The EverGreen / Z-Man Jackhammer Chatterbait Unboxing!

The EverGreen JACKHAMMER Chatterbait lures was IBASSIN.com's #1 searched post in 2016 and for good reason. A cloud of interque grew as BASS Elite angler Brett Hite scored numerous Top 10 in Elite tournaments with a secret Japanese lure. The mystery grew deeper as it was declared illegal to sell in North America due to Z Man's patent. Everyone wants what they cannot have so as demand intensified smarter heads prevailed and the two companies joined forces. As of 2017, Z Man and EverGreen USA have developed the most refined chatterbait ever.

Videos
https://www.zmanfishing.com/cms/chatter/introducing-chatterbait-jack-hammer/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xx-Ixg8TLEs

Z-Man Site
https://www.zmanfishing.com/cms/chatter/introducing-chatterbait-jack-hammer/

Let's review its many quality features.

The patented coffin style blade is thin, tough and perfectly cut from stainless steel.
Available in brilliant silver and green pumpkin
which is Brett's most favourite blade colour. 

Just look at that hook! A wide, heavy wire Gamakatsu hook
with 2 wire prong trailer keepers is amazing. The original chatterbaits
had smaller, cheaper hooks. This thing is a beast. The trailer is a huge part
of the chatterbait's success. Fighting to keep it on is a drag.
This should easily take care of that problem.

A sleek fish shaped head is very compact. It will slip through cover with ease.
I really love that the weight of the bait is labelled on the head of each bait.
Always hated trying to determine which size I was fishing.  The bottom of the head
is white with a splash of red for dark and light coloured skirted jigs.
MORE BELOW

2016 BASS Elite Cayuga Lake Day 2: Jordan Lee Jumps into Lead with 40-08lbs.

Lee Marches to Top.
By Bryan Brasher

BASS PRESS RELEASE
Like many of the anglers taking part in the Busch Beer Bassmaster Elite at Cayuga Lake, Jordan Lee found plenty of bedding smallmouth bass in practice.

Jordon grabs his first lead.
(BASS Photo)

The young Alabamian relied on those smallmouth during the first round for a solid catch, and he planned to do the same during Friday’s second round.

But a couple of hours after takeoff Friday, Lee could tell things just weren’t working out. So he went looking for largemouth and put together a catch of 21 pounds, 7 ounces that pushed his two-day total to a tournament-best 40-8.

Lee’s plan for Saturday is now clear.

“I’m done with the smallmouth,” he said. “I’m just going to go fish largemouth all day tomorrow.”

Lee, who is six days shy of his 25th birthday, keyed on one small grassy area of the lake. He said he was surprised to find as many fish there as he did.

In practice, the area only produced a handful of bites. But a change in weather conditions made the area easier to fish Friday.

2016 BASS Elite Cayuga Lake Day 1: Shimizu Smashes into Lead with 23!

5 Big Mammas!

By Bryan Brasher

BASS PRESS RELEASE

As a native of Osaka, Japan, Morizo Shimizu doesn’t speak quite as much English as the average angler on the Bassmaster Elite Series.

But he knows the words “Big Mama” very well.

That’s the nickname he uses for the size bass he likes to catch — and on Thursday, he caught five of them.

Big largemouth key for Japanese pro.
(Photo: BASS)

Shimizu, an 11-year veteran of the Elite Series, brought 23 pounds, 6 ounces to the scales and took the first-round lead in the Busch Beer Bassmaster Elite at Cayuga Lake. His catch was anchored by a 6-3 largemouth that he said came during the afternoon hours.

“I catch about eight fish all day,” Shimizu said in his usual broken English. “But I only catch five big ones. I caught fish early and late — all day long — from about 5 feet of water. But the biggest one came during afternoon.”

Including Shimizu’s mammoth catch, the 107-angler field produced 12 bags that weighed 20 pounds or more. It took 19-5 to make the Top 20 and 16-15 to make the Top 50 — the highest Day 1 mark needed to make the Top 50 this year.

