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U.S. Army Signs as Title Sponsor of MLF High School Fishing

First 25 Teams to Enter Each Tournament Receives Favorite Fishing Package Valued at Over $230, Winners Earn Fishing Trip with Top Pros
TULSA, Okla. (Feb. 11, 2021) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today that the U.S. Army, the largest military branch in the United States with more than 700,000 soldiers – has signed on as the title sponsor for the 2021 season of MLF High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing.

With multiple scholarship and advancement opportunities and a partnership with The Bass Federation (TBF) – including the opportunity to compete for more than $3 million in scholarships and prizes at the High School Fishing National Championship and World Finals – MLF High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing is an excellent introduction to tournament bass fishing for teenage anglers.

“This partnership will allow the U.S. Army to connect with today’s outdoor enthusiasts across the United States,” said Sgt. 1st Class Andrew M. Benedict, Army Outdoor Team Leader. “We will share our experiences in the Army and demonstrate that you can serve your country while still pursuing your passions in the woods or on the water.

“We will also highlight how the U.S. Army assists soldiers in continuing the pursuit of their passions through programs such as Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) and others, where soldiers can rent equipment or book hunting expeditions around the world.”

The first 25 high school teams that enter each U.S. Army High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing tournament will receive a free Favorite Fishing package, including one Favorite Fishing casting rod and reel, one Favorite Fishing spinning rod and reel, six packs of Googan Baits and two Favorite Fishing hats, a total package value of $230. Most tournaments will also be hosted by a Bass Pro Tour angler or Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit angler, giving high school students the chance to meet the sport’s top pros. As an added bonus, the winning team at each tournament will receive a guided fishing trip with their host.

“We are thrilled to welcome the U.S. Army and their Army Outdoors Team to our fishing family,” said Jim Wilburn, MLF President and CEO. “The U.S. Army’s diverse range of individual soldiers with unique backgrounds and heart-felt passions creates a seamless connection with the youth of today. We are excited to explore this partnership throughout the 2021 season and to continue to invest in our students across the nation.”

U.S. Army High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing tournaments are two-person (team) events for students in grades 7-12 and are open to any SAF-affiliated high school team in the United States. The top 10-percent of each High School Open, TBF State Championship and TBF Challenge tournament held prior to June 14, 2021, will advance to the 2021 U.S. Army High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing National Championship, held in conjunction with the High School Fishing World Finals June 30-July 3 on Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina. Launched by TBF in 2010, the World Final is the world’s largest open high school bass tournament, where student anglers compete for more than $3 million in scholarships and prizes.

For more information about MLF, their tournaments and sponsors, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. To learn more about the U.S. Army, visit GoArmy.com or follow Army Outdoor social media outlets at FacebookTwitterInstagram and YouTube. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the U.S. Army High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing on the MLF BIG5 social media outlets at FacebookTwitterInstagram and  YouTube.

About U.S. Army Outdoors Team
U.S. Army Outdoors is the newest outreach team designed to Connect Americans with their Army.  Consisting of Soldiers from the Army Mission Support Battalion at Fort Knox, Kentucky, the group was formed to connect with the public through a shared passion for outdoor sports.

The U.S. Army’s foray into Major League Fishing builds on earlier success in eSports and Fitness, continuing to dispel the notion that Soldiers have no hobbies or interests, or time for them, outside of wearing the uniform. U.S. Army Outdoors, complete with its own branded fishing boat, is ready to hit the water, catch some fish and talk to the students about the opportunities open to today’s Soldiers.

After duty hours, Soldiers are free to pursue a range of activities both on and off Army installations, from fitness to crafts to outdoor recreation. The U.S. Army supports outdoor sports through recreation centers located across the country and individual installations including lakes for fishing, hunting areas, and areas for camping.

About Major League Fishing
Founded in 2011, Major League Fishing (MLF) brings the high-intensity sport of competitive bass fishing into America’s living rooms on Outdoor Channel, Discovery, CBS, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, Sportsman Channel and on-demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). According to Nielsen ratings, Major League Fishing remains the number one series on Outdoor Channel for five years and MLF premiered as the number one outdoor show in their time slot on Discovery in 2019.

In 2019 MLF acquired FLW, which expands their portfolio to include the world’s largest grassroots-fishing organization, including the strongest five-biggest-fish format professional bass fishing tour, the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit presented by Bad Boy Mowers, as well as the MLF Toyota Series, MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine, MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI, and MLF High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing.

