NAFC Friend Alton Jones Scores First Classic Win

SuperUser Account — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:42:58 GMT

Greenville, SC—Alton Jones of Waco, Texas, reached the pinnacle of the competitive bass fishing world, Feb. 22-24, by capturing his first Bassmaster Classic championship title. This was the 11th Classic appearance for Jones who collected $500,000 for the victory. The tournament, which pitted the top 50 anglers on the 2007 BASS circuit, was held on Hartwell Lake, a sprawling reservoir along the South Carolina/Georgia boarder. The competitors caught fish from a diversity of structure and cover, both in shallow and deep water. During the course of the three-day mega-tournament, however, Jones focused on targeting large fish in 15 to 40 feet of water, primarily from ditch bottoms along the inside edges of flooded timber.During pre-tournament practice and the competition itself, Jones used his Humminbird 1197c SI (side imaging) Combo to pinpoint the cover and bass, then methodically fished a 3/4-ounce Pigskin Jig or 1/2-ounce AJ’s Go2 Jig, both soon to be released from Booyah, along the ditch bottoms.“The fish I was catching were right on the bottom, and an extremely slow presentation was critical to getting bit,” he says.Jones landed in 10th place, with 17 pounds, 5 ounces, after the Day One weigh-in, then jumped to the lead on Day Two, with an impressive 18-pound, 11-ounce catch. On the final day, he confessed that he was worried that he’d not caught enough weight to hold on to first place. But as it turned out, his 13-pound, 7-ounce bag was heavier than any brought in by the competition. His 49-pound, 7-ounce total outscored that of Petal, Mississippi, angler Cliff Pace by 5 pounds, 2 ounces. He topped third-place finisher, NAFC Advisory Council Member Kevin Van Dam of Kalamazoo, Mich., by 5 pounds, 15 ounces.Jones, whose career earnings now exceed $1.5 million, is a long-time friend of the NAFC. He’s appeared in a number of feature articles where he’s outlined his proven strategies for catching more and bigger bass. He’s scheduled to appear next in the April issue of North American Fisherman where he’ll explain advanced buzzbaiting techniques.

Vote Now For Catch & Release Contest Winners!

SuperUser Account — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:49:58 GMT

The time has come—all of the entries for the 2007 NAFC Catch & Release Contest have been compiled and the North American Fisherman editors have chosen 25 of the best catches. The decision of who among those will win a fantastic grand prize package is up to you, because the 10 winners will be decided strictly by a member vote. All you have to do is choose the entry you feel is the best overall catch. But don’t just look at sheer size—also consider the fish’s geographic location and the angler’s fishing method when making this very important decision. But time is already running out, so vote today! Click on photos to enlarge. 1. Eric Austin 40-inch northern pike; Mohawk River, NY; Terminator spinnerbait 2. Randy Beamish 23 7/8-inch brook trout; Nipigon Riber, ON; fly fishing a streamer 3. Bob Behrendt 50-inch northern pike; Lake Athabasca, SASK; casting 4. Wade Boyechko38 1/2-inch channel catfish Red River, MB tiger prawn cast from shore 5. Doug Chute 24-inch smallmouth bass; Upper Niagara River, NY; Berkley Goby on drop-shot 6. Marlin Coulombe 41-inch lake trout; Great Bear Lake, NWT; trolling AC Plug 7. Dennis Davis 46-inch striped bass; Atlantic Ocean off Beach Haven, NJ; live menhaden 8. Tony Fischbeck25-inch largemouth bass; Franklin Reservoir, MA; Jointed Rapala 9. Jim Gaidar54-inch muskie; Eagle Lake, ON; casting a bucktail 10. James Golla42 ½-inch chinook salmon; Salmon River, AK; casting a Storm Wiggle Wart 11. Alex Hall 40-inch steelhead; Babine River, BC; casting Little Cleo Spoon 12. James Hall 25 7/8-inch rainbow trout; Whitely Creek, PA; wooly bugge 13. David Harrison 53-inch blue catfish; Nickajack Lake, TN; cut bluegill on bottom 14. Andrew Lind45-inch flathead catfish; Minnesota River, MN; live bullhead 15. William Margis24-inch smallmouth bass; Green Bay, WI; 5-inch Kalin Grub16. Tom Miller32-inch walleye; Fox River, WI; casting Cotton Cordell Super Spot 17. Dennis Musgraves38-inch steelhead; Situk River, AK; Jerry Garcia glow-fly 18. Paul Noles27 3/4-inch largemouth bass; private lake, TN; jig-and-Strike King 3X trailer 19. Gordon Oldakowski54-inch muskie; Memoniee River, WI; Gizit Tube 20. Joseph Pisano 29-inch brown trout; 18-Mile Creek; drifting an egg 21. Bruce Rivera27 5/8-inch largemouth bass; Lake Conestee, NC; Zoom Trick Worm 22. Anthony Sanders17 3/4-inch crappie; public pond, Ohio; live minnow under float 23. Gary Sweet48-inch carp; Lake Mohave, AZ; cut anchovy 24. Richard Yekel29-inch largemouth bass; Crooked Lake, FL; wild shine 25. Robert Zaladonis 42 ½-inch flathead catfish; Monongahela River, PA; live sucker on drop-shot rig Fill out my Wufoo form!

