Storm opinion: The Ranger sale 10/31/2009
In a new opinion column, BassFan editor-in-chief Jon Storm helps readers wade through what the Ranger sale means for bass fishing. He argues that the health and future of FLW Outdoors hangs in the balance. To read his analysis, click here.

Mass. angler takes Fed Nation title 10/30/2009

With the victory, Phillips also scored a Skeeter/Yamaha rig valued at more than $60,000.

“It feels great, I’m ecstatic,” he said. “I could not have asked for a better tournament. Everything turned out great and I’m very excited to go to the Classic. This is my dream.”

Despite landing a limit – no certainty this week – Phillips had only 6-15 on the final day of competition. But tough conditions prevailed and many of the challengers slipped.

Don Hogue of Pasco, Wash., had the lead heading into the final day but fell short, claiming runner-up honors with a 29-01 total. But Hogue did take solace in the fact that he earned a 2010 Classic berth by way of becoming champion of the Western Division. Phillips took the Eastern Division.

“This is surreal, it’s something you dream about like you dream of going to the moon,” Hogue said. “I’m kind of overwhelmed, but I’m sure most of the guys are.”

Hogue describes himself as a "West Coast guy", having never before fished in Florida or in Alabama. He'll fish at Alabama’s Lay Lake in the 2010 Classic, which is set for Feb. 19-21 out of Birmingham.

In the Southern division, Brent Long of Cornelius, N.C., held on with a 7-03 bag on day 3. He also competed in the 2007 Classic.

Jeff Freeman of Max Meadows, Va., held off Gerry Jooste of Harare, Zimbabwe, to secure his second Classic berth. Freeman won the 2007 Bassmaster Federation Nation Championship on Florida’s Lake Tohopekaliga and has also scored victory in Bassmaster events as a co-angler. He'll represent the Mid-Atlantic Division.

Despite finishing 12th in the tournament, Bryan Schmidt of Olney, Texas claimed his second consecutive Classic berth by topping the Central Division. He finished 6th in this year's Classic.

Jody Adkins of North Canton, Ohio, the Northern Division champion, rounds out the Classic qualifiers.

In the Junior Bassmaster World Championship, which played out on nearby Lake Yale, Jake Cook of Kennewick, Wash., bested the age 15-18 division 13-01. John Duarte of Middle River, Md., won the 11-14 division with 5 pounds. Youth prizes included scholarships for the top finishers.

The Bassmaster CastingKids National Championship was also determined with Sierra Voisin of Mildmay, Ontario, Canada, scoring her third victory in the 7-10 age division. Jared Raymer of Brandenburg, Ky., won the 11-14 division, besting Shauni Voisin (Sierra’s older sister).

Vanish improved 10/30/2009
If you've fished with Berkley Vanish fluorocarbon line, you already know about its superb castability. But did you know that it's been improved? It now features greater shock resistance and a higher knot strength.

For the full scoop on the new Vanish, head on over to the Catch More Fish page.

Genmar will be sold 10/30/2009

The news was announced to Genmar dealers in a letter from Genmar president and CEO Roger Cloutier.

The legal motion, filed earlier today, notes that both bankruptcy strategies – refinancing/reorganization and sale of assets – were pursued simultaneously, but it was determined that a sale of assets was the only tenable exit strategy.

A hearing on the motion is scheduled for Nov. 4 at 9:30 a.m.

Additionally, a stalking horse (i.e. potential buyer) has arisen. The stalking horse was not named in the motion – Genmar said to do so would jeopardize the sale process – but the motion did request that Genmar be allowed to enter into an exclusivity and expense agreement with the stalking horse. Such an agreement would preclude Genmar from entertaining offers or negotiating with other potential buyers.

The motion, however, includes language that would allow Genmar chairman Irwin Jacobs (pictured) to match or better the stalking-horse offer through a reorganization/refinancing or purchase offer, provided he act solely as a personal agent and not in connection with Genmar.

Jacobs was reportedly in court this week in the attempt to remove Ranger from the bankruptcy.

What isn't clear is whether the stalking horse has proposed to purchase all of Genmar's assets, or certain brands and facilities.

Rumors have run rampant through the industry the past several weeks that certain parties were interested in a purchase of Ranger Boats – namely Yamaha, Evinrude and a group headed by Ranger founder Forrest Wood and current president Randy Hopper that also includes Ranger employees. There's likewise speculation that Jacobs could seek to regain ownership of the Genmar bass-boat brands, which might help buoy his stake in FLW Outdoors, which he owns, but has recently encountered difficulty in a soft economy and sponsor market.

The fate of the Stratos and Champion brands remains equally cloudy.

A best friend and a big cat 10/30/2009
Two new entries in the Abu Garcia For Life! contest were published today. Kenny Kraft details how his 5000 was a faithful friend for nearly three decades, and Brian Cope recalls catching a 12-pound catfish on the inaugural outing for his 5000 C. To read all about the reels, head on over to the Abu Garcia For Life! contest page.

Does your Abu Garcia reel have some mileage? Then why not enter it in the Abu Garcia For Life! contest? Show us your "classic" or well-used Abu and you might win a new one. Click here to submit a picture of the reel, as well as a detailed story or two about its history. Entries must include a photo of the reel and are judged each month based on content, detail and theme.

For technical questions or problems with entry submissions, send an email to editorial@bassfan.com.

Weekend Series inks Federated 10/30/2009

“We are always looking for new and innovative ways to help our members market and promote their businesses,” said Federated CEO Rusty Bishop. “The Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series is one of the fastest growing sport series in the country that appeals to a vast majority of our members and their customers. By being involved with the Bassmaster Series, we are afforded a great opportunity to reach a nationwide audience while providing our members with numerous marketing and hospitality opportunities to enhance their relationships with their customers.

"We are honored to be partnering with American Bass Anglers and the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series and look forward to a great 2010 season.”

Said ABA president Morris Sheehan: “It’s great to partner with a company like Federated Auto Parts who with over 4,000 stores, is the largest and fastest-growing auto parts distribution network in the nation. Their commitment to the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series will not only grow the sport of bass fishing, but through their sponsorship will continue to provide a perfect venue for weekend anglers. Through this partnership they will also be able to offer their own customers great marketing and hospitality opportunities.”

The 2010 Bassmaster Weekend Series Tournament Trail will feature 21 divisions and 105 events nationwide. Four regional championships will be held in October 2010 and the Top 50 boaters and co-anglers will advance to the Bassmaster Weekend Series Championship at Alabama's Lake Guntersville. The series champion will then advance to the 2011 Bassmaster Classic in New Orleans.

Yelas: Western numbers should pick up 10/29/2009

"The fees this year were too high for the economy we were in and guys didn't support it," said Yelas, who partook in all four Western Series tournaments this year. "Without the Strens (FLW Outdoors eliminated the Western Stren division for next year), the fields should be full. Everybody knows how tours are struggling, but as far as big tournaments in the West, it's all there is.

"It's the best circuit the West has ever had, and hopefully it'll get established so that it can survive. The sponsors want to see full fields and the fishermen love that, too."

He said the current sponsorship situation is the worst he's seen in his 20-plus years as a pro.

"A lot of support is drying up, whether you're talking about tours or fishermen. We've always seen everything just go straight up – purses, entry fees and sponsorship money. Now companies and fishermen are all in self-preservation mode, and it's tough."

Evans speaks via chat 10/29/2009

Little was revealed about the state of the league that wasn't already announced or apparent. However, notable is that Tuesday's press release included a quote from Evans that said the cuts and changes were made to make FLW Outdoors events more affordable for anglers, but Evans revealed in the chat that FLW Outdoors and its sponsors are feeling the economic pinch too.

A few interesting tidbits from the chat:

Robby Rose update: investigation 10/29/2009
BassFan spoke today with Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. (TPWD) game warden Gary Collins, who's heading up the investigation of Robby Rose and an alleged cheating incident that occurred last Saturday at the Lake Ray Hubbard Bud Light Trail Big Bass Tournament.

According to Collins, charges have yet to be filed against Rose, although that is TPWD's aim. Collins and other officials will meet with the district attorney tomorrow to confer. The TPWD Wildlife Code does include a regulation regarding fraud in contests and exhibitions, but it's written in such language that it might not fit the scenario of what happened Saturday.

"There's also a state law for a rigged contest, so there are several different things to look at," Collins noted. "I wanted to go talk with the DA office and just review the case. They're the ones who'll have to prosecute, so before we file any cases, we're seeking some guidance from them.

"There are several different (prosecution) avenues we're looking at," Collins added. "To be frank, our law in the Wildlife Code doesn't deal with this particular instance. It deals with bringing in fish (to the lake) and selling fish, which is what we had a problem with several years ago when it was written. But there is a rigged contest or exhibition law in the penal code. That's the reason I want to talk to the DA about it and determine which one of these laws (the situation) falls under."

Collins told BassFan that Rose has been questioned several times by game wardens. There has been no admission of guilt.

WON's Hutch resigns 10/28/2009
WON Bass director Bill Hutcheson has resigned to accept a position with the new California Sportsman publication.

He announced the news on WesternBass.com. To read his letter, click here.

Series blowback 10/28/2009
Of all the news that FLW Outdoors released yesterday, the cancellation of the Eastern FLW Series appears to have hit pros the hardest. Numerous FLW pros – from journeymen to marquee veterans – sent letters to FLW Outdoors today outlining their shock and, in many cases, frustration.

