The Boomerang Tool Company offers some great fishing cutters and pliers. Check out how well they work on braided line. Plus they will not rust! Definitely a great gift or pick one up for yourself.
IBASSIN is your first choice for all things bass fishing. Tournaments, new lures, articles, interviews and resources centred around bass fishing.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
HUMMINGBIRD's new 360 Imaging OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE and photos
Humminbird®’s New 360 Imaging™ Designed to Give Anglers the Edge
“Images Are Like Watching Underwater Radar”
“Images Are Like Watching Underwater Radar”
EUFAULA, Ala. (Feb., 2012) – Securing its lead in marine sonar technology, Humminbird® is launching an exclusive sonar accessory that will give anglers detailed 360 degree views.
Humminbird’s 360 Imaging™ provides a complete around-the-boat, underwater image with the same sharp detail anglers have come to know with Side Imaging® technology. With a single sweep, 360 Imaging has the ability to cover a 300-foot diameter circle (70,685 square feet).
Humminbird’s 360 Imaging™ provides a complete around-the-boat, underwater image with the same sharp detail anglers have come to know with Side Imaging® technology. With a single sweep, 360 Imaging has the ability to cover a 300-foot diameter circle (70,685 square feet).
Monday, February 27, 2012
Set the Hook's Stumpy Crush Worm with IBASSIN .mov
Peter Savoia, owner and designer for Set The Hook, explains his new Stumpy Crush Worm. This is the drop shot bait of choice for many tournament anglers after big fish.
Okuma's New Helios Micro Guided Rod and Reel with IBASSIN.mov
Erik Luzak explains the new Okuma Helios rod and reel. Being ultra light weight, fitted with micro guides and matching super slick Helios reel, it looks like a winner.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Chris Lane claims Bassmaster Classic crown
SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY, La. — “Go, Chris Lane!”
As he stepped off the 2012 Bassmaster Classic stage on Sunday, Bobby Lane bellowed his brother’s name. Bobby had just been knocked out of contention. He knew Chris still had a good chance.
More than good. Chris Lane of Guntersville, Ala., won the Bassmaster Classic Sunday by more than 3 pounds, fending off hard-charging Greg Vinson. Lane’s victory was his second Bassmaster tournament title of 2012. Each came with a qualification for the 2013 Classic.
Lane brought 51 pounds, 6 ounces to the scales over three days to claim the 2012 crown of professional bass fishing and the $500,000 first-place prize. It was his first Classic win.
Vinson, of Wetumpka, Ala., had a 47-15 total. Finishing third was first-day leader Keith Poche of Pike Road, Ala., with 45-15. Fourth was 2008 Classic champ Alton Jones of Woodway, Texas, whose tournament total was 45-14. Ott DeFoe of Knoxville, Tenn., shot from 15th to finish fifth with 44-14.
Lane started strong and stayed strong in the Red River competition that pitted 49 of the world’s best anglers against each other. Lane was sixth after the first day — tied at 16-4 with brother Bobby — then moved up into the lead after the second day with a 1-pound lead over Vinson, who continued to chase Lane into the final round.
Lane said he was exhausted as he waited in the wings for his turn at the scales on the Classic stage at the CenturyLink Center in Bossier City.
More than good. Chris Lane of Guntersville, Ala., won the Bassmaster Classic Sunday by more than 3 pounds, fending off hard-charging Greg Vinson. Lane’s victory was his second Bassmaster tournament title of 2012. Each came with a qualification for the 2013 Classic.
Lane brought 51 pounds, 6 ounces to the scales over three days to claim the 2012 crown of professional bass fishing and the $500,000 first-place prize. It was his first Classic win.
Vinson, of Wetumpka, Ala., had a 47-15 total. Finishing third was first-day leader Keith Poche of Pike Road, Ala., with 45-15. Fourth was 2008 Classic champ Alton Jones of Woodway, Texas, whose tournament total was 45-14. Ott DeFoe of Knoxville, Tenn., shot from 15th to finish fifth with 44-14.
Lane started strong and stayed strong in the Red River competition that pitted 49 of the world’s best anglers against each other. Lane was sixth after the first day — tied at 16-4 with brother Bobby — then moved up into the lead after the second day with a 1-pound lead over Vinson, who continued to chase Lane into the final round.
Lane said he was exhausted as he waited in the wings for his turn at the scales on the Classic stage at the CenturyLink Center in Bossier City.
Chris Lane 2012 Bassmaster Classic Champion!
Chris Lane bested the best on the Red River and claimed his moment in history as the 42th Classic Champ. His day 3 catch of 15-14 was enough to surpass Greg Vinson for the title.
