The Bass Fishing Archives just announced today the launch of a new website http://bassfishingarchives.com/, the Sole Source for Bass Fishing History. Developed by outdoor writer TerryBattisti you’ll find the effort fascinating.  His close ties with many of the history -makers (with assistance from various colleagues), make him the ideal person to cover the history of the sport from West to East and all locales in between.

The new site will preserve the record of bass fishing’s early days through the use of old ads, feature articles about anglers and tactics, angler pictures and profiles, and short snippets that’ll jog every angler’s memory. And only a guy with a real passion for this work can do it right.

“I’ve always been a fanatic about the ways anglers ‘used’ to catch bass and have been a student of bass fishing nearly my whole life,” Terry said. “This site has brought all of that together for me and I hope the readers enjoy reading our stuff as much as we enjoy putting it together.”

Talented outdoor writer Pete Robbins commented on the project saying, “I’m jealous that Terry came up with the idea first and thankful that he’s allowing me to contribute. If we don’t document this history immediately, much of it will end up lost.”

But there is something even better about this effort: the site will welcome input – in the form of comments, questions and article ideas – from both fishing fans and members of the industry. “No idea is too big or too small, so long as it furthers our mission,” Battisti said.

Pretty cool.

In this same vein, the hard copy versions of A Gathering of Eagles sold out, so that collectible is gone forever. However, you can still look it over (for free) in its digital version by clicking here.

TV GUIDE lists Tami's show...

One of the favorite figures (er, personalities) on the western bass fishing scene, Tami Curtis, has hit a landmark for her work on her own TV show, Fish ‘n 4 Fun: recognition where it matters.  And to prove it, she just sent along a picture that says it all–her show has hit the iconic TV Guide.

Of course, you can find her on her websites as well, tamicurtis.net and TCsportsreport.com and find out about her many endeavors and her latest “sports reports.” And with Tami, bass fishing is actually a sport.

And don’t forget, Tami is also an avid tournament co-angler and was the first woman ever to finish as an Angler of the Year–doing so in the South region of the WON Bass Tour for the 2011 season.

Lots of reasons to share the joy of the moment.  Good for you, Tami!

For that reason, the recent publication of a one-of-a-kind collectible, “A Gathering of Eagles–The History of Bass Fishing in the West” is a piece with both sentimental and historic value. And now you can get yours.

Originally developed for an intended gathering of the actual fishermen who competed in, organized, sponsored and covered the sport beginning in the 1970′s and 80′s, the project was interrupted by the death of the event’s host, Harvey Naslund, one of those pioneer figures in California.

However, with moral support of the Naslund family, Rich Holland, editor of the special volume, is finally able to deliver the goods in what amounts to a non-profit venture.

If you want your own copy [of the magazine] (and the numbers truly are limited), the cost is $25 which includes shipping, a Silver Eagles patch and a decal, that were to have gone to attendees at the original, though unfulfilled, Silver Eagles banquet. You can make the purchase through Pay Pal by sending $25 to richholland88@yahoo.com or by sending a check to Rich Holland, 32 Via Athena, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656.

Worms and cranks come and go. But this bit of bass fishing history is a one-time deal.

Not looking for recognition (heck, one of my favorite fishing partners, Jim Emmett, is celebrating his 50th next month) but given all my wife has had to put up for four decades, I think it only right that we take a short trip.

As for comments on the matter (and none are required, of course) some may not get posted just because the house-sitter doesn’t have the password, and probably wouldn’t know a clever comment from a full-blown spammer, anyway. But I will be back on-line on Monday–target: Brent Ehler.

ELSINORE WEST MARINA...

Not exactly in the bass fishing bulls-eye, a couple of things are on the docket in May, here at SoCal’s largest natural lake. The first is the arrival of Ronnie Kovach, host of TV’s Ronnie Kovach’s Fishing Ventures, who will be speaking Friday, May 13, at the Holiday Inn Express (31573 Canyon Estates Drive) from 7:30 to 9 a.m.

The occasion is the first of a series of “breakfast meetings” hosted by the Lake Elsinore Chamber of Commerce. Kovach has a history with the lake, having produced the Fox program “The Secret of Lake Elsinore” that featured Chris Nickerson’s best documented lake record bass at around 8 1/2 pounds, actually taken the day the show was filmed.

