Merry Christmas

 

Wishing all our valued readers a very safe and loving holiday!

Spy Baiting for Cold Water Bass

Late Fall and Winter is big bass time. Late fall can also be difficult to catch them as bass are in transition. Learn from FLW Tour pro David Williams as he gives some great advice on using the Due Realis Spin bait to catch lots of autumn bass.

South Carolina’s Smith Wins Bassnaster Classic Fish-Off On Lake Hartwell

Collin Smith of Anderson, S.C., has won the 2022 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off on Lake Hartwell with a two-day total of 28 pounds, 1 ounce and will advance to the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic. (Photo: BASS)

BASS PRESS RELEASE

ANDERSON, S.C. — Collin Smith has spent much of his life honing his skills on the waters of fabled Lake Hartwell

 

All that work paid off Saturday with his win in the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off.

 

Smith, a 27-year-old grounds foreman for Anderson County, weighed a two-day total of 10 bass totaling 28 pounds, 1 ounce to claim victory in the final Bassmaster event of the 2022 season. With it, he earned entry into the biggest tournament of the 2023 season — the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic, scheduled for March 24-26 on the Tennessee River in Knoxville. 

 

“I’ve dedicated the majority of my time to this pond (Hartwell) because all the big tournaments are out here,” Smith said. “I’m superthankful for the chance to fish the Classic. It probably won’t set in until I’m going up the road there for pre-practice ... It’s been a lifelong dream. There has been a lot of blood, sweat and tears behind the steering wheel of my boat to get me to this point.”

 

No doubt there were dozens more miles added this week on Lake Hartwell, with Mother Nature throwing a variety of looks at the 500 anglers who started the team portion of the tournament on Wednesday. That two-day event was hindered by dense fog, but Smith and 5 Alive Sunday Series teammate Brady Kimbrell, also of Anderson, totaled 30-13 over two days to win the team title and the $25,000 cash prize that accompanied it.

 

Their performance set the stage for Smith’s ascension in the Fish-Off. The Top 3 teams, only six anglers in all, had their weights zeroed and then set out individually for two more days of competition. They were greeted by steady rain on Friday when Smith and Tyler Campbell of Martin, Ga., both caught 14-1 to tie for the Day 1 lead.

 

The temperature plummeted into the lower 40s by the final weigh-in, but Smith remained steady, following his Day 1 total with a 14-pound limit on Day 2 — just enough to nose him past Campbell, who wound up second with 27 pounds over two days.

 

The final day of the Fish-Off didn’t start swimmingly for Smith. The deep timber he exploited on Friday didn’t produce Saturday. Smith said that could have been due to changes in barometric pressure that followed repeated weather shifts in the region. 

 

2022 BASSMASTER TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP Smith and Kimbrell shut the door at Lake Hartwell

Even when everything goes right, it’s hard enough to hold off a 250-boat field to win a tournament like the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship.
If you cut the final day’s fishing time by nearly 50%, the task gets that much harder.
Collin Smith and Brady Kimbrell powered through a fog-shortened tournament on Lake Hartwell, however, and won the team championship with a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 30 pounds, 13 ounces. The duo caught 16-10 on Day 1 and followed with 14-3 a day later to seal the win.
While those aren’t huge numbers, they’re impressive considering Thursday’s start was delayed by three hours and fifteen minutes because of dense fog. Day 1 also started late, by some 90 minutes, further cutting into the time teams had to ply Hartwell’s bass-rich waters.

SpiderWire DuraBraid Hi-Vis Yellow

Popular braided line now offered in high visibility color option

After its introduction at ICAST 2021, SpiderWire DuraBraid continues to impress anglers that demand high performance as the most abrasion-resistant conventional braided line on the market. Now this popular braided line is available in Hi-Vis Yellow.
 
SpiderWire DuraBraid sets the standard in technical performance with an increased abrasion resistance that is 25% tougher than other conventional braids*. Whether fishing in fresh or saltwater, anglers using DuraBraid can confidently land fish in and around heavy cover. This abrasion resistance gives anglers confidence that other lines cannot. In addition, DuraBraid delivers the same easy line management and smooth casting that are attributed to the SpiderWire brand. 
 
