No eyelet, fewer backlashes 4/30/2009

In its place is U.S. Reel’s revolutionary SuperCaster 3-point Levelwind System. It levels the line on the spool via a rotating angled bar that creates a see-saw effect to guide the line. There is no level-wind eyelet. The rolling motion of the bar levels the line during the critical casting phase but does not restrict the line flow like a typical levelwind eyelet.

U.S. Reel engineers discovered that all of the current crop of casting reels, low profile and round a;ole, have one inherent problem that limits casting performance: the level-wind guide. True, the side-to-side action of the level-wind eyelet places the line evenly across the spool during the retrieve. However, it becomes a major hindrance on the cast because it adds friction from the sides of the eyelet.

What’s more, the eyelet is a primary cause of backlashes when the line to the eyelet is at a high angle. When this occurs, the spool hesitates when the line catches on other line and then has to accelerate to catch up. This speeding up during the cast can start a backlash if the thumb is not “educated” or the angler isn’t paying attention.

U.S. Reel has not only solved this common problem, but has developed a system that will also dramatically increase casting distance, even with lighter lures.

The See-Saw Levelwind is the nerve center of this exclusive system. It’s adjustable, and its height regulates casting control. Adjustment is simple: Depress the button, adjust to the required height and release.

When in the highest position, the See-Saw Levelwind minimizes the need to thumb the spool during the cast, yet it will cast farther than other reels because it is not limited by the friction caused by line being funneled into a standard level-wind eyelet. This is the ideal setting for casting lighter lures, casting into the wind or for newcomers to baitcasting.

For more, click here to visit the U.S. Reel website.

Thomas opted out 4/30/2009

BassFan asked the FLW Tour pro why he opted out of the Opens this year. "It was a schedule conflict," he said. "Nothing against Bassmaster or where they're going (i.e. the venues) – but you can only do so much and still film two TV shows. It gets a little overwhelming, and my performance the last few years has really shown it when I was trying to do a lot of different things."

Thomas films Ultimate Match Fishing and Stihl's Reel in the Outdoors, both of which run in the 3rd and 4th quarters on Friday nights on the Outdoor Channel.

An interesting side note: Thomas' involvement with Stihl tools is one of the longest-running non-endemic relationships of its kind in the sport. In fact, he struck his deal with Stihl in 1994, and it still serves as a model his peers try to emulate a decade and a half later. Of course, very few are able to create a non-endemic sponsorship with such lasting power. However, one pro who's been able to keep such a non-endemic relationship going across several years also happens to be from Ohio – Frank Scalish, sponsored by OSI Sealants.

Bennett's thin list 4/29/2009

He'd been with Pure Fishing brands all last year. What happened?

"I'm no longer with the Pure Fishing company at all – since the 1st of this year," Bennett said. "It's just one of those things. I have nothing bad to say at all about Pure Fishing, but the economy put a lot of restraints on them. Obviously, they had to do some cutbacks, and I was kind of wanting to move forward with my sponsors. When you win a championship, you hope to move forward. Unfortunately, it didn't happen. They're still a great company, but the economic times are tough and there's nothing you can really do about that.

"I'm building a great relationship with Tru-Tungsten, and I'm helping them design some new products that should be out soon," he added.

Bennett also confirmed his switch from Evinrude to Yamaha was for similar reasons.

Walker's Norman woes 4/29/2009

He was 84th at Norman last year and 115th in 2007.

"That lake is all about spinning rods and fishing slow and fishing docks," the Tennessee veteran said. "You have to fish slower than I can make myself do. The first day I got very few bites because I fished too fast. I caught quite a few keepers on the second day, but on a lake like that it's nearly impossible to make up any ground."

Sight-fishing was also a big factor this time around, and that was another aspect of the event that worked to his disadvantage.

"That's not for me – I hate practicing when you're not casting, but just going around on the trolling motor and looking. I caught a few sight-fish, but they were the same scrawny fish I could catch just fishing. I wasn't improving (my weight) – I was just spending time on more 1-pounders."

He figures the finish has taken him out of contention for the AOY, and he has no further incentive to fish for points this year. He locked up his Forrest Wood Cup berth through the 2008 Eastern FLW Series.

More single-digit finishes – like the ones he logged in the first two Tour events of the year – will be his focus during the second half of the regular-season schedule.

"I'll be fishing for the type of fish you need to win, and at Kentucky and Champlain that means schools of big ones. I've been all over the map at Beaver, I've done really good and really bad, so I really don't know what to expect there. But I know the lake well enough and I've caught fish there more times than not."

Berkley trailer: Bismarck 4/28/2009

The trailer gives the everyday angler the opportunity to view baits in the Berkley line and chances to see the baits in action. Kids and adults alike will enjoy fishing games and competing in knot-tying contests.

“We want everyone, young and old alike, to enjoy the Berkley experience,” said marketing manager Andrew Marks. “In addition to our bait and line interactive displays, we will have Abu Garcia reel demonstrations, interactive touch screens to learn how to 'Catch More Fish' and a showcase for our latest and most innovative fishing products.”

The Scheels is located in the Kirkwood Mall. The phone number is (701) 255-7255.

Here's a schedule of upcoming stops:

> May 6-8 – Gander Mountain, Forest Lake, Minn.
> May 15-18 – Scheels, St. Cloud, Minn.
> May 22-24 – Scheels, Reno, Nev.
> May 29-31 – Bass Pro Shops, Manteca, Calif.
> June 5-7 – Berkley Big Bass Challenge Tournament, Bethel Island, Calif.

Parker's first WBT win 4/28/2009

The first day she led by 11 ounces. The second day she stretched her lead to almost 5 pounds. With Saturday’s weight of 11-02— her best of the 3 days — she totaled 32-02, easily staying in front of Sheri Glasgow of Muskogee, Okla., who took second with 23-13.

Patti Campbell of Waxahachie, Texas, who on Friday moved up from 21st into 3rd place, also finished there with 21-13.

It was the first WBT title for Parker, who’s been competing on the women’s circuit since its inception in 2005. Her previous best finish was in June 2008 at Tennessee’s Old Hickory Lake, where she finished 14th after leading the first day.

“Last night, when I realized I had a 4-pound, 12-ounce lead, I thought maybe I could win here,” Parker said. “I didn’t get overconfident because maybe my fish would turn off, or someone would catch an 8-pounder — you just don’t know. I did not count my chickens before they hatched.”

Her wire-to-wire win was worth a $55,000 Triton/Mercury boat package, $650, and a valuable 315 points in the Toyota Tundra Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year race, where the eventual AOY winner will qualify for the 2010 Bassmaster Classic. Parker also received a bonus $500 that was donated to the winner by the Ouachita River Valley Association.

By “keeping it simple," she meant she worked a Texas-rigged plastic crawfish in the same way to trigger a reaction bite, regardless of where she fished.

“I felt the key was having a weight and a magnetic bead,” Parker said. “I’d let the lure fall, then hop it up, and the beads would clack together. Then I’d let it rest and hop it up again.”

She fished the same rig in two markedly different areas. One was a shallow backwater, and the other a main-river ledge.

In the backwater, she picked up bass hitting baitfish at the mouth of an underwater culvert at depths from 2 to 8 feet. She also flipped to trees and brush.

On the main river channel, she threw her craw to bass holding in an eddy behind a ledge. Her only alteration in the rig for the main-river spot was a switch from a 3/8- to a 1/2-ounce weight.