The post U.S. Army Signs as Title Sponsor of MLF High School Fishing appeared first on Bass365.com.

Gleason Trades Sumrall Ham for Hooks

Bassmaster Elite Series rookie Darold Gleason is a combination of mature fishing talent, a big heart, hard work, and endlessly hilarious one-liners. In the 15 years I’ve known him, I’ve never seen him in a sour mood.

In fact, if you need a little boost for your spirit, or inspiration for what a great relationship should look like, put yourself in the presence of Darold and wife Randi, who has earned 10 pink Cadillacs as a Mary Kay cosmetics consultant.

But when Gleason found himself in need of Gamakatsu flipping hooks prior to the start of Day 2 on the St. Johns, he phoned close friend and fellow Elite Series pro Caleb Sumrall — and started bartering with ham.

Not just any ham. This is ham from their home state of Louisiana from highly famous Grayson’s BBQ, where people reserve their smoked hams a year in advance of the holiday season.

Randi got this morning’s particular pork from Aunt Bonnie who used to live in Louisiana, but now lives in South Florida, and has Grayson’s hams shipped to her. She traveled five hours to the Elite Series this week to cheer on Darold, and thought she’d bring them a taste of home.

Randi paired the ham slices with off-the-block extra sharp cheddar slices, and tucked them into a warm croissant, then transported them to morning blast off in tinfoil.

Gleason, who has caught 10 bass over 10 pounds from his home waters of Toledo Bend, ate three of the morning treats quickly, but held back the fourth for Sumrall in exchange for flippin hooks.

Sumrall, who is built like an outside linebacker, thought it was a more than fair deal. He met Gleason when he was still working in the oil field supply yard, and the two were making their way upward through the Cajun State’s highly competitive amateur bass fishing ranks.

Sumrall had a really tough day Thursday, but Gleason, who is focused on catching spawning fish, sits solidly in 29th place heading into Friday’s competition.

Surely both will have a good Friday. It seems impossible not to when fueled by great friendship, sharp flippin’ hooks, and a belly full of homemade Grayson’s ham and sharp cheddar breakfast croissants.

The post Gleason Trades Sumrall Ham for Hooks appeared first on Bass365.com.

Tennessee Rookie Neece Leads Day One of Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Season Opener on Lake Okeechobee

CLEWISTON, Fla. (Feb. 11, 2021) – Bass fishing professionals from around the world began their four-day competition for a top award of up to $135,000 at the Major League Fishing Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, 13 Fishing Stop 1 – Lake Okeechobee on Thursday. Rookie pro Jim Neece, Jr. of Bristol, Tennessee, weighed a five-bass limit totaling 27 pounds even, to take the early lead after Day One. Neece holds a 14-ounce lead over pro Miles Burghoff of Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, who caught five bass weighing 26-2, good for second place.
“I got to my spot on the north end of the lake and had no idea what it was going to be like until I pulled up on it,” said Neece. “I quickly caught a solid bass and then four more between 9:30 and 10 (a.m.), but only had about 12 pounds.”

Neece said about an hour later the fish really turned on.

“I just kept throwing moving baits and about noon the big ones started to hit. I caught 15 keepers and ended the day with two 7-pound bass and three more smaller ones.”

Neece said his plan is to go back to the same spot tomorrow and hope his luck holds.

“Practice went okay, but with two days of practice you can’t really sit and catch them, so you just try to get bit and hope for the best when you come back,” he said. “I didn’t realize 27 pounds of fish were in that area, so who knows what will happen tomorrow. That’s all I got – it’s either going to hold up or it’s not.”

The top 10 pros after Day One on Lake Okeechobee are:
            1st:       Jim Neece, Jr., Bristol, Tenn., five bass, 27-0
2nd:      Miles Burghoff, Soddy-Daisy, Tenn., five bass, 26-2
3rd:       Anthony Gagliardi, Prosperity, S.C., five bass, 24-0
4th:       Jamie Horton, Centerville, Ala., five bass, 22-6
5th:       Tyler Stewart, West Monroe, La., five bass, 21-11
6th:       Clabion Johns, Social Circle, Ga., five bass, 20-12
6th:       Dicky Newberry, Houston, Texas, five bass, 20-12
8th:       Tim Frederick, Leesburg, Fla., five bass, 20-5
8th:       Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., five bass, 20-5
10th:     Mike Surman, Boca Raton, Fla., five bass, 20-1
For a full list of results visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Horton won the day’s $500 Berkley Big Bass award in the pro division, bringing a largemouth weighing 8 pounds, 6 ounces to the scale.

