Shimano Launched New Bantam Baitcasting Reel at Bassmaster Classic

BANTAM 150 BAITCASTING REELS FROM SHIMANO NOW OFFERED -

THE REEL THAT BEGAN SHIMANO’S PERFORMANCE LEGACY

Going back 40 years, Shimano introduced anglers to Bantam - its first low-profile baitcasting reel. It began Shimano’s connection to bass anglers. A new chapter for Bantam reels begins with the introduction of the Bantam 150 MGL, now being offered in six models - the Bantam MGL150, 151, 150HG, 151HG, 150XG and 151XG.

           

Suggested Retail: all sizes - $349.99

“With the new Bantam MGL reels, we went back to the legacy we built with the original metal construction reels, and took advantage of 40 years of ever-expanding technology,” said Trey Epich with Shimano’s product development staff. “Anglers will discover the entire concept behind the Bantam MGL reel is all about rigid, solid, and sensitive. We incorporate specific design elements and technology to focus on that concept.”

            Bringing the rigidity of a machined round reel to a low profile reel, anglers will experience the Bantam MGL’s ‘CoreSolid Body’ design. “We are able to combine multiple parts and integrate the B-sideplate, frame and levelwind guard into a solid one-piece aluminum platform,” explains Epich. “After a day on the water casting and retrieving, anglers will notice the familiar, rigid feel of round reel design, along with appreciating the ergonomics, comfort and sensitivity of this low profile reel.”

           

2018 Bassmaster Classic on Lake Hartwell Starts Today!

The 2018 Bassmaster Classic is a 3 day event that starts today.  IBASSIN.com has you covered for this event. Visit us for daily standings, mid-day reports and photos to help you enjoy the greatest tournament in bass fishing.

Shimano Launches New Stella FJ Reels

Like its counterparts in automobiles and electronics, Shimano is constantly evolving its products, and now showcases the ‘next’ in technological advancements in the new Stella FJ reels. The flagship in Shimano’s spinning reel line-up, the five new models - in sizes for everything from trout and panfish, to bass and walleye, to tarpon, stripers and sailfish, include the Stella (STL) 1000FJ, STL-2500HGFJ, STL-C3000XGFJ, STL-4000XGFJ and STL-C5000XGFJ.

Setting it apart from past series, anglers will quickly notice new Shimano technology, including MicroModule II gear system, enhanced HAGANE concept constructed gear and body, X-Protect and SilentDrive.

“With Stella, anglers around the globe know we are always pursuing perfection,” said Trey Epich with Shimano’s product development team. “As our reel manufacturing abilities evolve and improve almost constantly - the Shimano way - we’re able to share that technology in new reels like the Stella FJ series.”

Available April 2018

Z-MAN’S NEXT SHOWSTOPPER IS HERE—NEW CHATTERBAIT® JACK HAMMER™ CUSTOM BLADED JIG TO BE UNVEILED ON WORLD’S PREMIERE BASS FISHING STAGE

Evergreen International Co., Ltd. and Brett Hite to launch the most premium 
ChatterBait lure ever built in conjunction with the 

2017 GEICO Bassmaster Classic

Z-Man Fishing Products, manufacturer of Original ChatterBait^® brand bladed swim jigs and 10X Tough ElaZtech^® soft plastics, is pleased to announce the release of its next game-changing bait—the new ChatterBait Jack Hammer custom bladed jig—on March 24^th at the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo. A free, open-to-the-public event that showcases the latest and greatest in fishing and outdoor products, this year’s Expo will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX.

As with its ChatterBait Freedom^™ release at the 2016 Bassmaster Classic, the ChatterBait Jack Hammer reflects Z-Man’s willingness to partner with another forward-thinking tackle company—in this case, leading Japanese lure maker Evergreen—to offer anglers more bladed jig options based on its patented, tournament-winning design. Built in Evergreen’s factory, the Jack Hammer will be marketed and distributed exclusively by Z-Man in the United States.