Clausen: clouds vs. sun 4/25/2009

Reehm, marshal ejected 4/24/2009

"Basically what happened is we were running to a place where I had a bed-fish and I was driving about 55 mph," he said. "We were going toward the cut and all of a sudden the throttle stuck and I couldn't decelerate. In hindsight I probably should've pulled the kill switch, but when you've got 150 feet before you're going to hit a dock, hit land or (be forced to) bail out, you have to think pretty quick."

He cranked the steering wheel, hoping to spin out the boat. The marshal ended up sliding across the seat and into him, and both went overboard. The kill switch, which was attached to his life vest via a cord, shut down the engine, but Reehm ended up underneath the boat and suffered a nasty gash to his forehead.

He also received some minor bumps and bruises, and said the marshal "seemed to be physically better off than I was. He was great about it – he said now he at least had an interesting story to tell instead of just talking about how he watched guys bed-fish for 2 days.

"I'd been warned by (a Skeeter official) to keep that area clean and I'd been making sure that loose line or a water bottle or something like that never got down in there. I would've never thought that a marker could get in there until it actually happened."

The accident occurred at about 3 p.m., and he said he talked to representatives from four different law enforcement organizations as well as tournament director Trip Weldon in the aftermath. No citations were written and Reehm eventually resumed fishing with the marshal on board (he weighed two fish today and ended up 95th in the 99-angler field).

"I'm sure I'm going to be sore for awhile. It hurts a little more once the adrenalin wears off."

J.P. leads Norman 4/23/2009

For BassFan's full day-1 coverage, click here.

Ary the marshal 4/23/2009

"I was up in Alabama to pick up a boat a couple of days before the Elite Series was to begin at Wheeler and decided to ride as a marshal, hoping to draw a few of my old friends/competitors from days past (you always want to know what your competition is doing, right?) Wow, what a great experience!

"While I didn't draw anyone I had hoped for, what did happen was well worth the effort. And yes, it is effort to get up at 5 a.m. to NOT go fishing.

"What did happen was I saw an avenue to help recapture the youth that we are losing to the various other forms of entertainment. If more parents, teenagers and the like would see the opportunity that's provided, bass fishing would most certainly gain popularity. I would have absolutely died to have had this very opportunity back in the early 1990s – the opportunity to ride along with not only one but up to three of the world's top tournament anglers.

"I wonder if pride is not a large factor in the level of participation. I know that I definitely had to get over that initial feeling myself. Fishermen are the worst at ribbing their buddies for watching too many fishing shows or for saying too much about what the pros did last week. What's to be ashamed of?

"I wish I had lost that selfish pride long before now, but at least I finally did. What a pleasure it was to not only study my partners, but to also get to know them beyond their mechanics and equipment. To be able to witness firsthand that they experience the same mental ups, downs, struggles and elations that we all go through on the water, and more importantly to see how they overcame those emotions and got their job done, was well worth my pride.

"I got to see exactly what sets most of them apart. No, now that I think about it, I actually witnessed what makes them just like most of us. No, that's not what I mean, either. Hmmm, what I'm trying to say is that sharing a boat with them for a day helped me to realize the similarities, differences and everything in between being a pro and a normal recreational fisherman.

"I guarantee you that if it were still in my system, I could go fish a tournament anywhere in this wonderful country of ours tomorrow and do better because of my experience with them.

"I'm so excited about what they're doing. Seldom anymore do we get to witness a system that works for the full benefit of all involved. I think that's what they have here. I hope they realize it and that the fans take hold of it and enjoy it as well.

"I rode with Dean Rojas, Charlie Hartley (what a treat) and Bill Lowen while I was there. Each one was such a different person with a different angling style, but all were effective in their own way. I truly hope that the angling public adopts this and enjoys it as much as I did.

"And oh, by the way, I can beat those guys!"

Elite payouts cut 4/22/2009

"It's only about a 3% reduction in the overall payout," said a BASS communications official. "It shouldn't have surprised anyone – the anglers were told when we made the (economy-related) changes to the Elite Series that if guys dropped out, the payout would have to be adjusted accordingly.

"This isn't just contingent on Jon Bondy – it's the fact that three anglers have dropped out."

The amount of money that was removed from the purse upset some anglers, and there was talk of a large-scale boycott of tomorrow's opening day at Smith Mountain. None that BassFan contacted chose to speak on the record, but several confirmed that such a move was at least being considered.

On the flip-side, one angler said BASS's action was predictable in light of the dropouts, and pointed out that the payout was not reduced until the third angler withdrew. He did not believe that a boycott would occur.

The Elite Series entry fee this year is slightly more than $4,000 per tournament. Instead of receiving $10,000, the 13th- through 50th-place finishers will now pocket $9,506. That's a reduction of $18,772 from the total per-tournament purse, which had previously been set at $638,000. For the remainder of the season, the reduction amounts to $93,860.

Payouts for the 1st- through 12th-place finishers were not reduced.

Evan Williams links with TTBC 4/22/2009
Evan Williams, the nation's second-largest selling brand of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, has announced a 2-year partnership agreement with the Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC) that positions it as the official bourbon of the event.

The TTBC will be held Oct. 16-18 on Lake Conroe in Montgomery, Texas. It'll feature the Top 60 anglers from the Professional Anglers Association (PAA) Tournament Series.

Evan Williams began its involvement with professional bass fishing in 2003 through a sponsorship agreement with BASS, and the next year began sponsoring Bassmaster Elite Series pro Jason Quinn.

"The Toyota Texas Bass Classic is happy to bring Evan Williams on board as the official Bourbon for 2009 and 2010," said TTBC tournament director Lenny Francoeur. "Evan Williams has a reputation for making the finest bourbon whiskey around and we are pleased that our legal-age spectators will be able to enjoy it as well as other Evan Williams-branded items."

Said Evan Williams brand manager Susan Wahl: "We at Evan Williams Bourbon continue to invest in bass fishing as a relevant and targeted way to reach both our customers and new prospects."

Smith Mt.: they're up and still coming 4/22/2009
It looks like the Smith Mountain Bassmaster Elite Series will be the bed-fishing blowout that many anticipated. Anglers are reporting a bunch of fish in the shallows, and they're also seeing cruisers around the points that appear to be ready to move up.

With warm, sunny weather in the immediate forecast, it's shaping up to be the best sight-fishing event of the season thus far.

"I love what I'm seeing – I just hope I can catch them," said Bobby Lane. "(Sight-fishing) is probably all I'm going to do. It looks like prime time and there's just tons of fish out there."

Look for BassFan's full Scouting Report and Top 10 to Watch list on Thursday morning.

Berkley tanks, trailer on the road 4/21/2009

One of the tanks will be at the FLW Tour Family Fun Zone at Lake Norman near Charlotte, N.C. April 25-26, while the other will be at Joe's Fish Fest in St. Paul, Minn. April 24-26. Both events will feature seminars and appearances by Berkley pro anglers.

Berkley sends the 4,000-gallon tanks all over the country to help out the everyday angler. Kids and adults alike will enjoy learning about new Berkley products and tips on how to use the innovative baits.

“The Berkley Bass Tanks are out on the road, giving all anglers the opportunity to hone their skills,” said Berkley marketing manager Tammy Cox. “Not only will attendees learn to Catch More Fish, they will also learn about new products that will help them become a better angler.”

