Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Brian Hughes and Anais Chaves Win 2018 Canadian Pro Bass Tour Lake Simcoe Bronze Back Cup with 63-45lbs!





Finish             Anglers /                               Day 1 /   Day 2 /    Day 3 /        Final in Lbs.
1            brian hughes     anais chaves      17.7        23.8        21.95            63.45
2            paul climpson    clay climpson      19.1       20.9        23.2              63.2
3            sebastien roy     steve robotham  21.15     20.4        19.3              60.85
4            erik luzak            tom hardy          23.25     13.55      22.5              59.3
5            danny dunn       jamie kennedy    20.15     17.85      19.05            57.05
6            barry graves       joey muszynski  20.5       18.45      16.7              55.65
7            jamie robinson  justin robinson     19.2       20           14.35            53.55
8            john delicata      frank adamo       17.9       18.8        16.35            53.05
9            dave benham    robert bastone    13.85      20.9        11.4             46.15
10          steve clark          dave norgrove   18.55     14.8         11.95           45.3


ICAST 2018: Jackall ChopCut Topwater


With an asymmetrical prop design to ensure proper rotation and creating different sounds depending on retrieve speed, Jackall’s new ChopCut topwater lure features a front wire with attached swivel. Anglers can cast freely without their line tangling with the prop, plus a swiveling feathered front hook helps prevent bass from spitting the lure. Jackall puts a special coating on both the front and rear treble hooks for easier penetration.
The 3.25-inch ChopCut topwaters weigh in at 0.8-ounces and are offered in six colors - green frog, black white bone, RT chartreuse gill, bone white, skeleton bone and HL bluegill. They retail for $22.99.

Monday, July 30, 2018

Neil Farlow Wins 2018 Costa FLW Northern on Lake Erie!

Weather stricken event nets Canadian first FLW win!
FLW PRESS RELEASE

Day 1 good enough for win by the young Canadian.
(Photo: Neil Farlow) 
Pro Neil Farlow of St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, won the Costa FLW Series Northern Division event on Lake Erie presented by Polaris with a single-day catch of five bass weighing 24 pounds, 4 ounces, after high winds forced tournament officials to shorten the three-day event to one day of competition. Farlow’s weight was caught on Thursday and was enough to earn him the top prize of $87,500 including a new Ranger Z518 with a 200-horsepower outboard engine.
“It feels awesome to win one of these tournaments,” said Farlow, who earned his first career win in FLW competition. “I’ve been thinking about this tournament since the schedule was released and I put in a lot of time preparing for it. I was ready for three days out there but the wind had a different plan.”
Farlow said he fished his way from Point Abino on the Canadian side of Lake Erie, to Myers Reef on the U.S. side, and then back in toward Buffalo. He said of the six areas he worked through, four of them produced his biggest fish.
“I fished old spots and anywhere I could get to where there weren’t any boats around,” said Farlow. “I was boat No.156, so I had to keep running until I found something that didn’t have anyone around. I think that’s what made the difference.”
Farlow said bottoms that were a mix of rock and gravel or gravel and sand produced best for him.
“I fished in 20 to 40 feet of water, but most of the fish were 20 to 30 feet down,” said Farlow. “I fished basically anywhere there was something different – a depth change, hump or a boulder.”
Farlow said he caught around eight bass throughout the day, including the largest of the event – a 6-pound, 6-ouncer – around 9 a.m. He weighed his fish all from one lure – a green-pumpkin-colored Reaction Innovations Flirt Worm on a drop-shot rig.
“I did what pretty much everyone else was doing, which was using drop shots and tubes,” said Farlow. “I didn’t catch many fish because some of the crowded spots were the ones that had more fish in them, so I ended up going after more individual fish that were bigger. I had less bites and it was stressful, but I knew that if I did get a bite it would be the right size.”
The top 10 pros on Lake Erie finished:
               1st:          Neil Farlow, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, five bass, 24-4, $87,500
               2nd:         Ben Wright, Peru, N.Y., five bass, 24-3, $16,600
               3rd:          Charles Sim, Nepean, Ontario, Canada, five bass, 23-3, $12,500
               4th:          J.T. Kenney, Palm Bay, Fla., five bass, 23-2, $10,500
               5th:          J. Todd Tucker, Moultrie, Ga., five bass, 22-15, $9,500
               6th:          Lowrance pro Austin Felix, Eden Prairie, Minn., five bass, 22-12, $8,250
               7th:          Moo Bae, West Friendship, Md., five bass, 22-8, $7,200
               8th:          Travis Manson, Conshohocken, Pa., five bass, 22-6, $6,200
               9th:          Philip Jarabeck, Spout Spring, Va., five bass, 22-5, $5,200
               10th:        T.J. Lacey, Selwyn, Ontario, Canada, five bass, 22-3, $4,100
Farlow’s 6-pound, 6-ounce bass – the biggest bass of the tournament in the Pro Division – also earned him Thursday’s Boater Big Bass award of $300.

