Monday, December 31, 2012

FACEBOOK PRIZE PACK

IBASSIN wish all of you a very Happy New Year!

 What better way to start off 2013 than with free gear.
"LIKE US" and have a chance to win one of two X-Rig (JIKA RIG) prize packs from our friends at Stringease.
You have till January 6th.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/ibassincom/265989363495983


Friday, December 21, 2012

Is your Outdoor Card going to Expire?

Hey everyone, its easy to let those little jobs slip your mind. Don't let this job slip by during the busy holiday season.


Have a look at your Ontario Outdoor Card's expiration date.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Super Christmas Present!




If you love the outdoors or knows some who does, this is a great idea. Sign up for an amazing coarse from an amazing guy.


Stokely Creek Lodge February 7th-10th 2013
The winter landscape around Stokely Creek Lodge begs to be photographed. Not only are the rolling hardwood mountains and cavernous valleys laced with cross country ski trails and snow shoe trails, but they are a prime example of the stunning winter wilderness of the Algoma Highlands area.
Embracing the Challenge of Winter Photography
With the winter wilderness literally right at our doorstep, warming up with a cup of hot chocolate by the fire between shoots is an option. However, participants will need to bring warm winter clothes and be prepared to work within the winter elements that most photographers shun. And the results will be worth it.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

2013 Quinte Fishing Series 2013 Dates

The Quinte Fishing Tournament Dates

Please observe the dates closely. They reflect the new opening day for zone 20 for 2013. 

Qunite fishing is a great series on a great body of water. If you want a challenging, well organized and enjoyable tournament to fish pick one or all of these events. They launch out of Belleville, Ontario and the fishing is first class. 

May 26th walleye
June 16th Largemouth only, 1 day event
July 6th/7th Largemouth only, 2 day event
July 28th Largemouth/Smallmouth, 1 day event
August 17th/18th Largemouth/Smallmouth, 2 day event
September 14th/15th Peter Thompson Memorial Classic , Largemouth only, 2 day event

For more info click here

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Due Date for Classic Marshal this Tuesday!




The dead line for registration for the marshal program is this Tuesday. You have to be a BASS member but what a thrill it would be to watch the BASS MASTER CLASSIC being won from the back of the boat.

Click the photo to link to BASS.



Friday, December 14, 2012

Early Christmas Present: Bass Season Opens Early in 2013!


In southern Ontario, Christmas wishes came true for many. Starting 2013, the bass season will open on the 3rd Saturday in June in zones 17, 18 and 20. This year, we get to start on June 15th.

Link to the MNR

http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/stdprodconsume/groups/lr/@mnr/@letsfish/documents/factsheet/stdprod_101636.pdf

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Kistler and Loomis Unite on new KLX


The handcrafted KLX (an acronym the "Kistler-Loomis Xperience") build is anchored by a T800 Hybrid High-Modulus blank cooked up by Gary Loomis, exclusively for the KLX project. Loomis' goal was a light and nimble handling blank; yet one which retains the sensitivity that set Loomis blanks apart from the crowded field.

While other manufacturers make over-the-top claims of "super-sensitivity"—the KLX has an uncanny ability to transmit feel, as if it's an extension of your fingertips. KLX Project Director Trey Kistler, “The sensitivity of the KLX is achieved by combining Gary’s revolutionary blank, the most advanced components and Kistler’s technique-specific build configurations. We have a rod that brings much of the experience of our $500+ custom Z-Bones to a price that anyone can afford, and it’s made in America. We felt we owed that to our loyal customers. It's difficult to put into words just how much sensitivity Gary baked into this blank, you just have to experience it"

Shimano and BASS Team Up!

Official Release
DEC 10, 2012
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Bass fishing fans will be seeing a new name linked to Bassmaster tournaments in the 2013 season: Shimano.

Maker of precision fishing tackle, Shimano has become an official Supporting Sponsor of the 2013 Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open, Cabela’s B.A.S.S. Nation and Carhartt Bassmaster College Series.

“Two of the best names in bass fishing just joined forces, and I think B.A.S.S. members and bass fans are the biggest winners here,” said Bruce Akin, CEO of Birmingham-based B.A.S.S. LLC. “Shimano will be a great addition in 2013 to all Bassmaster events and media.”

