The National Guard spent $20 million dollars on professional bass fishing over the last two years, but it it is quite likely that sponsorship windfall could disappear if a new amendment, just out of committee, ultimately reaches the Congress as part of a greater defense bill. But could there be a replacement waiting in the wings?

According to a story in USA Today, (more…)

AN OVERVIEW of the DVL lot on Saturday...

The fifth annual Wounded Warriors event, hosted by the Lake Elsinore Bass Club, and staffed by National Bass West, enjoyed a successful day, Saturday at Diamond Valley Lake.

A high percentage of the military contingency were first-time participants, keeping the activities fresh for all. The industry and volunteers showed great respect for the military personnel, providing many awards and drawing prizes and lending a hand wherever needed.

I collected a few photos from the event (more…)

TAGGED in a photo...

The red boat is seeing blue this week. And my partners are living right. Just got back home from the short haul to Lake Perris  (where I went armed with boat inspection info from guide Pete Marino) only to find yet another lake closed to launching. Yep, they’re blue-stoning the lake this morning!

Oh, they said I could come back this afternoon when they’re finished, but copper sulphate has never been a big stimulant when it comes bass action. At least I kept my composure and went through the process of a boat inspection (more…)

UPDATED 5-21-12: The responses were close, no doubt. And had there been more than one prize to give away, I would have split the awards. I’ll come up with something else soon, but for now, here are the answers to the May 17 contest:

1. What tool? His anchor (and rope) that he banged on the bottom looking for changes. Had someone responded, Murphy built his own  Heathkit, flasher sonar before he ever bought a production unit, I would have been tempted to give it to you. (more…)

I guess you can’t complain too much. The lake has the lowest entrance/launch fees around (just 12 bucks), though its about a 50-mile round trip for me–so add another 12 bucks. But when you make the drive and don’t get to fish, that’s a donation I’d rather not make. (more…)

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up this week on a little contest here on KGF–and especially that the prize is kind of special: a one-year membership in the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame.

There will be a 5-part question (more…)

RICK CLUNN

GARY KLEIN

Two national fixtures, both former U.S. Open champions, are likely to miss the 2012 edition of the long-running event. The reason, Gary Klein and Rick Clunn will each need every possible opportunity to qualify for the 2013 Bassmasters Classic–by points, or by an Elite or Open win.

While the odds are against them, these pros will fish to the bitter end to get there (more…)

WILL I be covered?

First off, I’m not selling insurance. However, as my fishing habits are set to change for later this year (U.S. Open in September), I’m suddenly a more interested consumer when it comes to bass boat insurance. And one of the things that I am reminded of is an insurance policy is a product–just like lures, rods and bass boats.

And you know what that means. There are all kinds of product levels, all kinds of features, and likewise, varying prices. Trouble is,  (more…)

While those who have left their DVL security blankets at home, or used them to wipe down their rigs for entry into Lake Perris, it’s been pretty evident, this has been an exceptional year for big bass. Before the lake record fell last month, there were numerous 12 to 16-pounders taken.

But hanging over everyone’s heads (more…)

NEWEST Heddon bait...

The taking of the new Lake Perris record largemouth (18 and change) on a Chug Bug, a Storm creation purchased by Normark, is exactly the kind of event that could start a rush to popularity for the bait–or not.

But one thing the monster catch pointed out, a walking bait that also sports a cupped mouth is a real fish-catching design. But wait a minute. Doesn’t that also describe a Gunfish or Vixen/Repo Man or something else?

About five years ago–maybe even longer, (more…)