North American Fisherman May-June Links

SuperUser Account — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:30:07 GMT

New ProductsNorthland Tackle: www.northlandtackle.comLowrance: www.lowrance.comRapala: www.rapala.comGamehide: www.gamehide.comStren: www.stren.com Fishing AdventuresLake Sharpe, SDwww.sdgfp.info/Wildlifewww.dakotawalleye.comRainy Lake, MN/ONhttp://www.rainylakeonestop.com/ www.fairlyreliable.com Captain Dave Wilsonwww.captaindavewilson.comNew Maps: Lowrance Incredible New Insight www.lowrance.com Flutter And FlashAmistad Tackle: www.amistadtackle.comLake Form Marina: www.lakeforkmarina.comLake Fork Tackle: www.lftlures.com Nichols Lures: www.nicholslures.comTalon Lures: www.talonlures.comStrike King: www.strikeking.com LED HeadlampsBrowning Night Seeker Cap Light: www.browning.comCabela’s ULH LED Clip Light: www.cabelas.comEnergizer Trailfinder 3 LED Headlight: www.energizer.com Streamlight Enduro LED Headlamp with Visor Clip: www.streamlight.comPelican HeadsUp Lite LED head-strap headlamp: www.pelican.com Princeton Tec Remix: www.princetontec.com Petzl TacTikka XP LED: www.petzl.comPrimos’ Top Gun: www.cabelas.comPetzl Ultra Belt: www.petzl.com

2010 Toyota 4Runner Specs

SuperUser Account — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:44:51 GMT

Basic Specifications Make/Model: 2010 Toyota 4Runner Grades: SR5 4x4, SR5 2x4, Limited 2x4, Limited 4x4, Trail 4x4 MSRP Price: $39,800.00 (as tested) Chassis: Body on frame Suspension: Front: Independent double-wishbone suspension with stabilizer bar Rear: 4-link rigid type with coil springs Engines: 2.7-liter, 4-cylinder, 16-valve; 4.0-liter, 6-cylinder, 24-valve EPA MPG: 4-cylinder 4x2: 18/23/20 (4x2); 6-cylinder 4x2: 17/23/19; 6-cylinder 4x4: 17/22/19(4x4) Fuel Capacity: 24-gals Brakes: Disc Wheelbase: 109.8 in. Seating Capacity: 5 7 (w/ opt. third row) Max Towing: 6-cylinder: 5,000 4-cylinder: 2,000 S.O.S System The 2010 4Runner offers the new Safety Connect telematics system. Available by subscription, with or without the optional navigation system, Safety Connect offers four safety and security features: Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assistance Button (SOS) and Roadside Assistance. In case of airbag deployment or severe rear-end collision, Automatic Collision Notification is designed to automatically call a response center. If a response agent cannot communicate with the occupants, the agent can contact the nearest emergency-services provider to dispatch assistance.

Spoon Tackle

SuperUser Account — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:39:11 GMT

Heavy spoons require long, stiff baitcasting rods, fast reels and heavy lines. Mark Rose opts for a 7-foot, 11-inch, heavy action G. Loomis and 20-pound Seaguar fluorocarbon. “That long rod is great for making long casts and taking up slack line when a bass strikes,” he says. “I don’t feel comfortable with anything less than 20-pound line. I’ve snapped 15-pound test setting the hook on a spoon. Giant bass bite this bait.” J.T. Kenny slings structure spoons a 7-foot, 6-inch, medium-action G. Loomis matched with a high-speed Abu Garcia Revo reel—also spooled with 20-pound fluoro. A heavy-action 7-foot, 6-inch, All Pro rod with 15- to 17-pound Lake Fork Fluorohybrid line gets the nod when Dianna Clark casts a structure spoon “You can cast a spoon a mile to schooling bass with that setup,” she says. “My 7:1 gear ratio Ardent reel helps me hammer bass fast when they bite.”

Outstanding Catch: March 2010

SuperUser Account — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 20:41:06 GMT

The NAFC staff has carefully chosen 10 finalists for the March Outstanding Catch Awards contest. Now it's up to you! Vote for the catch you feel is the most outstanding, considering not only the fish's size, but also the body of water, geographic location and method used. Review the finalists below and consider their photos (click on the thumbnail to enlarge), and then cast your vote below. Also, one random voter will be selected to win a prize, so please submit your name and e-mail address below when you vote for your favorite outstanding catch.Enter your own photo for the next Outstanding Catch contest, and see past winners. Eric Boley; 24 ½-inch brown trout; Green River, WY; tube jig. Sean Kearney; 31-inch, 8 1/4 pound walleye; Delaware River, PA; Rapala Shad RapTed Parrish; 10-pound, 10-ounce largemouth bass; Lake Fork, TX; Bass Pro lipless crankbait None Vang; 24 ¾-inch largemouth bass; Lake Berryessa, CA; 6-inch plastic wormJohn Karbowski; 18-inch smallmouth bass; Lake Pleasant, NY; Strike King buzzbait Bill Hegyi; 34-inch steelhead; Oak Creek, WI; spawnbag. Michael Dumont; 54-pound Atlantic cod; Isle of Shoals, NH; cut mackerelPaul Trontvet; 29-inch rainbow trout; Canyon Lake, SD; kernel of corn.Barbara Gustafson; 52-inch sturgeon; Stilliquamish River, WA; bankfishing herring Dareld Smetana; 2-pound black crappie; Lower Lagoon, Castaic Lake, CA; Rapala Shad Rap Fill out my Wufoo form!

