Thursday, July 28, 2022

2023 Bassmaster Opens Will Feature New Elite Qualification Format

Current Elite Series angler Jacob Powroznik fished all nine tournaments in the 2021 Bassmaster Opens Series en route to earning his invitation to join the Elites in 2022. (Photo: BASS)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Beginning in 2023, anglers hoping to earn a coveted invitation to join the Bassmaster Elite Series can only qualify by competing in all nine tournaments comprising the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by Mossy Oak Fishing, B.A.S.S. officials announced today. Anglers competing in every tournament will form the Bassmaster Opens Elite Qualifiers.

The Top 9 anglers in the Bassmaster Opens Elite Qualifiers standings will earn an invitation to join the prestigious Bassmaster Elite Series in 2024. With the exception of a berth going to the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation champion, fishing all nine events and participating in the Opens EQ will be the exclusive route for earning entry into the Elite Series. This season, an unprecedented 83 anglers registered for all nine Bassmaster Opens tournaments.

“We are looking forward to launching the new Bassmaster Opens EQ,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. “From the length of the season to the variety of waters and regions where these anglers will compete, this model is as close as you can get to competing at the Elite level and will bring even more attention to the skills and incredible commitment made by anglers striving to reach the Bassmaster Elite Series.” 

Bassmaster Opens events will continue to be divided into three divisions with three tournaments each, and event winners will still earn a Classic berth if they compete in all three tournaments in that division.

“The new Elite Qualifiers format really allows the Opens to serve two groups of anglers moving forward,” said Hank Weldon, Bassmaster Opens tournament director. “Those who want to make fishing a full-time career and pursue the Elite Series have a clear direction preparing them for that path. But there are also nine opportunities for those who’ve always aspired to fish the Classic to chase that dream.”

The 2023 schedule for the Bassmaster Opens Series will be released this fall.

For more information, visit Bassmaster.com/Opens.

About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 515,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

ICAST 2022: Streamside Launches New Series of Rods!

 


The Streamside Heritage Salmon rods have been an amazing rod in the Streamside rod line-up for years. New for 2023 is the Heritage II, same great rod blank with 3 new actions, new handle design, and new blank cosmetics. Great rod for casting spoons, trolling, and for those big salmon in the rivers.




New Centre pin float rod for 2023. The Streamside Carbon float rods, available in 2 models, IM8 graphite blank, carbon handle, Ziconia guides with SS frames. These rods are super lightweight with great feel.




We have had dealers, prostaff, and consumers asking for a Panfish/ultralight series of rods. Well Streamside now has you covered with the New Panfish STIX spinning rod series. With 4 models to choose from. The rods feature IM7 graphite, Titanium Oxide guides, and Portuguese cork handles. These rods will be great for panfish, trout, and smallies.


Monday, July 25, 2022

ICAST Announces 30 New Product Showcase “Best of Category” Winners for 2022



This year, more than 900 new products were entered in 30 categories. On Thursday, those winners will go head-to-head in voting to determine the overall “Best of Show” winner—an honor reserved for the pinnacle of new products with the greatest chance to impact sportfishing’s future.

After launching on July 19 with Super Tuesday, ICAST, the premier annual event for the global recreational fishing tackle industry, is now in full swing through Friday, July 22. ASA, the show’s producer, is a national, non-profit trade association whose member companies share a stake in promoting sportfishing for the well-being of their businesses and to grow recreational fishing.

 ICAST 2022 New Product Showcase Best of Category Winners

Best of Category — Novelties and Wellness

Product: Garmin Quatix 7 Smartwatch - Sapphire Edition | Garmin USA


Best of Category — Boating Accessories

Product: Frabill ReCharge, Deluxe Aerator | Pure Fishing, Inc.



Best of Category — Boats and Watercraft

Product: BOTE Rackham Gatorshall + APEX Pedal Drive | BOTE

Friday, July 22, 2022

2022 ICAST: Abu Garcia Revo X Combo

 All-new Abu Garcia Revo X Low Profile Baitcast and Spinning combos incorporates performance, looks and technology  



Designed to please even the hardcore angler, the Abu Garcia Revo X combos deliver high-performance and style in a lightweight rod-and-reel combination. Available in three casting and two spinning configurations, the Revo X combos bring the heat with an all-new style and improved performance.

The Revo X Low Profile casting combo features an asymmetrical reel­ design for greater comfort. Placed on a 30-ton graphite rod for added sensitivity, this duo has the looks to kill and the features avid anglers will enjoy.
 
Its counterpart, the Revo X Spinning combo showcases a compact asymmetrical reel designed for reduced weight but added strength and performance. Paired with a 30-ton graphite rod with a friction-free main shaft design, the Revo X Spinning combo is built for success.
 