Ucoming tank stops are scheduled for Enid, Okla. (Ambucks Outdoor Show, May 8-10), Guntersville, Ala. (Bassmaster Elite Series Expo, May 9-10), Rogers, Ark. (FLW Tour Family Fun Zone, May 16-17) and Davenport, Iowa (BFL All-American Family Fun Zone, May 29-30).

Meanwhile, the Berkley Experience Trailer will be at the Scheels Store in Fargo, N.D. April 23-25, offering demonstrations and interactive games for kids and adults.

The trailer gives the everyday angler the opportunity to view baits in the Berkley line and chances to see the baits in action. Kids and adults alike will enjoy fishing games and competing in knot-tying contests and special sales and promotions will be offered.

“We want everyone young and old alike to enjoy the Berkley experience,” said marketing manager Andrew Marks. “In addition to our bait and line interactive displays, we will have Abu Garcia reel demonstrations, interactive touch screens to learn how to Catch More Fish and a showcase for our latest and most innovative fishing products.”

Other trailer stops are set for Bismarck, N.D. (Scheels, April 30-May 2), Forest Lake, Minn. (Gander Mountain, May 6-8), St. Cloud, Minn. (Scheels, May 15-18), Rocklin, Calif. (Sportsman's Warehouse, May 22-24) and Manteca, Calif. (Bass Pro Shops, May 29-31).

Cabela's renews with CastingKids 4/21/2009

Cabela’s, a supporting sponsor of CastingKids since 2006, will provide branded casting targets for all CastingKids events. Additionally, Cabela’s gift cards will be given to the 12 finalists who qualify for the 2009 Bassmaster CastingKids National Championship, set for Oct. 31 in Tavares, Fla.

CastingKids competitions are held in two age divisions, 7-10 and 11-14, and youth advance to the National Championship through tournaments on the local, state and divisional level.

In 2008, the CastingKids program was integrated into the BASS Federation Nation Championship to give youth an entry point into competition. The BASS Federation Nation is the grassroots organization that provides support for BASS’ youth initiatives.

“Fostering a love of fishing and the outdoors among America’s youth is something we take seriously here at Cabela’s,” said Tom Rosdail, vice president of marketing for Cabela’s. “We’re proud to sponsor the Bassmaster CastingKids program and help jumpstart the next generation of anglers.”

Said BASS VP and GM Tom Ricks: “Cabela’s shares BASS’ vision in growing the sport by helping our youth develop skills through introductory programs like CastingKids."

FLW TV shakeup 4/21/2009
It went unnoticed by most of the industry, but there's been a change at the very top of FLW Outdoors TV production. Former executive director of FLW Outdoors television David Kiviat is no longer with the company. Official notice wasn't given, but it's believed the decision came from FLW. Kiviat is now listed as being with Kismet Media Group.

Kiviat's successor is Jason Puris. Whereas Kiviat's experience prior to FLW Outdoors was largely within high-profile broadcasting such as ABC's Wide World of Sports, the Olympics and horse racing, Puris seems more immediately connected to the angling community. His most notable TV project was Guide House: Montauk, which aired on ESPN2, and he also founded TheFin.com. He uses Twitter, and based on updates, was already onsite for at least one FLW event – the Walleye Tour out of Port Clinton, Ohio.

Norman = dink-fest (again)? 4/21/2009
The fish at North Carolina's Lake Norman are pretty lean – at least according to pros practicing there for this week's FLW Tour event. The fish are reportedly in various stages of the spawn and the shallows are littered with 1- to 2-pound fish. And it seems downright easy to get 50 to 60 bites a day that'll go 8 to 10 pounds. But the difference makers – the 2 1/2- to 3 1/2-pound fish, are downright scarce.

It took a little more than 11 pounds a day last year to make the Top 50 and cash $10,000, while the Top 10 cut pace was about 27 pounds. It took a little less in both regards the year before.

Sure, the pros aren't sticking much in practice, but they are looking at the fish and have a pretty good handle on general size. The larger specimens, they say, have either spawned and gone, or might move up as warmer temps and sun arrive tomorrow (daytime highs near 80 are expected Friday, then to the mid-80s by Saturday). But many have also noted that the fish seem even smaller and skinnier this year, so expect most of the field to be locked in a dink-fest duel for the Top 50.

Watch for more on the bite tomorrow, when BassFan will publish its Scouting Report and Top 10 To Watch list.

Wurm needs a lift 4/21/2009

He could really use another strong showing – he's 92nd in the Toyota Tundra Angler of the Year (AOY) race through three of the season's eight events. In the last 11 tournaments dating back to April 2008, he's fared no better than 38th and has ended up 80th or lower six times.

Smith Mountain won't set up quite as well for him this time around, however. This will be a pre-spawn/spawn event, as opposed to the post-spawn conditions of June 2007, and he lists sight-fishing as his primary weakness.

It's certainly not unheard for pros to fish well outside their primary element, though. Maybe Wurm can find something away from the bank that will help him turn his season around.

Moynagh at the mic 4/20/2009

For his take on this week's event, plus thoughts on the slump, click here to listen to BassFan Radio.

Bondy drops out 4/20/2009

"Narrowly missing the first three $10,000 checks of the season is what I call an economic downturn," he said. "I'll be guiding full-time, which will allow me to honor my sponsor obligations, just as I did before joining the Elites 4 years ago, and it's safe to assume that as the economy improves I'll be competing again.

"I have many friends on the tour and will miss them a lot," he added. "I want to wish the entire field a successful rest of the season. For anyone who'd like to book a trip, please visit my site (FishStClair.com).

Bondy first fished the Elite Series in 2006 – the inaugural year of BASS's new tour – after he qualified through the Bassmaster Opens. Across three complete seasons, he made two Top 12 cuts (Table Rock, Toho) and missed two others buy a single place (Clarks Hill, Erie/Niagara).

He missed checks in the first three events of this season buy a combined 15 places.

Open: Hack's worst ever 4/17/2009

As he packed up and headed for next week's Elite Series event at Smith Mountain Lake, Hackney was still trying to figure out what went wrong.

"I got here on Monday and I guess I've been lost the whole time," he said. "I'd never been here before and after reading the reports on the Internet, I expected it to be a slugfest. It might be the worst fishing trip I've ever been on in my life, and I've been on some bad ones."

He caught 10 to 15 short fish on day 1, but got just one bite on day 2. His highlight for the day was tail-hooking a 25-pound carp.

"I don't understand it. The Potomac's a lot shallower than this place, and it's a fish factory. This has deeper water, more laydowns, more boat docks, big areas of grass – as far as being target-rich, it's as fine a place as you'd ever want to go to.

"I felt like I fished a classic pre-spawn pattern, and maybe these fish are still in (the winter mode). I spent all my time on wood and grass, and maybe the majority of them are off chasing herring on the flats."

New Jersey's Dave Mansue led the cut to the Top 30 for the final day with a 2-day weight of 36-09. Former Eltie Series angler Frank Scalish was 2nd with 34-00, and then there's a big drop down to North Carolina's Rodney Sorrell in 3rd (27-10).

Current Elite anglers who made the 30-cut were Kota Kiriyama (4th), Jeremy Starks (11th), Mike Iaconelli (15th), David Smith (24th), Kevin Short (25th), J. Todd Tucker (26th) and Ken Cook (28th). They were joined by FLW Tour pros Glenn Delong (16th) and Aaron Hastings (19th).

Smith Mtn. role reversal 4/17/2009

What's going on here?

