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Brandon Lester: Post Norman
Navy Veteran Wins Bass Boat In Bassmaster Summer Sweepstakes
Bill Tavel of Brentwood, Md., has won the Bassmaster Summer Boat Giveaway’s grand prize of a Skeeter TZX180 with a single-axle trailer, a Yamaha F150LA outboard motor, a Humminbird 728 Fishfinder and a Minn Kota 70 Edge trolling motor.Â
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Bill Tavel of Brentwood, Md., makes a special trip to Hertford, N.C., every year to visit with his former Navy comrades from the USS California at their annual meeting spot, the Lunker Lodge. It’s a trip filled with good friends, good memories and even better fishing.
This year at the Lunker Lodge, Tavel won’t be riding along; he’ll be the captain of his own bass fishing boat.
“When I entered the Bassmaster Summer Boat Giveaway I never thought I’d win,†Tavel said. “Now, my buddies at the Lunker Lodge are waiting for me to bring down my new boat so they can all try it out!â€
Tavel won the sweepstakes’ grand prize of a Skeeter TZX180 boat with standard equipment and a single-axle trailer, a Yamaha F150LA outboard motor, a Humminbird 728 Fishfinder and a Minn Kota 70 Edge trolling motor.
“I’m still dumbfounded that I’ve won, and I think I will be until I pick it up and drive it home,†Tavel said.
After receiving his winning phone call, Tavel was told he could choose the boat’s paint scheme and color package.
“I want fire engine red!†Tavel told the boat dealership. Working as the chief inspector of signals on the Washington, D.C., Metro for 11 years and as a volunteer firefighter, Tavel considers himself a connoisseur of big boy toys.
“I’ve worked on big trains, big trucks, and now I’ve got my own big boat,†Tavel explained. “I always told my boss that once I retired I was going to get a boat, but now that I’ve won one, I guess I’m almost ready to retire!â€
Tavel plans to have his Skeeter before Veteran’s Day so he can make a special trip to the Lunker Lodge with his new bass boat in tow.
“My chief has stage 4 cancer,†Tavel said. “And, that second week in November I’ll be headed to the lodge, so I can take him out on the boat. I’m still bedazzled at the thought of winning it.â€
For another chance to win, fans can enter the Ultimate Fish with KVD Sweepstakes, valued at $35,000, currently underway on Bassmaster.com. The winner will receive a fishing trip with seven-time Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam, including round-trip airfare within the continental U.S., a three-night hotel stay, rental car and $500 spending money.
In addition to the KVD fishing trip, the winner also receives a new Nitro Z-7 with a Mercury 150 Pro XS and trailer, and an assortment KVD’s gear.
The winner will be selected Jan. 13.
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport. 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), social media programs and events. For more than 45 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 presented by Allstate, B.A.S.S. Nation events, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series, Bassmaster High School Series, Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by Diet Mountain Dew and GoPro.
Howell’s Hook Tips
Bassmaster Classic Champion Randy Howell opens up his hook box to offer some tips for treble hooks on your Livingston Lures baits.
Find out more about Livingston Lures here.
On-The-Water Instruction
If you’re interested in becoming a better angler or tournament fisherman and enjoy learning hands-on, here is your chance to get on the water with some of the best in the business.Â
 James Niggemeyer
3 – Time B.A.S.S. Champion, 3- Time  Bassmaster Classic Qualifier and 17 B.A.S.S. Top 10 finishes, 2 B.A.S.S. Open AOY awards
Instruction:Â Utilizing top fall seasonal tournament winning patterns, lures and techniques to systematically locate and catch bass. Spinnerbaits, square bills, soft plastics and jigs as tools based on water color and cover differences.
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Keith Combs
B.A.S.S. Elite Series Champion, 3 – Time Toyota Texas Bass Classic Champion, 4- Time B.A.S.S. Classic Qualifier, Perennial AOY contender
Instruction: Getting the most out of your electronics utilizing sonar, side scan, down scan and gps. Crankbait mastery, draw feeding and reaction bites;  Includes equipment set up; line, rod, reel.
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Kurt Dove
10 – Time B.A.S.S. Top 20 finisher, 2- Time B.A.S.S. Elite Qualifier, FLW/BFL Champion and 2-Time Toyota Texas Bass Classic Qualifier
Instruction: Breaking down large bodies of water and dissecting small areas producing big results.  Utilizing your personal fishing strengths to maximizing on the water productivity and success.
Dave Mansue
B.A.S.S. Open Champion, 2-Time Toyota Texas Bass Classic Qualifier B.A.S.S. Top 150 Angler 1999-2005
Instruction: Dissecting fall patters associated with creek channels. Techniques to be discussed include jigs, spoons and big plastics. Understand ‘Fishing the Moment’ and environmental changes.
