Month: July 2020

MLF BIG-5

Indiana’s Seal Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Tournament on Ohio River

Post author By jcarrigan
Post date July 20, 2020
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LAWRENCEBURG, Ind. (July 20, 2020) – Boater Mike Seal of Richmond, Indiana, brought a five-bass limit to the scale Saturday weighing 11 pounds, 2 ounces to win the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine event on the Ohio River in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. For his victory, Seal earned a total of $4,127.

“I’ve fished around 60 of these events, and it feels good to finally earn a win,” said Seal. “It was a pretty slow day – I threw a slow worm and had six keeper bites. I didn’t burn more than a ½ gallon of gas.”

Seal’s worm of choice was a Berkley Powerbait 7-inch Power Worm.

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament as follows:

1^st: Mike Seal of Richmond, Ind., five bass, 11-2, $4,127

2^nd: Nick Uebelhor of Loogootee, Ind., five bass, 10-4, $2,564

3^rd: Brandon Barrett of Bloomington, Ind., five bass, 8-5, $1,377

4^th: Chris Combess of Cleves, Ohio, five bass, 8-1, $963

5^th: Brannon Pickett of Franklin, Ind., five bass, 7-11, $825

6^th: Thomas Foster of Terre Haute, Ind., four bass, 6-14, $757

7^th: Tyler Land of Coatsville, Ind., two bass, 6-11, $1,263

8^th: Jared Robinson of Medora, Ind., five bass, 6-9, $619

8^th: Chris Martinkovic of Hamilton, Ohio, three bass, 6-6, $750

10^th: Jeff Ellis of Danville, Ind., four bass, 5-13, $482

Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.

Land earned the day’s $575 Boater Big Bass award with a 5-pound, 8-ounce bass.

Uebelhor took home an extra $500 as the highest finishing FLW PHOENIX BONUS member. Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the FLW PHOENIX BONUS contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.

Alex Kerns of Carmel, Indiana, earned the win in the Co-angler Division Saturday after catching four bass weighing 6 pounds, 3 ounces. Kerns earned $2,082 for his victory.

The top 10 co-anglers finished as follows:

1^st: Alex Kerns of Carmel, Ind., four bass, 6-3, $2,082

2^nd: Justin Clift of Greenwood, Ind., three bass, 5-4, $1,041

3^rd: Mike Burgess of Cincinnati, Ohio, two bass, 4-5, $692

4^th: Trapper Owens of Carlisle, Ohio, three bass, 3-14, $428

5^th: Dyllan Grace of Scottsburg, Ind., three bass, 3-14, $428

6^th: Larry Ellis of Indianapolis, Ind., three bass, 3-14, $428

7^th: Brian Bogard of Camby, Ind., three bass, 3-13, $347

8^th: Gary Owens of Columbus, Ind., three bass, 3-8, $312

9^th: Dan Miller of Greenwood, Ind., two bass, 3-7, $278

10^th: Dan Schlegel of Cincinnati, Ohio, two bass, 3-6, $243

Dan Whitley of Mooresville, Indiana, caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, a fish weighing in at 2 pounds, 14 ounces. The catch earned him the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $290.

The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on the Ohio River in Lawrenceburg was the third of five qualifying events in the Hoosier Division.

MLF BIG-5

Wisconsin’s Wieczorek Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event on Mississippi River at La Crosse

Post author By jcarrigan
Post date July 20, 2020
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LA CROSSE, Wis. (July 20, 2020) – Boater Randy Wieczorek of Buffalo City, Wisconsin, brought a three-bass limit to the scale Saturday weighing 11 pounds, 9 ounces to win the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine event on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wisconsin. For his victory, Wieczorek earned $5,463.

“It’s been a long time – more than 15 years since I’ve won one of these (BFL) tournaments,” said Wieczorek, who picked up his second career win. “It feels good to know that I can still keep up with some of these young bucks that are out here.”

Wieczorek spent his tournament day fishing in Pool No. 7, throwing a jig and a frog to bring three nice largemouth to the scale.

“I was catching largemouth all the way up to the lock and dam to Pool No. 6,” Wieczorek said. “Most of the fish I caught early came flipping a black and blue jig around wood and in a little bit of eelgrass. I caught my bigger one fishing a frog in the slop.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament as follows:

1^st: Randy Wieczorek of Buffalo City, Wis., three bass, 11-9, $5,463

2^nd: Mike Brueggen of La Crosse, Wis., three bass, 10-14, $2,232

3^rd: Cade Laufenberg of Goodview, Minn., three bass, 9-12, $1,489

4^th: Hunter Litchfield of Macomb, Ill., three bass, 9-10, $967

4^th: Brandon Gann of Sparta, Wis., three bass, 9-10, $967

6^th: Jeremy Nokken of La Crosse, Wis., three bass, 9-6, $818

7^th: Travis Brueggen of Cashton, Wis., three bass, 9-4, $744

8^th: Josh Ystenes of La Crosse, Wis., three bass, 9-3, $669

9^th: Tyler Fitch of Oregon, Wis., three bass, 9-0, $595

10^th: Kyle Meyer of Blaine, Minn., three bass, 8-14, $473

10^th: Adam Hatfield of Sparta, Wis., three bass, 8-14, $473

10^th: Joe Pollak of Lake Geneva, Wis., three bass, 8-14, $673

Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.