Shimano and B.A.S.S. have partnered before. One recent collaboration was in early 2012 in the creation of bassmaster.com/Shimano, a site that helps educate anglers about Shimano products, then directs them to local retailers to make a purchase. Sponsorship of Bassmaster events is a further step into the bass market.

Monday, December 10, 2012

The Right Crankbait


L Taylor


The crankbait is one of the most important tools in bass fishing, but they’re a lot like screwdrivers – you need the right style to get the job done.

Most bass fishermen know that crankbaits rank among the most productive and user-friendly lures in existence. Various cranks look mighty similar in tackle trays, though, so picking the best lure to use can get confusing. Retrieve is another variable that defines whether you get the job done. B.A.S.S. pro Terry Butcher has depended on crankbaits for many of his wins, and has an advanced approach to selecting and fishing crankbaits.

A two-time B.A.S.S. winner who calls Oklahoma home, Butcher spends a lot of time with a crankbait tied to his line. He cranks through the seasons and in a big range of situations.

“I try to learn something about a lake and its tendencies for the time of year when I’ll be fishing,” Butcher said. “Generalities about the lake and the time of year, when combined with specific observations about conditions, tell me a lot about the kinds of areas I will fish, and consequently, the best crankbait to choose.”

Favorite Cranks

The biggest factor that plays into Butcher’s crankbait-selection decision is the depth of the water or the cover the fish are using. Generally speaking, he has favorite crankbaits for various depth ranges. That said, the ranges overlap, and at times he might choose a particular crankbait because of its wobble or a lure that runs too deep for the range because he really wants grind the bottom.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Shimano the Official Reel of BASSMASTER!


Shimano is now the Official reel of BASS. Never in the 40 plus years of BASS have they has an official reel, so Shimano will be the first. For 2013, Shimano will be a proud sponsor of BASS and their Live Release boats will display a full Shimano wrap.  

The press release will be coming shortly on the details.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Five Quick Steps To Locating Bass


By L. Taylor 

Answer these five questions and you’ll find the fish.


With Oklahoma’s Lake Wister severely flooded but falling quickly, Harry Padgett was confident that the fish would be up a certain creek and relating to flooded wood or the briar patches common around the shorelines. With the water falling, he figured the fish might be on the outside edge of the flooded timber and pastures instead of buried into the middle of the thick stuff.  

We caught a bundle of stout largemouths in short order, making things seem almost too easy. For me, it was easy, because Padgett did most of the thinking. All I had to do was throw my spinnerbait around the stuff he said they would be using.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Southern November Crankbait Fishing with Tim Horton


By L. Taylor

I know it’s time when the foliage has turned colors and fallen to the ground; when fernlike patterns appear on my truck’s windows every morning before driving to the lake. I know it’s time when Jack Frost comes nipping at my nose and toes leaving a thin, white layer of crystals. It’s time to resist the temptation of hiding under the covers. It’s time to go crankbaiting in the South.

Anglers in the South welcome the white ice crystals. It’s a sure indication of the changing of the seasons when bass move shallow to gorge themselves before the coming winter.

 “It’s a great time to be out cranking,” says Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Tim Horton.

Although the Muscle Shoals, Alabama, fishing pro is more renowned for his deep offshore structure fishing, when November rolls around he switches crankbaits. He trades in his Bomber Fat Free Shad BD8 and BD7 for the shallow running Bomber Model 4A.

“The key to catching bass in November is finding out where the bass are located. I like to begin searching  in a main tributary that feeds the lake,” he said. “I go halfway back into it then fish toward the backend.
“Here’s what I’m talking about: On Wilson Lake down in Alabama there is a big creek called Shoal Creek. I will get back into it about a mile back then focus on fishing the channel swings inside the creek.”

Another bonus when fishing on Wilson Lake is the smallmouth. During November, big smallmouth move back into creeks feeding on schools of shad. Like the largemouth bass, smallmouth will use channel swings as prime locations for ambushing and gorging themselves on shad.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Berkley USA Fires Most Pro-staff!

Rumours are rubbling that Berkley USA has released a majority of its top pro-staff. I have emailed the correct people to find out if this is officially true.