Another major topic of concern among pros is the FLW Tour's cut to the Top 5 for final days next year. There appears to be a common sentiment that while TV exposure for pros has been halved (only five pros will fish on TV days, as opposed to the traditional 10), FLW offered no recompense, such as a loosening of logo-display restrictions.

FLW: Pure pulls out 10/28/2009
BassFan received confirmation from several well-placed sources after close of business today that Pure Fishing will cease its sponsorship of FLW Outdoors after the current contract expires this year.

The company in previous years was heavily involved with the league, and several months ago, Pure fishing CEO John Doerr addressed the crowd at the Pittsburgh Forrest Wood Cup.

Pure Fishing title-sponsored the Stren Series and fielded a pro angling team that included Sam Newby (Abu Garcia), Glenn Browne (Berkley), Stetson Blaylock (Berkley) and George Jeane, Jr. (Berkley).

It's assumed that the Stren Series will undergo a name change prior to the start of the 2010 season.

BassFan will contact Pure Fishing for comment when business resumes tomorrow.

The news comes at a delicate time, as FLW Outdoors yesterday released its 2010 schedules that included significant cuts and consolidation. Also, several FLW Outdoors sponsors have recently departed, are rumored to be departing, or have downgraded involvement, including Land O' Lakes, Evinrude, Walmart and BP.

Western FLW Series: date changes 10/28/2009
FLW Outdoors announced today that due to "issues surrounding permits," two dates events have been changed in the Western FLW Series. Bascially, the Mead and Rooselvelt events were flip-flopped – same dates, but the other location. The news also affects College Fishing and FLW moved up the College Western Regional by 1 week. Here's a look at the new schedules.

Western FLW Series
> Jan. 13-16 -- Lake Shasta -- Shasta Lake, Calif.
> May 5-8 -- Lake Mead -- Las Vegas, Nev.
> June 9-12 -- California Delta -- Stockton, Calif.
> Sept 22-25 -- Lake Roosevelt -- Payson, Ariz.

College Western
> Jan. 16 -- Lake Shasta -- Shasta Lake, Calif.
> May 8 -- Lake Mead -- Las Vegas, Nev.
> June 12 -- California Delta -- Stockton, Calif.
> Sept. 25 -- Lake Roosevelt -- Payson, Ariz.
> Oct. 9-11 -- Folsom Lake (Regional) -- Sacramento, Calif.

TBF/FLW partnership announcement 10/28/2009

Under the new agreement, past formats and programs will continue, including:

> The TBF National Championship will be nationally televised and held in conjunction with an FLW Tour event.

> The TBF Junior World Championship will be held in conjunction with the Forrest Wood Cup.

> TBF members will continue to receive priority entry into all FLW Outdoors tournaments.

> Seven boaters and seven co-anglers will advance from the National Championship to the BFL All-American.

> The National Champion boater and co-angler will advance to the Forrest Wood Cup, and the boater champion will receive the Living the Dream package, which includes use of a TBF-wrapped Ranger boat and Chevy tow vehicle, plus an FLW Tour entry-fee waiver.

In announcing the news, TBF president and CEO Robert Cartlidge said: "The FLW Outdoors and TBF partnership is a perfect fit. TBF has never had a partner that lined up so well with our core values or rolled up their sleeves and joined us in supporting the fishing industry like FLW Outdoors. For both organizations this isn't just about the bottom line. It's about fishing. As TBF and FLW Outdoors have worked closely over the last few years, we've learned from each other and benefited each other. This extended partnership will better serve both TBF and FLW Outdoors well into the future and presents TBF with more opportunities than ever before."

FLW Outdoors president and CEO Charlie Evans added: "We couldn't be more excited to extend our TBF partnership. The partnership has provided countless youth and conservation opportunities. As a founding member of the Berea Bass Busters in Berea, Ky., I share the passion and vision for tomorrow that embodies The Bass Federation."

Alleged Cheating incident (updated) 10/28/2009
An alleged cheating incident arose this past weekend that has the Texas fishing community buzzing.

The alleged incident took place at the Lake Ray Hubbard Bud Light Trail (BLT) Big Bass Tournament on Saturday, Oct. 21. USA Bass Trails declined to name the angler in question, but did issue the following statement:

"During an hourly weigh-in at the BLT Ray Hubbard Big Bass Tournament an angler brought a large fish to the weigh-in checkpoint. The fish was transferred from the weigh bag containing the fish to the official weigh bag. The BLT tournament director, after weighing the fish, asked that the fish be put in a holding tank behind the weigh-in stage. This fish would have been the largest fish of the hour. After the hourly weigh in was completed the angler was asked to take a polygraph. This is required for all participants who catch the biggest bass of the hour. During inspection of the fish by the fish handler and the tournament director, irregularities were discovered. A decision was made by tournament officials to interrupt the polygraph and have the angler and polygraph examiner witness an inspection of the bass.

"The angler was asked to remove the contents in the stomach of the bass or the contents would be inspected by BLT officials by whatever means possible. The angler chose to remove the contents and a lead weight was removed from inside the fish and handed to a tournament official. The angler then apologized to all who witnessed the removal of the lead weight. He was notified by the tournament director that he was disqualified. No objection or explanation was given by the angler as he left the weigh-in location. The fish and lead weight were then reweighed separately and pictures were taken. The Texas Game Wardens were immediately notified. Statements were given by tournament officials and all evidence was given to the Texas Game Wardens."

USA Bass Trails also stated: "All of us involved with the BLT program are saddened by this situation and the impact it may have on the angler, his family and friends. The BLT officials will cooperate with the legal authorities as they proceed with the evidence provided to the Game Wardens. The BLT officials, speaking both as anglers and tournament providers, want our anglers and sponsors to know that we will do our best to provide a fair and honest tournament event. We wish to thank all the anglers who have fished with us this year and hope that you will continue to do so."

Local sources confirm the angler in question is Robby Rose – a noted name in the region who also fished the Bassmaster Invitationals and Opens from 1997 to 2004.

RobbyRose.com has been shuttered, although a brief statement and apology from Rose apparently did appear on the site before it went dark.

The allegations have brought into question many of Rose's wins and accomplishments through the years, which would include at least three boats won on the Skeeter/Bass Champs circuit, plus large earnings in the Christian Anglers Bass Association, Media Bass, J.C Outdoors trail, prior BLT events.

Two years ago, after what seemed an uncanny run of wins and Top 5s, Skeeter/Bass Champs informed Rose that he would from that point forward have an observer in the boat with him at all times, even though he passed polygraphs that Bass Champs administered. Rose quit fishing Bass Champs soon after, although he continued to fish other trails, and in fact won the Lewisville Media Bass Super Teams in May of this year.

McCaig, Mason want to play 10/27/2009

McCaig, who'll turn 39 on Dec. 1 (the day the first 2010 Elite Series entry-fee deposit is due), works in the construction industry with his father-in-law and brother-in-law and doesn't think the time away from work would be a problem. The expenses, however, are another matter.

"I've got a few sponsors that'll help me with some of it, but I'm nowhere near what I'll need," said McCaig, who was 4th in the Open points. "I'm not going to take my life savings and risk it. I've got some feelers out and I've still got about a month to figure out a way to do it.

"It's not the end of the world if it doesn't happen for me this year – this is the first year I've even tried to qualify. I'm going to fish the Opens again either way and I'm still young enough that I might have other opportunities. But I'm working hard on this opportunity right now and we'll have to see where it takes me."

The 36-year-old Mason (pictured), who fished the Bassmaster Tour in 2004-05 and again in 2007 after it had become the Elite Series, is in a similar boat. His Elite spot isn't guaranteed since he finished 8th in the Open points (only the Top 7 automatically qualify), but an invitation is a virtual certainty as there are always decliners.

He said he's about 75% certain that he'll be fishing the Elites next year. And after what he learned about tournament preparation the last time out and his recent work with a sports psychologist, he thinks he'll be up to the challenge.

"It's definitely what I want to do, but like a lot of other guys, I'm still tying up the sponsorship ends," he said. "It looks very promising and if I get the call, I'm pretty sure I'll do it.

"Going into the (final Open) tournament, I had a feeling I would make it, so I've been working on this for awhile."

Kota's American Dream 10/27/2009
Bassmaster Elite Series angler Kota Kiriyama is gearing up to host his 3rd annual Kota's American Dream Tournament on Nov. 15 in Japan. The winning team will receive an expenses-paid trip to Arkansas next spring to compete in the BassCat Invitational at Lake Norfork.

"We had a lot of fun last year with the winning team," he said. "I do this because I wanted to help Japanese people who wanted to come to the U.S. for bass fishing. This event gives them a good opportunity for them to achieve their American bass fishing dream."

YouTube videos featuring last year's Japanese winners can be seen at the tournament website, www.KotaAmericanDream.com. The video linked below contains a message from BassCat owner Rick Pierce and some of the company's staff to Japanese anglers who'll compete in this year's event.

Roth on Oleksyn 10/27/2009
Sportswriter Leo Roth of the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, who more typically covers the NFL and other big-league ball beats, has done a good job over the past few years giving ink to pro bass fishing – largely centered on Rochester-area Elite Series pro Matt Sphar. No hype – just good sports reporting. Roth published an equally solid piece today on another Rochester hopeful – Steve Oleksyn, who qualified for the Elites through the Bassmaster Northern Opens. To read the story, click here.