Spawning smallmouth played a role for many anglers, but Shimizu opted to fish for largemouth because the smallies he located during practice had disappeared.

“I saw some on beds, but they had gone,” he said. “I don’t know if somebody caught them or if they just left. But they weren’t there anymore.”

New Jersey pro Michael Iaconelli was second with 21-15 — and like Shimizu, he chose to concentrate mainly on largemouth.

2015 Bassmaster Elite Chesapeake Bay Day 2: A- Mart Continues to Lead!

Martens keeps lead but Pipkens, Jocumsen less than a pound back!

By Bryan Brasher

bass press release

NORTH EAST, Md. – Aaron Martens took another step toward his second victory of the season Friday, bringing in five bass that weighed 15 pounds in the Huk Performance Fishing Bassmaster Elite at Chesapeake Bay.

The weight pushed Martens’ two-day total to 32-8 and kept him in the lead for a second straight day. But two young anglers, Michigan’s Chad Pipkens (31-13) and Australian Carl Jocumsen (31-12), are less than a pound back, and reigning Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Greg Hackney (30-5) is within easy-striking distance.

Aaron spins spinnerbaits along dock post to capture the lead.
(Photo: Steve Bowman BASS)

Martens, who has performed well in tougher tournaments throughout his career, said he doesn’t know how long his pattern will hold up.

2015 Bassmaster Elite Chesapeake Bay Day 1: Aaron Martens Lands Lead with 17lbs.

Flooding flakes out almost all anglers.

By Bryan Brasher

bass press release

NORTH EAST, Md. — Some fishermen like to play it safe when they’re leading the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year race late in the season.

 

Martens distances himself from Rojas for AOY!
(Photo: BASS)

They focus on getting a good limit, drawing a paycheck and earning valuable AOY points. But Aaron Martens seems to be taking a different approach during this week’s Huk Performance Fishing Bassmaster Elite at Chesapeake Bay.

 

The Alabama angler, who came into the event with a slim 11-point lead in the AOY standings, caught 17 pounds, 8 ounces of bass Thursday and claimed the Day 1 lead in a tournament that is shaping up to be a tough one down the stretch. Michigan angler Chad Pipkens is second in the tournament standings with 16-14, and Japanese pro Morizo Shimizu is third with 16-9.

 

“I had seven keeper bites, and I broke two of them off,” said Martens, who increased his AOY lead over Dean Rojas to 52 points. “My bites were spread out all day. I wish I could catch them faster. But no matter how fast or slow you move, it’s going to be a bite about every hour and a half.”

 

Daiwa Corporation takes on Ever Green in US, Canada

Originally posted in Angling International

The Daiwa Corporation has taken on the exclusive distribution of Ever Green lures in the US and Canada.

The agreement was announced at the national sales meeting of the Japanese tackle giant in California earlier this month.

Ever Green has enhanced its credentials as one of Japan’s top lure brands with wins in US bass tournaments by top sponsored anglers such as Brett Hite and Morizo Shimizu, both of whom have participated in B.A.S.S. Bassmaster Elite tournaments, for many years.

With the nationwide distribution channel of Daiwa Corporation, it aims to offer more stable delivery to retailers throughout the USA and Canada.

At the ICAST show in July, the Ever Green stand will be located next to Daiwa’s. Visitors to the booth will be able to see their product line-up for the USA and talk business with the representatives.

Ever Green plans to launch a new website for the US market in July.