Saturday, July 28, 2018

2018 Costa FLW Northern Division Lake Erie: One and Done-Day 2 & 3 Cancelled!

Neil Farrow Wins!
By Colin Moore
FLW PRESS RELEASE
Wicked winds halts tournament.
(Photo: FLW)
A stubborn weather front packing westerly winds lingered overnight in the eastern basin of Lake Erie near Buffalo and forced the cancellation of the final day of the Costa FLW Series Northern Division tournament presented by Polaris. Ron Lappin, Costa FLW Series tournament director, made the call at about 4 a.m. after boating out to the mouth of the protected harbor where the tournament was headquartered.
In effect, it was a one-day tournament, as Lappin called off the second day of the event Friday because of dangerous boating conditions on Erie’s open waters.
“As soon as I got out to the opening, I saw 5-footers washing up,” said Lappin. “The front that was supposed to go through yesterday evening [Friday] apparently didn’t. The weather report showed gusts to about 22 mph coming in until about 10 a.m., then letting up some, then picking up again in the afternoon. So even if we had waited an hour or two, it wouldn’t have made much difference.
“There’s no sense in taking chances. This is the type of waterway that can get really dangerous in a hurry,” Lappin said. “Going out in even marginal conditions is asking for trouble, so for the best interests of everyone involved we ended the tournament with the standings as they are.”
Ontario pro Neil Farrow was declared the winner on the strength of his 24-pound, 4-ounce limit of smallmouths in the event’s opening round Thursday. Ben Wright of Peru, N.Y., was runner-up with 24-3, Charles Sim of Nepean, Ont., was third with 23-3, JT Kenney of Palm Bay, Fla., was fourth with 23-2 and J. Todd Tucker of Moultrie, Ga., was fifth with 22-15.
In Thursday’s opening round, 44 pros had limits that each weighed 20 pounds or more, while nine co-anglers accounted for 20-pounds-plus sacks. Sakae Ushio of nearby Tonawanda, N.Y., won the co-angler division with 23-7.
Lappin said that the top 43 places each on the boater and co-angler sides would receive checks. The payout begins at 9 at the weigh-in trailer at Safe Harbor. The next Costa FLW Series Northern Division matchup is set for Sept. 6-8 out of Clayton, N.Y. That event will decide the final divisional standings.

Friday, July 27, 2018

ICAST 2018: Advanced Drop Shot Gene Larew's TattleTail Worm with John Murray

John Murrary is one of the best drop shot anglers in the worlds. So when he says the Gene Larew TattleTail worm is amazing you should listen. We caught up with John Murray at ICAST 2018 in the Gene Larew booth. Listen as he explains how to fish the TattleTail worm and swim a drop shot for more bass.

ICAST 2018: VMC Wins Best Terminal Tackle Award

The new VMC® Neko Skirt — a first-of-its-kind terminal accessory design for the increasingly popular Neko Rig currently taking the bass fishing world by storm — was awarded “Best Terminal Tackle” honors by the American Sportfishing Association at ICAST 2018, the world’s largest sportfishing expo.
One of 1,000+ new products submitted by nearly 300 companies in the annual expo’s New Product Showcase, the VMC Neko Skirt stood out from competition in the Terminal Tackle category as a never-before-seen offering for one of the hottest finesse rigs in fishing. The skirt promises to become one of this year’s must-have new products for bass-obsessed anglers throughout the United States.
The latest addition to VMC’s in-demand Neko™ Rig line-up, the Neko Skirt will make anglers’ Neko Rig presentation even more effective, according to VMC Pro and Bassmaster Elite Series competitor Mike “Ike” Iaconelli.
“When you shake and pause a Neko Rig, wacky worm or shaky-head worm, the VMC Neko Skirt puffs out and expands, just like a jig skirt,” says Iaconelli, an early adopter of the Neko Rig technique. “That action gets a bass’ attention and will get you more bites.”
The new Neko Skirt is designed with living rubber and silicone, creating a unique action underwater at all water temps, “especially as it’s puffing out,” Iaconelli says. Epoxy resin anchors the skirt within the end of a custom VMC Neko Weight. Conical ribs on the spike-shaped weight anchor it within an angler’s favorite finesse worm without damaging it.
“This is a really special weight,” Iaconelli says. “When you look at the back, here’s where the magic kicks in — you see a skirt built in. The Neko Rig is the hottest finesse bait around right now. Add a Neko Skirt and it’s even more deadly.”
The VMC Neko Skirt is easy to use. Simply insert it into the end of a favorite soft bait (anglers may choose the thicker end when fishing an asymmetric worm). It can enhance the action of a Neko Rig, wacky worm and shaky-head worm, just to name a few.
Iaconelli suggests leaving a little bit of the weight sticking out of the worm’s end.
“That way, when it’s pecking on the bottom as you shake it, you get that noise, but it also allows that skirt to breathe and to puff out,” he says. Bites come often while pausing between shakes as the skirt billows.
The new Neko Skirt is the perfect complement to VMC’s full Neko Rig line-up of products, a collection of custom hooks and weights designed to deliver anglers best-in-class solutions for the on-trend technique. From the original VMC Neko Hook, Weedless Neko Hook and all new Finesse Neko Hook to the brand’s proprietary Neko weight offerings, VMC provides anglers with everything needed for quick, convenient rigging.