How your mental attitude affects success!
Stephen Johnston
B.A.S.S. Open Champion, FLW Rayovac Champion, 2007 & 13 Rayovac AOY, 2014 Forrest Wood Cup Qualifier
Evening Seminar: Secrets to fishing grass… how to break it down and find high percentage areas. Understanding the best grass fishing techniques from limit producers to winning stringers!
Location: Toledo Bend Reservoir, Many, Louisiana
Class Dates:Â November 16, 17, 18 2014
Cost: Â $1,995 (per person / double occupancy lodging)
Includes: Â Â 3 Nights group lodging (Cypress Bend Resort), all Meals (3 Breakfast/2Lunch/3 Dinners), 2 days of intense On-The-Water Instruction with 4 different pro anglers complemented with evening seminar and Q & A sessions.
*A Pro-Bass Class session has a maximum 8 participants.
*All Class participants will be residing double occupancy at Cypress Bend Resort
*Class Participants wishing to room together and paired together during On-The-Water Instruction is available.
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Contact probassclass@gmail.com or call 830-719-3648
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Send tuition payment to:
Pro-Bass Class
P.O. Box 420543
Del Rio, Texas 78842
*Payable to:Â Pro-Bass Class
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*Pro-Bass Class is a “hands on†personal in-depth education service provided to bass anglers wishing to take their skills to the next level.
*Pro-Bass Class is taught by 4 B.A.S.S. Tournament Anglers that have proven track records of success in locating bass all over the country in short time-frames. Get into their minds while On-The-Water to help you answer that timeless question of how to locate and catch bass quickly and effectively.
*After your daily on the water instruction you will dine and enjoy an evening with the pros while involved in a ‘Think Tank’ discussion group with a guest regional Angler.  This is your time to have any questions answered!
Learn keys to angling success such as:
- Fish location: seasonal patterns, map study and lake breakdown
- Lure logic:Â Lures as tools, when and where, presentation specifics
- Depth:Â unlocking offshore fishing and maximizing the bank bite
- Tackle balancing:Â maximizing rod/reel, line and hooks for the best hook to land ratio
- Mental coaching: attitude, confidence, mental toughness, angler identity
** Special note:Â Topics will vary from session to session and all may not be discussed.
**All participants will receive a generous Tackle Pack to compliment Pro-Bass Class curriculum. St. Croix Rod to be awarded for Big Bass of the session!
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Participant Check List:
- * 3 Rod/Reels and very small tackle bag (2 casting/1 spinning)
- Appropriate Fishing Lic. For body of water (TX or LA @ Toledo Bend)
- Appropriate clothing, hat, sunglasses, raingear (Class goes Rain or Shine)
- Liability Wavier Release
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*You may choose to use the Instructors equipment during the class although it is recommended you bring a small amount of equipment of you own so the instructors may assist with your current equipment selection.
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Schedule of Events
November 16
3:30-5:30pm                       Class Participants and Pro Anglers arrive, move into hotel
5:45pm                                                     Pro-Bass Class – Welcome/Introduction
6:00pm                                                     Dinner
7:00pm                                                     Review Schedule of Events and Expectations
7:30pm                                                     Day 1 Concludes
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November 17
6:30am                                                     Breakfast
7:00am                                   Meet Pro Anglers – On-The-Water skills instruction and improvement
11:30am                                Lunch and Rotate Anglers
12:15pm                                Return to On-The-Water skills instruction and improvement
4:45pm                                                     Return to Hotel
6:00pm                                                     Dinner and Evening Seminar with Pro-AnglerHarold Allen, “The Legendâ€
7:30pm                                                     Day in review
8:00pm                                                     Day Concludes
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November 18
6:30am                                                     Breakfast
7:00am                                   Meet Pro Anglers – On-The-Water skills instruction and improvement
11:30am                                Lunch and Rotate Anglers
12:15pm                                Return to On-The-Water skills instruction and improvement
4:45pm                                                     Return to Hotel
6:00pm                                                     Dinner and Closing
November 19
Check-Out                             Breakfast
If you’re interested in becoming a better angler or tournament fisherman and enjoy learning hands-on, Contact probassclass@gmail.com or 830-719-3648
Tight Race Kicks Off Southern Open On North Carolina’s Lake Norman
David Williams of Maiden, N.C., takes the lead on Day 1 of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open #3 presented by Allstate held on Lake Norman out of Charlotte, N.C. Williams brought 14 pounds, 1 ounce to the scales at Thursday’s weigh-in.  Â
Photo by Ronnie Moore/Bassmaster
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Before the Bass Pro Shops Southern Open No. 3 presented by Allstate at Lake Norman got underway, local Elite Series pro Hank Cherry predicted that it would take a catch of four spotted bass and one kicker largemouth each day to be in contention. Cherry must be clairvoyant.