Legendary Bass Pro Tommy Martin

Here is a great video celebrating the life of fishing pro Tommy Martin. Still active in big money tournaments, Tommy just celebrated his 72 birthday. The Texas Freshwater Fisheries inducted Tommy into their Hall of Fame earlier this year.

Just click on his name for the video on Tommy Martin.




Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Stop Bass Killing!

If you visit Northwestern Ontario, like many Americans and Canadians, this is something that will effect you!

Contact these two biologists to view your opinion and demand to save bass! Must be done before Nov. 30th!

Barry Corbett ... barry.corbett@ontario.ca
Darryl McLeod ... darryl.mcleod@ontario.ca

Gord Pyzer, noted outdoor writer and retired Minstry of Natural Resources Scientist has brought this to my attention.

Here is Gord's letter:

Hi folks ... I have a huge favour to ask of each one of you.

The Fisheries Management Plan for Zone 5 in Northwestern Ontario is currently under review and what is being proposed for bass is extremely troubling.

A small group of folks, who are opposed to bass, have persuaded the MNR to include the option of killing four (4) bass, <35 cm in size, every day of fishing during the critical winter and spring spawning periods. In other words, from November 30th to July 1st.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Facebook Winners!

The Winners of the Stringease gift pack are: Mark B. and Dave P. Thanks for the likes and the next free tackle pack will be coming very soon.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Cyber Monday Means Big Savings for Anglers

Forget about buying a new washer/dryer! Think fishing! Monday will be the day that most on-line  stores along with many companies will offer great deals on fishing gear. I have been flooded with emails alerting me to all the savings. Too many to list and I don't wish to leave someone out.
Take a few minutes and surf your favourite brand.

Don't forget to insert the bonus code further saving.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

A Like on our Facebook = Free Lures!

Only a few hours left to get in a like on IBASSIN.COM's facebook page. Like us and you'll be entered in the lucky draw for a Stringease Lurbrella rig.  

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Big Late Fall Smallmouth Erie Style

If you're American you might be waiting for that deer to come by the stand or thinking of what to buy after you stuff yourself with Thanksgiving Turkey. If you're Canadian, you're thinking of winterizing you boat if you haven't done it already. Well, I want you to think of something else. Giant Lake Erie smallmouth.  The weather has been mild and calm. This makes venturing out onto to eastern portion of Erie a dream. If you doubt me, have look at the evidence.

If this part of the world is foreign to you, don't worry. Call Simon Frost (or click on his name to jump to his site) and set up a guide trip. It is super easy and the rewards are well worth the drive.
Simon with a pair of 7 pound smallmouth. 

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Facebook Tackle Giveaway!

This time last year the world was freaking out over the Alabama rig. Regardless of what you call it, A-rig, umbrella rig or Alabama rig, late fall is prime time for this technique. We want to help you. Find us on facebook and LIKE us and I'll pick 2 winners from the list of LIKES.


The winners will get 2 Stringease Lurbrella rigs and matching sinker systems each. (colours may vary)

Contest starts immediately and ends Sunday, November 25th, 2012.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Ontario OUT OF DOORS Magazine needs your help!

We would like to hear from you! We have posted a short survey on our website that we would appreciate fans of Ontario OUT OF DOORS Magazine filling out.

As a "thank you" for completing this survey we will be randomly selecting one lucky respondent to win their choice of a hunting or fishing gear package valued at approximately $500.00. The winner will be contacted by email before December 18th.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Okuma Fishing Tackle Supports The American Red Cross With Consumer Discount And Donation Opportunity!


The devastation to Northeast fishing communities caused by Hurricane Sandy is deeply saddening and incredibly unfortunate. As anglers, all of these people are members of our community, our neighbours across the country.
To lend support to those in need, we've created an opportunity that makes it easy to help.
Through December 15th, U.S. consumers can use the discount code SANDY on the Okuma Fishing Tackle website and receive 50% off the retail price of all in-stock Okuma branded apparel, as well as select reels identified as Hurricane Sandy Relief. Due to contract limitations, we are unable to offer this to our Canadian consumers. 

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Cordura Now in ZillaBraid by Spiderwire.


