buyers to their booth to promote the Jika rig. Their version is called the Jig Rig. Well, everyone was making big orders. The people of Owner were dumbfounded by the demand and started asking questions. My article in Ontario OUT OF DOORS plus the IBASSIN.com video has been very well received and anglers want them. So, Owner wanted to connect with me and thank me for making their rig a success. We have chatted before at ICAST and on the phone but it's nice to see their reaction to the strong responds to my articles and videos. So thank you for taking the time to read these blogs and my magazine articles. I'll have a few photos of Owner's jig rig plus some new soft plastic baits for 2012 coming soon.

That's not it but I've ran out of time. Expect a few press release in the future and more glimpses of new stuff coming to a store near you.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Le Baron Outdoor Store Sale

TAX FREE SALE
For more details
http://www.lebaron.ca/pdffiles/web_promo/december_taxfree_sale.pdf

I know that guy!

Chris Van Vliet 

Hey, I know that guy. You might know him too. Chris Van Vliet was one of our young members of Hawgtown Bassmasters when I was president of the club back in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Still in high school, Chris and a few other buddies joined the club to learn and fish. He might have learned a bit too much because he has been doing well on and off the water. This past summer Chris finished fourth in the BASS Northern Open on Lake Erie. He always enjoyed tournaments but was more focused on this career.


Chris went to the Wilfred Laurier University for media and we lost touch for some time. Since then he has taken his media credits and killer smile to new heights. Now living in Cleveland, Ohio, Van Vliet, of TV host of The Buzz on Cleveland's CBS 19, was voted Cosmopolitan’s 2011 Bachelor of the Year by fans in an online poll. Showing he is not all flash, he donated the $10 000 prize to a local charity. 


It is great to see a local boy doing so well. Great job Chris!

Monday, November 28, 2011

DIY SHOW: A Nice Sunday Afternoon.

A rainy Sunday had the family and I touring the DIY show that was exhibiting in Toronto. The DIY show incorporated 4 shows in one--the Outdoor Canada Show, the Explore Adventure & Travel Show, the Cottage Life Show and the Canadian Home Workshop Show. Being a hard core angler, I was glad to spend time during the off-season of trade shows walking around. Sure beats the mobs of people at malls. For the serious angler there wasn't too much there. Very few retailers and the ones that were there only sold camping and clothing. Unfortunately, the industry booths were absent as well and this made it difficult to see anything new.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

TOP BASS 2012 Schedule

2012 TOP BASS Qualifier Series
June 30th Lake Scugog
July 8th Balsam Lake
July 22nd Sturgeon Lake
July 28th Tri-Lakes #1
July 29th Tri-Lakes #2
Aug 11th Rice Lake #1
Aug 12th Rice Lake #2
Aug 26th Lake Seymour
2012 TOP BASS Classic
September 8th & 9th Balsam Lake

These dates may be subject to change

2012 Renegade Bass Tounament Registrations

2012 Renegade Bass Registrations
(Press Release)
The early bird draw deadline of December 1st is fast approaching. By registering for the early bird draw this is your only opportunity to better your starting position and it only costs you $350 (Dec 1st deposit) to participate in.

2012 Schedule
Qualifier #1 Mississippi Lake, Carleton Place Saturday, June 30
Qualifier #2 Ottawa River, Rockland Saturday, July 14
Qualifier #3 Lake St. Francis, Cornwall Saturday, August 11
Qualifier #4 Lake St. Francis, Cornwall Sunday, August 12
Qualifier #5 Big Rideau Lake, Rideau Ferry Saturday, August 25
Classic XVII TBA Saturday, Sept. 15 & Sunday, Sept. 16

Entry fee for the series is $1500 plus membership, launch and big fish fees.