Rene Luis of Chicago, Illinois, claimed the day’s Boater Big Bass Award of $640 after bringing a 4-pound, 7-ounce bass to the scale.

Kevin Ruh of Onalaska, Wisconsin, was the highest-finishing FLW PHOENIX BONUS member and took home an extra $500. Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the FLW PHOENIX BONUS contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.

Richard Conrad of Arcadia, Wisconsin, won the Co-angler Division and $2,232 Saturday after catching three bass weighing 10 pounds, 10 ounces.

The top 10 co-anglers finished as follows:

1^st: Richard Conrad of Arcadia, Wis., three bass, 10-10, $2,232

2^nd: Brian Baker of Onalaska, Wis., three bass, 8-14, $1,116

3^rd: Tom Rothering of Fountain City, Wis., three bass, 8-11, $952

3^rd: Nycholas Swanson of Waterloo, Iowa, three bass, 8-11, $632

5^th: Jessie Pollard of Whitehall, Wis., three bass, 8-10, $446

6^th: Thad Vettrus of Chippewa Falls, Wis., three bass, 8-7, $409

7^th: Douglas Ley of Janesville, Wis., three bass, 8-5, $372

8^th: Chuck Davis of Farmington, Ill., three bass, 8-3, $335

9^th: Mike Fischer of Stacy, Minn., three bass, 8-0, $298

10^th: Greg Oppegard of West St. Paul, Minn., three bass, 7-15, $260

Rothering caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, weighing in at 4 pounds, 6 ounces. The catch earned the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $320.

The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on the Mississippi River in La Crosse was hosted by the La Crosse County Convention & Visitors Bureau. It was the second of five qualifying tournaments in the Great Lakes division.

ICAST2020 The National Angler

ICAST 2020 SPOTLIGHT – Okuma ITX Carbon Spinning Reel

Post author By jcarrigan
Post date July 19, 2020
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ICAST 2020 SPOTLIGHT – Okuma ITX Carbon Spinning Reel

NEW Okuma ITX Carbon Spinning Reels bring punch to the freshwater and light inshore market.

ONTARIO, Calif.: Okuma has become known as a leader in the spinning reel market around the globe. This year, Okuma introduces the new ITX Carbon Spinning Reels to their lineup of smooth running, powerful spinning reels. The ITX Carbon Spinning Reels are a light weight, compact bodied spinning reel constructed of rigid C-40X long strand carbon fiber. This C-40X process is 25% stronger than standard graphite reels and is featured in the body, side plates and rotor of the ITX making it perfect for your freshwater and light inshore needs. “These compact reels are built tough,” states John Bretza, Product Development Manager. “We developed the ITX as a compact bodied reel, built for the tough conditions of both fresh and light saltwater use making it perfect for everything from bass to snook, redfish and specks.” The ITX features a multi-disc, carbon fiber drag system with Okuma’s Hydro Block Gasket, keeping water out and your drag running smooth. The 7HPG +1RB High Performance, grease packed bearings keep the reel running smoothly along with the precision machine cut brass pinion gear. And the Quick-Set anti reverse roller bearing stops the reel on a dime. ITX reels are designed with Okuma’s CFR, Cyclonic Flow Rotor technology which sweeps water away from the two-toned
anodized machined aluminum spool. The 1,000, 2,500, 3,000 and 4,000 size reels all come standard with 6.0:1 high speed gearing. One of the key features to the new ITX Carbon reels is the machined aluminum, screw in handle design keeping your handle running tight with no more loosening screws.
ITX Carbon Spinning Reels have a retail price of $104.99 to $119.99 and are backed by a 1-year limited warranty. For
more information, please visit www.okumafishingusa.com.

Okuma ITX Spinning Reel will soon be available

ICAST2020 The National Angler

ICAST 2020 BEST FRESHWATER HARD LURE – Z-Man® / EverGreen International set to unleash new ChatterBait® JackHammer™ StealthBlade™ bladed jig

July 2020

PRE-ORDER LINK AT THE BOTTOM

LADSON, SC – (June 16, 2020) – In a wink, it flashes and disappears underwater. Suggestive of a preyfish tail-kick, the luminous blade hums a subtle but palpable harmony; seems to be singing directly to the bass. As the thin-edged razor cuts water with the speed and precision of a Santoku, it vanishes and reappears in rapid succession. Inside the brains of bass, alarms bells toll. Although they can’t see it at first, predators in the neighborhood can feel its pulse—a sweet tune that pings lateral lines and incites mandibles to snap. A valuable combination of refined energy, unpredictable action and visual stealth, the new Z-Man JackHammer StealthBlade is about to add an exciting new chapter to the book of the bladed jig.

“The StealthBlade is the antidote for bass that have seen endless parades of traditional bladed jigs,” divulges Brett Hite, pro angler and designer of the eminent Z-Man ChatterBait JackHammer and its radical new finesse offspring, the JackHammer StealthBlade. “Throw it in clear water. Skip it under heavily-fished docks and laydowns. Cast it for big smallmouths. Pitch it anywhere you want, and present bass with a totally different sound and cadence than other bladed jigs. We’re super pumped about the way this bait turned out; another fish catching collaboration by Z-Man and leading Japanese lure maker, EverGreen International.” Back In 2017, no one could have anticipated the lure that would ultimately turn the pursuit of bass on its head, a bait that would go on to produce more giant fish and more tournament dollars than any other in recent memory. The Z-Man ChatterBait JackHammer created a singular subset of pro-grade bladed bass jigs—a lure anglers now bring to almost any lake with the assurance of big fish and mega limits in the
livewell.