Top 5
1. Chris Lane 51-06
2. Greg Vinson 47-15
3. Keith Poche 45-15
4. Alton Jones 45-14
5. Ott DeFoe 44-14
More cover to come!
Top 5
1. Chris Lane 51-06
2. Greg Vinson 47-15
3. Keith Poche 45-15
4. Alton Jones 45-14
5. Ott DeFoe 44-14
More cover to come!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
2012 Bassmaster Classic Day 2: Lane Gave Them Pain
Deb Johnson
BASS PRESS RELEASE
BASS PRESS RELEASE
SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY, La. — Tick-tock.
Chris Lane says he’s got a sort of inner clock that starts to tick when everything is in sync and working for him. If ever he’s heard that wonderful sound, it was Saturday at the Bassmaster Classic on the Red River.
The Guntersville, Ala., pro took the lead by bringing 19 pounds, 4 ounces, to the scales Saturday — the day’s heaviest weight — for a two-day total of 35-8. He jumped from sixth place and eased past Greg Vinson of Wetumpka, Ala., by 1 pound. V
inson again took the runner-up seat, just as he had on Friday when he trailed leader Keith Poche of Pike Road, Ala., by a mere ounce.
Poche dropped to 10th place after bringing in 11-8 Saturday, a sharp difference from the 17-13 that took him to the lead the first day.
Alton Jones, the 2008 Bassmaster Classic champ, jumped from 16th place into third place. From Woodway, Texas, Jones made his second-day charge with a 17-14 sack. His two-day total was 31-11.
In fourth place was Chris Lane’s brother, Bobby Lane of Lakeland, Fla., who had 30-12 over two days. Fifth was Edwin Evers of Talala, Okla., just 5 ounces behind with 30-7.
The field was cut to the top 25 anglers for Sunday’s competition for the $500,000 first prize and prestigious Classic crown.
Chris Lane said he changed locations, line size, lures, weights — almost everything for Saturday’s round. He chose his new spot and made a commitment to not abandon it until he had given it at least a two-hour chance to produce. He had to work it for over an hour and a half before he got his first fish of about 2 1/2 pounds.
“I stayed focused. I had confidence the decision I had made was right. I stuck it out,” Lane said.
But once the area heated up, it was game on for Lane.
“Catching that fish sat me down, sunk me in and told me it was time to get to work,” he said.
Lane’s been living by a philosophy that he says has changed his fishing and his life. He’s ceased to listen to what others tell him he should or shouldn’t do; he’s learned to trust his instincts.
“It’s like a clock that was broken starts to tick again. I seem to be at a place now where my clock is working.”
Chris Lane says he’s got a sort of inner clock that starts to tick when everything is in sync and working for him. If ever he’s heard that wonderful sound, it was Saturday at the Bassmaster Classic on the Red River.
The Guntersville, Ala., pro took the lead by bringing 19 pounds, 4 ounces, to the scales Saturday — the day’s heaviest weight — for a two-day total of 35-8. He jumped from sixth place and eased past Greg Vinson of Wetumpka, Ala., by 1 pound. V
inson again took the runner-up seat, just as he had on Friday when he trailed leader Keith Poche of Pike Road, Ala., by a mere ounce.
Poche dropped to 10th place after bringing in 11-8 Saturday, a sharp difference from the 17-13 that took him to the lead the first day.
Alton Jones, the 2008 Bassmaster Classic champ, jumped from 16th place into third place. From Woodway, Texas, Jones made his second-day charge with a 17-14 sack. His two-day total was 31-11.
In fourth place was Chris Lane’s brother, Bobby Lane of Lakeland, Fla., who had 30-12 over two days. Fifth was Edwin Evers of Talala, Okla., just 5 ounces behind with 30-7.
The field was cut to the top 25 anglers for Sunday’s competition for the $500,000 first prize and prestigious Classic crown.
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| Chris Lane leading the Classic! (photos: James Overstreet BASS) |
“I stayed focused. I had confidence the decision I had made was right. I stuck it out,” Lane said.
But once the area heated up, it was game on for Lane.
“Catching that fish sat me down, sunk me in and told me it was time to get to work,” he said.
Lane’s been living by a philosophy that he says has changed his fishing and his life. He’s ceased to listen to what others tell him he should or shouldn’t do; he’s learned to trust his instincts.
“It’s like a clock that was broken starts to tick again. I seem to be at a place now where my clock is working.”