Quinte Fishing Series – 2012 Season PRESS RELEASE

Quinte Fishing Series – 2012 Season September 29th, 2011
Firstly, on behalf of the executive, I want to thank all the anglers who took the time to complete the survey that was handed out at the Quinte Classic and those who also took the time to drop by and give us their input or sent emails. I want to convey a couple of things that we, as an executive, feel are very important. The results of the survey or conversations we had with anglers were not taken lightly and we spent over three hours Monday night going over the information and deciding if changes needed to be made. Every member of the executive had the mind set of “what is the right thing to do, what is best for the Series”, not what do I as an individual angler want or is best for me! Personally, I want to thank Bob, Brian, Danny, Art, Randy, Mat and Rick for their professionalism and dedication to the Series and trying to make the best decisions going forward.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

The Great Outdoors & DIY Weekend Show, November 25-27, 2011

You won’t want to miss:

·       Survivor Champion Boston Rob Mariano’s presentation and Survivor-style challenge at the show – Saturday, November 26 – 11:00 am; followed by a Q&A and autograph session.

·    Indoor Ziplining with Tree Top Trekking - take a high flying adventure right over the show - 30 feet off the show floor and 100 feet long - get the adrenalin pumping.

·    Endangered Species Fund of Canada – come and see endangered animals such as cougars, tigers, lemurs, arctic wolves and a red tailed hawk –a lot to learn about protection – 2:30 pm only each show day.

·    Siberian Huskies Sledding – these amazing dogs from Haliburton Highlands will show us how to cross country ski with your family dog...it is the latest trend called -  skijoring.

The Great Outdoors & DIY Weekend Show, November 25-27, 2011

The Great Outdoor & DIY Weekend 

                         Features four shows in one--the Outdoor Canada Show, the Explore Adventure & Travel Show,the Cottage Life Show, the Canadian Home Workshop Show--geared toward people who enjoy camping, cottaging, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hunting and hiking as well as home improvement projects and woodworking.  One ticket to any of these shows gets you into all four.


 Web Site:  www.greatoutdoorsDIY.com

WHEN:            Friday, November 25 – 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
                        Saturday, November 26 – 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
                        Sunday, November 27 – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

WHERE:  International Centre, 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga, Ontario
Media Office: Hall 1, adjacent to Airport Road
Come to media office, sign in, get your badge and collect a map of the site
For TV satellite trucks, please use Door #6



ADMISSION:   Adults: 

$15 at the door, $13 online

                            Kids: (12 and under) Free; Youth: (13-17) $8


                        WEEKEND PASS:  $22
                        FREE PARKING



Friday, November 18, 2011

This Canadian outdoor store chain is launching two new super stores this month. Both are in the GTA area and will service the needs of campers, hunters and fisherman. They're known for having a knowledgeable staff and great sales. Each store is planning to open November 30th. For more information log on to www.sail.ca

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Anglers Feeding America, Inc.

Dear IBASSIN, 

Our current mission is to help feed low income families for this Christmas Holiday. Every gift basket is filled with food to make a complete holiday dinner for every family. Our goal is to feed 100 families for 2011. We will be distributing the baskets to families in need on December 22, 2011. If you would like to help families in your local community or would like to sponsor our cause please go to www.anglersfeedingamerica.org

Cool Video of Alabama Rig

In a serach for greater info on the Alabama rig, I came across this interesting version from BASS. They have a neat video that illustrates how this new wonder rig runs underwater.
Check it out.
http://www.bassmaster.com/video/alabama-rig

Mann's Bait Company exclusive licensee of the Alabama Rig

 Official Press Release
  
Slick Lures, LLC, the owner and developer of The Alabama rigR, and Mannfs Bait Company Inc. have concluded an agreement which designates Mannfs as the sole and exclusive licensee for the manufacture, marketing and sale of The Alabama RigR to the fishing tackle trade.
Andy Poss, the inventor of The Alabama RigR, explained, "It was vitally important to our company and to the long term success of The Alabama RigR to affiliate with a high profile company having a widely recognized brand throughout the fishing tackle industry. In these uncertain times, we are particularly pleased to be able to partner with a company that is committed to making 100% of its products in the U.S.A."
Mann's Bait Company, a leading manufacturer of a broad range of artificial lures for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, has sold its high quality products to recreational fishermen around the world for over 50 years.

Monday, November 14, 2011

What's Happening?

The last few weeks have a time of transition. All the major league tournament circuits have called it a year. Many of us have traded in our flipping stick for a tree stand and started headed into the deer woods instead of the lake. Depending on where you live, bass fishing is done. Tearfully we are getting out boat ready for winter storage; mine is going in at the end of the week. Spent the afternoon yesterday sorting lures and rigs from the bottom of tackle bags and storage compartments allowed me to reflect on a great year. Hopefully, the year was a great one for you.