“Two years ago, recognizing the rapid ascension of the JackHammer, we were already working on the next lure in the ChatterBait evolution, what we’d eventually dub the StealthBlade,” notes Hite, who has won over a million dollars on bladed jigs. “The first JackHammer created a phenomenon within the bladed jig arena. The success of that lure, in effect, opened a niche for a refined, finesse version smartly
engineered with equally high-end raw materials and components as the original.” On the heels of a new tournament season, Hite notes that the new JackHammer StealthBlade will fit perfectly on West Coast bass waters, clear water reservoirs and lakes ruled by smallmouths—in addition
to highly pressured southern largemouth fisheries. “Few weeks ago, I caught multiple 5-pound smallmouths with the StealthBlade at Lake Mohave, Arizona,” he recalls. “But the ‘Blade’s also been producing big bass in stained water. Actually, I’m really fired up to throw it in Florida lakes where a ton of people use the original JackHammer.”

The driving force behind the patented new ChatterBait design, a clear polycarbonate blade produces a totally different sound and vibration, but like its predecessor, starts thumping intensely with the first half-turn of the reel handle. “I’d say the vibe of the StealthBlade feels a little tighter, hunts with a slightly higher frequency vibration,” asserts Hite. He notes that the clear blade is physically smaller and thicker than that of the JackHammer. It’s beveled on all edges, tapers down to a razor-thin tip and flaunts that trademarked ChatterBlade® shape. “The special, covert blade gives the jig’s head a sweet wobbling action,” he says, “which also activates the different trailers you put on the hook.”

ChatterBait_JackHammer_StealthBlade_Product_Page

“The JackHammer StealthBlade does not replace the original JackHammer,” notes Seiya Muro, Senior Manager of Business at EverGreen International. “We crafted the StealthBlade as a finesse ChatterBait with a subtler underwater impact. The two baits are meant to be fished in rotation, with the JackHammer StealthBlade squeezing out extra bites with its quieter, covert footprint.” “Working with Brett Hite and EverGreen, our main goal has been to give anglers as many bladed jig options as possible,” say Z-Man President Daniel Nussbaum. “Partnering with the sharpest bladed jig fishermen on the planet and a cutting-edge Japanese company like EverGreen has reinforced our ability
to put innovative bladed jigs in anglers’ hands. From a product development and manufacturing standpoint, EverGreen brings to the table precise attention to detail and the highest quality possible.” “What’s really cool about the StealthBlade,” adds Hite, “is the bait’s propensity to hunt and juke
randomly, side-to-side, way better than other bladed jigs. You don’t need to jerk the rodtip to activate it. Just quickly speed up the retrieve to make the bait initiate its natural hunting action. That unusual move triggers a ton of extra bites.” Adding further value, Hite calls out the blade’s specialized oval split-ring, which adds more stealth, less surface area and no protrusions to catch vegetation or other snags. Again, stealth rules.

StealthBlade accoutrements include a clear, beveled-edge blade, custom fluorine-nanocoated Decoy hook and select silicone skirts hand-tied with stainless steel wire. Armed with a light, custom Decoy® fluorine-coated hook, the JackHammer StealthBlade can be cast on slightly lighter line and penetrate the jaws of bass with less hook-setting effort. “The fluorine nanocoating let us build the bait with a thinner wire-gauge hook that’s just as strong as the heavier hook on the original JackHammer. The gap on the StealthBlade hook is the same, but the shank is about a quarter-inch shorter for a slightly more compact presentation. The wide gap means I can still use my same favorite jig trailers, but in a subtler, ‘finessy’ package. The bait won’t overpower the trailer or vice versa.” To preserve the StealthBlade’s high-level, ultra-durable JackHammer heritage and performance, silicone skirts are hand-tied with stainless steel wire. Dual wire trailer keepers pin soft plastic trailers in place for the long haul. The StealthBlade’s low center of gravity, fish-shaped head tracks true and skips easily. When the situation suggests a bladed jig, but instinct advises finesse, the ChatterBait JackHammer StealthBlade becomes the smartest play of the day. Released to the angling public via retailers nationwide in early August, the Z-Man ChatterBait JackHammer StealthBlade (MSRP $15.99) will encompass 3/8- and ½-ounce sizes in six pro-crafted color
patterns. For more information, visit www.zmanfishing.com.

The StealthBlade is available for Pre-Order Today.
at Tackle Warehouse. Click below to order!!!

Check out the video from Z-Man!

ICAST2020 The National Angler

Spearpoint Performance Hooks to Debut at ICAST 2020

Post author By jcarrigan
Post date July 16, 2020
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Spearpoint Performance Hooks to Debut at ICAST 2020

Visalia, Calif. – June 15, 2020– Spearpoint Hooks, a Visalia, Calif. Based manufacturer, will present two new patent pending fishing hook offerings to the marketplace at Virtual ICAST 2020 in July. The goal of the company is to provide hooks that help anglers capitalize on more of the bites they receive in a day’s fishing.