Thursday, July 26, 2018

ICAST 2018: Calcutta Outdoors Rolling Cooler Cart with Chris Pardue

If you're interested in a great cooler then check out Calcutta Coolers. If you already have one then check out the Calcutta rolling cooler cart. Such a smart idea for lugging any full sized cooler.

2018 BASS Elite Upper Chesapeake Bay Event Postponed Due to Flooding!


After consulting with both authorities and the Elite Advisory Board regarding increased water releases, debris, and current hazardous conditions on tournament waters, B.A.S.S. is postponing this week's event. We will let everyone know as soon as possible regarding a rescheduled date. Photo of the Conowingo Dam by Marshal Steve Zisk.

Frog Fishing Tips for Bigger Bass with Ish Monroe

Recent winner on the Elite Tour with a frog, Ish Monroe is a frog fishing freak. He loves his frog fishing and wins tournaments doing it. Listen to Ish Monroe as he explains how he uses a frog to victory.

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

ICAST 2018: Yo-Zuri Knuckle Bait with Todd Woods


Todd Woods is a West Coast guy who knows his stuff. One of his favourites is the Yo-Zuri Knuckle Bait. This crazy spinnerbait style lure will catch them and now Yo-Zuri has some new colour patterns that excel in clear water. Listen as Todd Woods give you the goods on this great bait.

Minn Kota® Wins “Best Boating Accessory” at ICAST 2018

Minn Kota has earned top honors at the fishing industry’s most prestigious trade show, the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST). The new Minn Kota trolling motor with Built-In MEGA Down Imaging was voted “Best Boating Accessory” by attending media and buyers during the American Sportfishing Association’s 2018 ICAST New Product Showcase.

“Built-In MEGA Down Imaging brings the world’s best fishing electronics and boat positioning products together in one connected solution,” said Brad Henry, Minn Kota brand manager. “We are proud to be acknowledged by buyers and media with this award and look forward to this product helping anglers everywhere find and catch more fish.”

For the first time, anglers will have the option of a trolling motor with Down Imaging sonar built in. Anglers can select a Minn Kota Ulterra, Terrova®, Ultrex or Fortrex® with the Humminbird® Down Imaging transducer integrated into the trolling motor, providing a clean set up at the bow for anglers. Humminbird’s ultra-clear MEGA Imaging is the first Down Imaging technology to enter the megahertz range with performance that’s nearly three times greater than traditional 455 kHz frequencies. It results in the clearest, sharpest on-screen images ever seen.
 

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

CSFL Ladies Night on Lake Scugog

Ladies Night

Are you looking for an event to fish with that special lady in your life? Whether it’s your wife, daughter, mother, sister or friend, as long as there is at least one lady per boat, then we have the event for you. Ladies Night takes place during the week so it doesn't compete with any other events. It starts at 3:00 pm so you can work half a day and still participate. The venue has a restaurant with an outside patio to overlook your boat while having lunch or you can have dinner during or after weigh in.
This annual event only happens once a year on Lake Scugog out of Port Perry Marina. The event takes place Wednesday, July 25 from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm and costs only $200 per team which includes a rose and gift for all the participating ladies, big fish and taxes.
Another event you don't want to miss.
If you have any questions about this or any other CSFL event and/or wish to register for an upcoming event, please contact the CSFL at 905-640-2277 or Andrew Pallotta directly at 416-802-2277 or andrew@csfl.ca. Please visit www.csfl.ca and be sure to follow us on Twitter @CSFLnews this summer for instant weigh in results!

