Nishine Lure Works DS Drop Shot Hook with IBASSIN.com

The new Nishine Lure Works DS drop shot hook is really something new. This new style of hook ensures baits run straight and swim naturally. You do have to use a specific knot but don't worry, it's easy to tie. Come along and learn all about the new Nishine Lure Works DS Drop Shot Hook.

Expertly crafted with precision and innovation, the Nishine Lure Works DS Hook Drop Shot Hooks rely on a specialized construction that is enhanced for the Drop Shot technique. Unique from other drop shot hooks on the market, these feature a modified 90-degree bend that is purpose-built to be a platform for the Snell Knot with an elongated tag end. The Snell Knot and modified bend work in tandem to hold your favorite finesse plastic in a perfectly horizontal position to tempt the most lethargic fish into biting. In addition to their innovative bends, the Nishine Lure

Patrick notches surprising win at 2023 Bassmaster Open on Lake of the Ozarks

Canadian Jamie Bruce 9th

Kyle Patrick of Cooperstown, N.Y., has won the 2023 St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Lake of the Ozarks with a three-day total of 53 pounds, 11 ounces. (Photo: BASS)

BASS PRESS RELEASE

No one was surprised that Kyle Patrick won the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Lake of the Ozarks.

Except for Kyle Patrick himself.

The pro from Cooperstown, N.Y., put together a stellar week of work that yielded a three-day total of 53 pounds, 11 ounces. Admittedly, Patrick did so on a lake where he never would have anticipated winning.

“It’s hard to take it in right now; it really is, because this is the last place I would think this would happen,” Patrick said. “People always say, when it’s your time, it’s your time. I genuinely could not do anything wrong this week.

“I had my prop go (on Day 2). I had a lower unit issue in practice. I had all these things stack up, but I just kept catching them.”

Patrick started strong by turning in a Day 1 limit of 19-15 and sharing the lead with JT Thompkins of Myrtle Beach, S.C. Adding a second-round limit of 15-6, Patrick slipped to second, just 1 ounce off the lead.

Championship Sunday saw Patrick step on the gas with a limit of 18-6 that secured the win by a margin of 3-4 over Japanese stick Daisuke Kita. Patrick won $44,134 and earned an automatic berth in the 2024 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota scheduled for March 22-24 on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees near Tulsa, Okla.

2024 FXR Walk Through

 

Take a look while Skeeter Pro Jason Christie takes us through the features and benefits of the 2024 FXR!

Jackson Kayak Announces The Return of the Big Rig FD and Cruise FD

Big is back and it is time to Cruise! Jackson Kayak is proud to announce the return of the Big Rig FD and the Cruise FD

By popular demand, two of the most popular kayaks are BACK! The Big Rig FD and Cruise FD have been updated and revamped for 2024. Featuring the fast, reliable, and durable Flex Drive Mark IV system.

The Cruise FD is the fastest pedal drive in the fleet. Cutting through wind and waves like butter. Making it an incredible recreational and fishing option.
 
The Big Rig FD has had a facelift and is better than ever. New EZ-HILO seating, upgraded features, and the New MKIV drive make it BIGGER and better than ever. The ultimate BIG boat is back and better than ever.

Walkthrough Videos will be available here. (After launch at 4:00 EST)

Cruise FD https://youtu.be/NrEVK7hMwDg

Big Rig FD https://youtu.be/RHk1vmhUR6g
 

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About the Big Rig FD



The beloved Jackson Kayak Big Rig has returned, this time fully integrated with our Mark IV Flex Drive System. Our highest solo capacity kayak, the Big Rig FD is for those who want to bring everything and the kitchen sink out on the water and yet enjoy the stability and fishability only our Big Rig series can provide.

 

FEATURES

• Tons of room and volume for all your gear
• Massive amount of storage space in bow and aft storage wells
• Four-hole bolt pattern on the stern to support accessories such as the PowerPole and Torqeedo trolling motor

Visit with BASS Elite Angler Seth Feider Tomorrow!