The result is the problem of lost fish being solved.

Founded by fishing partners Art Nubaryan and Erik Hennesay, the genesis of the company came from one of the most frustrating experiences in an angler’s life – lost fish. “We were fishing a bass tournament together three years ago and lost two fish within sight of the boat that would have won the event for us,” said Nubaryan. “We started talking about it and figured we could come up with something that fixed the problem; Spearpoint Performance Hooks was born.”

The pair went to work, forming a partnership, coming up with an initial design and locating manufacturing partners. After three phases of design, and two sample runs, the first two shapes in the Spearpoint Performance Hooks lineup are ready to be unleashed upon fish everywhere.

The initial offerings, The Wide Gap and GP Finesse hooks are designed to impart maximum torque and fish holding power. Both shapes feature Spearpoint’s pat. pend VGrip™ technology that helps keep fish securely fastened once the hook is set. As a result, Hennesay said that the VGrip™ works overtime for the angler. “I will tell you this, always have pliers with you; they are hard to get out by hand,” he said. “There are many times that the hook penetrates the fish’s mouth and turns and penetrates a second time. We call it a ‘stapling effect,’ because it looks like the fish’s mouth has been stapled from the outside, they really hook and hold.”

While there are more styles that will launch soon after the initial introduction, Spearpoint will launch their Wide Gap and GP Finesse versions, both in black nickel finishes, at ICAST.

The Wide Gap model features a line tie positioned in line with the hook’s needle point to produce maximum power as the point meets the fish’s mouth at hookset. Along with VGrip™ in the bend of the hook, the Spearpoint Wide Gap features a baitholder barb near the eye of the hook to help keep soft baits in place during presentations. The Wide Gap version will be available in sizes 2/0 to 5/0, will come six to a pack and will retail for $5.39.

The GP Finesse hook is uniquely designed to be the most effective finesse hook on the market. Engineered to put the eye of the hook in line with the VGrip™ for maximum torque. The GP Finesse hook helps perfectly present finesse soft plastics in Wacky Rig, Drop Shot or Neko Rig presentations, and the premium needle point will deliver the goods every time. The GP Finesse hook will be available in sizes 3 through 2/0, will also come in packs of six, and will retail for $5.19

For more information about Spearpoint Hooks, visit them on their website at http://www.spearpointhooks.com and for dealer inquiries, contact Art Nubaryan at sales@spearpointhooks.com, and for Media inquiries, Erik Hennesay at team@spearpointhooks.com.

The National Angler

ICAST Announces 30 New Product Showcase Best of Category Winners for 2020

Post author By jcarrigan
Post date July 15, 2020
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Alexandria, VA – July 15, 2020 – Tonight, the ICAST 2020 Online New Product Showcase Best of Category award winners were announced during the first-ever, virtual sportfishing industry trade show. One of those 30 category winners will be awarded the coveted Best of Show trophy to be announced Friday morning, July 17, at 9:00 a.m. at ICASTfishing.org.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic ICAST, the world’s largest recreational fishing trade show, transitioned from an Orlando-based, in-person show to a virtual event with ICAST 2020 Online. The American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the show’s producer, committed to delivering attendees and exhibitors alike an engaging, interactive virtual trade show experience, presented by TakeMeFishing.org.

“For 63 years, ICAST has been the venue for showcasing recreational fishing related products and we were determined that this year was going to be no different,” said Blake Swango, ASA’s vice president for Trade Show and Membership.

One of the most popular featured events at ICAST, the New Product Showcase, sponsored by Fishing Tackle Retailer/Decode, is a once-a-year opportunity to see the latest and greatest innovations all in one place.

“Despite a change in venue, the New Product Showcase featured the latest innovations in gear, accessories, apparel and other products to ensure anglers will have a great day on the water,” said ASA President Glenn Hughes. “For the first time, retail buyers and media from around the world were able to vote electronically for the Best of Category and Best of Show awards.”

Hughes further said, “Kudos and congratulations to all our member exhibitors who stepped up this year, even during these crazy times, to develop and launch all these incredible new products that reflect the passion our industry has for making a day on the water even more exciting for anglers around the globe.”

For ICAST 2020 Online, 434 new products were entered by more than 180 companies.

“We congratulate tonight’s winners for contributing their ideas and hard work to the innovative spirit that keeps our industry growing,” said Swango. “We’re pleased that ICAST once again serves as a showcase for the best in sportfishing and the entire outdoor, on-the-water experience.”

Swango noted, “I want to thank our ICAST 2020 Online sponsors for their generous support and commitment to the show.”

All New Product Showcase entries and Best of Category winners are available for viewing through the ICAST website and on the ICAST app.