2012 Bassmaster Classic Day 2: Chris Lane Leads!
By Luigi De Rose
Chris Lane, AL, is leading the 2012 Bassmaster Classic with a two day total of 35-08. He has a 1 pound lead over Greg Vinson who weighted in a day 2 limit of 16-12 pounds. After the final fish hit the scales, two clear facts have transpired on the Red River: bigger bass are starting to spawn and no one can make a mistake. Chris Lane's 19-04 five bass limit was the heaviest of the day and entire tournament illustrates the potential of a large creel. Chris is king after day two but that affords him little luxury. He is only 6 pounds ahead of 10th place angler Keith Poche. Poche was yesterday's leader and a local of the Red River. If Poche had difficulty catching them then anyone can.
The Top 10
place/angler/day 2 weight/ total weight
1. Chris Lane 19-04 35-08
2. Greg Vison 16-12 34-11
3. Alton Jones 17-14 31-11
4. Bobby Lane 14-08 30-12
5. Edwin Evers 14-04 30-07
6. Dustin Wilks 13-10 30-03
7. Bill Lowen 14-13 29-10
8. Aaron Marten 15-11 29-09
9. David Walker 12-14 29-06
10. Keith Poche 11-08 29-05
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| Chris Lane is PUMPED! (photo: James Overstreet BASS) |
The Top 10
place/angler/day 2 weight/ total weight
1. Chris Lane 19-04 35-08
2. Greg Vison 16-12 34-11
3. Alton Jones 17-14 31-11
4. Bobby Lane 14-08 30-12
5. Edwin Evers 14-04 30-07
6. Dustin Wilks 13-10 30-03
7. Bill Lowen 14-13 29-10
8. Aaron Marten 15-11 29-09
9. David Walker 12-14 29-06
10. Keith Poche 11-08 29-05
2012 Bassmaster Classic: What's Happening?
By Luigi De Rose
The 2012 Bassmaster Classic is held on the Red River. The Red River is a large river segmented by locks with numerous off-chutes, backwaters, creeks and sloughs. Anglers have kilometers of water to fish yet many are crammed into tiny areas due to the seasonal transition of the bass and the muddy water conditions. Cold, muddy water is unproductive. It blinds the bass and freezes their ability to hunt. As Aaron Marten, note Elite angler stated, "if the area is muddy, you won't catch anything." Rain has contributed to dirtying the water yet most anglers commented that the wind was their biggest foe. Focusing on dead end coves or distant backwaters immune from the flowing muddy water was rocked with high winds that stirred the silt bottom reducing the availability of water. The scarcity of clearer water forces Classic competitors to share water. Although each angler accepted the crowds many areas were further muddied as trolling and big motors churned the waters throughout the fishing day. Add that to the fact to the volume of bass caught on day 1, many pros were disappointed of their chances of finding enough quality bass to win the world's most covenant title.
Here are a series of photos that illustrate how limited the clear water areas are and the crowding on Day 1. (photos: BASS)
The 2012 Bassmaster Classic is held on the Red River. The Red River is a large river segmented by locks with numerous off-chutes, backwaters, creeks and sloughs. Anglers have kilometers of water to fish yet many are crammed into tiny areas due to the seasonal transition of the bass and the muddy water conditions. Cold, muddy water is unproductive. It blinds the bass and freezes their ability to hunt. As Aaron Marten, note Elite angler stated, "if the area is muddy, you won't catch anything." Rain has contributed to dirtying the water yet most anglers commented that the wind was their biggest foe. Focusing on dead end coves or distant backwaters immune from the flowing muddy water was rocked with high winds that stirred the silt bottom reducing the availability of water. The scarcity of clearer water forces Classic competitors to share water. Although each angler accepted the crowds many areas were further muddied as trolling and big motors churned the waters throughout the fishing day. Add that to the fact to the volume of bass caught on day 1, many pros were disappointed of their chances of finding enough quality bass to win the world's most covenant title.
Here are a series of photos that illustrate how limited the clear water areas are and the crowding on Day 1. (photos: BASS)
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| The water right of the road is in stark contrast to the clearer water on the left. |
Friday, February 24, 2012
2012 Bassmaster Classic Day 1: Keith Is King on Day 1
SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY, La. — After Keith Poche stepped off the Bassmaster Classic stage, he did not fully realize he had just taken the lead from Greg Vinson by 1 ounce. Someone backstage helped drive it home to him.
“This is a blur right now. My first Bassmaster Classic, at home in Louisiana, and I’m the leader. I don’t know what to say,” said the Natchitoches, La., native who now lives in Pike Road, Ala.
Poche’s 17 pounds, 13 ounces, was a five-fish limit of Red River largemouth bass. Vinson, of Wetumpka, Ala., had 17-12 out of his five fish.
