Buzzer beater! Lane claims dramatic victory in final minute on Kissimmee Chain

Florida pro's last-minute 5-5 earns him 9-ounce win over Mark Davis

Chris Lane had no idea he was the winner of Stage One when it was time for lines out. Photo by Garrick Dixon.

Mason Prince

BASS PRO TOUR 

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – “You’re kidding me?” Chris Lane asked his official in disbelief.

“No sir, I’m not,” his official confirmed.

In one of the most memorable finishes in Bass Pro Tour history, Lane was able to leapfrog Bass Fishing Hall of Famer Mark Davis in the final minute of B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One Presented by Grundéns. Lane needed a bass weighing 4 pounds, 12 ounces or more to cull and catch Davis. With less than 2 minutes remaining, Lane hooked into a 5-5 largemouth, landed it with less than a minute left and was able to edge Davis by 9 ounces.

In what should have been a moment of celebration, Lane had no idea he had actually just won his first Bass Pro Tour event. Lane believed he needed more than a 7-pounder to catch Davis and thought the 5-5 was going to leave him shy. It wasn’t until time expired that Lane’s official informed him that he had, in fact, just won the event.

Of course, there was a signature ‘POW’ expressed by Lane, maybe with a little more spunk and emotion than usual. For Lane to win this event on a lake where he holds so many fond memories, it’s easy to see why the massive moment in his career moved him to tears.

New DT Opens Tour

The Competitive Sport Fishing League announced today they have partnered with DT Powersports Marine in creating the DT Opens Tour. The DT Opens Tour will qualify one team to advance to the highly anticipated Johnny Morris Bass Pro Shops US Open National Bass Fishing Amateur Team Championship, taking place November 19 through 21, 2021 on Table Rock Lake, Missouri.

DT Powersports is giving the opportunity for a team to compete in the upcoming US Open Championship in November with a $1 Million Grand Prize, and a total purse valued at $4.3 Million in cash and prizes including $1 Million Conservation donation! The US Open Championship is being created exclusively for amateurs including serious weekend tournament anglers, parents, grandparents, and youngsters, giving everyday anglers, friends, and families the chance to win the biggest payout ever in angling history.

The Competitive Sport Fishing League is pleased to partner with DT Powersports and Marine, an organization that has successfully worked with the CSFL and offers ongoing support to CSFL Anglers. The DT Opens, formerly known as the CSFL Open Tour, made up of events from both the CSFL Eastern and Western Tours, will still offer ten qualifying positions advancing to the CSFL National Classic. In addition, a team that participates in a minimum of 3 out of 4 qualifying events with the highest finishing points and meets the qualification guidelines will get an opportunity to advance to the BPS US-Open Championship and represent Canada.

For more information and to register for the DT Opens Tour visit www.dtopenstour.com

It's Official!

Bass Pro Shop has officially merged with Cabela's. 

Bass Pro takeover of Cabela’s could be back on track

Deal back on
Originally posted in Angling International

Bass Pro’s buy-out of rival retailer, Cabela’s, which appeared to be facing collapse earlier this year, could be back on track.

But the cost of the acquisition will be $500 million less under the terms of a new merger agreement.

The $5.5 billion deal was announced in February, but then ran into difficulty when Cabela’s had problems selling the internal banking operation for its credit card programme.

Cabela’s had reached agreement to dispose of it to Capital One, with the deal being announced on the same day as the acquisition. But that move stalled when it failed to get approval from the Federal Trade Commission, putting the overall merger in jeopardy.

However, Synovus Financial, the Georgia owner of 250 south-east branches, is now reportedly planning to buy the banking business before reselling to Capital One. If Cabela’s should fail to complete the new sale then the broader deal will remain at risk.

Lake Simcoe Open's New Rules

Here's some of the new rules for the Bass Pro Shop Lake Simcoe Open. As an angler or spectator, this is one of the most thrill tournament of the season!

