Megabass Vision 110 +2 Jerkbait with Nick Cousvis

 Summer smallmouth really react to a quick moving jerkbait. Sometimes, they won't commit to a shallow running bait so switching up to a deep running one is key. Listen to tournament angler, guide and smallmouth nut Nick Cousvis as he explains why the Megabass Vision 110 +2 is a must have. 

2025 MLF Bass Pro Tour Schedule

  

Major League Fishing announced today at ICAST the schedule for the seventh season of professional bass fishing’s most competitive circuit – the 2025 Bass Pro Tour. The 2025 season will showcase 65 of the world’s top professional bass anglers competing for millions of dollars, including the sport’s top award of $150,000 at every regular-season event, plus valuable points in the Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) race, and qualification into REDCREST 2026 and the General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event. 

The 2025 Bass Pro Tour season, consisting of seven stages, begins in late January with Bass Pro Tour Stage One at Lake Conroe, where all anglers start with zero AOY points and look to get their season off to a strong start in the race for the Fishing Clash AOY title. The schedule continues through six more regular-season events – with three venues never fished before on the Bass Pro Tour – along with REDCREST 2025 and the sixth annual General Tire Heavy Hitters All-Star Event (also at a new venue). The seven-event regular season culminates with REDCREST 2026 in the spring of 2026.

“We’re excited about the rollout of the Bass Pro Tour 2025 schedule and what the season will offer to our fans: a fun mixture of new and familiar destinations, with a variety of fishery types and styles,” said MLF Executive Vice President & General Manager Kathy Fennel. “The schedule includes some of the best bass lakes and rivers in the country, which will create consistent excitement for our fans. We’re grateful to our fans, local partners and Bass Pro Tour anglers as we’re set up for an exciting 2025 season.”

2025 MLF Bass Pro Tour Sites Below 

ICAST 2024: LIVETARGET Sunfish

 The bond between bass and bedding panfish is one deeply ingrained in the angler’s lexicon. This timeless predator-prey interaction undergoes a transformative redefinition courtesy of the all-new LIVETARGET Sunfish, which pioneers innovative lure development by seamlessly melding unparalleled realism with exceptional functionality.

The LIVETARGET Sunfish introduces a paradigm shift in traditional swimbait design through its utilization of state-of-the-art Injected Core Technology (ICT). This cutting-edge approach integrates lifelike anatomical features—comprising realistic eyes, precisely sculpted scales, fins, lateral line, and body profile—within a dynamic inner core. Employing an advanced injection laminate process, ICT enriches the inner core with intricate, multi-colored metallic layers ensconced within a clear, robust exoskeleton.The three-dimensional effect generated by ICT allows light to refract throughout the entire lure, significantly enhancing its lifelike appearance underwater.

Sunfish Features

•       Injected Core Technology

•       Ultra-Realistic Profile

•       Advanced Multi-color Injected Laminate

•       Sizes: 3.3 inch, 3.8 inch, 4.3 inch

•       Package Count: 3.3-inch – 4, 3.8-inch – 3, 4.3-inch – 2

•       8 colors

icast 2024: Shimano SLX XT

Expanding upon the reputation that has made the SLX series of low-profile reels a household name, the all-new SLX XT A adds to the benefits seen within the SLX A. In addition to SilentTune technology to achieve near-noiseless and an overall smoother reeling experience, the SLX XT A lineup incorporates Shimano's SVS Infinity Braking System so anglers can make on-water adjustments whether throwing heavy or light lures using an easy-to-access external dial. The lightweight, rigid-metal aluminum HAGANE Body provides an ultra-rigid platform for solid hooksets and uniform reeling power. Available with three gear ratios and left and right-handed configurations, the fully redesigned SLX XT A caters to anglers targeting trophy fish with a variety of fishing techniques.