The Daiwa Corporation has taken on the exclusive distribution of Ever Green lures in the US and Canada.
The agreement was announced at the national sales meeting of the Japanese tackle giant in California earlier this month.
Ever Green has enhanced its credentials as one of Japan’s top lure brands with wins in US bass tournaments by top sponsored anglers such as Brett Hite and Morizo Shimizu, both of whom have participated in B.A.S.S. Bassmaster Elite tournaments, for many years.
With the nationwide distribution channel of Daiwa Corporation, it aims to offer more stable delivery to retailers throughout the USA and Canada.
At the ICAST show in July, the Ever Green stand will be located next to Daiwa’s. Visitors to the booth will be able to see their product line-up for the USA and talk business with the representatives.
Ever Green plans to launch a new website for the US market in July.
- See more at: http://www.angling-international.com/daiwa-corporation-takes-on-ever-green-in-us-and-canada/#sthash.kBAcyMRI.dpuf

The Daiwa Corporation has taken on the exclusive distribution of Ever Green lures in the US and Canada.
The agreement was announced at the national sales meeting of the Japanese tackle giant in California earlier this month.
Ever Green has enhanced its credentials as one of Japan’s top lure brands with wins in US bass tournaments by top sponsored anglers such as Brett Hite and Morizo Shimizu, both of whom have participated in B.A.S.S. Bassmaster Elite tournaments, for many years.
With the nationwide distribution channel of Daiwa Corporation, it aims to offer more stable delivery to retailers throughout the USA and Canada.
At the ICAST show in July, the Ever Green stand will be located next to Daiwa’s. Visitors to the booth will be able to see their product line-up for the USA and talk business with the representatives.
Ever Green plans to launch a new website for the US market in July.
- See more at: http://www.angling-international.com/daiwa-corporation-takes-on-ever-green-in-us-and-canada/#sthash.kBAcyMRI.dpuf

2014 Bassmaster Elite at Delaware River Day 2: Ike Take Lead in Hometown!

Difficult fishing makes for tight tournament. 

By Deb Johnson

bass press release

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The crowd began to cheer and chant “Ike, Ike, Ike” even before Philadelphia-born Michael Iaconelli, now also a New Jersey fishing hero, took the stage Friday for the second weigh-in of the Bassmaster Elite on the Delaware River.

Iaconelli wows the hometown crowd with
slim lead on Day 2.
(Photo: James Overstreet BASS)

It was as if the boisterous Ike fans felt their voices could pull their hometown guy up from 21st place, almost 8 pounds behind first-day leader Boyd Duckett after the initial round Thursday.

But “Ike,” as it turned out, was able to get up all by himself. He turned in 15-1, the biggest sack of bass to meet the scales Friday, and deftly slipped the lead away from Duckett, albeit by only 14 ounces.

Duckett gave Iaconelli’s rocket ride from 21st place a boost by posting 6-7, relegating Duckett to second place. Iaconelli had 24-3 on the board to Duckett’s 23-5.

But Duckett, who’s from Guntersville, Ala., and Iaconelli, now living in Pittsgrove, N.J., have plenty of competition left before either can claim the Elite event’s first prize of $100,000 and an instant 2015 Bassmaster Classic qualification.

Morizo Shimizu of Osaka, Japan, is one prime threat. He produced 10-4 for a two-day total of 22-6. That put him in third place and 1 pound, 13 ounces behind Iaconelli.

U.S. OPEN 2013 September 9 to 11 on Lake Mead

The WON US OPEN on Lake Mead is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world. Check out who is fishing it this year.

Check back with IBASSIN.com for US OPEN  Coverage.

ICAST 2013: Day 2 Photo Gallery

By Luigi De Rose

Day 2 was a busy one. Saw a lot of old friends and made some new ones. Even got to chat with the master Roland Martin. That doesn't happen everyday. Here is a glimpse of the ICAST Day 2.

Roland Martin and myself.

Holy crap! Not sure if that deer is real but the Lucky Strike guys
love their bucks, they had a whole booth full!

A packed Strike King booth.

Chip Leer said he took the Grayhound bus from Minnesota all
the way to Vegas. Not sure if he was joking but a trip that long is not funny.

Did some great videos with Shaw at the Quantum booth.

Morizo Shimizu with the new Evergreen Cranking rods.

FLW Pro Shinich Fukae showing what Megabass rods are all about. 

A new clip from Gamakatsu.

Bassmaster Elite angler Aaron Martens. He did the funniest
video ever. It is full of follies.  I am still laughing. 

