SpinTech Hooks, a brand under BasStar, is introducing the world’s first rotating treble hook.

Features include – Rotates 360 degrees, Reduces torque and leverage, Improved hook set, Eliminates the common problem of treble hooks locking on lures, Remains centered on any lure for maximum performance and balance. Available in freshwater and saltwater versions.

More details to come next week during ICAST.

The National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame (NFWFHF) recently announced the induction of Billy Chapman, Jr. into the organization with the Special Recognition Award. A reception honoring Chapman is schedule during the 2009 International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trade (ICAST) show.

Chapman will receive a special presentation on Thursday, July 16, at 4:45pm in the G. Loomis show booth (#736).

Making the presentation will be NFWFHF Executive Director Emmitt Brown, NFWFHF Awards Committee member Bruce Holt and noted outdoor writer Stan Fagerstrom, a NFWFHF “Legendary Angler.”

Chapman is best known as the outfitter that introduced El Salto Lake and its wonderful bass fishery in the Sierra Madre mountains to untold thousands of anglers worldwide. His Anglers Inn fishing resorts are unmatched for the very best for bass fishing locations and services. Chapman is also recognized for putting peacock bass fishing on the map and for creating the first two peacock bass 5-star lodges in the Amazons in the 1980s.

The award recognizes Chapman for his contributions to the sport of fishing, being at the forefront for decades promoting successful angling and fisheries conservation on Mexico lakes.

Are you ready for more baits? Berkley is again introducing a large amounts of new baits for anglers to use to entice fish to strike with both their Powerbait and Gulp! scents. We’ll cover them at ICAST but here’s one that is being introduced in Australia this month that might make it to the States.

The Berkley MF40, hybrid lure technology that combines the best of both worlds. The benefits of a vibe lure with the fish attracting scent of Berkley Power Bait.  Imagine a lure with a tight fish attracting vibrating action, weighted for excellent casting and controlled descent, oversize 3D eyes for maximum reaction, natural finishes in a wide range of colours, soft texture that mimics the feel of a live baitfish, built in PowerBait scent, so the fish hold on, plus the pliable PowerBait body enhances the tight vibrating action for a more natural presentation, finished off by supersharp Yakiba hooks. Available in 2 weights 5.9gms light and 8.6gms heavy, the Berkley MF40 is a revolution in lure design by Matt Fraser.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AD6YqGMBJc

Two in a pack and available this month.

PRO FISHERMAN CHAD MORGENTHALER TEAMS WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS FOR 4th ANNUAL BASS TOURNAMENT

Rend Lake Tournament to Benefit Athletes in Illinois

Professional bass fisherman Chad Morgenthaler of Coulterville, Ill., is hooked on Special Olympics. He is teaming up with Special Olympics Illinois and the Law Enforcement Torch Run to host the 4th Annual Chad Morgenthaler Bass Tournament presented by Jasper Engines & Transmissions on Aug. 29 at Rend Lake in southern Illinois.

The tournament is a buddy team format, with a Beat the Pro fishing contest and chances to win great prizes. Morgenthaler and other Professional Anglers Association (PAA) pros will participate.

The fishing tournament is limited to the first 150 boats to register. Entry is $175 per boat if registered by 5 p.m. Aug. 21 which includes entry into the Big Bass pot. Entry fee is $200 per boat for those who register after 5 p.m. Aug. 21. Each angler receives a T-shirt and goodie bag full of tackle. The first three years of the tournament raised more than $77,000 for Special Olympics Illinois.

PAA anglers, tournament sponsors, auction items and two-person teams are still needed for the tournament. Donations and auction items may be sent in care of:

Jeff Henson

Special Olympics Illinois

605 E. Willow St.

Normal, IL 61761

Anglers and companies interested in getting involved in the tournament may contact Henson at 800-394-0562 or email him at jhenson@soill.org.

Registration for the tournament is from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at Rend Lake Resort, the official housing site for the tournament. A pre-tournament meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the resort. The meeting includes dinner, an auction of great fishing items and a meet and greet with the pro anglers. Rend Lake Sailboat Harbor is the launch site for the tournament.

For entry forms or more information, contact Jeff Henson at Special Olympics Illinois at 800-394-0562, email him at jhenson@soill.org or visit www.soill.org to download a form.

Morgenthaler is a three-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier and has several FLW Top 10 tournament finishes. He became involved with Special Olympics Illinois in 2005 when he donated a day-long fishing trip as part of an online auction sponsored by the organization. Special Olympics athletes were on hand at Crab Orchard Lake in southern Illinois to see Morgenthaler and the auction winner begin their fishing trip. That experience led to Morgenthaler’s interest in hosting a charity tournament for the organization.

“I was inspired by the courage and enthusiasm shown by the Special Olympics athletes,” said Morgenthaler. “After talking more with Special Olympics Illinois, we agreed a fishing tournament would be an exciting way to introduce the organization and its athletes to a previously untapped audience of fishermen.”