It can be summed up in two words: spawn phase. The '07 tournament was a post-spawn affair held in early June, whereas this one could hit the reproductive ritual right at its peak. Ashley hates sight-fishing, while Jones loves it and excels at it.

"We'll see what happens," Ashley said. "I hope it's going to be pre-spawn, but I have a feeling it's going to be a bed-fishing blowout. I can catch them that way, but I just don't like it. There's a lot more of a luck factor.

"I always go out in practice and try to find some fish by just fishing, then I end up getting beat by guys who just troll around looking and don't cast a rod. I can't put all my marbles in one bag like that."

Jones, the leader in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year (AOY) race, said lost fish were his big issue at Smith Mountain last time. The finish was his worst on the Elite Series since its inception in 2006 with the exception of the Santee Cooper event that same year, in which he Kevin VanDam and Randy Howell were all disqualified for having someone else drive the boat during practice while they looked for spawners.

"I don't have any mental blocks with Smith Mountain and I really enjoyed being there," he said. "But at a place like that you have to catch your bites and I had two 5-pounders get off.

"This is one I'm champing at the bit for because it being pre-spawn and spawn, it should play to my strengths. You won't have to catch them sight-fishing, but if you want to, you can. It's a whole different phase of the spawn and I'm really looking forward to it."

If nothing else, Ashley (who's 12th on the AOY list) is fired up about buying some ice cream from the vendor boat that travels around the lake.

"I didn't see it until the last day when we were up there before, and my mind was totally occupied by trying to catch fish. I'm going to get me one this time – just something simple, like maybe one scoop of vanilla on a cone or an orange push-up."

Lindy leaving Brainerd 4/17/2009
After Pure Fishing relocated much of its operations to Columbia, S.C., news broke that another major corporate relocation is in the works. Lindy–Little Joe, based in Brainerd, Minn. was purchased by PRADCO Fishing in February 2008, and PRADCO will move Lindy shipping and warehousing to its Ft. Smith, Ark. headquarters. Several Lindy managers will remain in Brainerd, but more than 25 workers were laid off or given notice yesterday.

PRADCO Fishing includes brands such as Yum, Heddon, Excalibur, Rebel, Bomber, Booyah and Arbogast.

Lindy Brands include Lindy and Little Joe as well as Munchies, Old Bayside, Beckman nets and Drift Control.

Several sources BassFan spoke with were shocked and saddened by the news of the relocation, largely because of Lindy's roots in the area and its strength within the walleye market. Brainerd has been at the forefront of walleye fishing and media for nearly four decades. Al and Ron Lindner founded the In-Fisherman network and Lindy Legendary Fishing Tackle in Brainerd.

The Brainerd Dispatch has picked up coverage of the relocation (registration necessary).

The Dispatch reported that PRADCO Fishing VP and GM Bruce Stanton was in Brainerd yesterday to announce the news to employees.

The Dispatch quoted former Lindy owner John Kehr as saying: "I think people are absolutely shocked. I'm basically in shock. These people have been here for 14, 15, 20 years. And the company was one of the most profitable of that division. I don't know what to say. There was no forewarning on this. They were pleased with Lindy. The product was doing just fine."

The article also noted that Stanton referenced a slow economy as the driving force behind the relocation, and that PRADCO Fishing will realize significant cost savings by centralizing Lindy's shipping and distribution with its other brands.

PRADCO Fishing is a division of Birmingham, Ala.– based Ebsco Industries.

Doerr named as Pure chief 4/17/2009

Doerr already operated as Pure Fishing's COO. He replaces Terry Carlson, who served as CEO for approximately 1 year. Today's official statement said Carlson "recently left the company," but industry sources indicate Carlson was relieved of his duties by parent company Jarden.

Doerr will serve as president throughout the search for a permanent replacement for Carlson.

In announcing Doerr's appointment, Jarden president and CEO James Lillie said: "During this interim period we're confident that John's relationship with the leadership team, his experience, familiarity and knowledge of the business combined with his leadership skills will provide strong support, consistent with Jarden's DNA, in driving continued success."

Since he joined Pure Fishing in January 2006, Doerr's responsibilities have covered global operations including manufacturing, sourcing, engineering, supply chain and information technology, as well as quality, logistics, customer service and fulfillment. He's said to be an avid angler and hunter who grew up working for his family's wholesale distribution company and retail sporting-goods stores in Idaho.

"Pure Fishing continues to be a worldwide leader in the design and production of quality fishing tackle and it's an honor to assume this role," Doerr said. "We have great momentum and we look forward to strengthening our partnership with our customers and continu(ing) to bring innovative products to the global angling community."

The CEO position at Pure Fishing is being watched closely by those in the industry, as the massive company is one of the key underwriters of tournament fishing and media. Its brands include Berkley, Fenwick, Abu Garcia, Stren, Spiderwire, Shakespeare, Pflueger and All Star, among others.

FLW AOY: comparing their pace 4/17/2009

Below is the current Top 20 in the FLW AOY race. Following each name is current points. In parentheses is that pro's AOY standing after two events last year. Anglers who already qualified for the Forrest Wood Cup through the FLW Series are noted in blue.

1. David Walker -- 391 (138th)
2. Scott Canterbury -- 391 (70th)
3. Brent Ehrler -- 385 (37th)
4. Anthony Gagliardi -- 372 (11th)
5. Luke Clausen -- 369 (4th)
6. Ramie Colson, Jr. -- 366 (117th)
7. Bryan Thrift -- 353 (7th)
8. Shinichi Fukae -- 350 (10th)
9. Clark Wendlandt -- 347 (6th)
10. Tom Mann, Jr. -- 345 (89th)
11. Glenn Delong -- 344 (NA)
12. Stetson Blaylock -- 344 (NA)
13. Andy Morgan -- 340 (3rd)
14. Mike Surman -- 339 (189th)
15. Ott DeFoe -- 338 (61st)
16. Tracy Adams -- 338 (83rd)
17. Mike Hawkes -- 338 (154th)
18. Greg Bohannan -- 333 (157th)
19. Jack L. Wade -- 332 (121st)
20. Chad Morgenthaler -- 331 (79th)

Points leader Walker (pictured) immediately jumps out for his vastly improved start, as does Colson. Also check out Surman (who made the Top 10 cut at Norman last year). Hawkes, Bohannan and Wade are also off to significantly stronger starts than last year.

The usual suspects are about where they were last year – pros like Gagliardi, Clausen, Thrift, Wendlandt and Morgan. In Thrift's case, he currently sits in the exact position he did at this point of the season last year (7th).

Note that along with Surman, Canterbury and Ehrler also made the Top 10 last year at Norman.

The Norman kings 4/16/2009

Interestingly, there are nine pros who finished inside the Top 30 at both the previous Norman events. Here they are, with their '07 and '08 finishes followed by average finish:

> Jim Moynagh -- 6th, 2nd (4th-place average)
> Greg Pugh -- 8th, 4th (6th-place average)
> Brent Ehrler -- 13th, 6th (10th-place average)
> Andy Morgan -- 12th, 11th (12th-place average)
> Michael Bennett -- 7th, 18th (13th-place average)
> Craig Powers -- 18th, 15th (17th-place average)
> Luke Clausen -- 22nd, 25th (24th-place average)
> David Dudley -- 24th, 28th (26th-place average)
> Tony Couch -- 28th, 30th (29th-place average)

Moynagh (pictured at right, top) and Pugh (bottom) were the only pros to make the Top 10 cut at both events.