Funny Photo Caption Understatement

SuperUser Account — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:45:13 GMT

"Guess we'll start fishing here." How's that for a possible tagline for this photo? Think you can do better? We'd love to see it; enter this Fishin' Informer Funny Photo Caption Contest.Imagine you're trucking along to that hot lake 20 miles away, boat in tow, when all of a sudden you come across this scene. What comes to mind?Put on your thinking cap and brainstorm a creative caption for this picture. Then, submit your idea and prove to the world how much smarter you are than everybody else.Post your caption as a "Comment" on this page so everyone can see it. We'll select the funniest caption and send the winner a goody bag of lures. Be sure to include your email address, if you want to be eligible to win the lures, so we can contact you once you win.

Choose The Right Crankbait

SuperUser Account — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 16:36:34 GMT

Tommy Skarlis’s penchant for big baits doesn’t end with jigs and rigs. He also trolls with sizable crankbaits, including Lindy’s 2 7/8-inch Shadling.“This new shad bait is entirely different bait than the old Lindy Shadling,” he says. “It’s got nice side-to-side roll, it comes in holographic finishes, and it rattles.”The Shadling also comes in a smaller 2 7/16-inch No. 5 size, which Skarlis will troll in clear water and when walleye key on small baitfish. However, in murky water and when there is a forage explosion of baitfish, the bigger No. 7 Shadling draws more strikes.“I go with silver and bright colors in clean water and gold or dark colors in dirty water,” he says.

Go-Big Tackle Tip

SuperUser Account — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 16:33:07 GMT

“Jig fishing is all offense,” says veteran walleye pro Tommy Skarlis. “When you feel a bite, you’ve got to pull the trigger immediately.”He pulls the trigger with a Fenwick Techna AV 7-foot, medium-fast spinning rod. The quick, sensitive graphite rod helps him detect light bites, as does the highly visible 10-pound Flame Green FireLine he uses for jig fishing.A stinger snell with a No. 12 or 14 hook ensures that short-striking fish wind up in the landing net. “It’s incredible how those little hooks find a piece of skin to latch onto in a walleye’s hard mouth.”When he’s pulling a sinker rig, Skarlis opts for a medium-light rod.“You have to feed walleyes with a live bait rig,” he says. “A rod with a soft tip lets you do that without the walleye feeling you.”

Outstanding Catch: February 2010

SuperUser Account — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:14:58 GMT

The NAFC staff has carefully chosen 10 finalists for the February Outstanding Catch Awards contest. Now it's up to you! Vote for the catch you feel is the most outstanding, considering not only the fish's size, but also the body of water, geographic location and method used. Review the finalists below and consider their photos (click on the thumbnail to enlarge), and then cast your vote below. Also, one random voter will be selected to win a prize, so please submit your name and e-mail address below when you vote for your favorite outstanding catch.Enter your own photo for the next Outstanding Catch contest, and see past winners. Barbara Corey; 22-inch flounder; Holden Beach, NC; kayak fishing a Gulp! Shrimp. Monte Cowan; 42 ½-inch northern pike; Deep Creek Lake, MD; creek chub Tyler Christopherson; 21-inch largemouth bass; Hidden Valley Lake, IL; Mann's 1-Minus Joe Pool; Lake Grand Prairie, TX; 9.4-pound largemouth bassIan Lewis; 32-pound chinook salmon; Hanford Reach, Columbia River, OR; downrigging a K16 clown KwikFish Mark Fehrenbach; 60-inch white sturgeon; California Delta; grass shrimp Nicholas Tomlinson; 29-inch steelhead; Skookumchuck River, WA; jig-and-nightcrawler under floatWilliam Hegyi; 30-inch walleye; Lake Michigan, Milwaukee Harbor; ice fishing a fathead minnowBrady Krebs; two 26-inch largemouth bass on one cast; Lake Casitas, CA; 8-inch trout swimbait Blake Ellefson; 52-inch sturgeon; Chequamegon Bay, Lake Superior; ice fishing a shiner minnow Fill out my Wufoo form!

Get A $100 Nikon Gift Card(3)

SuperUser Account — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:57:11 GMT

Want a free wind jacket? How about a free fleece vest? Or a free hooded jacket?Tell you what: NAFC will give you a Nikon Pro Gear Gift Card, then you can pick whatever you want. Here's the deal: Sign up your friends for NAFC's popular e-newsletter, Inside Line, and you're automatically entered to win.To sign up your hunting buddies, send the e-mail addresses to insideline@namginc.com. They'll start receiving NAFC's free weekly e-newsletter, loaded with tips, tactics and techniques from top fishing experts across the country. Your friends will like you for giving them the inside scoop. Meanwhile, you'll be instantly entered to win one of nine $50 gift cards to NikonProGear.com.Here's where things really get interesting. Whoever signs up the most fishing friends will receive a $100 Nikon Pro Gear Gift Card. (Not that your friends ever have to know - tell 'em you signed them up for their own fishing enjoyment). The contest ends February 15, so don't delay.Take 30 seconds to email insideline@namginc.com and let the gift cards come!