Overall, there were 749 bass weighing 1,954 pounds, 13 ounces caught by 162 pros on Thursday, which included 129 five-bass limits.

The Major League Fishing Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, 13 Fishing Stop 1 – Lake Okeechobee is hosted by the Hendry County Tourism Development Council and Roland & Mary Ann Marin’s Marina & Resort.

In Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit competition, the full field of 163 anglers compete in the two-day opening round on Thursday and Friday. The top 50 pros based on their two-day cumulative weight advance to Saturday. Only the top 10 pros continue competition on Sunday, with the winner determined by the heaviest accumulated weight from the four days of competition.

Throughout the season, anglers are also vying for valuable points in hopes of qualifying for the 2021 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit TITLE presented by Mercury, the Pro Circuit Championship, where they will compete for up to $235,000. The 2021 TITLE will be on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wisconsin on Aug. 17-22, and is hosted by Explore La Crosse.

Anglers will take off at 7:30 a.m. ET Friday through Sunday from Roland and Mary Ann Martin’s Marina and Resort, located at 920 E. Del Monte Ave. in Clewiston. Weigh-ins will also be held at the marina daily at 3 p.m. Attendance is limited to competing anglers, family, essential staff and media covering the event. Fans are encouraged to follow the action online through the MLF NOW! live stream and coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com .

The Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, 13 Fishing Stop 1 – Lake Okeechobee will feature live on-the-water coverage and a two-hour action-packed television show that will premiere on the Outdoor Channel on Sunday, July 11 from 7 to 9 a.m. ET and re-air on the Sportsman Channel this fall. Weigh-ins will be streamed daily and fans can catch live on-the-water action all day Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 13-14 on MLF NOW! beginning at 8 a.m. ET at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit presented by Bad Boy Mowers on the MLF BIG5’s social media outlets at FacebookTwitter,  Instagram and YouTube.

For a full list of results visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Horton won the day’s $500 Berkley Big Bass award in the pro division, bringing a largemouth weighing 8 pounds, 6 ounces to the scale.

Overall, there were 749 bass weighing 1,954 pounds, 13 ounces caught by 162 pros on Thursday, which included 129 five-bass limits.

The Major League Fishing Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, 13 Fishing Stop 1 – Lake Okeechobee is hosted by the Hendry County Tourism Development Council and Roland & Mary Ann Marin’s Marina & Resort.

In Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit competition, the full field of 163 anglers compete in the two-day opening round on Thursday and Friday. The top 50 pros based on their two-day cumulative weight advance to Saturday. Only the top 10 pros continue competition on Sunday, with the winner determined by the heaviest accumulated weight from the four days of competition.

Throughout the season, anglers are also vying for valuable points in hopes of qualifying for the 2021 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit TITLE presented by Mercury, the Pro Circuit Championship, where they will compete for up to $235,000. The 2021 TITLE will be on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wisconsin on Aug. 17-22, and is hosted by Explore La Crosse.

Anglers will take off at 7:30 a.m. ET Friday through Sunday from Roland and Mary Ann Martin’s Marina and Resort, located at 920 E. Del Monte Ave. in Clewiston. Weigh-ins will also be held at the marina daily at 3 p.m. Attendance is limited to competing anglers, family, essential staff and media covering the event. Fans are encouraged to follow the action online through the MLF NOW! live stream and coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com .

The Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, 13 Fishing Stop 1 – Lake Okeechobee will feature live on-the-water coverage and a two-hour action-packed television show that will premiere on the Outdoor Channel on Sunday, July 11 from 7 to 9 a.m. ET and re-air on the Sportsman Channel this fall. Weigh-ins will be streamed daily and fans can catch live on-the-water action all day Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 13-14 on MLF NOW! beginning at 8 a.m. ET at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit presented by Bad Boy Mowers on the MLF BIG5’s social media outlets at FacebookTwitter,  Instagram and YouTube.

The post Tennessee Rookie Neece Leads Day One of Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Season Opener on Lake Okeechobee appeared first on Bass365.com.

Clouse Makes Long Run To Take Lead At Bassmaster Elite On St. Johns River

PALATKA, Fla. — Gary Clouse knew what he had to do, and he was determined that not even a three-hour fog delay was going to stop him.