It's also worth noting that former two-tour pros Clausen and Dudley both fished the 2005 Norman Bassmaster Tour. Clausen finished 119th, while Dudley finished 72nd. That event, however, took place in mid-March and was decidedly pre-spawn, whereas both FLW Tour events were spawn/post-spawn – as next week's event is expected to be.

Fishing for men 4/16/2009
TownHall.com recently published an article about Bassmaster Elite Series chaplain Chris Wells. To read it, click here.

Stretch it out 4/15/2009
All anglers like their line to feel nice and limber before their first cast of the day, but not all amateurs have the time or the resources to spool up fresh line as often as they'd like. Today on the Catch More Fish page, Scott Rook offers up a tip to get a supple feel back into line that's been on a reel for awhile.

To read it, click here.

Oakley chooses a few 4/15/2009

Under the agreement, Oakley will present one event in each of the three Open divisions – this week's Chesapeake Northern Open, the Wheeler Southern Open (April 30–May4), and the Rayburn Central Open (Sept. 3–5).

VP of Oakley sports marketing Patrick McIlvain noted: "We're excited to collaborate with BASS and be involved with the Bassmaster tournaments. This alliance will showcase the technical advantages of our polarized eyewear in three of the most competitive fishing events of the year."

Berkley trailer Minnesota-bound 4/14/2009

The trailer gives the everyday angler the opportunity to view baits in the Berkley line and chances to see the baits in action. Kids and adults alike will enjoy fishing games and competing in knot-tying contests.

“We want everyone, young and old alike, to enjoy the Berkley experience,” said marketing manager Andrew Marks. “In addition to our bait and line interactive displays, we will have Abu Garcia reel demonstrations, interactive touch screens to learn how to 'Catch More Fish' and a showcase for our latest and most innovative fishing products.”

The Scheels is located at 20200 Rogers Dr. The phone number is (763) 493-8600.

Here's a schedule of upcoming stops:

> April 23-25 – Scheels, Fargo, N.D.
> April 30-May 2 – Scheels, Bismarck, N.D.
> May 6-8 – Gander Mountain, Forest Lake, Minn.
> May 15-18 – Scheels, St. Cloud, Minn.

Skeeter's Fed. Offer 4/14/2009
Skeeter today announced details of a new BASS Federation Nation retail program.

The program, available only to Federation Nation members, provides cash-back rebates for in-stock and ordered Skeeter/Yamaha packages until March 2, 2010, extends Skeeter's Real Money tournament-incentive program by offering up to $3,000 for a sanctioned-tournament win, and adds a 2-year Yamaha Extended Service (Y.E.S.) contract on qualified Skeeter/Yamaha boat packages.

Skeeter senior VP and GM Jeff Stone noted: "The BASS Federation Nation is the heart and soul of our great sport of bass fishing. The Federation Nation provides a solid foundation that'll support both the competitive and recreational aspects of the sport well into the future. Skeeter's proud to support the Federation Nation, and we're confident that this new retail program will expose Federation Nation members to Skeeter's stellar lineup of bass boats."

Skeeter also offers a $50,000 cash incentive for a victory at the 2009 Federation Nation Championship, and a $100,000 cash incentive for a Bassmaster Classic victory.

Beat the Elites in doubt 4/14/2009
Back in February, Mark Taylor of the Roanoke (Va.) Times reported on the "Beat the Elites" event that was being planned to coincide with the Bassmaster Elite Series tournament at Smith Mountain Lake, which gets under way in 2 weeks. The idea was for participants to match their skills against the pros, with a substantial bonus going to the winner if his or her 4-day total was higher than the Elite winner's

Taylor now writes that the tournament may not go off. To read his column, click here.

Northerns to begin 4/14/2009

A second milestone is the Northern Open takes place at the Chesapeake Bay, Md. – a venue BASS last visited in 1991. That '91 event was, of course, the Bassmaster Classic won by Ken Cook.

Cook, a 27-year pro, announced previously that this will be his final competitive season, so there's certainly a lot of history swirling around the Chesapeake season-opener.

BASS is currently reporting a field of 193 pros and 199 co-anglers for the event. The final field will be determined tomorrow at the tournament meeting.

Kriet, Moore to sign a line 4/13/2009

Hi-Seas line has become more aggressive in the U.S. freshwater market over the last several years, notably through its sponsorship of pros like Cliff Pace and its large-scale sponsorship of grassroots leagues like American Bass Anglers.

Scroggins won't panic 4/13/2009

"Because of those two bad tournaments I had, (86th at Amistad and 88th at Wheeler), there's a sense of urgency," he said. "I can't really pinpoint a reason – Amistad's a place where I usually do good, but I was completely lost this time. And at Wheeler I had a good practice, but then everything went south and the cards didn't play out right.

"I do miss not having 11 events this year because with that many tournaments, it wasn't as hard to offset a couple of bad ones. With only eight, I really have to come back and finish strong."

He's confident that his worst finishes are behind him.

"I feel good about the events that are coming up, and if I can make a couple of Top 12s, I can get back to where I need to be pretty quick. With the way (the point structure is) set up, those high finishes get you some extra points."

Auten wins at Neely Henry 4/12/2009
South Carolina Bassmaster Elite Series pro Todd Auten caught an 18.38-pound bag Saturday to win the weather-shortened PAA Tournament Series event at Alabama's Lake Neely Henry by a little more than a pound over runner-up Duke Jenkel.

Jenkel caught 12.64 on the final day to finish with 29.89. Dalton Bobo was 3rd with 29.73, followed by day-1 leader Boyd Duckett with 29.53 and Stacey King with 29.20.

Details of Auten's winning pattern will be posted soon.

Longtime grudge 4/10/2009
There are a few outdoors columnists around the country who don't hold pro bass fishing in a very high regard, and Mike Jackson of the Daily Herald (suburban Chicago) is apparently one of them. It seems he's never gotten over a pro scoffing at his suggestion to use light tackle and small jigs to catch bass, even though the incident occurred 30 years ago.

To read his recent column, click here.

Shuffield update 4/9/2009

Another bit of news: The famed lipless crankbait expert has changed his attack plan quite a bit this spring – largely because the fish have seen so many rattlebaits. What's he fishing and how's he fishing it? Head on over to the Catch More Fish page to find out. Odds are it'll be killer in your lake too. The story also includes info on how to book a trip with Shuffield.

Streaks: Tour vs. Series 4/9/2009
There's a little bit of contrast for some big-name pros this year when you compare their FLW Tour and Series performances. Here's a few highlights after two Eastern FLW Series events and two FLW Tour events.

> Glenn Browne – He's 2nd in the Series points but 125th on the Tour. His two Series finishes this year were 10th (Okeechobee) and 3rd (Eufaula).

> Scott Martin – Is 3rd in the Series points but 79th on the Tour. Started off well on the Tour with a 26th at Guntersville, but fell off at Table Rock with a 128th. By comparison, he posted back-to-back 8th-place Series finishes.

> Dave Lefebre – It's become a trend for Lefebre to slam-dunk the Series. He won the points in its inaugural year, then followed it up with 8th- and 4th-place points finishes. He's 4th in this year's Eastern Series points, but a middling 62nd in the Tour points.

> Gary Yamamoto – The famed bait designer sits at 6th in the Series points but 151st (nearly last) in the Tour points.

So who's hot on both circuits? Tom Mann, Jr. for one. He leads the Eastern Series points and is 10th in the Tour points. His Series finishes thus far were 5th and 2nd, and his Tour finishes were 5th and 52nd.

