The fact that Kevin VanDam won the 2010 Bassmaster Classic last weekend likely didn’t surprise many who follow the sport of bass fishing; he has been the best in the sport and the angler to beat in recent years. It is somewhat ironic though that this same fisherman who is best known for his power-fishing style did have to borrow from technology that dates back to the earliest of Classics – variable speed – to slow down for the cold water conditions found on Alabama’s Lay Lake.

VanDam was one of 34 anglers out of the 51 fishing in the Classic who relied on a foot-controlled variable speed MotorGuide® trolling motor that has a history closely paralleling that of the Classic itself. By 1972, year two for the Classic, MotorGuide inventor G.H. Harris had added variable speed control to the design of his bow-mounted foot-controlled trolling motor introduced 20 years earlier.

Variable speed provided anglers with an infinite range of speed settings from low to high, giving them the exact precision for boat control for any given condition. It was a monumental breakthrough in trolling motor technology and angler versatility. Previously, trolling motors typically had from three to five speed settings, and the selections rarely matched the conditions at hand so anglers often found themselves having to constantly switch from one speed to another.

“I did have to consciously make myself slow down in everything I was doing for this Classic,” VanDam said. “I’m accustomed to putting my MotorGuide on high and covering lots of water in a hurry with lots of casts and fast moving baits. But here it was all about dialing the speed down on my 36-volt motor, going to a 5.3:1 gear ratio baitcast reel, making long casts and working my crankbait really slow across the top of the coontail grass in the area.”

“The water was pretty shallow, so I think it was also important that I was able to move my boat around as quietly with my trolling motor as I was,” VanDam added.

VanDam and most of the others in the Classic using MotorGuide had Tour Edition TR109 Digital models on their boats. They say they prefer this model because it has a stainless steel shaft, a rock-steady Tour Gator Spring® mount bracket and a metal foot pedal … combining form and function to eliminate the flex that comes with plastic parts and to provide the smoothest in cable-steer operation.

Ever since Harris’ invention first hit the market more than 50 years ago, MotorGuide has continued to lead the way in trolling motor innovation. The brand has many firsts to its credit beyond just foot control and digital variable speed, including the retractable bow mount for easy stow and deploy, breakaway mount to protect the motor’s shaft from underwater run-ins, and digital technology for the finest in electronic performance.

Continuous improvements are always occurring within the MotorGuide product lineup, with the most recent coming from BASS Elite Series angler Brent Chapman’s father. Chapman developed a stainless steel pulley for the Tour Edition models to work with their upgraded stainless steel cables to improve upon steering feel and limiting steering torque, even when operating the motor at its highest speed setting of more than 100 pounds of thrust.

Additionally, MotorGuide now also has models that incorporate a built-in Lowrance® 200/83 kHz transducer with temperature sensor for compatibility with Lowrance HDS sonar units. Built-in transducers eliminate damage to cables and transducers from underwater obstructions, plus MotorGuide’s digital technology also helps eliminate sonar interference.

“We’re proud of the fact that the Classic trophy stays with the MotorGuide team once again, with last year’s champion Skeet Reese passing it along to now three-time Classic champion and five-time Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam,” said Kevin Fletcher, vice president of sales and marketing for Attwood Marine, the company that also includes MotorGuide products.

“We’re also proud of Pam Martin-Wells performance in having achieved the highest level ever for a female angler in the Classic, and we’re thrilled that four of the five top finishers on Lay Lake had MotorGuide on front of their boats. Congratulations to Kevin and all of our Classic anglers.”

What happened? Ike no longer with Daiwa?????

Here’s a Pure Fishing release that came out today.

Renowned angler Michael Iaconelli and fishing industry leaders Abu Garcia, Spiderwire and Berkley entered into agreement for the upcoming 2010-tournament season. Beginning January 1, 2010, Iaconelli will fish Abu Garcia rods and reels, Berkley and Spiderwire line and Berkley PowerBait and Gulp! products exclusively.

“We are very excited to have Mike join our Abu Garcia and Spiderwire Teams,” said Chris Derrick, Brand Manager. “He is one of the best athletes in the sport and this partnership will help us develop new and innovative products while helping Mike elevate his game.”

The Pittsgrove, NJ native has enjoyed an illustrious career on the fishing tournament trail wrapping up 6 first-place titles, 42 top-ten finishes, 67 top-twenty finishes and amassing over $1.6 million in career earnings. Iaconelli also claimed the 2006 Angler of the Year title and hosts City Limits Fishing that is featured on the Versus network.