Dustin Wilks of Rocky Mount, N.C., was third with 16 pounds, 9 ounces. Wilks has David Walker of Sevierville, Tenn., breathing down his neck: Walker weighed just 1 ounce less than Wilks, 16-8.
The game of ounces continued at the 2012 Classic’s first day with Ott DeFoe of Knoxville, Tenn., in fifth place, posting 16-6, just 2 ounces in back of fellow Tennessean Walker.
So overcome by the success of his first trip across a Classic stage, a walk he’s been dreaming about all his life, Poche had to take a deep breath before he could say much about his day on the Red River.
He was then able to recount how his bass came from an area he initially pegged in practice as a one-keeper stop in the rivers’ Pool 4, a one-lock trip from the launch site. He quickly discovered that larger fish had moved up onto beds, so he stayed. He had the area to himself most of the day, and he threw one lure, working one pattern.
“This is a blur right now. My first Bassmaster Classic, at home in Louisiana, and I’m the leader. I don’t know what to say,” said the Natchitoches, La., native who now lives in Pike Road, Ala.
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| He takes the lead by 1 ounce (Photos: James Overstreet BASS) |
Dustin Wilks of Rocky Mount, N.C., was third with 16 pounds, 9 ounces. Wilks has David Walker of Sevierville, Tenn., breathing down his neck: Walker weighed just 1 ounce less than Wilks, 16-8.
The game of ounces continued at the 2012 Classic’s first day with Ott DeFoe of Knoxville, Tenn., in fifth place, posting 16-6, just 2 ounces in back of fellow Tennessean Walker.
So overcome by the success of his first trip across a Classic stage, a walk he’s been dreaming about all his life, Poche had to take a deep breath before he could say much about his day on the Red River.
He was then able to recount how his bass came from an area he initially pegged in practice as a one-keeper stop in the rivers’ Pool 4, a one-lock trip from the launch site. He quickly discovered that larger fish had moved up onto beds, so he stayed. He had the area to himself most of the day, and he threw one lure, working one pattern.
2012 Bassmaster Classic Day 1: Local Angler Take Lead
The final bass have been weighted and it is a very close start to the 2012 Bassmaster Classic. Anglers are fishing within feet of each other and weights are super close. No one in the top 20 are totally out but no one is safe.
Top 10
1. Keith Poche 17-13
2. Greg Vinson 17-12
3. Dustin Wilks 16-9
4. David Walker 16-08
5. Ott DeFoe 16-06
6. Chris Lane 16-4
6. Bobby Lane 16-04
8. Edwin Evers 16-03
9. Jamie Horton 14-15
10. Bill Lowen 14-13
1. Keith Poche 17-13
2. Greg Vinson 17-12
3. Dustin Wilks 16-9
4. David Walker 16-08
5. Ott DeFoe 16-06
6. Chris Lane 16-4
6. Bobby Lane 16-04
8. Edwin Evers 16-03
9. Jamie Horton 14-15
10. Bill Lowen 14-13
IBASSIN's Classic Picks.. a bit late but I didn't peak at the mid-day standing
Every Classic boat is off and I still never got my top picks out. I’m not trying to cheat, just been busy. Last year, I was dead on. Not only predicting the final winner but most of the top 10. Picking Kevin Van Dam to win is never a bad bet. This year won’t be so easy.
Takahiro Omori
Edwin Evers
Mike Iaconelli
Rivers are strange. One thing is for certain; if someone has a chance to catch a big bag they better do it. Expect several anglers to do well and then simply run out of fish or have the water condition prevent them from continuing to do well. Every tournament is this way but this the Classic on a river. Anything can happen!
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| Van Dam |
Here are IBASSIN’s Classic picks.
Kevin Van Dam
Who wouldn’t pick him? He has the chance at three Classics wins in a row and top Rick Clunn’s benchmark of four Classic wins. Van Dam is made for this tournament. Plus, and this is a big plus, he is genius at calculating daily and hourly positioning of bass during the pre-spawn period. Another huge advantage is this tournament should be won with a shallow crankbait, spinnerbait or flipping or a combination of all three. KVD is super strong at all them. All these factors make him a clear standout.
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| Omori |
Having lived in Texas for decades, he knows how to find fish in muddy, stump filled waters. Being a pure power fisherman will serve him well here. Historically, all of Omori’s wins, except his Classic, have been spring tournaments. He won his Classic by cranking shallow wood and the Red River is choked with it. Another factor and I consider this a major contributor to this year’s potential winner is that Omori can finesse fish. He is deadly with a senko and flipping. Many veteran anglers clearly stated that they are gunning for a win and will not adjust to simply catch a limit. This is why I didn’t pick Gerald Swindle and a few others. You cannot win the Classic on the first day but you can put yourself deeply behind the eight ball if you don’t catch a limit each day.
