THE BUSINESS NEWS OF FISHING.
Issue #192
1. Stat of the Day
PRESENTED BY: Sunline
2. Money Matters
PRESENTED BY: Big Bite Baits
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3. Behind the Scenes
Nixon To Fish 2023 Elite Series
Bassmaster Classic champion and two-time Angler of the Year Larry Nixon will be among the Elite Series field when the 2023 season kicks off on Lake Okeechobee, Fla., on Feb. 16, 2023. “I’ve missed B.A.S.S. for 16 years … B.A.S.S. has always been at the top of my list,” said Nixon. “This is something I’ve wanted to do for the past 2 to 3 years, and I am superexcited to have the opportunity. And I want to make the Classic and hear that roar again.”
The first Bassmaster millionaire, Nixon’s consistency on the trail has been unmatched. For 12 seasons between 1977 and 1988, Nixon never ranked lower than eighth in the Angler of the Year points standings. For nine consecutive years — 1979-1987 — he was in the Top 5, with AOY titles coming in 1980 and 1982. In addition to winning the 1983 Bassmaster Classic on the Ohio River, the 25-time Classic qualifier finished in the Top 10 an astounding eight times. Check out the full announcement here.
4. Anglers Tribune
Skipping Basics With G
Being in the boat watching Bassmaster Elite Series pro Gerald Swindle put a jig most places most other anglers can't is a humbling experience to say the least. While Swindle doesn't hit his target on every skip, and on occasions still gets the "professional overrun", more times than not the cast is on the money. His proficiency with a jig around boat docks and overhanging cover comes with years of practice and trial and error. Swindle offered us some simple tips that will help you become a better jig skipper if you head his advice. "When it comes to skipping docks there a few things you always have to keep in mind. First of all you want to start practicing in the calmest water you can find, a ripple on the water makes it much harder to skip. Secondly, the style bait you choose to skip is going to make a big difference in your success rate. I want something that is compact and that I can rig with a flat trailer. My preference is a 3/8 oz or 1/2 oz Buckeye G-Man Ballin Out Jig with a Zoom Z Craw Jr trailer. Lastly, my line and rod and reel make a huge difference. In my experience the heavier the line, the easier it is to skip a bait. 18lb Sunline Shooter spooled on a 13 Fishing Inception G2 Reel (6:6:1) with a 7'3 13 Fishing Meta Casting Rod (MH) is my perfect setup for skipping. Keep your eyes where you want to put the bait and finish with your rod tip pointed at the target. Practice makes perfect, so don't get discouraged if you can't get it right off the rip." concluded Swindle.
5. Baits Not Being Talked About
The ultimate in versatility and customization, the Blade Bait. The Do-It Vibrating Lure Mold is a staple in Elite Series Pro, Paul Mueller’s Fall/Winter arsenal. Mueller is very particular when it comes to his lure presentations and the ability to customize is a big key to his success. Instead of using two treble hooks, Mueller puts a 2/0 Gamakatsu Dropshot hook on his blade bait. The real key to this adjustment is using two split rings to maintain a streamlined presentation that aids in a better hookup ratio. This bait can be crafted by simply pouring lead into the mold with your choice of a Nickel or Brass blade blank. Paul takes this a step further by custom painting and adding 3D eyes. For dirty water conditions you can also add stick-on decals to the blade for extra flash. Do-it Molds also has a great instructional video that shows the process of creating a blade bait from start to finish in their new How We Do-it Series. Check out the full lineup of Do-It Blade Bait Molds here,
6. What We're Watching & Listening To
PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu
We Are Going To The Elite Series
It's official! Bradley Hallman is a 2023 Bassmaster Elite series qualifier. Follow along with Hallman at the final Central Open of the season and see how he sealed the deal to make it back to the Elite Series. Check out part one and part two here.
7. Jersey Watch
PRESENTED BY: Denali
Brian Latimer
Photo Courtesy Of Major League Fishing
Brian Latimer recently announced his intentions to fish the Tackle Warehouse invitationals in 2023. Latimer's sponsorship lineup includes Falcon Boats, Favorite Rods, Z-Man, Motor Guide, Mercury, Mtn Dew, 13 Fishing, Power-Pole, Karl's Bait & Tackle, Wiley X, Gator Guards and Green Pond Landing & Event Center just to name a few.
8. Recommendations
Real Deal Tackle
If you've ever visited Lake Chickamauga it's likely you spent some time and money at the Dayton Boat Dock & Grill. While the location was perfect for Major League Fishing professional Michael Neal and his team, it was time for a change in order to expand. We recently caught up with Michael to get his thoughts on his new venture, Real Deal Tackle. "At the time Dayton Boat Dock & Grill opened in 2012, there was never even a dream of what Real Deal Tackle has turned into. After ten years on the banks of Chickamauga, it was time for a move in order to expand. The building at the ramp was part of a TVA lease and could never be expanded. This left no choice but to move to further increase the tackle selection and provide a better experience for our customers. Moving was one of the hardest decisions to make, but we have had nothing but positive feedback so far. With over 10,000 SKU’s to choose from of some of the best bass fishing tackle available, we look forward to giving our customers a small tackle shop feel with a great selection not only in-store, but also with plans to go online at the beginning of 2023." said Neal. Make sure to stop by and check them out if you are in the Dayton, TN area or shop at their online shop coming in 2023.
9. Best for Last
PRESENTED BY: AFTCO
Lane Leaving BPT
Photo Courtesy Of Major League Fishing
Bobby Lane, the 2022 REDCREST champion, is leaving the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour and will compete in all nine Bassmaster Opens next year in an effort to requalify for the Elite Series.
"My family and I really want to get back to the Bassmaster Classic," Lane said this week. "We had a wonderful time at REDCREST this year and it was absolutely amazing, it's what I'd dreamed about my whole entire career. But fishing the (MLF) Pro Circuit the past few years, I really enjoyed my time competing in the weigh-in style and I didn't realize just how much I missed it.
"I'm ready to shift gears and go back in that direction."
Having already won REDCREST and the MLF World Championship (2017), Lane expressed a desire to become the first angler to win those two, plus the Classic. He'd also like to join his brother Chris (2012) on the list of Classic champions. Read the full story on Lane's decision here.
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Issue #192
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