Available from 8-pound to 80-pound test, SpiderWire DuraBraid is made with precision to set the standard for strong knots, unmatched shock absorbency, superior abrasion resistance and is now available in an easy to locate Hi-Vis Yellow line color option.
 
*Per internal abrasion test methods in a lab setting. See Spiderwire.com for details.
 
SPIDERWIRE DURABRAID
Key Feature: 25 percent tougher than conventional brands*
Spool Sizes: 150 yards • 300 yards • 500 yards • 3,000 yards
Color: Moss Green • Hi-Vis Yellow
Pound-Tests: 8 • 10 • 15 • 20 • 30 • 40 • 50 • 65 • 80
MSRPs: $13.99-15.99 (150-yard spools) • $27.99-31.99 (300-yard spools) • $46.99-$54.99 (500-yard spools) • $279.99-$319.99 (5,000-yard spools)

Last Chance Deal with Minn Kota

Whether it's time to update your on-water attire or get that special person in your life a Christmas or Birthday gift, now is a great time to stock up on hoodies, shirts, hats, cold-weather gear, and more. Save up to 50% off on select hats, and apparel accessories starting TODAY through Cyber Monday (Monday, November 28th).

Expanded Elite Series Field Will Feature 104 Anglers In 2023

Expanded Elite Series Field Will Feature 104 Anglers In 2023

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — After a record-breaking 2022 Elite Series season that awarded eight Century Belts, crowned four first-time champions and garnered over 18.5 million views on FOX and the FOX Sports channels, B.A.S.S. announced the new expanded field for the 2023 Elite Series.

Next year, 104 anglers will compete for an Elite Series purse of over $6.9 million. Joining the ranks of the most prominent circuit in sportfishing are 12 qualifiers from the hotly contested St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by Mossy Oak Fishing, the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation champion and legendary Bassmaster Classic champion and two-time Angler of the Year Larry Nixon.

“I can’t wait for the 2023 season to start and think the schedule sets up really well for big catches, big drama and big excitement,” said the Elite Series Tournament Director Lisa Talmadge. “The Elite Series field is absolutely stacked, and fans are going to love following their favorite anglers as well as meeting this talented crop of rookies. And the new guys in the field have such broad appeal to those who love bass fishing, from a true icon of the sport in former Classic and AOY champion Larry Nixon to Cole Sands, who won a College Series National Championship just two years ago.”

With the exception of four anglers who retired, the entire 2022 Elite roster is returning next year. This list of returning anglers includes 2022 Bassmaster Classic champion Jason Christie of Park Hill, Okla., who also claimed a blue trophy on Chickamauga Lake last season. Idaho pro Brandon Palaniuk took Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year honors — his second time to earn the coveted title — while Jay Przekurat of Stevens Point, Wis., earned a Century Belt with all smallmouth — a feat never before accomplished — to claim a victory on the St. Lawrence River en route to winning Falcon Rods Rookie of the Year.

FULL ANGLER LIST BELOW

2023 Bass Pro Tour roster is set

TULSA, Okla. – Major League Fishing has announced the roster for the 2023 Bass Pro Tour, the fifth season of professional bass fishing’s most competitive tournament circuit. The field of 80 of the world’s top bass-fishing professionals will compete across seven fisheries during the Bass Pro Tour regular season for a total purse of more than $7.7 million. 

The 2023 Bass Pro Tour roster includes two-time Bally Bet Angler of the Year (AOY) Jacob Wheeler as well as 2020 AOY Jordan Lee, 2019 AOY Edwin Evers, REDCREST II champion Dustin Connell, two-time AOY runner-up Ott DeFoe, and the most decorated angler in the history of professional bass fishing, Kevin VanDam. 

Nation: Davis wins Championship, Classic berths secured

FLORENCE, Ala. — Will Davis, Jr. said earlier this week that despite difficult fishing on 

Pickwick Lake, the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Championship was setting up well for him.

Boy, was he right.

Davis, a 30-year-old from Sylacauga, Ala., caught a tournament-best limit of 16-12 during Friday’s final round, including the Big Bass of the tournament – a 5-4 whopper of a smallmouth that anchored his haul — to finish with a three-day total of 43 pounds, 8 ounces and seize a come-from-behind victory at McFarland Park.

