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B.A.S.S. Redefines Professional Bass Fishing With 2019 Elite Series
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — After 50 years of setting the world standard for professional bass tournament competition, B.A.S.S. made historic changes to the Bassmaster Elite Series on Monday, which will elevate the sport to levels never seen before. Elite Series pros will begin the 2019 season with a smaller field of competition, vastly increased payouts, dramatically reduced entry fees and the promise of more exposure through the company’s industry-leading media platforms.
“We just celebrated our 50th anniversary at B.A.S.S., and made the decision to create an environment second to none in the world of professional bass fishing,” said Bruce Akin, CEO of B.A.S.S. “Our anglers have been loyal to the Elite Series, and we want to not only reward that loyalty, but also redefine what it means to be a professional angler. We feel the new Elite Series format accomplishes these goals, and also provides bass fishing fans with more of the content they crave.”
First, the 2019 Elite Series field size will be based on 80 anglers, down from 110 last year. This reduction in the number of competitors will not only allow the pros to get more exposure through B.A.S.S. media platforms, but also will improve their odds of winning and qualifying for the Bassmaster Classic.
The new format features three no-entry fee events that will payout $1 million each: Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest benefiting Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship and the Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, bass fishing’s crown jewel. Additionally, the eight regular-season Elite Series events will now pay the entire field of anglers, a first in the world of professional fishing. First-place prize will remain $100,000, but now the last-place angler will earn $2,500.
Increased payouts are just half of the story, though. Alongside the three no-entry fee events, B.A.S.S. slashed regular-season entry fees by $5,375. So, the entry fees for Elite Series anglers is now $43,000. Because every angler is guaranteed to make at least $23,500, the total out of pocket expense is now only $19,500.
But there is even more good news for Elite Series anglers. B.A.S.S. is providing a $20,000 credit to anglers who competed in the 2018 Elite Series season and who take advantage of an early entry fee offer, giving these fishermen a $500 surplus above participation fees. So, for the first time in the history of professional bass fishing, anglers are actually being paid by the league to fish. In total, B.A.S.S. is investing an additional $3 million in payouts and reduced entry fees for the 2019 Elite Series.
Not only has B.A.S.S. made a historic financial commitment to anglers through lower entry fees and higher payouts, but the organization also announced an increased investment in exposure opportunities for the pros. Starting with the 2019 season, the incredibly popular Bassmaster LIVE show on Bassmaster.com, which has generated over 2.5 million video views and 59 million minutes of content consumed by fans, will be produced all four days of Elite Series events. Plus, there will be live-streaming cameras on every boat on semi-final Saturday, as well as Bassmaster LIVE cameras on every angler for Championship Sunday.
The Bassmasters TV show is being revamped with a renewed focus of on-the-water footage featuring more anglers, catching more bass. Other opportunities for Elite Series anglers to get exposure for their sponsors include Bassmaster Magazine, which has a readership of 4.4 million; B.A.S.S. Times, which reaches 100,000 of the nations most avid anglers; Bassmaster Radio, which airs on 200 stations on the SB Nation network; and Bassmaster.com, which averages over 1 million unique visitors per month.
“We want the world to know that B.A.S.S. and our incredible stable of sponsors are committed to growing the sport of bass fishing,” Akin said. “Ray Scott launched the sport and industry 50 years ago with the creation of B.A.S.S., and we will continue to push his vision forward for the next 50 years.”
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 500,000-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 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, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation presented by Magellan Outdoors, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.
Jordan Lee Talks Topwater Schooling Bass
A new school year, an apple for the teacher, a fresh football season, and bass busting on the water’s surface to eat baitfish are all signature marks of late summer and early fall. And while back-to-back Bassmaster Classic Champ Jordan Lee admits he wasn’t exactly a stellar student, the man does know a thing or three about catching schooling bass on a topwater lure.
“I mean look, I’m not gonna lie, I failed a class or two while at Auburn, but I got pretty good at catching ‘schoolers’ on Lake Mitchell while I was there,” grinned Lee on the final morning of practice at the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship on gorgeous Lake Chatuge in Northern Georgia.
Be Aware
“The first step is to be aware that bass will school-up and bust the surface to feed at all times of day during this time of year,” says Lee.
“Even when I’m running down the lake at 60 mph, I’m keeping my eyes peeled to see ‘em busting. I’m looking for birds diving on bait balls, and just constantly staying alert and aware. And the best topwater school I saw during the second day of practice on Chatuge was at 2:00 in the afternoon.”
Don’t Rush In
While the sight of bass busting the surface can cause the same adrenaline rush as a long touchdown pass, Lee advises anglers not to rush in once schooling activity is apparent. “I’m not a fan of using your outboard to get within casting distance of schooling fish. I prefer to sneak over to them with my trolling motor,” says Lee.
Heavy lures help a ton
This is not a game for casting small poppers or buzzbaits across the surface. “One of the absolute biggest keys to reaching schooling fish is to have a heavy topwater walking bait,” says Lee, with emphasis on ‘heavy’ to help cast it a long way.