Chad Morgenthaler, 42, has been a professional bass fisherman since 2002. He is sponsored by Jasper Engines & Transmissions, Phoenix Boats, Yamaha Motors, Lunker Lure – Hawg Caller, Svanda GM Motor Group, Solar Bat, Power-Pole, Nameoki Village Marine, Abu Garcia, Trilene, Plano Tackle, Minn Kota, Element 21 Fishing, Optima Batteries and Professional Anglers Association.

Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 19 sports for more than 22,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family support.

The Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run is the single largest year-round fund-raising event benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. The intrastate relay and its various fundraising projects have two goals: to raise money and increase public awareness for the athletes of Special Olympics. Each year, more than 3,000 officers in Illinois run more than 1,500 miles carrying the Flame of Hope through the streets of their hometowns and deliver it to the State Summer Games in Normal in June.

The Professional Anglers Association has joined forces with the Central Pro Am Association to offer a
one of a kind opportunity for anglers fishing Central Pro Am in 2010.  The new affiliation brings together
two organizations with a unifying theme of tournament bass fishing, and support of the membership,
the fishermen.  According to John Crews, President of the PAA, “We are excited to implement
partnerships such as this, as we feel it gives strength to both organizations, and as a result creates more
opportunities for the anglers, which is important to the PAA.”
The partnership paves the way for the 2010 Central Pro Am Angler of the Year, along with the Co-angler
of the Year, who will each receive a guaranteed slot in the 2011 PAA Tournament Series.  In addition to
covering entry fees for the anglers, Central Pro Am will also be providing assistance with expenses,
making this a truly inexpensive shot at becoming a touring pro in 2011.  “This could make a couple of
our Central Pro Am’s anglers lifelong dreams come true, just by fishing a season with us…two of our
anglers will be competing against some of the best talent in the country in 2011,” said Jim Thompson,
owner of Central Pro Am.
Two lucky Central Pro Am Anglers also have a chance to compete with touring PAA pros in the 2009 PAA
Corporate Cup, to be held September 10-12 on Lake Pickwick in Florence, AL.  This unique opportunity is
part of a joint PAA/CPAA membership drive.  All members of Central Pro Am in good standing that join
the PAA between June 1 and July 31, 2009 are registered for their chance to win this all expense paid
trip courtesy of Central Pro Am.

The Rooster has been designed to be flipped, pitched, Texas rigged and Carolina rigged. The rooster is an aggressive creature bait with ovesizd swimming arms and more action that you can shake a stick at.

The Rooster is definitely a bait you will have to have in your tackle box!

Available in late summer, the Rage Tail Smokin’ Rooster will be available in the following colors:

Black Blue Flake

Watermelon Red Flake

Junebug

Green Pumpkin

Okeechobee Craw

Bama Bug

Strike King is giving sneak peaks of some of their 2010 new products on their website prior to July 2009’s ICAST in Orlando. Here’s one call the Rage Thumper Worm

The Rage Thumper worm is 10″ long and has an incredible action for a cut tail type worm. Designed to have increased “flickr” action as it falls to help entice the big fish to eat.  The unique Rage Tail Flange design is incorporated into the tail to give this monster of a worm it’s unique action. The Tail incorporates a score line that can be cut to turn the Thumper worm into a true cut tail worm.

Available in late summer, the Thumper worm will be offered in the following colors:

Plum

Watermelon Red Flake

Red Shad

Junebug

Green Pumpkin

Okeechobee Craw

Red Bug

Bama Bug

Blue Fleck

“Unprecedented global economic conditions, unequaled by any seen in my personal experience, continue to affect people in all industries and walks of life.  For some time now, the credit-shortage epidemic at the consumer, dealer and manufacturer levels has been a huge issue. Despite good demand for Ranger products and the strength of the brand within Genmar’s portfolio and the market as a whole, the lack of available credit forced Genmar Holdings Inc. to file for Chapter 11 reorganization on Monday, June 1. Genmar’s reorganization is designed to allow Ranger to uphold its commitments to its outstanding dealer network and loyal customers while fulfilling the 41-year-old reputation of its product line and business operations. Going forward, Ranger has no plans to relinquish its leadership position. Our commitment to quality construction, technological innovation and service at all levels will not wane. Likewise, we remain dedicated to our long-standing involvement with so many great tournament anglers, organizations, and friends throughout the industry. While the fishing segment has not been immune to adverse economic conditions, it has not been affected to the same degree as other boating categories. I believe that our segment has hit bottom and we are seeing recent evidence of improvement. Therefore, I expect normal business operations today and throughout the course of Genmar’s reorganization process. While these types of circumstances are sometimes subject to rampant speculation and rumors, we encourage specific questions be emailed to info@rangerboats.com so we can provide a timely response. And remember that regardless of the market conditions, Ranger boats are still built, sold and serviced one at a time. It’s who we are and we remain firmly committed to that legendary legacy of leadership.”