 

CSFL Season 2024 Registration Open Now!

 

Local Company Acquired by Pradco!

Great Lakes Finesse becomes international under the guidance of tackle giant. 

By Luigi De Rose 

A quiet revolution has been taking place in the last few years and Southern Ontario is the epicenter. The quest to catch world class smallmouth with tiny, well designed soft plastic baits has grown. The Great Lakes and its giant smallmouth have attracted anglers from near and far along with numerous national tournament circuits. For locals and pros alike, the smallmouth have gotten smarter and the boom in electronics has demanded great skill to catch them. 

Great Lakes Finesse was the brainchild of Dan Miguel and Brandon Kemp. “For us, we’re in the business of catching fish. We want the best baits for ourselves and our customers.” stated Miguel, “ We don’t focus on the dollar, the focus is making the best baits that fill the gap in the industry. That gap is tiny, durable soft plastics.”

Dan states, “I’m a tournament angler. I want something better.  I want to win. Our plastics and jigs are better and we put a lot of attention into them.  Finesse fishing is tricky as ultra-soft baits are easily damaged and traditional baits lack the range of precise colours. Great Lakes Finesse is best known for producing muted, shine-free finishes and poured with tear-resistant plastic.. 

Great Lakes Finesse have had a strong presence since starting in 2021. They knew they were on to something when scores of BASS Elite, BASS PRO TOUR and Tackle Warehouse pros were dropping serious bucks online. The summer of 2022 was booming as USA anglers rang up long shopping orders and local sales were brisk. 

Their best sellers are the Sneaky Underspin and miniature tube' heads on the terminal side. The soft plastic 2.75" Drop minnow and 2.10" Snack Craw are top baits. 

"“The timing was spot on for selling. Pradco headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama,  was looking for a company that held their own in the smallmouth and north eastern American market. We were looking to expand and needed the power of a company like Pradco to make that transition. March 1, 2023 the deal was inked. News of the deal leaked at ICAST 2023.  

Fans don’t need to worry. Dan Miguel assures loyal customers that he continues to be at the helm of all research and development and the quality will remain. It is a partnership and not a colonization between the two companies. 

Find out for yourself how great Great Lakes Finesse is for yourself. 

https://www.greatlakesfinesse.com/

Seth Feider Coming to Oshawa!

 

Come join BASS Elite Star Seth Feider in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada!

2023 Bassmaster Classic Champ, Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson, Lands New Title Sponsorship

 

Northland Fishing Tackle and longtime ally Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson ink long-term deal. When Northland Fishing Tackle founder John Peterson first fished against Jeff Gustafson at the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship in the mid-2000’s, he had no idea they would become lifelong friends. Looking even farther ahead, Peterson never would have dreamed “Gussy” would also develop as a world-class angler and go on to win the 2023 Bassmaster Classic. Today, Peterson is proud to know that the relationship between Northland and Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson’s is growing faster and better than ever. Seeking to bolster this relationship, Northland is proud to announce that starting with the 2024 season, the company will act as Gussy’s title sponsor in all B.A.S.S. events moving forward into the years ahead.

B.A.S.S. announces 2024 Bassmaster Elite Series schedule with nine events in six states

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — For the first time since 2018, the Bassmaster Elite Series won’t be kicking off its season in Florida, opting instead to open its 2024 slate at the big-bass factory of Toledo Bend Reservoir on the Louisiana/Texas border Feb. 22-25.