ICAST 2020 Online New Product Showcase Best of Category Award Winners

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Best of Category – Boating Accessories – Minn Kota

Product: Raptor Shallow Water Anchor

Best of Category – Boats and Watercraft – Johnson Outdoors Watercraft
Product: Old Town Sportsman Autopilot

Best of Category – Giftware – Garmin
Product: Garmin quatix® 6X Solar

Best of Category – Footwear – Under Armour
Product: UA Micro G Kilchis
Best of Category – Eyewear – Costa Del Mar, Inc.
Product: Ferg

Best of Category – Lifestyle Apparel for Women – Simms Fishing Products
Product: Women’s Challenger Jacket and Bib

Best of Category – Lifestyle Apparel for Men – AFTCO/American Fishing Tackle Company
Product: Saba Recycled Seam-Free Boardshorts

Best of Category – Technical Apparel – Warm Weather – AFTCO/American Fishing Tackle Company
Product: Diffuse Air-0 Mesh® Fishing Shorts

Best of Category – Technical Apparel – Cold Weather – AFTCO/American Fishing Tackle Company
Product: Reaper Windproof 3-Layer Softshell Jacket

Best of Category – Soft and Hard Coolers – YETI
Product: Roadie 24

Best of Category – Electronics – Humminbird
Product: CoastMaster Charts

Best of Category – Cutlery, Hand Pliers or Tools – Line Cutterz as Seen on Shark Tank
Product: Line Cutterz Dual Hybrid Micro Scissor

Best of Category – Fly Fishing Accessory – Plano Synergy
Product: Frabill Floating Trout nets

Best of Category – Fishing Accessory – American Tackle Company
Product: Tsuka Handle System

Best of Category – Kids’ Tackle – Pure Fishing, Inc.
Product: Abu Garcia Gen Ike EZ Cast Baitcast Combo

Best of Category – Terminal Tackle – Rapala
Product: VMC CROSSOVER RINGS

Best of Category – Tackle Management – Plano Synergy
Product: Plano EDGE FLEX

Best of Category – Ice Fishing – Rapala
Product: STRIKEMASTER LITHIUM 24V

Best of Category – Fishing Line – Pure Fishing, Inc.
Product: Berkley FluoroShield

Best of Category – Freshwater Soft Lure – A Band of Anglers
Product: Hyperlastics Dartprop Pro SK

Best of Category – Freshwater Hard Lure – Z-Man Fishing Products
Product: ChatterBait® JackHammer™ StealthBlade™

Best of Category – Saltwater Soft Lure – 13 Fishing
Product: The Mullet

Best of Category – Saltwater Hard Lure – Shimano North America Fishing, Inc.
Product: SP-Orca 150 Flash Boost – Blue Sardine Color

Best of Category – Fly Fishing Rod – Pure Fishing, Inc.
Product: Hardy Zane Pro

Best of Category – Freshwater Rod – St. Croix of Park Falls
Product: Legend Xtreme spinning XFS76MF

Best of Category – Saltwater Rod – St. Croix of Park Falls
Product: Mojo Inshore JIC79XHMF

Best of Category – Rod & Reel Combo – Pure Fishing, Inc.
Product: Abu Garcia Virtual Casting Combo

Best of Category – Fly Reel – Pure Fishing, Inc.
Product: Hardy Ultradisc UDLA Reel

Best of Category – Freshwater Reel – Shimano North America Fishing, Inc.
Product: Vanford 2500 Spinning Reel (VF2500HGF)

Best of Category – Saltwater Reel – Pure Fishing, Inc.
Product: PENN Battle III Reels

Major League Fishing - Bass Pro Tour/Cup Events

Pace Passes Poche to Win Auto-Berth to Friday’s Championship:

Post author By jcarrigan
Post date July 14, 2020
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 13, 2020 (Sturgeon Bay, Wisc.) Major League Fishing (MLF) Pro Cliff Pace won Covercraft Stage Five presented by Abu Garcia Group B Qualifying Round to advance directly to the Championship, joining Group A winner Justin Lucas in one of ten spots. With half the field eliminated, 38 anglers begin Tuesday’s Knockout Round at zero weight to compete over the remaining eight spots in Wednesday’s Championship Round. The 2020 Bass Pro Tour Seasons Points Championship may come down to Tuesday’s Knockout Round with Jordan Lee, Jacob Wheeler, and Ott DeFoe all battling to advance. Competition resumes Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. CT on MLFNOW!

40-year-old Pace caught 107 pounds, nine ounces to climb from seventh place after Day One (Saturday) and win with a two-day total of 174 pounds on 58 bass. Pace advances directly into Wednesday’s Championship Round joining Justin Lucas who won Group A Qualifying Round on Sunday. The HIGH-SEAS Pro said it wasn’t easy this week and he’s grateful for a day off (Tuesday).

“I’m one happy man!” said Pace shortly after MLF Official Mike David confirmed his victory on SCORETRACKER®. “I’m tickled to death to have won today because everything here is such a variable. You don’t know what Mother Nature is going to do and everything can fall out of place. A win today means that I don’t have to compete tomorrow and maybe capitalize on a great event in Wisconsin on Wednesday.”

Pace caught nearly all 58 bass over two days with a wacky worm in clear water – both 20, 25-feet deep and shallow. His told fans that a consistent, long cast was a key to his victory. A Mississippi-resident, Pace won the final Stage of the 2019 Bass Pro Tour in Neenah, Wisconsin last July

Keith Poche started out slow with zero scorable catches in the first three hours of competition and ultimately ended the day with 53 pounds and a two-day total of 165 pounds, 11 ounces. Jordan Lee and Mike Iaconelli led the field at different points in the day before ultimately being out paced by Pace as well.

