July 24th, 2008
BASS, as many of us already know, has announced the return of the Northern Opens for next year. This brings some interesting scenarios to light regarding room for advancement to the Elites and Classic qualification. BassFan has a few ideas of some possible scenarios that might play out:
BassFan.com, Posted 7/23/2008:
When BASS announced next year’s return of the Northern Bassmaster Opens, logic would conclude that the re-awakened division would feed both the Elite Series and the Classic. Currently, the Top 5 in the Southern and Central Opens get a berth in the Elite Series, while the Top 3 in each division get a berth in the Classic. A BASS official today told BassFan that news of such berths/qualifications will be announced when the Open schedule is published. That announcement is expected late next month or in September.
A couple of possible scenarios do stand out, though. The first would be a direct parallel with the Southern and Central Opens, where the future Elite Series field expands by five slots, and the Classic by three.
On the other hand, the Classic field might seem a little large at 53. It’s therefore feasible to think BASS might take only the Top 2 from each Open division, preserving the current draw of six spots (three from the Central, three from the Southerns.)
All speculation, of course.
I don’t know how many other logical scenarios could play out, but I will definitely have my eyes open. A re-introduction of the Northern Opens would make it possible for me to consider making an advance into the Open Series circuit by bringing tournaments closer in to my immediate area. I still question why BASS chose not to bring in the Western Opens as well.
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By Don Zaegel -- 1 comment
July 21st, 2008
Casey Ashley’s music video to his first musical release, “Fisherman” has been completed. To view the completed video or to purchase the song, click here.
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By Don Zaegel -- 0 comments
July 17th, 2008
GettingReel recently had some time to catch up with ESPN/BASS Womens Bassmaster Tour (WBT) angler and Geico Insurance pro Christie Bradley to try and get to know the angler and her thoughts on the WBT along with this season. This is also Gettingreel’s first installment into the ‘Pro’s Corner’.
Bradley, who is a Bealeton, Virginia native has been fishing the WBT since 2006. In that time……… Read More
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By Don Zaegel -- 4 comments
July 17th, 2008
In an attempt to further establish the Elite Series as exactly that, BASS has removed the co-angler from the equation starting in 2009. “This decision is the best possible thing for our sport,” said Ish Monroe, an Elite angler. “It takes the elite anglers and turns them into truly Elite anglers, where they compete against each other in the truest form of competition.”
Ish’s opinion seems to be a popular view at this point. Elite Series Pro, Kevin Short said, “This is our job, though. None of those guys are showing up trying to make their house payment or take care of their bills. They get to fish, possibly win, and go home. But in the process they can also change the outcome of one of our tournaments and impact a pro’s career.” Greg Hackney and Fred Roumbanis have also been vocal about their support with the new change.
Some disappointment still remains, mostly from industry companies. Much of this has to do with the fact that the co-anglers have direct interaction with the Pros while out on the water. Their interaction is used as an aggregate to bring inside news about tips and products to everybody in the market place. “I understand the pros feelings,” said Eric Naig of Pure Fishing, “But as a manufacturer it’s disappointing, because it’s been a great way for us to grow our pyramid of influence.
From a fan/viewer perspective and having never fished the Elite series as a co-angler, I can definitely see how this will effect the interaction between the anglers and fans. With that being said however, I also believe that this could be something that will help elevate the image of professional bass fishing and give it a positive new appeal. The equality of the playing field I think is going to level out somewhat as well.
One thing that hasn’t been brought to attention is practice periods. Many of the pros use their co-anglers/friends as practice partners while others use family members and so forth. If it hasn’t already been initiated, no practice partners in the boats during official practice periods should be initiated as well. That will also help level the playing field and put it solely on the pros ability as an Elite angler.
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By Don Zaegel -- 0 comments
July 17th, 2008
*ESPN Outdoors
Busy has been the word for ESPN so far at this years ICAST. ESPN, who is owner of BASS released the Elite Series schedules for the next two years yesterday and have now released there new saltwater tournament series that is being called the, ESPN Outdoors Saltwater Series.
The series will host 6 world class stand-alone events beginning Sept. 5-7 out of Key West, FL. Event coverage will air on ESPN2 in the first half of 2009.
You can expect to see world renowned anglers and guides from the sport fishing industry along with industry celebrities. “We are excited about this new series and feel the opportunity for growth is significant”, said Jamie Wilkinson, senior director of event operations and business development.
To view the schedule and full release click here.
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By Don Zaegel -- 0 comments
July 16th, 2008
It was an exciting finish at the recent FLW Tour event on the Detroit River that finalized the roster for the 2008 Forrest Wood Cup to be held August 14-17 on Lake Murray in Columbia, South Carolina.
The field will be made up of 77 Pros and 77 Co-Anglers who qualified through various arenas:
FLW Tour - 40
FLW Series - 30
FLW Strens - 5
BFL - 1
TBF - 1
To view the completed roster and for more information click here.