Also note Brent Ehrler, who leads the Western Series points and sits at 3rd in the Tour points. Ehrler recently won the Havasu Western Series (the only Western event thus far). His Tour finishes were 11th and 6th. Remember that Ehrler narrowly lost last year's FLW Tour Angler of the Year title to David Dudley. Ehrler's also the highest ranked FLW pro in the world.

Neely Henry improving 4/8/2009

The area has been beset by northwest winds exceeding 20 mph, but things have settled down today.

"It's calm and sunny and really nice, so hopefully we've seen the end (of the wind)," Horton said. "With the current, the spotted bass are biting pretty good and hopefully the warm weather will get the largemouth going."

He said many anglers will likely focus on catching a 10- to 11-pound limit of spots from the current, then move to the docks or backwaters in search of kicker largemouths.

"I think it'll probably take 14 to 16 pounds a day to win it."

Pure CEO update 4/8/2009

Sources also wonder whether Pure Fishing marketing chief Todd Hoskins will choose to remain with the company. Hoskins was brought to Pure Fishing by Carlson. Both Carlson and Hoskins came directly to Pure Fishing from Raymarine.

The shakeup in the Pure Fishing CEO position came the same week as news that former members of Pure Fishing senior management were part of the private investment group that purchased a significant stake in Northland Tackle. That group includes former Pure Fishing global marketing manager Gary Morgal (now Northland CEO), and is believed to include former Pure Fishing CEO Pat McIntyre.

NMMA fights higher ethanol 4/8/2009
Do you think about what type of fuel goes into your outboard? Probably – especially whether or not it contains ethanol. That's because ethanol can attract water, and outboards of course spend their entire running lives in water.

Yamaha, for example, says fuels with 10% ethanol (E10) are appropriate for outboard use (although not optimal), provided the fuel isn't mixed with other fuel. But ethanol mixes higher than 10% (like E85) shouldn't be used in outboards.

Thus, the push to include more ethanol in consumer fuels has met with resistance from the boat and motor industry, and leading the charge has been the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).

As an update on the progress, Charles Drevna last week appeared before the U.S. Senate Environment & Public Works Committee's Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety to discuss issues related to the Renewable Fuels Standard. Drevna is president of the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association and also represented the NMMA in the discussion.

Drevna said before the Subcommittee:

"Collectively, our associations have one fundamental message for the Subcommittee today: Ethanol should not be blended into gasoline at levels higher than 10 percent for use in non-flexible-fuel motor vehicles and nonroad gasoline-powered engines until comprehensive, independent testing demonstrates that those so-called 'mid-level ethanol blends' are safe for consumers and do not harm the environment or public health. Our organizations recognize the importance of biofuels, including ethanol, in diversifying our nation's fuels portfolio. However, before the use of mid-level ethanol blends is permitted, we must ensure that these blends are safe for consumers, do not harm gasoline-powered engines, and do not lead to increases in emissions that will harm the environment.

"Any decision on whether to allow the use of mid-level ethanol blends must be guided solely by unbiased science and must be undertaken through an open, public and transparent process that takes into account both the increased air pollution that will result from the use of higher ethanol blends in many engines and the potential risks to consumers driving vehicles or handling engines fueled with those blends. Our associations stand ready to work with Congress, the Administration and other stakeholders to assure an effective, realistic, stable policy that will assist consumers and protect our environment."

> To read Yamaha's FAQ on ethanol blends as they relate to outboard motors, click here.

Classic gets Emmy nod 4/8/2009
The 2008 Hartwell Bassmaster Classic TV coverage has been nominated for a Sports Emmy award in the Outstanding Live Event Turnaround category. The programming was created by JM Associates/Career Sports Entertainment for ESPN2.

The 30th Annual Sports Emmy Awards will be presented April 27 by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. This marks the first nomination for Classic coverage.

In announcing the news, BASS VP and GM Tom Ricks said: "What a tremendous honor to receive a nomination from such a respected organization. It's certainly confirmation that the Bassmaster Classic continues to deliver compelling content across all of our multimedia platforms."

PAA live weigh-in 4/7/2009

The weigh-in will be produced by the anglerschannel.com.

The PAA is also seeking observers for the Neely Henry tournament. Those interested in riding with the pros can sign up tomorrow (Wednesday) at the Gadsden Convention Hall from noon to 1 p.m.

For a look at the new Bailey-designed PAA site, click here.

Carlson gone from Pure 4/7/2009

Carlson was named CEO in early 2008 to succeed Tom Bedell, who acted as interim CEO after the departure of Pat McIntyre. During Carlson's tenure, the company relocated its headquarters from Spirit Lake, Iowa to Columbia, S.C.

A new or interim CEO has not yet been publicly named.

Ike's rebound 4/7/2009

"I fished 2 full days of practice and found something I thought was okay," Ike said of Dardanelle. "The first day, that didn't work. I practiced again the next day. I just put myself in an area and put the trolling motor down. Obviously I picked the wrong area. I just never figured them out. Over 5 days of fishing I never got a handle on what the fish were doing."

The news got a lot better last weekend though, when Ike rebounded and finished 5th at Wheeler. That moved him up 27 spots to 19th in the Toyota Tundra BASS Angler of the Year (AOY) race, and he moved up four spots to 9th in the BassFan World Rankings.

About his Wheeler bounceback, Ike said: "It was awesome. I needed it. Dardanelle was just pretty devastating. And it was hard to come off a tournament where I was totally clueless like that. I needed a good one to get me back on track and I got it. It feels real good. I'm real happy about it."

Ike's pattern information from Wheeler will be published soon, along with pattern information from the rest of the Top 5.

World Rankings: post-Wheeler 4/7/2009
The new BassFan World Rankings are now published. After Wheeler, Kevin VanDam's still ranked No. 1 by a huge margin and Todd Faircloth's back to the 2nd spot. But be sure to check out some names like Brent Chapman, Casey Ashley and Tommy Biffle.

To view the latest BassFan World Rankings, click here.

Howell lights it up 4/6/2009

The package came courtesy of his sponsorship deal with Blue Water LED Lighting.

“Installation is very straight-forward and in no time at all I added functionality and a slick look to my rig," he said. " The lights are a huge help anytime I'm working in the boat.

"Preparation during pre-dawn hours and after dark is vital to a successful tournament finish. Being able to see what I'm doing helps me keep a positive attitude at the start and end of the day.”

Phoenix inks Morgenthaler 4/6/2009

Phoenix signed on as the official boat sponsor of the PAA Tournament Series in January.

"My efforts for the PAA have taken a lot of blood, sweat and tears and a tremendous number of hours," said Morgenthaler, the PAA vice president. "I believe in the cause and once we established our plans for 2010 and beyond, it was important for me personally to do business with the companies who believed in our dream.

"I need to do my part to support the people who support us. I have to lead by example."

Morgenthaler cited the positive values of Phoenix president Gary Clouse, a
30-year veteran of the bass boat industry, as a driving force behind his decision to sign with the relatively new company. "He's an outstanding person with a unique business plan to deal with these difficult economic times. He has great values and I'm honored that he has allowed me to get in on the ground-floor level."

Said Clouse: "Chad is a quality individual and will be a great asset in our marketing efforts. The exposure that he brings to the table for Phoenix in a year's time as he travels and promotes will be huge."

Morgenthaler was formerly with Ranger and said he parts with the company on good terms.