What’s in store for ibassin.com in the next few months? It will be a busy time but at a leisurely pace. Personally, I have numerous articles on the go and need to sort out the photography for each article. So keep your eye peeled for some interesting stuff in Ontario OUT OF DOORS’s Fishing Annual.

It’s Alabama Time!
The Alabama rig is and will continue to be a red hot technique for the next few months. Most will not have a chance to use it this fall. The original rig is being fabricated day and night to meet demand and many other companies are trying to cash in on the action. On Saturday, I photographed a prototype of a new Alabama rig version that was going into production this week in China. It looks great and will be offered with a few versions to ensure it remains legal in the state or province you’re in.


I have also heard of another in production from a Chinese/Canadian company and that should be released in time for the winter fishing and boat shows. The buzz around these contraption is interesting. The recent trends has been finesse with the exception of Froggin,  yet almost everyone I have chatted with is willing to fork over the cash to give the Alabama rig a whirl.  One criticism I’ve encountered is that it seems barbaric compared to the resent desire for ultra realistic baits but the proof is in the pudding and the Alabama rig certainly quashed many a naysayer.

Except more on the Alabama rig in the near future.

New Lures
ICAST was a long time ago yet most of the baits still have not hit the local tackle shops. I’ll be focusing a few blog entries on 2012 trends. I’ll also try to give you the very best and most up-to-date info as many baits are coming to market. Last year’s BASS MASTER CLASSIC saw the launch of Berkley’s HAVOC line of baits. It is non-traditional to introduce a new line of baits outside of ICAST but Berkley did very well, so we might expect a something new again from them in February.


Keep in touch and I'll try my best to keep you up-dated.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Mercury announces Films Festival winners: The King Family Wins!

Thanks loyal fans for voting! The King family won a great motor for their video "Merky Dreams" in the Mercury Marine Video Contest.  Lonnie King is an old friend and fellow Ontario OUT OF DOORS editor who can sure use a free motor. Thanks for voting for him.

VERITAS™ RODS GO MICRO

VERITAS™ RODS GO MICRO

New for 2012 the Veritas not only picked up new crankbait actions, but now the rod that took the fishing world by storm has Micro Guide models. Micro Guides improve the balance of the rod by pulling weight away from the tip allowing for a lighter feel in your hand. The new models include 6'6" M, 6'6" MH, 6'9" MH, 7'0" M and 7'0" MH rods.

The Veritas Winch crankbait medium actions include a 7'0" M and 7'6" MH rod and are a perfect match for the Revo Winch reel. For you die hard power fishermen we've also added a 7'11" flipping stick.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Cold Weather Preventative Boat Maintenance

Learn how to prevent boat and motor problems during the fall and winter.  Follow these tips will ensure your motor, pumps and fuel remains safe. This video will explain some preventative boat maintenance that will keep you on the water and your rig out of trouble.


Sunday, October 30, 2011

FLW EverStart Championship Day 4: Morehead Is the Champ!

Prevacid pro goes big with the A-rig on final day to claim EverStart Series Championship
Story and Photos by Rob Newell
FLW PRESS RELEASE
PARIS, Tenn. – Through out the practice period of the EverStart Series Championship on Kentucky Lake, well-known Kentucky Lake pro Dan Morehead privately maintained that at least one of the four tournament days he was going to go big with the Alabama rig.
“I’ve been to some of my old stomping ground with the rig and it’s been unbelievable,” Morehead said before the tournament began. “I’m not going to sit here and say that I’m going to catch 20 pounds on it everyday – I think I can realistically catch 12 to 15 pounds a day on it for sure. But at least one of those four days it’s going to get right and I’m going to have 20 pounds with it.”
And today was that day. After calling his shots with daily catches of 15-3, 12-12 and 14-0 the last three days, Morehead saved the best for last, hauling in a final-day catch of 19 pounds, 5 ounces and giving him a four-day total of 61 pounds, 4 ounces.