B.U. – even more details 10/27/2009
The Bass University's new website is up and running, and the seminar series announced a few new confirmed instructors. Ish Monroe, Byron Velvick and Fred Roumbanis will be teaching at the Dallas stop, Michael Bennett and Brent Ehrler were added to the Sacramento stop, and Greg Hackney has been added to the Philadelphia stop. A few other speaker announcements are forthcoming.

For the full details, including schedules and registration info, visit TheBassUniversity.com.

Cooke catches Wave 10/26/2009

Cooke is a resident of Mooresville, N.C., where Wave is based. His relationship with the company began earlier this year after a chance discussion at its headquarters.

“We at Wave Energy Drink are quite proud to get behind an individual like David," said VP of marketing Jason Wolter. “Aside from his talent and success as a fisherman, he’s an amazing presence off the water as well. He’s a family man and a bit of a local celebrity here in our area. We think it makes sense to put some of our marketing strategy behind a great outdoor sport like the FLW Tour."

Said Cooke: “I’m pretty fortunate to have hooked up with the folks at Wave Energy Drink. It started with a simple conversation and here we are now with a full sponsorship for my efforts and some great marketing avenues for the product. I travel quite a bit to all of the tournaments and my truck, boat and uniform are all branded with Wave Energy Drink.

"Everywhere I’ve been so far, I’m getting a lot of questions and interest about the product. When people try the samples I bring with me, they immediately are won over on the taste alone."

Glasgow ecstatic, undecided 10/26/2009

This time around, Glasgow rocketed up from 13th and a 9-pound deficit on the final day to win.

"The win was just really exciting for me," he said. "Of course, going in so far down on the final day, you really don't think a lot about it. But it's Santee Cooper, where you can catch big bags of fish.

"The win just hit at a real good time financially for me," he added. "The way the economy's been, this is very exciting. It was just a blessed day. I own a little plumbing company and it's been tough. But this came at the perfect time for me."

Glasgow was also a little more than surprised when the win bumped him all the way up from 48th to 10th in the Southern Open points, which means he'll get an Elite invite if enough of those ahead of him decline theirs. He does have his $32,000 in winnings from the Open to finance his entry fees.

"That just put a curve into everything," he noted. "I won, and then I started thinking about 'Wow, can I do this?' I'm in a field of business where I could fish the Elites, but money's always a crunch. But now I've got $30,000 to play with. It makes you do a lot of thinking. On the drive home, my wife and I did kind of a little budget to see what it would take. I have thoughts of it, but I don't know. It's a gamble. I'm honored to be an alternate, and would love to do it, but I just have to do some thinking."

He's a little buoyed by advice he received from Bass Cat owner Rick Pierce several years back. Pierce told him that if he wanted to fish at the tour level, BASS was the place to be.

Another interesting tidbit: Glasgow runs with fellow Alabamian Mark McCaig, who finished 9th at Santee and 4th in the Southern points – just two spots away from a Bassmaster Classic berth at what would essentially be home water (Lay Lake).

Hoernke waiting 10/26/2009

Hoernke's Elite spot isn't guaranteed. On Saturday, he finished 9th in the Bassmaster Southern Open points, so he's two spots out of an automatic Elite invite, but close enough that he'll probably have the chance to get in if he wants it.

The deadline for the Elite Series entry deposit is about a month away, but again, Hoernke hasn't seen a payout tree or final format from FLW Outdoors, or news of whether the FLW Series will be an option next year.

"I'm working on that today, and will be the next several days," Hoernke said of the decision process. "At the present time, I still don't know where I'll fish next year. But I'm starting to make some phone calls and I'm looking at the options. I don't know what FLW is doing next year. At least I know what BASS is doing. I have the sneaking suspicion, along with everyone else, that it won't be the same program at FLW next year. If it's not, maybe that'll close the gap in the money difference between FLW and BASS. It's going to come down to money for me, and the business side. But we have to know here pretty soon."

Hoernke started his career with BASS, then moved over to FLW. And Hoernke runs a Skeeter, so his boat sponsor is a better fit for BASS, since Skeeter sponsors the Elite Series.

"Today and this week I'll talk on the phone a while and try to get some things closed up," Hoernke added. "If it works out, I might head to the Elites. But if I find something out from FLW, I might stay over there. It's kind of a crazy time. I don't even know what tackle to order. Should I be thinking about California and the Elites, where I've never fished? If I do go the Elite route, I'll probably cut out a lot of other events next year and strictly fish the Elites and the PAA."

McAbee still leads 10/23/2009

Bassmaster Elite Series pro Jared Lintner caught 20-12 today and remained in 2nd with 62-03, closing the gap on McAbee by a little more than half a pound.

Here are the anglers who'll fish the final day:

1. Randy McAbee Jr.: 66-08
2. Jared Lintner: 62-03
3. Clifford Pirch: 60-00
4. Michael Tuck: 59-06
5. Gary Howell: 59-04
6. Jimmy Reese: 58-10
7. Sean Minderman: 58-03
8. William Gibbs: 57-15
9. Brett Hite: 57-07
10. Tommy Cardoza: 57-07

Prince takes top slot at Open 10/23/2009

Strider, who weighed just three fish for 8-01 today, dropped to 2nd with 27-12. Meanwhile, Florida Bassmaster Elite Series pro Terry Scroggins put himself in superb position to claim a Bassmaster Classic berth with a 15-01 stringer that moved him up to 4th with 25-09.

Scroggins came into the event leading the points, and the Top 2 on that list after tomorrow's weigh-in will earn Classic spots.

Here's how the Top 10 shakes out after 2 days:

1. Cliff Prince: 30-05
2. John Strider: 27-12
3. Patrick Pierce: 25-12
4. Terry Scroggins: 25-09
5. Wade Grooms: 24-04
6. Keith Poche: 24-03
7. Kenneth Ellis: 23-04
8. Alan Rae: 23-02
9. Mark McCaig: 22-15
10. Frank Jordan Jr.: 22-11

100% almost all the time 10/23/2009
This week's Bass Buzz feature focuses on FLW Tour pro Brennan Bosley and his infatuation with Berkley Triline 100% Fluorocarbon line. He fishes it for every application except topwater baits and heavy grass, and he particularly loves it for jigs and crankbaits – for different reasons.

To get the full story, head on over to the Catch More Fish page.

B.U. – registration open 10/23/2009
Want an in-depth learning experience with tour pros in a comfortable, classroom-type setting? Want to mix and mingle with those pros and take your knowledge to the next level? Then The Bass University is definitely for you.

The new seminar series, founded by Mike Iaconelli and Pete Gluszek, begins in about 6 weeks in Philadelphia, with other stops scheduled for Sacramento, Nashville and Dallas. Registration for the Philly session is open now.

For the full details, including registration links and the near-final list of instructors, click here.

McAbee stays on top 10/23/2009

Bassmaster Elite Series pro Jared Lintner weighed 21-01 today and moved into the No. 2 spot with 41-07. Here's a peek at the current Top 10:

1. Randy McAbee Jr.: 46-07
2. Jared Lintner: 41-07
3. Michael Tuck: 40-12
4. Gary Howell: 40-11
5. Mike Folkestad: 39-14
6. Brent Ehrler: 39-12
7. Jimmy Reese: 39-10
8. Brett Hite: 39-00
9. Tommy Cardoza: 38-05
10. Mike Reynolds: 38-00

Points leader Zack Thompson is in 32nd with 32-12. The Top 20 in the points at the conclusion of the event will earn spots in next year's Forrest Wood Cup.

Local leads at Open 10/23/2009

“It was a pretty good day,” said Strider, who's in his first season of fishing as a pro. “The warm weather has brought these fish I’ve been catching for 2 months back to where they’re biting again. We caught fish all day.”

Bassmaster Elite Series pro Terry Scroggins, who came in as the circuit's points leader and must remain in the Top 2 to gain a berth in the 2010 Bassmaster Classic, caught a 10-08 bag and is in 15th place. Greg Vinson (2nd in the points) weighed just two fish for 2-07 and is in 96th place, and Peter Thliveros (3rd in the points) caught a 6-10 limit and is in 52nd.

Here's a look at the Top 10:

1. John Strider: 19-11
2. Cliff Prince: 16-13
3. Mark McCaig: 15-13
4. Patrick Pierce: 15-09
5. Sumiyuki Takano: 15-03
6. Brett Mitchell: 13-11
7. Alan Rae: 13-02
8. Brad Staley: 13-00
9. Chuck Howard: 13-00
10. (tie) Wade Grooms: 12-06
10. (tie) Preston Henson: 12-06

Review: Jackall Sasuteki craw 10/22/2009

"Old Red" & "Lefty" 10/22/2009

Does your Abu Garcia reel have some mileage? Then why not enter it in the Abu Garcia For Life! contest? Show us your "classic" or well-used Abu and you might win a new one. Click here to submit a picture of the reel, as well as a detailed story or two about its history. Entries must include a photo of the reel and are judged each month based on content, detail and theme.

For technical questions or problems with entry submissions, send an email to editorial@bassfan.com.

Today Show clip 10/22/2009
Did you miss the today show clip with FLW Tour co-angler Justin Lucas? If so, you can watch it here.

Stren Championship payout math 10/22/2009

The Championship purse was cut last year as well to adjust for participation, but those cuts were distributed through the field and the winning prizes weren't affected, likely because a boat package was part of the winning pro and co purses last year. This year sees a reduction to the winning payouts, as well as payouts through the field.