Let There Be Light

SuperUser Account — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:55:09 GMT

Stay mosquito-free outdoors with the ThermaCELL Lantern. Perfect for the deck or campsite, the lantern is 98% effective and is safe, with no open flame.Product Features: * Repels up to 98% of mosquitos, also repels black flies and no-see-ums * Provides a 15 x 15 ft mosquito free zone * Cordless & portable * No DEET! * Odor free * EPA approved, tested by U.S. Army, currently used in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan * Effective alternative to smelly lotions and sprays which must be applied to the skin * No open flame, automatically shuts off if tipped over * Also good for backyards, decks, picnics, barbeques, camping, etc. To enter to win, simply email insideline@namginc.com with your name and mailing address. You must put "ThermaCell Mosquito Lantern" as the subject line and include your contact info. Good luck!

Your Opinion Matters OLD

SuperUser Account — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:48:03 GMT

With each issue, our goal is to create a magazine cover that makes you say, "Wow, that looks cool!" That said, we're looking for your input. Vote on which of the magazine covers below is your favorite. Email insideline@namginc.com and rank your favorite magazine cover. Also, email us your suggestions for future covers. What would you like to see on the cover? What type of cover gets you excited? Be sure to label the subject line of your email as "Favorite Cover." March 2010 Feb 2010 Dec/Jan 2009/10 Oct/Nov 2009 July/Aug/Sept 2009 May/June 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009

Improve Your Sonar Skills OLD

SuperUser Account — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:44:18 GMT

Win a free instructional DVD from Bruce "Doc" Samson, a master in electronics. To enter, simply send an e-mail to insideline@namginc.com with your name and mailing address. Rank the four DVDs below in order of which ones you'd most like to win. Good luck! Lowrance Instructional DVD Part 1 (for LMS/LCX models)Understanding Sonar DVD - Part 1 – BasicUnderstanding Sonar DVD - Part 2 AdvancedLowrance HDS Comprehensive Training and Installation Learn more about the DVDs and Doc Samson at Hightechfishing.com.

Outstanding Catch: January 2010

SuperUser Account — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:18:54 GMT

The NAFC staff has carefully chosen 10 finalists for the November Outstanding Catch Awards contest. Now it's up to you! Vote for the catch you feel is the most outstanding, considering not only the fish's size, but also the body of water, geographic location and method used. Review the finalists below and consider their photos (click on the thumbnail to enlarge), and then cast your vote below. Also, one random voter will be selected to win a prize, so please submit your name and e-mail address below when you vote for your favorite outstanding catch.Enter your own photo for the next Outstanding Catch contest, and see past winners. Billy Grotton; 24-inch largemouth bass; Togus Pond, ME; watermelon Senko Chris Belote; 8 ½-pound largemouth bass; Wekiva River, FL; wild shiner Canyon Johnson; 14-inch crappie; private pond, CA; worm Jeff Hall; 8-pound 6-ounce largemouth bass; Lake Toho, FL, RapalaGrant Olsen; 397-pound halibut; Glacier Bay, AK; cutbait Jared Palick; 28 ¾-inch walleye; Wisconsin Dells, WI; live bait rig. Eldon Pigsley; 31 ½-inch walleye; Saskatchewan River, SASK; Lindy rig with LeechChad Rhea; 31-inch redfish; Johnsons Bayou, LA; surfcastingKen Raines; 46-inch striped bass; Delaware River, PA; clam John Migliori; rainbow trout; Lafayette Reservoir, CA; nightcrawler Fill out my Wufoo form!

Fish Ed

SuperUser Account — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:23:44 GMT