Features: SilentTune: Smooth and Quiet Reeling Experience SVS Infinity: Easy, Fully Adjustable Braking Rigid-Metal Aluminum HAGANE Body

ICAST 2024: Great Lakes Finesse Matte Finesse Jig

A super finesse micro jig with a hook that can handle the biggest fish in the lake. The Matte Finesse Jig is built on 1/0 Gamakatsu 604 hook. The ball head design will crawl through rocks and sparse vegetation with ease while not chipping. The skirt material is super thin so it will pulse in the water with minimal jig movement, and the oversized keeper will securely hold any small soft plastic trailer you choose like our 2.1" Snack Craw.

Available in 6 colours and 2 sizes: 1/8oz and 3/16oz

Get them early via LURENET

ICAST 2024: Shimano Technium Rods

 

Shimano engineers designed the Technium series to suit specific techniques and regional fisheries, catering to salmon, steelhead and sturgeon anglers. Constructed with blanks showcasing a high strength-to-weight ratio and rolled with a fusion of TC4 glass and graphite carbon, Technium boasts market-proven durability. The full Technium series offers anglers a lineup of technique-specific rods varying in handle and reel seat configuration, action and guide trains — all finely tuned to excel in salmon, steelhead and sturgeon angling scenarios. From mooching and trolling to drift, float, centerpin, and sturgeon applications, the Technium range offers specialized rods meticulously tailored for each unique technique.

Features: TC4 Blank Technology Fuji Reel Seats Fuji Concept O Guide

ICAST 2024: Strike King's Evader

 

Accurately emulating panic-stricken baitfish, Strike King’s Evader is the small profile, hyper-effective topwater bait that you need in your line up. The metal lip design encourages the Evader to remain at the surface while also adding a bit of extra flash to entice powerful strikes. Great castability and a realistic swimming action elevate the Evader’s performance beyond that of a traditional style topwater bait, and the premium treble hooks are super sticky for keeping fish pegged.

FEATURES:

• RISES TO SURFACE consistently for great topwater action

• PREMIUM TREBLE HOOKS are extremely sharp to keep fish pegged

• EYE CATCHING COLORS match any fishing conditions

• METAL LIP keeps bait on the surface and adds flash

• INCREDIBLE CASTABILITY despite small profile

ICAST 2024: Norsk's New Marine Lithium Starting Battery

 DEAD ON THE WATER: A THING OF THE PAST

First, let’s start (pun intended) with the new marine starting batteries’ most important feature – and that’s something called Emergency Start Reserve (ESR), which allocates 25% of the battery’s capacity as a reserve available on demand.

Say goodbye to emergency jump start packs, with Norsk Lithium you’ll always have the power you need to start your outboard motor at the end of a long day on the water. ESR can be activated with the push of the Power Management button on the top of the battery or via the Norsk Guardian App. It’s like having a jump start pack built right into your starting battery!

• ESR Included on All Norsk Lithium Starting Batteries
• Locks 25% of the Battery’s Capacity in Reserve by Default

Access ESR from the Power Management Button on top of the battery case or via the Norsk Guardian App


180AH 12V Heated (Thermal Core Heating Technology)

Battery Type: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePo4)

Cranking Amps: 1200 CA

Rated Voltage: 12.8V

BCI Compliant Case: Group 31

Weight: 46.3 lbs.

Size: 13 X 6.81 X 9.25 inches

Lifespan: 4,000+ Cycles, Est. 15-20 years

Warranty: 10 Year + 2 with Norsk Guardian

Triple terminals for flexible rigging

MAP $1,299.99

• AVAILABLE FALL 2024

ICAST 2024: Shimano Vanford A Spinning Reel

 

Continuing a legacy of pursuing reduced weight, lower start-up inertia and enhanced sensitivity, the Shimano Vanford A elevates the MagnumLite lineup of spinning reels with technology passed down from Shimano flagship series. An MGL Rotor highlights the all-new Vanford A to provide anglers with heightened performance when employing "start-and-stop" finesse bass techniques or when needing quick hook-setting execution. Combined with the lightweight CI4+ body, the Vanford’s low start-up inertia enables anglers to maintain complete control using tactics requiring immediate reel action to keep the lure within the strike zone, enabling them to adjust cadence based on fish behavior.

