2015 Bassmaster Classic Instant Coverage; a Good Thing for Fishing?

Has Social Media Altered Tournament Fishing?

By Luigi De Rose

We witnessed a revolution last weekend. Live coverage under the tutorage of expert commentators; what more could fans ever want? But, is all this instant coverage good for bass tournament anglers?

The recent 2015 Classic provided amazing coverage for devoted bass nuts. Live coverage allowed Internet gawking anglers right onto the deck of top anglers. We witnessed how Dean Rojas shook his finesse worm around the face of docks. Suddenly, BASS commenter Mark Zona jumped off the stage and tracks down finesse guru Don Iovino for his expert opinion. As both scrutinized Dean’s technique, Don corrected Mark explaining that West coast Rojas was actually doing a doodle slide trying to trigger magnum spots.

BASSTRAK and the BASS Blog might become too helpful to anglers as it
tries to please fans. (Photo: BASS) 

During the final press conference, the woulda coulda shoulda question was broached to the final six anglers. Each clearly declared that they honestly felt that they made the correct choices. Even though five of them didn’t win, they were pleased with themselves. But, what if competitors could adjust their game plan based on live footage happening instantly as it unfolds? Second-guessing decisions is the demise of any tournament angler but this could easily adverted with one peak to a cell phone or tablet.

Jackall's Gantarel Slow-Sinking Swimbaits

      With a 6-inch double-jointed body mimicking a nice size lunch for big bass, Jackall Lures brings the Gantarel slow-floating hard swimbait to North American anglers. The Gantarel’s jointed body creates an ‘S’ swimming pattern while being retrieved, and makes 180-degree turns when twitched which further entices big bass when they are following the bait. To add even more realism to the Gantarel swimbaits, they are equipped with feathered treble hooks. 

     

Offered in eight extremely life-like colors, the Gantarel is designed with pectoral fin part that allows it to dive down to 3-feet. “When you can bring a bluegill color pattern – or a golden shiner or gizzard shad color bait down into the water column, a hungry bass just can’t resist. With these new Gantarel swimbaits, we’ll just warn you to hold on,” said Dan Thorburn, product manager for Shimano’s Jackall efforts in the U.S. and Canada. “The bait has already proven itself – oh yes, it works – with bass anglers in Japan, and now we can see it hooking into big kicker bass at lakes like Guntersville, Falcon and Kentucky.”

Anglers Get Your Voice Heard!

If you live on the north shore of Lake Ontario and live close to Ajax, then you need to attend this important event. Urban fishing is becoming more strained so we have to fight to use and improve it.

PowerPro Maxcuatro With Spectra HT

Available in 50lb, 65lb, 80lb
and 100lb tests in Hi-Viz Yellow
or Green.

Increasingly, anglers are seeking specific fishing lines and other equipment to help ensure success in certain environments. The market for braided super-lines, like those made with Spectra fiber, continues to outpace the overall fishing-line market, growing 4 to 5 percent over the last five years compared to an overall market growth of 2 to 3 percent.

Avid and competitive anglers continue to trade up for braided lines with higher performance and value for use in both freshwater and saltwater environments.

Braided fishing lines made with Spectra HT offer anglers an additional competitive edge. Spectra HT is 25 percent stronger than equivalent-size competitive materials, enabling up to 30 percent thinner braided fishing lines so anglers can cast more easily, get more line onto their reel or use a lighter reel without sacrificing line strength or length. Fishing lines made with Spectra HT are also abrasion-resistant and less visible under water, so anglers can catch more fish. 

“With the introduction of Spectra HT, Honeywell has set a new standard for strength in braided super-line material,” said Mark Saholsky, global business manager for Honeywell’s Advanced Fibers and Composites business. “Made from the same material that stops bullets and protects police officers and military personnel, Spectra HT provides higher strength than competitive fibers, enabling fishing-line manufacturers to develop new, thinner fishing-line products that provide features anglers want – additional reel capacity, improved casting and lower underwater visibility.”

Casey Ashley is the 2015 Bassmaster Classic Champ!

Casey Ashley wins hometown Classic with dad's homemade baits

By Bryan Brasher

bass press release

GREENVILLE, S.C. - On Sunday evening at Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Casey Ashley completed a journey that began more than three decades ago and seemed to drag on forever these past few weeks.

The 31-year-old South Carolina native, who has lived just a few miles from Lake Hartwell all his life, caught five bass that weighed 20 pounds, 3 ounces to cap a moving victory in the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro on his home waters with a three-day total of 50-1.

The weight was enough to help Ashley past Florida pro Bobby Lane, Jr., who finished second with 46-15, and Texas angler Takahiro Omori who placed third with 44-3.

Casey kept underspin spinning all day to capture win by 3 pounds.
(Photo: James Overstreet BASS)

The end of the weigh-in meant Ashley could finally take a deep breath after seven weeks when the lake was mostly off-limits due to B.A.S.S. rules and when virtually everyone he saw wanted to talk about him being the favorite to win.