If you’ve ever wondered how fish react to fishing pressure, a new study on brown trout offers tantalizing clues.To gauge different responses to angling pressure between heavily fished and relatively untouched populations, biologists measured the catch and various behaviors of brown trout in two backcountry New Zealand rivers.1 A recent study suggests that being caught and released drastically changes a fish’s behavior. The Ugly River is a wilderness stream accessible only by hiking 10 hours through untracked and difficult terrain. The second site was the Owen River, which is easily accessed by road and has high fishing pressure for a backcountry river. Both are 50 to 100 feet wide, provide the same habitat, and have similar densities and size structures of brown trout.Let’s Go FishingTeams of guides and experienced fly anglers methodically fished each river on four three-day trips. In 12 days, 157 browns were caught in the Ugly River, 51 in the Owen. The fish represented 43 percent of the Ugly River’s browns and 11 percent of the Owen’s population. Fish in both rivers averaged about 3.8 pounds.Both the number of trout seen and hooked declined on successive days of each three-day trip on the Ugly, as fishing pressure pushed the browns tight into cover. Researchers allowed two to four weeks to elapse between each three-day fishing trip, and noted that trout sightings and catches returned to high levels on the first day of each trip. In other words, fish responded to angling immediately, but the effects on trout behavior disappeared after two weeks.On the more pressured Owen River, the numbers of fish seen and hooked were much lower on the first day and did not change during successive days of each trip.Also, the trout in the Ugly River were less likely to be spooked, more likely to be caught on the first cast, and overall required fewer presentations. Fish in the Owen that did not spook were more likely to remain at their feeding station while anglers cast to them.What It MeansRelatively unfished brown trout are less angler-shy and more vulnerable to capture. But the “virgin waters” effect is short-lived. As was apparent in the Ugly River, a single capture drastically changes a fish’s behavior. Whether this response is learned or has a physiological basis—such as elevated levels of stress hormones or the depletion of energy reserves after capture—is not easily determined, but the effect lasts several days.There was also a “chronic” effect of fishing in the Owen’s browns. The trout were less visible and less catchable. And, while fish occupying visible feeding stations were less likely to spook, they were also less likely to take a fly. Do these findings apply only to brown trout in New Zealand streams? I doubt it. Fish in small, clear streams are highly vulnerable, but dozens of anglers fishing even a large lake or reservoir day after day can “educate” a lot of fish.I commonly hear fisheries management colleagues who try to maintain large populations of quality fish lament the effect of “increasingly skilled anglers” and how technology has raised angler efficiency. There is little doubt that angler skill and efficiency is increasing. But we may be wrong in assuming that the fish don’t change, too. 1.Young, T.F., and J.W. Hayes. 2004. Angling pressure and trout catchability: behavioral observations of brown trout in two New Zealand backcountry rivers. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 24:1203-1213.Dr. Hal Schramm is a biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, Mississippi Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and professor of Wildlife and Fisheries at Mississippi State University.

Web Links February 2010

SuperUser Account — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:59:35 GMT

Fishing AdventuresLake of the Woods: Zippel Bay Resort: http://www.zippelbay.com/ Lake of The Woods Tourism: http://www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/Mississippi RiverIowa DNR: http://www.iowadnr.gov/fish/index.htmlSusquehanna RiverBass Fever Guide Service: www.bassfeverguideservice.comClose To HomeMobile Phone Satellite Imagery: www.google.com/mobile/products/maps Chain Ranch: http://www.chainranch.com/fishing-adventure Take Me Fishing Lake Finder: http://www.takemefishing.org/community/select-a-stateAlmanacFight The Washington Lead Tackle Ban: http://www.capwiz.com/asafish/issues/alert/?alertid=14446771

Five Phenominal Fisheries on a Budget

SuperUser Account — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:52:25 GMT

Okay, so we keep hearing a lot about the tough economy. Boat sales are in the tank and some manufacturers report sales down as much as 60 percent. More than a few of the more remote and high-end fishing lodges didn't even open their doors in 2009. That's the bad news. The good? Not all is not all doom and gloom in the fishing world. Several of my colleagues in the tackle and gear business say their sales are up. Why? Because people can go fishing without spending a ton of money. That got me thinking. Where are my favorite fishing destinations? You know, the ones that won't kill the bank account? Here are five of my favorite picks.1. Bassin' and WalleyesThere are a ton of options for bass fishing in North America. Heck, more people fish for bass than any other single species. I'm all about big fish and small crowds. Exactly why Roy Lake, South Dakota comes to mind. Roy is a 1,500 acre lake created 20,000 years ago by the glaciers. It sits in the heart of what's called South Dakota's Glacial Lakes Region; an area full of walleye, bass and crappie lakes. If you like smallmouth bass fishing, there aren't a lot of lakes that compare to Roy. Jig and minnows work wonders on Roy, as do soft plastics pitched around the lake's submerged timber. Come late July and August, the topwater bite takes off. Don't be surprised if you catch a couple fish in the 5 pound range. Oh, and don't be surprised if you also hook a few nice walleyes and pike. The lake has another big lure. Roy Lake State Park surrounds a good chunk of the lake, so visitors can beach their boats and camp right next to the beach. If you're looking for fancier accommodations, Roy Lake Resort is another great option.The Numbers: Fishing license $32 (3 day non-resident) State Park Campsite $16 (per night) State Park Vehicle Fee $6 (per day) Closest Major Cities Sioux Falls, SD 2 ½ hours Minneapolis, MN 4 ½ 2. Trout fishingIf you're into fly fishing and the trout game, better pack your bags for Colorado. There, you can find plenty of great places to chase plenty of fish without having to pay expensive rod fees and private access rates. One of my favorite public spots is a place called Cheesman Canyon. The South Platte River runs through Cheesman Canyon just an hour from Denver and holds as many as 5,200 rainbown and brown trout per mile. If you visit, be sure to bring along your best pair of hiking boots. Anglers must hike a minimum of a mile on the Gill Trail to find good water. The key to Cheesman Canyon? Stick to small mayfly and midge patterns.The Numbers: Fishing License: $21 (5 day non-resident) 1 Pair hiking boots $100 Closest Major City: Denver 60 minutes 3. Saltwater OasisIf you're looking for saltwater action without the hassle or price of a big-time fishing trip, then you need to check out the Padre Island National Seashore just outside of Corpus Christi, Texas. Anglers there have access to nearly 70 miles of beach along the Gulf Coast. Here's the catch. The National Seashore is open to cars and trucks. Locals cruise the beach, looking for feeding Pelicans. If you find the birds, you'll find the baitfish and the feeding sea trout, pompano, drum and crevalle jacks. On my last trip, surf casting Berkley Gulp on a long-shank jig worked like a charm. If you'd like to up the ante, you can hire a local guide and fish for sharks from the beach. Be warned, even a small five foot black tip will turn your arms to rubber.The Numbers: Fishing License: $16 (non-resident per day) $10 Saltwater stamp $10 Beach access charge per vehicleClosest City Corpus Christi 15 minutes 4. A Winter Getaway Photo courtesy of Jacob Gibb. See more at jacobgibb.com.I may be a little bit biased, but the Mississippi River runs darn near through my backyard, just north and west of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Come the snowy season, I grab my waders and winter hat and head to the river. Just upstream of the city of Monticello, two power plants use river water to cool plant turbines. That warm water allows that stretch of the river to remain open, even during the coldest winter months. That means anglers can chase big smallmouth bass, walleyes and even a few channel catfish in the dead of winter. The river, at its widest point around here, might be about 100 yards, so wade fishing is easy. Drifting a jig and minnow under a shallow slip bobber is deadly. Your best access point is Montisippi Regional Park, where you can park right at the river and hike upstream to the best water.The Numbers: MN Fishing License: $28.50 Closest City: Minneapolis 30 minutes 5. The White and North ForkFor some reason, I like fishing rivers. Exactly why I suggest you make a quick trip to Arkansas and the White and North Fork Rivers. After all, the White is home to at least one 38 pound brown trout, which was, at one point, a record fish. Yes, a lot of really big trout call the White and North Fork Rivers home and anglers have plenty of public access. I prefer to wade fish when I visit. I also tend to spend a lot of time on the North Fork, where I've found some awfully big rainbows. Jerk baits are a good choice for big fish. So are streamers. The River Ridge Inn and Gaston's are two of my favorite family resorts.The Numbers: Fishing License: $11 (3 day non-resident) Trout Stamp: $10 Hotel on River $99 (per day)

