FX 21 LE Skeeter Bass Boat Walk Through with Dave Chong

Come check out one of the hottest bass boat on the market. Dave Chong, Yamaha and Skeeter Pro gives us a walk through of the new 2018 FX 21 LE Skeeter Boat. The new Limited Edition FX21 LE boasts a bold attitude with custom colors unique only to the limited edition line. These limited edition models come fully loaded with Lowrance ® HDS 12 Carbon electronics on the dash and Lowrance ® HDS 9 Carbon on bow, Two (2) 8' Blade Power-Pole ® color matched to your boat, Minnkota ® Fortrex 112 trolling motor and storage lighting in all boxes. As unique and individual as you are, set yourself apart from the competition with a Limited Edition FX and leave your competition in your wake.

KVD Joins MINN KOTA TEAM

Check out the video announcement of KVD. 

2017 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship: Palaniuk Leads AOY; Combs Leads with 24-15lbs!

Palaniuk leads AOY; Combs tops weight

By Bryan Brasher

BASS PRESS RELEASE

Who is be the Angler of the Year?
(Photo: BASS)

It’s rare for an angler to finish 19th in the first round of a major tournament and end up totally setting the buzz for the event.

It’s rarer still for that angler to seem totally satisfied with his performance.

But after catching 21 pounds, 4 ounces of smallmouth bass and placing 19th Thursday, Brandon Palaniuk seemed to sense he was closing in on the goal he set before this week’s Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship — and that was to win his first career AOY title.

His 19th-place finish on Mille Lacs Lake — combined with a 26th-place finish by his closest AOY competitor Jason Christie (20-8) and a ninth-place showing by Tennessee pro Jacob Wheeler (22-10) — kept Palaniuk in the AOY lead by a margin of 22 points.

The three-time B.A.S.S. winner from Hayden, Idaho, is now just two more solid days away from the biggest accomplishment of his pro-fishing career.

“I was hoping to catch 23 pounds a day,” Palaniuk said. “I figured that would be enough to give me a chance to win the actual event this week — and if I win, the AOY will take care of itself. So now, I just have to go out and catch 25 (Friday) to even it out.”

Palaniuk started near the launch site at Eddy's Resort, but he rarely stayed in one spot long as he culled his way up to 21-4.

Our 3 Picks to win the 2017 Bassmaster Classic

IBASSIN.com’s picks to win the 2017 Bassmaster Classic on Lake Conroe.

By Luigi De Rose

Predicting the winner of any sporting event is a challenge. Usually, there are just two teams so the odds are far greater you’ll get it right even with a spread. At the 2017 Bassmaster Classic, 52 anglers have a chance at victory. Sure, some anglers are lucky to just be at the Classic but the skill ranges from great and peaks at superb. Picking a winner for Conroe is exceptionally more difficult as it very new lake of almost all the competitors. Plus, the Classic is being held in March, which is much later than the past few Classics. Past TTBC on Conroe were summer tournaments and that is a world of difference.

For what’s its worth, here are my picks to win the 2017 Classic.

Alton Jones

Texas angler, Alton Jones is a wizard with a Yum dinger this time of year. He already has one Classic win but always seem to excel during the spawn. In all three stages of the spawn, Alton knows how to catch them. Especially if the bass are in transition.  The last three Classics crowned a home state winner and the streak might continue with Jones.

Skeet Reese

With a Classic win on the Red River, a shallow, cover filled fishery, Skeet has the expertise to do well here. We won the 2015 Elite tournament on Lake Guntersville by scraping his pre-spawn pattern and targeting shallow wood on the final day to sack a 4-day total of 92-11lbs for the win. Skeet is strong this seasonal time period and doesn’t shy away when the monster bass are chomping. Not sure if he’s prowess with a swimbait will be a huge factor this weekend but Skeet is very versatile.

Dean Rojas

Dean was recently added to the list of top anglers yet to win a Classic. With several wins in Texas and a master at sight fishing he might get himself off that list this weekend. Dean is always a top finisher when the bass are shallow. He has shown now to catch them in a range on conditions. Best known for casting to beds or zipping a frog around shallow cover he came in second when TAK won the Classic and he has been dying for a trophy of his own.  If it becomes a bed-fishing event, Dean should be very close to the lead everyday.

Part 2 coming tomorrow.

If you got something to say on my picks let us here about it on our Facebook page.

How to become a better Bladed Jig (Chatterbait) fisherman with Brett Hite

One of the most popular baits in bass fishing is the Chatterbait. Brett Hite has made the Evergreen Jackhammer bladed jig one of the most talked about lures on the Bassmaster Tour trail. Learn from Brett Hite has he explains the finer points on using a Bladed jig.

Tips for your next bass fishing vacation to America with Aussie FLW Pro Carl Jocumsen.