“This partnership is huge,” said Iaconelli. “It is a privilege to be working with Abu Garcia, Spiderwire and Berkley.  When you think about fishing these are the big names that everyone recognizes. The partnership with these major fishing brands is one that holds a lot of promise. Their technologically advanced products will be a tremendous asset to me on the competitive circuits. I look forward to continuing a very successful relationship with the folks at Pure Fishing.”

Starting September 4, 2009, the PAA will be hosting “Professional Anglers’ Auctions”. This program is a new twist on the eBay fundraising auctions used by the organization in the past. Each of these auctions will be a fundraiser for a designated charity through the eBay program, “Giving Works”. A portion of the proceeds will also benefit the PAA. Fans of fishing will have an opportunity to bid on once in a lifetime fishing trips, unique fan experiences, along with authentic professional fishing memorabilia.

Each two week auction cycle will have one or two fishing trips or fan experience prizes, which will be scheduled for specific time periods and locations.  In addition, Professional Anglers’ Auctions will also feature one of a kind fishing memorabilia and autographed items, each coming with a Certificate of Authenticity.

According to John Crews, President of the PAA, “This is an extremely unique opportunity for fans of bass fishing. They will be able to get fishing trips, memorabilia, and prizes that they can’t get anywhere else. The PAA is proud to provide this service, and benefit charities at the same time.”

The first round of auctions kicks off with a dream day of fishing on famed Lake Amistad with PAA Pro Byron Velvick.  The winning bidder also receives two nights lodging at the Lake Amistad Resort during the trip.  For an ultimate fan experience, bidders will also have a chance to win a Bass University seminar series of their choice, along with a private dinner for them and a guest with PAA Pro Mike Iaconelli.  In addition to these unique experiences, other pieces of professional fishing memorabilia, including autographed jerseys and baits, will be available for bids as well.

For the first round of auctions, a portion of the proceeds will go to Recycled Fish, a new conservation partner of the PAA. Recycled Fish promotes a lifestyle of stewardship among anglers and those concerned about the nation’s water resources.  Future auctions will also donate a portion of the proceeds to other organizations that support the goals and missions of the PAA.  Complete details of the Professional Angler Auctions will be hosted on www.fishpaa.com.

Conditions are never climate controlled when you’re out there after fish. Wind, spray, and the bobbing platform of a boat can all contribute to falling short when you try to make that long cast. It’s about covering water… but covering water with the wounded minnow performance of a Rapala… that’s what it’s all about.

Shallow flats can spread out for miles. And when you’re standing on shore, or up to your armpits wearing waders, casting distance is the difference between success and failure.

Say hello to your new long distance buddy – MaxRap™ 13.

Long and lean in all the right color schemes, measuring 5 1/4 inches long. First thing you’ll notice is the slightly arched back. You’ll see it’s all Rapala, with fine details like oversized holographic eyes and internal, laser-engraved scales to go with a baitfish-inspired paint job.

Its razor sharp, noncorrosive VMC Spark Point treble hooks are a thing of beauty, too. They stand up to saltwater and downright nasty predator fish.

Hold it in your hands and the heft is obvious, a full half-ounce of perfectly-balanced proportions. Put it on the end of your line and cast as hard as you can and the balance is so pure that it zings like a perfect spiral. No wobbling, no tangling of hooks. It holds its position in the air thanks to the internal MaxCast mechanism, precision placed tungsten balls that provide self-adjusting balance under changing conditions.

Start reeling and you’re reminded that there’s only one Rapala. Crank it steady, fast as you want, or twitch-and-pause and watch it reflect light like the real thing (if you can see that far). When a fish crushes it, you’ll know you have a new partner in crime.

Whatever you want to catch, in freshwater or saltwater, big, bad fish fall for the flash and foil of MaxRap™. Shallow water fish have nowhere to hide. They can’t get far enough away. Great Trolling Lure, Too…

Something this good cannot be typecast for casting alone. It’s an awesome trolling bait, too. Run it steady or pump the rod, but hang on at all times, because you’re gonna get bit. To cover the water column from just under the surface to inky depths, use whatever weighting system you like best. Try rubber-core sinkers, snap weights, leadcore, planing devices, or pull it behind a downrigger ball.