Randy Hopper
President, Ranger Boats

Berkley is proud to announce the upcoming Berkley Big Bass Challenge to be held June 6-7 on California’s Delta Lake. The hourly weigh-in format allows any registered angler to bring one fish to the scale each hour to compete for one of seven hourly checks, plus a shot at driving home a new 2009 Toyota Tundra Double Cab truck with a retail value of over $25,000.  The first 150 anglers to register will be in a special raffle on Sunday to win a day on the water with 2009 Bassmaster Classic Champion Skeet Reese.
 
The amateur-friendly event focuses on the big fish, but strategy plays a key role when determining when to bring a fish to the scales.  Anglers can choose the best time to weigh in their best fish to increase their odds at scoring a nice check. Top tier tournament anglers on the BASS and FLW tournament trails cannot compete. Over $16,000 in prize money is on the table for anglers using Berkley baits to catch their fish along with the Toyota truck that is guaranteed to be awarded regardless the size of the field.
 
“While everyone always thinks of big fish and large sacks, the format for this tournament makes it easy for amateurs and novices to win some cash”, said Andrew Marks, Sr. Marketing Manager for Berkley.  “The hourly weigh-in makes for some interesting strategy as to when to weigh in your fish and the largest fish one hour may have placed 3rd or 4th in another.  It definitely adds for some fun and exciting times when anglers literally have cashed checks with bass weighing less than 2 pounds”.
 
The Berkley Experience Trailer will also make an appearance at Russo’s Marina throughout the weekend starting at 3:00 P.M. on Friday, June 5th.  The Berkley staff will be on hand to help all anglers with knot tying skills along with the product demonstrations, interactive screens, Wii Fishing game and other fun elements.  Berkley baits will also be on sale under the tent with special promotions available on certain Pure Fishing products.
 
Registration is now open and anglers will also be able to register at the event starting at 3:00 p.m. June 5th. Registration and Details about the Berkley Big Bass Challenge can be found at www.anglerspress.net

New colors of the Spro 6 inch BBZ-1 will be shown at ICAST in July along with an 8 inch BBZ-1.

2009 Bassmaster Classic Champion and 2007 Bassmaster Angler of the Year Skeet Reese, announces a new partnership with the Wright & McGill Co. to produce a new line of Skeet Reese Signature Tessera Fishing Rods.  The series will be based on the competitive needs of one of the world’s best anglers combined with the technological expertise of one of the industry’s most well known manufacturers.

The Wright & McGill Skeet Reese Signature Tessera Fishing Rods will feature nine technique specific models designed by Reese to fit his own fishing style and the most popular fishing techniques being utilized today.  From drop shotting to flipping and pitching, swimbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits, the lineup will fill the needs of any serious angler.  The new lineup will be constructed using Wright & McGill’s proprietary S-Curve blank technology.

S-Curve is Wright & McGill’s new process of blank construction that blends a precise mixture of materials in a specific process for assembly that results in a thin diameter blank that weighs less than conventional construction without sacrificing durability.  The result of the S-Curve construction and premium components is a premium bass fishing rod that would make a Bassmaster Classic Champion proud, while making it affordable for the angling public.

“I am very excited about this new partnership with Wright & McGill,” said Reese, who has been active in design and construction of new products with his sponsors for many years.  “I have always wanted to be able to produce a premium fishing rod that would be at a price point that every angler would be able to afford; Wright & McGill Co. has given me that opportunity

“It was not easy to make the decision to leave Lamiglas as they have always been very good to me,” said Reese.  “But this new project will allow me to build the rods I’ve always wanted to build at a price point that everyone can afford; and with Wright & McGill’s distribution network, we will be able to provide many anglers a chance to experience their quality construction and affordability.”

Chris Russell, Marketing Director for the Wright & McGill Co. said that the company is equally as excited to be working with Reese.  “The thought of working with a Bassmaster Classic Champion and Angler of the Year is certainly thrilling,” Russell, said that was not the only draw however.  “Skeet has a real understanding of the business of the fishing industry, and a real sense of what the fishing public needs and wants; when coupled with his skill as an angler and his work ethic, he represents a tremendous asset, one we are proud to enter into this project with.

Reese said the rods fit his style, both as an angler and an icon.  “The components are the best available, the blanks are some of the most technologically advanced I’ve ever seen,” Reese said.  “The look of the rods will certainly be aggressive, reflecting my personal trademarks, I think everyone will see them for the revolutionary product they are.”

Wright & McGill’s Skeet Reese Signature Tessera Rods will make their industry debut at ICAST in Orlando in July, In keeping with the Wright & McGill Co. brand strategy, these rods will be designed and priced to offer exceptional quality and value at a price point affordable to a wide range of anglers; the entire line is expected to retail between $89 – $99.

