Had a few interesting convos with folks at the top of the bass biz over the last week or so. One topic that came up (not from me) was tour-level rookies. All I'm gonna say about it is: Bassin' biz peeps are watching those young men reeeeeeal close.

Mentioning it so you all know that they are not just accepting of whatever behavior. Pro bass fishing has always been sort of a "manners/respect is important" deal (you know what I mean) and I hope that never changes. That said, most young men learn the hard way – I did (MANY dumb things) and sometimes still do.

In fact, according to my wife I apparently NEVER learn some things...bahahaha! Maybe I just don't want to learn 'em! 🤣 If you're hearin' me maybe we need a married bassin' knuckleheads support group – on the water!

Check a couple things I saw on riverside dog walks:

Reel I couldn't believe was just left there, so I didn't pick it up – in case someone was coming back for it. The rock is kinda genius. Hope someone picked it up. All for now, let's go!

Why is Gussy always so mad? 🤣 Seems like him and Taku are competing for who has more joy on the water, which is GREAT! Anyhow, not sure if you've noticed but a lotta guys been using the Z-Man Jerk Shadz with and without that Smeltinator jighead so...had to ask him a few Qs:

1. Have you tweaked your Classic-winning Smeltinator-Jerk Shadz combo or found anything better yet?

> "No. I've tried every jerk shad out there, and the combination of the durability and buoyancy of ElaZtech [Z-Man's indestructible plastic] make it just fish-catchers for largemouths, smallmouths and spotted bass – and where I live walleyes, pike and lake trout as well.

> "My whole life growing up we never shook or moved the rod. It was all about not moving the rod at all, just keeping it still – doing the moping deal, hanging it under the trolling motor. The Japanese guys kinda taught us to put a little shake on it...you can see everyone shaking that thing...I'm doing it now too."

[Reminder that that ElaZtech plastic enabled Z-Man to have a real thin piece between the body and tail which gives the tail more movement even when it's not moved. That came out after Gussy won the Classic with it...and just 12 fish...🤯]

2. Is the Way Up Northland 😁 version of the Smeltinator any different than the original?

> "The Northland version is not any different than the original. We made sure it stayed the same.

> "As far as the hook, it has always been a 604 Gamakatsu, which is my favorite all-around hook.

> "There might be some variations in some of the paint jobs a little bit – they could be slightly different. But overall the color, the eyes, everything on there, nothing's been changed or tweaked or cheapened or anything like that."

3. Jacob Foutz and some other guys seem to be using the bigger sizes of Jerk Shadz on a jighead – the 5" and 7". Do you ever do that?

> "Yeah I've started using the 7-inch quite a bit this year, especially when you see them spitting up big bait. You saw that at Champlain for sure...lakes where they feed on ciscoes or herring...bigger baitfish.

> "You wouldn't think a smallmouth would get that 7-incher but they have no problem getting it.

> "We have Smeltinators in 4/0 and 5/0. For the 7-inch Jerk Shadz, I think the 4/0 is perfect. For largemouth guys using 6-inch and 7-inch baits, the 5/0 is the way to go. It's hard to find a jighead with those bigger baits that doesn't have too heavy of a hook on it."

4. I've seen more guys use a "smelt" color this year than ever before. You still all about "smelt" or is it "Gussy's glimmer blue" now?

> "I use 'smelt' a lot too. I think more guys are using it because it's probably the most natural color and it's a little bit more subtle. Lakes where big tournaments are get a lot of pressure, so you've got to get a bait looking as natural as possible.

> "'Glimmer blue' – where I live it's clear but it has a tannic stain to it...that color glows. I spent a week on Guntersville in June and that was the best color. It's clear but stands out and the fish can see it from a ways away."

5. Not sure I've ever seen a pic of you without you smiling. Can you sort of describe why that is?

> "For me, it's all about the fact that I've got no better job options out there, so I'm happy doing what I get to be doing. I enjoy every day.

> "If you're not having fun out there, it will show in your results. I don't always have the best results but I have fun every day and that's why I'm smiling."

His Jerk Shadz/Smeltinator gear

He likes the 3/8-oz Smelty head with the 2/0 hook, and says the 4" Jerk Shadz is best all around but he has all the different sizes rigged up.