ICAST 2024: Rapala Jowler 127

 

The new Precision Extreme (PXR) Series Jowler is meant to catch the attention of fish from long distances on the water, but even the most hopeful bait designers and pro anglers never thought it would make headlines even before hitting the market. Nevertheless, that’s exactly what happened when Rapala pros Patrick Walters and Cody Huff finished first and second at the May 2024 Bassmaster Elite Series tournament on South Carolina’s Lake Murray, both employing the Jowler as a critical part of their tournament strategy. “It casts far, catches bigs and calls them up,” said Walters, who won by nearly 13 pounds. “It was critical to be able to cover a lot of water and get the attention of those fish, and it walks amazing.” Armed with three premium VMC RedLine Series 1X bend treble hooks with dressed rear flash feather tail to make this a complete fish-catching surface bait. The lure is being introduced in a 5-inch body length with a weight of 15/16th oz. The lure is available in 10 colors, including: Ayu, Broken Bone, Black Back Shad, Clear Ice, Glitter Bone, Matte Shad, Okie Bone, Pure Chrome, Silver Flitter Shad, and Yellow Perch.

ICAST 2024: Abu Garcia Max Elite Spinning Reel

 The new Abu Garcia Max Elite bringing Zenon inspired performance at a price any angler can afford

The Abu Garcia Max spinning reels have been an exceptional option for anglers looking for performance without breaking the bank. New for 2024, the Max lineup received a major upgrade, now completely redesigned to offer anglers technology normally only found in higher priced spinning reels.

Utilizing the V-spool and V-rotor design, originally developed for the Abu Garcia Zenon spinning family, combined with the AMG CNC machined gear system, the Max Elite offers ultra-smooth gear feel with a low-inertia rotor. This delivers exceptional, effortless reeling and durability, making it the ideal choice for anglers who are looking for performance at an exceptional value.

With its enhanced features, the Max Elite spinning reel stands out in its class. The inclusion of a lightweight carbon handle and a C6 carbon-infused body significantly reduces the overall weight, ensuring effortless handling and increased comfort during long days on the water. The advanced Rocket Line management system and Rocket Spool Lip provides superior line control, reducing the chances of wind knots and tangles.

“The redesign of the Max Elite spinning reel was focused on integrating high-end technologies to create a product that meets the needs of avid anglers,” said Director, Brand and Product at Abu Garcia, Andrew Wheeler. “By incorporating features like the V-spool and V-rotor design, we’ve ensured that the Max Elite offers unmatched smoothness and durability, making it an incredibly high-performing reel for its price.”

Key Features – Max Elite Spinning Reel
• 9+1 Stainless steel bearings
• CNC machine gear
• Lightweight carbon handle to reduce weight
• C6 carbon-infused body for reduced weight
• Asymmetric C6 Carbon body design for a more compact and lightweight design
• V-Rotor and V-Spool design provides a more compact spool and rotor system and reduces start up inertia
• Rocket Line management system helps reduce “wind knots”
• Rocket Spool Lip allows for better line control
• Reel Sizes: 2000 • 2500 • 3000 • 4000 

MSRP: $99.99

Available: September 2024

ICAST 2024: Rapala All-New CrushCity™ Mooch Minnow™

 Bass Pro Tour champion Dustin Connell put CrushCity’s new Mooch Minnow to work this spring, before the lure was officially released. He won both the BPT RedCrest on Lay Lake and regular season event on Toledo Bend with this new minnow imitator. Two very different fisheries, one with mostly spotted bass, the other with mostly largemouths, but the defining similarity was the appeal of this one lure – the Mooch Minnow, one of four new softbaits that joins Rapala’s tournament-grade softbait line, CrushCity.

The Mooch Minnow’s 3-½ inch profile resembles the size of many common baitfish throughout bass fishing country, from threadfin shad to perch to ciscoes to smelt.