Skeet Reese is a Bassmaster Elite Series pro, he is the 2009 Bassmaster Classic Champion and the 2007 Bassmaster Angler of the Year who has compiled career earnings that total more than $1.9 million in career earnings. Reese has qualified for 10 Bassmaster Classic appearances, and has finished in the top 10 41 times, including four wins in BASS competition in an 11 year career.  Reese is a 39-year-old California native who resides in Auburn, Calif. with his wife Kim, and two daughters; Leamarie and Courtney. Visit his website: www.skeetreeseinc.com.

Wright & McGill Co. is one of the most recognizable companies in the fishing industry.  The manufacturer of Lazer Sharp and Eagle Claw hooks and their own brand of rods and reels, as well as big game tackle.  Their line of Essentials and Accessories gear has become one of the most sought after brands in the world today, and the new fishing rod home of 2009 Bassmaster Classic Champion Skeet Reese.  For more about Wright & McGill, visit them at www.wright-mcgill.com

The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is pleased to announce the addition of a fourth show to its East Coast-based fishing, hunting and outdoor consumer show roster. The Greater Philadelphia Outdoor Sportshow will take place February 25−28, 2010, at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, a short drive from downtown Philadelphia.

ASA, under its consumer-show management com­pany, ASA/Eastern Fishing & Outdoor Exposition, is a leader in producing sports shows in the eastern United States, showcasing fishing, hunting and other outdoor sports for enthusiasts. In 2006 ASA, the sportfishing industry’s trade association, assumed ownership of Eastern Fishing & Outdoor Exposition from founder, Paul Fuller. For more than 30 years, the Eastern fishing shows have entertained and educated hundreds of thousands of sportsmen and women and been host to thousands of exhibitors.

The new show will serve the millions of fishing, hunting and outdoor sports enthusiasts who live in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware region who collectively spend over $3.9 billion in pursuit of fish or game each year. The Suburban Philadelphia Market has not had a venue capable of housing a large-venue sports show since 2006 when the Fort Washington Exposition center closed.

“Sportsmen and women will really enjoy this new Philadelphia show,” said ASA’s Consumer Shows Director Jonathan Sauers. “For over 30 years we have been providing a showcase for the best there is in the fishing, hunting and marine industries. In the tradition established by Paul Fuller, we are going to produce a first class show that will be a key destination for exhibitors and attendees alike. Big name talent, big name features, super seminars and, most importantly, first class exhibitors are hallmarks of ASA’s consumer shows and I can assure you that the Greater Philadelphia Outdoor Sportshow will enjoy the same success as our other shows.”

“Times are tough, but that’s all the more reason to get outside and enjoy the simple pleasures that can be found in our great outdoors,” said ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman. “What we’re finding is that many folks that have not been afield in some time are returning to the sports they enjoyed in their youth and are bringing the next generation along with them.”

With the addition of the Philadelphia show, ASA/Eastern Fishing & Outdoor Exposition will produce four East Cast consumer shows in 2010 serving all of the major metro markets on the eastern seaboard from Delaware to Maine.

The dates and locations of the 2010 shows are:

·Eastern Fishing & Outdoor Exposition, Worcester, Mass., Feb. 11−14, 2010

·NEW! The Greater Philadelphia Outdoor Sportshow, Oaks, Pa., Feb. 25−28, 2010

·World Fishing & Outdoor Exposition, Suffern, N.Y., March 4−7, 2010

·The Saltwater Fishing Expo, Somerset, N.J., March 19−21, 2010

The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks is one of the largest privately owned exhibition centers on the East Coast with 210,000 square feet of exhibitor-friendly space and is just 20 minutes from central Philadelphia. The Expo Center has the following features:

Services the tri-state region (Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware) and is within driving distance of all five counties in the Greater Philadelphia area
Easy access to the building right off the highway.
More than 5,000 free on-site parking spaces.
Wireless internet service.
Eight 14 x 14 drive-in loading dock doors.
Ceilings that measure 22-45 feet.
Privately owned by American Expo Corp.
Managed by experienced professionals from the Fort Washington Expo.

What is the most important thing when choosing a propeller? Pitch. No matter what size engine or what kind of boat, if the propeller isn’t the right pitch, the boat isn’t going to live up to its potential.

Pitch is the theoretical distance, in inches, a propeller moves forward every time it turns (i.e. a 19” prop should move forward 19” with each revolution; in reality, it’s a bit less, because the propeller isn’t 100% efficient).

Here’s the skinny: You want to be able to run the engine at, or near, the manufacturer’s recommended maximum RPM at full throttle, trimmed up for speed, with a typical load in the boat – and if you can, your propeller is the right pitch.

Too much pitch (overpropped) — the engine won’t reach its max RPM, is sluggish getting on plane, and has poor throttle response. Not enough pitch (under-propped)—the boat pops on plane and accelerates with confidence, easily exceeding the recommended full throttle RPM. Neither condition is good for engine longevity or fuel economy.

The cure? Since every inch of pitch is worth about 150-200 RPM, decreasing pitch should provide a proportionate increase in RPM – drop pitch an inch, gain a couple of hundred RPM. Conversely, increasing pitch usually results in a RPM decrease – go up an inch, lose a couple of hundred RPM.

