THE BUSINESS NEWS OF FISHING. |
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Check out this comparison of the trolling motors used by anglers on the Bassmaster Elite Series tour from 2019-2022 |
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Mercury Introduces New Electric Outboard Concept |
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For more than 80 years, Mercury Marine® has set the standard for marine performance. Always innovating. Always looking forward. With one purpose: inspiring boaters to have the best experiences on the water.
Today, we’re proud to continue our leadership by announcing our initial concept for the Mercury Avator™ electric outboard series. This concept represents our next step forward in marine innovation, as Mercury progresses toward the formal release of electric outboard products later in 2022 and 2023.
The Mercury Avator project explores boating at its essence. Quiet, intuitive, easy to operate with zero direct emissions and minimal maintenance. It represents our vision for electrified marine propulsion, which can help make boating more accessible while furthering Mercury’s commitment to sustainability. To learn more click here.
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The Bass University Hits The Trail |
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The Bass University, the leading source of educational materials and opportunities for bass anglers, was on the scene as the Bassmaster Elite Series kicked off the 2022 season in Palatka, FL. Pete Gluszek, President of The Bass University, greeted large crowds of anglers throughout the four day event, and was ecstatic to be able to get back to meeting fellow fish heads face to face. "Obviously we were super excited to be here to watch our team member Mike Iaconelli make his return to the Elite Series stage, but were equally as excited to be able to get back out on the road and meet some fans and talk fishing in person," he said. The Bass University’s comprehensive teaching model typically involves in-person detailed seminars taught by some of the top touring pros in the country. The past few years dealing with the pandemic have forced The Bass University to adapt with a new series of live online video training sessions using Zoom technology to allow for the real-time transfer of information between students and top pros, but Gluszek is hopeful that 2022 will allow them to get back to their roots. "We are planning on attending several more Bassmaster Elite Series events this year, including Chickamauga, Lake Fork, and the St. Lawrence River for certain at this time. We are currently still running our in-person sessions virtually in order to protect our anglers and students, but hope to get back to the classroom setting as soon as possible." Gluszek concluded. To learn more about The Bass University, Bass U TV, and all other things the organization has going on click here.
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Bass Fishing HOF: Adds New Board Members |
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Eight new members have stepped in to assist with the efforts of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Board of Directors, volunteering their time and talent to help celebrate, promote and preserve the sport of bass fishing. “This group includes individuals who rank among the best professional bass anglers of all times, as well as those who know the ins-and-outs of the bass fishing industry and tournament operations, and their talents will only strengthen the Board,” said Todd Hammill of Wired2fish.com, who as chair of the Board’s nomination committee is charged with the all-important ‘road to induction’ process, and identifying both new Board and induction Selection Committee members. The new Board members include Mark Copley, who oversees media relations/pro staff management for Rather Outdoors; Joe Opager, director of communications for Major League Fishing (MLF); pro angler Brandon Palaniuk who burst onto the national bass fishing scene in 2010 by winning the B.A.S.S. Nation national championship; Neil Paul who serves as the Executive Director of Visit Anderson (South Carolina) and was instrumental in the development of Anderson County’s Green Pond Landing and Event Center on Lake Hartwell; Dan Quinn with Rapala where he is the Director of Field Promotions and Research & Development; Mike Valster whose Outdoor Brand Team firm assists fishing industry companies in multiple roles of sales, management, marketing and brand building at all levels; and also two recent Bass Fishing HOF inductees including Kevin VanDam who currently competes on the Bass Pro Tour, and Elite Series pro Jay Yelas who also serves as executive director of the C.A.S.T. For Kids Foundation.
“The new Board members, and their respective talents, are much needed as we move forward in fulfilling the mission of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame,” notes Board president John Mazurkiewicz. “Since establishing our partnership, and most importantly a permanent location for the Hall, within Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium, our efforts in honoring the greats of our sport have gained added recognition in the bass fishing world, as has the Board’s work is providing financial assistance to worthy organizations for conservation and participation awareness projects.”
The new Board members replace in part previous members Curt Arakawa with Daiwa, noted pro angler Guy Eaker, and T-H Marine founder Bill Huntley, all of whom served multiple terms on the Board. “We can’t thank Curt, Guy and Bill enough for not only being involved while the Bass Fishing HOF worked to discover its identity, but also for assisting us as it has become a key entity in the bass fishing world,” Mazurkiewicz added.
