Kristine Fischer Wins Hobie Bass Open Series Tournament of Champions

Abu Garcia and Fenwick Pro, Kristine Fischer, takes the crown and $35,000 on Lake Eufala, Alabama for the Hobie BOS Tournament of Champions.

The 2021 Hobie Bass Open Series Tournament of Champions, a kayak bass fishing championship event, was held on Lake Eufala, Alabama from Friday, November 12^th to Sunday, November 14^th. Only the Top 50 anglers in Hobie BOS Angler of the Year standings qualify for this three-day championship style event and the angler with the five longest bass (in inches) on each day will take home the crown and a grand prize of $35,000.
 
Going into day one of the event, Fenwick and Abu Garcia Pro Kristine Fischer mentioned “I had never fished Eufala but the research I did leading up to the event led me to believe the fishing was going to be tough. It was a three-day event, so I wanted to avoid areas that only held resident fish and concentrate more on areas that would reload over the course of the event. I knew Eufala had a reputation of having a great offshore bite, specifically live scoping brush piles, and I knew that would likely play in this event. However, my strengths consist of power fishing shallow, so I was determined to find an area where I could fish my strengths, and not worry about the “dock talk” regarding people catching them good out deep. I covered and eliminated a lot of water and had a tough practice. I was able to get a few bites in practice fishing main lake bank grass, and bank grass around the mouths of the pockets. I knew we had a cold front coming in day two, and a freeze warning for Sunday, so I looked at the east side of the lake knowing the northwest wind would blow in that warmer main lake water. 
 
Fischer grabbed her Fenwick rods, Abu Garcia reels, committed to her pattern on day one and put up 77.00” for her best five fish, putting her in 11^th place going into day two.
 
On day two, Fischer continued her pattern of throwing a Berkley Cane Walker in the mornings, punching bank grass once the sun was overhead and committed to fishing new water. Her second day total was 80.50” for her five longest fish, bringing her total to 157.50” and sitting in 3^rd place going into the third and final day of competition.
 
Going into the last of competition, Fischer mentioned, “I was fishing new water every single day so I wouldn’t lean too hard on the few stretches of bank grass that seemed to hold fish. Isolated clumps and any subtle point in the grass were key for me. I was lucky enough to have a large area all to myself for the final day.”

ICAST 2016 Jackall Archelon Craw with JP De Rose and IBASSIN

Jackall has a new craw ideal for flipping, pitching and as a trailer. Check out the new Jackall Archelon Craw.  JP De Rose goes through all the features of this new and great craw.

Shimano's New Aldebaran Baitcasting Reel with Jonathon Van Dam and IBASSIN

The brand new Shimano Aldebaran is finally available. Bassmaster Elite Angler, Jonathan Van Dam explains why this is the lightest, most enjoyable to fish reel on the market. IBASSIN.com found out that the Shimano Aldebaran has X-Ship for extreme strength. The Aldebaran only weights 4.7 ounces making it one of the lightest casting reels ever made. Available in right and left handed retrieves, the Aldebaran reels come in 6.5:1 or 7.4:1 gear ratios for easy fishing. When you consider the Aldebaran comes with SVS infinity, Silent Tune and Shimano Stable Spool design, this light-weight wonder is one awesome reel.

Benefits of Running a Yamaha VMAX SHO Engine with Dave Chong.

Pro angler Dave Chong explains the benefits of the new Yamaha VMAX SHO four stroke engines. Better hole shot, great gas mileage, high end speed are only a few of the fantastic benefits of running a Yamaha VMAX SHO engine.

ICAST 2015: The 2016 Abu Garcia Revo Spin with Hunter Shryock

Hunter Shryock introduces the new 2016 Abu Garcia Revo Spinning Lineup.

ICAST 2015: Storm® Arashi® Rattling Deep 18 & 25

These baits swim with limited side-to-side action and body roll to maximize diving depth and reduce angler fatigue when retrieving. Single cadence rattle for low frequency sound that penetrates further yet is not overpowering.

