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.”

You might think reaching the status of “best bass angler in the world” would require year round access to the water. Not true. The man worthy of that title, Kevin VanDam, is from Michigan. The water is hard and thick there in January. Fact is, at the time of this writing, VanDam was watching a blizzard outside his window. But inside — he was preparing.

(Source: Quantum)

“I use this time to get ready. The two things guys should be focusing on at this time of year is maintenance and inventory,” said the reigning Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year. “I start with reels. I put a little Quantum Hot Sauce® on the bearings, and make sure the worm gear is oiled and free of grime.”

“Once I know my reels are in good shape, and that all the guides on my rods are in good order, I take inventory of lures and line. This morning I discovered that I managed to bust some tackle storage trays last year, so I”ll make sure I get some more Plano® StowAway boxes,” said VanDam.

Kevin also advises that preparing your ‘inventory needs’ list prior to winter tackle show season can save some coin. “If you know everything you need, you can carry that list to a local winter tackle show where sales promotions often exist and get some good deals on those items versus buying them sporadically later on in the year at full retail price.”

“Winter also affords you the time to look in-depth at lake maps. Even if you fish the same three or four lakes all the time, there are probably areas of those lakes that you ignore a lot more than others. Don’t get in a rut. Take a harder look at some of those areas of your favorite lakes that you might not have fished much lately,” said VanDam.

And what if he could escape the blizzard and head south? “I’d go to Lake Guntersville,” he said without hesitation. “In my opinion, it’s got the biggest population of four to seven pound bass in the country, and I feel certain I could go there right now in January and catch the heck out of them on a Red Eye Shad or suspending Wild Shiner jerkbait.”