There’s no worse feeling than when a huge fish snaps your line. With Spiderwire® Zilla Braid™, you now have a fighting chance. Using a combination of CORDURA® brand and Dyneema® fiber technologies for super strength, toughness and abrasion resistance,  Zilla Braid™ is perfect for battling big fish where enhanced power for the hook set and more stretch for the fight is needed. The elastic nature of the line allows for full recovery to the original length after stretching.  Zilla Braid™ is perfect for throwing the big lures or schooling rigs where multiple fish are inevitable.  Ideal for bass, stripers, sturgeon, muskie, catfish and other monsters of the deep. Moss green SpiderWire® Zilla Braid™ is available in pound tests ranging from 20 to 100 pounds and in 125-, 300- and 1500-yard spools.
ZillaBraid™ offers the strength you need to land beastly bass, mammoth musky and other heavyweight water dwellers. Now the only thing you have to worry about is running out of space in your livewell. To learn more about Spiderwire® ZillaBraid™, including video review and Where to Buy, visit www.spiderwire.com.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Christie on Flipping




By I.M. Bradley

Any angler can go randomly flipping around grass or cover and catch a few bass. That should not surprise anyone, but why just settle for a few fish when you can catch more and better bass. The key to better flipping comes from knowing when to fish a quick-sinking lure or a slow-falling lure, and what to do after the lure settles to the bottom.



FLW Tour and B.A.S.S. professional angler Jason Christie always thinks flipping first when approaching a tournament. He’s so good at it, he even has a new signature series flipping rod coming out.

Christie has made his living fishing shallow.
Catching better bass for Christie comes down to how fast the lure falls, or “rate of fall.”

“For me, I pick the lure and weight by the water clarity,” he said. “The clearer the water; the faster I want the lure to fall.” 

Christie says that when fishing impoundments with gin clear water, like Beaver Lake and Table Rock, he wants a fast falling lure anytime the water temperature is more than 70 degrees. When water temperature gets very cold, however, he’ll begin considering a slower-sinking jig for his flipping.

The technique of flipping is done on a short line. With the reel in free spool and thumb holding the spool motionless, the angler takes the jig in his off hand (the one not holding the rod) and swings the rod to pendulum the bait toward a target in the cover, while removing the tension his thumb has been applying to the spool. The result is that the lure hits the target as quietly as possible, right in the face of the bass. Bass then strike the lure out of a feeding response or reaction strike. Christie believes that more than 75 percent of the strikes he gets while flipping are reaction strikes.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Free Lures from Molix


Molix USA will be have a lure giveaway. Monday they will be giving away a Randy Howell autographed crankbait. Join them on FaceBook to get a chance to win. 

Thursday, November 8, 2012

ABU GARCIA® SIGNS IZUMI TO PRO STAFF


Legendary Canadian Angler and Television Host to to Fish Revo Reels

COLUMBIA, S.C. (November 7, 2012) - Abu Garcia® has signed one of the biggest names in Canadian fishing by inking Izumi Outdoors Inc. producer of Bob Izumi’s Real Fishing television show. Izumi Outdoors Inc. joined the Abu Garcia team in a multi-year deal that was signed today. This decision comes in an award-winning year for Abu Garcia.

The company strives for excellence with the release of their third generation of Revo low profile reels. “I am incredibly excited about working with Abu Garcia and am so impressed with just how smooth their reels are,” said Izumi. “The reels are simply great in how they look and function. As a tournament bass angler, the Revo reels have incredibly powerful drags and a full line of matching rods, which are second to none.” 

“It’s great to see Bob so enthusiastic about our products. He will be an incredible asset to our Abu Garcia team,” said Chris Hockley, Canadian Marketing Manager for Pure Fishing. “Bob Izumi is Canada's best-known and most sought after contemporary fisherman. He is the country's most successful tournament fisherman, respected author, seminar speaker, conservationist, television personality and radio show host.”

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Skeet Reese Auction for Hurricane Sandy Relief

AUBURN, Calif.  Always someone seeking to find a way to help people in need, Bassmaster Elite Series pro Skeet Reese and his family have decided to do an auction to help raise funds for those affected by Hurricane Sandy on the East Coast.