After you have the pitch part of the equation figured out, then the propeller selection process can continue. Steve McLelland, Sales and Marketing Manager of Precision Propeller Industries tells us, “Different styles of propellers offer unique performance characteristics – more bow lift, quicker hole shots, and the like. Once we’ve determined the correct pitch range for a given boat, then we can start talking about what your performance goals are and what propeller will help you get there.”

Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel

Aluminum propellers aren’t expensive, they work well, and are relatively easy to repair, but aluminum isn’t particularly durable, making aluminum props susceptible to wear and damage. Stainless steel propellers cost more up front; however, because stainless steel is stronger than aluminum, a stainless propeller’s blades are usually thinner and can be made in a wider variety of styles and shapes than an aluminum prop, thus the potential for better performance and increased service life. Remember, it’s stain-less steel, not stain-proof – a stainless propeller can still rust, so you need to keep it clean, just like the rest of your boat.

Three Blades vs. Four Blades

In broad terms, three blade propellers offer good overall performance; however a three blade prop may lose its grip in turns and may not be the best handling propeller on high-horsepower rigs.

Four blade propellers can get a boat on plane faster, they’re less likely to lose traction in turns, and help many boats handle better, although a four blade propeller is often a bit slower (1-2 MPH) at top speed than a three blade prop.

Propeller Resources

Yamaha Marine offers propellers to suit nearly any application, and their website, yamaha-motor.com, is a great place to start searching for the perfect prop. Here, you can check out  Yamaha’s propeller charts, as well as over a thousand performance bulletins that document real-world results on almost any boat imaginable.

We also suggest looking into Precision Propeller Industries, Inc. (precisionpropeller.com, 800-922-9955), which functions as part of Yamaha Marine Group. Precision Propeller makes Turbo® Prop stainless steel propellers, if you’re seeking something a little different than an original equipment prop.

When contacting Yamaha or Precision Propeller, make sure to have all the information about your current setup (boat length, style, engine, propeller, full-throttle RPM, and other performance data) available to discuss with the prop pros – it’ll help them help you.

Finally

Try as many different propellers as possible before shelling out hard-earned dollars on a new prop. Your local dealer might let you borrow a propeller or two if you ask nicely – there is no substitute for on-water testing.

Terminology

Propellers are described in numbers: the first number is the diameter, and the second number is the pitch.

Diameter
If you could draw a circle around a propeller’s blades, diameter would be the distance, (in inches) across this circle.

Pitch
Pitch is the theoretical distance, in inches, that a propeller moves the boat forward during one revolution. So, a 14 X 19 propeller has a diameter of fourteen inches, and a pitch of nineteen
inches.

Pitch Points
• Generically, every inch of pitch is worth about 150-200 RPM
• Increase pitch an inch and the full throttle RPM should drop around 150-200 RPM
• Decrease the pitch an inch and the RPM ought to go up roughly 150-200 RPM at full throttle
• Too few RPM at full throttle? You might need a prop with less pitch
• Too many RPM at full throttle? A pro peller with more pitch could help

(Source: Yamaha Boater’s Log)

As the Official Boat Sponsor of BASS, Skeeter’s management team knew this was an excellent opportunity to put its product in front of the most avid fishermen in the world – the BASS Federation Nation. Knowing that this group has high expectations from anything and everything “bass fishing,” Skeeter is proud to introduce an exciting new retail program for 2009 – the Skeeter/Yamaha BASS Federation Nation Program – exclusively for Federation Nation members.

“The BASS Federation Nation is the heart and soul of our great sport of bass fishing,” says Jeff Stone, Senior Vice President/General Manager of Skeeter. “The Federation Nation provides a solid foundation that will support both the competitive and recreational aspects of the sport well into the future. Skeeter is proud to support the Federation Nation, and we are confident that this new retail program will expose Federation Nation members to Skeeter’s stellar line-up of bass boats,” Stone added.

The Skeeter/Yamaha BASS Federation Nation Program 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 two year Yamaha Extended Service (Y.E.S.) contract on qualified Skeeter/Yamaha boat packages.

BASS Federation Nation members will also be interested about Skeeter’s $50,000 cash incentive for a victory at the 2009 Federation Nation Championship, and $100,000 cash incentive for a Bassmaster Classic victory. “Don’t think for a second that a Federation Nation member can’t keep up with the superstars at the Bassmaster Classic,” says Skeeter’s National Sales Manager, Ben Jarrett. “During this year’s Classic, Skeeter/Federation Nation member Bryan Schmidt finished the Classic in 6th place, and even spent time in the ‘hot seat’ as the leader of the Classic on the final day of competition,” says Jarrett.