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| Evers |
Another strong angler with a large range of talents, Edwin does well shallow. He can crank and flip well and has been very consistent. Even though the water is not clear enough to truly sight fish, there is a strong possibility of some early spawners. The weather on Thursday was over 80 F and that is very warm. It should trigger some bass to look for spawning areas. Edwin knows how to catch spawning fish and he has the mental and emotional determination to win. He might not be my strongest choice here, but he is already my choice for Classic 2013.
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| Iaconelli |
He is always one of my favourites. Being strong at so many techniques, his junk style should do well. Expect the conditions to change, especially if the weather is on a warming trend. Ike’s style will serve him well as the fish reposition during the three. He might be my second choice after Van Dam.
Ott DeFoe
Ott is no rookie. I expect him to do very well. He is a strong river angler and wise enough to find a little magic here. Having experience fishing the large fields of FLW has taught him how to deal with fishing in crowds and judging from all the reports, the best areas will be crowded. I’m not very knowledgeable of Ott but from what I read, he has a good chance at glory.
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| DeFoe |
Without picking the whole field, I still like the following: Aaron Marten and Brent Chapman. All have done very well in difficult tournaments and have the charisma to finish on top when it counts.
Stay turned for some up-dates on how the first day is unfolding.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
The Classic and The Finder on FOX
By Luigi De Rose
Someone just wrote me and commented that the staff member(s) who accepted a Classic on the Red River should be fired. They might be correct. The Red River seems to be heavily stained and fishermen are squished into key areas. Last year’s Classic on the Delta might be a blue print for Classic 2012. A cast-to-cast boat-to-boat battle might make great TV but it will frazzle the competitors. Plus, this isn't the Delta.
Its classic weekend and the Bassmaster Classic contenders have their work cut out for them. Rivers are never easy to fish. Springtime is such a volatile time for fishing making this year’s world championship a possible dud. Think back to the poorest weights recorded in Classic history and they all occurred on rivers. Granted, they all were in the dead of summer but river fishing can be difficult.
This year has been a mild winter. Luckily, we didn’t have a huge snowmelt to flush the river out but some strong rains up stream of Shreveport, LA, have darkened the water. Hopefully, this will not adversely effect and affect the Classic. The weather report for today and tonight is a high of 82F and low of 42F with thunderstorms and rain. The rest of the weekend seems nice. The worst conditions are cold, muddy water that is flooding. It makes fishing and navigation scary. Much of the northern states have had strong winter weather the last few days. Ohio, Michigan, New York and Ontario are going to get a heavy snowstorm in the next few hours. If the weather turns sour, the fishing might be impossible.
THE FINDERS ON FOX
On a totally different note, a good friend of mine is a writer for the new TV show on Fox called The Finders. It airs at 9pm Eastern Time. If you have a chance, turn on the TV to Fox and give it a watch. My buddy’s mortgage is resting on its success.
The Weekend
Expect daily reports of the Bassmaster Classic here on IBASSIN along with some mid-day up-dates. I’ll also be adding a few personal blogs on the way.
Coming up!
IBASSIN’s Bassmaster Classic Top Picks
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Megabass Vision 110 Plus 1 video with JP De Rose
Get a glimpse of the new Megabass Vision 110 Plus 1 jerkbait. The Vision 110 is considered the best jerkbait ever made. Now, designed with a longer bill, the new Vision 110 plus 1 will reach deeper fish once out of range of normal jerkbaits. Learn the details of this jerkbait from JP De Rose, the host of Getting School'd TV show on WFN.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Simax's Loca Rods with Russ Watkins
Simax rods are an innovative series of rods that have great, top quality features. Find out more details from Russ on what make the Loca rods so good.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Article and Video Alert: Super Spinnerbaits for Smallmouth
Just wanted to alert you to an article in Ontario OUT OF DOORS magazine that should be hitting your mailbox or newsstand any day. It is on spinnerbaits for smallmouth and I feature two amazing anglers, Mike Desforges and Bary Graves. Both are seasoned tournament anglers with decades of smallmouth expertise. The article offers something for any angler regardless of skill.
The article also has a matching video. Check it out.