Reese will be holding an auction on his personal website; www.skeetreeseinc.com beginning Tuesday, November 6, 2012, and will last through November 16, 2012. Reese will be holding an auction for several items of significant value from his career and personal gear, and will be matching the money raised.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Gussy Ready for 2013 FLW Tour

FLW Press Release

(photo: FLW)
Canadian bass fisherman Jeff Gustafson announced Thursday he has committed to fishing the entire 2013 Walmart FLW Tour season. Gustafson competed in the four FLW Tour Opens in 2012 and cashed checks at each, despite being a rookie with little or no previous lake knowledge. He finished the season 14th in the points race.
Known in the industry as “Gussy,” the Keewatin, Ontario, angler has quite a reputation in the North Country as a guide and tournament angler – having won both the Kenora Bass International and the International Falls Bass Championship. In addition, the 30-year-old hosts his own TV show called “Fishing with Gussy” as well as writes a weekly outdoors column called the “Livewell” for the Fort Frances Times. Gustafson is also active on social media and quickly became a fan favorite this season on FLW’s On-The-Water coverage page.
“Having a solid rookie season in the Opens makes me even more excited for next year,” said Gustafson. “Fishing the tour down south was an eye-opening experience. Now that I’ve got my feet wet I’m ready for a full season.”
Gustafson will once again run a Kruger Farms/International Comfort Products-wrapped Lund Predator with a 225-horsepower Mercury Optimax.
The 2013 FLW Tour season opener kicks off Feb. 7 on Lake Okeechobee, the same fishery where Gustafson notched a top-20 finish this February.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Skipping Doc(s)!


By L. Talyor

Dock after dock after dock -- all day long it was the same thing. Some of the docks had one bass under them and others had two or three. It was proving to be the best way to get a quality bite, but the technique required just the right touch.

“It’s like skipping rocks, only you are using a fishing pole and a lure,” said Beaver Lake fishing guide Brad Wiegmann.

The skipping technique is all about having the right angle. When skipping light lures it’s best to use a spinning rig. Leave about 14 inches from lure to the end of the rod, open the bail and bring the rod back parallel or slight pointing toward the water. Then, simply use a sidearm cast to skip the lure to its destination. It’s skipping a heavier lure with a baitcasting rig that gives some anglers fits.

“Put the reel on free-spool and use adequate force to swing the lure parallel to the water,” Wiegmann said. “After the lure stops, take your pocket knife and cut out the tangled mess. Retie and repeat, until you have no more over-priced fluorocarbon line on your reel. Lay down this pole and grab the next, and repeat the process until all the line is removed. At this point, it’s customary to say ‘the he#% with it,’ grab a topwater rod and go throw a Zara Spook.”

Monday, October 29, 2012

Formosa and Saliba Win 2012 Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open ...For Fourth Time!

Official Press Release
Orillia, Ontario Canada
As 100 boats and 200 anglers blasted off on the calm waters of Lake Couchiching the morning of October 20th, many were surprised they had to deal with four foot waves as soon as they entered Lake Simcoe. Some turned around and headed back for calmer waters while others prevailed ... carefully manoeuvring their bass boats to productive fishing waters they found during practice period the week before. The Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open, hosted by the Aurora Bassmasters capitalizes on one of the world’s finest smallmouth fisheries. As good as Orillia’s Couchiching is ... Simcoe is bigger and so too are it’s smallmouth bass. In 2010, the winning team of Mark Moran and Joey Muszynski set the all time Canadian record with an incredible 31.5 pounds worth of smallmouth bass. During that same BPS Lake Simcoe Open event, a Canadian tournament record 8.05 smallmouth bass was also weighed in. 

Friday, October 26, 2012

Competitive Sport Fishing League announced its release of the 2013 Tournament Schedule.

The CSFL released today its 2013 Tournament Schedule which includes guaranteed pay backs, increased pay outs, return of a previous division, the expansion of a new fall tour, an increase in the restricted horsepower tour along with guaranteed positions for the 2013 BM Classic XVII.

Andrew Pallotta, President of the Competitive Sports Fishing League states “I am extremely excited for the future of the CSFL. These positive changes will ensure more opportunities for our anglers and further growth for the CSFL while it continues to thrive to maintain a leading role here in Canada.”