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July 16th, 2008
Brad Lear (left) & Chad Bell (right) holding their 21.19 limit
Rick Clunn put it best by saying, “When an angler gets hot, he becomes indestructible for a period of time”. That could be true for Brad Lear who is one of the Potomac River’s most successful tournament anglers of recent. His winnings over the past few years, to include this year, on the Potomac River alone is in the ballpark of $20,000. There are not too many other anglers fishing local river events who can compete with that.
The Potomac River receives plenty of tournament pressure just about every weekend and this past one was no exception. With a variety of options to choose from, Brad Lear and teammate, Chad Bell decided to fish the Championship Teams tournament on Saturday and then the National Bass Circuit (NBC) tournament on Sunday claiming victories in both. ”The choice to fish the NBC’s was a no brainer”, said Lear who is defending his Potomac River Division ‘Team of the Year’ title.
Saturday was a little different. Lear and his partner showed up intending to fish a smaller club sized tournament before opting to turn around and fish the Championship Teams tournament. “I was on some really good fish and didn’t want to miss an opportunity to take a Championship Teams Victory. The decision won them $5000 with a 5 fish limit weighing 21.19 lbs.
The following day Lear and other team partner Mike Krause sacked another 20+ lbs. during the NBC to earn them an additional $750 for a weekend total of $5,750. This is Brad and Mike’s second NBC victory this year.
“I have quite a few more tournaments coming up and I don’t see my area or pattern giving out anytime soon”. He and his partner used a variety of lures to put together their limits over both days.
When asked to give away one tip for catching big Potomac River bass, Brad said, “You have to be patient. Potomac River bass are cruisers. They spend allot of their time moving around as the tide goes in and out. If you pull up on a spot and they aren’t in the area, more than likely at some point throughout the tide they will be. Figuring that out is key”.
Lear’s sponsors include: Kaotik Lures, Parasite Weights, Habervision, Grant Rods, and Vicious Fishing.
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By Don Zaegel -- 0 comments
July 16th, 2008
The schedule has just been released, but here are my initial thoughts after looking over the 2009 & 2010 Elite Series schedule for the first time.
Gas prices seem to effecting not only the anglers, but BASS as well. There are an awful lot of tournaments scheduled to take place in Alabama as well as very near Classics for the next three years.
Many locations on the schedule are seemingly becoming too repetitive. There are a handful of guys who are becoming extremely familiar with some of the particular bodies of water. What will be interesting is to see how the catch rates or the dynamics of some of these bodies of water change over the next couple of years.
Overall, the schedule looks as though it should continue to appeal to most of the fans and surely the anglers with continued big catches and exciting finishes. Most shocking to me though is the fact that the Elite series will not be visiting Florida for the next two years.
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By Don Zaegel -- 2 comments
July 16th, 2008
For the first time, BASS has simultaneously released their Elite Series schedules for the next 2 seasons. Earlier this year (February) they announced the sites for the next three Bassmasters Classics. ”This reaffirms our commitment to the anglers, fans and sponsors,” said Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager, BASS. “We appreciate the support of our outstanding communities to deliver these top-notch schedules.”
2009
Lake Amistad, TX Mar 12-15
Lake Dardanelle, AR Mar 26-29
Wheeler Lake, AL Apr 2-5
Smith Mnt. Lake, VA Apr 23-26
Lake Guntersville, AL May 7-10
Pickwick Lake, AL May 14-17
Kentucky Lake, TN Jun 3-6
Mississippi River, IA Jun 11-14
Big & Little Bay de Noc, MI Jul 23-26
Lake Champlain, NY Aug 6-9
Oneida Lake Aug 13-16
2010
California Delta, CA Mar 11-14
Clear lake, CA Mar 18-21
Lake Amistad, TX Apr 15-18
Pickwick Lake, AL Apr 29- May 2
Lake Guntersville, AL May 6-9
Clark’s Hill, GA May 20-23
Kentucky Lake, TN Jun 9-12
Arkansas River, OK Jun 17-20
Lake Champlain, NY Jul 21-24
Lake Erie, NY Jul 29- Aug 1
Smith Mtn. Lake, VA Aug 12-15
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July 14th, 2008
Dudley lets success go to his head as he performs a balancing act with
the AOY trophy. Photo Credited: Patrick Baker/FLW Outdoors
With every success comes failure and that’s exactly what happened this past weekend at the FLW Tour’s Chevy Open in Detroit. David Dudley of Lynchburg, VA went into the event sitting 5th in the AOY standings and walked away from the event the Land O’ Lakes Angler of the Year over runner-up Brent Ehler.
Dudley’s AOY title is his first in a successful career. “I’ve won at every level and now I can add Angler of the Year to the list. To me, that’s most important”, said Dudley. His title earns him a new fully rigged Ranger boat and $25,000 good for a $65,000 total.
Dudley’s success comes at the cost of Andy Morgan who led the AOY race going into the final event. His 192nd place finish moved him down to end the year 8th in the AOY standings.
Also notable is that Scott Canterbury of Odenville, AL won the Duracell Rookie of the Year title with 817 points beating out runner-up Greg Vinson.
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By Don Zaegel -- 1 comment
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