Cabela's MWC Update 01-27-10

SuperUser Account — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 21:46:10 GMT

Steve and Adam Sandor at Spring Valley, ILSteve and Dan Bodinger of Chilton, WI Danny & Barbara Plautz of WisconsinFamilies Welcomed to Fish together at the Cabela's MWC TournamentsThe Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit love seeing families fishing together because fishing is a fun and an exciting activity to bring families closer by enjoying the great outdoors and each other’s company. So the Cabela's Masters Walleye Circuit is proud to award top-fishing family-teams in the tournament seasons. Here are some Father/Son, Mother/Son, Brothers, and Husband/Wife teams that have fished well in the Cabela's MWC Tournaments:Father & Son, Bob and Mike Gooding, received the honor of MWC East Division Father and Son Team of the Year 2009. They had such a fantastic year that they also came in second to the title of East Team of the Year, paying out $289. Throughout the East Division tournaments in 2009 the father & son team won over $8000 in prize money. The Goodings look forward to 2010 to bringing home some handsome prizes and some more awards to place in their homes.Another great father & son team are Central Division Father and Son Team of the Year, Steve ‘Pinky’ Sandor of Ottawa, IL and Adam Sandor of Tonica, IL. They took home their first victory ever on the MWC with a win on their home waters at Spring Valley, IL on the Illinois River awarding them $16,550. This victory in Spring Valley won them the title of Central Division Father and Son Team of the Year and they Sandors are now proudly displaying their beautiful trophies at home.The father & son team in the West division was Eric and Bill Hanson of Lisbon, North Dakota. Throughout the tournament season the father & son team brought home over $2000 in prize money. They took their honors with great pride and are hoping to come back in 2010 stronger for another title of West Division Father and Son Team of the Year.The only mother & son team to fish the Cabela's MWC are Wisconsinites Danny Plautz of Milwaukee and his mother, Barb Plautz of Muskego. They propelled to a win with the 2008 Spring Valley tournament’s largest basket of 16.12 pounds on the final day. Their two day weight of 27.19 pounds was enough to cash $23,350 for first place payout. Powered by Mercury Motors they received a $500 contingency bonus and biggest fish of day two at 4.48 pounds earned another $1,600. That’s a total of $25,450. This was not only their first circuit victory but truly a chance to make history.A wonderful brothers team, Steve and Dan Bodinger of Chilton, WI, won the Central Division Brothers Team of the Year award. They began the year well at Spring Valley, IL finishing 13th place winning them $1,700, and then finished at 34th place on Lake Pepin, MN and 58th place on the Bay of Green Bay. This is the Cabela’s MWC first year to award a Central Division Brothers Team of the Year title and the Bodingers well deserve the honor.This brother teams of Bill Murray of Howell, MI and Bob Murray Fenton, MI won the East Division Brothers Team of the Year award. The Murray brothers had a steady year as they finished in 25th place in Trenton, MI, then were shy of ‘In the Money’ at Sandusky, OH placing at 13th place, and then finished at 29th place in Dunkirk, NY. The brothers are excited to get back into the boat and spend some quality time together.The husband & wife team of Gary and Marge Pelkey of Van Dyne, WI won the 2008 Cabela's MWC Central Division Husband & Wife Team of the Year title at the Lake Winnebago tournament in June. They beat out their next closest competitors by 76 points in route to this title. Gary had this to share about their win, "This has been a very special thing for us to share together. We have been close to winning the Husband and Wife Team of the Year title a few times, only to miss out on it by a handful of points. This title means so much to us as the competition in the MWC is second to none and we were able to compete with a lot of very talented teams."Cabela’s, the world’s foremost outfitter for hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, is entering their nineth season as title sponsor of the MWC. Official sponsors of the MWC include: Berkley, Ranger Boats, Mercury, MotorGuide, Lowrance, Fishouflage, Versus (Vs.) Television Network and North American Fishing Club. Associate Sponsors include: O2 Marine Technologies, 3-IN-ONE No Rust Shield, Abu Garcia, Fin-tech, Northland Fishing, Ryjus and Reflections.The Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit is the longest running professional walleye tournament circuit in the United States. For more information on the Cabela’s MWC or to view the 2010 schedule, visit: www.masterswalleyecircuit.com. Questions – email: events@masterswalleyecircuit.com or call: 877-893-7947.