The Revo X combos are a purpose-built, premium rod-and-reel series designed for the avid angler looking to up their game.
 
Abu Garcia Revo X Low Profile Baitcast Combo

KEY FEATURES
• 7 SS bearings + 1 roller bearing
• C6 Carbon Frame provides a lightweight, yet strong frame
• Mag-Trax brake
• Carbon drag – 20lbs
• 30-ton graphite rods for added sensitivity
• Carbon rear grip for lightweight sensitivity and feel
• Blanks designed to match Revo performance
 
MSRP: $199.95
Available: November 2022

Thursday, July 21, 2022

ICAST 2022: Humminbird MEGA Live Imaging TargetLock™ Wins Best of Category for Electronics


New MEGA Live TargetLock awarded as the first truly independent live sonar control that provides full functionality of the trolling motor

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 20, 2022) –– Humminbird MEGA Live® Imaging TargetLock™ received the Best in Category Award for Electronics at the ICAST 2022 New Product Showcase, currently underway in Orlando, Florida, as voted on by attending fishing media and retailers. 

With the introduction of the all-new MEGA Live Imaging TargetLock, anglers no longer need to choose between MEGA Live Imaging and Minn Kota Spot-Lock, making it easier to stay on and catch more fish. The new product, used in conjunction with the legendary Minn Kota Ultrex trolling motor and Humminbird MEGA Live Imaging, enables an impressive suite of features including full trolling motor control while independently steering the MEGA Live transducer and locking onto fish-holding structure or waypoints, regardless of boat positioning or movement. 

"Last year we introduced Humminbird MEGA Live and immediately went to work eliminating the need for anglers to choose between Minn Kota Spot-Lock or utilizing their MEGA Live Imaging transducer,” said Humminbird Brand Manager Matt Cook. "With TargetLock, anglers can now get the most of the technology by having the ability to use them both simultaneously without sacrificing efficiency on the water. It is rewarding to be recognized by the voters and the industry for TargetLock and we look forward to more and more anglers making the most of their Minn Kota and Humminbird technologies on the water."

ICAST 2022: Gamakatsu’s New Power Drop Series

 


Gamakatsu®, the industry leader in fresh and saltwater hooks and terminal tackle, introduces their new ingenious Power Drop series. The Power Drop is perfectly engineered to keep a variety of baits just off the bottom and flawlessly performs as they move naturally in and out of cover. 


The Power Drop series is uniquely built around a solid ring that connects the premium hook, swivel and a 3.5-inch dropper wire. The Power Drop series design results in the bait presented naturally just above the bottom, allowing perfect strike and hooksets on predator fish. 


Once the lure is down, anglers will fish it just as they would a basic Texas rig, jig, or punch bait. Using the dropper wire at full length keeps bait above mud and silt. If anglers want to hug the bottom even more, simply shorten the stealthy, black-finish dropper wire. Size the weight to fishing conditions and style technique to keep baits in the ideal position. For added commotion to fire up fish, try adding two weights to the wire for increased noise and attraction. Three different models are available, each featuring a different premium Gamakatsu hook. The premium Gamakatsu swivel completes each rig to prevent line twists.


The Superline EWG is considered the gold standard in high-performance wide-gap hook designs; this option features our Superline EWG 744XX series hooks. The Superline Offset Round option offers a larger bite area that’s perfect for any worm presentation. It features the Superline Round Bend 3984XX series hooks. The G-Finesse Hybrid Worm’s unique feature here is the distinctive acute hook angle, designed to align baits perfectly. It features the G-Finesse Hybrid Worm 3622XX series hooks. 

PowerDropSuperEWGMain.jpg

Power Drop w/ Superline EWG Features:

  • Features a solid ring connected to a swivel to prevent line twist
  • Add the desired weight to the dropper wire and bend end of wire to secure weight in place
  • Dropper wire is 3.5” long to keep baits off bottom. Can be shortened if needed
  • Superline EWG hook features heavier wire for use in heavy cover
  • Sizes: 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0, 6/0
  • Qty/Pkg: 2

2022 ICAST: Daiwa Exist Reel


The newest of high-end freshwater and inshore spinning reels, Daiwa’s brilliantly designed EXIST. Style, innovation, research, and passion come together in the birth of the new EXIST. What is unarguably the finest spinning reel in EXISTence, features all exclusive technologies you’d come to expect from a Daiwa flagship product. Adjectives fail to describe the experience of using this reel on the water; it’s beyond smooth with the best drag conceivable and construction that will last a lifetime and beyond.  