“I’m very tired,” Davis said, minutes after hoisting the Bryan J. Kerchal Memorial Trophy and being joined on the Bassmaster stage by family and friends for a joyful, and tearful, celebration.

Ohio Angler Lands 10 Pound Smallmouth on Lake Erie! (ON THE WATER VIDEO)

Potential Ontario Record!

By Luigi De Rose  

Photo: Ohio Department of Natural Resources

The November heat wave has kept bass guys on the water but Gregg Ghallerger of Fremont, Ohio might be the luckiest to venture out. He might be the luckiest angler ever if his mammoth 10.15lb Lake Erie smallmouth meets official criteria and becomes the new Ontario record. 

On November 3, 2022, Gregg and his son Grant ventured from across Erie into Canadian waters near Pelee Island. After landing the 23.75-inch smallmouth on a drop-shot and eight-pound test they headed back to connect with the Ohio DNR for an official weight and measurement. 

Naturally, the story of the potential Ontario record circulated late Thursday online. Internet warriors have been flooding chatboards debating the merit of Gregg’s catch. The questions and debates raged, several questions emerged: was the fish released? Can a released bass be considered a true record? How old was it? 

To celebrate the catch, Ross Robertson of Big Water Fishing sits down with the Gallergers and relives the epic catch. 

Legendary angler and Bassmaster Classic champion Larry Nixon to fish Bassmaster Elites in 2023

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Bassmaster Classic champion and two-time Angler of the Year Larry Nixon will be among the Elite Series field when the 2023 season kicks off on Lake Okeechobee, Fla., on Feb. 16 officials announced today.

“I’ve missed B.A.S.S. for 16 years … B.A.S.S. has always been at the top of my list,” said Nixon. “This is something I’ve wanted to do for the past 2 to 3 years, and I am superexcited to have the opportunity. And I want to make the Classic and hear that roar again.”

The first Bassmaster millionaire, Nixon’s consistency on the trail has been unmatched. For 12 seasons between 1977 and 1988, Nixon never ranked lower than eighth in the Angler of the Year points standings. For nine consecutive years — 1979-1987 — he was in the Top 5, with AOY titles coming in 1980 and 1982. In addition to winning the 1983 Bassmaster Classic on the Ohio River, the 25-time Classic qualifier finished in the Top 10 an astounding eight times.

“Larry is truly an icon in the sport, and we are excited to welcome him to the Elite Series,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. “Larry’s name is written all over the B.A.S.S. record books — not only with his Classic victory and AOY titles but also Megabucks tournaments and Team Championships. With tournament success across four decades, Larry is why we have the Legends exemption in place, and we’re happy he accepted the invitation to compete in 2023.”

Don't Store Your Boat Without Watching this First!

Learn how to prevent boat and motor problems during the fall and winter. Follow these tips will ensure your motor, pumps and fuel remains safe. This video will explain some preventative boat maintenance that will keep you on the water and your rig out of trouble.

Scoring changes announced for 2023 Bass Pro Tour

 

New scoring will retain catch, weigh, immediate-release format while counting angler’s five heaviest bass per day

TULSA, Okla. – Major League Fishing, the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced today a scoring change for the 2023 Bass Pro Tour. The extremely popular catch, weigh, immediate-release format will remain, however scoring will change from every scorable fish counts to scoring each angler’s five heaviest bass per day. The “every fish counts” format will remain for both the General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and the General Tire Team Series. 

The scoring change will slightly alter how anglers advance in each Bass Pro Tour event. The 40 anglers in Group A will compete on Days 1 and 3 and the 40 anglers in Group B will compete on Days 2 and 4. The Top 20 from each group, based on the two-day, heaviest cumulative weight of five bass per day will advance to the Knockout Round (Day 5). Anglers who win the Qualifying Round will no longer receive an automatic Championship Round berth. Weights are zeroed for the Knockout Round, and 10 anglers will advance to the Championship Round (Day 6). Weights from the Knockout Round will carry over into the Championship Round, and the winner of the event will be decided by the heaviest Knockout and Championship Round two-day cumulative weight.  