Other Board members for the Hall include Vice Presidents Daren Cole with Blue Heron Communications and Tim Carini with B.A.S.S., Treasurer (and past Board president) Donald Howell with Southern Sky Aviation, Steve Bowman with JM Associates/B.A.S.S., Todd Ceisner with In-Fisherman/OSG, Kathy Fennel with MLF, Gene Gilliland with B.A.S.S., Hammill, pro angler and Bass Talk Live host Matt Pangrac, Tim Price with Johnson Outdoors (Minn Kota/Humminbird), fishing/travel journalist Pete Robbins, restaurant executive Clifton Rutledge, Casey Shedd with AFTCO, and Bruce Stanton with PRADCO. Barbara Bowman serves as the organization’s executive director.
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5. Baits Not Being Talked About |
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Unlike traditional frogs, the Big Bite Bait Fighting Frog is designed to be flipped, pitched, Carolina rigged or used as a jig trailer. Frogs have always been used as topwater baits. The Fighting Frog takes frogs to a whole new level of fishing and is a new type of flipping bait. This frog is made to be used below the surface and give fish a new and realistic look. The Fighting Frog features a compact body with small front legs for subtle action and larger back legs that have a great swimming action. When fished with a light weight, the Fighting Frog has a natural gliding action on the fall or a heavy weight can be used for faster presentations. It is also the perfect follow up bait when you miss a strike on a topwater frog. Four brand new colors available here. |
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6. What We're Watching & Listening To |
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Breakdown Of The Top 25 School Of The Year |
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The race for the 2021-22 Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia is just past the halfway mark as a winner is set to crowned at Pickwick Lake at the end of May. Hundreds of the nation's top collegiate bass fishing teams are competing to finish the year ranked the number one team in the sport. The latest update to the standings includes points earned at these three events: Bassmaster College Series - Harris Chain MLF Southern Regional - Toledo Bend Southern Collegiate - Lake Martin. In this brief video, Kyle Curry and Wade Middleton introduce the current Top 25 in the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia and provide analysis of the nation's top teams. Watch the full video here.
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Photo Courtesy Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour angler Bradley Roy recently claimed his first major win of his professional career kicking off the 2022 season by winning the Stage One of the Bass Pro Tour at Bussey Brake Reservoir in Monroe-West Monroe, Louisiana. Roy's sponsorship lineup includes Seaguar, Covercraft, Grundéns, Anglers Outpost and Marine, SolarBat, Triton Boats, Mercury, Lowrance, Power-Pole, Prym1 Camo, D&L Tackle, Neat Trucking, State Dock, Ark Rods, Railblaza, T-H Marine
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Indian Creek Lure Company |
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Located in Marion, IA Indian Creek Lure Company is a full service tackle shop and so much more. Owner Kyle Robinson and his wife Chris are always happy to spend the time needed to get you setup properly for your next day on the water. Offering leading brands in the fishing industry, Indian Creek Lure Company also stocks a complete lineup of custom rods built by Kyle, as well as an array of hand crafted jigs, spinnerbaits, and vibrating jigs. A unique aspect of the store is the large selection of custom framed art work and prints that are also available for purchase. If you happen to be in the Marion, IA area stop by and check them out or reach out online here.
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Mercer Talks SJR And 2022 Elite Series Season |
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The AFTCO Bassmaster Elite Series at the St. Johns River marked the beginning of the 2022 season, and for the 94 anglers who launched their boats on day one, the first opportunity to claim the title of Elite Series champion. For Bassmaster Elite Series emcee and AFTCO pro team member Dave Mercer it signifies his 11th season as the man behind the microphone on the big stage where he gets to help those 94 anglers make their dreams become a reality.
Everyone has to start somewhere, and much like Mercer whose Bassmaster career began on the 2011 Bassmaster Classic stage in New Orleans, the 2022 Elite Series season is a launching pad for 13 newcomers and a bevy of returning anglers, including grizzled veterans such as returning AFTCO pro team member Mike Iaconelli. "The 2022 Elite Series season is extremely intriguing to me for a variety of reasons," Mercer said. "One of which is the opportunity for the young guns to get a chance to go head to head against veterans. You have an entire generation of guys who grew up dreaming about competing against anglers like Ike, Hackney, and Christie. This year offers them the opportunity to finally see how they stack up against their idols in some cases, and that really makes it exciting."
The St.Johns River event saw one of those veteran anglers John Crews claim his first Elite Series title since 2010, going wire to wire to win the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River with a four-day total of 75 pounds, 4 ounces. Read the full blog here.
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Do you wear camo clothing while fishing?
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Like what you see, refer a friend.
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