ICAST 2024: ZMan's Shadtron LT

 

New Shadtron™ LT merges realism & durability with cutting-edge line-through hook system A golden age of angling now under the bridge, the era of true-to-life swimbaits and bass of freakish, blimp-like proportions still reminds us of the lures’ potentially outlandish attracting power. Everyone who once slung these big slabs of PVC has a crazy fish story to tell. But what swimbait practitioners today still mourn are the number of fish most of these lures fail to hook— and how frequently the gill-rattling headshake of a big bass can eject the baits and crush our spirits in one breath.   Exactly one year ago, Z-Man® innovations in swimbait design nullified previous hookset and hardiness standards immediately, as the Mulletron™ LT (line-through) shined the spotlight on a new swimbait archetype, winning the 2024 ICAST Best Saltwater Soft Lure award, and showing Florida and the world what was possible when smart lure-making melded with 10X Tough ElaZtech®.   New for 2025, the Z-Man Shadtron™ LT has shifted the swimbait paradigm once again. Visually stunning and seemingly primed to flop out of your hand, the Shadtron LT exhibits all the realism of a live shad, while a groundbreaking dual line-through system empowers incredible upticks in hookset success and holding power to the nth degree.  Topside, Chavez notes, the Shadtron LT is equipped with a specialized hook pocket and harness that stations a custom, heavy-duty 3/0 (4.5”) or 5/0 (6”) sickle-shaped, black nickel needlepoint hook parallel to the dorsal fin. “The harness is designed so the hook slides in and sits recessed within the bait’s spine,” explains Chavez. “Thread your line through the bait’s nose and out the slot, tying to the single hook. Pull the line tight and the hook clicks back into place, giving the whole bait a clean, seamless appearance, like a molded-in jighead. Hook eye and knot are recessed and completely protected inside the bait. But when a fish eats the Shadtron and attempts to dislodge the hook, the bait body slides up the line, where fish can’t leverage its weight to come unbuttoned.”

ICAST 2024: Berkley FORWARD Braid Line

 

Berkley’s newest line innovation is optimized and purpose built for forward-facing sonar

Introducing the all-new Berkley FORWARD Braid. Purpose-built and optimized for use with forward-facing sonar by the team at Berkley Labs, FORWARD Braid’s proprietary technology provides the angler with a new tool that overcomes common pain points experienced when using forward-facing sonar – casting distance, sensitivity and sink rate. With Berkley FORWARD Braid anglers now have complete control of how they present their bait to fish.

 

FORWARD Braid’s unique longitudinal construction differs from standard braided line in that it is smooth and round in shape allowing for zero resistance when traveling through the guides of a rod, thus providing the angler with optimal castability. Where traditional braided lines flatten out, FORWARD Braid keeps its shape through the guides giving anglers using forward-facing sonar the ability to cast farther, placing their bait right where they want it at the right time, without any resistance.

Sink rate and sensitivity are also key concerns for many FFS anglers. The smaller diameters offered with FORWARD Braid allow it to cut through the water column faster, getting smaller, finesse-style baits to the fish faster. An additional, unique benefit of FORWARD Braid’s proprietary longitudinal design is that it reduces fiber crossover to increase sensitivity and provide a stronger, more direct signal back to the angler when compared to standard woven braid.

ICAST 2024: Great Lakes Finesse Handing Head Jig

 

Perfectly balanced to present any soft bait horizontally in the water column when dropping down or swinging over fish. Featuring a fine wire Gamakatsu hook, it’s designed to perfectly match the Hover Minnow and Drop Minnow. Our custom head design, lifelike 3D eyes, and pushed back eye placement allow it to suspend perfectly horizontal. Excels when hanging a minnow with lighter tackle and will generate aggressive strikes while basically setting itself in the toughest part of any fish’s mouth.