FLW EverStart Championship Day 4: Dan Morehead Wins on Home Lake

Dan Morehead's Magic.
(Photos: Rob Newell FLW)
Dan Morehead of Paducah, KY., used every bit of his local knowledge to win the FLW EverStart Championship on Kentucky Lake. Everyday, the leader board shuffled due to moody bass and fluctuating weather. Morehead put together consistent limits throughout the tournament and save his best for last. Sunday's creel totalled 19-05, Dan's best bag of the week and the heaviest of the final day. He edged out Jim Tutt of Texas by 6 pounds. More details will follow on how he won. Speculation is very high that the Alabama rig, a multi-lure contraption with fever pitch popularity, played a vital role in Dan Morehead's win.


Top 5
place/name/hometown/day 4 catch (#of bass)/ tournament total/ winnings
 1 DAN MOREHEAD  PADUCAH, KY 19-05 (5)  61-04 (20)  $50,000
 + Ranger Boat, Motor, Trailer 
2  JIM TUTT  LONGVIEW, TX  14-04 (5)  55-02 (20)  $16,800 
3  JEFF HIPPERT  HAMBURG, NY  11-06 (5)  56-14 (20)  $8,450 
4  KOBY KREIGER  OKEECHOBEE, FL  13-14 (5)  54-14 (20)  $7,600 
5  CHAD PROUGH  CHIPLEY, FL  13-04 (5)  52-13 (20)  $6,750

Toyota Texas Bass Classic Day 2: Combs Still in Command

Combs catching the biggest bass.
(Photo: TTBC Facebook)
By Alan Clemons
PAA Communications

CONROE, Texas – Powerline Services pro Keith Combs of Texas is making his lead in the Toyota Texas Bass Classic look easy, but he says that’s an incorrect assumption.

Combs put together a five-bass limit weighing 27 pounds, 4 ounces, for a total of 55-12 to hang onto the lead going into the final day of the world championship on Lake Conroe. He’s still ahead of Toyota pro Mike Iaconelli of New Jersey, who had 25 pounds Saturday and trails with 51-12.

“It’s a grind, it really is,” said Combs, who guided on Lake Amistad in Del Rio before moving east to Huntington earlier this year. “I caught a 6-12 pretty quickly with the second flight going by me, and then another one but then went about three hours before I caught another one.”

Zoom pro Todd Auten of South Carolina surged into third place after switching gears from shallow to deep water Saturday. He caught 24-4 and has a total of 41-12, well behind Combs and Iaconelli … although one big bite on Conroe could swing the pendulum and two big bites could be a complete game-changer.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

FLW EverStart Championship Day 2: Texas Pro Takes Command.

Texas pro bags two consistent limits for EverStart Championship lead
28.Oct.2011 by Rob Newell
FLW PRESS RELEASE
BUCHANAN, Tenn. – The Alabama rig frenzy has settled down at the EverStart Series Championship on Kentucky Lake. Apparently, old “has been” lures such as crankbaits and jigs are catching fish again.

Martin with two of the "right kind".
(Photo: Rob Newell)

Today the common theme among Kentucky Lake leaders was shad and/or current far down the Tennessee River.
After following up his 17-pound, 11-ounce day-one catch with a strong 16-pound, 13-ounce limit today, Lendell Martin of Nacogdoches, Texas, now leads the EverStart Championship with a two-day total of 34 pounds, 8 ounces.

While Martin has admitted to throwing the Alabama rig when he returns to the Paris area every afternoon, it’s not his primary lure – or lures – when fishing down in Tennessee.
“I’m fishing suspended fish, off steep breaks that fall of into 20 to 25 feet of water,” Martin said. “The last two days I’ve pretty much just fished two spots that keep replenishing. It’s really all about the shad, when the shad show up, the bass start biting. The fish are not necessarily schooling – occasionally I do see one bust a shad – mostly they’re suspended and when some shad come by it gets the bass active and I can catch one or two pretty quick.”

Friday, October 28, 2011

FLW EverStart Championship Day 2: Lendall Martin Takes Lead.

Texas Pro, Lendall Martin proves consistency is the ticket on Kentucky Lake this week. His day 2 creel of 16-13 coupled with yesterday's bag of 17-11 was enough to take the lead. Martin's 34-08 proved the big bite is off. Marrtin is a veteran angler who competed on the Bassmaster trail in the late 1980s and 1990s. He knows how to fish and play the game. If his fish don't move, he'll catch them. 