Monday, July 23, 2018

New Strike King Products at ICAST 2018 with Shaw Grigsby

Legendary angler Shaw Grigsby takes us on a tour of the Strike King booth at ICAST 2018. Check out these great baits. Strike King has so many baits for the angler.

ICAST 2018: Molix Super Nato Frog with Kicking Legs with Carl Jocumsen

Top water frog fishing is amazing. Everyone love something new and Molix has a super cool new frog. The Super Nato with kcking legs has super action and the legs are replaceable with any soft plastic bait you wish. Listen to Carl as he explains the fine details of the new Molix Super Nato Frog.

ICAST 2018: New Bucktail Jigs by VMC with Troy Lindner

Check out the new 2018 VMC Bucktail jig released at the 2018 ICAST Show in Orlando. Troy Lindner , TV and tournament star, explains how to use the VMC Bucktail jig for bass, walleye, trout and more.

Friday, July 20, 2018

ICAST 2018: Old Town Topwater PDL Boat with David Hadden


Newly released at ICAST 2018, the Old Town Topwater PDL boat will change the way you fish. Listen as David Hadden takes us through this fantastic fishing rig. 
Old Town is proud to unveil its all-new Topwater™ Series, which offers great Old Town performance in a compact, nimble format. A marriage of stability and performance, the Topwater—with the all-new ultra-stable DoubleU™ hull—quietly glides through any water condition while providing a stable, comfortable stand-up fishing platform. Equipped with thoughtful onboard tackle and rod management and a revolutionary universal transducer mount, even the most discriminating anglers will be impressed by the overall fishability of the new Topwater Series: paddle versions Topwater 106 and Topwater 120; and a pedal-driven model, the Topwater PDL. 

“The growth and popularity of kayak fishing has brought many new companies into the marketplace but unfortunately we have seen a glut of poorly-made and engineered boats in the sub $1000 category,” says David Hadden, Brand Director, Johnson Outdoors Watercraft. “Our goal with the Topwater™ Series was to engineer a boat that gave a great on the water fishing experience, which would allow anglers to catch more fish and be more comfortable. We also wanted it to outperform other kayaks when not on the water and made it smaller in size and weight for easy transportation and storage. Too many of today’s stable fishing kayaks need a trailer to transport to your local boat launch. The small size and reduced weight of all models in the Topwater Series make car-topping realistic and negate the need for a kayak trailer.”


Thursday, July 19, 2018

Ledge Fishing and Rod Selection Secrets with Keith Combs

Summer time is off-shore fishing time. Learning how to master the challenge of fishing away from the bank requires the correct gear. Listen to BASS Elite angler Keith Combs as he explains his rod selections when fishing for off-shore bass.

ICAST 2018: Lunkerhunt's New Assist Jigs

Lunkerhunt Assist Jigs are designed for offshore, near shore, and inshore fishing. They are effective when fished from boat, kayak, reefs, piers, and wharfs. Lunkerhunt Assist Jigs come in three body styles: The Flutter Jig, The Needle Jig and the Cut Bait Jig. All Lunkerhunt Assist Jigs have a UV coating and either a single dressed or double dressed assist hook.

All Lunkerhunt Assist Jigs work well with speed retrieves, lift and fall retrieves and traditional jigging techniques. They have been designed for saltwater fishing but also catch a wide range of freshwater species as well.

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Tokyo Rig by VMC with Mike Iaconelli


Right from the shores of Lake Biwa in Japan, Ike and VMC bring you one of the most innovated rigs since the Jika rig. The brand new VMC Tokyo rig allows you to use a multitude of soft plastic baits from 1 to 50 foot deep. Let's hear from BASS Classic Champ Mike "Ike" Iaconelli as he explains the 2018 ICAST released VMC Tokyo Rig.

2019 FLW Tour Schedule


THE 2019 SCHEDULE

Jan. 10-13 – Sam Rayburn Reservoir – Brookeland, Texas – Jasper County Development District
Feb. 7-10 – Lake Toho – Kissimmee, Fla. – Experience Kissimmee/Kissimmee Sports
March 7-10 – Lake Seminole – Bainbridge, Ga. – Bainbridge Convention & Visitors Bureau
March 28-31 – Grand Lake – Grove, Okla. – City of Grove/Cherokee Casino Grove
April 11-14 – Cherokee Lake – Jefferson City, Tenn. – Economic Development Alliance, Jefferson County
May 2-5 – Lake Chickamauga – Dayton, Tenn. – Fish Dayton/Rhea Economic and Tourism Council, LLC
June 27-30 – Lake Champlain – Plattsburgh, N.Y. – City of Plattsburgh/Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Rapala Rip Stop 12 Jerkbait with Troy Lindner and IBASSIN


ICAST 2018 Released the brand new Rapala Rip Stop 12 jerkbaits. With its unique tail design, this jerkbait will stop on a dine and has such great wobble and flash. Troy Lindner, of the famed Lindner family, has used it with such great success.
If you want a great jerkbait that is larger, heavier and has super action then check out the new Rapala RipStop 12.