For the upcoming Stren Championship, which features an all-cash purse, FLW Outdoors cut the payout on both the pro and co side by 23%. Pros will now fish for $96,000 less in straight payout, and $40,000 less in combined Ranger Cup and Yamaha/Evinrude contingency bonuses. Co-anglers meanwhile will fish for $39,200 less in straight payout and $8,000 less in contingency bonuses.

The math adds up. This year the Strens drew 2,983 boats out of a possible 4,000 (20 events with a 200-boat limit). Another way to look at it is the Strens operated at 75% of capacity, or at 25% below capacity. So there's actually a few percentage points in the anglers' favor at the Stren Championship, since the purse was only cut 23%.

Which Stren division had the lightest participation? The Northern, with 547 total boats for four events. The Northern schedule was notably funky this year, since the traditional Detroit River stop became part of the Central, and Lake Gaston in Virginia (which drew 94 boats) would have likely fit better in the Southeast.

The Central division was next lightest with 565 boats, followed by the Western (567) and Southeastern (594). The Texas division drew the most boats (710).

McAbee leads at Clear Lake 10/21/2009

Here's a look at the current Top 10:

1. Randy McAbee Jr.: 23-04
2. John Alimpic: 21-08
3. Brett Hite: 21-03
4. Cameron Smith: 20-15
5. Tommy Cardoza: 20-11
6. Rob Riehl: 20-09
7. Kazuki Kodama: 20-08
8. Jared Lintner: 20-06
9. Brent Ehrler: 19-10
10. Roy Hawk: 19-09

The full 89-angler field will fish the first 3 days, with only the Top 10 advancing to Saturday's finale.

Today Show segment rescheduled 10/21/2009

Lucas took co-anchor Jenna Wolfe out on the California Delta, and the two apparently spent the day fishing and discussing the sport as a whole.

"I was very excited to get the opportunity to take Jenna fishing and show her how fun the sport is," Lucas said. "She'd never been fishing before, so I think she had a good time and learned a lot. It was a hot day, making for some challenging conditions, but we had quite a bit of fun and Jenna was a great sport."

The new Yammy 10/21/2009
Remember the news that Yamaha had something major cooked up in terms of bass-boat motors? The company unveiled a little teaser about the new engine that demonstrates its dramatically improved hole-shot. Check it out here.

License sales up 10/20/2009

“Not since the 1970s have we seen a single-year increase in fishing license sales like we’ve seen so far in 2009,” said ASA president and CEO Mike Nussman. “Understanding how the needle moves in terms of sportfishing participation is important not just for the sportfishing industry, but for the entire outdoor recreation community. This new license metric will provide everyone with important sales and participation information.”

Said RBFF president and CEO Frank Peterson: “Our recent research shows that fishing is the No. 1 gateway activity for introducing children and their families to the outdoors. We believe that national campaigns such as Take Me Fishing and state-based sportfishing marketing and direct mail are also having a positive effect.”

As of Sept. 1, 2009, state fish and wildlife agencies reported a 7.7% positive change in the number of licenses sold year-to-date compared to the same months last year (January through July 2009 vs. January through July 2008). The same states also saw a 7% increase in the number of licenses sold in July 2009 compared with July 2008.

According to Southwick Associates, the firm analyzing the data, fishing license sales increased at a faster rate in the first quarter of 2009 compared to the second quarter. Increases of 20 percent or more were common in the first quarter. However, a larger volume of sales occurred in the second quarter – the peak period for license sales nationally – and had a greater effect on the year-to-date sales trend than first quarter license sales.

After standardizing the July index to contain the same states as previous months, license sales increased nearly a full percentage point over May and June sales. In general, more fishing licenses are sold during the second quarter (April, May, June) than any other time of the year.

“Reasons for the 2009 license sales increases range from a slow economy, which may allow people more time to engage in outdoor activities, to recreational fishing being a lower cost alternative to other forms of recreation,” said Peterson.

“When the index moves by just a 10th of a point, 40,000 anglers have entered or quit sportfishing. Considering the typical angler spends $176 a year on just fishing tackle alone, and contributes over $40 annually to conservation via license dollars and excise taxes, a small change in the index represents big changes on the ground,” said Nussman.

State fish and wildlife agencies reporting license sales numbers include Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Texas and Utah. They were selected on their ability to provide consistent license sales data to illustrate both a national and regional perspective. As more states expand their data reporting capacity, the number of reporting states will increase.

Open: Scroggins confident 10/20/2009

"I'm feeling pretty good," he said today while practicing for the event. "I'm getting quite a few bites, but I'm shaking a lot of them off, so I don't know what the quality's going to be. I've got a couple of different patterns working that I think I can use to catch five. They might not weigh that much, but that'll allow me to settle down and try to go after the bigger fish."

He said the water level is about 3 1/2 feet low and a lot of the cover that anglers focus on – particularly woody stuff – is drying out.

"I think they're still going to catch them pretty good, though. I know I won't be holding anything back. This is my only chance to get (to the Classic)."

The tournament gets under way Thursday and runs through Sunday.

Wong wins, Martin-Wells to Classic 10/19/2009

The event was originally scheduled for the Red River in Shreveport. La., but was moved to Cypress Black Bayou Lake because of dangerous boating conditions on the Red.

Wong wasn't the only winner though. Pam Martin-Wells clinched the Angler of the Year title and earned a trip to the 2010 Bassmaster Classic in February.

"I came into this to lead all 3 days and win this championship," Wong said. "It was unfortunate that I couldn't catch (Martin-Wells), but I did the best I could."

Both Wong and Martin-Wells camped out on a short bridge throughout the tournament, each fishing an opposite side. Both worked Senkos in the rocks, as well as crankbaits. Wong relied on a Rapala DT-14 and DT-10, while Martin-Wells used an Academy H2O Express.

About her Classic berth, Martin-Wells said: "Words can't describe this. I can walk through the living room and see a commercial on TV for the Bassmaster Classic – I freeze, watch it and get goosebumps. Now I'm going to get them for real. It's going to be an awesome experience."

WBT Championship Final Standings
1. Judy Wong -- Many, La. -- 15, 36-10 -- 315 -- $60,000
Day 1: 5, 15-05 -- Day 2: 5, 15-08 -- Day 3: 5, 5-13

2. Pam Martin-Wells -- Bainbridge, Ga. -- 15, 31-11 -- 295 -- $43,000
Day 1: 5 13-05 -- Day 2: 5, 8-13 -- Day 3: 5, 9-09

3. Robin Babb -- Livingston, Texas -- 13, 30-15 -- 290 -- $5,000
Day 1: 4, 7-10 -- Day 2: 5, 13-06 -- Day 3: 4, 9-15

4. Juanita Robinson -- Highlands, Texas -- 14, 23-05 -- 285 -- $4,000
Day 1: 5, 9-02 -- Day 2: 4, 6-01 -- Day 3: 5, 8-02

5. Melinda Mize -- Ben Lomond, Ark. -- 13, 17-14 -- 280 -- $3,500
Day 1: 5, 9-12 -- Day 2: 3, 3-01 -- Day 3: 5, 5-01

6. Sheri Glasgow -- Muskogee, Okla. -- 12, 17-08 -- 276 -- $3,250
Day 1: 5 -- 10-03 -- Day 2: 4, 4-03 -- Day 3: 3, 3-02

7. Janet Parker -- Little Elm, Texas -- 11, 16-13 -- 272 -- $3,000
Day 1: 4 -- 7-03 -- Day 2: 2, 2-00 -- Day 3: 5, 7-10

8. Laura Gober -- Pendergrass, Ga. -- 13, 15-07 -- 268 -- $2,500
Day 1: 5 -- 6-12 -- Day 2: 5, 5-08 -- Day 3: 3, 3-03

9. Tammy Richardson -- Amity, Ark. -- 11, 14-11 -- 264 -- $2,500
Day 1: 5, 4-04 -- Day 2: 5, 9-07 -- Day 3: 1, 1-00

10. Paula Alexander -- Lincolnton, Ga. -- 8, 14-05 -- 260 -- $2,250
Day 1: 4, 2-06 -- Day 2: 4, 11-15 -- Day 3: 0, 0-00

11. Lucy Mize -- Ben Lomond, Ark. -- 12, 13-02 -- 257 -- $2,250
Day 1: 4 -- 4-11 -- Day 2: 3, 2-09 -- Day 3: 5, 5-14

12. Debra Petrowski -- Arlington, Texas -- 7, 12-04 -- 254 -- $2,000
Day 1: 1, 1-01 -- Day 2: 3, 4-14 -- Day 3: 3, 6-05

13. Lisa Sternard -- Clarksville, Tenn. -- 12, 10-14 -- 251 -- $1,750
Day 1: 5 -- 4-11 -- Day 2: 4, 3-07 -- Day 3: 3, 2-12

14. Kim Bain-Moore -- Alabaster, Ala. -- 11, 10-14 -- 248 -- $1,750
Day 1: 5, 5-06 -- Day 2: 2, 1-12 -- Day 3: 4, 3-12

15. Emily Shaffer -- Mount Juliet, Tenn. -- 11, 10-13 -- 245 -- $1,750
Day 1: 5 -- 5-01 -- Day 2: 4, 3-14 -- Day 3: 2, 1-14

