Bryant Smith Wins 2024 WON Bass U.S. Open!

Spencer Shuffield Finishes Second, Martin DeHaven Tops AAA Division

WON BASS Press Release

LAUGHLIN, Nev. – October 16, 2024 –– The first two days of the 2024 WON Bass U.S. Open presented by Ranger Boats and Mercury had proven to be the shootout that was predicted.  As the 172-boat field ventured out on to the waters of Lake Mohave in Laughlin, Nev. for Championship Wednesday less than two pounds separated the day two leader Bryant Smith (43.84 pounds) and second place pro, Kyle Grover (41.88 pounds), the defending Champion.

Like most events, the one thing that is a certainty is that once the field gets accustomed to the conditions, they will change.  The first two days featured barely a breath of wind, and the water’s surface resembled a mirror.  The final day brought winds in in the 10 mile per hour range which added a wrinkle to the narrative of the event.

The question remained as to which of would be able to maintain the quality results they had to date, or would they fall to the hard charging efforts of pros like third place pro Spencer Shuffield (40.99 pounds), fourth place pro Josh Bertrand (40.16 pounds) or fifth place Julius Mazy (40.03 pounds).

The answer to that question would be Smith.  The Roseville, Calif. pro bagged 20.90 pound of Lake Mohave smallmouth bass to push his final weight to 64.74 pounds to earn the top prize of a fully rigged 2024 Ranger Z520R powered by a Mercury ProXS 250 equipped with Lowrance Electronics, Bioenno Lithium Batteries, Power Pole Charge, Megaware Keelguard and DD26 Accessories valued at more than $90,000.  Along with the Ranger / Mercury prize boat, the $70,000 winner’s share of the payout brings his total package to $160,000.

New Swimbait Alert: Berkley PowerBait Minnotator

 An easy-to-fish pre-rigged swimbait designed for covering water and initiating strikes

The Minnotator’s meticulous design and unique features make it ideal for covering water and finding active fish. Its slender, narrow head shape allows the bait to cut through the water and reach the desired fishing depth quickly. The integrated head and body are perfectly balanced for effortless casting and a consistent, steady action in the water. The bait is complemented by a custom-fit Fusion19 hook designed to match the body size and increase the hook-up percentage.

The Minnotator’s wide, natural tail movement imitates a minnow or baitfish and creates a lifelike swimming action. The precise fin placement adds realism and balance, keeping the bait perfectly level during retrieval. Available in a convenient two-pack so when you start outfishing your partner, you can share a Minnotator with them and avoid that silent trip home.

Key Features – Berkley PowerBait Minnotator
• Perfect baitfish imitator for multi-species use
• Natural swimming action with anatomically correct fins
• Fusion19 sharp hook for easy hook sets
• PowerBait infused so fish hang on to give anglers more time to set the hook
• HD Tru color provides extreme realism when you are trying to match the hatch

Sizes: 2” (1/16oz) • 2.5” (1/8oz) • 3” (1/4oz)  • 3.5” (3/8oz)
Colors: Firetiger • HD Blacknose Shiner • Golden Shiner • HD White Shiner • HD Bluegill • HD Perch • HD Emerald Shiner • HD Rainbow Trout • Lemon Head Glow • Orange Tiger • Pink Shiner • Purple Shiner • Silver Smelt • Wonderbread
MSRP: $4.99-$5.99

Available: October 2024

Tournament Performance Gear: New Striker Tournament Pant

 

Tournament Pant: The Striker Tournament Pant offers anglers the perfect blend of comfort, durability, and performance. Made with quick-drying, UPF 50+ fabric and featuring a breathable laser-drilled crotch gusset, these pants keep you cool and protected on and off the water. Five secure pockets, including a quick-access fishing pliers pocket with a lanyard loop, provide ample storage for essentials. Designed with a durable water-repellent finish and a flexible, straight-leg fit, these versatile pants are built for long days of fishing while maintaining a sleek look for everyday wear. With a full elastic waistband for added comfort, the Striker Tournament Pant ensures a secure fit during active movements. Its rugged 90% Nylon/10% Spandex blend provides the perfect combination of flexibility and durability, making it an essential piece of gear for any serious angler. MSRP: $79.99

Details:

• Fabric: 90% Nylon/10% Spandex – 175gsm
• DWR (Durable Water Repellent) Finish
• Back Pockets: Zippered
• Thigh Pocket: Zippered

 Striker Brands, a leading name in innovative fishing gear, is proud to introduce the Tournament Pant and Barricade Hoody. These new additions are designed to provide anglers with unmatched comfort and protection during long days on the water, no matter the conditions.