Rage Fish Attractants Lures Chong as Pro-Staff

Canadian pro-angler David Chong, signs on with Rage Fish Attractants Inc! David is one of the top multi-species anglers and one of the most knowledgeable and well respected professionals in the country. For more info on Dave and his fishing action catch him on Twitter. twitter.com/FishHardDave

The 2015 Bassmaster Elite Series Anglers

By: BASS

Dec 22, 2014

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The 2015 Bassmaster Elite Series field is now set with a mixture of well-known veteran pros and young up-and-comers ready to zig-zag the country, vying for thousands of dollars and the coveted Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year title.
Topping the 113-angler field is Greg Hackney of Gonzales, La., who won the 2014 A.R.E. Truck Caps Bassmaster Elite Series event on New York’s Cayuga Lake en route to capturing the 2014 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year title. The remainder of last year’s Top 5 points earners is also returning with four-time B.A.S.S. tournament winner Todd Faircloth of Jasper, Texas; three-time winner Jacob Powroznik of Port Haywood, Va.; six-time winner Aaron Martens of Leeds, Ala.; and five-time winner Mark Davis of Mount Ida, Ark.
There will be 13 newcomers to the Elite Series field, including Brent Ehrler of Redlands, Calif., who qualified by finishing seventh in the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Opens standings. Though he has yet to win a B.A.S.S. event, Ehrler has enjoyed success on the FLW Tour with eight victories, 33 career Top 10 finishes and more than $2.2 million in earnings during a decade-long career.
The field will feature a dozen former Classic winners, including Davis, Rick Clunn of Ava, Mo., Paul Elias of Laurel, Miss.; Davy Hite of Ninety Six, S.C.; Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich.; Michael Iaconelli of Runnemede, N.J.; Takahiro Omori of Emory, Texas; Boyd Duckett of Demopolis, Ala.; Alton Jones of Lorena, Texas; Skeet Reese of Auburn, Calif.; Cliff Pace of Petal, Miss.; and 2014 winner Randy Howell of Springville, Ala.

The Mighty Kevin Van Dam Fails to Qualify for the 2015 Classic!

There will be no 2015 Classic appearance after 24 in a row

By Steve Wright

Originally posted on bassmaster.com

UNION SPRINGS, N.Y. — It didn't become official until Saturday's weigh-in at the Bassmaster Elite Series Cayuga Lake tournament was complete.

But it's a done deal now: Kevin VanDam, the most accomplished angler in B.A.S.S. history, didn't qualify to compete in what would have been his 25th Bassmaster Classic in a row.

Difficult to believe KVD will miss
a Classic.
(Photo: BASS)

That's almost unimaginable because VanDam has been so consistently good for so long.

KVD handled the bad news just like he's handled everything else in his brilliant career -- with class and honesty.

"I can promise you, I hate it right now," he said at the Frontenac Park weigh-in site.

"But I don't care who you are or how good you are, it's going to happen eventually. It's very humbling out here."

This season has been unfathomably humbling for the 46-year-old Kalamazoo, Mich., resident. Only a few years after he burst on the B.A.S.S. scene it was unquestionable that there was a Superman on the circuit and KVD were his initials.

Consider this: In the first eight seasons of the Elite Series, VanDam missed the top 50 cut (and the $10,000 check that goes with it) only four times.

That's cashing-in on 69 of 73 chances. But in 2014, VanDam doubled those sub-top 50 performances – four more in a single season, including the four worst finishes of his Elite Series career.

2014 ICAST: Jackall Lures' Scissor Comb

Check out this new product from Jackall Lures. FLW tournament pro Cody Meyers explains this new worm's cool features.

B.A.S.S. Pioneer Ricky Green dies at age 69

(Originally posted by BASSFAN)

Former tour pro Keith Green confirmed today that his father, 14-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier Ricky Green, died on Sunday at age 69. He'd battled severe lung issues for several years and received a transplant on May 1, but developed an infection that led to his death.

He won two Bassmaster Tour events (the 1972 Rebel Invitational at Ross Barnett Reservoir in Mississippi and the 1974 Texas Invitational at Sam Rayburn Reservoir) and competed in his final Classic in 1985.

"Getting that transplant was the only chance he had to get back to doing what he liked to do, which was being in the outdoors," said longtime friend and fellow Arkansan Larry Nixon. "It was extremely risky, but he decided to do it, and I admire him for that."

3 Soft Stickbait Rigs You Must Know!

By Luigi De Rose

In this month's issue of Ontario OUT OF DOORS magazine is my most recent column. The article is called,  3 Soft Stickbait Presentation Every Angler Should Know.  Also, have a look in The Opener section at my article on 3 Knots of Fluorocarbon. A few other must read articles from this issue are: For the Record: The 65 Pound Muskie Question & The Ultimate Wild Game BBQ.

Doug "The Bass Professor" Hannon Passes

Photo: Wave Spin Reel

Doug Hannon the bass fishing legend has passed. Very few details about his passing are currently available.  Doug, a Florida resident, hunted for big bass. He taught the world about the intricacies of big bass and their habits. Doug was an author, inventor, TV host, plus entered into the Fishing Hall of Fame as a Legendary Angler in 2000 having caught over 800 10lb+ Largemouth bass. It is sad to see a lion pass. 