16. Lisa Johnson -- Centre, Ala. -- 6, 8-15 -- 243 -- $1,500
Day 1: 1 -- 0-12 -- Day 2: 5, 8-03 -- Day 3: 0, 0-00

17. Patti Campbell -- Waxahachie, Texas -- 8, 8-01 -- 241 -- $1,500
Day 1: 4, 4-08 -- Day 2: 3, 2-09 -- Day 3: 1, 1-00

18. Meta Burrell -- Fort Worth, Texas -- 5, 6-02 -- 239 -- $1,500
Day 1: 2 -- 3-05 -- Day 2: 3, 2-13 -- Day 3: 0, 0-00

19. Dianna Clark -- Bumpus Mills, Tenn. -- 6, 5-09 -- 237 -- $1,500
Day 1: 3 -- 2-15 -- Day 2: 1, 1-00 -- Day 3: 2, 1-10

20. Cindy Hill -- Smyrna, Tenn. -- 5, 5-01 -- 235 -- $1,500
Day 1: 2 -- 2-04 -- Day 2: 0, 0-00 -- Day 3: 3, 2-13

Final WBT Angler of the Year Top 10
1. Pam Martin-Wells -- Ga. -- 1425
2. Juanita Robinson -- Texas -- 1386
3. Judy Wong -- La. -- 1351
4. Sheri Glasgow -- Okla. -- 1285
5. Melinda Mize -- Ark. -- 1249
6. Dianna Clark -- Tenn. -- 1240
7. Laura Gober -- Ga. -- 1234
8. Tammy Richardson -- Ark. -- = -- 1230
9. Janet Parker -- Texas -- 1215
10. Paula Alexander -- Ga. -- 1208

Lefebre extends TTBC lead 10/18/2009

"The only bad part about making the cut was I really wanted to watch the Steelers beat the Browns," Lefebre joked to BassFan. "But seriously, today went pretty good. I actually extended my lead, which was a tough thing to do today because the weights were obviously down big-time. At 10:00 this morning I had zero, so I had to adjust and ended up catching a small limit in an hour and a half and probably nine keepers total.

"I'm nervous about tomorrow," he added. "This is a big deal. It's the strongest field I've ever fished against – only 60 boats for a quarter-million. Now there's only 10 left. I obviously don't feel like I have it locked up. This lake has a bunch of huge fish and lots of ShareLunkers over 13 pounds. But I feel decent. I'll go to bed early. Wake up and go follow my gut, and hopefully it works out."

1. Dave Lefebre: 36-12
2. Todd Auten: 31-04
3. Andy Montgomery: 30-12
4, Chad Morgenthaler: 30-00
5. Aaron Martens: 29-00
5. Tommy Biffle: 29-00
7. Sean Hoernke: 27-00
7. Jason Christie: 27-00
7. Tim Horton: 27-00
10 Clark Wendlandt: 26-12

Lefebre leads TTBC 10/17/2009

Lefebre's stoked, and told BassFan: "We had that major – really major – cold front come through and I was prepared for it to be really tough. I was hoping to scratch out 14 or 15 pounds, so I'm extremely happy. I had two or three schools in practice, but I wasn't able to fish them effectively today because of the wind. So it was hunt-and-peck. It blew about 30 mph and there were 3- to 4-footers out there."

He added that he thinks he "understands" the lake – it fishes remarkably similar to Lake Conneaut along the Ohio–Pennsylvania border, which is near his home. And he's doing "three different things" at Conroe that he typically does at Conneaut.

Here's a look at the Top 10 after day 1. For more details, visit FishPAA.com.

1. Dave Lefebre: 24-08
2. Tim Horton: 21-00
3. Aaron Martens: 20-00
4. Guy Eaker: 18-08
5. Takahiro Omori: 18-04
6. Jason Christie: 17-12
7. Fred Contaoi: 17-08
8. Andy Montgomery: 17-04
9. David Walker: 17-00
10. Glenn Browne: 15-12

Sorön SX: value and performance 10/16/2009

Bass University: more details 10/16/2009
BassFan received near-final details for the upcoming Bass University seminar series, hosted by Mike Iaconelli and Pete Gluszek. A few remaining instructors have yet to be named, but here's the skinny for each location. Note that registration for the Philadelphia stop is open now.

Philadelphia, Pa.
Dates: December 5–6, 2009
Times: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday
Location: Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites, Runnemede, N.J.
Address:109 Ninth Ave., Runnemede, N.J.
Location phone: (856) 939-4200
Room information: Special room rate for Bass University students: $89.99. Limited block of rooms available. Book today. Click here for more information on the hotel.
Instructors: Gerald Swindle, Dave Wolak, Dave Mansue
Hosts: Mike Iaconelli, Pete Gluszek

Sacramento, Calif.
Dates: January 9–10, 2010
Times: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday. Registration begins 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5.
Location: Doubletree Hotel, Sacramento
Address: 2001 Point West Way, Sacramento
Location phone: (916) 924-4923
Room information: Special room rate for Bass University students. Limited block of rooms available. Book today. Click here for more information on the hotel.
Instructors: Ish Monroe, others to be confirmed
Hosts: Mike Iaconelli, Pete Gluszek

Nashville, Tenn.
Dates: January 23–24, 2010
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday. Registration begins 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5.
Location: Radisson Hotel at Opryland
Address: 2401 Music Valley Dr.
Location phone: (916) 924-4923
Room information: Special room rate for Bass University students. Limited block of rooms available. Book today! Click here for more information on the hotel.
Instructors: Dave Wolak, Gerald Swindle, John Crews, Randy Howell
Hosts: Mike Iaconelli, Pete Gluszek

Dallas, Texas
Dates: February 6–7, 2010
Times: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday. Registration begins 7:00 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010.
Location:Hilton DFW Lakes Executive Conference Center
Address: 1800 Hwy. 26 East, Dallas
Location phone: (817) 481-8444
Room information: Special room rate for Bass University students. Limited block of rooms available. Book today! Click here for more information on the hotel.
Speakers: Top be determined
Hosts: Mike Iaconelli, Pete Gluszek

To register, call (856) 521-0046, visit TheBassUniversity.com, or send an email to BassUniversity@gmail.com.

Contest: Fish with Pace 10/16/2009

Fork: Big Bass Challenge 10/16/2009

Under the big-bass format, only Berkley baits may be used, up to three competitors may fish in a single boat, and hourly weigh-ins guarantee excitement throughout the day. While everyone tries for the biggest bass over and under the slot limit to win the boats, most checks are presented to anglers who weigh in fish in the 2-pound range. But many anglers receive checks for fish that weighed in at 1 pound.

The rules prohibit anglers who've paid a $2,500 tournament entry fee, which opens the field for the weekend warriors and recreational anglers to win some money and have fun.

The Berkley Experience Trailer will be onsite from today (Friday) until Sunday. Lake Fork Marina is well stocked with Berkley baits and will have special deals under the big Berkley tent.

For full details on the event, click here.

TTBC times, highlights 10/16/2009

Event parking is $5. Tickets are available at the gate - $10 Friday and $20 Saturday or Sunday.

Friday, Oct. 16
> 7:00am–8:30am: Takeoff (Papa's on the Lake, Hwy. 105, free)
> 9:00am: Event gates open (ticket required)
> 9:00am – 6:00pm: Outdoor adventures area & sponsor expo
> 5:00pm – 6:30pm: Weigh-in
> 6:30pm - 8:00pm: Live concert featuring Kyle Hunt Band
> 8:00pm: Montgomery hometown fireworks extravaganza

Saturday, Oct. 17
> 7:00am – 8:30am: Takeoff
> 9:00am: Event gates open (ticket required)
> 9:00am – 6:00pm: Outdoor adventures area & sponsor expo
> 1:00pm – 2:30pm: Live concert with Zona Jones
> 3:30pm – 5:00pm: Weigh-in
> 5:30pm – 7:00pm: Live concert headlining Pat Green

Sunday, Oct. 18
> 7:00am – 8:30am: Takeoff
> 9:00am: Event gates open (ticket required)
> 9:00am – 6:00pm: Outdoor adventures area & sponsor expo
> 1:00pm – 2:30pm: Live concert featuring Julianne Hough
> 3:30pm – 5:00pm: Weigh-in and awards ceremony
> 5:30pm – 7:00pm: Live concert featuring Josh Turner

Bass Pro sponsors PAA 10/15/2009
Bass Pro Shops will partner with the PAA next year and its stores will host final-day weigh-in ceremonies for the PAA Tournament Series.

This year, E21 Carrot Stix served as title sponsor of the PAA Tournament Series, but next year the Series will bear the name of Bass Pro Shops.

As part of the deal, the Tracker and Nitro boat brands (owned by Bass Pro) will become involved.

PAA president John Crews said of the deal: "The PAA and Bass Pro Shops are going to bring the best together – the best bass anglers in the world are going to showcase their talent at tournaments that are going to be centered at the best outdoor retail stores. The PAA's very excited about our future with Bass Pro Shops."

Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, a former pro who qualified for five Bassmaster Classics, noted: "Our company was one of the first to involve professional anglers in promoting our branded products. We have a long history of great relationships with top anglers worldwide and we're very proud to be in a position to support these anglers and the PAA."

Bass Pro Shops was once heavily involved with the Bassmaster Tour, but backed away from that relationship, although it signed a marketing alliance with BASS earlier this year. The partnership with PAA allows it to retain an on-the-ground presence in upper-level tournaments for what's likely a much lighter entry fee. At the same time, its main competitor Cabela's is partnering with FLW Outdoors.