The Carhartt pro prefers baits like a Pencil Popper style lure popularized by striped bass anglers, or the legendary Spook style bait.
“If you’ve got a heavy enough lure, you should be able to cast at least 40 yards, if not further. And that’s so key, because you want your lure to reach the fish obviously, but if you get too close you’ll spook them, and they’ll stop eating, so you gotta have a heavy walking bait,” he explains.
Lee loves the braid/mono combo
While many weekend anglers still stray from braided line, Lee believes it’s a game-changer to better connecting with topwater schooling bass. However, there’s a bit of a twist, in that he actually ties a monofilament leader to the 40-pound braided mainline.
“Braided line not only provides you plenty of strength when you’re casting these heavier baits, but it also helps you get a way better hookset when a fish bites at the end of long casts you have to make when chasing ‘schoolers’,” he says.
“But I tie a monofilament leader between my braided main line and the lure, because mono tends to tangle on the front treble hook a lot less than braid,” he explains.
Flunked Calc II. Aced Topwater Schoolers.
“Man, I can’t remember what class it was for sure. It might have been Calculus II, but I had to take it three times before I finally passed it to get my degree,” laughed Lee.
No worries, Champ. You’re earning high honors in professional bass fishing’s toughest curriculum, and “Topwater Schooling Fish 101” seems to be one of your best classes.
“J-Proz” Previews AOY at Lake Chatuge
The 2018 Bassmaster Elite Series season concludes this week with the crowning of a Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Champion on gorgeous Lake Chatuge Reservoir in the mountains of Northern Georgia, on the North Carolina border.
It’s a small body of water where the Elites have never competed previously. But Quantum pro Jacob Powroznik who has had one heck of a year, and sits inside the Top 10 of the prestigious season-long points race, graciously helps fans grow a little more familiar with the postcard perfect patch of water with a deep Cherokee heritage.
Q: Jacob, paint a picture for angling fans to give them a feel for how Chatuge sets up as a bass fishery.
J-Proz: It’s surrounded by mountains and it’s awesome looking. The water is pretty clear, but not super clear. There will be guys who fish in a wide range of water depths here. The surface temp is still hot at 82 degrees; so it’s pretty much a summer pattern, with a lot of surface schooling activity as largemouth and spotted bass chase both shad and blueback herring.
Q: Tell us about the structure and habitat.
J-Proz: Man, you’ve got tons of red clay points, plus brushpiles, and docks. It’s gonna be “all out, game on” – guys will be running around doing a variety of things from really shallow, to pretty deep.
Q: This reservoir is a really pretty place, but it’s only 7,000 surface acres, which is very small compared to most Elite Series playing fields, will pros be crowded, or is there plenty of water for everybody?
J-Proz: Nah, it’s gonna be crowded. Here’s the deal, I can run my Ranger from one end of Chatuge to the other in about 8 minutes, but it does have plenty of shoreline habitat to cast at in between.
Q: Compare this reservoir to places where the Elite Series has fished before.
J-Proz: It looks a lot like Lake Martin in Alabama where we kicked-off this season way back in February. And it shows a little bit of resemblance to Buggs Island where B.A.S.S. used to go back in the day.
Q: Rattle of a list of lures we’ll see pros throwing this week on Chatuge.
J-Proz: Shaky Head, drop shot, topwater, and swimbaits
Q: When the green flag drops on Thursday morning, how’s it going to fish?
J-Proz: Well, it’s no secret that surface schooling activity is key here, especially early. So you’ll see guys pick-off a keeper or three, then maybe hit a lull for an hour or two, then go do something different and catch a couple more. It’ll be sort of wide-open. But I think 14 pounds a day here will get you a really high finish – and you might even win if you have 14 pounds a day.
3rd Annual Keith Combs Sam Rayburn Slam
Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Keith Combs is excited to announce the 3rd Annual Keith Combs Sam Rayburn Slam. The tournament will be held October 6, 2018 at Umphrey Pavilion on Lake Sam Rayburn. It is an open team tournament with over 100 percent payout. The tournament will feature additional youth and co-ed team prizes as well as a free to enter kids casting contest.
The main objective of the tournament is to bring awareness and to raise funds for Warriors Weekend. Warriors Weekend is a non-profit organization dedicated to the support of veterans of the United States with an emphasis on those wounded in the Global War on terrorism. Visit their site at https://www.warriorsweekend.org/
In conjunction with the event, there will be a raffle and auction. Raffle items will be posted in the coming weeks on Keith’s facebook page and the auction items will start running on his facebook on September 11th and continue to run through the tournament. The auction items include guided trips with professional anglers Keith Combs, James Niggemeyer, Ray Hanselman, Darold Gleason and Greg West, VIP tickets to the 2019 PBR Iron Cowboy, a crappie or bass trip with Texas pro Landan Ware, two saltwater guide trips out of Port O’Conner, and 2 jerseys signed by all 2018 Elite Series pros.