"Striker Brands continues to expand our lineup of open water fishing apparel designed for dedicated anglers," says Marketing Manager Richard Pata. "Whether you're competing at the highest level or exploring new waters, the Tournament Pant and Barricade Hoody are sure to become trusted favorites."

Opens anglers QUALIFY for 2025 Bassmaster Elite Series

Congratulations to Canadian Evan Kung for being an Elite Angler! 

The 2024 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens season is over and the Top 9 in the Tackle Warehouse EQ points race are set. These nine anglers will join the Bassmaster Elite Series in 2025. Congratulations to Easton Fothergill, Cody Meyer, Tucker Smith, Paul Marks, Emil Wagner, Andrew Loberg, Dakota Ebare, Beau Browning and Evan Kung. More info on the incoming class to the Elites: https://www.bassmaster.com/opens/news...

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Wishing you and your family a wonderful weekend!

Old Town Topwater PDL Boat

 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.

Sophisticated Swimbait

 

Ever Green’s new Last Ace 140 Swim sets new highwater mark in the swimbait category.

Swimbaits are one of the more recent bait-styles trying to keep ahead of the fish universe’s learning curve. Characteristics include baitfish silhouettes; mix of authentic and agitating patterns; and a seductively nonchalant motion that makes fish think, “you gotta be kidding me.”

Fact is, though, fish – bass in particular – have been seeing this same old movie for over a decade. Subsequently, to win back their attention, even a swimbait design demands improved authenticity. And that’s precisely what Ever Green has done with their new Last Ace 140 Swim.  

Domo's Custom Tackle and IBASSIN : UNBOXING!

Domo's Custom Tackle is a regional jig company that makes some of the very best tube, football and walleye jigs available. Located in LaSalle, Ontario on the shores of the Detroit River, Domo is a favorite among pros and weekend angles for their top quality jigs.

Go check them out at: https://leadheadjigs.com/ or on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Domos-Custom-Tackle-1434043270181523/ This video is an unboxing as Domo sent IBASSIN.com a care package to help us get ready for the new bass season.

Berkley Gulp! Dragon Tail

Catching fish can be challenging, especially when targeting finicky or larger species. Berkley Gulp! consistently proves its effectiveness with a superior scent dispersion formula that expands the strike zone 400 times more than its competitors, helping anglers catch more fish. The new Gulp! Saltwater Dragon Tail is a soft lure designed to entice fish with its sharp darting motion, triggering bites. Its slim body delivers subtle twitches on the fall and rise, while an erratic twitch on the retrieve mimicking a fleeing baitfish with uncanny realism. The pintail comes alive with the slightest movement, delivering an action that entices fish to bite. Combined with Gulp!'s flavor and extreme scent dispersion, this bait becomes almost irresistible to most inshore saltwater species.

The Gulp! Dragon Tail comes in 12 colors to match the hatch or draw maximum attention, perfect for all inshore fishing conditions. Anglers can rig them a variety of ways to accommodate several presentations. This must-have lure will be available October 2024.

GULP! SALTWATER DRAGON TAIL KEY FEATURES:
• Irresistible twitching/darting action
• Gulp! extreme scent dispersion expands the strike zone 400x
• 12 colors available
• Fish your way – rig it how you want it

MSRP: $8.99
Available: October 2024

Elite Series welcomes Legendary qualifiers Pace and Howell back

Former Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic champions Randy Howell and Cliff Pace will rejoin the ranks of Elite anglers in 2025 via Legends invitations.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. —  B.A.S.S. tournament officials today announced former Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic champions Randy Howell and Cliff Pace will rejoin the ranks of Elite anglers in 2025 via Legends invitations. Two Legends spots opened with the retirement of Rick Clunn and the fact that all current Elite anglers with Legends eligibility requalified via Elite Series requalification criteria.

“We are excited to welcome back two legends to the Bassmaster Elites,” said Lisa Talmadge, tournament director for the Elite Series. “We can’t wait to see the incredible moments they’ll bring. Here’s to celebrating their legacy and the excitement of what’s to come.”

New format for Opens, Elite Qualifier Series announced

 B.A.S.S. has announced format enhancements for the 2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN and Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers series.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The popularity of the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN and Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers series has surged over the past two years. Today, B.A.S.S. announced enhancements to both properties that will inspire even more anglers to compete for the opportunity to walk across bass fishing’s biggest stage.

