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Anglers Will Find Bass In Fall Transition At Bassmaster Eastern Open On Oneida Lake
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — In the history books, the Basspro.com Bassmaster Eastern Open on Oneida Lake will go down as only one tournament.
But New York native Jamie Hartman says it will actually be three.
The Basspro.com Bassmaster Eastern Opens circuit will visit New York’s Oneida Lake September 5-7. Photo by James Overstreet/B.A.S.S.
With temperatures falling in the region and bass transitioning from their summer haunts to shallower feeding areas, Hartman said the lake is changing rapidly — and the angler who wins will be the one who finds a way to stay in front of the moving fish all three days.
“It’s not going to be a slugfest, I don’t believe — just because of the timing of the year,” said Hartman, a New York native who has won two of the last three Bassmaster Elite Series events. “The temperatures just started dropping pretty hard at night last week, and the water has cooled down quite a bit.
“Transition here means you may have to figure out something new every day.”
Competition will be held Sept. 5-7 with takeoffs each day at 6:30 a.m. ET from Oneida Shores Park in Brewerton. Weigh-ins will also be held at the park the first two days at 2:30 p.m., with Saturday’s final weigh-in shifting to the Bass Pro Shops in Auburn at 3:30 p.m.
B.A.S.S. has visited the 51,070-acre fishery for a dozen major events in the past — and with only a few exceptions, the winner has averaged about 15 to 17 pounds a day.
Hartman, whose most recent Elite Series win came just up the road at Cayuga Lake, said that will probably be the magic number once again. But he says anglers will have to work extremely hard and be willing to make changes on the fly to hit it.
“I think you’ll see a few big bags weighed in early in the tournament, but then it’ll start dropping right off,” Hartman said. “Without a doubt, you’ll have to stay on the move to have any hopes of winning. Because the fish will be on the move each day.”
When the Opens circuit last visited Oneida in 2017, Stanley Sypeck Jr., won with a three-day total of 55-8. A year earlier, Wil Hardy II won with 53-13. Both of those tournaments were during June.
In 2015, when an Open was held on Oneida in August, Randy Howell won with just 49-2.
“The transition here is tough,” said Hartman, who finished in the Top 5 of both the 2015 and 2016 events. “If we were hitting it just a little bit later after the fish had made their move, I think it would be a much different tournament.
“But this one will be about moving around and using different techniques — probably a lot of different techniques.”
Making things even more complicated on Oneida is the presence of both major species of bass, largemouth and smallmouth.
In 2017, Sypeck concentrated on largemouth to win, while most of the field targeted smallmouth. In 2016, Hardy relied primarily on the smallies for his victory.
“With all of the variables in play, it’ll definitely be an interesting tournament,” Hartman said. “It just might be a little frustrating at times trying to figure everything out.”
The winner of the final Eastern Open of the season will earn a berth into the 2020 Bassmaster Classic, assuming he or she has fished all four Opens on the Eastern circuit.
The hosts for the event are Visit Syracuse and Onondaga County Parks.
2019 Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens Series Title Sponsor: Basspro.com
2019 Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2019 Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens Series Premier Sponsors: Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha, Abu Garcia, Berkley, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Talon
2019 Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens Series Supporting Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Lowrance, T-H Marine, Carhartt
2019 Basspro.com Bassmaster Eastern Open at Oneida Lake Host: Visit Syracuse, Onondaga County Parks
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 510,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), television show (The Bassmasters on ESPN2), radio show (Bassmaster Radio), social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, BassPro.com Bassmaster Opens Series, TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Series, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.
Gill Offers High-Capacity Luggage Options for Adventuresome Travelers
Rolling Jumbo Bag and Rolling Cargo Bag ideal for fishing trips, vacations, and more
Buford, GA (August 26, 2019) – Whether it’s a fly-in trip to the upper reaches of Canada, a boating adventure to Bimini, or a well-deserved family vacation to some coastal or mountain paradise, venturesome travelers require specialized luggage that will stand up to whatever the situation presents.
Standard suitcases and off-the-shelf duffel bags aren’t well suited. Most significantly, they simply aren’t built to withstand the elements and other demands of adventure travel like these unique, durable and attractive, well-conceived luggage options from GILL.
Gill Technology and Construction
- Hardwearing Polyester fabric
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- Outer: 70% polyester, 30% tarpaulin
- Lining: 100% polyester
- Webbing: 100% polypropylene
Gill Rolling Jumbo Bag Specifications and Features
- Large, 115-liter capacity
- Sturdy guardrails on the underside provide protection
- Smooth-rolling non-marking wheels for easy transportation
- Retractable aluminum handle stows into bag when not in use
- U-shaped 2-way zippered opening provides easy access to spacious main packing area
- Large, zippered end compartment for footwear and toiletries
- Internal mesh pocket
- Cushioned grab handles on top, sides and ends for easy handling
- Dimensions: 34” x 16” x 15” – 8.15 lbs.
