Friday, December 29, 2017

Manufacturers Optimism High for 2018

Angling Trade recently conducted an informal phone and email poll with 10 top executives from leading fly fishing brands, and we asked them what their “optimism level” was for the coming business year.  Seven said they were as optimistic as they ever had been, and expect a strong sales year in 2018.  Two were guardedly optimistic, but admitted that they worried about natural factors like flood and fire, lack of snow/water, so they were more reserved in their opinions.  One thought we’ be pretty flat next year, but added that this past year was good, so maintaining is “a good thing.”
Factors that lead to this optimism included the hope that with the market soaring, disposable income among many in the fly demographic will increase, and that could prompt more travel, and more gear buys.  Many also noted that they see increased focus on the women demographic really starting to take a strong foothold, and the number of female angling aficionados will grow stronger

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

FACTS OF FISHING IS BACK!

FACTS OF FISHING IS BACK! The 2018 season was one of the most amazing & fun Mercer has ever experienced. Check out the trailer!
Airtimes:
Outdoor Channel
Premiere Wed Jan 3 @ 12:00pm
Sat @ 6:30am
Sun @ 11:00am
Mon @ 6:00am
Sportsnet 360
Premiere Sat Jan 6 @ 9:00am
Sun @ 9:00am
We will also air on WFN - World Fishing Network later in the year

Monday, December 25, 2017

Merry Christmas

Wishing all our valued readers a very Merry Christmas. 
Enjoy your families and all the great food.

Monday, December 18, 2017

3 Scorching Hot Bass Tactics


It's FREEZING outside! Here's a great video from Ontario OUT OF DOORS magazine on 3 Scorching Hot Bass Tactics for summertime bass. Luigi De Rose explains how to make it happen when the sun is bright and humidity is super high.

Friday, December 15, 2017

Tom Brooke Receives Honourary Membership in Canadian Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus





Former Shimano Canada V.P. honoured
Keep Canada Fishing press release
The Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus of Canada has named Tom Brooke, former President of the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association (CSIA), an Honourary Member of the Caucus.
The announcement was made in Ottawa on Tuesday December 5th at the Annual General Meeting of the Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus.

Tom is credited as the inventor of the Shimano Live Release Boats in the mid-1980s, versions of which operate today to ensure that millions of tournament-caught fish in North America are released alive and unharmed to their home waters.

“I am honoured to be able to recognize the dedication that Tom Brooke has to fishing and all of Canada’s outdoor heritage activities,” said Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament for Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies and Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus. “He exemplifies everything that the Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus stands for and, as someone who I have known for many years, I am very pleased to welcome him as an honourary member.”
Tom Brooke is well known in recreational fishing circles throughout North America especially in his previous role of V.P. Operations for Shimano Canada. Also, he is no stranger to Parliament Hill as member of the CSIA Government Affairs Committee.  “Having been associated with the Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus for a number of years,” stated Brooke, “I have come to appreciate the hard work and dedication so many MP’s put into their work not only for our great outdoors but on behalf of all Canadians through their public service. To be made an honourary member of such an outstanding group of men and women is a real honour.”

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

2018 FLW Tour Roster Announced


Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) announced today the complete professional angler roster for the upcoming 2018 FLW Tour season, the 23rd season of the FLW Tour. The 2018 FLW Tour features seven regular-season tournaments around the country with competition kicking off when FLW returns to Lake Okeechobee, Jan. 25-28 in Clewiston, Florida, and is headlined by the world championship of bass fishing, the Forrest Wood Cup at Lake Ouachita, Aug. 10-12 in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Demand for entry into the 2018 FLW Tour was unprecedented, with well over 200 pros registering last week. Per the FLW Tour qualifying process, 160 pros gained priority entry based on finishing the 2017 FLW Tour ranked in the top 100 pros or in the top 10 co-anglers, finishing a 2017 Costa FLW Series division ranked in the top 10 pros, or winning the TBF National Championship or the T-H Marine BFL All-American as a boater.
Additionally, there was record demand for sponsor entries, which do not count toward the maximum field size. To accommodate qualified anglers and sponsor entries, including those from loyal Ranger boat owners, the 2018 FLW Tour will feature 187 pros.