Travelling to the States for some bass fishing is easier than you think. No matter where you fish, you'll need to find them. So, if you're from Canada or the northern States and you want to have a little bass fishing vacation, then here's a cool video from Australian angler Carl Jocumsen. Remember he makes s his living fishing for American bass.

Pflueger President XT and President Baitcasting Reels with Ott DeFoe

Looking for a great deal on a super baticaster? Them have a look at the Pflueger President XT and President Baitcasting Reels. Each are under $100 and offer great ball bearings, casting and dependability you would expect from Pflueger. Listen as BASS Elite Pro Ott Defoe explains all the features of the two super baitcasting reels.

Rick Clunn's Tactics for Amazing Fall Bass Fishing

Fall bass fishing can be amazing if you know where to find them. Follow the advise from one of the greatest anglers ever to walk this earth, Rick Clunn. Rick explains how to catch bass in autumn. Trust what he says, Rick's won a few tournaments in his time.

2017 BASS Elite Series Schedule

BASS revisits historical lakes in 2017

BASS PRESS RELEASE
The 2017 Bassmaster Elite Series schedule features more exciting twists and changes than the world’s premier tournament circuit has seen in its storied 11-year history.
This year, Bassmaster has added a new stop on the circuit, the Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest. The event, which will replace and build upon Toyota Texas Bass Classic’s decade-long legacy, is scheduled for May 17-21 on Sam Rayburn Reservoir, one of the hottest big-bass lakes in the United States.

“Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest will combine the best features of the Toyota Texas Bass Classic and our own BASSfest tournament — both of which have become immensely popular among anglers and fishing fans,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin. “Texas Fest will host a special Fan Appreciation Day offering anglers and their families opportunities to meet, greet and learn from the world’s best professional anglers.”

2016 BASS Elite Potomac River Day 1: Justin Lucas Leads with 20-04lbs!

G-MAN still in control of AOY

By Bryan Brasher

BASS PRESS RELEASE

Justin Lucas on a roll on tidal rivers.
(Photo: BASS)

There has been a lot of talk the past few years about the declining quality of bass fishing on the Potomac River.

But on Thursday, the best bass fishermen in the world proved there is still plenty of hope for the famed fishery.

Things were especially good for Alabama pro Justin Lucas.

Lucas caught five bass that weighed 20 pounds, 4 ounces, off “one special place” to take the lead in the Bassmaster Elite at Potomac River presented by Econo Lodge. California angler Brent Ehrler is second with 17-13, and Washington pro Luke Clausen is third with 17- 9.

The Top 62 anglers in the 107-angler field caught at least 10 pounds of bass.

“I think the river has taken a little hit the last couple of years, but there’s more grass growing this year than there has been the past two or three years,” Lucas said. “That really helps the weights in a tournament.

“The bass get up in there and eat bluegill and whatever baitfish they can — and it fattens them up.”

Lucas worked his Day 1 magic in one spot that he was surprised to have to himself.

“At certain times of the year, I think the place I’m fishing is a pretty popular place,” Lucas said. “But this time of year, I don’t think it is. I only saw one other boat all day, and that was surprising.

“I stayed there almost until the end of the day — just guarding it more than anything.”

With three days left to fish, Lucas wouldn’t say which lures he was using. He only said he was fishing “West Coast style.”

2016 Bassmaster Elite at Bull Shoals/Norfork Day 2: Zaldain and Lowen Tie with 30-14lbs!

Round Two on Bull Shoals starts tomorrow

By Bryan Brasher

BASS PRESS RELEASE

The format for the Bassmaster Elite at Bull Shoals/Norfork is one of the more complex in the trail’s 11-year history.

A full field of 108 Elite Series anglers began on Norfork Lake Thursday and moved to Bull Shoals Lake for Friday’s second round. The remaining Top 50 will fish Bull Shoals again Saturday, with the final Top 12 moving back to Norfork for Sunday’s final round.

Zaldain and Lowen both favour shallow water making
day three a great battle. (Photo: BASS)

As if that wasn’t exciting enough, there are now two anglers deadlocked atop the leaderboard.

Chris Zaldain of San Jose, Calif., and Bill Lowen off Brookville, Ind., have each caught 30 pounds, 14 ounces — and though they took different paths to get there, they will share the lead as the unique tournament heads into the semifinals.

2016 BASS Elite St. John's River Day 1: Lester Leads in Sigh Fishing Fest.

Sight Fishing key to Season Opener

By Bryan Brasher

BASS PRESS RELEASE

During the final round of practice for the Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River presented by Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels, Tennessee angler Brandon Lester found a giant largemouth on a spawning bed.