Combs Lands Bassmaster Opens Win, Classic Berth On Home Fishery At Sam Rayburn

Keith Combs of Huntington, Texas, has won the 2022 St. Croix Bassmaster Central Open at Sam Rayburn presented by Mossy Oak Fishing with a three-day total of 46 pounds, 5 ounces. (Photo: Andy Crawford/BASS) 

BASS PRESS RELEASE

JASPER, Texas — There was nothing fancy about the way Keith Combs won the St. Croix Bassmaster Central Open at Sam Rayburn presented by Mossy Oak Fishing.

As the saying goes, “slow and steady wins the race.”

Combs, an Elite Series pro from Huntington, Texas, only a half-hour away from Saturday’s weigh-in at Umphrey Family Pavilion, weighed 16 pounds, 11 ounces on the final day to score a come-from-behind victory with a three-day total of 46-5.

Combs was a model of consistency in this derby, catching 14-4 on Day 1 to settle into 14th place, then adding 15-6 a day later to jump to seventh. When none of the six anglers ahead of him at Saturday’s start could muster a bag better than his 16-11 limit, the local favorite seized the championship.

Combs collected $43,867, but his sweetest prize was the berth he secured in the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic. The veteran has fished in eight previous Classics, and his ninth will come March 24-26 on the Tennessee River in Knoxville.

“I’m just happy I don’t have to work the (Classic) Expo,” Combs said, laughing. “But I am relieved. I’ve had some high points this season. I thought I could win (the Elite) on the Mississippi River and I didn’t get it done there (finishing third). I’ve had some seconds the last few years, and that just stings.

“I’m glad the season’s over,” he added. “And it’s good to win at home.”

Combs said he was relieved, as much as elated, he’ll return to the Classic for the first time since 2020. He finished 64th in the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings, which wasn’t high enough to get a spot in the 2023 Classic.

The Berkley Power Blade – Science Meets a Classic Bait

The spinnerbait is a staple bait for bass anglers around the country and Berkley Labs has improved on this staple by bringing a scientific approach to drive a modern design that only Berkley Labs is capable of. Meet the Berkley Power Blade.

An old school technique that has withstood the test of time, the spinnerbait has lived in the tackle boxes of anglers for decades. After vigorous testing, the team at Berkley Labs, along with Berkley Pro Edwin Evers, have upgraded the old school spinnerbait with advanced modern design features.
 
Available in two different technique specific styles – standard and compact – the Power Blade contains several blade design styles that were built from scratch in order to feature maximum performance. The Fusion19 hook contains an extended shank and O’Shaugnessy design that eliminates the need for a trailer hook. In addition, the Power Blade possesses premium components, premium wire, conical style keeper and a hand-tied PowerBait infused skirt to round out it’s modern design. Every detail was considered when Berkley Labs set out to make the most complete fishing-catching Spinnerbait on the market.

Berkley Power Blade Key Features
• Two technique-specific spinnerbait styles – Standard and Compact
• Features several blade design styles that were built from scratch for maximum performance
• Extended O’Shaughnessy style Fusion19 hook to eliminate the need for a trailer hook
• Premium components and wire to make for a high-performing and durable spinnerbait
• Conical style keeper
• Hand-tied, Berkley PowerBait infused skirt
• Blade types: Colorado • Indiana • Willow
• Blade finishes: Standard plating • Painted
• 19 premium color selections to match the hatch

Colors: White • White Chartreuse • Chartreuse • Gill Spawn • BL Special • Old School • Coleslaw • Hot Slaw • Fire Craw • Firetiger • Golden Shiner • E2 Magic • Shad Spawn • Crypto • Herring • Silver Bullet • Purple Rain • Bama Bream • Pretty One
Standard Sizes: 1/8-oz • 3/16oz • 1/4oz • 3/8oz • 1/2oz • 3/4oz • 1oz
Compact Sizes: 3/8oz • 1/2oz • 3/4oz • 1oz
MSRP: $5.99 – $9.99

Available: September 2022

Renegade Bass Tour ceases operations after 27 years!