Stephen Browning caught the Berkley Big Bass of the day weighing in at five pounds, one ounce. His two-day total of 82 pounds, 10 ounces was enough to maintain a 20^th place finish and secure a spot in Tuesday’s Knockout Round. After finishing Day One in the top 20, Britt Myers and Adrian Avena fell below the Elimination Line in 21^st and 26^th places respectively making room for Matt Lee and Ish Monroe to advance. After only scoring 12 pounds, 13 ounces on Day One (Saturday), Jared Lintner made the biggest gain of the day by scoring an additional 119 pounds, five ounces to finish in sixth with a two-day total of 132 pounds, two ounces.

The Top Ten of Qualifying Group B finished as follows:
PlaceAnglerTwo-Day Total Two-Day TotalLargest Fish over Two-Day Round1Cliff Pace174-00584-142Keith Poche165-11624-033Jordan Lee155-04554-104Mike Iaconelli144-05494-085Bobby Lane132-09434-095Jared Lintner132-02444-047Cody Meyer122-11414-078Jason Christie116-01424-019Alton Jones112-05424-0310Bradley Roy109-06394-09

20 anglers fell below the Elimination Line ending their respective 2020 Bass Pro Tour seasons, including Chris Lane, Zack Birge, and Brent Ehrler who had all won Qualifying Rounds in previous 2020 Bass Pro Tour stops. For complete results, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com, Bass Pro Tour, Results.

The competition continues Tuesday when the 38 qualifiers take to the water for the Covercraft Stage Five presented by Abu Garcia Knockout Round, including current Season Points contenders Jordan Lee (276), Jacob Wheeler (267), Ott DeFoe (264), and Jeff Sprague (249). Each angler earns Points (80-1) awarded by finishing place (1-80) at each Stage of the Bass Pro Tour. The Pro with the most points at the end of the season earns the title of “Bass Pro Tour Points Champion.” With Fletcher Shryock and Michael Neal eliminated and the remaining four battling out for one of eight spots remaining in Wednesday’s Championship Round, Tuesday’s competition may be the most consequential of the 2020 Bass Pro Tour season.

Pending no weather delays, the Knockout Round begins at Sawyer Park Boat Launch, Sturgeon Bay, Wisc., 6:15 a.m. CT when the field reports to pick-up their MLF Official and camera operators before trailering to the ramp of his choice. With lines in at 8:00 a.m. CT, the competition consists of three, 150-minute periods.

MLF BIG-5

Illinois’ Shoraga and Wisconsin’s Brueggen Tie for Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League on Rend Lake

Post author By jcarrigan
Post date July 14, 2020
No Comments on Illinois’ Shoraga and Wisconsin’s Brueggen Tie for Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League on Rend Lake

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WHITTINGTON, Ill. (July 13, 2020) – Boaters Dan Shoraga of West Frankfort, Illinois, and Mike Brueggen of La Crosse, Wisconsin, each brought a five-bass limit to the scale Saturday weighing 11 pounds, 3 ounces, to tie for the win at the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine event at Rend Lake. For their wins Shoraga earned a total of $4,321, including the $1,000 Mercury Marine contingency bonus, while Brueggen brought home $3,321.

“I had seven bites all day, and managed to put them all in the boat,” said Shoraga, who earned his fourth career BFL win. “I knew it was going to fish tough, but I put my head down and just flipped the creeks all day.”

Shoraga said that he flipped black neon- and hematoma-colored beaver-style baits on the north end of the lake.

Brueggen, meanwhile, started in the mid-lake area and worked his way north, catching five fish throughout the day.

“I started early with a buzzbait, mid-lake, then worked my way north as the day progressed,” Brueggen said. “I caught two on the buzzbait and one out deep on a worm. As I worked up north, I caught one flipping and got my fifth keeper on a crankbait in the afternoon.”

Brueggen is now the early favorite for the October Regional Championship tournament, scheduled for his home waters of the Mississippi River in La Crosse.

“I don’t think there has ever been a regional championship in La Crosse before, so I’m really looking forward to that one,” Brueggen went on to say. “The river in October should be really good.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament as follows:

1^st: Dan Shoraga of West Frankfort, Ill., five bass, 11-3, $4,321

1^st: Mike Brueggen of La Crosse, Wis., five bass, 11-3, $3,321

3^rd: Addison Eggertsen of West Frankfort, Ill., five bass, 10-5, $1,478

4^th: Toby Corn of Paducah, Ky., five bass, 10-2, $1,033

5^th: Terry Holsapple of Greenup, Ill., five bass, 9-7, $886

6^th: Darren Frazier of Anna, Ill., three bass, 9-6, $812

7^th: Colby Schrumpf of Highland, Ill., five bass, 9-3, $738

8^th: Mark O’Brien of Carterville, Ill., five bass, 8-14, $664

9^th: Brad Porter of Bluford, Ill., four bass, 8-10, $553

9^th: Martin Conaughty of Fairview Heights, Ill., four bass, 8-10, $553

Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.

Terry Fitzpatrick of Waukon, Iowa, claimed the day’s Boater Big Bass Award of $635 after bringing a 5-pound, 3-ounce bass to the scale.