Vote Now For Catch & Release Contest Winners!

SuperUser Account — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:01:51 GMT

The time has come—all of the entries for the 2007 NAFC Catch & Release Contest have been compiled and the North American Fisherman editors have chosen 25 of the best catches. The decision of who among those will win a fantastic grand prize package is up to you, because the 10 winners will be decided strictly by a member vote. All you have to do is choose the entry you feel is the best overall catch. But don’t just look at sheer size—also consider the fish’s geographic location and the angler’s fishing method when making this very important decision.Voting has ended. Click on photos to enlarge. 1. Eric Austin 40-inch northern pike; Mohawk River, NY; Terminator spinnerbait 2. Randy Beamish 23 7/8-inch brook trout; Nipigon Riber, ON; fly fishing a streamer 3. Bob Behrendt 50-inch northern pike; Lake Athabasca, SASK; casting 4. Wade Boyechko38 1/2-inch channel catfish Red River, MB tiger prawn cast from shore 5. Doug Chute 24-inch smallmouth bass; Upper Niagara River, NY; Berkley Goby on drop-shot 6. Marlin Coulombe 51-inch lake trout; Great Bear Lake, NWT; trolling AC Plug 7. Dennis Davis 46-inch striped bass; Atlantic Ocean off Beach Haven, NJ; live menhaden 8. Tony Fischbeck25-inch largemouth bass; Franklin Reservoir, MA; Jointed Rapala 9. Jim Gaidar54-inch muskie; Eagle Lake, ON; casting a bucktail 10. James Golla42 ½-inch chinook salmon; Salmon River, AK; casting a Storm Wiggle Wart 11. Alex Hall 40-inch steelhead; Babine River, BC; casting Little Cleo Spoon 12. James Hall 25 7/8-inch rainbow trout; Whitely Creek, PA; wooly bugge 13. David Harrison 53-inch blue catfish; Nickajack Lake, TN; cut bluegill on bottom 14. Andrew Lind45-inch flathead catfish; Minnesota River, MN; live bullhead 15. William Margis24-inch smallmouth bass; Green Bay, WI; 5-inch Kalin Grub16. Tom Miller32-inch walleye; Fox River, WI; casting Cotton Cordell Super Spot 17. Dennis Musgraves38-inch steelhead; Situk River, AK; Jerry Garcia glow-fly 18. Paul Noles27 3/4-inch largemouth bass; private lake, TN; jig-and-Strike King 3X trailer 19. Gordon Oldakowski54-inch muskie; Memoniee River, WI; Gizit Tube 20. Joseph Pisano 29-inch brown trout; 18-Mile Creek; drifting an egg 21. Bruce Rivera27 5/8-inch largemouth bass; Lake Conestee, NC; Zoom Trick Worm 22. Anthony Sanders17 3/4-inch crappie; public pond, Ohio; live minnow under float 23. Gary Sweet48-inch carp; Lake Mohave, AZ; cut anchovy 24. Richard Yekel29-inch largemouth bass; Crooked Lake, FL; wild shine 25. Robert Zaladonis 42 ½-inch flathead catfish; Monongahela River, PA; live sucker on drop-shot rig