Bass Master Classic 2011 Day 2: How our picks did on Day 2

ibassin.com Top Classic Picks: How are they fishing?
By Luigi De Rose



Another in the boat for Kevin.
Photo: James Overstreet (BASS)

Kevin Van Dam #1 Kevin Van Dam is leading! Well, that is not a surprise. Kevin is so amazing he is an easy pick. Very glad that I picked him as one of my top picks but he is so dominate he is almost too easy. Just the same, he is making a mess with his cranking rod. No real word about how is is catching them but I've seen many photographs with him hold a KVD cranking rod and even one photo with a small, shallow running crank. Looks very similar to a Lucky Craft's Rick Clunn 1.5 profile but it must be Strike King's KVD square bill crank. Regardless, this is his style of fishing.

Gary Klein # 7

Klein at Top Speed!
Photo: James Overstreet (BASS)

Gary is just amazing. Considering his age he is still a killer. On stage he said he would abandon his Venice fishing spot if the fog delay went past 10am. It was lifted at 9:45am and he rocketed down there. Today, Gary explained he only fished for 42 minutes and still caught 17 pounds even. That is amazing. What damage could he have done without the fog.

Ike # 17
He has been fishing well just not having the time to do it. He is also going very far south and trying his best. Too many things didn't fall into place. A limit of 13-01 on day 1 follow by 11-09 on day 2 is still strong in this crazy Classic.

Morizo Shimizo #22


Sharing a joke on stage.
Photo: James Overstreet (BASS)

 A strong showing for a guy fishing his first Classic. He was one of the first to land a limit today. He is fishing very small ditched and canals close to Shaw Grigsby. Still think he was a good long shot. Hopefully, on day 3 he nails 25 pounds. (Probably not likely but I hope he gets 15 pounds)

Kelly Jordan #37
Great start yesterday but got killed today. Only 2-15 today and I think he was late getting in. A strong fisherman who said he was going for it all today. That's what happens. Still a great pick.

Greg Hackney #42
Still not sure what happened. He explained to the crowd that he will never pre-fish a Classic way in advanced again. It ruined his mental game trying to refish old and dying spots. Again, another super fisherman who didn't get it right this week. Still think he was a super choice.

Bass Master Classic 2011 Preview: Who Will Win?

IBASSIN.COM'S TOP CLASSIC PICKS
By Luigi De Rose

On the eve of any main sporting event there is always water cooler talk about who will win?  Making predictions is fun but it takes a bit of educated guessing to get it right. Here are my choices. These anglers are selected for a variety of reasons. All are very skilled and could easily win. Winning the most important bass fishing tournament in the world is not a simple matter. This is the BASS MASTER CLASSIC.

Greg Hackney



photo: BASS

The man is from Louisiana! Home state is never a guarantee you'll succeed but the Delta is not your average river. Plus, Greg can fish. A super, strong angler with a life time of knowledge of the swamp will go a long way. Past Classics here were in the summer. Heat, wind and weed growth dictated fish presence and activity levels.  Early spring will be a totally different animal. So if you consider how many are seeing the Delta for the first time plus all the changes from Hurricane Katrina, Greg Hackney does seem to have an advantage.  He might be my #1 choice and I would bet money on a Top 5 showing but I don't think he'll take it. My head says yes and my gut is undecided. 

Gary Klein


photo: BASS

 I would love for Gary to win. The guy is a walking legend and he's done very well during past trips to the Delta.  Gary knows everything about catching bass throughout the entire spawning period which makes him even deadlier. I'm not picking him because I think the guy rocks but because he can really fish well during awkward cold front, pre-spawn periods. 

If this becomes more of a pre-spawn situation with some colder weather blasting in, Mr. Klein is my man. Why? Past history and his determination. If Gary feels he is on the right fish to win he might be unstoppable. This is the guy who got shot at during a Delta Classic and didn't even flinch. He's tough! 