Skeeter Products, Inc., the Official Boat Sponsor of BASS, makes fishing and boating fun and rewarding with an owner’s tournament, its ‘Real Money’ incentive program, and a top-notch dealer network. For more information about the Skeeter/Yamaha BASS Federation Nation Program, check with your Chapter, drop-by your local authorized Skeeter dealer, or visit www.skeeterboats.com.

The legendary JUNGLE JIG® product line from Northland Fishing Tackle welcomes a new family member to its popular line of weedless jigs for 2009 … called the JUNGLE SHAKE-E-BALL®. The distinctive jig was intelligently engineered for the tournament tested “shaky worm” technique; a proven tactic for lethargic, pressured, and cold front bass.

The JUNGLE SHAKE-E-BALL® is designed with a rockin’ “ball-head”, and features a 60 degree 3/0 Lip-Stick® flat-eye hook for superior hooking performance. The bait-holding Barb-Wire™ worm and grub collar makes rigging effortless and holds plastics securely in place.

This Rigged Jungle Shake-E-Ball® deadly combination works like a fulcrum to “rock and shake” the worm with it’s head down and tail floating up to trigger the bite!

“The JUNGLE SHAKE-E-BALL® is my go-to jig when I need to put fish in the boat during cold fronts and under tough conditions,” says TEAM NORTHLAND™ Bass Pro Jeff Gustafson. “I rig ‘em weedless with a small finesse worm and work it slowly through weeds, brush and boulders. It is a fish-catching-machine that works anywhere in North America,” says the 2008 Kenora Bass Tournament Champion from Kenora, Ontario. “It’s a jungle out there, and this little finesse jig triggers & fools finicky biting smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass when all other techniques fail!”

The JUNGLE SHAKE-E-BALL® is tournament tested and comes in three weights – 3/32, 1/8, & 3/16 oz. – and in two natural fish producing colors to include Bullhead Black and Watermelon Green.

Eliminate guesswork and make culling easy with the QuikSlide Tournament Culling System™ — a must-have for serious bass or walleye tournament fishermen.

One of the easiest-to-use culling systems on the market, the QuikSlide Tournament Culling System includes seven stainless-steel 3-inch locking snaps with multi-colored T-Grip handles plus one snap carrier, one acrylic culling board (one side for bass/one side for walleye) and one dry-erase marker.

The QuikSlide Tournament Culling System’s design makes it a winner. First, the snaps stay handy clipped right to your belt and easy to lift off when needed. Each 3-inch snap is attached to a brightly colored T-grip. Simply attach the fish to a color-coded snap and record its weight beside the matching color on the culling board. When you’re ready to cull your smallest fish, you can easily identify it in the livewell and grab the brightly colored T-grip to lift it out.

Best of all, the QuikSlide Tournament Culling System lets fish swim freely in the bottom of the livewell without getting tangled.

The simple and efficient QuikSlide Tournament Culling System will help you save time on the water when every second counts.

For more information or to purchase, check out www.quikslide.com

Introducing the new EZ-Shad. This new 5 inch paddletail swimbait is from the maker of the very popular Roboworm plastic worms and other products.

The EZ-Shads are available in these popular colors:

Blueback Minnow
Prizm Perch
Hologram Shad
Stocker Trout
SXE Shad

Three EZ-Shads per pack and will retail for $7.99

The paddletails are now available and should be showing up at your favorite online store or local retailer.

Youvella Hooks – Little Flip Hook, OWG (Offset Wide Gap) Hook, OWG Super Strong Hook, Pro Swimbait Hooks, and Pro Flip Hook.

In 2008 the Fish Harder company acquired the rights to be the sole distributor of Youvella-USA, LLC products in the United States and Canada.

Tim Norman, head of Sales and Marketing for Fish Harder Companies, has been named president of the new company, Youvella-USA, LLC.

“We’re excited about this opportunity. Youvella is by far the most modern and progressive sportfishing hook company in the world. They make a wide variety of hooks for the freshwater, saltwater and commercial markets,” Norman said. “We intend to use their expertise – along with that of our pro staff – to develop a line of professional grade fish hooks for the American and Canadian markets.”

Norman also announced Mike Iaconelli, Ish Monroe, Greg Hackney and Peter Thliveros to be the first members of Youvella’s professional pro staff.

Advantages and Applications

No Knots
This connection allows you to retain 100% breaking strength of your line.

Cleaner Connection
Since there are no knots here, the connection flows seamlessly through your guides.

Wind-On Top Shots
The hollow braid splice is ideal for attaching your pre-made topshots directly to the main line on your reel. Either by having a full spool of hollow braid or a hollow sleeve on top of your solid braid backing, you are able to perform this splice.

Repairing Your Line
The advantage to spooling up directly with hollow braid is the ability to repair your line with this connection. If your line gets damaged halfway down the spool, you can simply cut out the knick and do a hollow braid splice. With standard mono or solid braid, you would have to cut out the damaged area, but then re-attach the good line with a knot.