The article also has a matching video. Check it out.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
IBASSIN Exclusive Interview with Spiro Agouros FLW co-angler (PART 2)
By Luigi De Rose
DAY 3
According to FLW rules, the co-angler is paired with the corresponding ranked pro. So, Spiro being first on the co-angler side took his place with Randall Tharp, the tournament leader on the pro’s side. This was a double edge sword. Sharing water with the leader on the pro side is not always a blessing. This problem multiplied 10 fold considering Randall’s case. Randall had an amazing string of second place finishes last year including one at the Open on Lake Okeechobee and the FLW Championship. Trying to shake the second place jinx would take top priority. Not wanting to interfere, Spiro gave Randall plenty of room and it might have cost him the win. DAY 3
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| He knew he let it slip away. (photo: Brett Carlson FLW) |
“Randall’s spot is not a secret. I’ve fished it before and the amount of boats beating the weed mats was wild. We always fished in a crowd.” explains Spiro. Both anglers focused on the heavy mats and we’re willing to keep at it all day. By day 3 there were so many boat motors chopping through the
grass; the fish became more difficult to catch.
Monday, February 13, 2012
IBASSIN Exclusive Interview with Spiro Agouros FLW co-angler
As he walked up on stage for the final time, the expression on his face spoke volumes. He might not have enough to retake the lead. Spiro Agouros of Peterborough, Ontario has spent several years honing his skills as a co-angler on the FLW tournament trail. This season’s first Open tournament on the Big O, looked like his breakout year. Already a seasoned angler on the Ontario team tournament circuit, jumping to the big leagues is his dream. It looked like it would transform from dream to reality this weekend.
Day 1
Day 1
“We headed south but the majority of boats went north.” Confirmed Spiro “we were planning on flipping the grass. The bigger fish were in the cane, lilies and hyacinth beds. We spend the whole day pitching and flipping a big weight into the grass.” Lake Okeechobee, by all local report,s had the potential of being amazing. Numerous bass over 10 pounds were being caught. There was a true likelihood that a five fish limit over 40 pounds would be caught. With that in mind, Spiro was set.
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| Spiro's big one. (Photo: Brett Carlson FLW) |
Florida fishing is very similar to fishing the weedy lakes of his home province of Ontario but the fish are much more powerful. “Man when those fish hit, they smashed it. Three pounders felt like 10 pounders.” Admits Spiro. Spiro anchored his first day catch with an 8-01 bass. (He tied with Mike Daley for biggest bass. Daley also had an 8-01 bass). “When that big one hit I smashed it. I tried to get the head up and just kept cranking.” Recalls Spiro
“I could have had a 30 pound bag that day!” announces Spiro. “When the big fish hit they want to jump which actually makes them easier to land but I had a bass over 10lbs that I couldn’t move.” He admits to losing four bass over five pounds on the first day. If they dive towards the bottom or swim sideways, you cannot reef them out. Okeechobee is known for big bass and Spiro caught a 9 and 7 pounder in practice with 2011 FLW Cup Champion Scott Martin of Clewiston, Florida. Scott and his father, legendary pro angler and TV host, Roland Martin has helped sharpen Spiro’s skill level on this lake.
His five bass weighed 20-02 pounds with his biggest being 8-01 pounds. This allowed him to capture the lead on day 1. Dave Lefebre fished a jig all day and amassed 16-08lbs. for day one. The correct gear is important for this combat style of fishing. Spiro felt that his set up was very well suited for Okeechobee.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Walmart FLW Lake Okeechobee Open Champion Randall Tharp!
Tharp notches first Walmart FLW Tour win on favorite lake
12.Feb.2012 by Brett Carlson
FLW PRESS RELEASE
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| WINNER! (Photo: Brett Carlson FLW) |
CLEWISTON, Fla. – In his brief time as a professional bass fisherman, Randall Tharp has achieved considerable success – numerous Triple-A wins, top-10 finishes and over a half million dollars in career earnings. But up until today, he’d never won the big one – falling just short last year at both Okeechobee and at the Forrest Wood Cup. This week he was able to accomplish two of his biggest goals simultaneously – winning a Walmart FLW Tour event and winning a major tournament on the Big O.
Tharp has been performing at such a high level lately his victory is hardly a surprise. Even he knew it. After finishing second to friend Brandon McMillan last year, Tharp prophetically said on stage, “I will get my win down here; there is no doubt I will.”
Tharp proved to be a man of his word. Coming in to this event, he had six consecutive top-10 finishes on Okeechobee spanning FLW and BASS competition. The EverStart pro and wife his Sara travel to the lake every winter to shoot television shows, enter a few tournaments and sample some of the best bass fishing southern Florida has to offer. It’s become almost a second home. This year, they headed south on Nov. 15 and with his free time, Tharp learned as much as he could about every single mat on the lake.
Exclusive Interview with Spiro Agouros
Walmart FLW Lake Okeechobee Open co-angler.