"Any time you make a major change, it's a difficult decision. I left a lot of FLW contingency money on the table, but as (primary sponsor Jasper Engines and Transmissions) drove home to me 3 years ago, branding yourself with the right match of
partners is critical.

"When Gary shared with me his experience and all of the thought that went into the development of Phoenix boats, that's what sold me. The new features, like the rotating tackle storage, livewells with backup systems and a dash that will accommodate the largest electronics are all innovative, but he also gave me the opportunity for a lot of input.

"The president of the company was asking me for my thoughts, and that's an opportunity I'd never had before."

Opinion: The Wheeler Cut 4/5/2009
According to BassFan managing editor John Johnson, BASS batted .500 the past 2 weeks in regards to weather-canceled days and the cut. Which does he agree with: The Top 12 pros fishing the final day at Dardanelle, or the Top 50 pros fishing today's finale at Wheeler?

To find out, click here to read his BassFan Opinion.

Wheeler will end today 4/5/2009
BASS just issued its ruling for end of competition at the Wheeler Bassmaster Elite Series: There will be no Monday competition and the event will conclude with today's weigh-in.

Curious is that, based on the press release announcing the ruling, Tuesday was perhaps considered for a tournament day as well. BASS's official statement read: "BASS announced that Sunday, April 5 will be the final day of competition of the Evan Williams Bourbon Dixie Duel on Wheeler Lake because of unsafe weather forecasts for Monday and Tuesday. Tournament officials made the announcement prior to the 7:15 a.m. (CT) launch of boats Sunday."

Guido wins Eufaula 4/4/2009

"Every fish I caught was spawned out," Hibdon noted. "I don't know when they spawned, but it was a good ways back. And what these fish were doing – they were coming out of the creeks, and they were coming to me. And every day there was more of them. The hardest part of the deal was being patient and making the same casts.

"You know, my camera guy this morning, I about ran him nuts," he added. "I sat and threw at one rock 40 times and caught a 5- or 6-pounder or whatever it was, and he said 'I can't believe it.'"

Hibdon added that he fished the entire tournament near the dam south of Eufaula, he caught every one of his fish on a Lucky Craft R.C. 2.5 in copper-perch. "You could have caught them on a black (crankbait)," he noted. "You just had to make a lot of casts."

His son Dion finished 10th.

The full details of Guido's winning pattern will be posted soon.

Wheeler: more uncertainty 4/4/2009
BassFans, and the pros, will have to wait 1 more day to learn how the cut at the Wheeler Bassmaster Elite Series will work. A ruling from BASS on the cut was expected this morning, but it wasn't announced until moments before today's weigh-in began. Here's how it lays out.

Remember that day 2 (yesterday) was canceled. Thus, the full field fished today. After today's weigh-in, the Top 50 will fish tomorrow. However, BASS won't decide until tomorrow morning whether the tournament will end that night, or continue on with the Top 12 to fish Monday.

That's because the weather forecast for Monday looks pretty hairy. The call is for heavy winds out of the west-northwest from 23 to 25 mph. That would create the same type of circumstance that caused the day-2 cancellation – heavy west winds pushing into a heavy east-flowing current.

A BASS official noted that BASS tournament officials delayed the final call until tomorrow in order to utilize the most up-to-date forecasts available.

Northland to expand??? 4/3/2009

The group of investors was not named, but Gary Morgal – an industry veteran who worked with wholesaler CSI and was a member of senior management at Pure Fishing – was named CEO of Northland.

Northland founder and president John Peterson will remain as president of the company and one of its main stockholders. Duane Peterson's responsibility will be reduced to an advisory, consultant and promotional status as he moves into semi-retirement.

The new influx of capital will allow the company to expand its sales through acquisition of new product lines, and through the development of new product categories, the company said. An expanded international sales force will also allow the company to "grow its sales geographically and capture many new markets."

John Peterson noted: "Despite the tough economic climate that the nation and most companies are facing right now, Northland Fishing Tackle sales are soaring. With the high unemployment numbers, more people than ever have extra time to get outdoors and enjoy their favorite pastime of fishing, and the demands for our products have never been higher. We're working two shifts, 6 days a week trying to keep up with the demand, and the time for continued expansion is now."

Although not a major player in the national bass market yet, Northland expanded its effort in that market over the past several years, notably through its Slurpies line of soft-plastics. The company is best known for its extensive line of basic to high-end jigs and spinners, and is also a monster in the ice-fishing and panfish worlds. Additionally, its no-nonsense, affordable spinnerbaits are highly popular in the Upper Midwest.

Skeet's reel tested 4/3/2009
You've no doubt seen Skeet Reese's black and yellow Abu Garica Revo reels, which he's had since the 2008 Bassmaster Classic and used to win the 2009 event. BassFan Managing Editor John Johnson got to test one recently, and he found that it's indeed much more than a flashy paint job.

To read the review, click here.

Wheeler: what's the cut? 4/3/2009
When BASS announced it canceled today's competition (day 2) at the Wheeler Bassmaster Elite Series, the league stated the full field will fish tomorrow. But there was no mention of a cut. Remember that last week at Dardanelle, Day 3 was canceled and only the Top 12 fished day 4.

BassFan spoke with a BASS official who said the cut structure at Wheeler has yet to be determined. What's interesting is that several pros mentioned there's talk of possibly fishing on Monday.

"We don't know what the structure's going to be at this time," the official said. "We're going to make our decision tomorrow. The decision will be based upon a lot of different factors, and right now, weather's the big factor."

Today's competition was canceled because last night's severe storm dumped a ton of water into the system. The current's roaring, but at the same time, west winds are blowing directly opposite the direction of flow. That's stacked the waves right against one other, which is a potentially deadly scenario.

Tomorrow's forecast calls for light winds and clear skies, so the general consensus is that fishing will resume tomorrow. Where it gets tricky is Sunday (day 4). Forecasts call for scattered thunderstorms with wind gusts up to 25 mph out of the south. The southerly direction is a little better than the due-west winds today, but certainly not optimal.

So if the full field fishes tomorrow, it's most likely the Top 12 will advance to Sunday – since it's a "TV day." And if Sunday's canceled, the Top 12 could fish Monday.

The BASS official did confirm that Monday fishing is something that's potentially on the table. There's no BASS event next week, although the PAA fishes Neely Henry (also in Alabama) next week.

A decision on the cut structure is expected tomorrow morning, the official added.

Day 2 at Wheeler Canceled 4/3/2009
For the second straight week, BASS has canceled a day at a Bassmaster Elite Series event due to unsafe weather conditions. Day 2 at Alabama's Lake Wheeler was called off today after a 2-hour delay at the launch.

"Essentially what was happening was the wind was blowing against the current, and the water level was up from heavy rains last night and yesterday afternoon," a BASS communications official explained. "The combination of strong winds and strong current made navigation unsafe."

The full 100-angler field will fish again tomorrow. The official said a decision will be made tomorrow as to how many anglers will advance to Sunday.

Cole: official word 4/2/2009

Cole was most recently director of marketing at Mann's Bait Co. Prior to Mann's, he spent nearly 20 years with BASS/ESPN, where he worked as director of sponsor fulfillment after a long tenure as advertising director for all BASS consumer publications.