All of the Top 3 anglers fishing on the pro side of the event weighed in four spotted bass and one largemouth. North Carolinian David Williams nabbed the lead with 14 pounds, 1 ounce.
Williams claims he caught even better quality bass during practice. The fog this morning helped many of the anglers that were in the early flights — and Williams was in the first flight.
“The bass were active the first hour,†Williams said. “I had my limit by 8 a.m. It got tougher after the sun came out, but I did cull four times.â€
Williams leads Richard Howes of Oviedo, Fla., by only 6 ounces. Howes’ kicker largemouth weighed 4 pounds, 5 ounces and was the Carhartt Big Bass leader of Day 1.
Although Howes found the bite slow during practice, he did figure out a pattern that was producing better quality bass. While other pros today were catching 20 bass or more and coming in with light limits, Howes caught only 10 bass, but they were the right ones.
Elite Series pro Chad Morgenthaler of Coultetville, Ill., is in third place, only 3 ounces behind Howes. Morgenthaler was catching 30 bass a day during practice and figured he could sack 10 to 11 pounds today. He got fewer bites, but landed bigger bass.
“Several of the guys in the Top 12 are fishing in the same area I am,†Morgenthaler said. “That could make it tougher for all of us tomorrow.â€
Leading the co-angler division is North Carolina’s Trey Brown. He boated a three-bass limit early in the day that weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces. Then he spent the rest of the day experimenting with other techniques that might help him Friday.
The fog this morning wasn’t thick enough to delay the start of the tournament. It hung around until about 10:30 a.m. and gave way to bright sunshine, high pressure and a listless breeze.
Anglers who were targeting docks welcomed the sun. Those who preferred more aggressive power-fishing methods lamented it.
The leaderboard could change drastically Friday. The forecast is for clouds, a falling barometer, a nice breeze and a high potential for rain in the afternoon. That should change what the bass are doing and what the anglers need to do to catch them.
Those who adjust to the changing conditions will be the ones that make the Top 12 cut on Saturday.
The winner on the pro side will pocket $5,980 and receive a Skeeter ZX200 rigged with a Yamaha VF200LA outboard and prop, a Skeeter Single Axle Trailer, a Minn Kota Max 80F 42†24v trolling motor and an in-dash Humminbird 788.
If the winner fished the two previous Southern Opens this year, he or she will also qualify to fish the 2015 Bassmaster Classic at Lake Hartwell in South Carolina.
The winning co-angler will receive the keys to a Triton 17 Pro rigged with a Mercury 115 Pro XS and prop, a Triton single axle trailer, a MotorGuide FW46 42†12v trolling motor, Lowrance Mark 5 graphs on the dash and bow and a boat cover.
Since this is the final Southern Open of 2014, the tournament will determine which anglers qualify to compete against the world’s best bass fishermen next year on the Bassmaster Elite Series. The invitation goes to the division’s Top 5 anglers in the point standings.
Matt Lee, one of the Opens anglers in contention, is hoping to join his brother, Jordan, who has already qualified for the Elite Series via the Central Opens. Matt, who sits in fifth place after the first day of the Norman Open, is poised to join his brother on the Elite Series. In the Top 5 spots after Day 1: David Williams (560 points), Todd Auten (548 points), Jesse Wiggins (536 points), Matt Lee (514 points) and John Brazzell (498 points).
Takeoff Friday and Saturday will be at 7 a.m. ET at Blythe Landing, 15901 State 73, Cornelius, N.C. The weigh-in Friday will be at the same location at 3 p.m. ET. The weigh-in Saturday will take place at the Bass Pro Shops at 8181 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord, N.C. at 4 p.m. ET.
2014 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Series Title Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops
2014 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Series Presenting Sponsor: Allstate
2014 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Series Official Sponsors: Toyota, Berkley, Evan Williams Bourbon, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha
2014 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Series Supporting Sponsors: Boat U.S., Booyah, Carhartt, Diet Mountain Dew, Livingston Lures, Lowrance, Plano, Power-Pole, Rigid Industries, Shimano
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport. 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), social media programs and events. For more than 45 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 presented by Allstate, Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation events, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series, Bassmaster High School Series presented by Carhartt, Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by Diet Mountain Dew and GoPro.
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Media Contact: Helen Northcutt, 205-313-0944, hnorthcutt@bassmaster.com or Dave Precht, 205-313-0931, dprecht@bassmaster.com.
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