Jodie Lanter of Carlyle, Illinois, took home an extra $500 as the highest finishing FLW PHOENIX BONUS member. Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the FLW PHOENIX BONUS contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.

Ryan Fancher of Olney, Illinois, won the Co-angler Division and $2,214 Saturday after catching five bass weighing 11 pounds, 5 ounces.

The top 10 co-anglers finished as follows:

1^st: Ryan Fancher of Olney, Ill., five bass, 11-5, $2,214

2^nd: Ryan Murphy of Paris, Ill., three bass, 6-15, $1,107

3^rd: James Jarvis of West Frankfort, Ill., three bass, 6-8, $738

4^th: Mike Swetland of Tamaroa, Ill., two bass, 6-5, $717

5^th: Charles Dammerman of Owaneco, Ill., two bass, 5-12, $443

6^th: Anthony Balding of Lebanon, Ill., two bass, 5-6, $406

7^th: Yong Yeun of Elgin, Ill., two bass, 5-2, $369

8^th: Ashton Nielsen of Mount Zion, Ill., one bass, 5-0, $471

8^th: Rod Mandrell of Benton, Ill., one bass, 5-0, $471

10^th: Alan Bernicky of Joliet, Ill., three bass, 4-13, $258

Mandrell caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, weighing in at 5 pounds even. The catch earned him the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $158.

The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on Rend Lake was the second of five qualifying tournaments in the Illini division.

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the Illini Division based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 15-17 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wisconsin, hosted by Explore La Crosse. Boaters will compete for a $60,000 prize package, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new 18-foot Phoenix bass boat with a 200-horsepower outboard.

The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.

The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American will be held Nov. 11-13 at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina and is hosted by Visit Anderson. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division earn priority entry into the FLW Series, the pathway to the FLW Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour, where top pros compete with no entry fees.

MLF BIG-5

Tennessee’s Lebanon’s Johnson and Hendersonville’s Hopkins Earn Wins at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Double-Header on Old Hickory Lake

GALLATIN, Tenn. (July 13, 2020) – It was a double-header for bass anglers this past weekend in Gallatin with the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on Old Hickory Lake events.

Boater Daniel Johnson of Lebanon, Tennessee, brought a five-bass limit to the scale weighing 16 pounds, 6 ounces to win Saturday’s event and earn $4,418, while John Hopkins of Hendersonville, Tennessee, brought in a limit weighing 20 pounds, 11 ounces on Sunday to earn the win and $3,164.

The tournaments were the second and third of five events in the Music City Division presented by A.R.E. Truck Caps.

“It was pretty much the same old, same old for me,” said Johnson, who earned his fourth career victory in BFL competition. “I live about ¼ mile from the lake, and fish it all the time – primarily shallow. I caught everything that I had flipping soft plastics in 1- to 6-feet-of-water.

“The hot and sunny weather really helped me,” Johnson continued. “It positioned the fish right where they needed to be for flipping.”

Johnson said that his key bait was a Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver, which he estimated he threw 70% of the day.

The top five boaters on Saturday were:

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1^st: Daniel Johnson of Lebanon, Tenn., five bass, 16-6, $4,418

2^nd: Tim Messer of Hendersonville, Tenn., four bass, 16-0, $1,709

3^rd: Lance Oligschlaeger of Gallatin, Tenn., five bass, 15-6, $1,138

4^th: Dustin Hinkle of Mount Juliet, Tenn., five bass, 14-8, $1,218

5^th: Adam Wagner of Cookeville, Tenn., five bass, 14-2, $1,184

Complete results for Saturday can be found at FLWFishing.com.

Hinkle brought a 6-pound, 2-ounce bass to the scale to add Saturday’s Boater Big Bass award of $420 to his winnings.

Wagner was the highest-finishing FLW PHOENIX BONUS member and took home an extra $500 Saturday. Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the FLW PHOENIX BONUS contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.

Beaufort, South Carolina’s Jared Kutil won the Co-angler Division and $1,868 Saturday after catching five bass weighing 11 pounds, 10 ounces.

The top five co-anglers Saturday finished as follows:

1^st: Jared Kutil of Beaufort, S.C., five bass, 11-10, $1,868

2^nd: Benjamin Fouts of Morehead, Ky., five bass, 11-8, $834

3^rd: Ricky England of Sparta, Tenn., five bass, 10-15, $558

4^th: Curtis Cline of Lafayette, Tenn., five bass, 10-6, $389

5^th: Jimmy Cartwright of Smithville, Tenn., four bass, 9-5, $539

Cartwright caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division Saturday, weighing in at 4 pounds, 1 ounce. The catch earned him the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $205.

Sunday’s tournament was a completely different story as winner John Hopkins spent his day catching huge numbers of fish out deep on the ledges.

“I caught probably 60 fish throughout the day,” said Hopkins, who picked up his fifth career BFL win. “Old Hickory is fishing better than it ever has.”

Hopkins said that he caught two good fish on a jig, but most of his damage was done with an unnamed crankbait.

The top five boaters on Sunday were:

1^st: John Hopkins of Hendersonville, Tenn., five bass, 20-11, $3,164

2^nd: Mickey Beck of Lebanon, Tenn., five bass, 18-2, $1,582

3^rd: Dylan Wright of Murfreesboro, Tenn., five bass, 17-14, $1,054

4^th: Clabion Johns of Social Circle, Ga., five bass, 16-7, $738

5^th: Hunter Bouldin of McMinnville, Tenn., five bass, 16-5, $633

Complete results for Sunday’s event on Old Hickory Lake can be found at FLWFishing.com.