- MSRP: $229.00 USD
Gill Rolling Cargo Bag Specifications and Features
- Spacious, 90-liter capacity
- Sturdy guardrails on the underside provide protection
- Smooth-rolling non-marking wheels
- U-shaped 2-way zippered opening provides easy access to spacious main packing area
- Large, ventilated end compartment for footwear and toiletries
- Internal mesh pocket
- Cushioned grab handles on top and ends for easy handling
- Non-slip, padded shoulder pad
- Dimensions: 31” x 15” x 14” – 5.8 lbs.
- MSRP: $159.00 USD
To learn more about Gill’s complete line fishing rainwear, apparel and accessories, visit https://www.gillmarine.com/us/fishing.html.
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Enter the Gill Rolling Jumbo Bag and Rolling Cargo Bag, two all-new pieces of hardworking, high-capacity luggage designed with organization, protection, aesthetics and longevity in mind. Both generous bags are sized to accommodate the necessities of any trip and feature design technology to keep those items safe, secure, and right where they need to be. Constructed of hardwearing polyester fabric and tough, waterproof tarpaulin, each model features a toughened base with fabric reinforcement. Additionally, both feature sturdy guardrails on the underside for additional protection and durability, as well as smooth-rolling non-marking wheels for easy transportation. Each bag is finished with a distinctly attractive, black, go-anywhere aesthetic. |
Iaconelli’s Tiny BuzzBait Trick
A little fishing trick Mike Iaconelli learned 25 years ago as a young angler in the Top Rod Bassmasters Club in Southern New Jersey had a huge hand in his run at the $300,000 top prize in the recent MLF Redcrest Championship in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
“A guy in our Top Rod Bass Club named Dave Borodziuk was the first guy I can remember throwing the tiny buzz over grass and hammering them on it. Anytime the milfoil grass is matted over, with just an inch or two of water over it, that tiny buzzbait is wicked,” says Iaconelli.
When he says “tiny” — he means it. Like equal in weight to a small pile of paperclips at just 1/8-ounce. But it’s perfectly sized to be effective for a lot of reasons.
“When the grass is that close to the surface you can’t get a popper with treble hooks on its belly to come through the grass without getting snagged, but that little 1/8 ounce buzz rides so high, it never gets snagged,” he explains.
In addition to being snag free, “Ike” also loves the ultra small size for creating a stealthy presentation when fishing for bass that are pressured – especially in super shallow water.
“The area where I caught them on the tiny buzz during the REDCREST Knockout round was in the Black River. It was only about 8 acres, and it was super shallow, like only two feet deep, but loaded with milfoil. And man it was full of life … from gar to bluegill, and obviously a ton of shad and small bass too,” he explains.
To further the subtleness of his approach, Iaconelli also gave careful strategic thought to the blade and skirt color of the little buzz.
“I wanted the silver blade to resemble the shad, but I wanted a black skirt that was a little tougher for them to get a good look at. I think that made them react and crush it, rather than follow it and shy away from it like white or chartreuse might have lead them to do,” he explains.
One drawback to the super lightweight lure is casting it can be like trying to launch a potato chip in a windstorm. So “Ike” throws it on a spinning rod — a sight seldom seen with pros throwing buzzers. Heavier 3/8 and ½ ounce buzzbaits are nearly always paired with baitcasting equipment.
But in this case, a spinning rod and reel makes sense and works way better for casting the lightweight skirted assassin into the wind. Iaconelli uses 10-lb Berkley X5 straight braid with no fluorocarbon or monofilament leader.
“I’ll be honest, I tried a little bigger ¼ ounce buzzbait earlier in the week, but I just kept telling myself I needed something even smaller and more stealthy, especially where the milfoil was flooded so close to the surface,” reflects Iaconelli.
His intuition was spot on. His decision to tie on a tiny secret weapon he learned about in a local bass club in his early 20s proved big enough for a top finish this past week, and a shot at $300,000.
Evers 63 Bass Blitz Nets Toyota Bonus Bucks
Longtime Toyota owner and Bonus Bucks member, Edwin Evers was once a college football defensive back, and the 63 bass catch fest he brought to the MLF Redcrest Championship Sunday was an all-out blitz that netted not only a $300,000 first place prize, but also $7,500 in Toyota Bonus Bucks.
The numbers on the paychecks are solidly quantified, but Evers has actually lost count of the number of Toyota Tundras he’s purchased over the years. Comically, he’s pretty certain he’s bought five, but he says it might be six.
