THE BUSINESS NEWS OF FISHING. |
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Big Savings On Abu Garcia REVO STX Gen 4
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Continuing REVO’s tradition of precision engineering and powerful performance, the Abu Garcia REVO STX Gen 4 Casting Reel is loaded with hi-tech features that provide an advantage on the water, day-in and day-out. Allowing anglers to make quick adjustments on the fly, the Abu Garcia REVO STX Gen 4 Casting Reel boasts a new Gull Wing side plate design that provides quick and easy access to the IVCB-6L (Infinity Variable Centrifugal Brake) brake system. Offering an incredibly strong, yet efficient gear system, the Abu Garcia REVO STX Gen 4 Casting Reel is built with a D2 Gear Design and X2 Craftic alloy frame for increased corrosion resistance. Finished with a TI-coated line guide that reduces friction and improves durability, the Abu Garcia REVO STX Gen 4 Casting Reel furthers the performance of the REVO family with superior technology and materials. Prices as low as $129.97 with an MSRP of $219.95 is a smoking deal. Check out the full selection and start saving here.
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Bassmaster Opens To Feature New Qualification Format |
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Beginning in 2023, anglers hoping to earn a coveted invitation to join the Bassmaster Elite Series can only qualify by competing in all nine tournaments comprising the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by Mossy Oak Fishing, B.A.S.S. officials announced today. Anglers competing in every tournament will form the Bassmaster Opens Elite Qualifiers and the format will be marketed as the Bassmaster Opens EQ. The Top 9 anglers in the Bassmaster Opens Elite Qualifiers standings will earn an invitation to join the prestigious Bassmaster Elite Series in 2024. With the exception of a berth going to the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation champion, fishing all nine events and participating in the Opens EQ will be the exclusive route for earning entry into the Elite Series. This season, an unprecedented 83 anglers registered for all nine Bassmaster Opens tournaments.
“We are looking forward to launching the new Bassmaster Opens EQ,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. “From the length of the season to the variety of waters and regions where these anglers will compete, this model is as close as you can get to competing at the Elite level and will bring even more attention to the skills and incredible commitment made by anglers striving to reach the Bassmaster Elite Series.”
Bassmaster Opens events will continue to be divided into three divisions with three tournaments each, and event winners will still earn a Classic berth if they compete in all three tournaments in that division.
“The new Elite Qualifiers format really allows the Opens to serve two groups of anglers moving forward,” said Hank Weldon, Bassmaster Opens tournament director. “Those who want to make fishing a full-time career and pursue the Elite Series have a clear direction preparing them for that path. But there are also nine opportunities for those who’ve always aspired to fish the Classic to chase that dream.”
The 2023 schedule for the Bassmaster Opens Series will be released this fall.
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Major League Fishing’s REDCREST, the world championship of professional bass fishing, is heading to the Queen City.MLF, in conjunction with the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA), Visit Lake Norman and the Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation Department, announced today that Lake Norman and Charlotte, North Carolina, have been named the location and hosts of REDCREST IV, the Bass Pro Tour championship event, and the MLF Outdoor Sports Expo, March 10-12, 2023. REDCREST IV will showcase the top 40 anglers from the 2022 Bass Pro Tour season competing for the REDCREST Championship trophy and the top prize of $300,000. Previous winners of the prestigious event include Bobby Lane (2022), Dustin Connell (2021) and Edwin Evers (2019). In addition to the tournament and the international media coverage it receives, the MLF Outdoor Sports Expo featuring hundreds of exhibitors and activities will be held at The Park Expo & Conference Center in Charlotte. Fishing and outdoor enthusiasts will have the opportunity to visit booths and vendors showcasing the latest and greatest in fishing, boating, hunting, camping and more. The biggest names in the outdoor industry will be on hand, including all 80 Bass Pro Tour anglers. Visitors from around the globe will not only watch the world’s best bass-fishing action, but they’ll also receive great