Beginning with the 2025 season, the Opens will evolve into an eight-event season comprised of two divisions, each featuring four tournaments. Anglers placing in the Top 50 in each division’s Angler of the Year race will advance to the newly installed Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers series. This stand-alone series will feature three events, spanning from September through November, to qualify anglers for the Bassmaster Elite Series.

IBASSIN RULES Rules #3 Smallmouth Spinnerbaits

 IBASSIN RULES. Rule #3 is Smallmouth Spinnerbaits. Learn what is needed to catch giant smallmouth. This is a how-to video on what tackle and styles of spinnerbaits are needed plus insight on where to find big smallmouth bass.

Hall of Fame's online auction gets under way

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Bucket-list fishing trips, exotic vacations, autographed tournament jerseys, original artwork, premium fishing tackle and a boat package are among the exclusive auction items up for bids as part of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame’s annual "Celebrate Bass Fishing Week."

Bidding for the Celebrate Bass Fishing online auction, presented by Major League Fishing, begins today and concludes Thursday. To view items and participate in the bidding, click here or text ‘BFHOF’ to 243-725.

Up for bid for the first time is a 2025 G3 Boats 15 DK Duck Boat with an all-aluminum and welded camo hull. The package includes a Yamaha 25-HP electric start tiller motor with a trailer. The boat is rigged with a duck-bill platform with LED lights, trolling motor wiring, side gun box, front storage and a portable fuel tank.

Also notable on the bucket list of exclusive items:

> Trips to Texas big bass fisheries O.H. Ivie and Lake Fork; a fishing trip with Whiskey Myers lead singer Cody Cannon; guided smallmouth trips on Idaho’s Snake River and a two-day fishing getaway to the greater Niagara Region in western New York;

Your Voice Matters! Canadian Boaters Pushed Towards Mandatory PFDs!

 

The Canadian Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has a survey looking for community input. The only problem is that the survey is very biased and forces you to agree that Personal Flotation Devices must be worn 100% of the time while on a boat. If they get their way, everyone will have to wear their PFD 100% of the time while boating and fishing or face a huge fine. 

The MTO is determined to push through the PDF ruling even with no clear evidence for a need of mandatory use of PDFs. 

Please fill out the survey and add your NO in the comments section. 

Link over here 

Shaping the Future of Fishing: Minn Kota & Humminbird’s Dedication to Next Generation of Anglers

 

The growth of college fishing over the last several years has been substantial, with events typically drawing between 200-250 boats from around the country. At the high school level, participation is even greater, with events often seeing up to 300 boats. This high level of engagement showcases the growing interest in competitive fishing among young anglers and highlights the crucial role that Johnson Outdoors plays in supporting these anglers and tournaments. For over 13 years, the Minn Kota and Humminbird brands have been a steadfast supporter of young anglers, going above and beyond to lead the charge. Their commitment to fostering young talent is evident through their unparalleled presence and contributions at key events, significantly impacting the growth and development of college and high school fishing. Expanding Support to High School Building on the success of the collegiate fishing program and recognizing the overlap in event schedules, Minn Kota and Humminbird seized the opportunity once again to continue their support of B.A.S.S. high school fishing tournaments in 2024. The initiative closely mirrors their commitment to college fishing by attending these events and ensuring younger anglers benefit from their support.

Cody Stahl Wins St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Mississippi River; Mc Garry 9th!

Cody Stahl claims the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Mississippi River presented by SEVIIN with a three-day total weighing 53 pounds, 1 ounce. 

By David A Brown

BASS Press Release

LA CROSSE, Wis. — At Thursday’s tournament commencement, Cody Stahl was one of 213 pros in the hunt. Two days prior, a completely different hunt gave him the clues he needed to amass a three-day total of 53 pounds, 1 ounce and win the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Mississippi River presented by SEVIIN.

Placing 29th on Day 1 with 15-09, Stahl added a second-round limit of 18-0 and moved up to fifth. Day 3 saw the pro from Barnsville, Ga., weigh 19-8 — the event’s biggest bag — and edge Day 2 leader Chris Hellebuyck by 10 ounces.

Along with the top prize of $40,607, Stahl received an invitation to fish the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors March 21-23 on Lake Ray Roberts.