Monday, July 16, 2018

Descend Series of Salt Core Soft Plastic Baits by Lunkerhunt with FLW Pro Matt Arey and IBASSIN


The Lunkerhunt Descend Series is a family of soft plastic lures that feature specific sink rates based on the forage they have been designed to imitate. The Lunkerhunt Descend Series consists of three salted soft plastic body styles: The Descend Craw, the Descend Minnow, and the Descend Salamander. All of the Descend Series soft plastics have been made using a revolutionary multi-port salt injection technology. This technology allows us to inject different salt concentrations into different areas within the lure. This results in natural sinking and swimming actions without the need to add weights or other tackle to achieve the desired action. Listen to FLW Pro Matt Arey as he explains these great baits.

2018 ICAST New Product Winners!

ICAST 2018 Best of Category and Best of Show Awards
Garmin USA’s Panoptix LiveScope was voted by buyers and media as the best product in both the Electronics category and the overall Best of Show.

The ICAST 2018 Best of Category awards were presented on Wednesday, July 11, during the New Product Showcase Awards Reception at the Orange County Convention Center.

 
2018 ICAST New Product Showcase Best of Category Award Winners
For product details, images and other information please contact the individual award winners’ contacts listed below.

 
Best of Category and Best of Show – Electronics – Garmin USA
Product:  Garmin Panoptix LiveScope
Contact: Carly Hysell carly.hysell@garmin.com 

Best of Category – Boating Accessories – Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
Product:  Minn Kota Ultrex with MEGA Down Imaging

Contact: Kathy Dutton kdutton@johnsonoutdoors.com

Best of Category – Boats and Watercraft – Jackson Kayak
Product:  360 Angler
Contact: Sonia Cronin sonia@jacksonkayak.com  

Best of Category – Eyewear – Costa Sunglasses
Product:  Baffin
Contact: Shauna Metz smetz@costadelmar.com 

Best of Category – Footwear – Rivers Edge Products
Product:  Fish Sandals
Contact: Michael McFadden Michael.mcfadden@riversedgeproducts.com 

Best of Category – Giftware – Number 6 Brands 
Product:  Cauldryn Coffee
Contact: Jason Shinn jason@number6brands.com 

Best of Category – Lifestyle Apparel – AFTCO/American Fishing Tackle Company
Product:  Hexatron Performance Fleece
Contact: Matt Florentine matt@aftco.com

Best of Category – Technical Apparel – AFTCO/American Fishing Tackle Company
Product:  Hydronaut Heavy-Duty Waterproof System
Contact: Matt Florentine matt@aftco.com 

Best of Category – Fishing Accessory – YETI
Product:  YETI Tundra Haul
Contact: Ravanne Harris rharris@yeti.com 

Best of Category – Fly Fishing Accessory – YETI
Product:  YETI Panga Backpack 28
Contact:  Ravanne Harris rharris@yeti.com

Best of Category – Fishing Line – PowerPro
Product:  PowerPro SuperSlick V2 Brand
Contact:  John Mazurkiewicz jpmazurk@ameritech.net