NAFC’s 2008 Catch & Release Contest

SuperUser Account — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 18:54:14 GMT

Enter your best catch today and win a huge prize package!Here’s your chance to test your angling skills, enjoy friendly competition with fellow members and win huge prizes, all while helping conserve big fish--the 2008 NAFC Catch & Release Contest!The annual event, now in its twelfth year, also lets you participate in more ways than simply entering fish. That’s because, just as in 2007, members—not a random drawing--will choose the contest’s winners.After the entry deadline, Jan. 31, 2008, the NAFC staff will nominate 25 finalists over a range of species and geographic locations, based on the quality of the catches. These entry photos and information about each catch will then be posted on the NAFC website, FishingClub.com, where members will be able to vote for their favorites. The 10 entries that receive the most votes will earn each angler the prize package seen here, which is valued at over $1,000!In addition, the contest will feature the longstanding Angler of the Year competition. The angler who racks up the most total points will claim the title, a free Life Membership and a commemorative plaque.Plus, we’re also offering a special youth division, the winners of which will be decided by a random drawing. Look for full details in the March issue of North American Fisherman.All other contest rules will remain the same.ENTRY FORM (PDF) || ENTER ONLINE VOTE for 2007 Catch & Release Contest Winners FISHING RULES:All fish must be caught on hook and line and in accordance with state or provincial laws. Fish must be released within 2 hours of being caught. Fish must meet minimum length requirements listed below: (No minimum length requirements for youth 15 & under; only catches that meet or exceed the minimum length will be counted toward Angler of the Year points or any other category.)Species - Min. Length Arctic Char 30" Arctic Grayling 18" Bass, Largemouth 22" Bass, Peacock 24” Bass, Smallmouth 20" Bass, Spotted 19” Bass, Striped Hybrid 24" Bass, Striped 36" Bass, White 17" Bluefish 30” Bluegill 11" Bonefish none Carp 25” Catfish, Blue 34" Catfish, Channel 28" Catfish, Flathead 35" Crappie, (Black or White) 14" Dolly Varden 20" Dorado 40” King Mackerel 45” Kokanee 18” Marlin, all varieties t none Muskie 42" Muskie, Hybrid 37” Perch, Yellow 15" Permit 25" Pickerel, Chain 24" Pike, Northern 38" Redfish t 30" Sailfish none Salmon, Atlantic 34" Salmon, Chinook a 36" Salmon, Coho 31" Sauger 21" Seatrout 26" Shark, all varieties t none Snook 35" Splake 27" Steelhead 27" Sturgeon t none Sunfish, Redear 12” Swordfish t none Tarpon t none Trout, Brook 18" Trout, Brown 20" Trout, Cutthroat 18" Trout, Lake 32" Trout, Rainbow 20" Tuna, all varieties t none Wahoo t none Walleye 27" Whitefish 20” t Indicates species for which touching the leader is considered a landed fish. Although a minimum length is not required, entrants must provide an estimated length.A chinook salmon caught in Alaska must be photographed in the water.ENTRIES: Limit of 1 entry per fish (and a limit of one fish per entry form). Multiple entries per person (multiple fish) are allowed and encouraged with a maximum of 25 entries per species.Fish must be caught and released between 1/1/08 and 12/31/08.All 2008 entries must be received at the NAFC by 1/31/09.Entry information must be clearly printed on an official entry form. Form must be signed by angler and witness. (Form photocopies are allowed).Photographs are optional (strongly encouraged) for program entry but must be included to qualify for the “Angler of the Year” award. Quality photographs will be selected for publication in the North American Fisherman magazine and on www.fishingclub.com.Photographs: 1. Must be on or near the water. 2. Fish must be held in a manner that doesn’t harm the fish. 3. Must show the angler. 4. Print name, address, phone # and NAFC member # (if applicable) on the back of each photograph. 5. Do not staple or tape the photograph to the entry. 6. Polaroid and home-printed digital images are strongly discouraged. 