Monday, July 18, 2022

Przekurat Makes History With 2022 Bassmaster Elite Series Win At St. Lawrence!

Cory Johnston breaks 100lbs!

Jay Przekurat of Stevens Point, Wis., has won the 2022 Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River with a four-day total of 102 pounds, 9 ounces. (Photo: BASS)

BASS PRESS RELEASE

CLAYTON, N.Y. — The question: could it happen?

 

Could an angler win a Bassmaster Elite Series event with a four-day limit of 20 smallmouth bass that weighed 100 pounds or more?

 

It was asked by many throughout the week, and rookie Jay Przekurat of Stevens Point, Wis., gladly answered with a four-day total of 102 pounds, 9 ounces that won the Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River.

 

Prior to this event, no angler in recorded sportfishing history had ever reached 100 pounds solely with smallmouth. But with a rare stretch of calm, sunny weather and Wednesday’s super moon igniting the fish, Przekurat did just that.

 

His feat earned him a spot in the prestigious Bassmaster Century Club, which recognizes a four-day total of 100 pounds. It also earned him one of the most prestigious trophies in pro fishing and the $100,000 top prize.

 

“Trying to take in the moment during the day of the tournament is pretty hard because you’re just focused on catching 5-pounders out there,” Przekurat said. “You’re running back to the ramp and you start getting a little emotional. There’s no other feeling like it.”

 

Technically, second-place finisher Cory Johnston of Cavan, Canada, was the first to enter the Century Club with all smallmouth. Starting Championship Sunday in eighth place, Johnston took the stage before Przekurat and tallied 100-5.

 

Nevertheless, Przekurat said winning against a final field stacked with heavy hitters was particularly rewarding.

 

“One of my goals was to beat the Johnston brothers (Cory and sixth-place Chris),” Przekurat joked. “They’ve been coming to my home waters of Sturgeon Bay and taking our money for years, so I had to come over here and take theirs this time.”

 

Przekurat started the event with his biggest catch — a 26-13 limit that put him 1-2 behind Day 1 leader and fellow rookie Jacob Foutz of Charleston, Tenn. Adding 25-8 on Day 2 sent Przekurat into Semifinal Saturday with a 1-13 lead over Cory Johnston.

 

Weighing 24-12 on Day 3 extended his advantage to a margin of 2-15 over Bob Downey of Detroit Lakes, Minn. Przekurat surged across the finish line with a final catch of 25-8 and edged Johnston by 2-4.

Friday, July 15, 2022

ICAST 2022: New Abu Garcia Revo Rocket Spinning

New Abu Garcia Revo Rocket Spinning Reel features a blazing fast gear ratio and all the torque you need.



Gone are the days of losing fish because you can’t catch up. The new and improved Abu Garcia Revo Rocket spinning reel features a blistering fast 7.6:1 gear ratio which is unusual to find in today’s spinning reels.

 
The new Revo Rocket features an asymmetrical X-Craftic alloy body design, that gives anglers a more compact, lightweight body. The Rocket also features the new AMG2 gear system, that is 17% larger than the previous generation, allowing for extra gear strength and the ability to create the Rocket’s extreme gear ratio.
 
The Revo Rocket spinning reel fills a gap in the arsenal with a faster gear ratio for finesse applications. Long casts can prove difficult in picking up line slack and lead to lost fish and missed opportunities. The Revo Rocket is the answer to that with a design created to pick up slack quickly ensuring a better hookset and more opportunities to catch fish. 
 
KEY FEATURES
• Asymmetrical X-Craftic alloy body design – more compact body
• Aluminum frame for added strength
• Oversized AMG2 gear system
• 9+1 HPCR bearing system
• Friction free main shaft design
• Max drag: 11 lbs
• Gear ratio: 7.6:1
• Weight: 7.6 oz (Size 30)
• Inches per turn: 20-40” • 30-43” • 40-47”
 
MSRP: $199.95
Available: September 2022

Thursday, July 14, 2022

ICAST 2022: Northland's New Frogs!

Northland’s new Reed-Runner Walking and Popping Frogs



BEMIDJI, Minn. (June 20, 2022) – If it walks like a duck, it’s a duck…or maybe a frog, loon, lab rat, blackbird, or baby turtle. At least that’s what the bass say. These dedicated surface smashers don’t discriminate against much of anything struggling or stroking on the surface that represents a square meal.

With topwater mayhem on the mind, Northland Fishing Tackle brings forth the Reed-Runner Walking and Popping Frogsnow available at your favorite tackle outlet or direct from the horse’s mouth. Frequent frogger and member of the fishy Peterson family, Travis Peterson extols the upsides of the new Reed-Runner Walking and Popping Frogs, and what makes this action-packed bait class so special.