The following rules shall apply to the Lake Simcoe Open except that (i) these rules may be changed by the Aurora Bassmasters (AB) immediately upon notice by AB to its members, sponsors, partners, suppliers and/or participants, which notice may be published on http://www.aurorabass.com or http://www.simcoeopen.com

Interpretation and enforcement of these rules shall be left solely to the Tournament Director or to his/her designee. In the event of a rule violation, the Tournament Director or a rules committee may impose such sanctions as deemed appropriate by them; including, without limitation to, disqualification, forfeiture of prizes, entry free and prohibition from participation in subsequent tournaments. Subject to any protests process in paragraph 28 below, the decision of the tournament Director of his/her designee shall be final in all matters. Penalties for rules violations may include the following: (a) loss of catch for the day of the violation, (b) disqualification from the tournament in question, (c) disqualification from future tournaments/events, whereby disqualification may be from a specific number of events or for a specific period of time or may be a lifetime disqualification and, (d) any different or additional penalties determined by the tournament directors.

PARTICIPANTS, ELIGIBILITY & COMPETITION:

1) Competitors must be 16 years of age or older. Competitors under the age of 18 must have written parental consent accompanied by a completed proof of General Rules, Regulations & Liability.

2) Entry fees are non-refundable. The Tournament Director reserves the right to refuse or deny application. Payments must be received in-full by Saturday October 17th. Late Entries will be accepted afterwards right up to 7pm at the pre-tournament meeting beginning at 5pm on Friday October 23rd at the Highway Man Inn, Orillia.  Late entries will be assessed a late fee payment of $50.00 to complete their registration.  These will be accepted on a first come/first serve basis (cash only during pre-tournament meeting)

2a) Tournament Director reserves the right to add up to 10 boats to the proposed 100 boat cap in 2016. A waiting list will be compiled and farmed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

3) All competitors must hold a valid Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Fishing License and must be on your person & produced upon request- MNRF Conservation Licenses are not valid for the Lake Simcoe Open.

Bass Pro Shops Hooks Cabela's

Hail to the King!

By Luigi De Rose

And Sold! Bass Pro Shop’s acquisition of Cabela’s has finally occurred with a staggering $5.5 billion (US) transaction.

Under pressure for lagging sales especially in its foot ware and apparel departments Cabela’s was actively looking for a buyer. An offer of $65.50 per share is a 19.2 percent premium to Cabela's close on Friday making the takeover very appealing and lucrative for shareholders. Its stock has jumped 11.1 percent from this time last year.

This move has vaulted Bass Pro Shop to hunting and fishing retail supremacy. The combined company will have 184 stores in America and Canada. The agreement between Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops is expected to close in the first half of 2017.

For the outdoor industry it might be boom or bust. For the companies lucky to grab shelf space its brand will be showcased to outdoor enthusiasts throughout the continent. Being on the outside looking in can spell doom particularly for start-up or smaller companies. Even popular regional brands will now have a more difficult task to catch the eye of Bass Pro Shop’s buyers. Many insiders forecast that the future will see more generic store brand lures which will be a detriment to the industry as a whole. As this occurs, competition will likely be more feverish for anyone who wants to slay the beast.

Fishing & Hunting Retailers Epic Battle?

Super Store Superiority 

By Luigi De Rose

Earlier this year, it was speculated that Bass Pro Shop was eyeing the takeover of retail giant Cabela's. With a successful capture of Ranger, Triton and Stratos boats in 2014, Bass Pro Shop looks like it’s still hungry for domination.  According to an article in Angling-International and another in Fishing Tackle Retailer the outdoor retail business has not been all roses in 2015. According to Fishing Tackle Retailer, Sports Authority a major competitor of Cabela's missed an interest payment on a $343 million dollar (US) loan that resulted in 100 headquarters staff becoming redundant. 

Cabela’s is also making major moves to become more profitable and alluring to future buyers. Fishing Tackle Retailer states that, "according to LowCards.com, a credit card news outlet, Cabela’s is trying to sell the business before selling off the company altogether. It adds that Bass Pro Shops is not interested in Cabela’s credit card portfolio despite the fact that its sales represent about 30% of the Nebraska-based retailer’s transactions."

