Cliff Crochet Wins 2016 BASS Central Division Atchafalaya Basin Event with 46-6lbs.

The Cajin Baby going to the Classic

By John Neporadny Jr.

BASS PRESS RELEASE

Bassmaster Elite Series pro Cliff Crochet cashed in on his home-waters advantage Saturday to claim his first B.A.S.S. victory at the Atchafalaya Basin in Louisiana.

Big limit grabs win from Roumbanis.
(Photo: BASS) 

Sitting in seventh place after the second day of competition Friday, Crochet rallied Saturday with an 18-pound, 4-ounce limit to win the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open and earn the grand prize of a $45,000 Skeeter ZX200/Yamaha VF200LA rig and $6,741 in cash. The Pierre Part, La., angler finished with a three-day total of 46-6 to earn his first Bassmaster victory and a berth in the 2017 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro.

Crochet described fishing as "slow and steady" on Saturday. Mixing in some small keepers with some kicker bass, Crochet steadily caught fish throughout the day. He finished his limit by about 11 a.m., and then caught his biggest fish of the day — a 5-12 largemouth — at about 1:45 p.m.

Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open Cancelled Today -- Moved to Sunday!

By Luigi De Rose

Due to unsafe winds, the Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open has been postponed for today and the event will be held tomorrow. The Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open is one of the most spectacular events for monster smallmouth in North America. Each year enormous smallmouth at brought to the stage and this is the tournament where the Canadian record for a 5-bass tournament limit was set.

Scott Cochran, president of the Aurora Bassmasters and the host of this tournament, reminds anglers that a few spots are still available for anyone interested in fishing this event.
The winner of the tournament will win $10 000 in cash! The prize will jump to $30 000 if the Canadian tournament record of 31.8 lbs is broken.

If you love smallmouth and want to have a great time, come to Couchiching Beach Park in the Orillia the weigh-in starts at 3pm Sunday, October 30, 2016

BASS Videographer Rick Mason Passes

By Steve Bowman

BASS PRESS RELEASE

Rick Mason is one of the most viewed, yet unseen men in Bassmaster history.

Mason, a Bassmaster cameraman for the past 17 years, passed away Monday of a heart attack. The 54-year-old man best described as a “quiet giant” behind the scenes of Bassmaster has left a gaping hole in more ways than one among the Bassmaster family.

“I’m still in shock,’’ said Kevin VanDam, who had spent many competition days with Mason as his cameraman. “He’s like a brother to me. He’s always been that positive influence, quiet, strong: The guy you want to have a beer with at the end of the day.”

To most of the Bassmaster faithful, Mason is the sandy-haired block of man toting a camera in the back of a leader’s boat during an Elite Series event, bringing exciting catches and heart-breaking moments to life with his video camera. Lately, with Bassmaster LIVE and the raw nature of the event, he’s the unseen voice asking questions, to flesh out the story on a featured angler. His presence, though, is woven throughout virtually every part of a Bassmaster event.

Abu Garcia Revo MGX Spinning reel

Spinning reels have overcome great triumphs in design. Abu Garica has led the field in creating wonderfully smooth spinning reels. Here's Andrew Wheeler from Abu Garica to explain the Abu Garcia Revo MGX Spinning reel. If you're in the market for a new reel you have to consider the Abu Garica Revo MGX Spinning Reel.
For more on this great Abu reel link over via here

James Watson 2016 FLW Tour Invitational Lake Norris Tournament!

Jason Lambert Grabs 2nd. 
By Rob Newell

FLW Press Release
Every successful pro angler has a niche: a specific technique or time of year when conditions land right in their wheelhouse and as a result, their confidence swells. For some it’s prespawn reaction baits or maybe sight-fishing stubborn females off beds; for others it’s the sweltering hot ledge bite in 20 feet of water or punching matted vegetation.

"Fall Guy" pulls off key win.
(Photo: FLW)

In recent years, pro angler James Watson of Nixa, Mo., has carved out his fishing niche in the fall of the year. His career resume includes two fall wins in a PAA event and a B.A.S.S. Open, both on his home lake, Table Rock.

Today, Watson furthered his claim as the ‘Fall Guy’ with a Walmart FLW Tour Invitational victory on Norris Lake in Tenn., proving that the seasonal change of autumn is certainly his time to shine. In three days Watson checked in daily limits of 13-10, 13-4 and 9-12 to amass a winning total of 36-10 worth $95,400.

“I love fishing in the fall,” Watson says. “I have more confidence from August to December than any other time of year. The only problem is there simply are not that many big money tournaments during that time frame. Everyone wants to go deer hunting in October, November and December so there’s nothing to fish. I’m so thankful FLW made this opportunity available to us at this time of year.”

Watson relishes fall fishing because in many lakes across the country, lake managers begin to pull the water down to “winter pool” levels, shrinking the playing field and exposing a lot of previously submerged habitat. That draw down usually coincides with the first cold fronts that break up the doldrums of summer. The simultaneous drop in water level and water temperature seems to hit the refresh button on a fishery, opening up new areas and new patterns. And when that happens, Watson is ready to strike.