The latest example of Z-Man’s commitment to continually evolving, improving, and expanding a bait that’s unmatched in its ability to deliver a crankbait action, jig profile, and spinnerbait flash, the ChatterBait Jack Hammer raises the bar on premium construction and detail, yet again. Built around a heavy duty black nickel Gamakatsu^® flipping hook, the Jack Hammer’s head shape—equipped with lifelike 3D eyes—facilitates a low center of gravity for balance and easy skipping. It also touts a super-strong, snag-resistant Decoy^® Egg Snap line tie, and hard and thin, stainless steel hexagonal ChatterBlade^®. Additionally, its dual-wire trailer keepers hold all types of soft plastic trailers more securely than ever before. To round things out, the Jack Hammer features hand-tied silicone skirts in patterns that have been personally designed and selected by ChatterBait pro and bladed swim jig guru Brett Hite, in addition to highly detailed, color-matched head and blade paint schemes.

Shimano and Rapala Join Forces with BASS.

BASS Big Draw for Anglers

Originally posted in Angling International

Two of the world’s top fishing tackle manufacturers have announced major sponsorship agreements with B.A.S.S.

Under the deals, Shimano and Rapala will be supporting sponsors of the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, B.A.S.S. Nation events and other major tournaments run by the organisation.

“We welcome Rapala into the B.A.S.S. sponsor family,” said Bruce Akin, CEO of B.A.S.S. “The company is known worldwide as an innovator and marketer of premium fishing lures and tackle as well as a strong supporter of many Bassmaster Elite Series professionals. We look forward to helping Rapala grows its brands as it helps us grow the sport of bass fishing.”

“Rapala is extremely proud to be a sponsor of the Elite Series,” said Tom Mackin, President of Rapala USA. “We value our strong strategic marketing partnership with this world-class organisation. We also value our friendship with all the great people at B.A.S.S. Together we are building momentum – it’s really fun to be part of it all.”

ICAST 2015: Z-Man's Brand New RaZor ShadZ™

In fresh or salt, fished as a bladed jig trailer or by itself, the RaZor ShadZ™ performs like no soft plastic baitfish imitation thanks to its realistic design and buoyant, 10X Tough ElaZtech construction.

Featuring a segmented, fish-shaped body and forked tail that create an extremely lifelike baitfish profile, the RaZor ShadZ pulls double duty as a first-of-its-kind floating/diving soft pastic jerkbait and the perfect bladed swim jig trailer to complement the new Project Z^™ ChatterBait.  The combined softness, buoyancy, and extreme durability made possible by its ElaZtech construction allow it to perform above and beyond other soft plastics for both applications.

The RaZor ShadZ is the ideal bladed swim jig trailer when conditions call for a bulkier ChatterBait profile to mimic full-bodied forage like bream, shad and herring.  While other segmented swim jig trailers are notorious for ripping apart, Z-Man’s exclusive 10X Tough ElaZtech material allows for deep body cuts that cause the bait to move in a lifelike manner while still holding up to repeated strikes without tearing.  The RaZor ShadZ is sized to pair perfectly with the newly released Project Z ChatterBait, and its durable super-plastic construction and broad head allow it to stay put securely on the Project Z ChatterBait’s twin keeper barbs without sliding down throughout a day of hard casts, bass bites, and fish catches.

Rapala® Shadow Rap

A lot of great baits are being released just ahead of the 2015 Bassmaster Classic. Here is another winner from Rapala.

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

Check out Jonathon Van Dam as he explains the new EX6 rods from G. Loomis.

G. Loomis E6X Rod Actions Guide

The new E6X rod series from G. Loomis will be on sale in the USA at the up-coming Bassmaster Classic and at select stores immediately after that event. Canadian anglers have gotten a jumpstart and can purchase them right now. With 30 rods, Technique and Classic actions, there is a lot of selection. Here is the breakdown of each rod action. Remember, you can get into the G. Loomis brand for around $200 US with the E6X. Expect the same amazing quality, action and lifetime warranty that G. Loomis is famous for offering to their customers. 

Technique Specific Actions…

E6X 803C JWR -- Probably one of our best all-around bass rods, this 3-power beauty is extremely versatile.  While it's designed for casting jigs and worms, but if you're looking for just one rod to do a lot of different things, you can fish a spinnerbait or topwater with it as well.  At 6'8" it's a great rod for fishing in close quarters.  It has an extra-fast taper that provides excellent line and lure control, making it very accurate.  E6X makes it surprisingly powerful for a rod so light and you'll really appreciate the sensitivity.