Spiro was leading the co-angler division the entire tournament and just go squeezed out on the last day. Learn how he successfully fished the Big O with three of the best FLW pros on tour.
Learn how he caught this beast!
Full interview coming Tuesday!
Walmart FLW Lake Okeechobee Open co-angler.
Learn how he caught this beast!
Full interview coming Tuesday!
Walmart FLW Lake Okeechobee Open: Randall Tharp Wins!
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| Tharp Won with the Big Rod. (Photo: Shaye Baker FLW) |
Quick facts
- Day 4 weather was freezing cold and windy
- 3 of the top ten anglers only weighted in one bass today and Dick Gainey zeroed.
- Randall held the lead all four days of the tournament
- only 4 limits caught on day 4
- out of the top ten anglers the smallest bag weighed was 1 pound and the largest was 33-09 (on day 1)
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Walmart FLW Lake Okeechobee Open Day 3: Wind Whips but Tharp Tops
EverStart pro survives blustery weather, retains nearly 9-pound lead
11.Feb.2012
by Brett Carlson
FLW PRESS RELEASE
CLEWISTON, Fla. – It appears not even a vicious Florida cold front can stop Randall Tharp. In relentless 25 to 30 mph winds, Tharp buckled down and caught a workmanlike 14-pound, 13-ounce bag to retain a sizeable lead in the Walmart FLW Tour season opener on Lake Okeechobee.
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| Randall Tharp is still in command but the lead struck. (Photo: Brett Carlson FLW) |
Tharp didn’t come close to the 30-pound stringers he caught on days one and two, but he still received four quality bites. The major difference between the opening round and today was that he failed to capitalize on half those bites. While he left an opportunity to shut the door slip away, he’ll still start the final day with an 8-pound, 13-ounce lead.
“It was a struggle today,” said Tharp, who claimed the runner-up spot at last year’s FLW Tour event on Lake Okeechobee. “Really, I had the bites to put the tournament out of reach, but I had a bad day and I left the door open. I broke a couple off today, and I think one was in the 10-pound class.”
Tharp said he’s sticking with the technique that’s brought him this far – flipping a bait with a 1 1/2-ounce weight into thick, matted vegetation. He’s fishing for big bites, not numbers, and that could make for an interesting final day where the forecast calls for cold temperatures and more wind. Florida-strain largemouths are notorious for being finicky during a cold front.
“I can’t worry about the other guys, because I can’t control what they do. I have to go out there and do my job. I’m going to have a couple of flipping sticks out and fish for one at a time, and hopefully I’ll get five bites.”
Friday, February 10, 2012
Walmart FLW Lake Okeechobee Day 2: Tharp Still Thumping!
By Luigi De Rose
Randall Tharp of Gardendale, AL, has finally shined his lucky charms. With a commanding lead, he is on pace to triumphantly win the Lake Okeechobee Open and break the 100 pound mark with 20 bass. Tharp has has many seconds, especially on the Big O. The last FLW EverStart held here a few weeks ago, he narrowly missed a win. If all goes well he should be able to claim the winners trophy. It sounds like big words but for a two day, 10 fish creel, his 63-13 pound catch is amazing. How amazing? Canadian legend, Bob Izumi was the last person to make the Top 20 cut with a two day total of 33-07. Randall's first day bag was heavier
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| Tharp hunting the lunkers with a flippin stick. (Photo: Shaye Baker FLW) |
Walmart FLW Lake Okeechobee Day 1: Tharp Tops Day 1
FLW PRESS RELEASE
By Brett Carlson
09.Feb.2012
CLEWISTON, Fla. – Does home-lake advantage play a role when 320 of the world’s best anglers gather to see who can find the heaviest four-day stringer of bass for a first-place cash prize of up to $125,000? Just look at the leaderboard of the season-opening Walmart FLW Tour on Lake Okeechobee presented by Evinrude.
EverStart pro Randall Tharp of Gardendale, Ala., crossed the stage Thursday with a five-bass limit weighing 33 pounds, 9 ounces to lead day one of the event. Tharp now holds a slim 2-ounce lead over Brandon McMillan of Clewiston, Fla., who caught five bass weighing 33-7. Add to the top-five anglers John Cox (third) of Debary, Fla., and freshly-out-of-retirement Roland Martin (fifth) of Naples, Fla., and you have a handful of anglers with intimate knowledge of Okeechobee leading the tournament’s full field of anglers from all across the United States, Canada, Spain and Japan.
“The wind blew 15 to 20 (miles per hour),” Tharp said. “So I adjusted. And that’s just something you know how to do from fishing here. A lot of the guys here have put all their eggs in one basket.”