“I worked a show in Greenville at the TD Convention Center (in mid-January), and I bet I thought about the Classic 50,000 times while I was standing there,” said Ashley, who won the event on his sixth try. “My first Classic was here (in 2008), and ever since then I’ve been saying I’d like to have that one back.
“I wanted to win so bad here at home, and I had a long time to think about it. It was pretty rough.”

Casey Ashley Wins the 2015 Bassmaster Classic! Bobby Lane 2nd.

2015 Bassmaster Classic on Lake Hartwell Day 2: Omori Leads Ounces Over Rojas and Ike!

By Bryan Brasher

BASS press release

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- The final day of the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro on Lake Hartwell is shaping up to be a free-for-all with a handful of former Classic champions sitting atop the standings with the coveted trophy and $300,000 first-place prize well within their grasp.

Takahiro Omori, a Japanese angler who now makes his home in Emory, Texas, caught five fish that weighed 16 pounds, 11 ounces Saturday and claimed the lead going into Sunday’s final round with a two-day total of 31-11.

Takahiro Omori jumped from seventh place into the lead going into the final day of the 2015 Bassmaster Classic.
(Photo: James Overstreet BASS)

The 2004 Classic winner holds a razor-thin lead over Arizona angler Dean Rojas (31-9), New Jersey angler and 2003 Classic winner Michael Iaconelli (31-0) and 2014 Classic winner Randy Howell of Alabama (30-11).

Omori got off to a slow start Saturday. But with years of experience and one Classic title already under his belt, he didn’t panic and managed enough weight to jump from seventh into first.

2015 Bassmaster Classic on Lake Hartwell Day 2: Mid-day Report

Leaderboard Flip Flops as Clouds Scatter Fish
By Luigi De Rose

The weather has warmed but the clouds have rolled in this Saturday morning and many of yesterday's leaders are suffering. Here are some elements that should dramatically affect the anglers: locals say docks in cold water will not replenish. Anglers who are targeting docks might zero today or tomorrow simply because they will run out of bass to catch. Another factor is the weather. Surprisingly, the below zero temps on Friday didn't hurt everyone but many good anglers did very poorly and might not have the opportunities to challenge the leaders.  Many anglers are hoping the stormy weather that will roll into Lake Hartwell this afternoon might trigger a few monster bites. One big bite might vault an angler who has a decent limit well up the leader board. For any of the top 5 leaders, a good limit with a big kicker bass might seal the deal for this Classic.
Here is the unofficial Top 5 as of 11:55am.

1. Mike Iaconelli 30lbs 7oz
2. Dean Rojas  28lbs 10oz
3. Casey Ashley  27lbs 3oz
4. Brett Hite  26lbs 6oz
5. Jacob Wheeler 25lbs 4oz

2015 Bassmaster Classic on Lake Hartwell Day 1: Rojas Rules with Over 21 Pounds!

Despite Bitter Cold Dean was Red Hot!

By Bryan Brasher

bass press release

Doesn’t it just figure that after the coldest day in the history of the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro, four anglers from warm, sunny climates are sitting atop the standings?

Arizona angler Dean Rojas wowed the crowd at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C., with five Lake Hartwell bass that weighed 21 pounds, 2 ounces despite frigid temperatures that were in the neighborhood of 10 degrees just before takeoff at Green Pond Landing in Anderson.

Dean overcame the bass, weather, and
practice late penalty to take day 1 lead. He was
optimistic before the day started because this was
his 13th Classic, he is boat #13 and its was
Friday the 13th.
(Photo: James Overstreet BASS)

Rojas also overcame a 28-minute penalty that he was forced to spend in the tournament “penalty box” as punishment for being late for check-in to Wednesday’s practice period.

He leads California angler Skeet Reese (20-2), Texas pro Keith Combs (18-8) and fellow Arizona angler Brett Hite (15-7).

“This is our biggest stage that we perform on, and to be able to catch a big bag like that on the first day is amazing,” Rojas said. “How could you script it any better than that? Obviously, I’d rather finish it that way. But hey, I’ll take it.”

Though Rojas hasn’t won a Classic in 12 previous appearances – and hasn’t finished first in an event since the 2011 Elite Series event on Toledo Bend Reservoir – he said he’ll be more excited than nervous to lead the field into Saturday’s second round.

He’s taking his Day 1 success in stride, much like he did the 28-minute penalty he endured Friday morning. He said the infraction was due to a Lowrance unit on his boat that he kept promising himself he would switch from Central Time to South Carolina’s Eastern Time, but never did.

2015 Bassmaster Classic on Lake Hartwell Day 1: Mid-day Report

Bass Biting Well Considering the Cold

By Luigi De Rose

BASS has been really trying to raise the bar of real-time coverage at the 2015 Classic. With five live camera feeds; on the water coverage plus studio commentary, the boys at Bassmaster are providing first-rate coverage. Fishing has been good to many with several anglers over 10 pounds with the warmest part of the day still to come.

Here is the unofficial top 5-leader board as of 1:10pm.