> 7' M G. Loomis NRX+ 842 Rod, Shimano Stella Reel (3000), 8-lb PowerPro (regular) with an FG knot to 8- or 10-lb Shimano Mastiff fluoro.

You probably know 'em already but I gotta cover it. This is the shortest version I could come up with, then a little 2c. Here's what I got:

🤣 Just messin' here we go:

All MLF trails

> ...all boats, across all MLF circuits, will be limited to 2 forward-facing or 360-degree sonar transducers in any combination.

[2 360s = 720 degrees of coverage! 😱😁]

> ...no bow-mounted screen may extend vertically more than 18" off the surface of the front deck at its highest point when the boat is on plane, and no screen mounted at the console may extend vertically more than 16" off the top of the steering column....

[I like the thinking about safety too.]

Bass Pro Tour

> ...allowed to use forward-facing and 360-degree sonar for only 1 of 3 periods each day. Anglers will declare their use of the technologies before the start of the period of their choice....

[Could make for more interesting coverage. Spoiler alert: Jacob Wheeler will figure it out before the season starts! 😁]

> Use of forward-facing and 360-degree sonar will be permitted during practice.

> ...no restrictions in the General Tire Heavy Hitters or General Tire Team Series, where anglers compete out of similarly equipped, league-provided boats that level the playing field.

Invitationals

> ...qualifying days will be evenly split with forward-facing and 360-degree sonar allowed on day 1 and prohibited on day 2. Anglers...will be allowed to use the technologies on day 3.

[Does that favor the FFS guys? You might think that's just about everybody now but MLF indicated it's about half vs half.]

> Forward-facing and 360-degree transducers must be covered with a high-visibility cap provided by MLF that prohibits sonar transmission during times when use is not allowed.

[Interesting. Wonder if that will be a cap like this so it doesn't scare the fish:]

😆

> No restrictions will apply to practice.

Toyotas, BFLs and college

> ...allowed to use forward-facing and 360-degree sonar during practice and all competition days.

[Hmm. I guess the co-angler issue will continue.]

High School

> In order to create a more level playing field for up-and-coming student anglers and reinforce the learning of traditional bass-fishing techniques, use of forward-facing and 360-degree sonar will not be allowed in...competition.

> Its use will not...be restricted during practice.

[Interesting. I kid of like it. Will be interesting to see if there's a change in participation in these events vs B.A.S.S. and the Collegiate Bass Championship.]

Also

> ...a new, easy to install transducer cover under development that will temporarily prohibit sonar transmission. Covers will be provided to participating anglers at no charge. 

> Boyd Duckett: “We want to ensure that our sport remains multi-dimensional so that we can continue delivering the best possible product for our fans, anglers and sponsors.”

My 2c on MLFLWFFS overall

1. Interesting "version" of FFS regs.

2. Sounds more complicated than it is. I mean, how many people are going to fish more than 1 circuit at a time.

For the moment 2c on all the FFS reg changes

Really have not had the time to process all of 'em – or let 'em process – but here's a few:

1. First thing, all of this is only for 2025. Since every organization is doing something different, everyone will learn from everybody else. Should be an educational and valuable year.

2. Obviously there's no "right" answer because a bunch of people are unhappy with all of the various deals.

3. Will there be a lot of moving around by the pros? Or some? Or not? Will be interesting to see...also on the fan/viewer side. I'm betting no major changes but well find out mang!

4. Remember that FFS/tech is not standing still – so what will happen with it in 2025?

5. This is not the biggest deal/issue/problem in pro fishing in my 2c. I outlined a couple deals near the end of last year and will do it again before the end of this year...just in case the tours might want to reconsider this time!

Some of it is related to the recently (sorta) resolved Elites no-info deal: Usually the the Elite lakes are info off-limits right when the new schedule is announced. But B.A.S.S. first said they would not be off-limits for info til Jan 1. The Elites got mad and a couple days later B.A.S.S. reinstated the previous rule. Weird deal for the 800-lb gorilla....

- Mark Davis talkin' – interesting ain't it? Mark is of course one of the best bass fishermen of all time and also in my 2c one of the wisest. What else he said:

> Personally, I think it’s sad. This sport has always been fundamentally simple. As a pro angler, hard work and determination were always rewarded with success. The rules were straightforward, and while technology was helpful, it wasn’t absolutely necessary to win. That’s no longer the case.

