Thursday, October 31, 2024

Bassmaster Elites no longer pay to play

 B.A.S.S. has announced the no-entry-fee 2025 Bassmaster Elite Series to put professional bass fishing's highest level of competition on par with other major sports.



Professional bass fishing will never be the same. Ever. That’s a huge statement. In this case, it’s true. B.A.S.S. just announced that the Bassmaster Elite Series, heading into its 20th season, will no longer require entry fees. Yes, you heard that correctly. In 2025, competitors of the most prestigious tournament trail on the planet, for the first time ever in the history of B.A.S.S. competition, will no longer fish for their own money. No longer are Elite Series pros required to pay to play.

 

This historic decision was not made lightly. B.A.S.S. has long believed that the ultimate goal of the organization’s highest level of competition should be on par with other individual professional sports, like golf and tennis, which do not require pros to pay entry fees to compete. However, on the heels of record-breaking viewership of Bassmaster LIVE on FOX networks and Bassmaster.com, paired with strong long-term partnerships, this ultimate goal has been realized.

 

“We have been looking at this model for quite some time,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. “But, we wanted to make sure that when we flip this switch, which we believe will change the face of professional bass fishing, that the concept is sustainable for the future. For the past several months, we’ve done our due diligence and came to the realization that, with the money we planned to allocate to payouts in 2025, we could offer attractive payouts without putting angler money at risk. This change greatly reduces the risk and financial strain required to compete at bass fishing’s highest level. Now, the Elite Series is in a league of its own, and the only league equivalent to other major individual sports.”

PAYOUTS BELOW

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Drop Shotting with Shin Fukae: Selecting the best main lines and hooks for your fishing

 



Shin Fukae is one of the very best on the MLF Bass Pro Tour, FLW Tour and BASSMASTER Opens. He can credit much of his success to the drop shot rig. Heck, he qualified for the Bassmaster Classic with a win using a drop shot. Listen to how Shin sets up this gear and his top baits.

Monday, October 28, 2024

Ever Green's New DVX-18

 Ever Green stitches together crankbait and jerkbait body parts to create the monster of all hardbaits, the new DXV-18.



From the cosmos of fishing, Ever Green’s new DXV-18 – part of the DD X-Over family – is a beautifully engineered crossover lure, merging the body shape and actions of a crankbait and jerkbait. Created in collaboration with Bassmaster Elite favorite, Morizo Shimizu, the resulting “Frankenstein bait” strikes mortal fear in deep ranging bass. 

A larger and advanced diving bill sends the DXV-18 to 18-feet, even deeper with lighter braided lines. The bill’s unique curvature promises a quick plunge and straight run on the retrieve, too. The bill design also accommodates the snapping action associated with hard jerkbaits. 

Friday, October 25, 2024

B.A.S.S. announces schedule for enhanced 2025 Bassmaster Opens season

 B.A.S.S. officials have announced the schedule for the revamped 2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN season.



BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. officials have announced the schedule for the revamped 2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN, and the schedule features eight events — including some vintage tournament stops for the organization — across two divisions.

For 2025, Opens anglers placing in the Top 50 in each division’s Angler of the Year race will advance to the Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers series. This stand-alone series will feature three events, spanning from September through November, where anglers will compete to qualify for the Bassmaster Elite Series. The Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers series schedule will be released at a later date.

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Barricade Hoody: New from Striker!

 


Barricade Hoody: The Barricade Hoody is designed for anglers seeking superior warmth, protection, and convenience in cool-to-cold weather. Made from a durable fabric blend of 95% Polyester and 5% Spandex (330gsm), this hoody features PFC-free DWR treatment for reliable water resistance. The integrated facemask offers optimal face protection and can be conveniently stored inside the hood when not in use. For added safety, a killswitch cord loop is fixed to the waist, while a hidden zippered pocket and pouch hand pockets provide secure storage for essentials. The adjustable hood cinch ensures a snug fit during high-speed activities, and the soft fleece interior delivers incredible warmth and comfort. With reflective details and a fit designed to layer over shirts, the 

Barricade Hoody is an essential choice for anglers navigating diverse conditions. MSRP: $59.99


Details:

  • Fabric: 95% Polyester/5% Spandex – 330gsm
  • DWR treated for water resistance
  • Hand Pocket: Pouch
  • Essentials 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.

Monday, October 21, 2024

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.

Friday, October 18, 2024

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

Wednesday, October 16, 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."


Tuesday, October 15, 2024

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...


Saturday, October 12, 2024

Thursday, October 10, 2024

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.

Monday, October 7, 2024

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.  

Sunday, October 6, 2024

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.

Thursday, October 3, 2024

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