Regardless, less competition will limit selection and competitive pricing for consumers. The silver lining in all of this is that smaller retailers or niche stores, who are willing to specialize and offer diversity, should profit greatly. 

Ranger Brass Resign!

Huge Shake up at Ranger!
By Luigi De Rose

Top-tier executives at Ranger Boat have just resigned. Several outlets have stated that CEO Randy Hopper, Vice-President of sales Keith Daffron and vice president of finance Mendel Hughes are no longer with Ranger Boat of Arkansas. This dramatic event come nearly a year after the announcement that Ranger was being purchased along with competitors Triton and Stratos boats.

Here's Randy himself explaining the amazing Ranger 520C. 

Keith Poche DQ Responce

Photo: Keith Poche Facebook

Following the DQ of Ish Monroe and Keith Poche at the recent BASS Bass Pro Shop Southern Open in Florida, Keith has posted the following statement to his facebook fans.

Here is his statement:
I'm sure everyone is confused about what's going on. First, I would like to apologize to everyone that has followed me, my sponsors, Bassmaster and my fellow competitors for the unfortunate situation on 1-16-15. Just to clear a few things up. I was on the trolling motor when I hit Ish Monroe's boat. I misjudged the wind and current that carried my momentum into his boat. This is my fault and I'm really sorry that my trolling motor hit his rub rail. Next, Ish begin to curse at me and degrade me as a person. I apologized to him about the boat contact. He still continued to yell and saying he was going to jump in my boat and whip my butt. He then jump into my boat and pushed me overboard. I fell against the back of another boat. Hitting my side on the power poles and motor. My hip is now swollen and I'm in a lot of pain. I'm just so thankful I didn't get seriously hurt or bump my head and drown in the current and leave my daughter without a father and my wife without a husband. I've never been in this situation before, so I reported to tournament officials to get proper protocol and they mentioned 911. Just doing what I was told. I wish the best for Ish in the future.

Ish Monroe Statement Regarding B.A.S.S. Southern Open Lake Toho Incident

In light of the recent disqualification of Ish Monroe at the recent Bass Pro Shop Southern Open, Ish has penned a public letter to address the matter. Here it is in it's entirety. 

(ishmonroe.com)

January 17, 2015 - By now you've all heard about the regrettable situation that occurred between myself and fellow Elite Series competitor Keith Poche at the first Southern Open of 2015 at Lake Toho.

I wanted to take a moment to issue an apology to B.A.S.S., the fans of the sport, my sponsors and the industry that supports professional bass fishing and the sport as a whole. I want everyone to know that the last thing I intend to do at any time is shed a bad light on the industry that has afforded me the opportunity to do what I love.

Monroe and Poche Disqualified from Southern Open!

By Luigi De Rose

Most professional athletes respect the unwritten rule that "what happened on the field stays on the field." This sportsman's code exists for ice, racetrack or ring but apparently not for fishing. Yesterday, Friday, January 16, 2015, Ish Monroe and Keith Poche got into a scuffle when Poche rammed Ish's boat at a lock on Lake Toho during the Bassmaster Southern Open tournament. Both had fiery words towards each other then Ish boarded Keith's boat. It is unclear what exactly happened next but both anglers fell into the water. By the end of Friday, Monroe was charged with battery by the local authorities.

The question many fans and pro-anglers have is to what extent does fishing relate to other sports when violations to the rules and unwritten rules of the game are broken. This might be a grey area of sportsmanship that has yet to be governed and the fact that formal charges were laid does intensify the matter ten-fold. So, the question arises, should what happens on the water stay on the water?

Here is the official statement from BASS regarding the matter.

By BASS Communications

JAN 17, 2015

Based on an investigation of an incident Friday during the Bassmaster Opens tournament on Lake Tohopekaliga, Florida, B.A.S.S. today disqualified two anglers from the event. Pursuant to B.A.S.S. rules, Ish Monroe of Hughson, Calif., and Keith Poche of Pike Road, Ala., were disqualified from the Open. Additional penalties for both anglers may be imposed pending the outcome of additional investigations that are ongoing at this time. Because of those investigations, B.A.S.S. will not comment further on the decisions.