7. Send each entry to:NAFC 2008 Catch & Release PO Box 3429 Minnetonka, MN 55343 CATEGORIESMEMBERS’ CHOICE – TOP TEN CATCHES After the Jan. 31, 2009 entry submission deadline, the NAFC staff will nominate 25 finalists over a range of species and geographic locations, based on the overall quality of the catches. The photos and information about each catch will then be posted on the NAFC and Catch & Release Contest websites, where members can vote for their favorites. The 10 entries that receive the most votes will earn each angler a prize package worth over $1,000. (See the Feb. 2007 issue of North American Fisherman, or visit the NAFC website for prize details.)YOUTH This category is for youths who are 15 years or under on the date of the catch. There are no minimum length requirements for the Youth category. (Only catches that meet or exceed the minimum length will be counted toward Angler of the Year points or any other category.)ANGLER OF THE YEAR: A free NAFC Life Membership and wall plaque will be awarded to the angler who accumulates the most points based on the following point allocation system: 1 point will be awarded for each qualified entry (must include a photograph). 10 bonus points will be awarded for each different qualified species entered (no points for the first species).ADDITIONAL AWARDS: All NAFC members submitting qualifying entries that meet the minimum length requirements for the species will receive a Catch & Release decal and one certificate of recognition for the largest fish in each of the species that they submit. Certificates and decals will be mailed in March of 2008.NAFC members who catch and release a state and/or world record fish, and submit supporting documentation, will receive a special NAFC recognition plaque. GENERAL RULES: No purchase necessary to enter or win. Void where prohibited by law. No responsibility is assumed for late, lost, damaged, postage due, or misdirected entries. NAFC decisions concerning all matters related to this contest are final. Winners will be notified by mail and prizes will be delivered by June 1, 2009. All taxes are the sole responsibility of the winner. All photos become property of the NAFC and will not be returned. Entrant grants the NAFC the right to publish his/her name, photograph, likeness, and biographical information in advertising and promotion without compensation or permission. Entrant releases the NAFC from any liability arising out of participation in this contest or the acceptance, use, or misuse of a prize. No cash substitutions, transfers, or assignments of prizes allowed, except by the NAFC who reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value. The NAFC reserves the right to disqualify any entry. Reminder: Entry information must be clearly printed on an official entry form (form photocopies are allowed).PRIZESClick on photos to enlarge.Berkley Line And SoftbaitA collection Berkley’s most innovative lines and lures, including FireLine Crystal, new 100% Trilene Fluorocarbon, Trilene Sensation, Trilene Maxx, Trilene XT Tough Red, Gulp! Alive! Minnows, Gulp! Gobies, Gulp! Leeches, Chigger Craws and Wacky Crawlers. Optimum Baits This prize package features four top baits from Optimum’s proven line, the Crashing Thunder, Furbit, Original Swimbait and AC Minnow, plus, the deps Basirisky. 3M Scientific Anglers ComboThis 3M Scientific Anglers Ready-To-Fish bass fly fishing outfit features a four-piece, 8-weight fly rod and a Concept disc-drag reel pre-spooled with weight-forward line and an attached leader. It also includes three flies and an instructional fly fishing DVD. Plano 3758 Guide Series Gear BagThis soft-side bag can be carried like a satchel and includes a 3750 ProLatch StowAway utility box in an exterior hard-molded holder, a 3543 Waterproof Spinnerbait utility box, and one 2-3500 ProLatch StowAway box within the EVA molded base. The interior provides deep storage and comes with a Velcro divider that creates up to four compartments. Northland SlurpiesThis collection includes 16 packs of Northland’s Slurpies SowSauce-scented softbaits, two Slurpies lure kits, a DVD and a ruler sticker. Salmo HardbaitsThese 12 premium hand-tuned hardbaits from Salmo Performance Fishing Lures are ideal for bass, walleyes, pike, muskies and more. The prize pack also includes a Salmo cap. Ardent C400 This 100 percent made-in-America baitcaster features a one-piece aluminum alloy frame, four stainless steel bearings, a 6.3:1 helical gear ratio, Ardent’s Comfort Grip frame design, Strike Saver drag and six pin centrifugal brake. Winners will also receive Ardent’s Reel Kleen cleaning kit.

