Combs Lands Bassmaster Opens Win, Classic Berth On Home Fishery At Sam Rayburn

Keith Combs of Huntington, Texas, has won the 2022 St. Croix Bassmaster Central Open at Sam Rayburn presented by Mossy Oak Fishing with a three-day total of 46 pounds, 5 ounces. (Photo: Andy Crawford/BASS) 

BASS PRESS RELEASE

JASPER, Texas — There was nothing fancy about the way Keith Combs won the St. Croix Bassmaster Central Open at Sam Rayburn presented by Mossy Oak Fishing.

As the saying goes, “slow and steady wins the race.”

Combs, an Elite Series pro from Huntington, Texas, only a half-hour away from Saturday’s weigh-in at Umphrey Family Pavilion, weighed 16 pounds, 11 ounces on the final day to score a come-from-behind victory with a three-day total of 46-5.

Combs was a model of consistency in this derby, catching 14-4 on Day 1 to settle into 14th place, then adding 15-6 a day later to jump to seventh. When none of the six anglers ahead of him at Saturday’s start could muster a bag better than his 16-11 limit, the local favorite seized the championship.

Combs collected $43,867, but his sweetest prize was the berth he secured in the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic. The veteran has fished in eight previous Classics, and his ninth will come March 24-26 on the Tennessee River in Knoxville.

“I’m just happy I don’t have to work the (Classic) Expo,” Combs said, laughing. “But I am relieved. I’ve had some high points this season. I thought I could win (the Elite) on the Mississippi River and I didn’t get it done there (finishing third). I’ve had some seconds the last few years, and that just stings.

“I’m glad the season’s over,” he added. “And it’s good to win at home.”

Combs said he was relieved, as much as elated, he’ll return to the Classic for the first time since 2020. He finished 64th in the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings, which wasn’t high enough to get a spot in the 2023 Classic.

The Berkley Power Blade – Science Meets a Classic Bait

The spinnerbait is a staple bait for bass anglers around the country and Berkley Labs has improved on this staple by bringing a scientific approach to drive a modern design that only Berkley Labs is capable of. Meet the Berkley Power Blade.

An old school technique that has withstood the test of time, the spinnerbait has lived in the tackle boxes of anglers for decades. After vigorous testing, the team at Berkley Labs, along with Berkley Pro Edwin Evers, have upgraded the old school spinnerbait with advanced modern design features.
 
Available in two different technique specific styles – standard and compact – the Power Blade contains several blade design styles that were built from scratch in order to feature maximum performance. The Fusion19 hook contains an extended shank and O’Shaugnessy design that eliminates the need for a trailer hook. In addition, the Power Blade possesses premium components, premium wire, conical style keeper and a hand-tied PowerBait infused skirt to round out it’s modern design. Every detail was considered when Berkley Labs set out to make the most complete fishing-catching Spinnerbait on the market.

Berkley Power Blade Key Features
• Two technique-specific spinnerbait styles – Standard and Compact
• Features several blade design styles that were built from scratch for maximum performance
• Extended O’Shaughnessy style Fusion19 hook to eliminate the need for a trailer hook
• Premium components and wire to make for a high-performing and durable spinnerbait
• Conical style keeper
• Hand-tied, Berkley PowerBait infused skirt
• Blade types: Colorado • Indiana • Willow
• Blade finishes: Standard plating • Painted
• 19 premium color selections to match the hatch

Colors: White • White Chartreuse • Chartreuse • Gill Spawn • BL Special • Old School • Coleslaw • Hot Slaw • Fire Craw • Firetiger • Golden Shiner • E2 Magic • Shad Spawn • Crypto • Herring • Silver Bullet • Purple Rain • Bama Bream • Pretty One
Standard Sizes: 1/8-oz • 3/16oz • 1/4oz • 3/8oz • 1/2oz • 3/4oz • 1oz
Compact Sizes: 3/8oz • 1/2oz • 3/4oz • 1oz
MSRP: $5.99 – $9.99

Available: September 2022

Renegade Bass Tour ceases operations after 27 years!

In a shocking statement on Facebook and on their home site, Renegade Bass Tour ceases operations after 27 years. A staple for tournament anglers, their eastern Ontario bass tournaments drew anglers from near and far. More information will follow but early speculation is that Renegade Bass will focus on more premier events such as their 1000 Islands Open. 

Here's their press release on the matter. 

The Ontario Kayak Bass Trail (OKBT) 2023 Tournaments!

The Ontario Kayak Bass Trail (OKBT) 2023 events have been listed. If you love bass fishing and need something different, then this is for you. For all information link over to OKBT.

 

Josh Bertrand Wins 2022 Mercury Marine Bass Cat Boats WON BASS US Open!

 

Congratulations to our 2022 Mercury Marine Bass Cat Boats WON BASS US Open Champion JOSH BERTRAND! (Photo WON BASS) 

Canadian Cooper Gallant Qualifies for 2023 BASS Elite Season!

Bowmanville, Ontario angler Cooper Gallant has qualifying for the 2023 BASS Elites. Fishing all 9 BASS Opens, Gallant secured his place on the Elites this past weekend with a 14th showing at the St. Croix Bassmaster Southern Open on Lake Hartwell. This strong finished vaulted Gallant into 3rd in Angler of the Year in the Opens with 1262 points. He'll join fellow Canadians Jeff Gustafson and brothers Cory and Chris Johnston.  

Cooper shared his appreciate on Facebook with the following post: 

Dream come true. Elite Series bound in 2023. I’m speechless. I literally go to bed every night and wake up every morning, dreaming of to one day fish the Bassmaster Elite Series and WE made it happen today. Thanks to all my friends, parents, brothers, family and sponsors for the continued support. You have no idea how much it means to me. #THECHASE continues next year on the Elite series.

Thanksgiving Fall Smallmouth Bass in Ontario

Thanksgiving bass fishing is a tradition for anyone who likes to fish. Here's an oldie but a goody as a slow morning transforms into a dynamite afternoon of fast action smallmouth. 

New Berkley PowerBait Shape 108

Berkley PowerBait Shape 108 takes versatility to a new level excelling at both finesse and power fishing techniques

Key Features
• “Bird-wing” style pinchers
• Fits perfectly on a jig
• Smashed body allows for better hookups when fished as a Texas rig or like techniques
• Ribbed upper body provides extra surface area for extreme PowerBait flavor
• Three sizes: 3-inch, 3.5-inch and 4-inch
 
Colors: Green Pumpkin • Black Blue Fleck • Watermelon • GOAT • Pearl White • Peanut Butter and Jelly • Bluegill Flash • June Bug • Hot Craw • Okeechobee Craw • California • Alabama Craw • Labatt • Blue Shiner Gold
 
MSRP: $6.99
Available: November 2022

Personal swimbait lessons from BASS Elite Star Chris Zaldain

Do you want a PERSONAL SWIMBAIT LESSON on LAKE FORK with me?? If so, we are auctioning off this very opportunity and all proceeds will go to benefit The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.

I will also send the winner home with my favorite swimbait reel (which aren’t currently on the market), the rod I use & some of my hush hush prototype swimmers I haven’t allowed photos or video of yet.

To bid, click here: https://one.bidpal.net/bassfis.../browse/2(details:item/164)

Good luck!