ICAST 2024: Berkley Berkley PowerBait Drip Minnow

Berkley's newest minnow tricks the smartest fish in the lake into biting With ultra-realistic finesse applications dominating the fishing scene, Berkley understands what it takes to make a bait that makes even the most weary of fish commit. Built in the Berkley lab and tested by Berkley pros, the PowerBait Drip Minnow offers anglers a finesse minnow profile with extreme realism and wide versatility. The PowerBait Drip Minnow was meticulously designed to mimic shiners and other baitfish with an anatomically correct internal core and over-molded body creating contrast and adding unmatched detail to the bait. The unique “drip” shaped tail provides anglers with a subtle and responsive action depending on how the angler moves their rod. For anglers looking to up their finesse fishing game, Berkley’s newest soft bait features their proven HD Tru Color technology with unprecedented colorway options and PowerBait formula. The extremely versatile bait pairs up beautifully on a drop shot, EWG hook, snap jigs, or finesse jigheads like the new Berkley Fusion19 Hybrid Jighead.

ICAST 2024: Ever Green's Last Ace 128

Ever Green’s new Last Ace 128 arrives as a bigger offering for forward-facing sonar enthusiasts.

The advent of forward-facing sonar (FFS) has hatched numbers of nouveau techniques to tempt fish marked in front of the boat. There’s ‘moping,’ ‘hover strolling,’ and ‘mid-strolling’. And now, Ever Green launches its new 5-inch Last Ace 128 for ‘power mid-strolling’ with the aim of enticing alpha bass in the pack.DAIWA’s Field Marketing Manager, Chris Martin, explained. “The Last Ace 128 offers a slightly larger profile than most FFS minnow-style baits on the market. The bigger silhouette is designed to root out the biggest, most aggressive fish in the pod.”

The Last Ace 128’s power mid-strolling effect is accomplished by its noticeably up-curved tail design. “The unique shape and angle of the tail makes it effortless for anglers to achieve that tantalizing rolling action so popular with FFS,” said Martin.

ICAST 2024: Daiwa's Tatula SV100

 DAIWA’s new versatile TATULA SV100 – with the SV BOOST System – is engineered for anglers of all skill levels.

“This refreshed version of the TATULA SV100 is laden with upgrades,” said DAIWA Field Marketing Manager, Chris Martin. “Most notably is the groundbreaking SV BOOST System.” 

Martin says the right-sized reel presents an onramp to DAIWA’s unequaled SV BOOST technology, previously reserved for more expensive models. “I can try to put words together about the SV BOOST System, but you really have to fish the technology to appreciate what it does.”

In words, Martin says the SV BOOST System employs a proprietary spool and paired technology that lets a novice angler cast like a pro. First, backlash is virtually eliminated as the spool self-manages resistance throughout the duration of a cast. Spool speed is controlled at the start of a cast – where backlash typically happens – and relinquishes resistance progressively as the bait flies.  

Ranking right up there in improvements is the new TATULA SV100’s HYPERDRIVE System. Again, more trickle down technology formerly dedicated to more expensive models.

ICAST 2024: Norsk's Lithium 16V MAX RT!

 The new line of Norsk Lithium^® 16V MAX RT batteries deliver clean, dedicated 16V power, extending runtimes for optimal performance

75AH 16V Heated Battery Type: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePo4) Rated Voltage: 16V Max Continuous Current: 75A BCI Compliant Case: Group 27 Weight: 27.8 lbs. Size: 12.04 X 6.81 X 8.85 inches Lifespan: 4,000+ Cycles, Est. 15-20 years Warranty: 10 Year + 2 with Norsk Guardian® Bluetooth®, Deep Sleep™, MAX RT MAP $749.99 AVAILABLE FALL 2024 As of summer 2024, you will find that most serious anglers are using large graph screens and forward-facing sonar. But eavesdrop at your local bait shop or marine dealer and you’ll find many are experiencing serious issues with power—everything from problematically short runtimes to overall performance of their sonar equipment that falls short of expectations considering the investment.

ICAST 2024: Daiwa's J-FLUORO Mainline

 DAIWA’s new 100% fluorocarbon J-FLUORO Mainline performs exquisitely and with today’s budgets in mind.

