Glenn

I will be there this year.

Pam Martin-Wells claimed her first Lady Bass Anglers Association (LBAA)Tournament win today as she brought a 12-pound five-fish limit to the scales. Martin-Wells total weight ended up being 29.67 pounds of bass in the two-day LBAA ProAm event in Guntersville. View the full article

Keith! Great to see you on here! We missed ya!

Hello, Please show your support by going to the home page and clicking the Facebook "like" button on the lower right side. http://www.bassresource.com/ Thanks! Glenn

Just released today:

A hallmark of the long-term Florida Black Bass Management Plan, which the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved on June 9, 2011, will be a sensational new TrophyCatch angler recognition program. Florida intends to ensure that Florida is the undisputed bass fishing capital of the world. Representatives of the FWC, the Wildlife Foundation of Florida, and several corporate partners will be in Booth 2266 at ICAST, to discuss how industry partners can participate in the ground floor of this innovative conservation program. TrophyCatch will be a full-fleged intiative to document largemouth bass caught throughout Florida that are heavier than eight pounds and encourage their release. Incremental rewards and recognition will be provided to anglers reporting bass in the 8-10, 10-12, 12-13 and greater than 13-pound categories. “ICAST is an exciting venue for FWC to announce TrophyCatch to the sportfishing community and to develop new partnerships with the industry and media,” said Tom Champeau, Director of the Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management. “This progam, driven by private dollars, can substantially enhance Florida bass fishing by addressing ecological issues and encouraging recycling of trophy bass, but it will also have a great social and economic impact.” Specific handling guidelines are being developed to ensure anglers do the best possible job of effectively releasing these fish while at the same time providing the FWC with valuable research and marketing information. FWC representatives will certify bass over 13-pounds caught from October through April for entry into the Florida Trophy Bass Hall of Fame. Sponsors, corporate partners and the media will help provide incentives to encourage reporting all such catches and releasing them. Industry representatives are encouraged to come by Booth 2266 to learn more about current plans and offer their own suggestions. Fisheries biologists will use TrophyCatch reports to identify Florida’s best bass fisheries to determine which management practices (e.g., habitat and aquatic plant management, regulations, stocking) are most effective in creating trophy fisheries. VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s privatized tourism agency, and FWC will work with the media industry to use this information to establish Florida as a prime trophy bass fishing destination. Incorporating social media and online mapping resources will make this information widely available to the public and create a constant buzz as anglers report new trophies and post photos. Such recognition will increase both resident and nonresident angler participation and enjoyment, tackle and license sales and tourism, and help to create the next generation that cares about our natural resources and outdoor recreational heritage. Florida is the “Fishing Capital of the World,” due to great resources and responsible management (www.FishingCapital.net). Facts from the last several National Surveys of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, and International Game Fish Association records help substantiate that claim. For instance, in Sportfishing in America: An Economic Engine and Conservation Powerhouse, based on the 2006 National Survey, Southwick Associates reported Florida ranked number one in total days fishing (46.3 million), in-state anglers (2.8 million), nonresident anglers (885,000), total angler expenditures ($4.4 billion) and total economic impact ($7.5 billion). This establishes Florida as the top ranked fishing market in the world. However, those numbers depend on both saltwater and freshwater fishing combined. In Florida, more recreational fishing days are spent on fresh water (24.4 million days by 1.4 million anglers) than in salt water. Largemouth bass are not only the most sought after species in Florida but also in the nation. Bass anglers alone generate $1.25 billion dollars for Florida’s economy supporting thousands of jobs. In March 2010, BassMaster Magazine (Mccormick 2010) summarized the first 12 years of its Lunker Club applications, reporting that, "Considering the number of largemouth entries the Lunker Club has received over more than a decade, it's not surprising that more entries have been caught in Florida (514 lunkers reported; 27.2%) than any other state.” The IGFA record book shows in their 10-Pound Bass Club 123 of 412 entries coming from Florida. Amazingly, they document 10 bass up to 18.5 pounds that surpass the current state-certified record of 17.27 pounds (the uncertified state record is 20.13 pounds). Florida has tremendously diverse bass fisheries comprising 3 million acres of water and 12,000 miles of fishable rivers and canals that are open year round. Tim O’Neil, a FWC marketing expert and liaison to the Wildlife Foundation of Florida (a public-support organization