Word from Conroe 10/15/2009

"This lake's fishing brutally tough. It's got giant Floridas in it, but they're real finicky and the lake's going through a turnover. If you pull up on a school you can bust 30 pounds, but I think you'll see a lot of low weights and a few giant sacks each day. It's hard to be consistent.

"I'm going for the win," he added. "This is like the Classic – you don't go out and try to catch a small limit every day. You spend your time trying to find a school of big ones. I did catch a 10-pounder the first day of practice on a jig."

Morris also noted that it used to be a grass lake, but the grass was killed last year, which leaves the field with pretty much just docks and brushpiles to fish. And it's a short drive north of Houston, so it gets a lot of pressure.

> Coverage of the event will he provided by the PAA at FishPAA.com.

Reese, Lucky re-up 10/15/2009

A press release noted that although the new deal isn't for a title sponsorship, it does position Lucky Craft as one of Reese's "primary" sponsors. Per the agreement, Reese will display Lucky Craft signage on his wrapped Ford F650 truck, Champion boat and jersey.

In announcing the news, Reese said: "I've been proud to wear the brand for so long, and am proud to announce that our partnership will continue. I've always considered Lucky Craft to be the best lures on the market. They've been a major factor in my career success, and they continue to prove their worth with higher-quality products and innovation. I'm particularly excited for what 2010 will bring for our partnership. Not only will my focus be to produce an improvement on the success of the 2009 season, but we're hard at work on the new products that Lucky Craft will unveil in 2010."

Reese also noted that getting the deal signed allows him to focus on "preparing for the season and what it takes to be successful as an angler. With the way the economy's been, the financial aspect of our occupation can be an overwhelming distraction. Lucky Craft's ongoing partnership, and the familiarity of it, really brings some stability to my career and my family's life."

> If you haven't visited Reese's site lately, head on over to SkeetReeseInc.com. Be sure to check out the video by Skeet about Rick Clunn.

WBT Championship moved 10/15/2009
Due to recent unsafe conditions and high water on the Red River, BASS relocated it WBT Championship to Cypress Black Bayou Lake in Benton, La. Dates remain the same – Oct. 16-18, with an official practice on the 15th. Anglers will launch at 7 a.m. CT each day from Cypress Black Bayou Ramp (135 Cypress Park Dr.). Weigh-ins will be held, as previously scheduled, at the Academy Sports + Outdoors store located at 2801 Beene Blvd. in Bossier City, La. beginning at 3 p.m. CT Friday-Sunday.

What's cooking at Yamaha? 10/15/2009

Today Show segment postponed 10/14/2009
The Today Show fishing segment with FLW Tour co-angler Justin Lucas scheduled for today has been postponed. We'll let you know when a rescheduled time is announced.

Northland announces Naig 10/13/2009

Northland CEO Gary Morgal, also a former Pure Fishing employee, made the announcement. "All of us at Northland Fishing Tackle are very excited about the addition of Eric Naig to our team," Morgal said. "Eric's industry experience as a business manager, as well as his work with the professional-angler side of the business will help us continue to grow our company. We look forward to our growth in new categories of products and new regions throughout the world. With Eric's experience we'll continue to be the company where anglers build the best fishing products for anglers."

Naig will relocate from Spirit Lake, Iowa to the Northland headquarters site in Bemidji, Minn.

"I'm really excited to join Northland Fishing Tackle," Naig said. "It'll be fun to work with a company that was founded and has long been run like a small family business. The opportunity to work with John Peterson, who's been a legend in this business, as well as John Crane and Gary Morgal, will be a real a privilege. I'm looking forward to learning from those guys, as well as contributing what I've learned during my time in the fishing-tackle industry."

Morris wins, TTBC field set 10/13/2009

With all three Qualifiers now in the books, the final field is set for the upcoming Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC), scheduled for this weekend (Oct. 16–18) at Lake Conroe.

The TTBC began as a team-based event to benefit Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. The PAA supplied the anglers, and the event was underwritten by Gulf States Toyota. This year, with the advent of the PAA Qualifier series, the TTBC functions as the PAA championship and is underwritten by Toyota. Anglers fish individually, and the field draws 40 anglers from the PAA Qualifiers and 20 anglers from the PAA tour-level rankings.

The details of Morris' winning pattern will be posted soon. Here's a look at the final TTBC field (in alphabetical order).

2009 TTBC Field

Todd Auten
Chris Baumgardner
Tommy Biffle
Cody Bird
Shonn Blassingame
Dalton Bobo
Glenn Browne
Keith Caka
Russell Cecil
Jason Christie
Luke Clausen
Fred Contaoi
Chris Daves
Craig Dowling
Boyd Duckett
David P. Dudley
Guy Eaker, Sr.
Chris Elliott
Todd Faircloth
Shinichi Fukae
Anthony Gagliardi
Shaw Grigsby
Greg Hackney
Sean Hoernke
Timmy Horton
Duke Jenkel
Kelly Jordon
Steve Kennedy
J.T. Kenney
Stacey King
Jeff Kriet
Arnie Lane
Bobby Lane
Russ Lane
Dave Lefebre
Kyle Mabrey
Dave Mansue
Aaron Martens
Tommy Martin
Mike McClelland
Sandy Melvin
Andy Montgomery
Andy Morgan
Chad Morganthaler
Rick Morris
Matt Ogrodowicz
Takahiro Omori
Patrick Pierce
Justin Rackley
Matt Reed
Mark Rose
Dave Smith
Brian Snowden
Joe Thomas
Brian Thrift
Kevin VanDam
Lance Vick
David Walker
Clark Wendlandt
Michael Wurm

Sponsor status: Goodwill 10/12/2009

FLW Outdoors represented Goodwill's first venture into sports marketing when the company signed on in January of this year. It currently fields a pro team that includes Chad Grigsby and Wesley Strader.

Goodwill could not confirm that it would return as a sponsor next year – a Goodwill spokesperson said, "We're currently in discussions regarding our plans for 2010" – but Goodwill CEO Jim Gibbons did tell BassFan:

"To Goodwill, FLW Outdoors serves as an outstanding way to reach out to 55 million anglers and families so that they know that the resources of Goodwill are available to them and their communities. And our commitment to both individuals and families and the environment are very complemented by the values of FLW and the sport of fishing. Goodwill's focus is to provide job-training programs, employment-placement services and other community programs for people who have disabilities, lack education or job experience or face employment challenges. Through the partnership, we're able to raise awareness and generate donations through various methods, including grassroots efforts and relationship marketing, in order to further this mission."

Stay safe at G-Ville 10/9/2009
Thoughts and prayers go to Stren anglers and FLW Outdoors staff currently at the Guntersville Stren weigh-in. Around 6:20 p.m. CT a tornado may have touched down and dangerous storms are sweeping the immediate area.

Ledley's 'Black Beauty' wins 10/9/2009

In hearing the news, Ledley said: "Everything in that story was true. I saved my money forever to buy that reel. It's on the mantle in my home. It was the first baitcaster with a thumb-bar instead of a button on the side. For as old as it is and how much use it's gotten – it's caught so many fish – I get a lot of compliments on taking such good care of it. It still casts, and I'll occasionally go out and do something with it."

To read Ledley's winning entry, as well as two new October entries from Bill Harris and Robert Urfer, head on over to the Abu Garcia For Life! contest page.

Does your Abu Garcia reel have some mileage? Then why not enter it in the Abu Garcia For Life! contest? Show us your "classic" or well-used Abu and you might win a new one. Click here to submit a picture of the reel, as well as a detailed story or two about its history. Entries must include a photo of the reel and are judged each month based on content, detail and theme.

For technical questions or problems with entry submissions, send an email to editorial@bassfan.com.

Opinion: Crawford Plan 10/9/2009
The current BassFan Poll asks readers their for opinions on BASS's new post-season format. With nearly 1,500 votes so far, 22% of respondents either "like" or "love" the new format, while 72% "dislike" or "hate" it.

BassFan Bo Crawford from Alabaster, Ala. feels pretty strongly about the subject, and offers up a new post-season format he calls the "Crawford Plan." To read about it, click here.

Berkley tank/trailer stops 10/9/2009
A quick update on the whereabouts of the Berkley tank and Experience trailer.

The trailer rolls into the Garland, Texas Bass Pro Shops today and will stay through Sunday. The 4,000-gallon tank is in the Ft. Worth, Texas Cabela's today and tomorrow.

If you're in or around either the area, consider s swing-by.

2010 Weekend Series details 10/9/2009
This morning, American Bass Anglers released details for the 2010 Bassmaster Weekend Series. Click here for the news.

2010 WBT schedule 10/8/2009

> March 18-20 -- Wheeler Lake -- Decatur, Ala.
> April 22-24 -- Sam Rayburn -- Lufkin, Texas
> June 10-12 -- Belton Lake -- Temple, Texas
> Sept. 16-18 -- Ouachita River -- West Monroe, La.
> Oct. 15-17 -- Sam Rayburn -- Lufkin, Texas (Championship)

The WBT Angler of the Year will again earn a berth in the Bassmaster Classic. At each event, the winning pro will receive $1,000 in addition to a fully-rigged boat package valued at $55,000. The winning co-angler will receive $500 plus a boat package valued at $25,000.