For years, DAIWA’s J-FLUORO Leader Material has been a mainstay for freshwater and saltwater anglers alike. And by popular demand, DAIWA introduces the economically priced J-FLUORO Mainline, also constructed with premium 100% fluorocarbon material and extruded with precision. 

“Made in Japan using a strict extrusion process, this 100% fluorocarbon mainline allows everyday anglers to experience the excellence of fishing with this style of line,” said DAIWA Field Marketing Manager, Chris Martin.

Martin continued: “Despite its attractive price, J-FLUORO Mainline stands above the competition. For one, the formula for our mainline makes the finished product softer in heavier pound tests and stiffer in lighter strengths, while both maintain little to no stretch.” The benefits being manageability, as knots are much easier to tie. Moreover, backlash is significantly reduced, no matter what pound test you’re fishing.

“J-FLUORO Mainline has a fast sink rate, too,” added Martin. Fluorocarbon has a higher specific gravity than water, so it helps lures like crankbaits achieve maximum diving depths. A faster sink rate also lets you fish baits deeper with heavier line, as well as keeping lighter baits down because of less bowing in the line. 

J-FLUORO is less visible to fish than other lines, too. “Fluorocarbon has a similar light-refraction index to water,” said Martin. “This can lead to more bites, especially in clear water. And, because fluorocarbon is less affected by UV light than monofilament, it lasts longer on your reel.”

The merits of DAIWA’s J-FLUORO Mainline don’t end there, either… Again, compared to monofilament, fluorocarbon is far more abrasion resistant. It can withstand contact with rocks, wood, gravel, etc., that monofilament cannot handle.  

Jay Przekurat Wins 2024 St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Lake St. Clair presented by SEVIIN

Canadian Jamie Bruce 3rd!

By Christopher Decker

BASS Press Release

There’s nothing Jay Przekurat smallmouth bass, and this week at Lake St. Clair the 25-year-old utilized a methodical approach to catch some of the most meaningful brown fish of his career. 

With a three-day total of 75 pounds, 5 ounces, Przekurat claimed the title at the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Lake St. Clair presented by SEVIIN, his first Opens victory as a boater. His quickly growing resume includes two Opens victories as a co-angler, an Elite Series title at the St. Lawrence River in 2022 and 2022 Elite Series Rookie of the Yearhonors.

Opening the tournament in fourth place with 24-3, the Plover, Wis., pro jumped to second on Day 2 with 25-1 before landing 26-1 in the final round. All three limits were personal bests on the famed fishery. 

“I had to stay on a 25-pound average on St. Clair. That is almost unheard of in the month of July right after the spawn,” Przekurat said. “A lot of hard work and preparation came together. All of the lost fish I was thinking about, I don’t have to think about anymore. 

“I was doing my favorite thing, catching giant smallmouth.”

Given he fishes the final two Division III events at Leech Lake and the Upper Mississippi River, another body of water he is very familiar with, Przekurat will earn an automatic bid to the 2025 Bassmaster Classic. 

Currently in seventh place in Progressive Angler of the Year standings, Przekurat will have the freedom to take some risks at the final two Elite Series events in search of his first AOY title. 

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“Now I feel like I can shoot for it in the Elite Series,” he said. “It relieves some stress.”

Michigan’s Aaron Jagdfeld moved into second with a total of 71-12 followed by Canadian Jamie Bruce in third with 71-10. Trevor McKinney, who led Days 1 and 2, fell to fourth with 71-8. With calm, sunny conditions prevailing, the entire Top 10 caught bags weighing more than 21 pounds on the final day of competition, an exclamation point on a phenomenal week of fishing that saw 412 limits achieved across three days. 

Throughout the tournament, the former Elite Series Rookie of the Year focused on several specific quarter-mile stretches of Anchor Bay. Those stretches featured a hard sand bottom with sparse grass. His best areas needed to have both of those ingredients, but the majority of his smallies were caught off a clean bottom.