CSFL will be guaranteeing a $5,000.00 first place at each Wildcard event regardless of field size. This will come in effect as early as this fall when the 2013 Southwestern Tour commences in Chippawa! With 5% less hold backs and a minimal increase in entry fee, the CSFL has made it possible to increase the Wildcard first place winning up to $10,000.00, a $5,000.00 increase!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Asian Carp Forum November 8: All are Welcome


You may be aware of the threat to fish and recreational sport fishing in the Great Lakes, particularly Lake Ontario, posed by the possible introduction of Asian Carp. Currently, an electronic barrier at Chicago is keeping these fish from entering Lake Ontario. The threat posed by these fish is significant, and has been the focus of considerable activity on the part of the Canadian, U.S. and Ontario governments.

Please see attached a notice of a public meeting about a public forum on Asian Carp, at which experts from both federal governments, the province, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and others will discuss the issues and solutions to this pressing problem. The public is encouraged to attend, particularly all those who value the opportunity to fish in Lake Ontario and surrounding waters, to learn more about what is being done to protect the recreational sport fishery from this potential threat.

The Forum is being held on November 8, 2012, 8:30 –4:30 at the Palais Royale, 1601 Lake Shore Blvd. W., near Sunnyside Park on the Toronto waterfront.

If you are interested in attending, you can pre-register at www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/asiancarp

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Mustang Survival HIT Inflatable PFD Safety Alert

In keeping with Mustang Survival’s commitment to the highest levels of quality and safety, we are notifying the public of an urgent advisory for specific Hydrostatic inflatable PFDs manufactured during April and May of 2012. A portion of these PFDs may be subject to delayed or non-inflations. To determine if you are impacted by this precautionary advisory please reference the instructions below.
The following Mustang Survival US and Canadian products are affected:
US PRODUCTS
CANADIAN PRODUCTS
MA7214 HIT inflatable re-arm kit
MA7214 HIT inflatable re-arm kit
MA7218 HIT inflatable re-arm kit for LIFT
MD3153 Deluxe Inflatable PFD with HIT
MD0450 Inflatable Vest PFD with LIFT
MD3154 Deluxe Inflatable PFD with HIT (with harness)
MD0451 Inflatable Vest PFD with LIFT (no harness)
MD3157 Inflatable Work Vest with HIT
MD3183 Deluxe Inflatable PFD with HIT
MD3184 Deluxe Inflatable PFD with HIT (with harness)
MD3188 Inflatable Work Vest with HIT
The potentially affected products were made in Canada during April and May of 2012. If your PFD falls into this category we recommend you visit www.mustangsurvival.com/HIT or call 1-800-526-0532 for further information. The model number, manufacturing location and date of manufacture is printed on the white approval label on the back of the PFD.
All other Mustang Survival inflatable PFD products are not part of this advisory.
Contact:
For complete details, visit www.mustangsurvival.com/HIT or call 1-800-526-0532

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Bass Tournament Winning Jig-and-Plastic Combos



By I.M. Bradley
How would you like to win more bass tournaments? If you answered “no,” then continue to fish the same lures and techniques you always do. Keep a closed mind. Never try anything new. By God, you caught a bass on a jig-and-pork in 1978, and that’s just the way it is!

 If you answered “yes,” however, keep reading because the secret of catching tournament winning stringers is going to be revealed.

OK, there is no secret. No magic lure, secret technique or expensive machine that drives bass into an insane feeding machine. However, the fact is that a jig with some kind of soft plastic as a trailer has been on the business end of more tournament-winning rigs than any other.

Winning major bass tournaments requires thorough preparation before and flawless execution during the event, as well has “giving them what they want.” Bassmaster Elite Series professional anglers Alton Jones and Edwin Evers know that along with having the right lure, each angler must make adjustments during each day to catch the biggest bag. These two anglers won nearly $1 million dollars on just three tournaments using a variation of that old jig-and-pork you (or your grandpa) caught a bass on back in the 1970s. Jones won the Bassmaster Classic in 2008 on Lake Hartwell in South Carolina; Evers won the Bassmaster Elite Series Citrus Slam Tournament on the St. Johns River and the PAA Series Tournament on Lake Norman, and all three tournaments were won with a jig.  

Crawfish imitations just seem to catch better numbers of bigger, quality bass. Another way of looking at it is that they eliminate the smaller bites, thus giving the bigger bass a better chance of getting on your line.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Formosa & Seliba Win the Bass Pro Shop Open for the 4th Time!