Thursday, October 27, 2011

FLW EverStart Championship Day 1: Canadian Cory Johnston Leads!

17-15 for Cory, One-Half of Canadian Wonder Brothers
Kentucky Lake - Paris Landing 10/27/11 - 10/30/11

Here is a quick look at the EverStart Championship tournament on Kentucky Lake. Considering all the hype surrounding the new super Alabama Rig, this tournament is clouded in a lot of mystery. With so many future super stars fishing, this Championship might be the launching pad for the legends of tomorrow.

Top 10
Place/Angler/Hometown/weight (fish)
1  CORY JOHNSTON  PETERBOROUGH, ON 17-15 (5)   
2  LENDELL MARTIN JR  NACOGDOCHES, TX 17-11 (5)  
3  MONTE KNIGHT  QUITMAN, MS 15-15 (5)      
4  ZACH KING  CLARKSVILLE, AR 15-03 (5)        
4  DAN MOREHEAD  PADUCAH, KY 15-03 (5)      
6  GEORGE KAPITON  INVERNESS, FL 15-01 (5)       
7  JEFF HIPPERT  HAMBURG, NY 14-14 (5)        
8  CHARLES BEBBER  WILLIS, TX 14-09 (5)       
9  MIKE EUTSLER  SPRINGFIELD, MO 14-04 (5)       
10  SCOTT MANSFIELD  MCKENZIE, TN 14-02 (5)
 

Sunday, October 23, 2011

FLW Lake Guntersville: Paul Elias Breaks 100 Pounds to Win!

Last of 2011 Tour Opens settles Forrest Wood Cup berths
23.Oct.2011
FLW PRESS RELEASE
Elias comes up big at Guntersville.
(Photos: Brett Carlson FLW)
GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. – Pro Paul Elias of Laurel, Miss., caught a five-bass limit weighing 23 pounds even Sunday to lead wire-to-wire and win $100,500 at the Walmart FLW Tour on Lake Guntersville presented by Mercury with a four-day catch of 20 bass weighing 102-8.
The catch gave him the win by an amazing 17-pound, 3-ounce margin over Robert Behrle of Hoover, Ala., who caught a total of 20 bass weighing 85-5 and earned $34,021.
Elias came up just short of the previous FLW Tour total tournament weight record of 106 pounds, 10 ounces that was set by Brandon McMillan of Belle Glade, Fla., at the 2011 season opener in February at Lake Okeechobee. Elias said the Guntersville event marked the fourth time he has cracked the 100-pound mark in tournament competition.
“Somehow the Lord blesses me and I manage to win one of these things every three or four years,” said Elias, who boosted his career winnings to $1.29 million. “To be 60 years old and to be able to compete against these young guys … it’s great.
“I am worn slam out,” Elias added. “I’ve only won one other tournament where I led every day, and it’s exhausting.”

FLW Lake Guntersville: Paul Elias Clobbers the Lake with Freaky Rig!


Paul with another big bass. He was on fire!
(Photo: Rob Newell FLW)
 Legendary super pro, Paul Elias wins his first FLW tournament plus $100 000 cash payout on the strength of the little known Alabama rig. Catching 102-08 pounds for 20 bass, he easily dominated the field of anglers. His performance was flawless. He caught 40 pounds more weight than tenth place angler Alex Davis who had a respectable four day creel of 62-10 pounds of bass.

More to follow on the win and Paul's use of the Alabama rig.

Lake Simcoe Open: The Final Results

The Alabama Rig? What is it?

Once every few years, some one creates a crazy bait that is a killer. As of recent, we have witnessed the wildly creative Chatterbait and Jika Rig. Think of how strange that first Senko or Gitzit looked but nothing is as wildly weird as the Alabama rig. What is it? It's a modified salt water umbrella rig that is used for trolling for stripe bass or blue fish. Over the past few days, Paul Elais, 1981 Bassmaster Classic Champ, has dominated the FLW Lake Guntersville tournament with one. He is attaching 5, yes 5, swimbaits to it and just killing the bass and other competitors. Actually, almost all of the top five pros are all using this rig. More will come of it for sure. Check out the photos and rig at http://www.thealabamarig.com
This one is rigged with five spinnerbaits (that is too strange) but Elias has matched his with
swimbaits and it is working for him.  