WBT sponsors are listed as: Academy Sports + Outdoors (title sponsor), Toyota Trucks, Berkley, Booyah Baits, Mercury, Optima Batteries, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha Marine, Ramada, Triton Boats, LaserLure and Legend Boats.

In announcing the news, BASS senior director of event operations and business development Jamie Wilkinson said: "The Women's Bassmaster Tour continues to receive some incredible exposure. Once again, we've scheduled some top-notch fisheries and engaged communities."

Academy VP of marketing Anita Sehgal said: "Academy Sports + Outdoors is pleased to sponsor the Bassmaster Women's Tour again in 2010. The WBT is a great vehicle that grows the sport of fishing by giving women the opportunity to fish competitively and to be role models for young anglers throughout the United States."

FLW on Today 10/8/2009

"I was very excited to get the opportunity to take Jenna fishing and show her how fun the sport is," Lucas said. "She'd never been fishing before, so I think she had a good time and learned a lot. It was a hot day making for some challenging conditions, but we had quite a bit of fun and Jenna was a great sport."

The Today Show airs weekdays from 7-11 a.m.

Classic/Elite trucks 10/8/2009

As the official truck sponsor of BASS, Toyota supplies tow vehicles for the Bassmaster Classic and Elite Series events, and those trucks are used to tow pros around the arena or to the stage. That'll be a little different this year, because pros who drive a Toyota will be able to use their personal wrapped tow vehicles for weigh-in ceremonies. Day 4 of Elite Series events and the Classic represent the bulk of television coverage, so the loosened policy will help some pros gain more exposure for their sponsors.

The letter BASS sent to pros read:

"Congratulations on helping us execute another successful season of the Bassmaster Elite Series. The Elite Series continues to be an industry leader and this is due in large part to all of you. With the Bassmaster Classic just 4 months away, we're pleased to inform you that anglers who own Toyota Trucks will be able to utilize these vehicles during drive-thru weigh-ins at the Bassmaster Classic and all applicable Elite Series events. BASS and Toyota recognized the value of anglers using their personal vehicles and we're making every effort to allow this to happen. In line with the Toyota Bonus Bucks program, anglers will only be able to use 2007 or newer Toyota Tundra, Sequoias, Tacomas or 4Runners. All truck wrap designs will need to be submitted to Chuck Harbin at BASS for approval no later than Jan. 15. Good luck!"

Monster Erie seas 10/7/2009

The photos to right (click to enlarge) were taken early this afternoon along shore in Dunkirk, N.Y. Beyond the guardrail is a popular public beach which is now completely submerged. Waves as high as 14 1/2 feet were recorded this morning off Port Colborne (across from Dunkirk on the Canadian side), and water has pushed its way into the eastern basin. Levels are at least 6 feet higher than normal in Dunkirk, and total water-level surge is expected to reach 8 feet this afternoon.

Gordon Lightfoot once sang about the "gales of November" – weather that could sink a ship like the Edmund Fitzgerald. Those winds are typically out of the north and are often Alberta Clippers. But recently, the gales of October from the west have been the ones to remember. If you haven't heard the song in a while, here's a vid. And here's hoping every sailor is safe.

Baumgardner nets $10k 10/7/2009

"There's a lot to love about this truck including towing power, dependability and great looks, but on top of those features, Bonus Bucks kind of makes buying a Tundra a no-brainer if you're a tournament angler," Baumgardner said. "Toyota's backing up their support of bass fishing with real money that they're putting in the pockets of anglers who buy their vehicles and sign up for Bonus Bucks. In my opinion, we should support those who are willing to promote the sport that we love so much."

Bonus Bucks is simple. Drive a 2007 or newer Tundra, Sequoia, 4Runner or Tacoma, send in your registration form like Baumgardner did, become the highest-finishing eligible participant among the top 50% of the angling field in your sanctioned FLW- or BASS-affiliated tournament, and you win the Bonus Bucks. To find out more, and to make sure you're signed up, visit ToyotaTrucksBonusBucks.com or call Kendell at (918) 742-6424.

Land O'Lakes departs 10/6/2009

A Land O'Lakes company spokesperson told BassFan: "After 13 years of sponsoring the FLW Tour, Land O'Lakes has opted to conclude its sponsorship. The decision was made in order to facilitate a refocusing of our long-term marketing strategy. We appreciate our long relationship with the FLW Tour, and the many benefits it provided both FLW and Land O'Lakes over the years."

The news comes amid growing speculation that the FLW Tour, and FLW Outdoors as a whole, will see a significant drop in sponsor support next year. Walmart is expected to downgrade its involvement on the competitive side and shift its focus to FLW Fantasy Fishing. Chevy is expected to depart given its financial troubles and government bailout. Pure Fishing is rumored to be re-evaluating its level of involvement and title sponsorship of the Stren Series. Evinrude will not return as a sponsor – it's currently in litigation with FLW Outdoors over an alleged failure to pay sponsor fees. Also, Ranger Boats, long a keystone sponsor, is currently part of the Genmar bankruptcy and needs court permission to continue its aggressive level of sponsorship.

Such speculation is fueled, at least in part, by the lack of solid news from FLW Outdoors about schedules, formats and payouts for the 2010 tournament season. Fields at last week's FLW Walleye Tour Championship and Ozarks Central Stren were told the announcement would land within days, although it has yet to materialize. Additionally, several pros who fish for FLW sponsor teams told BassFan they simply don't know if they'll have a deal next year, and their sponsors, in some cases, were awaiting news from FLW as well.

Interestingly, while onstage at the FLW Walleye Tour Championship, Al Lindner asked FLW Outdoors president and CEO Charlie Evans about FLW's plans for next year in the world of walleye. Evans wouldn't give up specifics, but seemed to hint that significant changes were coming – at least in entry fees. That seems to correspond with news recently given to the Western FLW Series field that entry fees would drop substantially for that circuit next year.

"This is a trying time for our country," Evans told Lindner. "The economy is not at its peak. I don't think that's a secret to anybody out here. It's also a very challenging time for our sport and our industry. There's no doubt about that. It's unprecedented in the challenges we're having to face as an industry and FLW Outdoors as a company."

> To view the video of Lindner and Evans at WalleyesFirst.com, click here.

WBT Championship field 10/6/2009

1. Pam Martin-Wells -- Bainbridge, Ga. -- 862
2. Juanita Robinson -- Highlands, Texas -- 841
3. Laura Gober -- Pendergrass, Ga. -- 807
4. Judy Wong -- Many, La. -- 807
5. Dianna Clark -- Bumpus Mills, Tenn. -- 800
6. Tammy Richardson -- Amity, Ark. -- 785
7. Janet Parker -- Little Elm, Texas -- 784
8. Sheri Glasgow -- Muskogee, Okla. -- 782
9. Debra Petrowski -- Arlington, Texas -- 776
10. Kim Bain-Moore -- Alabaster, Ala. -- 759
11.Melinda Mize -- Ben Lomond, Ark. -- 754
12. Meta Burrell -- Fort Worth, Texas -- 748
13. Lisa Sternard -- Clarksville, Tenn. -- 745
14. Paula Alexander -- Lincolnton, Ga. -- 739
15. Lisa Johnson -- Centre, Ala. -- 732
16. Lucy Mize -- Ben Lomond, Ark. -- 732
17. Cindy Hill -- Smyrna, Tenn. -- 732
18. Robin Babb -- Livingston, Texas -- 727
19. Emily Shaffer -- Mount Juliet, Tenn. -- 721
20. Patti Campbell -- Waxahachie, Texas -- 714

TTBC advance tickets available 10/6/2009

Advance tickets are $10 per day. At the gate, ticket prices will be $20 for each of the final 2 days of the tournament. Tickets, whether purchased in advance or at the gate, will provide access to all concerts, weigh-ins, expo-area displays, giveaways and clinics.

Ticketed activities will take place at Buffalo Springs, a planned development located immediately off of Highway 105, 1 mile east of FM-149 Road and 14 miles west of I-45 in Montgomery. Country music concerts will be headlined by Pat Green and will also feature Josh Turner, Julianne Hough, Zona Jones and the Kyle Hunt Band.

Morning boat launches will take place at Papa’s On the Lake, located at 14632 Highway 105 West in Montgomery. The boat launches are free to the public. Papa’s On the Lake is located 7 miles from the event venue in Buffalo Springs.

Advance tickets are available online at www.ToyotaTexasBassClassic.com.

Biggest smallie bag ever? 10/5/2009

The Sim-Touhey stringer was anchored by a gigantic 7.15-pound bronzeback. The fishery, part of the St. Lawrence Seaway, has produced larger and larger weights in recent years due to ever-increasing water clarity and an influx of round gobies.

“This was easily the most exciting day of fishing I’ve ever had," Sim told Fishin-Canada.net. "When you’re tossing back 5-pounders because they’re too small, you know you’re having a dream day."

Added Touhey: “It was a crazy day. We just kept recalculating the weights we had written down, amazed at the total every time. That 7.15-pounder is the biggest smallmouth bass I’ve ever boated.”

They're wondering if theirs might be the heaviest five-fish smallmouth limit ever weighed in competition. If any BassFan knows of one that topped it, click here to let us know.

To read the full press release from the event, click here.