I get it but no putting the worldwide tech genie back in now, like it or not.

And with where tech is going (AI fish ID and whatever else) and how fast it's coming, I don't see how the pro leagues can't put some sort of reins on it now – because it's a solid bet that whatever's coming next is going to be even more powerful. Just my 2c right now....

Daaaaaaaaaang. So cool. Wonder how many Merc guys are gonna bolt that sucka on!

> Displacing 3.4 liters, these V6 outboard engines are designed to deliver exceptional hole shot and acceleration without the weight of a V8. Transient Spark Technology electronically adjusts ignition timing as needed, producing additional torque for faster hole shot and acceleration.

> The 200R is offered with 2 different gearcase configurations. Weighing just 469 lbs, the 200R Torque Master is designed for competitive bass boats and other performance craft in the 80- to 85-mph range. [Woooohoooo! 😁]

> The 200R Sport Master, at 489 lbs., is built for high performance boats running at speeds of 85 mph to well over 100 mph. ...the 200R Torque Master and Sport Master have a 20" shaft.

> At full throttle, the 150R develops up to 6,000 RPM while the 200R tops out at 6,400 rpm.

> ...the 150R and 200R are designed to operate on 87 octane.... The 150R and 200R also are equipped with a larger 85-amp alternator vs competitor engines’ 44- to 55-amp output. The 150R is available with shaft lengths of 20" and 25"....

Not sure what they cost but they were announced at the ultra-mega-high-$$$$$ Cannes Yachting Festival in France so....

More new Merc stuff

> ...expanding Mercury’s mid-range lineup is the all-new FourStroke 105hp Jet. This jet outboard engine, built on the FourStroke 150hp platform, delivers 105 hp.

> ...the Mercury 150hp FourStroke outboard is now available in "cold fusion" and "warm fusion white" in addition to "phantom black."

Interesting deal mentioned in a post by Gary Clouse on Bassmaster.com. As you might know, Gary founded Phoenix and ran it for a while but now calls in sick every day to fish the Elites...which means he has his own personal service crew. 😁 Anyhow here's what he said:

> ...if you could only pick one, would you rather have shallow water anchors or a FFS system? I ask that question because we just launched a promotion for our 721 ZXL. It’s a package boat that comes with a 21-foot boat [a boat comes with a boat?? 🤔😁], a Mercury 250, two 12-inch Humminbird Helix graphs, a 36v Minn Kota Quest trolling motor and your choice of either 2 8' Power-Poles [not Raptors?] or a Garmin 1022 graph with LiveScope.

> ...it’s a tournament ready rig for $76,000. But do you choose Power-Poles or LiveScope? My hunch is that a couple of years ago the shallow water anchoring system would be the preference, but with the success pro anglers are having with FFS, the LiveScope would win out.

> We will find out in the coming weeks after anglers begin making their choice at the dealership. Of course...some anglers are adamantly opposed to the FFS technology and that’s one reason we offered the choice.

Interesting. I'm gonna guess that Gary would opt for the Poles?

1. Drew Benton learned from Brandon Palaniuk...

...how to not feel sorry for yourself and be there for peeps. Not from a convo but by example. Good job BMP!

2. How Mark Daniels Jr cuts the grass (IG vid)

Seaguar TactX Braid – least expensive braid they've got and known to cut through veggies.

3. Frank Talley's '23 Caymas CX21 for sale

4. B.A.S.S. releases "diverse" '25 Elite schedule

Their word, here tis:

• Feb 20-23 – St Johns River
• Feb 27-Mar 2 – Okeechobee
• Mar 21-23 – Classic – Ray Roberts, TX
• Apr 10-13 – Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound, NC
• Apr 24-27 – Hartwell, SC
• May 8-11 – Fork [everyone vs Lee Livesay 😁 and maybe Patrick Walters?]
• May 15-18 – Sabine River, TX
• Jun 12-15 – Tenkiller, OK [Christie family fund tourney 😁]
• Aug 7-10 – St Clair, MI
• Aug. 21-24 – Upper Mississippi River, WI (LaCrosse)

5. Brian Latimer uses that Z-Man tool for scent (IG vid)

Z-Man's Rattle Snaker tool was made for inserting rattles and weights into that Z-Man plastic, but Brian found out it works for scent too – in his case BaitFuel.