“I’m speechless,” a clearly emotional Stahl said. “To start the season out with a 187th place at Lake Okeechobee, I didn’t think I deserved to be here and compete with these guys. After all the years of hard work and time on the water, it feels good to finally bring one home. I feel like I belong here.

“It’s been a phenomenal week. I never would have thought this would happen.”

As Stahl explained, his tournament unfolded much differently than he had originally planned. Upon arriving, he decided he’d avoid the often-crowded Pool 8 and lock up to Pool 7.

Peanut Bunker Jigging Spoon

 

Thundermist Lures isn't well know for great bass lures but they sure have some. This YouTube sensation offers some great baits that are ideal for deep water fishing like Great Lakes smallmouth or spotted bass.

See the new Thundermist Peanut Bunker Jigging Spoon. Check them out at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmz-NT1dtjcVzigo8PylDBw

MLF announces forward-facing sonar rules for 2025

New MLF rules embrace forward-facing and 360-degree sonar while protecting traditional tournament fishing

BENTON, Ky. – Major League Fishing announced Friday updates to its 2025 rules that will allow tournament anglers to utilize the fish-catching power of forward-facing and 360-degree sonar technology while preserving traditional fishing techniques enjoyed by millions of anglers and fans. 

Starting in 2025, all boats, across all MLF circuits, will be limited to two forward-facing or 360-degree sonar transducers in any combination. Additionally, no bow-mounted screen may extend vertically more than 18 inches off the surface of the front deck at its highest point when the boat is on plane, and no screen mounted at the console may extend vertically more than 16 inches off the top of the steering column where it protrudes from the console. 

Pros competing on the 2025 Bass Pro Tour will be allowed to use forward-facing and 360-degree sonar for only one of three periods each day. Anglers will declare their use of the technologies before the start of the period of their choice, and fans watching on MLFNOW! will see an indicator on SCORETRACKER® next to each angler’s name showing who is actively using the technologies, has used them or still has them available. This rule applies to all seven regular-season Bass Pro Tour stages and REDCREST 2025. There will be no restrictions in the General Tire Heavy Hitters or General Tire Team Series, where anglers compete out of similarly equipped, league-provided boats that level the playing field. Use of forward-facing and 360-degree sonar will be permitted during practice.

2025 BASS Elite Schedule Announced

 

The opener visits St. Johns River in Palatka, Fla., Feb. 20-23. In 2024, a four-day total of 93 pounds, 6 ounces gave Cory Johnston of Otonabee, Canada, a winning margin of 21-2 over Texan Brad Whatley. Of note, Johnston’s Day 3 total — 73-13 — would have edged Whatley’s tournament total of 72-4 by 1-9.

The Elites will travel south to Okeechobee, Fla., Feb. 27-March 2 to return to Lake Okeechobee, which covers 730 square miles and has an average depth of only 9 feet. Louisiana pro Tyler Rivet called his win in 2023 on Day 1 of the competition. Rivet coaxed a four-day total of 86 pounds, 15 ounces from the largest freshwater lake in Florida by throwing a jerkbait and punching mats and grass.

From Okeechobee, Elite anglers will take a break from the Elite trail for the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors on Lake Ray Roberts in Fort Worth, Texas, March 21-23.

B.A.S.S. announces technology standardization for Elite Series, Classic

Technology Standards: FFS reduction, trolling motor restrictions and total inches enforcement

By Luigi De Rose

The controversy has been at fever pitch throughout the 2024 Bassmaster Elite season and now Bassmaster has made their ruling.  Consider the new standards for the 2025 B.A.S.S. Elites and 2025 BASSMASTER CLASSIC more of a compromise than a ban. The overall focus is to standardize technology to ensure anglers compete under a more level or equal playing field. 

Here are the highlights to the new rules for B.A.S.S. Elite and Classic anglers:

1. Only 1 Live, Forward Facing Sonar Unit per boat and it must be mounted to the bow trolling motor. 

2. Only 1 trolling motor per boat. 

3. A total of 55 inches of screen (bow and dash unit heads) per boat.

4. Providing more diversity in venues for B.A.S.S. Elite events. 

Click for the full press release

The National Professional Fishing League Bans Live Sonar for 2025!

Starting with the 2025 season, the NPFL will prohibit the use of real-time imaging units (FFS).

By Luigi De Rose

There always has to be someone to go first and The National Professional Fishing League has announced the outlaw Forward Facing Sonar (FFS) for the 2025 season. Speculation has been running white hot on the future of FFS. Debates have raged for the last few years and many cite the BASS allowing Elite anglers unlimited electronics on their rig a tipping point. 