Gary Clouse, of Winchester, Tenn., is leading after Day 1 of the 2021 AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River with 25 pounds, 12 ounces. 

                                                                                Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S

It was a good call for the Tennessee pro who caught a five-bass limit that weighed 25 pounds, 12 ounces Thursday to lead Day 1 of the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at the St. Johns River.

After dense fog created hazardous navigational conditions, B.A.S.S. delayed Thursday’s scheduled 7 a.m. takeoff until 10:15.

Taking off in the 69th position in a field of 99 boats, Clouse had plenty of time to contemplate his game plan, which involved making what he called a long run.

“I was fishing bedding areas and bed fish too; it was a little of both,” Clouse said. “I feel like the fish are coming to me because I went into this area in practice and I had a couple of bites, but I had no idea it was going to be loaded like that.”

With this week’s new moon plus a warming trend that started Wednesday, the stage was set for a textbook spawning movement. Clouse said he believed his distant spot offered him the best opportunity, but he admits he had to ignore his mental question marks.

“I had all kinds of doubts while I was running,” he said. “I thought maybe I should just pull over here and try to catch one. That crossed my mind — like I shouldn’t make this run.

“It was a huge gamble. The smarter money would have been to stay close and get a couple fish and hopefully get a long day tomorrow. But I just decided to go for it and I’m glad I did.”

Clouse was understandably guarded with his tactical details, but he said he caught his fish on a mix of moving baits and reaction baits. Targeting bass that were moving up to spawn, he had only six bites, but they were mostly quality fish.

“It really didn’t matter what you threw,” Clouse said. “You just had to get around one.”

The smallest bass in Clouse’s bag was a 2-pounder. According to BassTrakk, between 1:51 and 2:37, he caught three in the 5-pound class and one about 4 pounds.

“I had a really unbelievable day; things just went right,” he said. “It was just my day. There wasn’t anything magical about it. Everything lined up for me.

“I may have burned up everything I had. I could zero tomorrow probably easier than catching 25 pounds. We’ll see what happens.”

Derek Hudnall of Baton Rouge, La., is in second place with 22-5. Making a long run south, Hudnall focused on areas with gaps and openings in shoreline vegetation where spawning fish would likely position themselves out of sight.

“I’m not looking at these fish,” Hudnall said. “It’s extremely shallow, and anywhere those fish can get to the bank, that’s where they’re moving up and spawning.

“If you have available cover, like an overhanging limb, and the fish can get to the bank, that’s where the fish are going to spawn. This area has some great big ones in it, and when those fish move up, I can pinpoint where those fish are going to be.”

Hudnall caught all of his bass on a wacky-rigged Missile Baits 48 worm in the bruiser flash and junebug colors. Fishing his bait on 15-pound braided line was essential for making long skips into the cover to avoid spooking the fish.

Australian pro Carl Jocumsen is in third place with 18-2. Running about an hour south of takeoff was a risky call for him as well, but Jocumsen said practice allowed him to dial in an area with the right mix of habitat and conditions.

“I fished from one end of (tournament waters) to the other, and I felt like that was the area where it was going to happen,” he said. “I started to see better water temperature, more life and fish.

“I targeted anywhere I thought they were going to spawn and anywhere I thought no one else was casting. I wasn’t looking at them, I’m just fishing where I think they are and I think that’s helping me run into some fresh fish.”

Jocumsen caught his bass on a Texas-rigged X Zone Lures Deception Worm in the plum color.

Hudnall is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 9-8.

Friday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. ET from Palatka City Docks. The weigh-in will be held at Palatka Riverfront Park at 3 p.m.

After Friday’s round, only the Top 50 anglers will advance to Saturday’s semifinals. The Top 10 remaining pros will fish Championship Sunday with a chance at the $100,000 first-place prize.

Live coverage of the event can be streamed on Bassmaster.com and the FOX Sports digital platforms. FS1 will also broadcast live from the tournament beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River is being hosted by the Putnam County Tourist Development Council and Putnam County Chamber of Commerce.

2021 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota

2021 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Berkley, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha

2021 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Bass Pro Shops, Garmin, Huk Performance Fishing, Marathon, Rapala

2021 Bassmaster Elite Series Conservation Partner: AFTCO

2021 AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River Local Hosts: Putnam County Tourist Development Council, Putnam County Chamber of Commerce.