Cabela's MWC Update 01-27-10

SuperUser Account — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 21:46:10 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 01-27-10

SuperUser Account — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 21:46:10 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 01-27-10

SuperUser Account — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 21:46:10 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 01-27-10

SuperUser Account — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 21:46:10 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 01-27-10

SuperUser Account — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 21:46:10 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 01-20-10

SuperUser Account — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 21:23:51 GMT

Cabela's MWC 2010 ScheduleThe Cabela’s MWC schedule is set and filled with favorite tournament spots stretching from the Dakotas to Lake Erie. The 2010 season features three divisions, Central, East and West. Having events in more locations, makes it easier to fish all three tournaments in a division and to explore new waters.Sign up for a Division as a Berkley Premier Team and receive some great benefits and an extra chance to make it to the World Walleye Championship.Here is the 2010 season schedule:MWC Central • March 27 & 28 – Spring Valley, IL (Illinois River) • June 5 & 6 – Oshkosh, Wisconsin (Lake Winnebago)** **Held in conjunction with the Cabela’s NTC • September 11 & 12 – Escanaba, Michigan (Bays de Noc)MWC East • April 17 & 18 – Trenton, MI (Detroit River) • June 18 - 20 – Sandusky, OH (Central Lake Erie) • August 6 - 8 – Au Gres, Michigan (Saginaw Bay)MWC West • May 8 & 9 – Mobridge, SD (Lake Oahe) • August 21 & 22 – Devils Lake, ND (Devils Lake) • September 18 & 19 – Webster, SD (Waubay Lake)MWC Championship • October 14 - 16 – Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin (Mississippi River – Pools 9 & 10)Registration is now open for Berkley Premier Teams until February 10th. Beginning February 10th all entries for any tournament will be accepted.Cabela’s, the world’s foremost outfitter for hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, is entering their nineth season as title sponsor of the MWC. Official sponsors of the MWC include: Berkley, Ranger Boats, Mercury, MotorGuide, Lowrance, Fishouflage, Versus (Vs.) Television Network and North American Fishing Club. Associate Sponsors include: O2 Marine Technologies, 3-IN-ONE No Rust Shield, Abu Garcia, Fin-tech, Northland Fishing, Ryjus and Reflections.The Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit is the longest running professional walleye tournament circuit in the United States. For more information on the Cabela’s MWC or to view the 2010 schedule, visit: www.masterswalleyecircuit.com. Questions – email: events@masterswalleyecircuit.com or call: 877-893-7947.

Cabela's MWC Update 01-20-10

SuperUser Account — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 21:23:51 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 01-20-10

SuperUser Account — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 21:23:51 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 01-20-10

SuperUser Account — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 21:23:51 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 01-20-10

SuperUser Account — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 21:23:51 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 01-20-10

SuperUser Account — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 21:23:51 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 1-13-10

SuperUser Account — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:02:45 GMT