In a shocking statement on Facebook and on their home site, Renegade Bass Tour ceases operations after 27 years. A staple for tournament anglers, their eastern Ontario bass tournaments drew anglers from near and far. More information will follow but early speculation is that Renegade Bass will focus on more premier events such as their 1000 Islands Open. 

Here's their press release on the matter. 

The Ontario Kayak Bass Trail (OKBT) 2023 Tournaments!

The Ontario Kayak Bass Trail (OKBT) 2023 events have been listed. If you love bass fishing and need something different, then this is for you. For all information link over to OKBT.

 

Josh Bertrand Wins 2022 Mercury Marine Bass Cat Boats WON BASS US Open!

 

Congratulations to our 2022 Mercury Marine Bass Cat Boats WON BASS US Open Champion JOSH BERTRAND! (Photo WON BASS) 

Canadian Cooper Gallant Qualifies for 2023 BASS Elite Season!

Bowmanville, Ontario angler Cooper Gallant has qualifying for the 2023 BASS Elites. Fishing all 9 BASS Opens, Gallant secured his place on the Elites this past weekend with a 14th showing at the St. Croix Bassmaster Southern Open on Lake Hartwell. This strong finished vaulted Gallant into 3rd in Angler of the Year in the Opens with 1262 points. He'll join fellow Canadians Jeff Gustafson and brothers Cory and Chris Johnston.  

Cooper shared his appreciate on Facebook with the following post: 

Dream come true. Elite Series bound in 2023. I’m speechless. I literally go to bed every night and wake up every morning, dreaming of to one day fish the Bassmaster Elite Series and WE made it happen today. Thanks to all my friends, parents, brothers, family and sponsors for the continued support. You have no idea how much it means to me. #THECHASE continues next year on the Elite series.

Thanksgiving Fall Smallmouth Bass in Ontario

Thanksgiving bass fishing is a tradition for anyone who likes to fish. Here's an oldie but a goody as a slow morning transforms into a dynamite afternoon of fast action smallmouth. 

New Berkley PowerBait Shape 108

Berkley PowerBait Shape 108 takes versatility to a new level excelling at both finesse and power fishing techniques

Key Features
• “Bird-wing” style pinchers
• Fits perfectly on a jig
• Smashed body allows for better hookups when fished as a Texas rig or like techniques
• Ribbed upper body provides extra surface area for extreme PowerBait flavor
• Three sizes: 3-inch, 3.5-inch and 4-inch
 
Colors: Green Pumpkin • Black Blue Fleck • Watermelon • GOAT • Pearl White • Peanut Butter and Jelly • Bluegill Flash • June Bug • Hot Craw • Okeechobee Craw • California • Alabama Craw • Labatt • Blue Shiner Gold
 
MSRP: $6.99
Available: November 2022

Personal swimbait lessons from BASS Elite Star Chris Zaldain

Do you want a PERSONAL SWIMBAIT LESSON on LAKE FORK with me?? If so, we are auctioning off this very opportunity and all proceeds will go to benefit The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.

I will also send the winner home with my favorite swimbait reel (which aren’t currently on the market), the rod I use & some of my hush hush prototype swimmers I haven’t allowed photos or video of yet.

To bid, click here: https://one.bidpal.net/bassfis.../browse/2(details:item/164)

Good luck!

Berkley’s Newest Crankbait – the Money Badger

New Berkley crankbait delivers aggressive tail thumping, balsa-like roll action tailored to both walleye, bass and crappie anglers

Key Features
• Maximum hard thumping and vibration with amplified side roll to draw in fish from a distance
• Tungsten weight transfer in three larger sizes for maximum casting distance
• Clicking sound profile is tuned to deliver the perfect balance of sound and action
• Hybrid baitfish-crawfish design delivers slow rise so the bait hangs on the pause
• Versatile bait can be cast or trolled and fished fast or slow without blowing out
• Embedded line tie delivers incredible stable tracking at all speeds with immediate recovery after pause
• Patented FlashDisc technology improves tracking stability and accuracy with a true balsa-like action
• Designed to crawl over rocks and wood
• Equipped with stout and sticky sharp Fusion19 hooks
 