                                                                                                                                                                                     

Brandon is all smiles with a 9 pounder and the lead. (Photo: BASS)

He was so excited about the fish that he texted some of his family members and told them to pay attention to Bassmaster.com when the tournament began, because he thought he could make something special happen early.                                                                                                      

Hopefully they took it to heart.

Lester went straight to the big fish Thursday morning — and caught it on his fourth cast — to set the tone for a fantastic day of sight fishing. The bass, which weighed 9 pounds, 3 ounces, anchored a five-fish limit that tipped the scales at 23-13 and gave Lester the opening-round lead.

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.

Molix Signs Australian BASS Elite Angler Carl Jocumsen.

Molix a leading manufacture of innovative fishing tackles, is happy to announce the agreement with Carl Jocumsen a 31 y.o. rising professional angler and first Australian native to fish the B.A.S.S. Elite Tournament Trail in the U.S.

Carl is really appreciated for his technical skill, empathy and determination all features that are part of the Molix lifestyle.

This new agreement concerns the soft and hard baits (spinnerbait excluded) which will be used in all competitions and events. Carl will be an exclusive testimonial and he will will also actively work in the development of new products.

2016 is going to be my best year yet, signing with Molix has given myself a great boost going into my second year on the Bassmaster Elites. There innovative style and thinking suits my style perfectly “Jocumsen Said”

Legendary Angler Ken Cook Dead at 68.

Super Bass Winner and 1991 Classic Champ Passes. 
By Luigi De Rose

Cook was a six time BASS champion during his career.
(Photo: BASS)

With great sadness the bass fishing industry mourns the loss of Ken Cook of Oklahoma.

While visiting one of his three sons, he suffered an apparent heart attack early last Friday morning. Ken's career started in the early 1970s but winning the 1983 Super Bass event on the St. John's River in Florida cemented his legendary pro status. He continued to fish BASS until 2009 and notched six career wins on that circuit including the 1991 Bassmaster Classic. Most will associate him flinging spinnerbaits while he steered his Skeeter bass boat with one foot on his hand controlled trolling motor in the early years.

A fisheries biologist by trade along with tournament angling, he later became an owner of a successful big game ranch. He is survived by his wife Tammy, three sons and their families.

Here's a great BASS video of the 1991 Classic which he won doing what he did best, casting a spinnerbait.

Link here for video

2016 BASS Elite Field Announced!

New Faces Coming in 2016

BASS Press Release

Entering its 11th season, the 2016 Bassmaster Elite Series field has been filled with 111 professional anglers, including both new and familiar names.
Most are veteran tournament anglers; 98 are returning Elite Series anglers, while many of the 13 newcomers have long and distinguished résumés from other fishing circuits. All will be battling for hundreds of thousands of dollars, plus the prestigious Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year title and coveted 2017 Bassmaster Classic spots, in competition on some of America’s top bass fisheries.
Headlining the field is Aaron Martens of Leeds, Ala., the reigning Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year. Martens clinched the 2015 AOY title after turning in one of the most dominant performances in recent history, including two Elite Series victories. Joining him are other members of the Top 5 in 2015 AOY points, including Justin Lucas of Guntersville, Ala., who won the 2015 Sacramento Bassmaster Elite at Sacramento River; four-time tournament winner Dean Rojas; 10-time champion Edwin Evers, who also won back-to-back events in 2015; and three-time winner Jacob Powroznik.
Fifteen former Classic winners will be competing in the 2016 Bassmaster Elite Series, including the 2015 champion, Casey Ashley of Donalds, S.C.; Luke Clausen of Otis Orchards, Wash.; Rick Clunn of Ava, Mo.; Mark Davis of Mount Ida, Ark.; Boyd Duckett of Guntersville, Ala.; Paul Elias of Laurel, Miss.; Davy Hite of Ninety Six, S.C.; Randy Howell of Guntersville, Ala.; Michael Iaconelli of Pittsgrove, N.J.; Alton Jones of Lorena, Texas; Chris Lane of Guntersville, Ala.; Takahiro Omori of Emory, Texas; Cliff Pace of Petal, Miss.; Skeet Reese of Auburn, Calif.; and Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich.

2016 Best New Rods: The New G. Loomis E6X Series of Rods with Jonathon Van Dam and IBASSIN

The new E6X rod series introduces anglers to what G. Loomis rod designers refer to a ‘swing-weight’, the proper rod balance needed when fishing ‘tip up’ techniques like pitching/flipping and casting tubes, jigs, soft plastic jerkbaits and drop shot rigs, and ‘tip down’ lures like crankbaits, spinnerbaits or swimbaits. “Proper balance lets anglers concentrate on what is happening on the end of the line, rather than the tip of the rod,” said G. Loomis’ Bruce Holt. “With the E6X series and the G. Loomis’ Multi-Taper Technology behind them, we can provide light, sensitive, yet powerful rods for all types of bass fishing techniques – what anglers know and come to expect form G. Loomis and all at a very comfortable price.”