deals on everything from crankbaits to rods and reels to bass boats at the outdoor show. “As Charlotte’s hospitality industry continues to see strong recovery, we are ecstatic to welcome Major League Fishing’s REDCREST IV championship next year,” said Tom Murray, Chief Executive Officer of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. “Charlotte offers a diverse mix of experiential activities for travelers and locals alike including thrilling outdoor adventures. We look forward to welcoming MLF fans and outdoor enthusiasts to the Queen City.” “Following an exciting and successful REDCREST in Tulsa, we’re thrilled to announce that we’re bringing REDCREST IV to Charlotte. The city has a passionate outdoor community and offers numerous locations and facilities that will enable us to build the tournament and outdoor show in unique ways,” said Michael Mulone, MLF Vice President of Strategic Business Planning. “We are excited to work with the CRVA, Visit Lake Norman and the Mecklenburg Park and Recreation Department to deliver a memorable celebration of fishing and the outdoors to our fans and outdoor enthusiasts.” Although Lake Norman has played host to dozens of MLF (and former FLW) tournaments over the years, this event will mark the first time that the MLF Bass Pro Tour will visit Lake Norman. The majority of MLF experience is limited to some Phoenix Bass Fishing League tournaments, a handful of Toyota Series events and five Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit events – the last in 2016. This tournament will feature the MLF catch, weigh, immediate-release format in which anglers catch as much weight as they can each day, while also feeling the pressure and intensity of the SCORETRACKER® leaderboard. “REDCREST IV is the most prestigious fishing event Lake Norman has ever hosted, and we very much appreciate the partnership with MLF, and formerly FLW, in hosting their events over the last couple of decades. Also, we could never host this type of event without our continued partnerships with the CRVA and Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation. We are thrilled to partner in making sure this is the best REDCREST yet,” said Sally Ashworth, Executive Director of Visit Lake Norman. Each day of competition will be livestreamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app. Television coverage of REDCREST IV will be showcased across two two-hour episodes, premiering next summer on the Discovery Channel. A one-hour special episode, MLF REDCREST IV, is also scheduled to air next summer on CBS.
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5. Baits Not Being Talked About |
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Designed by Elite Series pro’s, Brett Hite and Morizo Shimizu, the Z Man Chatterbait Jack Hammer is one of the most refined and highly anticipated vibrating jigs to ever hit the U.S. market. Featuring an exclusive, low center of gravity head with a flat bottom and a super thin yet super strong stainless steel blade, this combination ensures the Jack Hammer starts vibrating quickly and also allows it to hunt side-to-side like a real baitfish. Its signature head and blade combo allow it to deflect off cover very easily as well, and also make it a great choice for skipping under docks.
A channeled groove along the bottom of the head also positions the blade low enough to strike the head and produce its signature “chattering” sound. The channeled groove prevents the blade from dropping out of the eyelet as well, so it never stops vibrating. Premium hand-tied silicone rubber skirts in a range of immaculate colors provide additional lifelike action, and a Gamakatsu Heavy Wire Hook ensures an ultra high hook-up ratio. A double wire baitkeeper holds your soft plastic trailers securely in place as well. The number one choice of renowned “Bladed Jig Master”, Brett Hite, the Z Man Chatterbait Jack Hammer is responsible for more Tour-level tournament wins than any other vibrating jig on the market.
Tackle Warehouse Exclusive Colors:
-Bama Bug
-Ghost Green Gizzard Shad
-Sprayed Grass
-Spring Craw
Check out the full lineup on sale for $13.58 here.
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6. What We're Watching & Listening To |
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How Does Christie Prepare For A Tournament? |
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Bassmaster Elite Series pro Jason Christie shows you how he prepares for a tournament. Jason spends a lot of time on the road competing in Bassmaster Elite Series bass fishing tournaments, so he needs to be prepared. In this video, Jason takes you on a quick walk-through of how he gets ready for a tournament before leaving his garage in Oklahoma. Check it out here.