2015 Bass Pro Shops Southern Open #1 Lake Tohopekaliga Day 1: New Yorker Slegona Nail Lead Over Giant Field

Star studded Open sees rookie sack only 30lb plus limit.

By Louie Stout

BASS PRESS RELEASE

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Andrew Slegona’s first fishing trip to Florida is off to a memorable start.
The Walker Valley, N.Y. angler jumped to the first-day lead in the Bass Pro Shops Southern Open #1 presented by AllState on Lake Toho with a whopping 31 pounds, 2 ounces.
The former construction worker, who built subway tunnels in New York before pursuing a pro fishing career, was aided by a pair of lunkers weighing 9-1 and 8-10. He had his big bag by 10:30 in the morning.

Matching 9 pounders helped Slegona.

“I caught them out of one area and never saw a boat come within 300 yards of where I was fishing,” said Slegona, who spent last week fishing nearby Florida waters to tune up for the event. “I found this spot in practice and today I realized I was really onto something.”
Slegona said he was flipping hydrilla in 10 feet of water.
“The thing is, this is a morning spot and I hope they’re in there tomorrow (Friday), too,” he added.
Two-time Bassmaster Junior World Champion Joey Nania of Cropwell, Ala. came in in second with 25-1. Brandon McMillain of Clewiston, Fla. had 24-9, Garrett Rocamora of Lithia, Fla. 24-4 and Brad Knight, Lancing, Tenn. 20-13.
Nania’s sack was even more impressive considering it also included a pair of scrawny one pounders, but was helped with bass weighing 8-3 and 8-12.
“I’ve always struggled here and had so many letdowns fishing in Florida, this really felt good,” Nania said. “I had been fishing fast, covering a lot of water, but when my co-angler caught a good one fishing slow, I decided to slow it down. That’s when I caught the 8-12 and figured it out.”
Daniel Lanier Jr. of Winter Springs, Fla. topped the co-angler division with three bass weighing 11-9. Craig Cullen of Vero Beach Fla. came in second with 11-4 and Steve Jarrett of Valrico, Fla. third with 11-2.

The Future of Ranger, Triton and Stratos Boats. Part 2

Is this the Death of FLW?
By Luigi De Rose

Last Friday, Bass Pro Shop announced that it acquired Ranger, Triton and Stratos boats. This deal has transformed Bass Pro Shops into the largest bass boat company in the world and one of the largest boat companies in America. With this deal came many concerns on how the bass fishing world would be affected. Here is Part 2 of our look into this matter.

Corporate Alliances

The tournament organization FLW had two title sponsors; Ranger Boats and Walmart, both are the backbone of their entire operation. Here lies the potential problem.  Will Bass Pro Shop (BPS) continue to honour Ranger’s commitment to FLW or will BPS remain focused on their Bassmaster sponsorship? Currently, BPS is the main sponsor for the BASS Open events. Even a slight pullback of financial support could make a huge difference in FLW’s bottom line and future.

The second major conflict is retail between Bass Pro Shops and Walmart. Walmart is a huge player in FLW events, so much so that the last two weigh-ins of every Tour event take place at a Walmart. How willing is Johnny Morris, owner and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, of supporting a tournament organization that promotes a direct rival?  Will FLW events start taking place in Bass Pro Shop parking lots? It might not be that crazy of a notion.

One possible outcome is that BASS develops stronger alliances with Bass Pro Shop and Ranger Boats. Ranger could become the official bass boat of BASS and BPS could be the main Tour event sponsor. This scenario would strengthen BASS as it cripples FLW. Fans and anglers embrace two national tours but remember these are businesses that wish to generate as much money and power as possible. This could be a very big win for BASS if they play their cards correctly. Regardless of the combination of conflicts or outcomes, FLW outdoors will have to dance a very dangerous dance to remain one of the best tournament organizations.

The Future of Ranger, Triton and Stratos Boats.