Our Hottest Rod and Reel Video of the Year!

The new E6X rod series introduces anglers to what G. Loomis rod designers refer to a ‘swing-weight’, the proper rod balance needed when fishing ‘tip up’ techniques like pitching/flipping and casting tubes, jigs, soft plastic jerkbaits and drop shot rigs, and ‘tip down’ lures like crankbaits, spinnerbaits or swimbaits. “Proper balance lets anglers concentrate on what is happening on the end of the line, rather than the tip of the rod,” said G. Loomis’ Bruce Holt. “With the E6X series and the G. Loomis’ Multi-Taper Technology behind them, we can provide light, sensitive, yet powerful rods for all types of bass fishing techniques – what anglers know and come to expect form G. Loomis and all at a very comfortable price.”

There are 12 E6X technique specific casting rods designed for jig & worm use, for flipping and punching, crankbait and spinnerbait specific, along with four technique specific spinning models for small jigs, tubes and worms, plus two drop shot spinning rods. Holt notes that both the casting and spinning jig & worm rods have the needed extra-fast tips, the crankbait rods have the needed slower, softer actions, while stiff, powerful actions are found on the flip/punch rods and unique actions are featured on the spinnerbait, swimbait and drop shot rods. The entire technique specific rods feature split grip handles with cork grips, along with Fuji reels seats and guides.
The 12 Classic multi-purpose E6X models include six ‘Mag Bass’ and flipping action casting rods, and six spin jig spinning rods. They all feature fast tapers with powerful but-sections, load easily for casting accuracy. All the E6X Classic rods come with full cork grips, Fuji guides and Fuji exposed blank trigger reels seats.

“Offering both performance and value, just about all anglers can experience what G. Loomis rods are all about,” said Holt. “The rods really become an natural extension of you, providing the fish-catching fingertip sensitivity that anglers who know expect from G. Loomis rods. And while we have a main focus on bass fishing, anglers will discover E6X rods that have great actions and lengths for walleye, northern pike and inland striper situations.”
As with all G. Loomis rods, the new E6X rods are handcrafted in Woodland, Washington USA. For more information, visit gloomis.com, call 800/GLoomis, or stop by your nearest G. Loomis tackle dealer.

Check us out at:
www.ibassin.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/ibassincom/265989363495983

Albert Collins Wins 2015 Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation Championship!

Charles Sim becomes second Canadian ever to fish Classic!

By Tyler Wade

BASS PRESS RELEASE

MONROE, La. — Albert Collins’ victory in the 2015 Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation Championship was a year in the making. The Texas angler lost his bid to the Classic by 1 1/2 pounds on the Ouachita River in November 2014; he’s been planning for his next chance ever since.
Collins ended the 2015 championship with 44 pounds, 15 ounces over three days, and he earned a berth in the 2016 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro. He also won the Bryan V. Kerchal Memorial Trophy and a Skeeter ZX200 with a Yamaha motor, a Minn Kota trolling motor and Lowrance electronics.

Remove location key for Collin's come from behind win. (Photo: BASS)

Collins has qualified for the Classic before, back in 2013 when he won the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series Championship. But he really wanted to make it through the B.A.S.S. Nation.
“It means something special to qualify through the Nation,” said Collins, who has tried several times to qualify through the Nation Championship and, like one year ago, fell just short.
“What I learned last year was that I needed an aluminum boat,” said Collins. “Last year, I used my fiberglass boat, and it’s just not made to go through those stumps and all that shallow water. So I bought an aluminum one for this tournament.”

2015 Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation Championship Day 2: Jamie Laiche Continues to Lead!

Canadian Charles Sim sits in 14th. 

By Tyler Wade

bass press release

Jamie Laiche of Gonzales, La. holds a 2 pound lead.
(Photo: BASS)

MONROE, La. — The conditions changed on Day 2 of the 2015 Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation Championship on the Ouachita River, but the first-day leader did everything the same and managed to stay on top of the field.

Louisiana’s Jamie Laiche added 13 pounds, 14 ounces, ending Day 2 with 30 pounds, 4 ounces and a 1 1/2-pound lead.

“I did the exact same thing,” Laiche said, “but I didn’t get that big bite like I did yesterday. I caught a ton of fish, but the size wasn’t there.”

The air temperature dropped 5 degrees from yesterday and the Monroe area got an inch of rain. Day 3 should bring more rain and even cooler temperatures.

None of those weather changes bother Laiche.

“I have the opinion that if it affects me, it’ll affect everybody else,” he said, calmly. “If the Lord feels like it’s my time, I’ll find ’em.”