Bulk Spool Purchases
With a hollow braid splice, you are never left over with 100 yards of line that can’t be used. With monofilament, smaller quantities of line leftover on bulk spools serve no purpose as you would have to tie it to another length of line to fill up your spool. By using a hollow braid splice, you can use smaller quantities of hollow braid to make topshots or to splice onto your mainline should the situation arise.

Tools

Loop Puller Needle

Braid Scissors

Instructions

Step 1: Thread the tag end of one of the hollow lengths through your end loop and insert the needle into the other length of hollow heading inward (toward the bulk of the line) about a foot from the end.

Step 2: Thread the needle about 10 inches through hollow and then push it out. Leave about an inch of first hollow hanging out of the length it is inside of, (this will come into play later).

Step 3: Now perform the same action, but opposite. Thread the tag end of the hollow you just went inside of through the end loop and insert the splicing needle into the other. Insert the needle about an inch from the junction heading toward the bulk of the line.

Step 4: Thread the needle about 10 inches through hollow and then push it out. Remember to leave the end of the hollow hanging out about 1 inch. The hollows should now be inside of each other with their tag ends hanging out.

Step 5: Hold one of the tag ends and push the hollow surrounding it down towards the junction. At this point a loop should appear at the junction.

Step 6: Now hold the other tag end and push the hollow down towards the junction. This should have taken up the loop.

Step 7: Now work the bunched up hollows back in opposite directions with your fingers. This will help to flatten everything out and take up any slack.

Step 8: Holding one of the tag ends, push the hollow surrounding it down about a half inch and cut. Perform the same action with the other tag end as well.

Step 9: Finally work each length of hollow back in opposite directions. This will cause the remaining tag ends to completely disappear.

More fishing line tips at Blackwater’s website: http://www.blackwaterinternationalinc.com/tech_tips.html
(Images provided by Blackwater International Inc.)

Tools can be bought at Hi’s TackleBox

TackleTour’s Cal and JIP are on the way to Hermosillo Mexico for the crankbait rod wars.  Right now we are at the gate in Phoenix Arizona waiting for our connecting flight into Mexico.

Picking us up at Hermosillo will be BMB Fishing Tours, http://www.bmbfishingtours.com/, where we will take a one and a half hour drive to their bed and breakfast. We’ll be cranking Lake Novillo for a few days before we head back.

There are swimbaits, and then there are Castaic Swimbaits- a distinction that matters greatly to anglers the likes of Southern California’s Mike Long, perhaps the finest swimbait tactician alive.

In recent months, Long has used Castaic’s newest secret weapon, the soft-bodied Catch22, to boat numerous largemouths in the 10 to 15-pound class.  The lure also scored him a recent tournament win on Lower Otay Lake, near San Diego, where he outfished his nearest competitors by over ten-pounds.  Long’s limit was capped by a 13-pound hawg that fell for a 6-inch Catch22, in Castaic’s new Ghost Rainbow pattern.

Long had lately been field testing three additions to the already exceptional swimbait line.  With his stamp of approval, Castaic released today its newest swimbait species’-the Catch22 Threadfin Shad, Sunfish and Ghost Rainbow.  Like the original Rainbow Trout, the new species were crafted with Castaic’s trademark “Actual Species Replication.”  No other lure company offers such realism, both in design and function.

The new Catch22 Threadfin Shad patterns include 4- and 6-inch sizes in Slow Sink, and four colors, including Blue Shad, Green Shad, Golden Shiner and Silver Shiner.  The new Sunfish is a 5-inch bait in Slow Sink, available in Sunfish, Bluegill and Tilapia patterns.  Like the original Rainbow Trout, the new Ghost Rainbow is offered in 4-inch (Slow Sink), 6-inch (Slow Sink), 8-inch (Slow Sink or Floating), and 10-inch (Slow Sink or Floating) sizes.  Catch22 Swimbaits retail for $16.99 to $29.99.

“Using these baits my hook-up ratio has gone from 60% to well over 90%,” states Long.  The bait’s collapsible body construction enables the hook to penetrate bass jaws easier than any other soft-bodied swimbait on the market.  And its interior soft skeleton lets you catch bass after bass without damaging the bait.  What I really love about the C22, though, is the way it swims.  It has phenomenal action at all retrieve speeds, and when you pause and rip the bait, it darts and turns more realistically than any lure I’ve ever thrown.”

Catch22 Swimbaits feature revolutionary design elements that set them apart from all other lures on the market today.  In addition, Castaic offers an exclusive Catch22 Guarantee.  If you catch fewer than 22 bass before the C22 loses its ability to swim, return the bait, along with $7.50 shipping and handling, for a one-time lure replacement.  To learn more about Catch22, continue reading below, or visit www.castaicswimbait.com

The Catch22 possesses traits never before seen in a softbait, coupling a fluid, lifelike action with the durability and longevity of a hardbait. Castaic Catch22 innovations include:

The CATCH22 GUARANTEE – To back its claims of toughness, Castaic is offering an unheard of 22 bass guarantee. If you catch fewer than 22 bass before the C22 loses its ability to swim, return the bait, along with $7.50 shipping and handling, for a one-time lure replacement.