About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, 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 515,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, 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, Bassmaster B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series powered by TourneyX and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk.

2021 AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River 2/11-2/14
St. Johns River, Palatka, FL.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1

Angler                   Hometown              No./lbs-oz  Pts   Total $$$

1.  Gary Clouse            Winchester, TN           5  25-12  100
Day 1: 5   25-12
2.  Derek Hudnall          Denham Springs, LA       5  22-05   99   $1,000.00
Day 1: 5   22-05
3.  Carl Jocumsen          Queensland AUSTRALIA     5  18-02   98
Day 1: 5   18-02
4.  Cory Johnston          Cavan CANADA             5  17-15   97
Day 1: 5   17-15
5.  Cliff Prince           Palatka, FL              5  17-12   96
Day 1: 5   17-12
6.  Matt Herren            Ashville, AL             5  16-09   95
Day 1: 5   16-09
7.  Buddy Gross            Chickamauga, GA          5  16-05   94
Day 1: 5   16-05
8.  Mark Menendez          Paducah, KY              5  16-02   93
Day 1: 5   16-02
8.  Joshua Stracner        Vandiver, AL             5  16-02   93
Day 1: 5   16-02
10. Bryan Schmitt          Deale, MD                5  15-08   91
Day 1: 5   15-08
11. Bill Weidler           Helena, AL               5  14-13   90
Day 1: 5   14-13
12. Jamie Hartman          Newport, NY              5  14-10   89
Day 1: 5   14-10
13. Micah Frazier          Newnan, GA               5  14-00   88
Day 1: 5   14-00
14. Caleb Kuphall          Mukwonago, WI            5  13-04   87
Day 1: 5   13-04
15. Patrick Walters        Summerville, SC          5  13-03   86
Day 1: 5   13-03
16. Hank Cherry Jr         Lincolnton, NC           3  12-14   85
Day 1: 3   12-14
17. Austin Felix           Eden Prairie, MN         5  12-08   84
Day 1: 5   12-08
17. Mike Huff              Corbin, KY               5  12-08   84
Day 1: 5   12-08
19. Greg Hackney           Gonzales, LA             5  12-07   82
Day 1: 5   12-07
19. Gerald Swindle         Guntersville, AL         5  12-07   82
Day 1: 5   12-07
21. Chris Johnston         Otonabee Ontario CANADA  5  12-06   80
Day 1: 5   12-06
22. Bryan New              Belmont, NC              5  12-00   79
Day 1: 5   12-00
23. Frank Talley           Temple, TX               5  11-13   78
Day 1: 5   11-13
24. Stetson Blaylock       Benton, AR               4  11-11   77
Day 1: 4   11-11
25. Scott Canterbury       Odenville, AL            5  11-10   76
Day 1: 5   11-10
25. KJ Queen               Catawba, NC              5  11-10   76
Day 1: 5   11-10
27. Randy Pierson          Oakdale, CA              4  11-10   74
Day 1: 4   11-10
28. John Crews Jr          Salem, VA                3  11-10   73
Day 1: 3   11-10
29. Darold Gleason         Many, LA                 5  11-09   72
Day 1: 5   11-09
30. Brandon Cobb           Greenwood, SC            5  11-06   71
Day 1: 5   11-06
30. Tyler Rivet            Raceland, LA             5  11-06   71
Day 1: 5   11-06
32. Jason Williamson       Wagener, SC              5  11-05   69
Day 1: 5   11-05
33. Hunter Shryock         Ooltewah, TN             5  11-04   68
Day 1: 5   11-04
34. Drew Cook              Cairo, GA                5  11-01   67
Day 1: 5   11-01
35. Clark Wendlandt        Leander, TX              5  10-11   66
Day 1: 5   10-11
36. Justin Hamner          Northport, AL            5  10-08   65
Day 1: 5   10-08
37. Kyle Welcher           Opelika, AL              5  10-07   64
Day 1: 5   10-07
38. Wes Logan              Springville, AL          5  10-06   63
Day 1: 5   10-06
39. Gregory DiPalma        Millville, NJ            3  10-04   62
Day 1: 3   10-04
40. Jay Yelas              Lincoln City, OR         4  09-15   61
Day 1: 4   09-15
41. Jeff Gustafson         Keewatin Ontario CANADA  5  09-14   60
Day 1: 5   09-14
42. Matt Arey              Shelby, NC               5  09-13   59
Day 1: 5   09-13
43. Drew Benton            Blakely, GA              5  09-08   58
Day 1: 5   09-08
43. Tyler Carriere         Youngsville, LA          5  09-08   58
Day 1: 5   09-08
43. Keith Combs            Huntington, TX           5  09-08   58
Day 1: 5   09-08
46. Paul Mueller           Naugatuck, CT            5  08-14   55
Day 1: 5   08-14
47. Rob Digh               Denver, NC               5  08-14   54