affiliated with FWC), pointed out that FWC and the Foundation want to work with the sportfishing industry. “TrophyCatch is in it’s infancy but will grow quickly, and we want to work with the best and brightest in the corporate world A hallmark of the long-term Florida Black Bass Management Plan, which the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved on June 9, 2011, will be a sensational new TrophyCatch angler recognition program. Florida intends to ensure that Florida is the undisputed bass fishing capital of the world. Representatives of the FWC, the Wildlife Foundation of Florida, and several corporate partners will be in Booth 2266 at ICAST, to discuss how industry partners can participate in the ground floor of this innovative conservation program. TrophyCatch will be a full-fleged intiative to document largemouth bass caught throughout Florida that are heavier than eight pounds and encourage their release. Incremental rewards and recognition will be provided to anglers reporting bass in the 8-10, 10-12, 12-13 and greater than 13-pound categories. “ICAST is an exciting venue for FWC to announce TrophyCatch to the sportfishing community and to develop new partnerships with the industry and media,” said Tom Champeau, Director of the Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management. “This progam, driven by private dollars, can substantially enhance Florida bass fishing by addressing ecological issues and encouraging recycling of trophy bass, but it will also have a great social and economic impact.” Specific handling guidelines are being developed to ensure anglers do the best possible job of effectively releasing these fish while at the same time providing the FWC with valuable research and marketing information. FWC representatives will certify bass over 13-pounds caught from October through April for entry into the Florida Trophy Bass Hall of Fame. Sponsors, corporate partners and the media will help provide incentives to encourage reporting all such catches and releasing them. Industry representatives are encouraged to come by Booth 2266 to learn more about current plans and offer their own suggestions. Fisheries biologists will use TrophyCatch reports to identify Florida’s best bass fisheries to determine which management practices (e.g., habitat and aquatic plant management, regulations, stocking) are most effective in creating trophy fisheries. VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s privatized tourism agency, and FWC will work with the media industry to use this information to establish Florida as a prime trophy bass fishing destination. Incorporating social media and online mapping resources will make this information widely available to the public and create a constant buzz as anglers report new trophies and post photos. Such recognition will increase both resident and nonresident angler participation and enjoyment, tackle and license sales and tourism, and help to create the next generation that cares about our natural resources and outdoor recreational heritage. Florida is the “Fishing Capital of the World,” due to great resources and responsible management (www.FishingCapital.net). Facts from the last several National Surveys of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, and International Game Fish Association records help substantiate that claim. For instance, in Sportfishing in America: An Economic Engine and Conservation Powerhouse, based on the 2006 National Survey, Southwick Associates reported Florida ranked number one in total days fishing (46.3 million), in-state anglers (2.8 million), nonresident anglers (885,000), total angler expenditures ($4.4 billion) and total economic impact ($7.5 billion). This establishes Florida as the top ranked fishing market in the world. However, those numbers depend on both saltwater and freshwater fishing combined. In Florida, more recreational fishing days are spent on fresh water (24.4 million days by 1.4 million anglers) than in salt water. Largemouth bass are not only the most sought after species in Florida but also in the nation. Bass anglers alone generate $1.25 billion dollars for Florida’s economy supporting thousands of jobs. In March 2010, BassMaster Magazine (Mccormick 2010) summarized the first 12 years of its Lunker Club applications, reporting that, "Considering the number of largemouth entries the Lunker Club has received over more than a decade, it's not surprising that more entries have been caught in Florida (514 lunkers reported; 27.2%) than any other state.” The IGFA record book shows in their 10-Pound Bass Club 123 of 412 entries coming from Florida. Amazingly, they document 10 bass up to 18.5 pounds that surpass the current state-certified record of 17.27 pounds (the uncertified state record is 20.13 pounds). Florida has tremendously diverse bass fisheries comprising 3 million acres of water and 12,000 miles of fishable rivers and canals that are open year round. Tim O’Neil, a FWC marketing expert and liaison to the Wildlife Foundation of Florida (a public-support organization affiliated with FWC), pointed out that FWC and the Foundation want to work with the sportfishing industry. “TrophyCatch is in it’s infancy but will grow quickly, and we want to work with the best and brightest in the corporate world to make this a win-win-win for the environment, anglers, and industry. " O'Neil said.