Web Connections March 2008

SuperUser Account — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:40:03 GMT

ADVERTISER, WEBSITEAbu Garcia, abugarcia.com All Star Rods, allstarrods.com Ardent Outdoors, ardentreels.com Bass Pro Shops, basspro.com/ms194 Berkley Trilene, berkley-fishing.com Blakemore Lures, blakemorelures.com Bradford Exchange, collectiblestoday.com Cajun Line, CajunLine.com Columbia Sportswear, columbia.com/omnishade Daiwa, daiwa.comEagle Claw, eagleclaw.com Evinrude, evinrude.com Fenwick, fenwickfishing.com Ford, fordvehicles.com G3 Boats, g3boats.com Garmin, garmin.com Geico, geico.com Gorilla Glue, gorillatough.com Humminbird, sideimaging.com Lindy, driftcontrol.com Lowrance, lowrance.com Mann’s Bait, mannsbait.com Mercury Marine, MercuryMarine.com Minn Kota, minnkotamotors.com Myoutdoortv.com, myoutdoortv.com Nissan Marine, nissanmarine.com Plano, planomolding.com Progressive Insurance, progressive.com Quantum, quantumfishing.com Quebec Tourism, quebecoutfitters.com Ranger Boats, rangerboats.com Rapala, rapala.com Select Comfort, selectcomfort.com Shimano, fish.shimano.com/spinning Southern Kentucky Lakes & Rivers, mykentuckyvacation.info SPAM, spam.com Stratos Boats, stratosboats.com Suzuki Marine, suzuki.com Tohatsu, tohatsu.com TroutKrilla, YUM3X.com Ugly Stik, shakespeare-fishing.com Versus TV, versus.com Yamaha ATV, Yamaha-motor.com Yamaha Marine, YamahaOutboards.com YUM Baits, YUM3X.com

Web Links March 2008

SuperUser Account — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:17:26 GMT

AlmanacClub Crashers: www.clubcrashers.com Fishing ToolsShakespeare: www.shakespeare-fishing.com Daiwa: www.daiwa.com Quantum: www.quantumfishing.com Cabela’s: www.cabelas.com Abu Garcia: www.abugarcia.com Shimano: www.shimano.com Fishing AdventuresDevils, Oahe lakes: http://gf.nd.gov/fishing/ Lake George: http://floridafisheries.com/updates/bass2007.html Potomac River: http://fletcherscove.com Lake Powell: http://www.wayneswords.com; http://www.wildlife.utah.gov/blueribbon/waters/lake_powell.php Santee Cooper: http://www.santeecoopercountry.org/; http://www.santeecoopercountry.org/ Sporting VehiclesPIAA www.piaalights.comIPF www.arbusa.comHella www.hellausa.comProComp: www.performanceproducts.com Super SticksBerkley: www.berkley-fishing.com Daiwa: www.daiwa.com Fenwick Rods: www.fenwickfishing.com G.Loomis: www.gloomis.com Okuma Fishing Tackle: www.okumafishing.com Rapala: www.rapala.com St. Croix: www.stcroixrods.com Shimano: www.shimano.com Zebco: www.zebco.comKister: www.kistlerrods.come21 Fishing: www.e21fishing.comAll Star: http://www.allstarrods.com/ Catfishing’s 7 Deadly SinsFrabill: www.frabill.com New ProductsHumminbird: www.humminbird.comLucky Craft: www.luckycraft.comYum: www.lurenet.comSpiderwire: www.spiderwire.comBass Fishing Lures: Catch more fish with scientifically designed Swim Bait Lures not sold in stores.