In announcing the news, Pure fishing senior director of marketing communications John Bartow said: "Hunter's an avid fresh- and saltwater fisherman. His product knowledge and experience in marketing and communications will be an invaluable asset as we continue to execute our strategies as an industry leader in fishing tackle for all levels of angling experience. He'll play a key role in the development and implementation of marketing strategies for all Pure Fishing brands."

Cole noted: "It's an honor and privilege to join the Pure Fishing team. I've always admired the company's dedication to product innovation and excellence, conservation and youth initiatives."

Cole and his family will relocate to Columbia, S.C., where Pure Fishing is now headquartered.

Clemons moves on 4/2/2009
The outdoors lost a tremendous daily newspaper voice today when Alan Clemons, outdoor columnist at the Huntsville Times, announced he accepted a buyout offer from the company and will exit the newspaper business.

The newspaper industry is currently in a tailspin, with layoffs and closings across the country. That's on top of the long erosion of outdoor-sports coverage (of the hook-and-bullet type) that's occurred over the past decade.

The work of Clemons, in particular his dedication to and elevation of the sport of professional bass fishing, was substantial.

Clemons told BassFan today that the decision was a difficult one.

"The newspaper industry is undergoing changes – some of which are saddening and others that part of our social-communications evolution," Clemons said. "I wish The Times and its great journalists the best in its future endeavors.

"As for me, I have a position with a new Huntsville-based outdoors company. Sorry I can't say more right now but we'll hit the ground soon. I believe it'll be a challenging and exciting time in my life, and I'll still be popping up at shows and events."

Clemons added that he'll be freelancing from this point forward, so watch for his work in various places across the industry.

NC team wins FOM title 4/2/2009

They worked the same area of the river each day, flipping Berkley PowerBait Chigger Craws and throwing small Lucky Craft crankbaits in 5 feet of water or less. Their prize package included a new Triton/Mercury rig and $2,000 cash.

The Kansas team of Shane Wilson and Chuck Gardner placed 2nd with 46.86. Louisiana's Martin Elshout and Mark Price were 3rd with 43.95.

Twenty-four Fishers of Men divisions were represented among the 28 teams that made the cut to the final day.

A look at the AOY race 4/1/2009

Let's start at the upper end, where six of the Top 10 slots are occupied by anglers who failed to qualify for the 2009 Bassmaster Classic (they were outside the Top 39 when last year's race was complete). That group consists of Stephen Browning (3rd), James Niggemeyer (5th), Mark Menendez (7th), Cliff Pace (8th) Kevin Short (9th) and Denny Brauer (10th).

Brauer has competed in 19 Classics (including a victory in 1998), and that number would likely be even higher if not for his heavy emphasis on wins in recent years. That's far more appearances in the big event than the rest of that sixsome combined (Browning and Menendez have been there four times each, while Niggemeyer, Pace and Short have gone once apiece).

Menendez was the first angler outside the Classic cutoff after each of the last 2 seasons, so he's more than hungry to claim a spot for Alabama's Lay Lake next February. His win last week at Dardanelle will go a long way toward making that happen.

Defending AOY winner Kevin VanDam (pictured) is currently in position to claim the crown for the fifth time. It's a title that Alton Jones (2nd) covets, and one that Skeet Reese (4th) won in 2007. Gary Klein (6th) has copped the award twice, but not since 1993.

The Top 36 are guaranteed berths for Lay, but that will almost assuredly go to at least 37 because Reese, the defending champion, should double-qualify. There could also be a few more double-dippers via the Bassmaster Opens.

Now for a look at some notable names currently outside the cutoff:

> Aaron Martens (39th) – the 2005 AOY has made 10 of the last 11 Classics and has three runner-up finishes in that event.

> Mike Iaconelli (46th) – the 2006 AOY's current standing is the result of just one horrible finish at Dardanelle. He's been sizzling and should move up in a hurry.

> Davy Hite (49th) – he's sitting pretty compared to last year; he was 109th after two tournaments in 2008 and still made the Classic.

> Mark Davis (50th) – the three-time AOY has had a lot of mediocre finishes since his blazing start to 2008, but he could make up ground quickly.

> Ish Monroe (60th) – he'll need to pick up the pace some to extend his streak of five straight Classic qualifications.

> Steve Kennedy (63rd) – he's yet to finish lower than 16th in this race in the 3-year existence of the Elite Series, but has been in a mini-slump of late.

> Takahiro Omori (74th) – his confounding run of mediocrity continues; he hasn't logged a Top 12 since July 2007 and he's finished outside the Top 50 in six of the last eight Elite events.

> John Crews (87th) – another guy who's in a funk; he's ended up 32nd twice in the last 12 events, but that's as good as it's gotten.

> Derek Remitz (88th) – he's been unable to recapture the magic of his sparkling rookie season 2 years ago; he's finished no higher than 30th in the last 10 tournaments and has missed six 50-cuts in that span.

> Rick Clunn (96th) – he has some serious work to do in order to nail down his 33rd Classic berth.

For a look at the full standings, click here.

The initial winner 4/1/2009
In his latest Scott On-Line column, BASS founder Ray Scott pays tribute to Carl Dyess, who won the first official BASS tournament ever held at Lake Seminole in 1967. Dyess received a standing ovation at the recent Bassmaster Classic in Shreveport, La., which was the highlight of that event for Scott.

To read the column, click here.

Parker plays it by ear 4/1/2009
Bass-fishing legend Hank Parker says anglers who head out for a day of fun-fishing in the springtime should leave all preconceived notions about how they plan to fish at the dock. Conditions can vary dramatically from one cove or creek to the next, and a lot of the enjoyment he gets on such excursions comes from figuring out what to do at each stop.

For more spring tips from the two-time Bassmaster Classic winner, click over to the Catch More Fish page.

Murray report: 20 pounds, then zip 4/1/2009

Brauer in position 4/1/2009

Remember, though, that Brauer's won 4 events in the past 7 years. So he's still the consummate threat, even if he doesn't pocket the points at each event like some pros do.

In a comparison to last year, Brauer's way ahead of his pace. After two events in 2008, he sat at 65th in the points. That wasn't all that surprising, though, since the 2008 season kicked off with two Florida events, and Florida is Brauer's Achilles heel. Historically, he's struggled there. The same set of circumstance occurred in 2005, when the Bassmaster Tour kicked off with Toho and the Harris Chain. After two events that year, Brauer found himself at an eerily similar 68th-place standing.

About his 10th-place position this season, he said: "Obviously I would have liked to have a better Amistad event. That kind of disappointed me, because I really felt I had some fish found that could (have resulted) in a really decent finish. Then the water temperatures dropped 11 degrees the night before the tournament started, so I had to scramble and improvise to get through the tournament. I wasn't happy with 38th, but you can't govern the weather. All you can do is try to plan for it. I had both deep and shallow fish there, and if I had it to do over again, I probably wouldn't do anything different.

"At least I'm not in a major hole right off the bat like last year," he added. "You spend your time just continually fighting to catch back up, but Falcon ended up being a disaster (he finished 88th). That was another bad tournament. You dig yourself into another hole to where if something doesn't go just right at the last event, you end up missing the Classic."

With that in mind, he said today's final practice day at the Wheeler Elite Series is tremendously important for his season. Like others in the field, he's caught a ton of dinks, but big fish have been a struggle. And to stay comfortably ahead of the Classic cutoff, he'll need several big bites at Wheeler.

"It's a shorter schedule – after this tournament there's only five more events – so a guy can run out of time in a hurry. You have to make each event count. Today is a really important day for me to try to figure out how to salvage this event and move on."