Interesting news today from Plano. Here's the press release: Hydro-Flo™ Tackle Bag The Hydro-Flo bag features an ingenious system that allows water to flow right through the bag whether or not the "rinsing" is intentional. The base is impact resistant and has non-skid rubber feet to keep the bag in place in even the roughest conditions. Construction is top notch, featuring a high quality nylon shell with heavy-duty stitching. The 4674 includes five 3700 and two 3600 ProLatch™ StowAway® utility boxes. Additional storage areas can be found in the bag's spacious dual-compartment side pockets for keeping tools and tackle handy, as well as on the backside where there's an expandable elastic pocket for extra storage. Underneath the top cover is a clear zippered pocket, perfect for storing soft plastics and maps. The top also features a storage compartment for favorite baits and accessories. The outer side of the bag features two elastic tie-down straps on top for storing raingear or a light jacket. The new tackle system is a good all-around size for carrying everything needed on an extended fishing trip. The bag measures 24"L x 13.5"W x 13.5"H. It looks sharp, too, sure to dress up an angler out there. You'll have first opportunity to see the bag in the ICAST New Product Showcase, and we also invite you to stop by the Plano booth, #1027, for a personal "show me" tour of all new Plano products. Here's a quick look at a few of our other favorites ... Hydro-Flo StowAway Also new to the Hydro-Flo product family are the Hydro-Flo StowAways, incorporating hundreds of small holes strategically positioned on the top and bottom of the popular Plano utility boxes. The holes create a breathable environment for the stored lures so they can dry naturally and avoid potential unintended consequences of storing wet lures inside of a sealed box. The Hydro-Flo StowAway boxes come in a standard and deep size of the 3700-size footprint and a standard size of the 3600 footprint. All include an improved hinge and latch design. 728 Angled Tackle System This new compact size joins the innovative series of angled storage systems. The gravity feed-and-store concept provides anglers with quick and easy access to what they need while keeping gear secure. The 728 Angled Tackle System securely holds three 2-3650 StowAway utility boxes with ProLatch durable and positive closures within its 15-degree angled storage platform. The box also has ample storage space under the lid, and its two top-access storage areas above have DuraView™ lenses for a quick look at contents.

Terribly sorry to hear of your loss, Tom. When you're up to it, Google "The Rainbow Bridge" and read the poem. I think you'll find some comfort in it. Glenn

Welcome Home!

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More on this will come in a few weeks at ICAST, but Airrus rods offered us a sneak peak at their new "NanoTube Technology" rods, designed by Ken Whiting of Carrot Stix fame. According to Ken: What is "Buckypaper"? I'll get more info for you guys at ICAST if you're interested. For now, here's a pic:

Awwwww.... does somebody have a man-crush?

What I don't get are tablets. They're not as powerful as a laptop. It seems they're just a large-screen version of a smartphone, except they don't make calls. Useless! I can't see spending $500-$800 for one of these things.

Keep this in mind while celebrating the 4th... http://www.bassresource.com/fish-fishing/happy-4th-of-july.html

Before you bend anything, make sure your trailer is on straight, and that your skirt isn't wadded up or "bulked up" to one side. Might want to check this out: http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/spinnerbaits-bass-fishing.html

Overall, Ranger boats are built better than Nitro boats. Therefore, they hold their resale value better. That said, when buying used boats, a lot of it depends on how well the owner took care of it - and drove it - both boat and trailer. So your mileage may vary. Here's some light reading for you: http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/buying_first_boat.html http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/boat_buying_license.html http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/buying_a_boat.html http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/a_new_boat.html

Yes, you are correct. Fish Chris does use them while catching those giant trophy bass.

Oh c'mon now, everything on the web is real!

Have fun, relaxing, and safe holiday!