His past wins speak volumes. During the 1993 Bassmaster Alabama Invitational (Feb 17 to 19) on Lake Eufaula he won by flipping and pitching in river eddies to edge out everyone during a very cold and stingy tournament. Same again at the 2003 Bassmaster Lake Seminole (Feb  6 to 9) event where Gary punched matted weeds. This was before anyone at the national level was punching mats. Both were February win during poor conditions. 

Also, he is Yoda with a flippin' rod. He was swinging one at the 1979 Classic and almost won; so how can you not pick Gary Klein. I might not bet the farm on him but if he has a heavy limit on Day One,  I might have to look under my mattress for an extra $50.   

Mike Iaconelli

photo: BASS

Ike is always dangerous. He finished second at the 2009 Bass Master Classic and the 2009 FLW Forest Wood Cup making the desire factor at an all-time high. Missing two championship wins in the same year would build a fire under anyone plus it is Mike. He doesn't need a reason to get pumped up. 


Why I like him? Two main reasons: history and mind set. He seems to always do well early in the season. There are hundreds of photos of him screaming with a toque on his head and a lunker in his hands. His mind set excudes determination. This time around his life is stable and full. A focused angler who has nothing to worry about is just as dangerous as the old Iaconelli who had the worries of the world and nothing to loose.  In my opinion I expect a top showing. I give him 40% chance of winning but 80% for a Top 5 place. 


Kelly Jordan


photo: BASS

 Kelly is a very strong angler from Texas who loves power fishing the shallows. The ledges and humps of Lake Fork, his home lake, will not give him an edge here but his knowledge of how bass use brush, weeds and stumps will. A keen shallow water angler,  the Delta should be an area where he can excel. If the fish are biting spinnerbaits or on a shallow flipping bite,  I expect him to do well. Jordan has a life time of skill from fishing east Texas during the spring so the Delta shouldn't be that confusing. One thing I worry about is the immense pressure of the Classic might be too overwhelming.  The bite might come and go and the stress of waiting hours between fish could get the better of him. I hope not. He is my long shot. A true dark horse.


Morizo Shimizu


photo: BASS

Being from Japan might be a plus of the personable Morizo Shimizu. This skilled angler knows how to strain bass from areas and grind them out. Several pros think it might be won on the flats with cranks. Evergreen International, one of his main sponsors, is a huge crankbait manufacturer so Morizo has the skill and the cool baits to catch these Delta bass. Another plus is that many tournaments held in Japan are on rivers or lakes with canals or channelized systems. He knows how to dissect water and make the best of an average location. With the enormous size of the Classic boundaries, if you commit to an area then you've committed the entire day there. Forget the Spanish moss, alligators and airboats, the brackish water of the Delta might be surprisingly familiar to Morizo. Considering he has anchored a Top 5 finish on Guntersville (Elite) and Lake Mead (The WON US Open) two wildly different lakes this year, he might to do well in the geographically unique Delta. He is my wild card. Everyone has a wild card and he is mine.


Kevin Van Dam 


photo: BASS

 Why not! He already has 3 Classic wins (one on the Delta) and a fourth is just around the corner. He has back to back Angler of the Year titles so why not back to back Classics. Really, if this is a pre-spawn, shallow water cranking tournament why wouldn't Van Dam be a front runner?  If Gary Klein is Yoda with a flipping rod then Van Dam has to be Varder with a cranking rod.  Also, he's been at the top of his game for the past three years. Considering the way Kevin for been racking up trophies, he is one of my top picks.  My mind says he'll win but my heart says Klein or Hackney.

Well there are my choices. As I write this I feel ill-equipped to really judge some of the meeker Classic qualifiers. I just don't know them well enough to call one a sure winner. Bill Lowen is someone who catches my eye. He loves shallow water river systems.  He might be one I should pick but I don't know him well enough. If Takahiro Omori qualified for this Classic I would have him in my top picks for sure. Even with his busted hand.  There are a few others but that's the fun of guessing.




We'll have to wait for Day 1 of the 2011 Bass Master Classic. 
Stay tuned.