2013 BASSMASTER CLASSIC Interview: Cliff Pace the Man & Angler

By Luigi De Rose

A week after Cliff Pace was crowned the BASSMASTER CLASSIC champion, IBASSIN.com had an opportunity to chat with him. In an attempt to learn more about the mild mannered pro from Mississippi, this portion of the interview focuses on Cliff Pace the person and angler and the effects of winning the Classic.

Cliff Pace Wins.
(Photos: BASS)

At 32 years of age, Pace has three BASS wins to his credit. Both of his prior victories occurred at Central BASS Opens. The Classic win on Grand Lake was his first Tour victory on the Elite circuit.  He has 4 second place finishes, two during the 2012 season, and has earned just over $1.2 million with BASS. Many people close to Cliff feel that the Classic was a breakout tournament and expect many great achievements from him in the near future.

IBASSIN

First of all, congratulations on the Classic win.  Many past winners have stated that, “the Classic will change your life.” It’s been a week, how much has changed?

Cliff Pace

Thanks! Winning has not really changed much of anything. It’s added to my life. My schedule is very busy.  Winning has given opportunities. Opportunities for my friends, family and sponsors to enjoy the Classic win. It has given me a great chance to appreciate all of them (sponsors, friends and family) and let them celebrate the win and given them a chance to shine.

IBASSIN

How has the response been of you winning?

Cliff Pace

I have had hundreds of emails, calls and people congratulating me. So many people have mentioned how proud they were of me for being me. I am not the kind of guy to go crazy and throw my shoes into the crowd during the Classic. I am not that kind of person.

IBASSIN

At the Classic, during the press conference you said that deep, rocky lakes were foreign to you when you first started out. Being from Mississippi, where 5 feet is deep, is this win, outside the fact that it is the Classic, more special?

Bass Talk 2013- Spring Fishing Show Special

One Week to Go!

BassTalk & the Spring Fishing & Boat Show have partnered up to present "The Most Informative Bass Fishing Seminar Series in Canada!" at the greatest possible venue. BassTalk 2013 will take place at the 2013 Spring Fishing & Boat Show on Mon. Feb. 18, 2013 starting at 8 AM concluding at 11 AM; doors will open at 7:30 AM. Four of Canada’s top bass pros will share their knowledge and experience in their detailed BassTalk exclusive presentations (Speakers & topics will be announced shortly). BassTalk is proud to team up with the Pallotta family and the Spring Fishing & Boat Show to bring BassTalk which is “Canadian Bass Pros Talking Canadian Bass Anglers!” to all bass anglers who hunger for knowledge. This partnership great decreases our costs in holding a BassTalk which allows us to provide all attendees with even greater value. As usual we’ll have many awesome silent auction items and draws. A few comments from past attendees, we’re only listing a few because if we listing them all this would become a novel.

FLW Touring Pro Cody Myers Joins Shimano

Noted bass angler Cody Meyer from Grass Valley, Calif. is now on board with Shimano’s expanding pro staff, casting Jackall baits on Shimano rods matched with PowerPro-filled Shimano reels, announces Bob Mahoney, marketing manager for Shimano. Meyers begins his new affiliation with the Shimano brand at the upcoming FLW Tour stop at Lake Okeechobee starting February 7.

            “Cody has been a great asset to Jackall Lures, and we look forward to him helping us bring even more awareness to not only Jackall, but also Shimano and PowerPro as well,” Mahoney said. “He’ll be assisting our team at tournaments, dealers functions and tackle shows as his schedule allows, plus we’ll be listening to him for input on rods, reels, line and lures.”

BassTalk 2013-“A Match Made in Heaven”

Come Learn with Bass Talk

BassTalk & the Spring Fishing & Boat Show have partnered up to present "The Most Informative Bass Fishing Seminar Series in Canada!" at the greatest possible venue. BassTalk 2013 will take place at the 2013 Spring Fishing & Boat Show on Mon. Feb. 18, 2013 starting at 8 AM concluding at 11 AM; doors will open at 7:30 AM. Four of Canada’s top bass pros will share their knowledge and experience in their detailed BassTalk exclusive presentations (Speakers & topics will be announced shortly). BassTalk is proud to team up with the Pallotta family and the Spring Fishing & Boat Show to bring BassTalk which is “Canadian Bass Pros Talking Canadian Bass Anglers!” to all bass anglers who hunger for knowledge. 

