THE BUSINESS NEWS OF FISHING.

Best on Tour brings you interesting news from the fishing industry in a weekly email.

1. Stat of the Day

PRESENTED BY: Sunline

There are more choices in the trolling motor market this year and here is a comparison of trolling motors by brand on the Bass Pro Tour in 2020 versus 2019.

2. Money Matters

PRESENTED BY: Big Bite Baits

Save Over 40% On Jerkbaits SPRO has McStick 95 and 115 jerkbaits on sale for a limited time only at over 40% off! Save big and stock up before the sale ends on 2/27.

3. Behind the Scenes

PRESENTED BY: SPRO

Good Reports On This Ghost John Crews is one of the pros running the new Lowrance Ghost trolling motor and gives his first impressions after using it as part of a second place finish at the Elite Series SJR event. "The Lowrance Ghost trolling motor is backing up all the hype that has come with its launch. I have known this product was coming but I was not as excited as I am now that I know it is playing out to be all it was anticipated to be. After a few trips and a full tournament week, let me tell you what I think of it.   Durability is what I was really concerned the most about on the Ghost . The bracket is rock solid. The up and deploy are easier than what I was used to. It comes with an aluminum bounce buster that you cut to fit that further solidifies any play in the bracket when stowed. I also ran the Ghost aground many times at the St. John’s and the motor and bracket shrugged it off. One of my favorite features is the cable that goes between the foot pedal and the head of the unit. There are no cables, so it does not matter if it kinks. It tracks along the bracket in a few clips, which keep it out of the way of any electronics. This is ideal.  My most exciting feature is the anchor feature. The feature is nothing new but how it functions is. Using the Point 1 antenna, which is the most accurate GPS source, the Ghost will quietly hold my boat within about a 4-5 foot circle. It does not jump around. It does not bounce back and forth. It just holds where you want it," says Crews .

4. Anglers Tribune

Simple Hook Change For Jerkbait Success

Making subtle adjustments to a jerkbait can often times mean the difference in getting bites or drawing blanks in cold water conditions. Gamakatsu pro Aaron Martens is known as one of the most meticulous anglers on tour when it comes to his tackle. Spending countless hours both on and off of the water throughout his career tinkering with jerkbaits, Martens has developed several modifications that will help you catch more fish on a jerkbait. "One of the easiest things you can do to your jerkbait for cold water conditions is to slightly up size your treble hooks. You have to be careful when changing hooks, but I have found that my Gamakatsu G-Finesse trebles are a great choice for winter jerkbaiting, because they allow my bait to sink ever so slightly without having to weight the bait." Martens concluded. A slow sinking jerkbait, versus a rising or neutral bait, often times triggers more strikes from lethargic bass during the winter and early spring.

5. Baits Not Being Talked About

Jason Christie launched a line of spinnerbaits this year that feature the components he has used to make his own spinnerbaits for years. They even feature premium Hildebrant blades which are rare on most spinnerbaits today. " Before the spawn I like the Colorado blades especially in off-color water. After the spawn and during clearer water conditions I tend to throw willow blades more," Jason Christie.

6. What We're Watching & Listening To

PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu

Upshaw Dissects Cold Water Cranking

Fishing in cold dirty water can be extremely intimidating. In this video Andrew Upshaw breaks down which baits he prefers in cold water, the retrieves he uses for the baits, and where to fish them. Upshaw is one of the tour level anglers who have recently stepped up their YouTube game, offering interesting behind the scenes videos as well as solid fishing content.

7. Jersey Watch

PRESENTED BY: Denali

Elite Rookie Destin DeMarion Photo courtesy of Bassmaster

Elite Series rookie Destin Demarion is partnered with Duraedge for his 2020 campaign. Duraedge scientifically engineers solutions for baseball field infield issues.They are the originators of engineered soil in baseball and continually push the industry toward improvements in field solutions. Demarion's baseball inspired jersey is one of the standouts in the 2020 Elite Series field.

8. Regional Recommendations

Located in Blaine, MN Thorne Bros Custom Rod & Tackle is a full service bait and tackle shop, which is also known for their custom built rod selection, and extensive knowledge of electronics and rigging. If you are in the area make sure to stop by and take a look at the impressive variety that this Midwest staple has to offer.

9. Best for Last

PRESENTED BY: AFTCO

Flores And Yamaha Excited About New Program Regional Marketing Coordinator Roxanne Flores has been in the trenches helping to promote Yamaha for nearly two decades. During the recent Bassmaster Elite Series event on the St. John's RIver Flores and her team were extremely excited to be spreading the word about the new Yamaha Power Pay program. "Bringing awareness of our brand to the consumer through onsite activation is something that we believe very strongly in, and we feel helps get them engaged with Yamaha. Being able to introduce the fishing fans here in Palatka , FL to our new Power Pay program is something I am extremely excited about," says Flores. The Yamaha Power Pay program is something that has been in development for several years, and was rolled out in late October 2019 to rave reviews. "We wanted to take our time to develop the right program to give back to the anglers who purchase our products and support our brand at the grass roots level, and believe we have accomplished that with this new program." Flores continued. One of the things that stands out about Yamaha's new program is that you do not have to win the event you are participating in to receive the benefits. "We have numerous Power Pay sanctioned events throughout the country that anglers can participate in, and they don't even have to win the event to reap the rewards of this program." concluded Flores. To learn more about all the details of the new Yamaha Power Pay program visit the website here .

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