Under difficult fishing conditions and a temperamental wind, the team of Bob Formosa and Jayson Seliba win the Bass Pro Shop Open on Lake Simcoe. With a hefty creel of 27.05 pounds for 5 bass, this pair captured their forth victory of this autumn classic. Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching are world reknown smallmouth fisheries and this pair displayed that even difficult fishing, big bass can be caught. Matt Belzil and Jason Clay finished second with 25.65 pounds. Third place went to Kal Vaisanen and Bill Walker who closed the day with 24.3 pounds.

This year's tournament weights were way down. Known for producing record catches of bass, two years ago, the heaviest 5-bass limit in Canadian history was landed at over 31 pounds by the team of Joey Muszunski and Mark Moran. The crowds wasn't disappointed though as the power house team of Derek Strub and Mike Desforges brought in the largest bass of the day, a stunning 7.75 smallmouth.

Friday, October 19, 2012

BASS PRO SHOP Open this Weekend!




Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open Brings On Big Jim as MC:

Orillia, Ontario Canada: Organizers of the Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open bass tournament, hosted by the Aurora Bassmasters, are thrilled to announce they have signed the legendary Big Jim McLaughlin to be MC of their tournament weigh-in ceremonies for the 2012 event out of Orillia Oct 20th.  It’s been many years since I won my second Canadian Championship out of Orillia, but when I see the weights that come in now for a 5 fish limit ... surpassing even those of the old 6 fish tournament limit ...I am absolutely jacked to be the Emcee at the 2012 BASS PRO SHOPS LAKE SIMCOE OPEN ...Canada’s Premier one day bass fishing tournament ..PERIOD!,” said Big Jim.
                                                                                
                                                                                 About Big Jim
“Big” Jim, as he is affectionately known has been an integral part of the Canadian sportfishing scene for nearly 30 years now and shows no signs of slowing down. Having first gained notoriety as a tournament angler, “Big” Jim was vaulted into the sport fishing spotlight with two CFT Canadian Classic Championships… Canada’s premier tournament title along with a slew of tournament victory’s numbering 28 to his credit. Following his tournament success, “Big” Jim founded what has becomeCanada’s largest FREE fishing publication – Just Fishing with “Big” Jim McLaughlin.  For nearly 20 years this successful publication has brought top notch  angling information to Canadian and American anglers alike.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Cool Perk: Testing Prototypes Lures

One of the neat parts of being a bass fishing blogger is lure testing. Yesterday, I got a chance to cast a few different prototype frogs. The people at Centro are trying to finalize their frog lure called the Frogster. A little finial tuning was needed after they modified the original skirt. They're double checking the balance between a super walk-the-dog action and the correct angle in the water.

Here are some photos:
Playing with a new paint job.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Strike King's Prototype 10XD

Phil explains the difference between the
6XD (top lure) and newer 10 XD.
(Photo: FLW)

Phil Marks who just won the FLW Open on Lake San Rayburn in east Texas did so in wild fashion. The entire 4 day event was plagued with small limits and a flip flopping leader board. So, when Marks came to the scales on the final day with a 30 pound plus sack of bass, everyone wanted to know how he accomplished such a feat. Well, a 10"Strike King Rage worm helped but the big buzz is over the new 10 XD crankbait. This mag sized version of the famed Strike King line of cranks might be the next hot lure. Not sure how if it resembles the older the Mann's 30 Plus in size but it should be a great fit for places too deep for regular plugs. 


Monday, October 15, 2012

Phil Marks Wins 2012 FLW Open on Rayburn

Huge sack leads Texas pro to dominant FLW Tour win     
by David A. Brown
FLW Press Release

LUFKIN, Texas – Christmas came early for Strike King pro Phil Marks. Yesterday, the tenured Texas angler said he needed cloudy weather to tap the full potential of his offshore spots and, after three days of mostly sunny conditions, he got the skies he needed to turn in a crushing performance that topped the Walmart FLW Tour Open on Sam Rayburn Reservoir.
Now, you know how it is when you get a new car – before taking your buddies for a spin, it's kinda cool just to step back and admire the sweet points. Let's do that with Marks' victory. Consider these sweet stats:
- Marks' massive final-round limit of 32 pounds, 12 ounces was 15 pounds, 7 ounces heavier than that of his nearest competitor (second-place Keith Combs).
- Marks' four-day weight of 82 pounds gave him a winning margin of 16-5 (third largest in FLW Tour history).
- That margin alone was more than the final day weights caught by the third- through 10th-place pros.
- And here's one that doesn't show up on the stat sheets – the Dallas, Texas, pro was the only competitor requiring two weigh-in bags to carry his enormous catch to the scale.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Phil Marks Wins 2012 FLW Open on San Rayburn with Giant Limit