He also recognized that if he found a group of three smallmouth together, they would almost always be better-than-average-sized bass and he could get one of them to bite easier than the single bass he saw. Garmin LiveScope was essential in finding these groups of bass.

“If I could find one in a group of three, it would usually be a bigger one,” Przekurat explained. “I did catch some big ones that were by themselves too, but I could almost call my shots if it was a group of three. They’d all chase it, and they’d all look big.”

While other anglers raced around on their trolling motor looking for smallmouth across the bay, Przekurat instead slowed down in his best stretches and refished them multiple times a day.

“A lot of guys were saying, ‘Oh, you can put the trolling motor down and go wherever you want,’ but it wasn’t really like that,” he explained. “You were going to catch fish, don’t get me wrong, but you weren’t going to catch better-than-average-sized fish consistently. I had three sections and ran them the entire day. I would sit in one spot for a couple hours and then another one a couple hours.”

During practice and the first day of the tournament, an Arkansas shiner-colored Strike King Baby Z Too rigged on a drop shot with a ⅜-ounce Woo Tungsten weight was Przekurat’s bait of choice. Because of how many short strikes he received, he threaded the bait onto his hook. 

As the tournament progressed, he began rigging the Baby Z Too on a ¼-ounce jighead and feathered the bait over the smallmouth. The slower he could let the bait move to the bass and keep it over their heads, the better, Przekurat said. Some of the bass Przekurat saw would follow the bait for 30 seconds. 

“When I made the key adjustment to put it on a jighead instead of a drop shot is when the lightbulb clicked on,” Przekurat said. “I could go through the same areas and get the fish to move. The key was to go as slow as you could go and getting the fish’s attention. Maybe pick up the pace if it picks up the pace. I was matching the pace of the fish. 

“Most of the time, it was slow and steady, keep the bait coming and I would feel a tick. That’s when it would either engulf it or eat about a quarter of the Baby Z Too.”

After losing more than 20 pounds worth of bass on the second day, Przekurat landed four bass on the final day that weighed more than 5 pounds. His biggest came late in the day as the pleasure boat traffic began to pick up. Being able to forget about the bass he didn’t land and moving onto the next bite was critical.

“So many people lost fish this week,” he said. “I don’t know what the deal was, but just staying in the game was important. One minute you would lose a 5 (pounder), but you know there are 4,000 of them swimming out here ready to be caught.”

In his first Open, Jagdfeld landed bags of 24-4, 25-0 and 22-8 to finish in the runner-up position. The recent Adrian College graduate calls St. Clair home and will be competing in the College Classic Bracket later this year with teammate Elliot Wielgopolski after winning the Legends Trail of the Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops.

“It’s been an incredible experience. A lot of these guys I was watching on Bassmaster LIVE two weeks ago wanting to be in their position,” he said. “Being able to fish against them in the Opens is really cool.”

ICAST 2024: Abu Garcia Max X Spincast Combo

Abu Garcia Max X Spincast Combo

Completely redesigned from the ground up, the Max X Spincast combo offers a new spin on the traditional spincast platform

The newest spincast combo to hit the market, the Abu Garcia Max X, takes spincast reels to a whole new level. A unique, hybrid design melds the traditional spincast reel with the ergonomics and design of a low profile reel, creating a reel that not only performs well on the water but has a better fit in the palm of your hand for long-lasting comfort.

The Max X Spincast features a two-bearing system for smooth operation and peak casting distance, as well as an aluminum handle with co-molded handle knobs. The star drag system enhances the look and feel of the reel similar to a standard low-profile reel. The Max X Spincast is offered as a combo combining a lightweight and durable graphite composite rod blank with a high-density EVA handle for increased sensitivity. 

KEY FEATURES – SPINCAST COMBO

• Low-profile spincast design
• Two bearing system
• Co-molded handle
• Star drag system
• Lightweight graphite composite construction
• High density EVA for increased feel

MSRP: $39.99

Available: September 2024