2016 FLW Tour Invitational Lake Norris Day 2: James Watson Grabs Lead with 26lbs!

Consistency key for Top 10.

by Rob Newell

FLW Press Release
With air temperatures some 30 degrees cooler than day one, things felt much more seasonable around Norris Lake on day two of the Walmart FLW Tour Invitational presented by Quaker State. A passing cold front brought misty rain and blustery west winds that tossed autumn leaves into the air like confetti. In a single day it went from summer to fall around Ol’ Rocky Top.

Just as anglers predicted, the fringes of a cold snap certainly helped the bite as the limit count went from just nine on day one to 20 on day two.

One man who felt right at home amid the sudden turn in weather was James Watson of Nixa, Mo., who is steadily carving out his niche in professional fishing as a fall guy. When things cool off, Watson’s fishing heats up. Today, he brought in 13 pounds, 4 ounces to take over the lead spot in the Invitational with a two-day total of 26 pounds, 14 ounces, carrying over a 3-pound lead into the final day.

“August to December is my time,” Watson says. “I love fall fishing; it’s when I have the most confidence.”

Also, Watson does not mince words when describes his penchant for tough tournaments.

2016 FLW Tour Invitational Lake Norris Day 1: David Williams Snags Lead with 15-01lbs

Williams finds first place on new lake.

by Rob Newell

FLW Press Release

Williams find key bites on difficult day.
(Photo: FLW)

Autumn has kissed the hills of Lake Norris with color, however, water temperatures still hover near the mid 70’s and bass still think it’s summer. At least that’s what a lot of pros who crossed the stage on day one of the Walmart FLW Tour Invitational presented by Quaker State on Norris Lake think. A common refrain from the stage was, “It’s not cold enough yet,” in reference to why the bite seemed to be pretty stingy on the northeast Tennessee reservoir.

On the day, only nine five-bass limits were weighed in and 6 pounds, 3 ounces stands as the top-20 cut line. But as with all bass tournaments, at least one angler always dials up the right combination to put a solid limit in the boat. Today that limit belonged to David Williams of Maiden, N.C., who sacked up 15 pounds and an ounce to take the day one lead.

Skeet Reese Explains Berkley Fishing Line Selection for the BASS Elite Tour

Berkley makes some of the very best fishing line in the world. Monofilament, Fluorocarbon, Braid and even NanoFil all have their place on your fishing reels. Listen to Bassmaster Classic Champ Skeet Reese explain what Berkley fishing lines he uses for all his fishing. 

Humminbird Launches HELIX 5 G2 with CHIRP and AutoChart® Live

Humminbird® is pleased to announce the HELIX™ 5 G2 units, the second generation of the Humminbird HELIX 5, bringing anglers new features and a compelling value. The GPS units in the family all come pre-loaded with AutoChart® Live and are compatible with all Humminbird LakeMaster® charts, including SmartStrike™. In addition, the new units include digital sonar, Side Imaging and Down Imaging capabilities that have been enhanced through the use of CHIRP operating frequencies.

All units feature the original HELIX 5’s best-in-class, ultra-bright 5-inch diagonal HD widescreen color display and professional features, but also include a new updated user interface.

“Easy viewing and operation are now only part of the story,” says Humminbird Brand Manager, Ray Schaffart. “With the new HELIX 5 G2 we decided to deliver flagship Humminbird fish-finding technologies like CHIRP digital sonar, AutoChart® Live and Smart Strike™ at an accessible price point, giving more anglers state-of-the-art capabilities. Now, fishermen are not limited to what they can do because of screen size.”

MEET THE G2 FAMILY
The HELIX 5 G2 family consists of five models to meet the individual needs of anglers and boaters. All units feature an updated operating system, 800H x 480V 5-inch 256-color TFT display, and allow for gimbal mounting, or in-dash mounting with an optional kit. International models support 200/50kHz. Optional 50 kHz transducers are available for extreme deep-water use. All models in the HELIX 5 G2 family are upgradeable, allowing users to receive software updates when they are available.

Berkley Dredger Series Crankbaits with Adrian Avena

If you love to crankbait for bass then you need to focus on the new baits from Berkley. The Berkley Dredger offers a huge range of colours and depths for all you cranking needs. BASS Elite angler Adrian Avena explains why the Berkley Dredger crankbait should be in your boat.

Lake Simcoe Open's New Rules

Here's some of the new rules for the Bass Pro Shop Lake Simcoe Open. As an angler or spectator, this is one of the most thrill tournament of the season!

The following rules shall apply to the Lake Simcoe Open except that (i) these rules may be changed by the Aurora Bassmasters (AB) immediately upon notice by AB to its members, sponsors, partners, suppliers and/or participants, which notice may be published on http://www.aurorabass.com or http://www.simcoeopen.com

Interpretation and enforcement of these rules shall be left solely to the Tournament Director or to his/her designee. In the event of a rule violation, the Tournament Director or a rules committee may impose such sanctions as deemed appropriate by them; including, without limitation to, disqualification, forfeiture of prizes, entry free and prohibition from participation in subsequent tournaments. Subject to any protests process in paragraph 28 below, the decision of the tournament Director of his/her designee shall be final in all matters. Penalties for rules violations may include the following: (a) loss of catch for the day of the violation, (b) disqualification from the tournament in question, (c) disqualification from future tournaments/events, whereby disqualification may be from a specific number of events or for a specific period of time or may be a lifetime disqualification and, (d) any different or additional penalties determined by the tournament directors.