“First off, the hookup ratio is incredible,” said Peterson of the Walking and Popping Frog’s high catch-versus-miss rates. “The bodies are both extremely collapsible and durable, which is a perfect combination.” Peterson goes on to tout the quality of the hooks. And, unique to only the finest frogs, the Walking and Popping Frog’s hooks couch tight to the body for supreme weedless operation. “They have the ultimate hook and body combo for weedless fishing,” professes Peterson. Moreover, he says the frogs maintain peak performance regardless of retrieval speed.

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

ICAST 2022: Give 'Em the DieZel!

NEW Z-Man® DieZel Eye™ Jigheads built for big soft plastics


Sometimes, you need a bigger hammer . . . Great advice if you’re an amateur carpenter or some guy named Fred Flintstone. If you’re an angler, however, particularly someone seeking a jighead big and tough enough to tame jumbo soft plastics and apex predators, we suggest you step away from the piles of mismatched jigheads and tie on a DieZel Eye™ for size.


Orders of magnitude beyond wimpy jigs with flimsy hooks and incompatible heads, the new Z-Man DieZel Eye Jighead is an entirely different animal. Want to arm your 5- and 7-inch DieZel MinnowZ™ and other supersized soft plastics with a wicked-sharp, anvil-strong 6/0 or 8/0 hook? Grab a DieZel Eye and go to work.

 

“Anvil-strong” isn’t just lip service. Zoom in on the DieZel Eye’s impressive black nickel Tri-Forge™ Power Hook and you’ll note the precision-cut angles—a strength-enforcing, three-sided configuration yielding muscle mass and a definitive cutting-edge tapering toward the hookpoint. 

Monday, July 11, 2022

Casey Smith Wins 2022 St. Croix Bassmaster Northern Open at Oneida Lake!

Canadian Cooper Gallant Finishes 3rd!


By David A. Brown

BASS Press Release

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Returning to a favorite family spot, Casey Smith of Victor, N.Y., found the quality bites he needed to win the St. Croix Bassmaster Northern Open at Oneida Lake presented by Mossy Oak Fishing with a three-day total of 55-13.

A solid start gave Smith a Day 1 limit of 18-7 that put him in sixth place. He took over the lead with a second-round bag that went 18-12 and after sacking up a Day 3 limit of 18-10, he closed the door with a 2-pound winning margin over his fishing pal Liam Blake of Syracuse, N.Y.

Smith won the first-place prize of $52,300 and qualified for the 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk to be held in Knoxville, Tenn., March 24-26. Bassmaster Opens anglers are Classic eligible if they commit to fishing all three events of the division in which they win.

“I kinda forgot about the Classic; it hit me last night while I was rigging tackle,” Smith admitted. “The priority was winning at home in front of my people. I won a major event on another tour about six years ago, but I wanted to win that trophy at home.”

Smith recalled struggling with a slow morning and midday until moving to a spot that made sense from a fishing perspective but also held deep sentimental value. The Billington Bay shoal with about 3 feet on top and 12 on the sides was the spot where Smith and his wife Tiffany fished seven years ago when they were expecting their son Travis.

Last year, the family spent their Independence Day week in the area and fished the same spot. Today, that bar delivered epic serendipity.

Friday, July 8, 2022

2022 St. Croix Bassmaster Northern Open at Oneida Lake Day 1: Mittelstaedt Scores 20-07lbs!

Mittelstaedt marches into Day 1 lead


By David A. Brown

BASS PRESS RELEASE

SYRACUSE, N.Y.  — Heeding a key piece of advice, Minnesota angler Kenny Mittelstaedt caught a five-bass limit that weighed 20 pounds, 7 ounces to lead Day 1 of the St. Croix Bassmaster Northern Open at Oneida Lake presented by Mossy Oak Fishing.

Anchoring his bag with a 4-13 smallmouth, Mittelstaedt leads Kyoya Fujita of Minamitsuru, Yamanashi, Japan, by 4 ounces. After a slow start yielded a few small bass, Mittelstaedt dialed in the pattern that produced all of his weight.

“The conditions today played into my favor, and it all just came together,” Mittelstaedt said of the day’s sunny skies and light to moderate wind. “I have to give a shoutout to my co-angler (Mickey Soler). He figured out the bait and I had the spots, and the combination of the two really came together nicely.

“It was standard finesse fishing, but it was playing the conditions. I fish shallow a lot in Minnesota, so I was just doing what the day indicated. This is my third time on Oneida, and I think this is the first time I’ve fished in less than 8 feet.”