Love it or hate it, the NPFL has made their decision. The NPFL states 4 main areas of concern with FFS and they openly accept that technology cannot be bridled nor that every stakeholder will be happy. They envision this restriction as a professional judgment that will ensure the purity of the sport such as no aluminum bats in the Major Leagues or restrictions in motor racing. 

Will other tournament organizations follow? Time will tell. 

Here is the link to the full NPFL press release. 

Heavy Neko Rig: The Easiest Way to Fish Matted Grass

Fishing matted grass needs the correct tackle. But, what happens when you're not comfortable using a magnum bullet weight and punching rig? Look no further than a heavy spinning rod and reel spooled with braided line and a beefed up neko rig.

Check out this video and learn how to break through the heavy cover without using the big rod.

Neko rigged senko style worm with braid is a great solution if you know how to rig up for monster bass.

Easton Fothergill Wins St. Croix Open at Leech Lake Presented by Seviin; Carl Jocumsen Advances to Classic!

By Andrew Canulette 

BASS Press Release

WALKER, Minn. — The major storyline heading into the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Leech Lake presented by SEVIIN was that the global bass-fishing community would get its first look at what’s heralded as one of the sport’s best, yet relatively unknown, fisheries.

Everyone watching, meanwhile, already knew that Easton Fothergill is one of the best young anglers on the water today.

The two forces collided during a spectacular two-day derby in northern Minnesota this week, and both shined under pressure — Leech as host of its first B.A.S.S. tournament and Fothergill as the young prodigy looking to make hay on home water.

The 22-year-old Fothergill, a Grand Rapids, Minn., native who grew up 30 minutes from Leech Lake, bagged a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 49 pounds, 13 ounces and clinched the tournament championship Saturday at Walker Public Dock. He collected $45,936 cash with the win, part of a $300,034 purse split among the Top 45 of 203 pros competing at Leech this week.

The victory at Leech continued a hot streak not often seen at any level of professional fishing. In the past 10 months and change, Fothergill won the 2023 Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Lew’son Kansas’ Milford Lake last October, finished 16th of 56 anglers in the 2024 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors on Oklahoma’s Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees in March, and followed with his first St. Croix Bassmaster Opens win of the year in June on Lake Eufaula, also in the Sooner State.

The Legendary Rick Clunn Retires for BASS Elite tournaments after 50 years!

 

After 50 years with B.A.S.S., Rick Clunn decided to step away from full-time Elite Series competition at the end of the 2024 season. He will continue to fish select events throughout his home region. Clunn, an icon in the sport of bass fishing, made 32 Bassmaster Classics, won 16 events, 4 Classics and an AOY title. With over 500+ B.A.S.S. events he is THE Iron Man of the sport of bass fishing.

Check out Rick's final Elite tournament at the 2024 St. Lawrence River event this past weekend. 

Cory Johnston Wins 2024 Humminbird Bassmaster Elite on the St. Lawrence River!

Canadians Chris Johnston 4th

By David A. Brown

BASS Press Release

WADDINGTON, N.Y. —  On a day dimmed by clouds and rain, lightning struck a

second time for Canadian superstar Cory Johnston.

After claiming his first blue trophy at the season’s fourth event at the St. Johns River, the pro from Otonabee, Canada, tallied 102 pounds and claimed the $100,000 top prize at the Humminbird Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River.

“It was a lot of hard work; I put a lot of time into this,” Johnston said. “I’ve said it 100 times, this is my favorite place to come, this is my favorite crowd with all my family and friends, all the Canadian support — and it’s a short drive home.”

After placing fourth on Day 1 with 25 pounds, Day 2 saw Johnston add 27-7 and tie rookie Robert Gee for second. On Semifinal Saturday, Johnston weighed 24-14 and slipped back to second, 13 ounces behind Gee.

With Championship Sunday delivering 24-11, Johnston surged to the top and edged Gee by 1-9. Enhancing his victory, Johnston earned his second entry into the Bassmaster Century Club, which recognizes an angler for catching 100 pounds or more with four days of five-bass limits.

Notably, Johnston was the first angler to earn a Bassmaster Century Club Belt with all smallmouth by weighing a tournament total of 100-5 during the 2022 Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River. He finished second to Wisconsin’s Jay Przekurat, but Johnston weighed in before Przekurat and wrote his name in the record book.