Cabela's MWC Berkley Premier Team Benefits! Registration for the Cabela's MWC Berkley Premier Teams began January 6th and we will continue to accept registrations until February 10th! To register for your favorite tournament or a tournament near you, please visit www.masterswalleyecircuit.com.New in the 2010 season is the addition of Berkley Premier Teams. Teams that sign up for all three tournaments in a division during our early session will be called Premier Teams. Advantages of signing up as a Premier Team are:• Cabela’s Gift Card Contingency Bonus! Over $9,000 in Cabela’s gift cards will be given away to Premier Teams throughout the qualifying season. The top finishing Premier Team at each tournament will win a $500 gift card, the 2nd highest finishing Premier Team will take home a $300 gift card and the 3rd highest finishing Premier Team will win a $200 gift card at each qualifying event in 2010.• Enter new bracket for a Championship berth! Each Premier Team will automatically be entered into a bracket for their respective division with the winner of the bracket receiving a spot into the following year’s Championship. Once boat numbers are assigned, each Premier Team will be placed into a slot on the bracket. On each day of the tournament, half the field will best their bracket to move on to the next round. After the final tournament of each division, a bracket winner will be determined and automatically receive a spot in the 2011 Championship. In addition, each division winner of the Premier Team Bracket Challenge will win a $500 Cabela’s gift card.• Special Premier Team Merchandise! Premier Team members will each receive a special Premier Team hat or t-shirt for committing early to fishing all three tournaments in a division.• Delayed payment for each tournament! All Premier Teams will be allowed to delay payment for each tournament until 30 days prior to the event. This allows teams to hold a spot in the field without paying for all events at once.The early registration session period will end on Wednesday, February 10, 2010.We look forward to fishing with you and hopefully cutting a check for your team this upcoming Cabela's MWC 2010 Season!Cabela’s, the world’s foremost outfitter for hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, is entering their nineth season as title sponsor of the MWC. Official sponsors of the MWC include: Berkley, Ranger Boats, Mercury, MotorGuide, Lowrance, Fishouflage, Versus (Vs.) Television Network and North American Fishing Club. Associate Sponsors include: O2 Marine Technologies, 3-IN-ONE No Rust Shield, Abu Garcia, Fin-tech, Northland Fishing, Ryjus and Reflections.For more information on the Cabela’s MWC, visit: www.masterswalleyecircuit.com. Questions – email: events@masterswalleyecircuit.com or call: 877-893-7947.

Cabela's MWC Update 1-13-10

SuperUser Account — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:02:45 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 1-13-10

SuperUser Account — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:02:45 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 1-13-10

SuperUser Account — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:02:45 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 1-13-10

SuperUser Account — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:02:45 GMT

Cabela's MWC Update 1-13-10

SuperUser Account — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:02:45 GMT

Kurita’s Bass Ties Perry’s World Record

SuperUser Account — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 22:20:39 GMT