Day 1: 5   08-14
48. Koby Kreiger           Alva, FL                 3  08-14   53
Day 1: 3   08-14
49. Chad Pipkens           Dewitt, MI               5  08-11   52
Day 1: 5   08-11
50. Kyle Monti             Okeechobee, FL           5  08-09   51
Day 1: 5   08-09
51. Quentin Cappo          Prairieville, LA         5  08-07   50
Day 1: 5   08-07
51. Scott Martin           Clewiston, FL            5  08-07   50
Day 1: 5   08-07
53. Bob Downey             Hudson, WI               5  08-05   48
Day 1: 5   08-05
54. Lee Livesay            Longview, TX             5  08-04   47
Day 1: 5   08-04
55. Seth Feider            New Market, MN           5  08-03   46
Day 1: 5   08-03
55. Matt Robertson         Kuttawa, KY              5  08-03   46
Day 1: 5   08-03
57. Luke Palmer            Coalgate, OK             5  07-08   44
Day 1: 5   07-08
58. Brandon Lester         Fayetteville, TN         3  07-05   43
Day 1: 3   07-05
59. Brandon Palaniuk       Rathdrum, ID             4  07-04   42
Day 1: 4   07-04
60. Marc Frazier           Newnan, GA               5  07-01   41
Day 1: 5   07-01
61. John Cox               Debary, FL               3  07-01   40
Day 1: 3   07-01
62. Ed Loughran III        Richmond, VA             3  07-00   39
Day 1: 3   07-00
63. Chad Morgenthaler      Reeds Spring, MO         5  06-15   38
Day 1: 5   06-15
64. Brandon Card           Salisbury, NC            3  06-14   37
Day 1: 3   06-14
65. Brad Whatley           Bivins, TX               5  06-12   36
Day 1: 5   06-12
66. Shane LeHew            Catawba, NC              4  06-10   35
Day 1: 4   06-10
67. Clifford Pirch         Payson, AZ               3  06-05   34
Day 1: 3   06-05
68. Clent Davis            Montevallo, AL           5  06-04   33
Day 1: 5   06-04
69. Jason Christie         Park Hill, OK            4  06-04   32
Day 1: 4   06-04
70. Bernie Schultz         Gainesville, FL          3  06-02   31
Day 1: 3   06-02
71. Bill Lowen             Brookville, IN           4  06-01   30
Day 1: 4   06-01
72. Shane Lineberger       Lincolnton, NC           4  06-00   29
Day 1: 4   06-00
73. Justin Atkins          Florence, AL             3  05-09   28
Day 1: 3   05-09
73. Chris Groh             Spring Grove, IL         3  05-09   28
Day 1: 3   05-09
75. Taku Ito               Chiba JAPAN              3  05-08   26
Day 1: 3   05-08
76. Caleb Sumrall          New Iberia, LA           3  05-05   25
Day 1: 3   05-05
77. Kenta Kimura           Osaka JAPAN              3  05-02   24
Day 1: 3   05-02
78. Kelley Jaye            Dadeville, AL            3  05-01   23
Day 1: 3   05-01
79. Skylar Hamilton        Dandridge, TN            3  04-05   22
Day 1: 3   04-05
80. Cody Hollen            Beaverton, OR            3  04-02   21
Day 1: 3   04-02
81. Rick Morris            Lake Gaston, VA          2  04-01   20
Day 1: 2   04-01
82. Randy Sullivan         Breckenridge, TX         2  04-00   19
Day 1: 2   04-00
83. Brian Snowden          Reeds Spring, MO         2  03-06   18
Day 1: 2   03-06
84. Pat Schlapper          Eleva, WI                2  03-04   17
Day 1: 2   03-04
85. Robbie Latuso          Gonzales, LA             2  03-03   16
Day 1: 2   03-03
86. Brock Mosley           Collinsville, MS         2  03-01   15
Day 1: 2   03-01
87. Garrett Paquette       Canton, MI               1  03-00   14
Day 1: 1   03-00
88. Brett Preuett          Monroe, LA               2  02-15   13
Day 1: 2   02-15
89. Ray Hanselman Jr       Del Rio, TX              1  02-11   12
Day 1: 1   02-11
90. Todd Auten             Lake Wylie, SC           1  02-10   11
Day 1: 1   02-10
91. Yusuke Miyazaki        Forney, TX               1  02-02   10
Day 1: 1   02-02
92. Steve Kennedy          Auburn, AL               1  02-01    9
Day 1: 1   02-01
93. Chris Zaldain          Fort Worth, TX           1  01-02    8
Day 1: 1   01-02
94. Jake Whitaker          Fairview, NC             1  01-01    7
Day 1: 1   01-01
95. Harvey Horne           Bella Vista, AR          1  00-15    6
Day 1: 1   00-15
96. Rick Clunn             Ava, MO                  0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
96. Destin DeMarion        Grove City, PA           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
96. Dale Hightower         Mannford, OK             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
96. David Mullins          Mt Carmel, TN            0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
———————————————————————–

PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1   Derek Hudnall            Denham Springs, LA  09-08      $1,000.00

———————————————————————–
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
1        54       378       868-15
———————————-
54       378       868-15

The post Clouse Makes Long Run To Take Lead At Bassmaster Elite On St. Johns River appeared first on Bass365.com.

Swindle’s 3 Overlooked Tools for Florida Success

When most fishermen think of Florida bass fishing, they imagine endless aquatic vegetation, heavy braided line, big weights, and giant warm-water dependent largemouth. Two-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year Gerald Swindle admits he envisions similar scenes when dreaming of Florida, but 26 years as a professional angler has educated G-Man on the nuances of fishing in the sunshine state.

Through the School of Hard Knocks Swindle has learned there are lots of overlooked tools in an angler’s toolbox that can help lead to success when fishing a body of water like the St. Johns River; the playing field this week for the start of the 2021 Elite Series season.

The Team Toyota pro offered three items that he leans on and always makes his starting line-up when he sees a Florida tournament on the schedule.

  1. A Jack Plate

Bass fishing in Florida is typically synonymous with shallow water, which is why the first item on Swindle’s list is a jack plate for his outboard motor. Swindle uses a TH Marine Atlas Hydraulic Jack Plate, and it allows him to raise or lower his motor depending on where he runs his Phoenix boat.

“A jack plate might not sound as sexy as high end electronics or a new fancy trolling motor, but they’ll save you when running shallow water,” Swindle said. “I spend lots of time idling the shallows in Florida and my hydraulic jack plate helps keep sand and mud out of my water pump. When running (fast) on pad through shallow water, a jack plate can mean the difference between a functioning and a destroyed lower unit.”

2.  Quality pair of sunglasses

A quality pair of polarized sunglasses is another tool Swindle depends on when fishing anywhere in the country around the spawn, especially in Florida. Not only do sunglasses help him see fish and spawning beds, but they also allow G-man to clearly see holes, clumps or irregularities in underwater grass patches.

“I swear by Costas and wear the Reefton with a Sunrise lens, but there are lots of good options available,” Swindle offered. “A quality pair of shades is genuinely worth the investment if you plan to come down to Florida to fish. Being able to see six extra inches might mean the difference between seeing a 10-pound behemoth on bed or missing her altogether. Don’t skimp and get you some!”

  1. Prop style topwater 

Swindle’s last pick is a lure he feels doesn’t get the attention it deserves. A prop style topwater, similar to the iconic Devil’s Horse made famous years ago on the St. Johns and surrounding fisheries, is his third item.

Nowadays Swindle prefers the Rapala X-Rap 11 and believes the subtle action of this style of topwater is key when targeting Florida bass in super skinny water.

“My buddy Big Show (Terry Scroggins) showed me this lure over ten years ago and called it the ‘River Donkey’. When I asked why that name he said ‘cause it’ll kick your you-know-what on this river,” Swindle laughed. “You hardly ever hear about a bait like this anywhere in the country except when we come down to Florida. They’ll bite it other places, but not like they’ll eat it here. You can’t overlook it.”

Swindle will have these three tools and many more working to the best of their abilities today for the first day of Elite Series competition in hopes of bringing a big bag of fish back to the Palatka City Boat Dock. 

The post Swindle’s 3 Overlooked Tools for Florida Success appeared first on Bass365.com.

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