E6X 852C JWR -- A light yet powerful 7'1" jig and worm rod designed for fishing smaller baits and lighter line in deep, clear lakes where the fish are a little more finnicky. Because of the lighter tip and the magnum butt-section it makes a great buzz bait rod.  It will cast an unweighted soft plastic jerkbait a country mile.  When the water is clear, the fish are spooky and you need to back off to be successful, this is the right rod!  E6X makes it light, sensitive and sneaky powerful.

E6X 853C JWR -- The do it all, medium-heavy casting rod designed to fish medium-sized soft plastics, soft-plastic jerkbaits, 1/4 to 1/2-ounce jigs and even big topwaters.  The extra length (7'1") increases tip-speed, which in turn, extends your casting range, helps you recover line quicker and is a big help with hooksets. A great alternative for fishing 4-5" hollow belly swimbaits., and also just a great all around casting rod.

E6X 854C JWR -- Our "power" pitching stick designed for fishing in and around brush, weeds and other heavy cover.  It will handle big jigs and big worms in areas where you need to move fish away from trouble in a hurry.  Excellent in deep-water applications where the extra length helps you move a lot of line with a swing of the rod tip.  Whether a big bucketmouth heads for a bush in 25-feet of water or a blow down on the bank, this rod will stop him... quickly!  E6X makes it light and sensitive - something you've come to expect from G. Loomis.

Brand New E6X Rod Series from G. LOOMIS!

EXPERIENCE G. LOOMIS WITH NEW E6X ROD SERIES 

30 RODS IN BOTH TECHNIQUE SPECIFIC AND CLASSIC ACTIONS

Suggested retail: from $179.99 to $199.99

Designed around a performance platform with a focus on weight, balance, sensitivity and action, anglers of all levels can experience what G. Loomis is all about with the new E6X rods series, soon to be available for spring ’15 fishing action. The series includes 30 casting and spinning rods, offered in both technique specific models with exacting actions, and ‘Classic’ models with easy to cast, more forgiving actions for use with a variety of lures.

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.

Paul Mueller Wins 2014 Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation Championship!

Muller's Win Bumps Brownridge from Classic Spot

By Tyler Wade

bass press release

MONROE, La. — When it counts, Paul Mueller knows how to catch a big limit of fish.

That’s what he did on the final day of the 2014 Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation Championship on the Ouachita River, when his 14-pound, 9-ounce sack earned him the top spot and the Bryan V. Kerchal Memorial Trophy.

Mueller, of Naugatuck, Conn., has a track record of catching the big ones when he needs them.

Mueller's big bag on the final day knocked Doug Brownridge out of
 Classic appearance. Doug would have been the second
Canadian ever to make it to the Classic.
(Photo: BASS)

He did it earlier this year at the 2014 GEICO Bassmaster Classic when, after a dismal first day that threatened to eliminate him from competition, he went and caught 32 pounds, 3 ounces — the biggest five-bass limit in Bassmaster Classic history — to show that he was still in the game.

Mueller’s final three-day weight on the Ouachita was only a little more than his one-day record-busting bag in the Classic at 32 pounds, 15 ounces.

Classic Week: Catch all the Action Right Here!

Coverage all week plus hourly reports on Saturday and Sunday!

Classic Champ Cliff Pace Lucky to be Alive from Tree Stand Accident

Cliff Pace's Hunting Accident Prevents Defending Classic Title 

Gary Tramontina/B.A.S.S.

Cliff Pace, the 2013 Classic champion, won’t be fishing in the 2014 Bassmaster Classic because of a deer stand accident that happened Friday Jan. 27.

Pace broke his left leg in two places while bow hunting for deer near his home in Petal, Miss.

“I was actually done with my hunt and climbing down from the stand when the accident happened,” said Pace. “It was a cold day, even here in southern Mississippi, and I had cotton gloves on. Part-way down my hand slipped out of the glove, and that’s when I fell.”

Pace tried to push away from the tree so he wouldn’t land on his back or head. He was successful on that front, landing on his feet. But his left foot landed in a hole and jarred his leg enough to break it in two places, once above the knee and once below it. And in the process, he also tore the ACL in his left knee.

2013 BASSMASTER Bass Pro Shops Central Open #3 Ross Barnett Reservoir: Tharp Leads and Possibly Heading to the Classic

By John Neporadny Jr.

OCT 17, 2013

RIDGELAND, Miss.— Touring pro Randall Tharp took a big step towards winning a point standings title and qualifying for a berth in the 2014 Bassmaster Classic by taking the lead in the Bass Pro Shops Central Open at Ross Barnett Reservoir.