Greenblatt: wants in 10/2/2009

BASS invites the Top 7 from each Open division to fish the Elite Series. However, two current Elite Series pros are within that Top 7 – Kota Kiriyama and J. Todd Tucker. It would be easy to assume BASS would thus invite the Top 9 from the Northern Opens. Not so. Instead, BASS re-invites two more pros from the Elite Series who finished below 83rd in that points race – in this case, Ken Cook and Paul Elias – although Cook's retiring so Scott Rook (86th) automatically requalifies.

A BASS official today told BassFan that because Kota and Tucker double-qualified, BASS is only committed to taking five more pros from the Northerns for next year's Elite Series, and could work down to 12th in the Northern points to get that five. For reference, here's a look at the final Northern points for this year.

1. Frank Scalish -- Ohio -- 880
2. Kotaro Kiriyama -- Ala. -- 760
3. Pete Gluszek -- N.J. -- 742
4. J. Todd Tucker -- Ga. -- 700
5. Aaron Hastings -- Md. -- 684
6. Brian Bylotas -- Pa. -- 656
7. Steve Oleksyn -- N.Y. -- 647
8. Matt Greenblatt -- Fla. -- 631
9. Jeremy Starks -- W.Va. -- 619
10. Byron Haseotes -- Mass. -- 615
11. Terry Baksay -- Conn. -- 610
12. Chris Daves -- Va. -- 609

As it sits now, Greenblatt needs Frank Scalish, Pete Gluszek, Aaron Hastings, Brian Bylotas or Steve Oleksyn to decline their invite. Scalish is on the fence – money will determine his participation. Gluszek has yet to make a statement of intention. Hastings yesterday told BassFan that he won't fish the Elite Series unless significant sponsor support develops in the next 2 months.

"I got excited when I saw the article about Aaron (Hastings)," Greenblatt said. "I don't wish ill will on anybody, and I feel bad for the guy – he's a darn good fisherman – but I'm one spot out. It's my time."

Greenblatt actually received an invite to the FLW Tour last year via the Strens, where he fished as a pro. He declined, even though FLW Outdoors reached out to him.

"They approached me at the last Northern Stren and asked me if I was going to fish as a pro on the Tour," Greenblatt said. "I was up in the air on that, and I haven't heard anything from them (since) and they haven't set anything in stone for next year. The Elite Series guys called me right away and almost just welcomed me. That spoke volumes to me."

Another wrinkle is that he runs a Ranger/Evinrude, and he said without an Evinrude service crew at either the FLW or Elite Series events, he'd be nervous about competing. But if he fishes the Elite Series, he thinks he can work out a deal with Legend and Mercury, and thus get onsite support from the Mercury service team.

As for the money, Greenblatt won the co-angler division of this year's Champlain FLW Tour, and made some money in the Opens. So he'll use that nest egg, plus his own finances, to bankroll the Elite Series if he does get invited. He noted he'll also get some additional support from current sponsor Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits.

Fish the 'fall follow' 10/2/2009
This week's Bass Buzz feature comes compliments of California Pro Jared Lintner, who tells BassFans how to follow bass in fall and experience some of the year's hottest fishing. For the full scoop, head on over to the Catch More Fish page.

FLW: where's the announcement? 10/2/2009
There's a common theme among pros and industry insiders this week: What's coming from FLW Outdoors? Nobody seems to know, because the league's anticipated announcement concerning 2010 schedules and formats appears to have been delayed. Word originally filtered out that the announcement would come last week. When that didn't happen, folks figured it would come early this week. But as of Friday afternoon, still no announcement.

FLW Outdoors did release (and revise) its 2010 FLW Tour schedule, but there's been no confirmation of payouts, entry fees or rumored format changes. The league recently told Western FLW Series participants that it would cut entry fees for that circuit next year, but again, no word on payout or schedule. And there's been no news for the Eastern FLW Series, Strens, BFLs, College, TBF or Walleye Tour.

Keep watching. News might land sometime today.

Bass: The Movie set to premiere 10/1/2009

Based in a state known for many things other than bass fishing, the film features conventional-tackle anglers and fly anglers fishing on the same boat, sharing approaches and cultures. It opens with interviews with Bassmaster Elite Series pros Kevin VanDam, Mike Iaconelli and Kelly Jordan, and then follows (by air, land and sea) California Delta legend and guide Bobby Barrack, California fly rod pro and Delta guide Kevin Doran, world-record holder Raymond Easley, fly rod world-record holder Larry Kurosaki, bass pro and guide Marc Mitrany, and fly rod pro John Sherman. California Elite Series pros Skeet Reese and Ish Monroe make cameo appearances.

The film’s initial revelation is that California is a haven for the world’s biggest bass, with numerous fisheries unlike any other: The endless maze and tidal waters of the California Delta’s levee system contrast with the clear waters of southern California reservoirs. Another revelation is the backdrop of the Delta being listed by American Rivers as No. 1 on its list of 2009’s most endangered river systems in North America (a portion of the proceeds from the film will go to the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance).

Modern bass fishing has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry from its simple roots,
and the chase for George Perry’s 75-year-old world record (22 pounds, 4 ounces) has helped stoke that fire. It's a record anyone with a fishing rod is eligible to match, and California is considered one of the most likely places to find it.

Though the record has been challenged several times in the years since Perry’s catch, it has remained the benchmark. It is one of the longest standing records in fishing. The film is not solely concerned with besting it, but rather exploring the ways the men who have made this bass their life go about their hunt – by fly rod or conventional – in search of "the big one."

Producer and director Jamie Howard's past fishing film credits include Chasing Silver (tarpon in the Florida Keys) and In Search of a Rising Tide (bonefishing in the Bahamas).

The movie will be released to the public on a two-disc DVD set on Oct. 31. It includes a retrospective interview with bass fishing legend Bill Dance.

Tickets for the premiere ($10 each) can be purchased by clicking here, or through the Bob Marriott's fly fishing store by calling (800) 535-6633. Monroe is scheduled to attend the event and there will be a raffle for fishing gear.

To see a trailer for the movie, click here. To visit the HowardFilms website, from which the DVD set can be pre-ordered, click here.

Where will Hoernke land? 10/1/2009

About where he might fish next year, if he does qualify for the Elite Series, Hoernke said: "I'm keeping my options open, that's for sure. First and foremost I'm looking for a shot at the (Bassmaster) Classic, but I'm also gunning for a chance to get back to the Elites. I'm not saying I'm going, but I'm just keeping my options open.

"My two main sponsors – Skeeter and Yamaha – are tied in tight with BASS. If they want me to go back, I will. I've been there before and I enjoyed Bassmaster. For me, it would be a new set of challenges to go back over there. In FLW, I've won at every level, but I have no Angler of the Years or championship (wins). I kind of feel like it might be a positive to look at a new set of challenges moving forward. It just depends on whether they (Skeeter and Yamaha) want me to go."

Baksay: holding pattern 10/1/2009

Baksay's concerned about the Elite Series money outlay, but he's especially concerned about the California swing. He lives in Connecticut, so he'd be traveling farther than everyone except Mark Burgess to fish California. In fact, twice this decade Baksay has avoided the Bassmaster Tour because of California. The first time was 2003, when he stayed east with FLW to fish the Walmart Open. The second time was 2007, when the Elite Series made two stops in Cali.

More than all that, though, he's simply waiting to hear what FLW lays out for its 2010 season. Entry fees and payouts haven't been finalized, and rumors are swirling about sponsor dropouts and perhaps a loosening of logo-display rules.

"Everybody's asking me where I'm going to fish next year, but I'm waiting until FLW comes out with a final, definitive decision with what they're going to do with the payouts and all that," he said. "On the other hand, if Bassmaster wasn't going to California, I'd probably fish the Elites. I grew up fishing BASS – I'm still the youth director for the Connecticut Federation Nation – and I love everybody in both organizations. But right this second I don't know what I'm going to do. I haven't even talked to my sponsors yet.

"I'm just waiting for FLW to get their ducks in a row. Maybe eventually they'll come out with an announcement and when they do I'll make my decision."

Hastings: not right now 10/1/2009

Hastings didn't fish at the tour level this year due to financial reasons, but did finish 5th in the Bassmaster Northern Open points.

He's disappointed in that finish, he said, because he wanted to make the Bassmaster Classic. And although he qualified to fish next year's Bassmaster Elite Series, from a financial standpoint, that doesn't look like a reality right now.

"I'd really like to fish the Elites, but I really can't afford to do it," he said. "It's kind of like the FLW Tour. I'd fish that again, but I can't afford to put the money out there. I haven't been able to find a company that's willing to try to help me out, and it just gets frustrating for me. It feels like I'm always chasing money."

The money from his Travis win has long run out. He used it to pay off his mother's house, then the balance went toward his 2008 FLW Tour campaign. And he was never asked to join an FLW team – another thing that "frustrates" him, he said.

"If I could have got some help I'd still be fishing (at the tour level). If I can find a company that's willing to work with me, I'd consider fishing the Elites. But the way it stands right now, if you said they're starting tomorrow, I couldn't afford it.

"Don't get me wrong – this is the hardest and best sport in the world," he added. "It's still the purest sport in the world. But unfortunately, I think the promoters in both organizations (BASS and FLW) take advantage of fishermen. Eventually, only the wealthiest anglers will be fishing, and both organizations will be left with people fishing who won't validate the sport. If it continues to whittle down, you'll have a lot of anglers not fishing who really deserve to be there."

Hastings does remain hopeful that he can put together some sponsorshis to relaunch a tour campaign next year. For now, though, his plans are to fish either the Opens or Strens next year.