Whatever the case, aside from all the Bonus Bucks money he’s won over the years, he’s also grateful for the horsepower, safety, and stopping power his Tundras provide.
“What I love most about a Toyota Tundra is what I call “the go and the stop” – that 381- horsepower engine has a ton of towing power, but a Tundra also has huge oversized brakes to stop 4,000 pounds of boat and motor, plus no tellin’ how much weight in fishing tackle and other equipment I’m carrying,” says Evers.
“Everybody thinks about towing power when they’re buying a truck, but you really need to think about whether the truck you’re buying has the braking system necessary to stop what you’re towing in a safe way,” advises Evers.
The clinic Evers put on with a Chatterbait on the Upper Mississippi was strong enough to wear out a portable scale. But you don’t have to be a Major League Fishing champion, or catch 63 bass in one day to cash in on Toyota Bonus Bucks.
You just have to own or lease a 2015 or newer Toyota Truck, sign up free for Bonus Bucks, and be the highest finishing registered participant in one of the dozens of tournaments supported by the Program.
To learn more, please visit www.toyotafishing.com, or call (918) 742-6424 and ask for Kendell or Chip and they will help you get signed-up.
Evers Runs Away with REDCREST at Upper Mississippi River
LA CROSSE, Wis. (Aug. 25, 2019) – Before the start of the REDCREST Presented by Venmo, there may have been a debate about who is currently the most feared angler on tour. But now there’s no doubt.
It’s been a good year for Edwin Evers: Stage Two Champion, Bass Pro Tour Points Champion, and now REDCREST Champion. He took home $300,000 for his win today and can add that to the $193,600 he won during the season; no matter how you look at it, it’s been an excellent year.
Today, it was Evers, and then everybody else. His weight total of 85-06 was 15-pounds more than the combined totals of the second and third place anglers.
Edwin Evers was the big story today, and rightfully so.
Evers Dominates
Evers started the Championship Round with a bang and was out in front for nearly every minute today. Greg Hackney made a push towards him during Period 2, but Evers was just getting started and turned it into a runaway victory.
His Period 3 flurry of 28 fish in 45 minutes sealed the deal with an exclamation point. In the third period alone, Evers caught 34 bass for a total of 48-08. That alone would have been enough to claim the win today.
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Evers put on a bass-catching clinic in the championship round today, keeping his official and cameraman busy,for the top score to claim the REDCREST championship. (Photo by Garrick Dixon)
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He was catching them so fast that his MLF official had a growing backlog of SCORETRACKER® entries. Once all of the anglers were notified of his nearly 40-pound jump when the system caught up, it came down to a battle for second, third and fourth places.
Evers did his damage in a backwater area with current flowing and bass feeding on shad. He had fished this area in previous tour-level events but was never able to secure a victory.
“What an amazing day. I was so excited to catch them where I caught them,” he said. “I’m so thankful I did it now because it was such a bigger stage.” Evers believes that if he had won previously, it would have exposed the area to more fishing pressure, and today’s win might not have happened.
“The main deal was that backwater being loaded with fish,” he said. He pitched a Berkley Pit Boss to shallow laydowns and a vibrating jig with a Berkley Powerbait The Deal as a trailer to current relating bass.
Hackney a Distant Second
Greg Hackney had a solid day of fishing with 22 bass for 40-07 and was the only angler to seriously challenge Evers today as he got within five pounds during Period 2.
“I caught some fish today but never found a group of them; they were all single fish. I knew the guy who wins would be the one who finds a school of them,” said Hackney.
Like the rest of the field, Hackney was impressed with what Evers was able to accomplish this year.
“He’s in the zone, and he’s made all the right decisions this year. All great fisherman get on a roll where it seems like the fish are looking for them and they can’t do anything wrong,” he added.
Vinson Caps Off a Solid Week
Greg Vinson was fourth after the Elimination Round and then led his group’s Knockout Round. Today, he ended up third during the Championship Round on Pool 7. All in all, it was a great week, and he was near the top of the standings all week long.
This fact isn’t lost on Vinson who was satisfied with his finish. “I’m pleased with how the week went. I have some good tournament history here, but I feel I made the right decision to fish the Black River to catch enough to make it to today,” he said.
He had limited experience on Pool 7 before today. “I’m proud that I put enough together to finish 3rd against this group of guys,” said Vinson.
His daily total was 20 bass for 29-06.
Daily Winners
Championship Round daily awards were:
* The Berkley Big Bass of the day was Greg Hackney’s 3-08 largemouth.
* Edwin Evers won the Berkley Catch Count award with 63 bass on the day.
* Evers’ 85-06 earned him the Phoenix Boats Daily Leader award.
https://majorleaguefishing.com/event/redcrest-bass-pro-tour-championship-la-crosse-wi/results/