The Gardendale, Ala., pro came into the final Central Open in the runner-up spot of the point standings and solidified his chances of winning the points title by catching a 16-pound limit today. He is also hoping to win this event so he can qualify for the Bassmaster Classic to be held at Lake Guntersville. “I cut my teeth on Guntersville and it would mean a lot to me to fish that tournament,” he said.

2013 BASSMASTER CLASSIC Day 2: Pace in Command!

By Luigi De Rose

Top 5
Place / Angler / Day 2 / Total (pounds)

1. Cliff Pace 21-12  43-04
2. Brandon Palaniuk  19-10  36-04
3. Mike Iaconelli 13-11 35-03
4. Hank Cherry 10-13  31-12
5. Jason Christie 12-09  31-05

Move to come!

2013 BASSMASTER CLASSIC Day 1: Standings

DAY ONE STANDINGS

Place	Pro Angler
		Fish	WT
1	Michael Iaconelli	5	21- 8
1	Cliff Pace	5	21- 8
3	Hank Cherry	5	20-15
4	Kevin VanDam	5	19-12
5	Tracy Adams	5	19-10
6	Jason Christie	5	18-12
7	Jonathan Carter	5	18-11
8	Marty Robinson	5	18- 8
9	Mike McClelland	5	17-15
10	Edwin Evers	5	16-13
11	Brandon Palaniuk	5	16-10
12	Ott DeFoe	5	16- 2
13	Jonathon VanDam	5	16- 1
14	Shaw E Grigsby	5	15-15
15	Mark Davis	5	15-11
16

2013 BASSMASTER CLASSIC Day 1: Ike and Pace Tied for 1st.

By Luigi De Rose

Day 1 is over and the battle is on!

Top 10

1. Cliff Pace 21-8
2. Mike Iaconelli 21-8
3. Hank Cherry 20-15
4. Kevin Van Dam 19-12
5. Tracy Adams 19-10
6. Jason Christie 18-12
7. Jonathan Carter 18-11
8. Marty Robinson 18-11
9. Mike McClelland 17-15
10. Edwin Evers 16-13

2013 BASSMASTER CLASSIC UP-DATE

17 anglers have weighted and this is the top 3

1. Cliff Pace 21-8
2. Jonathan Carter 18-11
3. Mike McCelland 17-15
4. Randy Howell 14-15
5. Dean Rojas 13-0

The Start of the 2013 BASSMASTER CLASSIC!

Well, the start of the 2013 BASSMASTER CLASSIC is underway! IBASSIN will have a wide range of daily coverage. Check in with us frequently each day for mid-day reports, tournament analysis, leader board up-dates, press releases and photo montages.

2012 Forrest L. Wood Cup: Bucking the System!

Wheeler gets pasted by Yelas during Day 2 of the Cup
(Photos: FLW)

By Luigi De Rose

This year the FLW Cup is being held at the spotted bass capital of the world, Lake Lanier in Georgia. Spotted bass love the deep, fresh water during the humid summer. This translates to anglers hunting for deep brush piles teaming with bass. To catch them takes small worms or jigs. The western technique of doodling became entrenched with eastern anglers on this lake. Now, drop shotting is king. All predictions indicate that the winner will have a few deep water areas that will produce solid, consistent limits of spotted bass. Well, that might not be true.

Jacob Wheeler, who has lead both day 1 and 2 of this Cup is fishing shallow. Surprisingly, second place angler, Jay Yelas is also fishing shallow largemouths. One angler is a fluke, having the top two anglers doing the same thing is a winning strategy. It seems that as of Day 2, only Scott Martin is fishing exclusively for spotted bass.

Wheeler in the wood. 

This strategy of bucking the local school of thought is reminisce of Tommy Biffle's quest for the Bass Master Classic. On south east impoundments known for off-shore crankbaiting, Tommy had several Classic Championships slip through his fingers. As the pack cranked the bottom, Tommy pointed his boat far up river and flipped and pitched his Lunker Lure jig to wood. Actually, Jay Yelas won the 2002 Classic on Lay Lake fishing shore line cover as his rivals fished transitional summer time patterns.

Will history repeat itself? Will Wheeler and Yelas wash out like Biffle did when water levels ruined his best areas? Or, will bucking the system pay off? Wait and see.