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Lake Simcoe Open: Pre-Tournament Chat with Peter Savoia and Dave Chong

Joey and Mark
2010 Champs and Canadian Record Holders
With the Lake Simcoe Open, sponsored by Bass Pro Shops, only days away, I wanted to find out how the bass have been biting. Last year, the conditions were ideal for a smallmouth slam and that was what happened. Two major league records were broken: heaviest 5 bass tournament creel of 31.5 pounds and largest bass, a 8.05 pound smallmouth, ever weighted in a tournament in Canada.

The Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open has become Canada's premier one-day bass fishing tournament; especially if smallmouth are your game.  Largemouth rarely factor in this tournament and considering the last few years a limit of 25 pounds didn't raise an eyebrow, this is a true trophy smallmouth fest.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Don Sangster's Jerkbait Tips of Fall Bass

Fall can be a tricky time to catch smallmouth and largemouth bass. Learn from outdoor writer, Don Sangster as he explains his views on selecting the correct colours and styles of jerkbaits.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Thanksgiving Fall Smallmouth Bass

Ibassin.com goes fall smallmouth fishing with fellow outdoor writer Don Sangster. It is Canadian Thanksgiving and we hope the smallmouth are eating more than just turkey. Come along and check out how Luigi De Rose and Don Sangster figure out how to catch smallmouth in a deep, clear lake.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

HAPPY THANKSGIVING and fall fishing tips

Happy Thanksgiving!
Was on the water yesterday with outdoor writer Don Sangster and we had a good day. Here are some tips that worked for us. Morning was clear, calm and warm and it was jerkbait time. Make sure you bring a few deep diving ones. Don caught some on them. Twitching it really slowly seemed much better than the rapid jerking I was doing. Once the day warmed and a ripple was on the water, it was all spinnerbait. Working it fast and jerking the bait around paid off.

We shot some video of the day and it will be on the YouTube channel soon.
http://www.youtube.com/user/ibassindotcom

Check it out.

Enjoy a great weekend and get some fishing in!

Thursday, October 6, 2011

2011 Berkley B1 Canadian Bass Open Crowns Champions

2011 Berkley B1 Canadian Bass Open Crowns Champions

Berkley Press Release

Jason Gramada & Nicolas Gendron Garner B1 Title

October 04, 2011 2011 Berkley B1 Canadian Bass Open Crowns Champions
COLUMBIA, S.C. - With a complete field of 150 teams, the third annual Berkley B1 Bass Open took place on Lake St-Francis in southwestern Quebec with tremendous success. The team of Jason Gramada and Nicolas Gendron claimed the event with 48.02 pounds of smallmouth. Anchoring the winning teams winning weight was a 6.53-pound giant, which also claimed the Lunker award.
“The B1 experience is the ultimate platform where all anglers, young and old, experienced or newcomer can truly come together to celebrate this great sport.” said Gendron. “We are humbled by the grandeur, respect and support from all our peers.”

Monday, October 3, 2011

Froggin' Fever

By Luigi De Rose


Hollow body frog fishing is at a fever pitch these days. Ish Monroe used one to reach glory at the recent BASS Open on Lake Oneida in New York state. Many anglers, including Ontario angler Cory Johnston worked one this past weekend on the Potomac River at the FLW EverStart tournament. A lot of baits are out there making it difficult to pick the right one for you. Here is a list of some great frog baits. It is not a complete list but it does include a few unique and rarer frog style baits. So, if you are a connoisseur or just starting out, check out them out.


Deep in there is the Spro Bronzeye frog. This frog seemed to really kick start the resurgence of frog fishing. Still a very good bet. Their Poppin' Frog is starting to get a good following in recent months.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

FLW EverStart Potomac River Day 3: Schmitt Victorious!