All proceeds from the auction and raffle items will benefit Warrior’s Weekend.
Visit Keith’s Facebook for more details https://www.facebook.com/KeithCombsFishing/
Ott DeFoe Scores Repeat Win In Bassmaster Open On Douglas Lake
Ott DeFoe of Knoxville, Tenn., pictured with family, wins the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Eastern Open No. 4 held on Douglas Lake, with a three-day total weight of 44 pounds, 9 ounces.
Photo by James Overstreet/B.A.S.S
DANDRIDGE, Tenn. — Ott DeFoe and Douglas Lake are becoming synonymous with victory after the Tennessean won his second consecutive Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Eastern Open on his home lake.
DeFoe, a Knoxville native and resident, won the tournament with 44 pounds, 9 ounces, after weighing daily limits of 12-10, 16-15 and 15 pounds. Patrick Walters of Ladson, S.C., took second with 41-4, and Brandon Lester of Fayetteville, Tenn., was third with 40-13. Japanese angler Toshinari Namiki of Tokyo finished fourth with 39-9, and finishing fifth with 38-5 was Garrett Paquette of Canton, Mich.
DeFoe also won the Open on Douglas Lake held this same week last year. In addition, he took home the victory at the 2014 Open on Douglas.
“The lake level was a few feet higher, the water was about 7 degrees warmer, and there was much less tournament pressure prior to this year’s competition,” he said. “Those were the major differences between this year and last year.”
DeFoe fished the same stretch of the French Broad River, one of two rivers flowing into the lake. He was fishing so far up the river his area was immune from the falling water level that hindered the success of others.
“That far up the river you worry less about the lake level dropping, turning off the bite, because it’s all about the water flow,” he explained. “Clear water and flow are the two keys to success up there.”
Paying attention to the aggressiveness of the bite was another key in choosing the best lures to use. On Thursday, DeFoe anticipated catching his fish on fast-moving reaction baits. After catching none he slowed his presentation by flipping a jig into shoreline cover. Making the switch produced subtle bites, and the confidence lure reassured him of fish presence in the area.
“I could tell then the bass weren’t biting as aggressively as I anticipated they would,” he said.
On Friday DeFoe made a bold move, switching to a most obscure lure choice for the swift, cool water pouring over large boulders and through overhanging trees and laydowns. That choice was a 2.5-inch Terminator Walking Frog, a lure he had never used in the familiar water until then.
“It was a weird choice but the lure allowed me to pitch it directly into the thicker shoreline cover, give it twitch and produce the bites,” he explained. “What I learned over a lifetime of fishing up there is a topwater is the way to go when the current slows and the water clears up.”
At times when the bite was less aggressive, including today, he chose a 6-inch Bass Pro Shops Magnum Fin-Eke Worm, rigged on a 3/0 VMC Ike Approved Heavy Duty Worm Hook with 3/16-ounce weight.
Walters used a one-two punch of lures and tactics to maximize strike potential in his area. In the Nolichucky River he located a series of shallow shoals surrounded by the channel.
An abundance of baitfish was the key draw to the area, where Walters set up within casting distance of the shoals to target schooling bass.
“Without much warning, they would begin feeding when the baitfish schooled on top of the shoal,” he said.
He used a River2Sea Whopper Plopper Silent 110 for the schooling fish. When that action subsided, he switched to a 3/8-ounce Zorro Baits Booza Bug Jig with 3.5-inch Zoom Z Craw Jr.
DeFoe’s winnings included cash and a Skeeter ZX200 with Yamaha VF200LA and custom trailer. A Minn Kota Fortrex, Lowrance Elite Ti 7 and other factory accessories were included.
Don Bible II of Knoxville, Tenn., won the co-angler division with a total weight of 20-11. Bible fished with boaters Parker Motts, Sam George and Bobby Lane Jr. Bible has two previous Top 12 finishes as a co-angler in this tournament. A 3/8-ounce Z Man Original ChatterBait was his lure of choice.
Bible also won a Triton 179 TrX powered by a Mercury 115 ELPT, a trailer and standard factory accessories.
Chris Hart of Franklin, Tenn., earned the Phoenix Boats Big Bass Award of $750 in the pro division by catching a largemouth weighing 6-6 on Friday. Also on Friday, Bible caught a largemouth weighing 5 pounds to win the Phoenix Boats Big Bass Award worth $250 in the co-angler division.
Walters earned the Power-Pole Captain’s Cash Award of $500 on the pro side for being the highest-placing angler who is registered and eligible and uses client-approved product on his boat.
The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, Jefferson County Economic Development Alliance, and the Town of Dandridge were event hosts.
2018 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Series Title Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops
2018 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2018 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Series Premier Sponsors: Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha, Abu Garcia, Berkley, Huk, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota
2018 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Series Supporting Sponsors: Livingston Lures, Lowrance, Phoenix Boats, T-H Marine, Carhartt
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 500,000-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 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, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation presented by Magellan Outdoors, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.
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