Scott Ellis of Madison, Tennessee, brought a 6-pound, 3-ounce bass to the scale to win Sunday’s Boater Big Bass award of $380.

William Merrick of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, was Sunday’s highest-finishing FLW PHOENIX BONUS member and took home an extra $500.

Doug Thompson of Mabelvale, Arkansas, won the Co-angler Division and $1,582 Sunday after catching five bass weighing 14 pounds, 15 ounces.

The top five co-anglers Sunday finished as follows:

1^st: Doug Thompson of Mabelvale, Ark., five bass, 14-15, $1,582

2^nd: Ryan Mealer of Spring Hill, Tenn., five bass, 13-12, $981

3^rd: Chris Hughes of Centerville, Tenn., five bass, 12-12, $526

4^th: Taylor Wisniewski of Lexington, Ky., five bass, 11-5, $369

5^th: Benjamin Fouts of Morehead, Ky., five bass, 10-15, $316

Mealer caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, weighing in at 5 pounds even. The catch earned the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $190.

The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine Double-Header on Old Hickory Lake was hosted by Sumner County Tourism.

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the Music City Division presented by A.R.E. based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 22-24 Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Lake Lanier in Gainesville, Georgia, hosted by the Gainesville Convention and Visitors Bureau. Boaters will compete for a $60,000 prize package, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new 18-foot Phoenix bass boat with a 200-horsepower outboard.

MLF BIG-5

Ohio’s Ellis Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event on Ohio River at Tanners Creek

Post author By jcarrigan
Post date July 13, 2020
No Comments on Ohio’s Ellis Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event on Ohio River at Tanners Creek

LAWRENCEBURG, Ind. (July 13, 2020) – Boater Jay Ellis of Celina, Ohio, brought a five-bass limit to the scale Saturday weighing 11 pounds, 13 ounces to win the 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine event on the Ohio River in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. For his victory, Ellis earned a total of $6,972.

The tournament was the second of five events in the Buckeye Division presented by A.R.E. Truck Caps.

“I went up river, about 15 miles, and fished in Muddy Creek,” said Ellis, who earned the first BFL victory of his career. “I caught them all on single tree laydowns. The water levels dropped a little bit over night, and I think it pushed those fish a little farther out, off the bank.”

Ellis said he caught his fish on a black buzzbait and a Texas-rigged black-and-blue beaver-style bait.

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament as follows:

1^st: Jay Ellis of Celina, Ohio, five bass, 11-13, $6,972

2^nd: Dick Shaffer of Rockford, Ohio, five bass, 8-2, $2,236

3^rd: Kenneth Pincombe of Hamilton, Ohio, five bass, 7-8, $1,492

4^th: Seth Fricke of Hamilton, Ohio, three bass, 7-1, $1,693

5^th: Brian Campbell of Oxford, Ohio, five bass, 6-11, $894

6^th: Chris Martinkovic of Hamilton, Ohio, four bass, 6-9, $982

6^th: Chad McCarty of Tipp City, Ohio, five bass, 6-9, $782

8^th: Pete Justice of Sharonville, Ohio, four bass, 6-6, $671

9^th: Donald Sibley of Strasburg, Ohio, five bass, 6-5, $596

10^th: Joe Farkas of Grove City, Ohio, four bass, 6-2, $522

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Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.

Fricke claimed the day’s Boater Big Bass Award of $650 after bringing a 3-pound, 15-ounce bass to the scale.

Ellis also was the highest-finishing FLW PHOENIX BONUS member and took home an extra $2,500. Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the FLW PHOENIX BONUS contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.

Carter Mox of Minster, Ohio, won the Co-angler Division and $2,236 Saturday after catching five bass weighing 6 pounds, 11 ounces.

The top 10 co-anglers finished as follows:

1^st: Carter Mox of Minster, Ohio, five bass, 6-11, $2,236

2^nd: Trapper Owens of Carlisle, Ohio, three bass, 6-4, $1,118

2^nd: Cruze Eskins of Hamilton, Ohio, three bass, 5-13, $745

4^th: Larry Gunville of Gahanna, Ohio, two bass, 4-13, $847

5^th: Ron Weisenburger of Continental, Ohio, three bass, 4-11, $447

6^th: Virgil Grant of Findlay, Ohio, three bass, 4-5, $391

6^th: Kenny Smith of Austin, Ind., three bass, 4-5, $391

8^th: Hunter Smith of Hamilton, Ohio, three bass, 3-15, $316

8^th: Kenny Mitchell of Franklin, Ohio, two bass, 3-15, $316

10^th: Brent Jones of Okeana, Ohio, two bass, 3-14, $261

Gunville caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, weighing in at 4 pounds even. The catch added to his winnings as he earned the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $325.

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the Buckeye Division presented by A.R.E. Truck Caps based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 16-18 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Cherokee Lake in Jefferson City, Tennessee, hosted by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce. Boaters will compete for a $60,000 prize package, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new 18-foot Phoenix bass boat with a 200-horsepower outboard.