Maryland native scores back-to-back EverStart victories on same body of water two years running
01.Oct.2011
Bryan wins again with help from a chatterbait.
(Photos: Gary Mortenson FLW)
FLW PRESS RELEASE
MARBURY, Md. – Heading into the 2011 EverStart Series Potomac River event, Bryan
Schmitt of Deale, Md., didn’t have quite the same vibe he had a year earlier when he scored a relatively easy victory on the Potomac. For starters, he was battling a severe cold all week. Secondly, he had a horrible practice. And finally, the weather conditions that anglers faced all week were as difficult as they come.
However, in the end none of that mattered. When all was said and done, Schmitt once again was able to hoist the first-place trophy as he pulled off one of the greatest victories of his career.

FLW EverStart Potomac River: Bryan Schmitt Wins Again!

Bryan Schmitt wins on the Potomac River. Cory Johnston come in second and Mike McDonald closes with third. The majority of the bass were taken on chatterbaits, frogs and jigs. Wild northern winds altered the tides causing grief for most. Co-angler Terry Stevens of Sterling, VA was the champion in the armature rankings with 15 bass for 37-10 More details come soon.

Top 5
1  BRYAN SCHMITT  DEALE, MD 15 bass 47-14
2  CORY JOHNSTON  PETERBOROUGH, ON 15 bass 45-12         
3  MIKE MCDONALD  RANDLEMAN, NC 15 bass 42-07

4  DAVE LEFEBRE  UNION CITY, PA 15 bass 41-05
5  MICKEY PETTRY  MANASSAS, VA 15 bass 39-04

Friday, September 30, 2011

FLW EverStart Potomac River Day 2: Schmitt Takes Day 2!

Stevens grabs top spot in Co-angler Division during second day of EverStart Series Northern Division competition
30.Sep.2011 by Gary Mortenson
FLW PRESS RELEASE
MARBURY, Md. – Heading into the 2011 EverStart Series Potomac River event, Bryan
Schmitt of Deale, Md., felt pretty good about his chances. After all, he was fishing in his home waters and had a track record on the Potomac River that was virtually unmatched. However, all of that optimism went out the window when he awoke Thursday morning to get ready for the first day of EverStart competition.

Bryan Schmitt figures out the largemouth bite.
(Photos: Garty Motenson FLW)

“I got up on Thursday and I was feeling pretty bad. I was really pretty sick,” said Schmitt.
Despite feeling ill, Schmitt gave it a yeoman’s effort, finishing the day in fourth place overall with a total catch of 16 pounds, 4 ounces. But while he felt good about the day-one results, his relief was short lived.
“I got up this morning and I was even sicker than the day before,” said Schmitt. “Basically, my fiancée had to kick me out of bed this morning because I was seriously thinking about not fishing. I was shivering all day and just felt horrible.”
Although Schmitt may have felt horrible, by the end of the day, the rest of the pro competition was feeling a lot worse after witnessing the on-the-water masterpiece that the Maryland native produced. By the end of Friday’s competition, Schmitt had leapfrogged three places to claim first place overall with a two-day catch of 32 pounds, 6 ounces.
“I’m just very thankful,” said Schmitt. “I won this tournament last year and I really want to win it again. I just hope I don’t jinx it.”

FLW EverStart Potomac River Day 2: Schmitt Takes Control!

Two Canadians in the Top 10

Potomac River 9/29/11 - 10/1/11 -- Potomac River
Smallwood State Park, Marbury, MD


Top 10
place/name/home town/ day 1 fish & weight/ day 2 fish & weight/ 2 day total
1  BRYAN SCHMITT  DEALE, MD 5 16-04  5 16-02  10 32-06      
2  CORY JOHNSTON  PETERBOROUGH, ON 5 17-07  5 13-06  10 30-13         
3  MIKE MCDONALD  RANDLEMAN, NC 5 16-12  5 14-01  10 30-13       
4  LANCE VICK  MINEOLA, TX 5 14-12  5 15-01  10 29-13      
5  DAVE LEFEBRE  UNION CITY, PA 5 13-04  5 16-07  10 29-11         
6  ROB WEBSTER  JANETVILLE, ON 5 12-05  5 15-12  10 28-01     
7  MIKE HOSKINGS  SPOTSYLVANIA, VA 5 16-03  5 11-12  10 27-15         
8  FRANK IPPOLITI  MERCERSBURG, PA 5 18-12  5 8-13  10 27-09        
9  EDWIN JACKSON  MARSHALL, VA 5 12-15  5 14-07  10 27-06         
10  MICKEY PETTRY  MANASSAS, VA 5 13-00  5 14-02  10 27-02
     

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Ontario OUT OF DOORS Article Alert!