Friday, July 13, 2018

2019 Bassmaster Elite Schedule Announced

BASS PRESS RELEASE

Since the Bassmaster Elite Series made a two-week trip to the West Coast back in 2015, fans of the sport have been clamoring for the world’s premier bass fishing circuit to return to that region.
Now, they’re about to get their wish.
B.A.S.S. officials unveiled an action-packed 2019 Elite Series schedule today that includes a Western swing in mid-June with back-to-back trips to Sacramento, Calif., for an event on the California Delta and to Tri-Cities, Wash., for a tournament on the Columbia River.
The Columbia River will be one of three first-time destinations for the Elite Series, along with Lake Lanier in Georgia and Lake Hartwell in South Carolina.
“We couldn’t be happier with the schedule we’ve put together for 2019,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin. “This lineup of events will be exciting and challenging for our anglers — and for fans of the sport, it literally has something to offer from coast to coast.”
The slate will have a familiar kickoff venue, as the Elite Series returns Feb. 7-10 to the St. Johns River in Palatka, Fla. — the site of the 2016 season opener where Missouri superstar Rick Clunn recorded one of the more memorable victories in B.A.S.S. history. Just four months shy of his 70th birthday, Clunn brought 31 pounds, 7 ounces of bass to the scales during the semifinal round and eventually became the oldest angler to win an Elite Series event with a four-day total of 81-15.
 The St. Johns River has been a regular destination for B.A.S.S., with the organization visiting 20 times for major events since 1973.
“The Bassmaster Elite Series tournament coming back to Palatka and Putnam County is a tremendous win!” said Dana Cameron Jones, president of the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, which will host the event. “Putnam County’s natural beauty provides a great venue for bass fishing, and B.A.S.S. provides business for our local community! It was an easy decision to host B.A.S.S. — the economic impact into our local economy by an Elite Series event easily equates to over $3 million dollars, and the media value well over $500,000 is a huge value-add.”
From Florida, the schedule will shift to Lake Lanier in Gwinnett, Ga., Feb. 14-17 — a venue that has hosted eight major B.A.S.S. tournaments since 1983, but never an Elite Series event. The 37,000-acre fishery on the Chattahoochee River has long been known for producing giant spotted bass.

Thursday, July 12, 2018

ICAST 2018: Yakima Kayak Solutions

YAKIMA


Making industry waves with their specialized Yakima Sportsman and Heavy Duty Truck collections. Both built for functionality, versatility, and to our new standard for off-road ratings.

BigCatch Kayak Fishing Saddle
Fish on. With a whopping 150lb capacity, this is the first universal kayak saddle strong enough to handle heavy fishing kayaks and sit-on-tops.

EasyRider Trailer 
EasyRider utility trailer hauls big fishing kayaks and rec boats up top with room for coolers and gear underneath. 500lb carrying capacity—load it up.

OverHaul HD Truck Rack
Built for hard work and rugged play, the OverHaul HD adjustable truck rack delivers best-in-class strength and outstanding versatility.

ICAST 2018: POWERPRO SUPER8SLICK V2


POWERPRO SUPER8SLICK V2: SMOOTH  - SILENT - TOUGH --

NEW EIGHT-END DENSE WEAVE WITH EBT PROCESS


Re-engineered with added abrasion toughness so anglers can rip through the heaviest cover with the same force as standard four-end braids, the new PowerPro Super8Slick V2 braided fishing line combines a new eight-end dense weave fiber construction with proven ‘Enhanced Body Technology’ (EBT) coating process. The new braid is offered in nine different pound test designations, and in five spool sizes to fill from one reel, to bulk spools for multiple fills and for reel spooling by your local tackle shop.
   As with the original Super8Slick braid, the new ‘V2’ version continues to be the smoothest, softest and longest casting braid in the PowerPro line-up. Its use of Honeywell Spectra eight-end fiber provides a stronger, tougher braid, while the PowerPro EBT process makes the Super8Slick V2 structurally rounder. The process floods propriety resin through the finished braid, resulting in a smoother line that reduces backlashes, increases casting distance, makes it easier to tie knots, and offers superior strength to size ratio.
   “For freshwater and salt, from throwing a big jig into a big knockdown or heavy vegetation for a kicker-size bass - to making that extra long cast into a surfacing school of stripers, Super8Slick V2 can give you an advantage,” said PowerPro product manager Tom Woldruff. “The PowerPro engineering staff has decades of experience, and that experience really comes through with the features of this new braid and benefits it provides anglers.”
   

ICAST 2018: Molix's Elite Pro Signature Colours


These Special Signature Colors series are developed from the experience of the Elite Pro Anglers Brandon Palaniuk (AOY 2017), James Elam and Justin Lucas 

Available for: Kento Jig, Tenax Jig Wide Gap, MF Jig, Nano Jig

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

ICAST 2018: LUNKERHUNT's Yappa Series of Top Water Baits


 


The Lunkerhunt Yappa Series is a family of weedless, hollow body, topwater lures. Yappa Series lures feature a transparent cupped bill that churns the water surface and generates a wide range of actions that fish can’t resist.
The Yappa Rat, Yappa Bug, and Yappa Frog are made using quality components and feature premium finishes.

ICAST 2018: Shimano's SLX Baitcasting Reels


ANGLERS AT ALL LEVELS - SHIMANO’S SLX BAITCASTING REELS
ARE THE ‘CAN’T STOP FISHING’ CHOICE
All reels $99.99 USD!