Making Sense of it All

By Luigi De Rose

The internet was a blur after Bass Pro Shop’s announcement that they acquired Ranger, Triton and Stratos boats last Friday. After the shock of the announcement, positive and negative reaction to this press release started to develop.  Speculation is never a strong leg to stand on. Clarity will only emerge over time.

Here is our attempt to bring some clarity to this historic acquisition.

The Future

When Ranger bought Stratos and Champion boats a few years back. Fears were realized when Champion become redundant and was sadly axed.  Stratos continued to prosper and soon adopted the Champion hull, which many felt was an improvement but scores of Champion owners were disappointed that their beloved boats were gone.

Time will be the most significant factor in the longevity of Stratos, Triton and Ranger. Ranger will rein supreme because it simply is Ranger. The other two boats might have rocky futures. If a decision to cull one of the two boats is made it will be made immediately or in two to three years. After sales projections and financial statements are securitized, a decision will be made if all three will continue. I feel that whoever lags in sales might be eventually be cut.

Tracker boats might not be in this equation because they’re an aluminum boat builder where the other three plus Nitro are all fiberglass. If Ranger broadens its aluminum boat production it might limit Tracker product line but only time can tell.

Another key question is which boat will be considered the ultimate Bass Pro Shop Boat? Will Ranger remain the crown jewel, followed by Nitro, Triton and then Stratos or will the Nitro boats be kept under a different category simply to run parallel to the other three? No one knows but it is a huge worry if I was an Elite or FLW angler waiting to make a down payment on a home.

Sponsorship

How will the sponsorship and media dollars be spent? Anglers, tournament organizations and media sources will now have fewer doors to knock on when looking for money. This has been a steady trend in the fishing industry for some time. Only look towards Pure Fishing, Pradco and Normark for greater clarity on the issue.  Mega corporations have many disadvantages especially for newcomers. Established anglers, TV shows and others in the media outlets might have the leverage to broker bigger

Van Soles wins 2014 BASS Bass Pro Shop Southern Open on Lake Toho!

By Ken Duke
BASS Press Release

ORLANDO, Fla. — He started slowly, but in the frigid weather that marked the first Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open of the year on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Van Soles was like a snowball. He gathered speed and eventually rolled over his competition.

Frigid temps were not enough to cool Van Soles.
(Photo: BASS)

For each of the final two days Soles posted the heaviest catch in the field. After being mired in 30th place on the first day, he posted catches of 19 pounds, 4 ounces on Day Two and 21-9 on Day Three. His three-day tally totaled 50-15, giving him the win in his first B.A.S.S. professional event.

"I fished the southwest side of Lake Kissimmee all three days, focusing on matted vegetation that had floated up against buggy whips, cattails and Kissimmee grass," Soles said. "The bass were really lethargic and the bite was slower on the last day than on Day Two."

Soles pitched and punched the matted vegetation with a Gambler BB Cricket (Emerald Blue, Black and Blue Flake and Bowen Silver Shadow) fished on a 3/0 Cobra Flipping Hook behind a 1 1/2-ounce Elite tungsten sinker pegged to the line by a Jethro Baits bobber stop. His line was 65-pound-test Power Pro braid spooled on a Lew's Speed Spool casting reel (7.1:1) and mounted on a 7-foot, 11-inch Halo XXX flipping rod (the same rod Jesse Tacoronte used to finish second in the Bassmaster Wild Card presented by Star brite back in December; Soles borrowed it from Tacoronte).

Bass Pro Shops announces plans to open fifth Canadian store in Kanata (Ottawa), Ontario

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Bass Pro Shops, an outdoor retailer specializing in hunting, fishing, camping and other related outdoor recreation gear, will locate its fifth Canadian store in Kanata, a suburb of Ottawa, Ontario.  The new 120,000-square-foot Bass Pro Shops® Outdoor World store will be located at Highway 417 and Huntmar Drive, directly across from the popular Canadian Tire Centre hockey arena in Kanata. The new store will feature the popular Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl and Grill.