2024 Bassmaster Elite Series Schedule
 

Feb. 22-25, Many, La., Toledo Bend Reservoir

Feb. 29-March 3, Yantis, Texas, Lake Fork

March 22-24, Bassmaster Classic, Tulsa, Okla., Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees

April 11-14, Leesburg, Fla., Harris Chain of Lakes

April 18-21, Palatka, Fla., St. Johns River

May 9-12, Columbia, S.C., Lake Murray

June 13-16, Decatur, Ala., Wheeler Lake

June 27-30, Cullman, Ala., Smith Lake

Aug. 8-11, Plattsburgh, N.Y., Lake Champlain

Aug. 15-18, Waddington, N.Y., St. Lawrence River

 

B.A.S.S. officials made that announcement Wednesday, along with the entirety of a nine-tournament schedule that will span six states and visit fisheries that have ranked among the best in the United States, both recently and historically.

Major League Fishing announces 2024 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals schedule

BENTON, Ky. – Major League Fishing announced today the 2024 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals schedule, which will feature six regular-season stops, and showcase 150 of the best anglers in the world competing for hundreds of thousands of dollars across some of the top bass fisheries in the United States.

MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitational anglers will compete over three days in a five-fish, weigh-in format. In addition to lucrative prize money, the winner of each of the six Invitationals will receive an invitation to compete in REDCREST 2025, Major League Fishing’s most prestigious tournament. The season-long Invitational Angler of the Year (AOY) will also earn a berth into REDCREST 2025, for a total of seven REDCREST qualification opportunities throughout the season.

Locations and Dates Below

Bassmaster Classic 2023 Winning Bait Now Licensed, Branded, and Distributed by Northland Fishing Tackle

 

Northland and Bass Tactics founder, Bryan Gustafson, agree on exclusive deal for streamlined manufacturing, sales, marketing, and distribution of Gussy’s 2023 Classic-winning bait.

Northland founder John Peterson, Jeff Gustafson and Bryan Gustafson Smeltinator creator. 

The 2023 Bassmaster Classic wasn’t the first time that Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson had stacked big weights and solid limits of smallmouth bass on the Tennessee River out of Knoxville, Tennessee. Back in March of 2021, Gussy first put the “moping” technique to use, sinking Kenora, Ontario-designed Smeltinator Jigs to fill his ‘well for weigh-in at the 2021 Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite. Over two years ago, Gussy went wire-to-wire for all four days of the event, weighing 63 pounds, besting second place by an impressive seven pounds. Gussy trailered home to the far north with over $100,000 in his pocket. 

Word of the “moping” technique traveled quickly through social wires, sending serious bassers on the hunt for Gussy’s favored jig head—Bass Tactics’ Smeltinator Jig.

Two years later and Gussy did it again ‘moping’ suspended smallmouths with the Smeltinator Jigh on forward facing, proving the money method for a Bassmaster Classic title, the $300K payout and honors as the top bass stick on the planet.

The Smeltinator is hardly new to the fishing scene. The jig and the moping technique has been dominating the Canadian tournament scene for a decade. Gussy, Northland Fishing Tackle founder John Peterson, Canadian professional angler Jamie Bruce, and Bryan Gustafson of Bass Tactics have won many tournaments and cashed big checks at events like the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship and the Kenora Bass Invitational using the Smeltinator Jig and the moping technique.

2024 Bass Pro Tour dates and locations set

BENTON, Ky. – Major League Fishing announced today the schedule for the sixth season of professional bass fishing’s most competitive circuit – the 2024 Bass Pro Shops Bass Pro Tour. The 2024 season will showcase the world’s top professional bass anglers competing across seven regular-season tournaments for millions of dollars, valuable points in the Bally Bet Angler of the Year race, and qualification into REDCREST 2025 and the General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event. 

“We are proud to roll out a schedule with seven new destinations that have never before hosted a Bass Pro Tour event,” said Kathy Fennel, MLF Executive Vice President & General Manager. “Our MLF tournaments create exciting and compelling content for our fans and sponsors. This schedule shines a light on some locations that haven’t hosted a major bass-fishing tournament in some time. The stage is set for a very exciting 2024 season.”