Even though he’s not a Floridian, Tharp said his familiarity with the lake gave him an edge on the first day of competition.
By Brett Carlson
09.Feb.2012
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| Florida Grows them Big! (Photo by Brett Carlson FLW) |
EverStart pro Randall Tharp of Gardendale, Ala., crossed the stage Thursday with a five-bass limit weighing 33 pounds, 9 ounces to lead day one of the event. Tharp now holds a slim 2-ounce lead over Brandon McMillan of Clewiston, Fla., who caught five bass weighing 33-7. Add to the top-five anglers John Cox (third) of Debary, Fla., and freshly-out-of-retirement Roland Martin (fifth) of Naples, Fla., and you have a handful of anglers with intimate knowledge of Okeechobee leading the tournament’s full field of anglers from all across the United States, Canada, Spain and Japan.
“The wind blew 15 to 20 (miles per hour),” Tharp said. “So I adjusted. And that’s just something you know how to do from fishing here. A lot of the guys here have put all their eggs in one basket.”
Even though he’s not a Floridian, Tharp said his familiarity with the lake gave him an edge on the first day of competition.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Walmart FLW Lake Okeechobee Day 1: Tharp Thumps with 33-09 Sack!
Just in, here is the top 10 pros and top 3 co-anglers
Pros
1. Randall Tharp 33-09lb
2. Brandon McMillian 33-07
3. John Cox 27-10
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
BASSTALK 2012: FEB 12
BassTalk 2012 hosted by the Downtown Bass anglers
Iroquois Sports Cafe (Whitby)
Sun. Feb 12th, 2012
Early Bird Deadline: Sun. Jan. 29th, 2012
info@basstalk.ca
AGENDA
7:00 AM Registration Opens – Coffee & Pastries
8:15 AM Welcome
8:30 AM David Chong
Rigs, Rigs & Rigs!
9:30 AM Steve Chaisson
Trendy vs. Tried, Tested & True!
(What I’ve Learned in 30 Years of Tournament Fishing!)
10:30 AM Doug Brownridge
Where’s Waldo?
11:30 PM Lunch Sponsored by the Iroquois Sports Cafe!!!!!!!
12:30 PM Derek Strub
Bassin’ Electronics
1:30 PM “Big Jim” McLaughlin
Crank It Up!
2:30 PM Paul Shibata
Rig Your Bassin’ Machine for Success!
3:30 PM Open Forum
Monday, February 6, 2012
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Free Baits for a YEAR!
Friday, February 3, 2012
First BASS CAT Boat Found!
BassCat Press Release
Springfield, Mo. resident Gerald Fleming is the current owner of the first Bass Cat boat ever produced, and it still sits on its original trailer and carries its original motor (you can click on the photos to see larger versions). Therefore, the 50-year-old Fleming will be allowed to trade it all in for a new Bass Cat Margay, a new Mercury 115 Pro XS motor and a new Margay 4-inch frame trailer, as per the Cat Hunt promotion that launched in mid-December.
Fleming said he purchased the boat, stamped with serial number 00801, from a private party several years ago. It'll now be restored and eventually put on display at Bass Cat headquarters in Mountain Home, Ark.
"We have two original carpet rolls of the old felt-style indoor/outdoor carpeting that I've kept tucked away almost 40 years for this occasion," said Bass Cat owner Rick Pierce. "Around 1972, everything went to the AstroTurf style and this was before that."
Springfield, Mo. resident Gerald Fleming is the current owner of the first Bass Cat boat ever produced, and it still sits on its original trailer and carries its original motor (you can click on the photos to see larger versions). Therefore, the 50-year-old Fleming will be allowed to trade it all in for a new Bass Cat Margay, a new Mercury 115 Pro XS motor and a new Margay 4-inch frame trailer, as per the Cat Hunt promotion that launched in mid-December.
Fleming said he purchased the boat, stamped with serial number 00801, from a private party several years ago. It'll now be restored and eventually put on display at Bass Cat headquarters in Mountain Home, Ark.
"We have two original carpet rolls of the old felt-style indoor/outdoor carpeting that I've kept tucked away almost 40 years for this occasion," said Bass Cat owner Rick Pierce. "Around 1972, everything went to the AstroTurf style and this was before that."
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
One Weird Story and Some Lucky Deer
The Best Day Of Fishing Ever! Some fishing stories are a little hard to believe, But this guy has pictures to prove his story... I've heard of salmon jumping into boats, but never anything quite like this... Tom Satre told the Sitka Gazette that he was out with a charter group on his 62-foot fishing vessel when four juvenile black-tailed deer swam directly toward his boat.  |
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