1. Keith Combs  15lbs 5oz
2. Dean Rojas     15lbs 0oz
3. Takahiro Omori   14lbs 4oz
4. Skeet Reese  14lbs 4oz
5. David Walker  12lbs 14oz

Shimano's ZODIAS Rods

Versatile performance is the concept behind Shimano’s new Zodias rods series, an 11-model line-up designed in actions and lengths for accuracy when needed, long distance when needed, or when finesse techniques are need. The series – developed by Shimano and built by Shimano - includes six casting models in 6’10” and 7’2” lengths, and six spinning models in 6’8” and 7’ lengths.

“With the Zodias rods, we can provide anglers with one rod designed to perform as needed with all types of lures – be it worms, jigs, deep-diving or lipless crankbaits, spinnerbaits and jerkbaits,” said Robby Gant with Shimano’s rod development team. “While certain models will offer a higher level of performance depending on the technique, you can fish with confidence that your Zodias rod can fish any style at any time.”

Official Start of 2015 Bassmaster Classic Pushed Back to 8:30am Due to Safety Issues

Extreme Cold Foils Start.
By Luigi De Rose

Considering the frigid temps and wind chill, B.A.S.S. has pushed back the official start time of tomorrow's blast off at the 2015 Basssmaster Classic. Originally scheduled for 7 a.m, the new time will be approximately 8:30 a.m..  Greenville, South Carolina's temperatures are incredibly bitter. Overnight, temps are expected to be -15C (5F) dipping to -22C (-5F) with the wind making the first day's fishing dreadful. Safety will be a key concern especially at the ramp. A frozen ramp can doom the launch and it won't be quickly resolved with a few bags of sand or salt. Expect the weather to be a mental and physical hurl for all the anglers.

B.A.S.S. released the following statement regarding the decision:
In consultation with public safety officials in Anderson County, S.C., B.A.S.S. has decided to delay the start of the first round of competition in the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro Friday.
All activities at Green Pond Event Facility, including boat launching, will be delayed until after daylight, approximately 7 a.m., which will delay the take-off until approximately 8:30 a.m. The change is being made with the recommendation of the Anderson County Sheriff’s Emergency Services Division because the extremely low temperatures forecast for Friday morning may make surfaces at the landing icy.
The decision is being made in the interest of safety for all concerned, including the anglers, fans, staff and others. B.A.S.S. praises local officials for taking extra precautions to deal with any icy conditions at Green Pond Event Facility, especially in the area of the launch ramp.
Start and check-in times will be adjusted slightly to ensure that all anglers have equal competition time. Scheduled times for the weigh-ins and the Expo will not be affected. The delay only applies to Friday's competition.

2015 Bassmaster Classic on Lake Hartwell Starts Friday, Feb. 20, 2015!

Catch all the daily action here at IBASSIN.COM

Gong Hey Fat Choy!

Gong Hey Fat Choy to all our friends who are celebrating!

Rapala® Shadow Rap

A lot of great baits are being released just ahead of the 2015 Bassmaster Classic. Here is another winner from Rapala.

Mustad® Signs Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Kevin Short

Kevin Short, is a 5 time B.A.S.S. Tournament Champion entering his 14^th year as a professional angler.  Known to Bassmaster fans as “K-Pink”, Kevin is a tough competitor recognized both for his larger than life Hot Pink jersey and Bass Cat boat, as well as his outgoing personality and sense of humor; and in 2014 overcoming great odds to make the cut for the 2015 Bassmaster Classic, his third appearance at the event.

“Mustad is very pleased to have a man of Kevin’s energy and character on our team; his knowledge and experience is a great asset.  When you attend a Bassmaster Event you can easily see the appreciation that the fans have for him,” says Mustad Sales Manager Steve Tagami.  “The inner strength Kevin has shown in dealing with a major personal catastrophe in the loss of his home, and to work through it with such a positive outlook commands great respect.  To come back after that with two consecutive top ten finishes in a row is inspiring.”

Mustad® Signs Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Edwin Evers

Heading into his 16^th professional season, “E2” is one of the most successful and popular anglers in Bassmaster Elite Series®.  Evers’ ability to quickly adapt to different fishing conditions and master different species of bass has brought him 8 Elite Series Tournament titles (finishing in the top ten 57 times).  His skill, consistency, and competitiveness has made him a 14 time Bassmaster Classic qualifier; finishing inside the Top 10 in the Angler of the Year race 4 of the past 5 years.  Aside from his Elite Series accomplishments, Edwin was the 2013 Challenge Cup Winner in the Major League Fishing Series, and is also a Co-Host on the very popular “The Bass Pros” television show and video series.   

“We are extremely excited to have Edwin join our team, “says Mustad Sales Manager Steve Tagami.  “He has built a great career and following with a record of accomplishment that speaks for itself.  His personal reputation is top notch, and there is a tremendous amount of mutual respect and appreciation between Edwin and his fan base.  He loves to educate and it really shows in the quality of his seminars, articles, and videos.  Edwin just gets it done!”

Evers says, “Fishing against a high level of competition like I do, it is absolutely critical that I am confident in everything I use.  I have always fished Mustad because I totally believe in the product.  The hook is one of, if not the, most important part of anyone’s fishing equipment, and you can depend on Mustad UltraPoint Hooks to be super strong, and stay sharp.  It makes a big difference in your day and your season when you don’t have to constantly sharpen or change your hooks.”