Locations and Dates Below

Cifuentes secures Bassmaster Rookie of the Year title

Joey Cifuentes III of Clinton, Ark., has won the 2023 Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Rookie of the Year points race. (Photo: BASS)

BASS PRESS RELEASE

CLAYTON, N.Y. — Despite some anxious moments on the final day of the Bassmaster Elite Series season, “The Cowboy” rode off into the sunset with some major new hardware to admire.

 

With a total of 698 points, Joey Cifuentes III secured the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Rookie of the Year title, holding off a hard-charging Kyoya Fujita for the prestigious honor.

 

Not only did Cifuentes earn the $10,000 top prize, he finished fifth in the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings and will compete in his first Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota in Tulsa next March.

 

“It was one of my goals coming into this year,” Cifuentes said. “It is a really tough thing to do, but I am really proud of myself. I fished really well and made the right decisions. It feels really good.”

 

The Clinton, Ark., pro entered the Minn Kota Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River with a 15-point lead over Fujita, who has won four AOY titles in his home country of Japan. That lead dwindled as the event progressed and Fujita qualified for Championship Sunday.

 

Cifuentes, who finished 17th, had to watch the final day from the sidelines but knew Fujita would have to win it all to unseat him as ROY.

Kyle Welcher become 2023 Bassmaster Angler of the Year!

BASS PRESS RELEASE

CLAYTON, N.Y. — After a season of incredible consistency, Kyle Welcher saved his best for last.

 

Welcher is currently in second place with 79 pounds, 5 ounces at the Minn Kota Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River — and by guaranteeing himself at least a Top 10 finish, he locked up the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year title.

 

A fourth-year Elite from Opelika, Ala., Welcher outlasted South Carolina pros Brandon Cobb and Patrick Walters to win the AOY title and the $100,000 prize that comes with it.

 

Official point totals will be determined after the Day 4 weigh-in.

 

“I don’t think it has really set in yet. I can’t believe it is true yet,” Welcher said. “It is my biggest accomplishment so far. I’m super proud of it and I feel like it will be a good kickstarter.”

 

The title comes after a disappointing 2022 season that saw Welcher finish 69th in AOY points, well outside of the cut for the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota. While he didn’t necessarily change his approach, Welcher said he found ways to execute and find consistency.

Patrick Walters Wins the 2023 Minn Kota Bassmaster Elite at the St. Lawrence River!

Canadians: Chris Johnston 2nd & Cory Johnston 6th

Patrick Walters of Summerville, S.C., has won the Minn Kota Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River with a four-day total of 105 pounds.  (Photo: Seigo Saito/BASS)

BASS PRESS RELEASE

CLAYTON, N.Y. — Safe to say, Patrick Walters now loves northern smallmouth bass.

 

Overcoming what he had previously considered one of his few limitations, the fifth-year pro from Summerville, S.C., caught the heaviest 20-fish total of smallmouth in Bassmaster history — 105 pounds — and won the Minn Kota Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River.

 

“I used to not be able to catch 17 pounds on this river when 25 pounds a day was still good,” Walters said. “That’s what means the world to me — how bad I truly was at it and to come back and catch (over) 100 pounds of smallmouth and win.

 

“This one means more than my first Elite win (Lake Fork, 2020). I could not do it without my family — my mom and dad here and my wife back home. My wife’s grandfather passed away during last week’s tournament at Lake Champlain. I felt like he was with me throughout this week.”

 

Along with the $100,000 top prize, Walters received an automatic berth into the 2024 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota scheduled for Tulsa, Okla., in March. He also received his third Bassmaster century belt, which recognizes a 20-bass total of 100 pounds or more.

 

Turning in daily weights of 24-14, 27-3, 28-5 — Day 3’s heaviest bag — and 24-10, Walters edged Canadian superstar Chris Johnston by 1-4.

