Bass Fishing Tournaments For The Sport Fishing Professionals
May 21, 2009 by Daniel Ambrose · Leave a Comment
There are some great fishermen out there that are dedicated to bass fishing tournaments. Many of them follow the bass fishing tournaments religiously because it is how many sport fishing professionals butter their bread.
These tournaments draw the best, of the best sport fishing professional, and it is to your benefit if you can just get close enough to listen to them talk about bass fishing, and the tournaments you can learn a wealth of information.
Recently while following some of the best sport fishing professionals through the tournament circuit, I discovered just how few people were actually aware of some of the best bass fishing tournaments in the World. Thinking what a shame to miss out on such events, I decided I would write an article directing peoples attention to some of the great tournaments out there in the hopes that they could enjoy the future events.
For instance:
Did you know that the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship is held the third week of July, with the champion of that competition receiving, what use to be $50.000, and the amount seems to go higher, and higher, every year? The winning weight is usally about 55-pounds, and the tournament is a three day event, taking place on Rainy Lake in North-West Ontario, Canada.
Another Canadian favorite is the “Shoal Lake Bass Classic Tournament,” which occurs in the 1st weekend in July, held -but where else- “Shoal Lake”, in Ontario, Canada. This is the top fishery in the region with schools of Small-mouths that have never seen a lure before. Small-mouths usually win this tournament, but there are some Large-mouths here that can be a factor. The winning weight for this two day tournament is usually in the 32-34 pound range.
Ever heard of the KBI? That stands for another great bass fishing tournament promoter: “Kenora Bass International”. Their grand prize for the overall winner is usually a little smaller than Fort France , but they are getting higher all the time, and $30,000 was not anything to sneeze at even then. The competition takes place on the “Lake of the Woods” the second week in August, and the winning weight is usually around 50-pounds.
As great as it would be to catch bass at these weights, I cannot help but recall a program on the television, I just saw that was appropriately named “Monster Fish” where they were actually catching 9-foot bass, weighing in the hundreds of pounds! I know that sounds outrageous, but it was absolutely true. What a challenge! To actually bring in such a fish. But I have gotten off subject.
English River Bass Challenge also occurred in Mid July, this tournament held on the English River System in Grassy Narrows, Ontario. It is the First Nation sponsored bass tournament on the great English River in Northwestern Ontario.
Ding Wang Ford Bass Tournaments is held every 2nd Sunday in August. This is only a one-day Bass Fishing Tournament that is open to anglers of all ages. The tournament is held in Dryden on the Wabigoon Chain of Lakes (excluding the Dinorwic Chain). The smallmouth bass fishing tournament held on Dashawa, Crowrock and Turtle Lakes near Atikokan, Ontario. This chain of pristine northern waters has an abundance of big scrappy smallies.
Anyone who likes fishing can enter the competition. The Atikokan Bass Classic is known as the “funnest bass tourney in the Northwest”.
There are many bass fishing tournaments for the sports fishing professionals all around the world and the ones mentioned here are but a small number of them. After all, these sport fishing professionals plan their itineraries around these bass fishing, and other species of fish, tournaments to enjoy their sport, as well as pay some of their rents. So they stay close to the circuit and the prize money they can win with them.
Learn To Be A Better Bass Fisherman
April 22, 2009 by Daniel Ambrose · Leave a Comment
For many years businesses have rode on the vast interest Bass fishing has generated. Many people are hooked, pardon the pun, on this hobby and have elevated it to a sport and a passion. Resorts, sports gear stores and many other lines have been built and continue to benefit from the fishing worlds interest in bass fishing.
Everyday there are more and more people trying to learn what the buzz is all about. Bass fishing is more than just catching a fish. Its now about getting those prized big bass and having the opportunity to show it off. For beginners there are lots more to bass fishing than meets the eye.
First, try to know the lures that you must have to enjoy bass fishing and know what the top 3 lures for catching Bass are?
Although there was no particular gauge that was presented by the researchers, a survey was performed among the pro bass fishermen and it was found that plastic worms was the first choice, with the second and third place being the spinner bait and then the crank bait, respectively.
However, picking one of these 3 is not all there is to it. Some other factors still need to be considered. Primarily, you must consider if it is better to cover a smaller segment of water thoroughly or skim across a larger area as quickly as possible to find your fish limit.
Using a plastic worm is slower, but absolutely effective and is very alluring to Bass. They do best when the bass are in a group, or school.
The problem that usually arises with fishing with a plastic worm is the inability to sense strikes. This inability to sense them can be due to a sinker that is too heavy and a line that is too thick.
To help you to overcome this problem you are advised to use a variable buoyancy worm using lead strip sinkers.
Here are some of its advantages:
• No moving lead on the line to dampen the feel of a gentle pickup
• You can apply the precise amount of lead to deliver the worm action needed
• It makes it easier for a bass to inhale the worm
• It aids in hook setting
• It is easier to shake loose from snags
• You can cause the worm to hang virtually suspended over the bottom when fishing shallow water.
To tell how much lead strip is needed, wrap one strip around the hook and bury the barb in the worm. Ease it into the water and watch it sink, it should slowly settle toward the bottom. If it sinks to fast, take some weight off, etc. Make sure to use no heavier than 8-pound mono line – preferably 6 pound.
On the other hand, a Spinner bait can be moved quicker across the surface and can be bounced on the bottom, sent against a tree limb and moved in several different ways in order to stimulate strikes. It is a great probing lure for the shoreline because of its tangle-free construction.
The final pick of Crank baits cover a lot of water in a hurry. Using them, you can check out a spot without wasting alot of time. You can use them to quickly find fish that may be scattered.
The most important thing is, no matter what lure you select for the particular body of water that you are fishing, you need to make it as easy for the Bass to get at it, as possible. Scientists have proven that Bass calculate the amount of energy it will take them to go after the prey. It is best to drop that lure right in front of them whenever possible.
Discover, and learn proper use of those lures that you prefer to use, and you to will really find enjoyment in bass fishing!
Aside from considering the lures, it is also important to determine the accurate time in going bass fishing.
Dawn and dusk are definitely when the biggest bass can be brought in. First, remember that bass love ambush spots offering lots of cover from the bait-fish. They like to hide, and pounce on their prey.
The bait fish are most active in the early morning, or evening, when they feed. Bass follow their schedule because the baitfish are less aware of threats when they feed. So it is best for your success that you to follow their schedule.
When retrieving an underwater lure in poor light, keep it coming at a steady pace once it is set in motion so it will make it easier for bass to locate and grab it. Remember they are lazy.
The last thing is, don’t bother going out in the dawn/dusk when water is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature wipes out certain aquatics and terrestrials, which nullifies the food chain feeding.
Knowing lures and proper bass fishing times will increase your bass catches exponentially. But you must also consider factors such as water quality and weather conditions. When you have all of these things considered you will always be a better player in the bass fishing game.