Thursday, July 7, 2022

ICAST 2022: New MEGA Live Imaging TargetLock™ Revolutionizes Live Sonar & Boat Control

 New MEGA Live TargetLock delivers independent live sonar control


VIDEO LINK HERE


It’s no secret that Humminbird MEGA Live Imaging® has given anglers an unprecedented real-time view under the water and a better understanding how to trigger more bites. Additionally, anglers everywhere have experienced how Minn Kota’s Spot Lock® changed boat control forever, giving them the ability to hold on a spot and catch more fish with less effort. Now, with the introduction of the all-new MEGA Live Imaging TargetLock™, these two groundbreaking technologies can be fully utilized together. Anglers will no longer need to choose between two of fishing’s most powerful technologies – Spot-Lock and MEGA Live, making it easier to stay on and catch more fish.  

Humminbird announces the next innovation in live sonar technology with the launch of the all new MEGA Live Imaging TargetLock. Adding to Humminbird’s best-in-class sonar technologies, this new live sonar accessory provides anglers with the ability to control a MEGA Live transducer independently of their Ultrex trolling motor’s steering, giving anglers back the power of Spot-Lock and boat control with their Ultrex motor, while introducing live sonar innovations exclusive to MEGA Live TargetLock and Minn Kota Ultrex users.


Humminbird MEGA Live TargetLock Features

  • MEGA Live TargetLock is independently mounted of the trolling motor shaft, providing full and simultaneous use of MEGA Live Imaging and all Ultrex features.
  • Wireless foot pedal provides control of left/right steering, TargetLock and programmable One-Boat Network button
  • Control MEGA Live from the included wireless foot pedal, Humminbird fish finder or optional hand remote
  • Backed by a Two-Year Warranty 

MEGA Live TargetLock
This will maintain the live sonar view in its current direction, adjusting for changes in boat position and will work at the same time and independently of and Minn Kota Ultrex’s operation, including Spot-Lock.

  • Can be used while sitting still, while using a Minn Kota Ultrex to move around the structure, or while holding in place using Spot-Lock™
  • Can be activated from the wireless foot pedal, Humminbird fish finder, or option hand remote
  • Two ways to activate TargetLock
    • Set TargetLock in current direction of MEGA Live with the touch of the button
    • Move the cursor over an object or position on a sonar or chart view and engage TargetLock at the cursor. MEGA Live will automatically adjust to focus on the selected target.

MEGA Live Sweep
MEGA Live Sweep is designed to provide automatic real-time feedback in a 120-degree view in front of the boat regardless of where the trolling motor is pointed.

  • Automatically sweeps 120-degrees in front of the boat (60-degrees left, 60-degrees right)
  • Maintain control of the trolling motor while MEGA Live Sweep does the searching
  • Required connected AS GPS HS or Minn Kota heading sensor connected to a Minn Kota Ultrex trolling motor with i-Pilot Link®

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

ICAST 2022: Lunkerhunt HIVE Series

 



The Lunkerhunt HIVE Series line of baits is made with our Ultra Durable Soft Plastic that will stand up to catch after catch unlike most other soft plastic baits. It’s not only durable, it also floats, allowing this bait to move naturally and create action that no fish can resist. Watch for more HIVE baits being launched in the future. 



Monday, July 4, 2022

New Dropshot Gamakatsu hooks

Gamakatsu’s G-Finesse Drop Shot Now Available in Popular Size 4 Hook



Gamakatsu's G-Finesse Drop Shot hooks are a favorite among anglers who enjoy fishing plastic baits. Now, Gamakatsu® is adding the popular size 4 hook to the lineup for drop-shot anglers. 


Gamakatsu developed the G-Finesse Drop Shot Hook with help from the late, great Aaron Martens. G-Finesse results from endless hours of product testing from some of the world's leading pro anglers. Martens' product testing showed using the Drop Shot hook improved his hook-ups by 30 to 40%, and he was rarely missing a fish.


The G-Finesse Drop Shot Hook features a slightly angled point for optimum effectiveness. Gamakatsu's exclusive TGW (Tournament Grade Wire) is thinner, stronger, and sharper than the standard wire, resulting in easier hook penetration without losing hook strength. 


The G-Finesse Drop Shot Hook also features Gamakatsu's proprietary Nano Smooth Coating. This hook provides a stealthy color and a smoother surface for unsurpassed hook penetration, making this the best Drop Shot hook available.


Available in sizes 4, 2, 1, 1/0 and 2/0 in packs of 6. Stock up now and be ready when the bite is on.


G-Finesse Drop Shot Features:

  • Color: Nano Smooth Coat
  • Sizes: 4, 2, 1, 1/0, 2/0
  • Qty/Pkg: 6