Fishing News March 2008

SuperUser Account — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:32:17 GMT

Illinois, Kentucky Reach Ohio River Agreement FRANKFORT, KY—An amended agreement recently adopted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources clarifies regulations allowing licensed sport anglers from either state to fish in the Illinois-Kentucky boundary waters of the Ohio River.Fishery administrators, biologists, and law enforcement officers from the two agencies developed the amended agreement to make it easier for fishermen to comply with fishing regulations of both states.Anglers may continue to fish the main stem of the Ohio River, except for embayments and tributaries, with a valid sport fishing license from Kentucky or Illinois.Kentucky anglers may fish the Illinois bank of the Ohio River with a Kentucky fishing license, but must abide by Illinois fishing regulations. Anglers from either state may not snag any fish from the Illinois bank of the Ohio River. Other sport fishing requirements are similar for both states. Commercial angling regulations remain significantly different between the states and these anglers must consult navigation charts from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to know their state boundaries while on the river.“This new agreement updates those fishing regulations that are uniform to both states and those that vary somewhat between Illinois and Kentucky,” said IDNR Acting Director Sam Flood. “We want anglers from both states and visitors to our region to enjoy their time fishing the Illinois-Kentucky boundary waters of the Ohio River, while at the same time help to protect and manage this great fishery properly.”Deadbeat Parents Can’t Fish In KansasPRATT, KS—With the passage of 2007 legislation, parents who are delinquent on court-ordered child support payments will be barred from purchasing fishing licenses issued by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.Following the lead of other states, the Kansas automated licensing system will be programmed to crosscheck the database from the state’s Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services to maintain a list of individuals in arrears on child support.The new law also outlines procedures by which individuals may be removed from the list of delinquent child support debtors, reinstating their privileges for KDWP licenses and permits.

Fishing Q & A March 2008

SuperUser Account — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 13:20:18 GMT

Flat Factors Q: When it comes to dialing in a crankbait bite, when would I want to use a flat-side crank, instead of a regular or wide-body? Also, dou you think balsa flat-sides worth the extra price?Member Tony Kaprolat Decatur, AlabamaA: I like flat-side baits in cold water--especially the wood baits without rattles. I feel there's a big advantage to throwing them in cold conditions, because a fish’s metabolism is slower.I think part of the reason flat cranks are so successful in cold water is they're so quiet--again, no rattles are key. The other part, I think, is the way they push a lot of water, without a ton of wild action.I prefer the balsa versions, which do cost more; the flat-side I throw the most is the Flat Shad from Strike King. It sells for around $18 and is well worth it.––Kevin VanDamDisease ControlQ: Do scientists believe VHS (viral hemorrhagic septicemia) can be contained? I think it could really hurt fisheries near me that have already suffered with largemouth bass virus.Member Jon Stafford North Little Rock, ArkansasA: Resource managers are doing all they can do to stop the spread of VHS and hope to contain the disease.But if VHS is as transmissible as largemouth bass virus, then my opinion is no, we won’t be able to contain the disease. Anglers are just too mobile.Nevertheless, we must all do our part. Dry your boat out and sterilize livewells by adding two cups of bleach to a full livewell and running the pumps for 10 minutes before and after fishing new waters.We have much to learn about VHS and its short- and long-term effects on fish populations. The disease manifests itself in cold water periods, so what happens this spring will tell us a lot about how far the disease has spread and whether the problem is waxing or waning.––Dr. Hal Schramm

NAFC Boat Buyer's Guide

SuperUser Account — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 20:45:37 GMT

Boats That Will Help You Catch Fish This Year The waters you fish and the type of fishing you do dictate which boat will work best for you. Take a look at these 2008 Fishing Machines; it will help kick-start the decision process and fine-tune your final selection.Click Here For Boat Buyer's Guide

North American Fishing Club

NAFC Friend Alton Jones Scores First Classic Win

Vote Now For Catch & Release Contest Winners!

Vote Now For Catch & Release Contest Winners!

NAFC’s 2008 Catch & Release Contest

Web Connections March 2008

Web Links March 2008

Fishing News March 2008

Fishing Q & A March 2008

NAFC Boat Buyer's Guide