Phil Marks destroys the final day with a tremendous 5 bass limit of 32-12!
As most angler faltered to catch much over 15 pounds, Dallas resident, Marks put a 10dx (proto-type) Strike King crankbait and big worm to work to claim the $100 000 prize.


Top 10

Friday, October 12, 2012

2012 FLW Open San Rayburn Day 2: Combs Take Lead

Combs can win if he can continue to catch 7 pounds like this one.
(Photo:FLW)
Lake San Rayburn, the final stop of the FLW Open, was fickle again. Most anglers found fewer fish willing to bite than on day 1. More five fish limits between 10 and 14 pounds were weighted in today but for the most part fishing was a struggles. Yesterday's leader JT Kenney discovered that his off-shore areas were void of bait and bass and fell to 4th. The largest bag of the day came from recently crowned FLW Cup Champ Jacob Wheeler who collected 19-15 of bass and jumped up to 7th. Texas pro, Keith Combs grabbed the leader position on the back of his 16-11 pound bag.

Tomorrow the field is cut to the Top 20 anglers. Only the Top 10 anglers fish on Sunday.

Here is a look at the Top 10
place/angler/home town/ day 1/ day 2/ total

1 KEITH COMBS HUNTINGTON, TX16-12 (5) 16-11 (5) 33-07 (10)
2 TODD CASTLEDINE NACOGDOCHES, TX11-10 (5) 19-12 (5) 31-06 (10)
3 PHIL MARKS DALLAS, TX17-01 (5) 14-02 (5) 31-03 (10)
4 JT KENNEY PALM BAY, FL19-06 (5) 11-07 (5) 30-13 (10)
5 MATT HERREN TRUSSVILLE, AL14-13 (5) 15-11 (5) 30-08 (10)
6 MIKE SURMAN BOCA RATON, FL11-07 (5) 18-08 (5) 29-15 (10)
7 JACOB WHEELER INDIANAPOLIS, IN9-13 (5) 19-15 (5) 29-12 (10)
8 JASON WELLS CENTER, TX12-00 (5) 17-02 (5) 29-02 (10)
9 JOHN COX DEBARY, FL14-00 (5) 14-04 (5) 28-04 (10)
10 DARRELL DAVIS DOVER, FL13-01 (5) 14-13 (5) 27-14 (10)

Thursday, October 11, 2012

2012 FLW Open San Rayburn Day 1: Kenney Lead with over 19.

East Texas was the epicenter to bass fishing in the early years of bass tournaments. Big Sam, Toledo Bend were king. Many fishing legends came from these parts. Tommy Martin, Larry Nixon,  Harold Allen, and Lonnie Stanley are a few of the big names that made this place so famous. As famous as San Rayburn is, early October is a time of transition and fishing has been difficult. For most on the last FLW Open of the 2012 season fishing has been terrible. Even though most could only catch single digit limits, JT Kenny topped the field with 19.06 to grab first place on day 1. a great fishing day on any lake but remember, this is Texas, and big bass abound. If they start to bite, the leader board will change rapidly.

Top 10



1JT KENNEYPALM BAY, FL19-06 (5)
 
2TOMMY DURHAMWHITNEY, TX17-02 (5)
 
3PHIL MARKSDALLAS, TX17-01 (5)
 
4KEITH COMBSHUNTINGTON, TX16-12 (5)
 
5BILL MCDONALDGREENWOOD, IN15-03 (5)
 
6MATT HERRENTRUSSVILLE, AL14-13 (5)
 
7ART FERGUSON IIIST. CLAIR SHORES, MI14-11 (5)
 
8DION HIBDONSUNRISE BEACH, MO14-07 (5)
 
9JOHN COXDEBARY, FL14-00 (5)
 
9KEVIN WALKERBUNA, TX14-00 (5)