   Anglers looking for a versatile, easy-to-use, lightweight and durable baitcasting reel, Shimano new SLX reels are the one more fish, one more cast, ‘Can’t Stop Fishing’ option. The series is offered in six models in three different gear ratios, including the 6.3:1 SLX150 and left-hand retrieve SLX151, the high-speed SLX150HG and 151HG with 7.2:1 gears, and the SLX150XG and 151XG with extra high speed 8.2:1.
   Designed around Shimano’s HAGANE body concept - meaning a solid and precise aluminum frame, the SLX compact body still allows for plenty of line capacity - up to 105 yards of 40-pound test PowerPro braid. Shimano’ proven six-spin style Variable Brake System provides spool and casting control, while the sideplate is attached to prevent it from falling off when adjustments are needed with lures and wind condition changes. Each comes with a ‘Curado K type’ long handle with power handle knobs. Even with the aluminum frame and durable brass gears, each reel weighs in at a light 6.9-ounces.

ICAST 2018: Curado Reels Sees Improvements by Shimano


SHIMANO BRINGS DIGITAL CONTROL TECHNOLOGY TO CURADO REELS -
TROUBLE FREE CASTING FOR ALL ANGLERS


All retail for $249.99 (USD)


Utilizing a microcomputer to control brake force at every moment of the cast, Shimano brings its digital control technology (I-DC4) to a new series of Curado baitcasting reels. Built upon a reel already known for its durability, dependability, and versatility, the new Shimano Curado DC reels will quickly allow all anglers - from the most to avid tournament angler to those who are intimidated by baitcasting reels and the backlashes that can happen - to cast smarter by allowing the DC’s microcomputer to monitor spool speed 1,000 times every second and apply the perfect amount of brake to prevent backlashes and maximize distance. Being introduced at ICAST 2018 and available in August, the DC series includes the Curado DC150 and left-hand retrieve DC151 with 6.2:1 gear ratios, the Curado DC150HG and DC151HG with 7.4:1 gear ratios, and the even higher speed Curado DC150XG and DC151XG with 8.5:1 gear ratios.
     With the I-DC4 braking technology, anglers can fish a variety of lures and in any weather conditions, with limited-to-no adjustments to the reel. There are four external adjustable brake settings depending on fishing situations. The settings are a ‘max distance mode’ for ultra-long casts in calmer conditions; a ‘braid/mono mode’ for general all-around use of those types of lines; a ‘fluorocarbon mode’ that is best when using these stiffer lines; and a ‘skipping mode’ for challenging casts (under docks and piers) or extreme conditions.

ICAST 2018: New Shimano SLX for Under $100


Your game is strong. First on, last off. Every day, rain or shine…or wind or snow. The all-new Shimano SLX is built by, and for, anglers who demand bullet-proof, unrelenting durability from their equipment.
MSRP: $99.99

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

ICAST 2018: Minn Kota Launches New Built in MEGA Down Imaging in Motors

Minn Kota® Launches New Trolling Motors with
Built-In MEGA Down Imaging™



Minn Kota the leader in trolling motor innovation, will debut Built-In MEGA Down Imaging™ in its trolling motors at the American Sportfishing Association’s International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST).

For the first time, anglers will have the option to select a Minn Kota Ulterra™, Terrova®, Ultrex™ or Fortrex® trolling motor with Built-In MEGA Down Imaging sonar. The Humminbird® MEGA Down Imaging transducer will now be integrated into the trolling motor to provide a clean set up at the bow for anglers. Humminbird’s ultra-clear MEGA Imaging™ is the first Down Imaging technology to enter the megahertz range with performance that’s nearly three times greater than traditional 455 kHz frequencies. It results in the clearest, sharpest on-screen images ever seen.


With Built-In MEGA Down Imaging, the transducer is housed in the indestructible lower motor unit and the wiring runs through the composite shaft providing clean rigging that is protected from wear and tear. In addition, having the transducer integrated into the trolling motors allows anglers to see what is directly below the bow of the boat, allowing anglers to make better decisions on where, and how, to fish.

“The integration of Minn Kota and Humminbird products is part of our commitment to providing innovative solutions for anglers as they seek to find and catch more fish,” said Minn Kota Brand Manager Brad Henry.
 