“We couldn’t be more proud to announce that our fifth Canadian Bass Pro Shops store will be located in Kanata," said Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops.  "We’re also pleased to be chosen as lead anchor in the Broccolini-Laurentide development. The location is both high-profile and accessible, which will allow us to bring Bass Pro Shops’ low prices and friendly, expert service to better serve the area’s many sportsmen and women as well as those visiting Ottawa.”

Ottawa, Canada’s capital and fourth largest city, is located at the confluence of the Ottawa, Gatineau, and Rideau rivers and borders Gatineau, Quebec.  Together they form the National Capital Region--a tourism destination welcoming millions of visitors every year to celebrate Canada’s capital and Ottawa’s many cultural, arts and outdoor recreation opportunities. 

The Frosts Ice Over Bass Pro Shop Competition Part 2

Welcome back to IBASSIN’s exclusive interview with Simon Frost. He and his wife Melanie recently captured the 2013 Bass Pro Shop Lake Simcoe Open.

By Luigi De Rose

Simon and Melanie with one hell of a
big trophy!
(Photo: Derek Strub)

IBASSIN

You stated the smallmouth were in a state of transition. What was your most productive depth?

Simon

We found the best areas were 28 to 32 feet of water. The bass were right on that break line. The Humminbird Side Imaging would pick up the bass and if we drifted over the break, you could see the bass on the depth finder.

The side imaging was really important for keeping on the break lines. Those bass were right on that line and we had to follow it closely.

IBASSIN

You explained that the weather made fishing difficult. Did you fish are variety of places or just stay in one area?

Simon

We just fished one place that we knew very well. Actually, we didn’t get a chance to pre-practice for this tournament. We had booked the week off but couldn’t get away. That is what made the win so surprising because we didn’t get to practice at all.

IBASSIN

What were the best techniques?

Simon

Tubes were the only bait working.  We tried a few other things but tubes are what worked. We did try drop shotting for some suspended bass but they never bit. We casted far from the boat and slowly popped the tube back. All the tubes were rigged on 1/2oz jigheads.

The area we fished had no bait. We didn’t mark any bait and we only marked a few suspended bass. Most of the bass were right on the bottom. We think they were just inactive.

IBASSIN

What gear were you using? Please be specific and don’t worry about plugging any sponsors.

The Stradic Ci4 reel has become very common to serious
bass anglers. They Simon loves how well balanced it is with
the Cumara rods.
and 

Simon

The tube set up was all Shimano. The rod was a 7’6” Cumara medium action-spinning rod.  The reel was a Shimano 2500 Stradic Ci4.  We spooled up with 5lb test Power Pro braid and then a 12lb test XPS Fluorocarbon leader. That long rod was really helpful at casting great distances and getting that bait away from boat.

IBASSIN

Why are you using 5lb test braided line? Why so light?

Simon

I know, 5lb test is really light but it makes a difference. The thin line has less drag on the water and help the bait sink. We have never broken the braid on any bass. Our largest smallmouth on that 5lb test Power Pro has been about 7lbs plus we have landed numerous drum in the 15 pound range.

IBASSIN

I have been meaning to ask this question for a while. I have noticed that you have a Minn Kota Terrova Trolling motor. Why are you using that style of motor?

The Terrova offers many features
ideal for fishing deep water. It also
is matched to many Humminbird units. 

Simon

I switched to the Terrova because is has the I-PILOT feature. One of the neatest features is the spot lock. It works with GPS to hold you on a specific spot. If you drift off the mark, the motor will kick in and bring you right back to that spot. Recently, I have the I-PILOT Link feature which links to the Humminbird unit so you can share the GPS on your unit. You can use the link to create a route for the trolling motor to follow. We didn’t really create a route during the open but for open water that Terrova is really great. The motor has 101lbs of trust so it easily kept us in place.

IBASSIN

I guess that covers it. Very glad that we got a chance to chat and congratulations again on a great win.

Simon

Thanks Luigi!

Simon and Melanie Frost are super people. Simon has been on several television shows and featured in many magazine articles. His deep water smallmouth skills are very well known and respected.