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Photo Courtesy Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing pro Stephen Browning's sponsorship lineup includes Ranger Boats, Mercury Marine, St. Croix Rods, Lew's, Gamma Fishing Line, Jackall USA, Z-Man Fishing, Sublime Jerseys, JB Langley, Bass Mafia, Bob's Machine Shop, and Lowrance just to name a few.
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Humminbird Mega Live TargetLock w/ Transducer |
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Humminbird MEGA Live TargetLock is independently mounted from the trolling motor shaft and provides full use of the trolling motor, including Spot-Lock, without sacrificing the sonar view. The TargetLock feature allows anglers to lock the MEGA Live beam in the direction of structure, so even when the boat moves, the MEGA Live view stays fixed in that direction.
MEGA Live Imaging provides the most impressive live sonar on the water, allowing the angler to watch fish and structure in real-time, in their choice of views; Down, Forward and Landscape Modes. Engineered specifically for Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motors to unlock exclusive features of the One-Boat Network like TargetLock, MEGA Live Sweep (requires source for Heading), and Minn Kota Steer (requires motor with i-Pilot Link).
Features:
-MEGA Live TargetLock is mounted independent of the trolling motor steering, which allows anglers full use of their trolling motor, including Spot-Lock, while having dedicated control of MEGA Live Imaging.
-The TargetLock feature allows anglers to set a directional lock of the live sonar and it will keep itself oriented, so anglers never lose sight of the structure, even while the boat moves in the water.
-MEGA Live TargetLock can be controlled, from the included MEGA LIVE foot pedal, the trolling motor foot pedal using the Minn Kota Steer feature (requires motor with i-Pilot Link), the Humminbird fish finder, or from an optional accessory hand remote.
-The MEGA Live Sweep provides a constant 120 degree sweep out in front of the boat to help identify structure and fish while maintaining control of the trolling motor. (Requires AS GPS HS or Minn Kota Heading Sensor with Ultrex trolling Motor with i-Pilot link)
-MEGA Live Imaging allows fish and structure to be seen in real-time, with no gaps in sonar coverage, powered by the unmatched detail and clarity of MEGA Imaging throughout the entire sonar view.
-Choose from multiple viewing modes; Forward Mode for partial coverage below the boat and out away from the boat, Down Mode for a full view below, and Landscape Mode for a wide, top-down view looking out and around the boat.
-Connect MEGA Live Imaging to compatible Humminbird models via the included Ethernet cable. There is no external sonar box required for installation, allowing for the connection of optional sonar source like MEGA 360 Imaging or Built-in MEGA Imaging to the same control head.
-Compatible Humminbird control heads: All APEX models, All SOLIX models, and HELIX 8-12 G3N & HELIX 7-15 G4N models (Must be MEGA Side Imaging or MEGA Down Imaging model).
-MEGA Live TargetLock is exclusively compatible with Minn Kota Ultrex - 45”& 52” trolling motors.
-2-Year Limited Warranty
Includes:
-Includes MEGA Live Imaging Transducer
-MEGA Live Steering Assembly
-Wireless Foot Pedal
-Ultrex Mounting Kit and Hardware
-20' Ethernet Cable
-10' Power Cable. Check it out here.
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Where Are The Skeeters Now? |
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Have you ever been curious to see where all of those high dollar bass boats call home? Well now you can get a good idea where the money is being spent with this cool interactive tool developed by a member of the Tableau Public community. Visualizations published to Tableau Public are available for anyone to see online and feature some very interesting information. While all of the top freshwater boat brands were not available to search, Skeeter Boats was an option. According to this fleet brand map developed by Peter Houseworth there are currently 71,067 registered Skeeter Boat owners in the United States. The map above gives you a good look at where they are registered. It should come as no surprise that the great state of Texas leads the way.
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What's your take on the new Bassmaster Open Elite Series qualification format?
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Like what you see, refer a friend.
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