 Please check out the latest Ontario OUT OF DOORS magazine. I have a great article chronicling a day on the water with Joey Muszynski and Mark Moran after giant smallmouth. The pair broke the Canadian 5 fish Tournament Record with just over 32 pounds last year at the Bass Pro Shops' Open. After their record breaking day, we set out to see if they could do the impossible and break their own record. I cannot give the story away but here is a teaser to the article. Expect the magazine at your door or book store in a week or two.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

ibassin 3/30 with Bryan Thrift FLW Angler of the Year

Welcome to IBASSIN.COM'S 3/30. Guests get 3 minutes to answer 30 questions before time runs out. Get to enjoy your favourite fishing celebrity like you have never seen them before.


Check out FLW Champion and past Angler of the Year, Bryan Thrift as he deals with the rapid fire questions.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

2011 Bass Pro Shops Northern Open #3 Oneida Lake Day 3: Ish Monroe Wins with Frog.

Monroe goes wire-to-wire

By David Hunter Jones

BASS PRESS RELEASE
He rode a hot frog bite all three days and backed it up with a prototype flipping bait to sack 51-2, more than two pounds ahead of runner-up Michael Simonton.
“I tell you what, this feels awesome. I’ve won on all the (B.A.S.S.) levels; an Elite Series event, Federation-level event and now that I’ve won an Open it feels really good,” he said as he clutched his trophy.
Won with the frog!
(Photos: James Overstreet BASS)
For his win, Monroe earned a brand new bass boat and motor as well as a handsome paycheck of more than $9,000. The total package is worth north of $54,000. He’s not concerned about not picking up the 2012 Bassmaster Classic berth because he qualified through the Bassmaster Elite Series. He would have double qualified if he had fished all three events, the prerequisite for earning the Opens berth. He was fishing Oneida for pride and most importantly, fun.
“The thing that carried me through this week ­ and the whole season — has been the fact that I’ve had fun,” he said. “That’s been my focus throughout the Elites and into these Opens, and it’s worked out really well. I’m having a blast!”
Monroe relied on two baits and several areas. He threw a Snag Proof Ish’s Phat Frog (three different models: white, black and clear) across the top of matted grass along the bank, and when the wind blew, he punched through the grass with a heavy weight and a black and blue flipping bait. The key with the flipping bait was the River2Sea specialty flipping weight. It sports a matte black finish. Monroe reasons that lighter-colored weights give off too much flash under the dark mats and spook fish.

2011 Bass Pro Shops Northern Open #3 Oneida Lake Day 3: Ish Wins!

Ish Monroe wins with a Day 3 bag of 15-04lbs. Co-angler winner is local fisherman Kevin Haley!
(Photo: Rob Russow BASS)
More details coming up!

Friday, September 23, 2011

2011 Bass Pro Shops Northern Open #3 Oneida Lake Day 2: Ish Leads with 35-14lbs!

Monroe ups the ante!

Elite pro takes lead of almost four pounds into final day

BASS PRESS RELEASE
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — With east wind wreaking havoc on his frog and 167 other boats seeking protected water, Ish Monroe had a trying Day Two of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open.
Still King in New York!
(Photo: James Overstreet BASS)
But the Elite Series pro not only landed a limit weighing 16 pounds even, he extended his lead over the field with a total of 35-14, nearly four pounds ahead of the pack.
Though Oneida Lake is full of substantial smallmouth bass, Monroe is sticking to the shallows and targeting largemouth with a topwater frog.
“My day started slow and I had to bounce around a bit; the wind kind of hurt me,” he said. “If the wind blows north or south, I can pick a bank and fish the area, but that east wind killed me because it rolls across the entire lake.”
Monroe said that his frog — a Snag Proof Ish’s Phat Frog — doesn’t work too well in the wind, so he resorted to flipping creature baits into shallow grass.