Innovation #1 – Castaic’s exclusive patent-pending INNER ARMOR Fiber Skeleton prevents the Catch22 (C22) from tearing and losing its natural swimming motion. While other soft baits break down after just a few fish, the Catch22 keeps on kicking. Similar to the interior cartilage structure of a live shark, this soft, flexible skeleton reinforces vital joint sections, while preserving the lure body’s integrity.

Innovation #2 – Ingenious NO-THROW Sliding Hook System keeps fish hooked solidly from strike to lip-lock. This critical design element allows the C22 to slide freely up the line when fish are hooked. This yields more successful hooksets, while also preventing fish from using the weight of the lure as leverage against you, and throwing the hook.

Innovation #3 – Another patented Castaic exclusive-the MAGNETIC HOOK HOLDER®-keeps the Tri-Claw hook aligned parallel to the C22’s body. When retrieved, a magnet pins the hook to the belly of the lure, precisely positioned for a sound hookset. This streamlined hook placement yields an ultra natural appearance and presentation, while also helping the lure resist snags.

Innovation #4 – Castaic’s advanced TRI-CLAW® hook is unique among swimbaits today. Coupled with the Magnetic Hook Holder, which pins the Tri-Claw hook against the lure body, hook gaps lie exposed and away from the bait, where they’re in ideal position to penetrate and hold. For pro-level swimbait fishing, this radical hook system is a must.

Innovation #5 – REAL SWIM(tm) Technology allows the C22 to swim naturally at multiple retrieve speeds. From a slow crawl to a speedy burn, the C22 is one of the most versatile swimbaits available. While most swimbaits require the angler to learn and master one specific retrieve, the C22 swims flawlessly at almost any speed.

“The Catch22 is the biggest breakthrough in swimbaits in a long time,” Long asserts. “Fishermen are going to catch a lot of bass with this lure.” One of America’s original swimbait tacticians, Mike Long has boated 27 of the top 100 heaviest bass ever documented. Throwing Castaic Swimbaits, he has caught thirteen bass over 15-pounds. In 2001, Long boated the ninth largest bass ever documented, a 20-pound 12-ounce monster using a 6-inch Castaic Trout.

Shimano Xtreme Fishing Invites Anglers to Choose a Weapon
New Wii Exclusive Game from Mastiff Includes Bowfishing, Spearfishing, and Traditional Rod & Reel Fishing
Shimano Xtreme Fishing challenges players to choose a weapon for a whole new take on fishing.

Embracing the wilder side of sport fishing, Shimano Xtreme Fishing is the only videogame to let players take the fight to the fish with bow and speargun in addition to the traditional rod and reel. Featuring cutting-edge fishing gear like Shimano Voltaeus fishing rods, Hoyt bows, AMS Bowfishing reels and accessories, and Muzzy arrow points, players hunt for a legendary catch from the deck of a free-roaming boat or underwater in full SCUBA gear.
But don’t think that the hunt will be easy, because the more extreme the gear, the more extreme the fish… More than 40 varieties inhabit the massive environments, with huge predators like sharks and alligators guarding the hottest fishing spots. Shimano Xtreme Fishing takes players through exotic environments ranging from the cold, dark waters of a North American reservoir to a roaring Amazon waterfall, eerie submerged Mayan ruins, the hidden lagoons of a southern island, and the shark-infested shipwrecks of a tropical sea.

Once the weapons – bowfishing gear, fishing rod, or spear gun and SCUBA – have been chosen, players can compete to unlock new tackle, clothing, and sporting accessories in a series of challenging tournaments, each with beautiful scenery and unique time and weather conditions. Players looking for a more open-ended fishing trip can roam the vast environments in search of new hot spots while mastering their weapons of choice in Free Fish mode.
“We weren’t interested in creating just another fishing game,” said Bill Swartz, Head Woof of Mastiff. “We wanted to give players something new – the very best equipment, an incredible selection of fish and locations, and most importantly, the rush that comes from extreme fishing, whether with rod, bow or spear.”

Shimano Xtreme Fishing will be available for Wii(tm) in summer 2009.

Just an update since the preview, the new LiveTarget Lures by Koppers is now available online and at local retail stores.

Since the introduction of the Rapala X-Rap in 2005, this jerkbait is still one of the most popular lures on the market. We are going to give you a how-to fish this lure if you’re not already familiar with it. A full review can also be seen on TackleTour – Rapala X-Rap Review.

1. Hard Snap Retrieve: With the rod tip down, use a short snap, snap, pause retrieve for a narrow track to target extremely active fish. This will create a quick zig-zag pattern of a fleeing baitfish.

2. Sweep Retrieve: With the rod tip up, use a long sweep, sweep, pause retrieve for a wider track that triggers shallow or suspended fish over deep water. This is a good method to use especially during the early colder water season when the jerkbait bite is just starting.