The new Berkley Money Badger models include:
• 4 cm – diving 4 to 7 feet
• 5 cm – diving 8 to 10 feet
• 6.25 cm – diving 9 to 11 feet
• 6.75 cm – diving 10 to 12 feet
• 7.25 cm – diving 11 to 13 feet
 
Colors: Black Gold • Black Silver • Blaze • Korey’s Candy • Firetail Green Craw • Firetiger • FX Shad • Ghost Green Craw • Ghost Morning Dawn • Ghost Red Craw • Killer Craw • Northern Lights • Perch • Pink Pearl • Purple Glimmer • Root Beer Craw • Special Red Craw • Spring Craw • Sunset 84 • Vanilla Chartreuse
 
MSRP: $7.99 – 4cm & 5cm • $8.99 – 6.26cm, 6.75cm & 7.25cm
Available: September 2022

Advanced Finesse Swimbaiting with BASS Elite Pro Chris Zaldain

Swimbaits are so popular. They work 12 months, 365 days of the year! Learn from Chris Zaldain, one of the best West Coast anglers who makes a living throwing a swimbait on the BASS Elite Tour. He'll explain advanced finesse swimbaiting techniques and presentations that on largemouth, smallmouth and spots.

New Baits from Berkley: PowerBait Bonefish and Curly Bones

New PowerBait MaxScent bait adds claws to a ned-style presentation giving anglers even more ways to catch fish

Bonefish Key Features

• Minnow profile swimbait designed for high action at the slowest of speeds
• Heavy ribbed body allow the bait to catch more water and stay suspended longer in current or static water
• Super thin tail allows more erratic action at the slowest speeds, in low current or on the drop
• Hook slot allows for easy rigging and better hook ups
• Heavy ribs provide more surface area for more PowerBait flavor
• Great on Jighead, Weighted Swimbait Hook, or Drop Shot
• Bonefish available in 2.5-inch and 3.25-inch
 

Curly Bones Key Features
• Hybrid “Rib Worm” design produces high action at the slowest of speeds
• Heavy ribbed body allow the bait to catch more water and stay suspended longer in current or static water
• Super thin ribbon style tail features a vertical orientation and activation tip to grab water and never stop moving at the slowest speeds, in low current, on the bottom or on the drop
• Hook slot allows for easy rigging and better hook ups
• Heavy ribs provide more surface area for more PowerBait flavor
• Made for Jigs, but great on a Weighted Swimbait Hook, or Drop Shot
• Curly Bones available in 3-inch and 4-inch

B.A.S.S. Announces 2023 Bassmaster Opens Schedule With New Format For Elite Qualification

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by Mossy Oak Fishing have grown exponentially in popularity over the past few years. But the buzz has never been louder than it’s been since the announcement of the new Opens EQ (Elite Qualifiers) format in July — and now B.A.S.S. has officially announced where all of the excitement will take place in 2023.

 

On Tuesday, B.A.S.S. unveiled a slate of nine Opens — three each in three divisions — covering eight states from March into late October. Anglers fishing all nine events will be vying for an invitation to the Bassmaster Elite Series. The Top 9 anglers in the Bassmaster Opens Elite Qualifiers standings will earn an invitation to join the prestigious Bassmaster Elite Series in 2024. Individual event winners — including those who only fish one, three-event division — will be eligible for a berth in the 2024 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic.

 

“We’re so excited about this new format,” said Executive Director of Tournaments Hank Weldon, who oversees the Bassmaster Opens. “With the Opens EQ format, there is a clear path forward for those who want to make fishing a full-time career and prepare as much as possible while progressing toward the Elites. Those anglers’ abilities will be tested throughout the year on a variety of fisheries and prepare them for the cross-country rigors of the Elite Series. At the same time, those who only fish three events in one division will still be fishing for a dream chance to compete in the Bassmaster Classic.

 

“That excitement, plus the great fisheries we have on our schedule, will make 2023 so much fun for anglers and fans of the sport.”

 

Division 1 will serve as the starting point for the Opens season with an event March 2-4 on world-famous Lake Eufaula in Eufaula, Ala. Known as the “Bass Fishing Capital of the World” and the hometown of late fishing industry legend Tom Mann, the brushpile-laden Chattahoochee River fishery has hosted 17 major B.A.S.S. events since 1968.