Shimano SLX Baitcasting Reels with Keith Combs and IBASSIN

Anglers looking for a versatile, easy-to-use, lightweight and durable baitcasting reel, Shimano new SLX reels are the one more fish, one more cast, ‘Can’t Stop Fishing’ option. The series is offered in six models in three different gear ratios, including the 6.3:1 SLX150 and left-hand retrieve SLX151, the high-speed SLX150HG and 151HG with 7.2:1 gears, and the SLX150XG and 151XG with extra high speed 8.2:1. Designed around Shimano’s HAGANE body concept - meaning a solid and precise aluminum frame, the SLX compact body still allows for plenty of line capacity - up to 105 yards of 40-pound test PowerPro braid. Shimano’ proven six-spin style Variable Brake System provides spool and casting control, while the sideplate is attached to prevent it from falling off when adjustments are needed with lures and wind condition changes. Each comes with a ‘Curado K type’ long handle with power handle knobs. Even with the aluminum frame and durable brass gears, each reel weighs in at a light 6.9-ounces.

Monday, July 9, 2018

ICAST 2018 Coverage!


ICAST starts this Wednesday. IBASSIN.com will be giving you the best coverage via the blog and our Facebook page. The blog will post press releases, product launches and videos. Our Facebook page will have more photos and unique elements along with some instant video right from the floor of ICAST 2018 in Orlando, Florida!

The action will start Tuesday, July 10 at 5:20ish in the evening with the annual new product launch for media members only.

CLICK HERE to Like us on Facebook to get the best ICAST 2018 coverage!

Chris Johnston Wins 2018 Canadian Open Pro/Am with 50-96lbs!

Johnston Bros. 1st and 3rd. 
By Luigi De Rose 

Chris Johnston again proves he is a smallmouth master.
(Photo: John Whyte)
Under a historic cold front where the air temp dropped almost 20C and the wind kicked up after a week of hot, humid weather Lake Simcoe/ Lake Couchiching still illustrates why it is one of the best smallmouth lake on the planet.  Prefishing saw giant smallmouth cruising shallow shoals, glued to boulders and feeding on deep flats. Fresh off a stellar FLW Tour season, Chris Johnston put together two stellar 5-bass limits, 26-35lbs and 24-06lbs, to capture the Canadian Open Pro/Am. Second place went to Brian Huges who landed 50lbs. Newly minted dad, Cory Johnston grabbed third with 48-04lbs. Forth went to Simcoe ace John Whyte with 48-04lbs and Seb Roy finished 5th with 46-03lbs anchored by a 6-05lbs bass, the tournament's largest bass.

Thursday, July 5, 2018

2018 Forrest Wood Cup: Full Field Announced

FLW PRESS RELEASE
With the conclusion of the 2018 FLW Tour season at Lake St. Clair today, the field of 56 for the Forrest Wood Cup is now final.
Qualifiers will compete for the $300,000 first-place prize Aug. 10-12 on Lake Ouachita in Hot Springs, Ark.
The field includes the 2017 FLW Tour Angler of the Year, the 2017 Forrest Wood Cup champion, the top 40 anglers in the 2018 FLW Tour AOY standings (invitations were extended down to 44th place due to double-qualifications by other means), the 2018 T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League All-American champion, the 2018 YETI FLW College Fishing National Championship winner, the 2018 The Bass Federation National Championship winner and qualifiers from the 2017 Costa FLW Series Championship, including the FLW Series International Division’s top finisher at the championship.
Full field below

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Happy 4th of July



Mark Rose Grabs 2018 FLW Tour Angler of the Year!

For fans, the Pennzoil Marine Angler of the Year race is over. For Mark Rose, the Pennzoil Marine Angler of the year race is finally over.
Faith and family guide Mark to another AOY win.
(Photo: FLW)
“Finally” is necessary to emphasize the relief that Rose felt after Scott Martin was bumped from the top 10 during today’s day-three weigh-in at the FLW Tour event presented by Mercury on Lake St. Clair. That Martin didn’t make the cut to Sunday meant that he could no longer catch Rose in the standings. When Joey Cifuentes weighed in and Martin dropped to 11th, the wait was over, and it became official: Mark Rose is the 2018 FLW Tour Angler of the Year.
Rose took over the lead in the standings at stop No. 5 at Smith Lake and was able to ride it out despite a mediocre 67th-place finish at St. Clair. He had a 64-point lead coming in and needed to finish 64th or better to guarantee no one could catch him.
Sixty-four places is a lot, but not really. Not on St. Clair, where 20 places can be separated by only ounces.
Rose knew that, and he knew it was far from a sure thing. And he was reminded about it often because, when you’re the AOY leader, everyone asks you about AOY. When you’re the AOY leader, bass writers crunch the numbers and figure the odds on whether or not you’ll win it. And when you leave the door open at the final tournament and have to wait it out on shore while Scott Martin, a former AOY himself, gets to fish on top-30 day, you’re forced to sit and watch and wonder about your fate.