 

Walters earned his first Century Club belt in his 2020 victory at Lake Fork and added another one the following year with a second-place finish at Fork. With this week’s performance, Walters became the first angler in Bassmaster history to break the 100-pound mark with largemouth and smallmouth bass.

2023 Minn Kota Bassmaster Elite at the St. Lawrence River Day 3: Patrick Walters Take Control; Welcher Wins Angler of the Year!

Canadians: Christ Johnston 3rd, Cory Johnston 7th  & Gallant 18th

Patrick Walters of Summerville, S.C., is leading after Day 3 of the Minn Kota Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River with a three-day total of 80 pounds, 6 ounces.  (Photo: BASS)

BASS PRESS RELEASE

CLAYTON, N.Y. — Patrick Walters had a solid game plan, but calling a Day 1 audible ultimately allowed him to reach the three-day total of 80 pounds, 6 ounces that leads the Minn Kota Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River.

 

“I threw back a 5-2 and a 5-3 today,” said Walters, a Summerville, S.C., native vying for his fifth B.A.S.S. win. “When I culled those fish, I knew I’d have a great day and it was time to head to the hill.”

 

Walters started strong with a Day 1 limit of 24-14, then added 27-3 on Friday. Semifinal Saturday saw him catch 28-5 — his best bag so far and the event’s second-heaviest catch. He heads into Championship Sunday with a 1-1 advantage over Kyle Welcher.

 

Hailing from Opelika, Ala., Welcher locked up the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year title Saturday. The award comes with a $100,000 first-place prize.

 

“I really can’t even believe it’s true just yet,” Welcher said in his trademark measured tone. “This is going to be my proudest moment in fishing for a long time.”

 

Days 2 and 3 saw Walters making an hour-long run into Lake Ontario, where he targeted unpressured fish over shoals on the Canadian side. When Day 1 brought strong southerly winds and 6- to 8-foot waves, Walters decided to forgo the rough ride and fish at the mouth of the St. Lawrence.

 

Doing so gave his spot a rest and when Walters fished there the next two days, he caught his fish quickly. That allowed him time to locate other spots, some of which contributed to his limits.

2023 Minn Kota Bassmaster Elite at the St. Lawrence River Day 2: Welcher Grabs Lead!

Canadians: Chris Johnston 2nd, Gallant 9th, Cory Johnston 12th  & Gustafson 51st. 

Kyle Welcher of Opelika, Ala., is leading after Day 2 of the Minn Kota Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River with a two-day total of 53 pounds, 6 ounces.  (Photo: BASS)

BASS PRESS RELEASE

CLAYTON, N.Y. — If you’re going to have a superlative moment, do it when there’s a lot on the line.

 

Following that sentiment, Kyle Welcher of Opelika, Ala., sacked up the biggest bag of smallmouth bass he’s ever caught and surged into the lead on Day 2 of the Minn Kota Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River with a total weight of 53 pounds, 6 ounces.

 

“Today was an absolutely phenomenal day,” said Welcher, who also leads the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings. “That was, by far, the best day of smallmouth fishing I’ve ever had. Yesterday was my second-best day of smallmouth fishing.

 

“There’s still two days to go. It’s fun to catch them really well, but it’s like the saying, ‘What a difference a day makes.’ I’m just going to try to make good adjustments, stay on top of the fish and catch them.”

 

After tying Matty Wong of Honolulu, Hawaii, for fifth place on Day 1 with 25-10, Welcher added 27-12 — the second day’s biggest bag. He anchored his Day 2 bag with the day’s biggest bass — a 6-8.

 

Heading into Semifinal Saturday, Welcher holds an 8-ounce lead over Canadian superstar Chris Johnston, who won the 2020 Bassmaster Elite at the St. Lawrence River.

 

Along with the $100,000 first-place prize and the coveted blue trophy, the final event of the season will award a berth in the 2024 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota scheduled for March 22-24 in Tulsa, Okla. Welcher said that positioning himself well for the AOY title and a Classic qualification follows his season goals.