Boyd Duckett Wins Bass Elite on Oneida!

By Deb Johnson

Aug 26, 2012

BASS Press Release

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Boyd Duckett used to count on his red shoes as his talisman. Now it seems his two-week-old son is bringing him all the luck he needs.
In pro fishing, it’s half-jokingly called “the baby pattern” because pros with new kids have proved to suddenly be more motivated. And that was true for Duckett when he came from behind Sunday to win the Ramada Championship on Oneida Lake by 6 ounces, snapping up a win that Day Two and Day Three leader Randy Howell had hoped might be his.
But Duckett was driven by something else, too. The 2007 Bassmaster Classic champ was determined to qualify for the 2013 Classic, and he knew he’d likely have to do it via the win-you’re-in rule. Sitting 53rd in points going into Oneida, he knew that the only way left for that to happen was the Aug. 23-26 Oneida Lake event.

2012 Bass Elite Oneida Lake Day 3: Howell Still Leads and Chapman Wins AOY

By Deb Johnson

Aug 25, 2012
BASS Press Release

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Randy Howell was all smiles Saturday afternoon. He took the lead in the Ramada Championship for the second day in a row. Minutes later, his close friend and angling cohort Brent Chapman won the 2012 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year award.
But as far as Howell’s day on the water went, he was shaking his head.

Weather changes killed Randy's pattern but he adjusted
enough to keep the lead.
(Photos: BASS)

“It was a crazy day, I’ll tell you,” said Howell. “It was 11:30 and I didn’t have but one fish. I actually caught that one at 11. By 11:30, I knew my fish just weren’t going to bite there today.”
But the Springfield, Ala., pro adjusted. He brought 15 pounds, 10 ounces to the scales to stay in command in the 2012 season finale of the Bassmaster Elite Series. Howell’s three-day total of 47-12 kept him in front of Boyd Duckett of Demopolis, Ala., whose 14-0 of Saturday landed him in second place — again — with 45-6.
Scott Rook of Little Rock, Ark., had 45-3, 2-9 behind the leader, to stay in third place. But that was the end of the replay of the top three from Friday. Terry Scroggins of San Mateo, Fla., moved into fourth, up from eighth, with 44-8. Jason Quinn of Lake Wylie, S.C., popped up from 10th into fifth place with 44-4.
They lead the Top 12 who will compete Sunday for the Ramada Championship trophy, $100,000 and an instant qualification for the 2013 Bassmaster Classic.

2012 Bass Elite Oneida Lake Day 2: Howell Leads and Chapman Controls AOY

By Deb Johnson

AUG 24, 2012

BASS Press Release

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — As he squeezed out a 12-ounce lead Friday in the Bassmaster Elite Series’ season finale, Randy Howell was feeling a whole lot more love for Oneida Lake.

Randy is power fishing for smallmouths.
(Photos: BASS)

Oneida was the scene of his precipitous fall from a first-day lead in 2009, and the setting of a win just out of reach in 2011. And those weren’t the only times he’s driven away from the upstate New York lake feeling frustrated.

But now, the Bassmaster Elite Series pro from Springfield, Ala., says he’s got something key figured out about Oneida Lake’s big smallmouth and largemouth populations.

“I love this lake. I have 100 waypoints on this lake from fishing it, and there’s fish on a lot of them,” he said.

Howell brought 16 pounds, 6 ounces to the scales Friday for a two-day total of 32 pounds, 2 ounces and the lead in the Ramada Championship. He stayed 12 ounces in front of Boyd Duckett of Demopolis, Ala., who sacked the day’s biggest bag — a 17-11 — to jump from 27th place from Day 1.

Scott Rook of Little Rock, Ark., pulled up from eighth place into third by producing consistently over two days: 15-7 Thursday followed by 15-9 Friday. Fourth by Friday was Tommy Biffle of Wagoner, Okla., with 30-14. Day 1 leader Michael Iaconelli of Pittsgrove, N.J., unable to come close to his huge first-day catch of over 20 pounds, slipped to fifth place with a two-day tally of 30-9.

The field was cut to 49 for Saturday’s competition. By Sunday, only the Top 12 will compete for the event’s $100,000 first-place prize and an entry in the 2013 Bassmaster Classic.

This flat is full of bait and smallies. 

Howell has virtually earned enough points for a Classic berth already, but he’s shooting for a win. Not to mention the satisfaction of conquering a lake that’s gotten the better of him in the past.

“It’s exciting to catch them better the second day,” Howell said. “I’ve had some tumbles on the second day.”