Seating is limited, and the cost is $10 for chamber members and $15 for guests, so reservations are required by contacting Michelle Simon at the chamber (michelle@lakeelsinorechamber.com). Kovach’s presentation: “Good Morning, Lake Elsinore Valley.”

The other event may have a more positive effect on the bass fishery. William Johnson of William’s Boat & Tackle is hosting an inagural Carp Derby, Sunday, May 22. The entry fee is $10 for the derby, and $5 for the Blind Bogie portion so any carp could be a winner–and one less swimming in the 3400 acre water.

Otherwise, the prize money will be awarded 50 percent for the largest carp, 30 percent to the second largest and 20 percent for the third largest. The derby will run from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Elsinore West Marina, 32700 Riverside Drive. Contact the marina at 951-678-1300.

But like so many things–global weather forecasting at the top of the list–making long-range predictions is nothing you can hang your hat (or your raingear) on. And at least the guys who do the big picture analysis are admitting as much with the latest ENSO (El Nino Southern Oscillation) assessments.

From the latest statement: “During April 2011, La Niña continued to weaken as indicated by increasing surface and subsurface temperature anomalies across the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Collectively, these oceanic and atmospheric anomalies reflect a weakening La Niña, but with ongoing global impacts.”

Furthermore, the statement said, “Current observed trends, along with forecasts from nearly all of the ENSO models, indicate La Niña will continue to weaken in the coming months, with a return to ENSO-neutral during May-June-July 2011.” 

But after that, all bets are off. In a rare showing of blatant honesty, the report said, ”The status of ENSO beyond the Northern Hemisphere summer remains uncertain due to lower model forecast skill at longer lead times.”

If you live in Texas or the Pacific Northwest, you already know the implications. There are drought-driven fires in Texas and neighboring Lousiana, and below normal temps in Oregon and Washington.

But in Southern California it’s “Sunshine and lollipops” for now.

But do you really understand what a marvel this new WesternBass.com Magazine (click here) really is? I’m not saying so for my contribution. I’m barely ahead of the typewriter and Capt. Kirk’s “communicator.” But when you see the features of this new “book” as they called a mag in my day, it’s really like nothing else out there.

I mean the features are strong and the “art” or images as good as you’ll find anywhere in print. But even the ads are cool: video and visual, and those same capabilities will surely be expanded to features and other instructional materials in the future.

Hey, I’ve been called a “twit” before, but for today’s twitter and Facebook crowd, there are means to pull just what you want from the pages of WesternBass.com Magazine, and send them along to a friend. The fact that the new owner, Wayne Wasulko, is on top of this new wave of media, means I can’t even predict what will be possible.

But like so many things, it could be possible that guys who spend $500 for a spinning reel, or even bigger chunks on baitcasting reel and rod combinations that weigh less than a dill pickle, may not be ready for this newest means of communication. For that reason, I hope you take some time to go on WesternBass.com and ply the new tool bar Wayne just installed. It will show you what can be done, and how you can max out the benefits.

But then, Westerners have always been out in front. I can imagine they won’t like what they see–and use it.

Instead, with the help of pro-staffer Brian Day, I’ve got something almost as good: free codes to access Navionics’ “Freshest Data.”

Haven’t heard of this? Well, unlike old days where you had to send in your sonar’s data chip to get it updated at a rebated price (a service no longer available) now as new information becomes available, it can be downloaded on your home computer or used to write on your existing Gold or Platinum maps. 

And even if you haven’t purchased the newest Navionics maps (where Freshest Data is now part of the purchase price), you still can store a year’s updates data on your computer for future use. And if you win this contest, you’ll have this access for the balance of 2011 by way of a “secret code,” which I will send to the winners. Of course, if you want more information, click on the Navionics site for details, or watch this video.  

Now for the contest. What I am asking is for you to name the lake or waterway where you can find the following spots. (And yes, it’s possible, a spot with the same name could exist on more than one waterway as in “Red Clay Cliffs” on Irvine or Castaic lakes. The more you know, the better.)

Here are the spots; match the lakes:

1. The Hawg Pens

2. Bomber Ledge

3. Rawson Canyon

4. Brown Creek

5. The Courthouse area

Lakes: A. Lake Sutherland, B. Lake Millerton, C. Lake Mohave, D. Diamond Valley Lake, E. Lake Henshaw

Let’s try it again.