If you wanna put BaitFuel in other plastics, they make an injector system for that:

6. INSANE FishLab Popping Rattle Toad deal

Only on their website, 75% off so only $2.30 each! 🤯

7. Great KastKing tools deal

$32 for all these tools and btw those braid scissors are great:

Christmas present?

8. Don't forget about Power Worms!

Don't know about you, but one of my summer confidence baits is a big Berkley Power Worm – in black, whether it's clear water or dirty. And I still remember catching smallmouths in diry-ish water on "blue fleck" Power Worms (bottom in the pic)....

If you think I'm crazy fishing all black – try it. Cheap to try! Here's the 10" Power Worm and here's the 12". But don't keep 'em in the house! 😁

9. MN DNR wants citizens to serve on committees

10. Academy about to open 5 more stores

Beckley, WV; Kingsport, TN; Bloomington, IN; Selma, NC; Ft Myers, FL; Birmingham, AL; Springfield, OH; Bradenton, FL; and Bulverde, TX.

11. Sounds like BRP is all-in on 'lectric power

Maybe that's one reason why they deep-6ed Evinrude?

Headline of the Day

Officials introduce voracious fish to fend off invasive species before it spreads to major lake: 'Ecologically important'

Peeps put 5 largies in a pond to east some goldfish. Headline clickbaited me!

Lines of the Day

In 2023, Kevin VanDam won an astonishing $6,842,926 in prize money at BASS tournaments.

Well that would have been incredibly astonishing for several reasons.

"While PETA doesn't doubt that Leroy [Brown, the legendary Eufaula, AL bass] was special, every fish is a unique individual who feels pain and fear and values their own life just as much as the angler trying to hook them values theirs," says PETA senior VP Colleen O'Brien.

Yep some people are this outta touch with reality. Amazing. Reminds me of an old skit Zona and I did at the Pittsburgh Classic where we showed a Peta billboard and then Z pulled Alan McGuckin's little dog out of a livewell. I think it was one of the funniest deals we ever did!

Ott DeFoe: Super-"shallah" barefoot fishin' 😁

From a YT vid on his channel ^:

> "...I feel like once you get into Sept a lot of places are starting a little bit of a drawdown, some places it's drastic....

> "Either way you are typically dealing with lower water in most of the country....

> "...when that happens, fish that had been in shallow cover in July and Aug, a lot of that cover starts getting eliminated.

> "those fish that were deep most of the summer, the water's gotten hot...thermocline has kind of moved shallower all summer. And so truthfully the most oxygen that's in the water may be really, really shallow.

> "...fish whatever cover is left in the water. If you've got..green cover that just makes it all the more better."

His 2 fave baits for that are:

1. A toad rigged on a VMC Heavy Duty Wide Gap Hook (also available in the RedLine series) – most subtle topwater.

2. Wacky-rigged Bass Pro Shops Stik-O stick worm as a follow-up bait, or for cruising fish that don't want the toad, or when making a 3rd pass through an area.

More deets in the video:

"It's an untapped largemouth fishery."

- YUGE statement from Ish Monroe on Bassin'Fan, talkin' 'bout shallow-water greenheads on the Great Lakes, particularly St Clair. More:

> "Nobody fishes for them – they're left completely alone.

> "I would say it's in my top 5 of largemouth fisheries. ...I'd put largemouth fishing at St Clair above Toledo Bend, above Rayburn, because it's that good – especially for a shallow grass fisherman.

> "...because the water's a lot more clear up north, you make longer casts...the retrieve is the same, the technique is the same."

This is what unborn bass-whackin' shallah crankbaits look like – posted by the dangerous to your wallet @carolinacrankbaitsupplyco on IG:

Cat owners should 'save toilet rolls' for one simple reason says Cats Protection behaviorist

A lot there but – who knew that was a job??

Fishers of Men Tournament Trail

Bass Chaplain podcasts

Contact Chris Wells the Bass Chaplain

CullGear.com - Versaweb

Advanced Angler

StrayCasts crazy web show!

BassEdge Radio

Champion Jigs

Trophy Bass Co.

National Professional Anglers Assoc.