Issue #247

PRESENTED BY: Sunline

The Biggest Sale In Bait Making

Do-it Molds is kicking off the biggest sale in bait making! Take advantage of all the Black Friday Deals from 11/20-12/1. Whether you are just getting started, or you already have a plethora of custom tackle gear - there is a deal for you! Check out their deals here.

We Lost Big Dave

Best On Tour is saddened to learn of the passing of "Big Dave" Smith. Smith fished his first B.A.S.S. event in 1991 at the Illinois Invitational, and was one of the original Elite Series anglers, competing on tour until 2017. Smith founded MTM Recognition which produces awards and employee recognition programs for companies globally, and is responsible for many high profile sports awards including many of the Elite Series famous blue trophies. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

BPT And Elite Series Announce 2024 Rosters

The 2024 rosters are finally official for both the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour as well as the Bassmaster Elite Series. The Bass Pro Tour field will consist of 80 anglers, while the Elite Series roster checks in at 103 anglers. Check out the full BPT roster here. Check out the full Elite Series roster here.

Building on the highly innovative shudder blade design, the A3 Anglers Multibait Bladed Jig combines the effectiveness of a vibrating jig with the look and profile of a multi-arm wire rig to create an unbeatable baitfish presentation. It features a durable polycarbonate oscillating blade, which creates an exaggerated action and hard thumping vibration without all the flash and distraction of a traditional metal blade. The clear blade design also blends into the surroundings better for a more natural presentation and makes the fish focus on your baits, not the hardware. A perfect alternative to a traditional vibrating jig and umbrella rig, the A3 Anglers Multibait Bladed Jig offers the fish something totally new that they haven’t seen before and eliminates the hassles and wear caused from throwing heavy-duty umbrella rigs. Offered in multiple sizes, the A3 Anglers Multibait Bladed Jig will help you separate yourself from other anglers and catch more fish that are accustomed to traditional offerings. A3 Anglers Rigging Recommendations: -5/16 oz. is best used with a 4 inch paddle tail soft bait on the jig hook, and two 2.5-3.5 inch straight tail softbaits on the Owner Centering Pin Springs. -7/16 oz. is best used with a 5 inch paddle tail soft bait on the jig hook, and two 2.5-3.5 inch straight tail softbaits on the Owner Centering Pin Springs. Check them out here.

PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu

Black Friday Bonanza

This week we are watching all of the awesome Black Friday deals from our supporting partners! Check out some of the great deals from these companies. AFTCO, Bajio, Denali, Gamakatsu, SPRO, Sunline

PRESENTED BY: Denali

David Fritts

Photo Courtesy Bassmaster Bassmaster Elite Series angler David Fritts recently announced his retirement. Fritt's sponsors included Berkley, Bill Smith Buick-GMC, Dove Designs Pro, Jasper Eye Care, Lew's Reels, Lowrance, Power-Pole, Pro Tech, Ranger Boats, and Simmons Sporting Goods just to name a few.

Wind Effects Map

Better know the wind and put more fish in the boat. Easily see where wind beats the bank, its intensity, and how it might change throughout the day. You can even change the time or the day to see changes. Look up to 7 days ahead and 2 in the past! Check it out here.

PRESENTED BY: AFTCO

The Missiouri Invitational

The Missouri Invitational is a three day event, Day 1- Fishing, Day 2- Golf and Day 3-Fishing. Golf is played as a 3 man scramble, with each fishing team paired with a regional golf pro. Golf is equated back to pounds at 1/2 pounds for a par, 1 pound for a birdie and 2 pounds for an eagle. This year there were 38 teams, to keep the event small and with a V.I.P. feel.  A team consists of an invited regional and/or national fishing pro and an amateur co-angler, which paid a $1,200 entry fee and paired with a pro angler based on the results of an auction process where amateurs bid on the fishing pro of their choice. This years fishing pros included James Watson, Mike McClelland, Dion Hibdon, Lawson Hibdon, Roger Fitzpatrick and Andy Newcomb. Some of the past pros have been professional anglers Guido Hibdon, Chad Brauer, Stacy King, Terry Bolton, Jeremy Lawyer and others. The auction this year generated a pay-out pot of just over $100,000 with bids ranging from $6,000 to $1,000 for the pro angler. The event pays 3 places each day with first place receiving $5,000, second place receiving $3,000 and third place $2,000 as well as a pay-out for overall best. This years overall winning team was paid $18,000 with a total of ten places paid in addition to the daily pay-outs. Day 1 of the event, as you can see from the Live Leader Board weights the bite was very tough. No wind, high blue bird skies and the water is down about 2+ feet. This tough bite has been this like this on Lake of the Ozarks for several weeks. Day 1 of fishing top weight was 17 pounds and day 3 fishing was 17.5 pounds, the top golf weight was 18.64 pounds. The anglers that caught quality fish were tight lipped regarding their baits and patterns. The anglers that did talk a bit caught their fish on a jig, top water bait and shallow running crank baits. As for location, hard to really say, but on day 1 we had 20 boats take off from PB2, 16 boats from Shawnee Bend and 2 boats from Larry Gale. With the top weights shared evenly by those that put in at PB2 and Shawnee Bend. Chuck Austin / Jackson Foth bested the field in this year’s 2023 Missouri Invitational with a 3 day fish/golf total weight of 46.81 lbs. bringing in a cool $18,000 for the win along with an additional $5,000 for their day 2 best golf score and day 3 biggest bag of the day, so a total win for the team of $28,000. Day 1 Winners 1) Jack Uxa / John Bell: 17.00 lbs. 2) Austin Culbertson / Darrin Willhite: 13.94 3) Adam Boehle / Mark Wilson: 13.39 Day 2 Winners (Golf) 1) Chuck Austin / Jackson Foth: 17.50 2) Brent Algeo / Pete LaBoube: 16.00 (Tie) 3) Mark Wiese / Cole Wiese: 16.00 (Tie) Day 3 Winners 1) Chuck Austin / Jackson Foth: 18.64 lbs. 2) Brian Maloney / Cody Carl: 16.24 lbs. 3) Brock Reinkemeyer / David Brand: 15.23 lbs. Due to the popularity of this tournament, in June of 2024, we will be holding a qualifying tournament, where 3 anglers will be automatically invited to the 2024 event to be held in November of 2024.

How would you describe your Black Friday spending this year as compared to last? More Select Less Select About the same Select

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