PARTICIPANTS, ELIGIBILITY & COMPETITION:

1) Competitors must be 16 years of age or older. Competitors under the age of 18 must have written parental consent accompanied by a completed proof of General Rules, Regulations & Liability.

2) Entry fees are non-refundable. The Tournament Director reserves the right to refuse or deny application. Payments must be received in-full by Saturday October 17th. Late Entries will be accepted afterwards right up to 7pm at the pre-tournament meeting beginning at 5pm on Friday October 23rd at the Highway Man Inn, Orillia.  Late entries will be assessed a late fee payment of $50.00 to complete their registration.  These will be accepted on a first come/first serve basis (cash only during pre-tournament meeting)

2a) Tournament Director reserves the right to add up to 10 boats to the proposed 100 boat cap in 2016. A waiting list will be compiled and farmed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

3) All competitors must hold a valid Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Fishing License and must be on your person & produced upon request- MNRF Conservation Licenses are not valid for the Lake Simcoe Open.

Canadian Thanksgiving smallmouth

IBASSIN.com goes fall smallmouth fishing with fellow outdoor writer Don Sangster a few years ago. It is Canadian Thanksgiving and we hope the smallmouth are eating more than turkey. Come along and check out how Luigi De Rose and Don Sangster figure out how to catch smallmouth from a deep, clear lake. The weather got hot and the smallmouth moved into inches of water looking for a snack.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

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Outdoor Lovers Beware! New Law Might Kill Your Passion

Here's the highlights to why it is vital to pay attention to Bill C-246

THE TRUTH ABOUT BILL C-246

• On October 5th, Parliament will vote on Second Reading of Bill C-246, The Modernizing AnimalProtection Act.
   
• All reasonable people support legislation that addresses real issues of animal cruelty, including illegal puppy mills, banning the use of dog and cat fur in textiles and shark finning (which is already illegal in Canada).
   
• Unfortunately, C-246 is a badly flawed piece of legislation that goes far beyond basic issues on which we can all agree.
   
• If passed, it will have serious negative consequences for anglers, hunters, trappers, beef, dairy, sheep and poultry farmers, equestrians and others in the animal use community.
   
• C-246 raises the risk of criminalizing currently legal, heavily regulated activities, lowers the standards to lay criminal charges and removes protections under the current criminal law.
   
• C-246 puts the onus on the defendant to prove innocence rather than on the prosecutor to prove guilt, undermining our system of justice.
   
• Key sections of the bill are poorly defined and leave currently legal activities open to frivolous charges brought by animal rights activists as they have repeatedly promised to do during debate over previous similar legislation:
  
  “The onus is on humane societies and other groups on the front lines to push this legislation to the limit, to test the parameters of this law and have the courage and conviction to lay charges. That’s what this is all about. Make no mistake about it.”
  Liz White, Animal Alliance
   
• Mr. Erskine-Smith had the opportunity to consult widely on the bill before introduction, but talked to no one except the animal rights community.
   
• Recommendations from the outdoor community to provide certainty were ignored.
   
• Hunting, fishing, trapping, beef, dairy, sheep and poultry farming employ tens of thousands of Canadians, contribute $70.4 billion annually to the national economy and could be irreparably harmed by this legislation.
  

Bass Pro Shops Hooks Cabela's

Hail to the King!

By Luigi De Rose

And Sold! Bass Pro Shop’s acquisition of Cabela’s has finally occurred with a staggering $5.5 billion (US) transaction.

Under pressure for lagging sales especially in its foot ware and apparel departments Cabela’s was actively looking for a buyer. An offer of $65.50 per share is a 19.2 percent premium to Cabela's close on Friday making the takeover very appealing and lucrative for shareholders. Its stock has jumped 11.1 percent from this time last year.

This move has vaulted Bass Pro Shop to hunting and fishing retail supremacy. The combined company will have 184 stores in America and Canada. The agreement between Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops is expected to close in the first half of 2017.

For the outdoor industry it might be boom or bust. For the companies lucky to grab shelf space its brand will be showcased to outdoor enthusiasts throughout the continent. Being on the outside looking in can spell doom particularly for start-up or smaller companies. Even popular regional brands will now have a more difficult task to catch the eye of Bass Pro Shop’s buyers. Many insiders forecast that the future will see more generic store brand lures which will be a detriment to the industry as a whole. As this occurs, competition will likely be more feverish for anyone who wants to slay the beast.

Skeet Reese Loves Berkley HAVOC baits and You Should Too!

Skeet Reese is one of the most accomplished anglers on the BASS Tour. Berkley used Skeet's knowledge to create some of their most successful HAVOC baits. Learn from the Bassmaster Classic himself as he explains why HAVOC baits are so good.