Jan. 8 -- After nearly six months of waiting, Japan’s Manabu Kurita is taking his place along side Georgia angler George Perry in the International Game Fish Association’s (IGFA) World Record Games Fishes book as dual holders of the All-Tackle record for largemouth bass each weighing 22 lb 4 oz and caught 77 years apart. Today the IGFA approved Kurita’s application for the fish caught from Japan’s largest lake on July 2, 2009. The 70-year old non-profit fisheries conservation, education and record-keeping body, received Kurita’s application and documentation on Sept. 19, 2009. The largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), was caught from Lake Biwa which is an ancient reservoir northeast of Kyoto. The IGFA just announced that the 22 lb 4 oz bass caught by Japan’s Manabu Kurita officially ties George Perry's coveted world record. Kurita, 32, of Aichi, Japan, was fishing Biwa that July day using a Deps Sidewinder rod and a Shimano Antares DC7LV reel loaded with 25 lb Toray line when he pitched his bait, a live bluegill, next to a bridge piling. It was Kurita’s first cast to the piling where he had seen a big bass swimming. He only twitched the bait a couple of times before he got bit. After a short, three minute fight he had the fish in the boat. Kurita was quoted as saying “I knew it was big, but I didn’t know it was that big.” But big it was. Using certified scales, his fish weighed in at 10.12 kg or 22 lb 4 oz. When measured, the fish had a fork length of 27.2 inches and a girth of 26.7 inches. The IGFA only has line classes up to 20 lb for largemouth bass, so Kurita had no chance at a line class record as well. IGFA rules for fish caught outside the U.S. allows anglers 90 days to submit their applications from the date of their catch. The documentation was received through the IGFA’s sister association the Japan Game Fish Association (JGFA). IGFA conservation director Jason Schratwieser said Kurita’s application was meticulously documented with the necessary photos and video. Kurita’s fish ties the current record held for over 77 years by Perry who caught his bass on Georgia’s Montgomery Lake, June 2, 1932, near Jacksonville, Georgia. That 22 lb 4 oz behemoth won Field and Stream Magazine’s big fish contest and 46 years later, when the IGFA took over freshwater records from Field and Stream, it became the All-Tackle record now one of over 1,100 fresh and saltwater species the IGFA monitors. IGFA All-Tackle records are now free for viewing by the public at igfa.org. Kurita’s name is now on the IGFA Web site with that of Perry’s and will appear in the 2011 edition of the World Record Games Fishes book…. unless that record is broken this year. In North America the largemouth bass, and especially the All-Tackle record, is considered by millions of anglers as the “holy grail” of freshwater fish because of its popularity and the longevity of Perry’s record. That fish undoubtedly helped to spawn a billion dollar industry that today makes up a significant part of the sport of recreational fishing. Schratwieser said, “The moment Kurita weighed his fish, word spread like wildfire. We knew this would be significant so we immediately contacted the JGFA for more information. Established in 1979, and JGFA compiles and translates all record applications of fish caught in Japan before forwarding to the IGFA. It works out well because they not only translate applications but can also contact the angler if more documentation is needed.” LENGTHY PROCESS “Since the IGFA requires three months from the time of capture before a record can be approved, the official word would have to wait until October 2,” said Schratwieser. “However, almost right away rumors began to circulate that Kurita may have caught his fish in a ‘no-fishing zone’. In response, the IGFA immediately corresponded with the JGFA to speak with the angler about this issue and to gather information regarding the legality of fishing where Kurita caught his bass. Official word came back that the location of the catch was not a no-fishing zone, but was an area where anchoring or stopping was prohibited. This spurred more correspondence with the JGFA and the angler, including affidavits asking the angler if he stopped his boat at anytime. Again, the testimony and affidavits that came back indicated that the Kurita did not violate any laws and that his catch was indeed legitimate.” It didn’t end there. A considerable amount of time and correspondence was to continue between the IGFA, JGFA and Kurita, a primary reason it took so long to come to a decision. During this time, the IGFA was also besieged with letters and emails from the bass fishing community, said Schratwieser. “Many were incredulous that the All-Tackle record could be tied from a fish in Japan. Others beseeched the IGFA to approve the record and give Kurita the credit he deserves. Still others wanted to know why the entire process was taking so long. It soon became clear to the IGFA staff that this would be a contentious issue no matter if the record were approved or rejected. " “The IGFA was also sensitive to this particular record because in past years there have been several attempts to sue us over largemouth bass record claims. Although none of these claims have been successful, they have resulted in considerable legal fees for the IGFA,” he said. In the end, the IGFA staff concluded it would be both in the best interest of the IGFA and that of Kurita if he submitted to a polygraph analysis. The IGFA reserves the right to employ polygraph analyses to any record application, and this is explicitly stated in the affidavit section of the world record application form. Again, more correspondence was issued to the JGFA to request that Kurita take a polygraph test. He immediately agreed. On December 15, Kurita was examined by a professional polygraph analyst in Japan. The many questions he was given included if he was truthful about the information reported on the application form and if his boat ever came to a complete stop while fighting his fish. The results from the polygraph concluded that Manabu Kurita answered the questions honestly and that the catch was legitimate. George Perry’s 77 year old record was officially tied. Due Diligence Pays Off “Six months may seem like a lot of time to determine if a fish ties a record,” said Schratwieser. “Hopefully, people now understand the amount of due diligence the IGFA conducted on this record. Although we treat all records with equal rigor, the All-Tackle largemouth bass record is nothing less than iconic and the bass angling community deserved nothing less.” Schratwieser added, “The IGFA wishes to applaud Kurita on his outstanding catch and would also like to commend him on his patience and candor during the entire review process. We would also like to thank the JGFA for their diligence and tireless assistance in corresponding with Kurita and fisheries officials.”Where Will The Next Record Come From? Largemouth bass have also been introduced in many countries but in Japan fisheries officials consider it an invasive species. In addition, because bass are not native and are stocked in Japan, many speculated that the big bass was a sterile triploid. However when biologists in Japan examined the ova of the big female, Schratwieser said they concluded that the fish was not triploid. For over 77 years the record stood as bass fanatics theorized when and where the record would be broken. Over the years there have been rumors and unsubstantiated reports of bass that could have tied or eclipsed Perry’s record, but nothing ever passed IGFA criteria. Some anglers did come close, however. Schratwieser said the closest came in 1991, when Robert Crupi caught a 22 lb bass in Lake Dixon, California USA, that still reigns as the 16 lb line class record and the third heaviest approved bass record in IGFA history. “Most people thought that the next All-Tackle record would come from California. Until Kurita’s tie the seven heaviest bass records behind Perry’s came from California lakes. Although not native to California, it appears transplanted bass have adapted quite well to the deep, clear lakes and reservoirs and the abundant trout forage found in some of them. “Little did people know that introduced bass grew big in places besides California, and that there are true monsters swimming on the other side of the world in Japan.”

Outstanding Catch: December 2009

SuperUser Account — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:48:00 GMT

The NAFC staff has carefully chosen 10 finalists for the November Outstanding Catch Awards contest. Now it's up to you! Vote for the catch you feel is the most outstanding, considering not only the fish's size, but also the body of water, geographic location and method used. Review the finalists below and consider their photos (click on the thumbnail to enlarge), and then cast your vote below. Also, one random voter will be selected to win a prize, so please submit your name and e-mail address below when you vote for your favorite outstanding catch.Enter your own photo for the next Outstanding Catch contest, and see past winners. Greg Stong 30-inch walleye Sturgeon Bay, WI trolling Jeff Taylor 5-pound, 2-ounce smallmouth bass Georgian Bay, ONT 4-inch SenkoDustin Blanton 18 ½-inch crappie public pond, MO live minnow Rodney Padden 5-pound, 9-ounce largemouth bass Lamoka lake, NY Rebel Pop-RBarbara Berry 54 ½-pound flathead catfish Waccamaw River, SC sunfish Tanner Sterud 7-pounds, 4-ounce largemouth bass California Delta, CA Lucky Craft BDS2 Robert Allison 9 ½-pound largemouth bass private pond, MS pumpkinseed jig-n-pigBill Erdmann brown trout Missouri River, MT No. 9 Countdown RapalaKeith Arnold 11 ½-pound Lahontan cutthroat trout Pyramid Lake, NV shorefishing a hand-tied jig Marvin Bodine 43-pound striped bass Bull Shoals Lake, AR Roadrunner jig and 10-pound test line Fill out my Wufoo form!

Cabela's MWC Update 01-06-10