Monday, December 11, 2017

Maurice enters bankruptcy: creditors named

Big losses for many key companies
Originally posted in Angling International
One of North America’s largest distributors of fishing gear has filed for bankruptcy in a move designed to facilitate its takeover.
Troubled Maurice Sporting Goods, which is said to owe creditors up to $100million, has announced that it has reached an agreement to sell its assets to private investment firm, Middleton Partners, a company with a history of investing in distribution and consumer-based businesses.
A list of creditors, which is topped by Normark (owed $1.47m) and Shimano North America (over $900,000) has been released and is published below.
The company and its subsidiaries filed its voluntary petition for reorganisation under Chapter 11 in the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, Wilmington.
Middleton Partners, the Northbrook, Illinois company, has signed a letter of intent to purchase Maurice as a strategic buyer and is currently finalising an Asset Purchase Agreement. In accordance with the US Bankruptcy Code, other companies will have an opportunity to submit competing offers for the assets. The transaction is expected to be completed within 30 to 45 days.
“We are extemely pleased that Middleton Partners is going to purchase the assets of Maurice and continue our strategic vision and customer and vendor relationships,” said Jory Katlin, Maurice President and Chief Executive Officer.
“It has been a challenging couple of years, but I am excited that we have found the right partner to strengthen the company’s balance sheet and unleash new funding to fuel future growth.”

Friday, December 8, 2017

Govreau Brothers Win 2017 Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship on Norfork Lake!

Chong and Brownridge 3 pounds off win
Andrew Canulette
BASS PRESS RELEASE
Brett and Beau Win Team Championship.
(Photo: BASS)
Freezing temperatures made catching bass extremely difficult Thursday during the Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship.
But brothers Brett and Beau Govreau of St. Louis, Mo., stayed hot on the second and final day of team competition on Norfork Lake. Entering Day 2 in second place with a five-bass limit of 14 pounds, 5 ounces, they followed on Thursday with another limit that weighed 11-13.
That gave the Govreaus a two-day total of 26-2 and helped them win the tournament that attracted 162 of the finest tandems from team trails covering 33 states, as well as Canada and Australia.
The Govreaus fish on the US Anglers Choice team trail. Ryan Butler and Dustin Lippe of the Joe Bass team trail placed second overall in team competition with a two-day total of 24-12, and the father/son duo of Robbie Dodson Jr. and Robert Dodson Sr. finished third with 24-10.
With the win, the Govreau brothers collected a Nitro Z20 and Mercury 225 Pro XS boat/motor package valued at $41,995, including a Minn Kota trolling motor and Lowrance electronics. The duo also will be honored at the annual Bassmaster Classic Night of Champions in March.

Thursday, December 7, 2017

2017 Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship on Norfork Lake Day 1: Mulkey & Mulkey Lead with 15lbs!

Canadian teams fair well on first day
Andrew Canulette
BASS PRESS RELEASE
Sean Mulkey hold part of this Day 1 15-03lb leading creel.
(Photo: BASS)
Some bass tournament anglers like to run and gun, and others like to methodically work a spot looking for the right bites.
David and Sean Mulkey of the Joe Bass team trail in Missouri had no choice — they were forced to stay in one spot on Wednesday during the first round of the Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship. Their boat broke down during the first hour of fishing, and they had no other option than to remain where they were and hope for the best.
The father-son tandem found the bass they needed, and they now lead the two-day national team fishing championship taking place on Norfork Lake in northern Arkansas.
The Mulkeys, who reside in Ash Grove, Mo., boated a five-bass limit that weighed 15 pounds, 3 ounces. That total gave them an edge over brothers Brett and Beau Govreau of St. Louis, Mo. who are in second place with five bass totaling 14-5.
In all, 162 two-person teams (324 anglers) from 33 states and two foreign countries (Canada and Australia) are taking part in the team championship on 22,000-acre Norfork Lake. Each qualified for the event as one of the top performing teams on their local tournament trails this season.
The Mulkeys made the best of what could have been a frustrating day after their motor “blew up” while running in open water shortly after 7 a.m. Wednesday.

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Customize Maps on your Boating App


The Navionics Boating app offers a rich set of invaluable features, allowing you to easily customize the map to fit your needs!

Open the app and go to Menu > Map Options:
• Turn Easy View ON to magnify icons and text
• If you’re in an area where water fluctuates due to droughts or floods, adjust the Water Levelsetting to alter contours and spot soundings accordingly
• Use Depth Shading to highlight depths up to a select value
If you selected the SonarChart™ layer, SonarChart™ Density allows you to customize the amount of 1ft contour detail you want to see.

An active Navionics+ subscription allows you to gain access to even more tools withAdvanced Map Options:
• Change the map display to a Satellite imagery or Terrain elevation view
• Turn Fishing Mode ON to engage the Fishing Range tool, perfect for anglers who want to target depths to catch a certain fish species. Simply enter the minimum and maximum desired values
• Easily adjust the depth value of Shallow Areas
• With Depth Contours, display bathymetry up to a select value

Monday, December 4, 2017

Focus on Classic Fall Tactics During Warm Late Season Bassin'

With the weather so warm, don't forget to rely on classic fall tactics even in December. No one is better during the fall that 4 time Bassmaster Classic Champion Rick Clunn. Rick prefers spinnerbaits and top waters when the bass are in the coves along sharper banks. Have a listen to the master as he explains why this time of year can be amazing.