One of the deals in TX, or I guess the South in general, is fire ants. I've tried a few different natural/non-toxic deals to get rid of them because of the dog, and found that orange oil (orange peel oil) works. Mix it 50/50 with water then pour it on the nest. I use this one from the 'zon.

Fire ants apparently aren't all where you see the nest come out of the ground, but it seems to be working. Borax can work too, but orange oil is working better for me. One word about orange oil: It will kill the grass where you pour it. Pls lmk if you know anything else that works!

And gitcha Blaster social fix here:

Big congrats to the Canadian great white shark Chris Johnston for winning a 2nd consecutive Bassmaster AOY, the 4th guy ever to do so (more deets below) and the the 1st Canadian/non-American ever to do it.

He didn't think he did it – because his parents told him after he checked in that Trey had 16-17 lbs:

> "I was super disappointed."

And they were serious! When a couple guys in the bag line told him they thought Trey had 14-15 lbs, he was like – what the heck??

> "I texted my parents, What are you guys talking about? My dad said he watched Live and thought they were way under."

I laughed – I thought his own parents were sandbagging him, but they were serious! Alright let's get to the Qs:

1. Would you play the Jaws music every time you saw Trey walk by?

> "[Laughs] Yeah I would, that'd be funny."

2. How many more Elite trophies are gonna be smuggled over the Canadian border?

> "Oh I think there's gonna be and more and more to be honest. Because more Canadians are fishing the Elites.

> "In the next 5 years I bet you there will be 5 trophies. There's 5 of us now so that's 1 a year. Cooper will win one, Evan Kung will sneak one out, I hope to win one, Cory and then there's Gussy."

3. Okeechobee (33rd) and Hartwell (31st) were your worst 2 this year. Why?

> "Okeechobee I kinda fished the way it used to fish. I stayed on the lake and I was never on on winning-caliber fish.

> "...trying to find the flats and the areas that just held that groups of fish. I didn't diversify and fish canals and stuff like how most of it went down. I was really just trying to survive.

> "Hartwell was just an okay tournament. I fished bedded fish and never really used LiveScope which a lot of people caught 'em on. I just wasn't on good-enough fish. I never got one of those kicker bedded fish."

4. Does it seem weird at all to win AOY without a single top 10 finish? (List of his finishes in #2 below – he got 8th in the Classic but that doesn't count.)

> "It's very surprising because honestly it doesn't feel like I had a great year – because I never made a top 10. So in your mind you're having a so-so year.

> "I wasn't looking at 20th, 20th, 30th...when you rate a year it's probably a win or top 10s – how many of those you get. So it doesn't feel like an AOY type of year.

> "Like Przekurat – Jay had an unbelievable year [3 top 5s and a 9th, but Tenkiller and St Clair were both in the 50s]. That's more along the lines of a guy who wins AOY. Not a guy that never made a top 10.

> "I guess slow and steady. I don't know if it's ever been done."

[Paging Kenny Duke – has it??]

5. Was there any one technique that really shined for you this year?

> "Nothing in particular. I think we had a pretty diverse schedule...I did a little bit of everything.

> "Palatka [St Johns] was some bed-fishing, some fry-guarders, some just skipping a wacky rig.... Next one [Okeechobee] was fishing a ChatterBait, flipping and frogging.

> "Hartwell and Lake Fork...bed-fishing tournaments. And I had a couple flipping tournaments – the Mississippi River, Okeechobee and the...Sabine River was all flipping and spinnerbaits.

> "I didn't have a lot of LiveScope this year – way less LivesScope. Lake Fork...I did a bit but not a lot. I'm trying to think what the LiveScope derbies even were for me. Pasquotank I had a big day and caught them on LiveScope. Obviously St Clair I was LiveScoping.

> "So I guess it was really diversified – honestly a well-rounded year of different techniques. I couldn't say one thing, but way less Scoping than what people would think.

> "I think next year will be very similar with our schedule. Even if we have all the tournaments with LiveScope, I still think you're going to have to catch them other ways if you want to do well for the year."

Bonus Q: Do you feel like all the literal last-minute heroics this year is a deal you have to do to win AOY?

> "The first tournament of the year, day 1 I lost a couple key fish. Day 2 let's say I had 12-13 lbs and needed a good fish. Driving back to Palatka I pulled into a spot I fished in practice where I never got a bite, threw a wacky rig on a seawall and caught an 8.5-lber.....

> "At Tenkiller...I stopped right around the corner from check-in and got one with like 3 minutes left – it was my biggest fish of the day...moved me up to 11th I think.

> "Another one was Lake St Clair. I was fishing a spot half a mile from takeoff, and at 2:52 I hook...a giant. I ended up being a 5-02 – it was the biggest fish I caught all week. I put it in my boat, culled a fish and made it back to check-in with 30 seconds. That fish moved me up 1.5 lbs and put me in a tie for AOY.

> "The last tournament, I figured maybe I can do it 1 more time – because I only had 12 lbs [day 3]. So I stopped on a spot on the way back to check-in and my first cast I lose one like 5 – which on the MS River is an absolute giant. I was like, It almost worked out, my luck has run out.

> "I thought that was my AOY right there.... I get back to check-in and I've got 3 minutes left. ...I'm gonna pull over to this seawall right at check-in. I throw a ChatterBait down there, I miss one...the next cast I catch one and I don't think it's that big. ...2.25-lber...helped me a 1/2 a lb. Literally right in front of takeoff...."

[Believe it or not, he had more stories like that.]

> "...it's a combination of the never giving up thing and also getting a little luck. I will literally fish right til the last minute.

> "It's also making the right call...it's not a complete random area [they are areas he'd tried]. They're all decent spots.

> "It was a really unusual AOY with no top 10s, last-minute catches – the guys I room with are like, 'Let me guess, they just started jumping into your boat?' [Laughs]. ...my brother's like, 'What's Walking on Water doing?' It's like a running joke. [Chris] just goes out and lands on 20 lbs!"

Thinkin's in no particular order:

1. Is Chris the first guy to win AOY without a single top 10 finish?? Check it (Classic doesn't count):

2. He's the 4th dude (and only Canadian – aka 51st state 😁) to win back to-back AOYs.

3. The other 3 guys are Roland Martin (1984-85), Guido Hibdon (1990-91) and KVD (2008-09). So no one did it in the 2010s, and the gap between Chris and KVD is about the same as the one between KVD and Guido. Rare deal.

4. To put greatness in perspective, KVD won 7 AOYs and Roland won 9. NINE! 🤯

5. Trivia: Billy Dance won 3! And that guy on Live – Davy Hite – won 2. That's right kids, Davy fished!

6. Sounds like from what Chris said, even with 100% FFS the AOY deal worked out as it should: Well-rounded fishing using different techniques.

7. Also from what Chris said about the last-minute stuff – maybe have 1-2 spots near the ramp every tournament?

Looking at WINS ONLY, here's the deal:

For the MLF BPT: Yes (1/3) means it was used every day and was a big part of the win even if it was only on 1/3 of the day. So in places like Saggy Bay, where Jacob used it only 1/3 of 1 day out of 4, it's a No.

Along with the above, bear in mind what Chris said about about winning AOY – not much FFS use for him. And Jacob Wheeler could say the same thing about his AOY win, just because BPTers could only use it 1/3 of the time.

This doesn't mean a lot of tour guys don't use it 100% of the time and do well with it. And it doesn't mean some folks don't get bored watching it. This is just about 2025 wins (and 2 AOYs).

What I take from this (and pls lmk if my math is wrong):

1. FFS is a major deal (and winning deal) in pre-spawn tournaments NOT in FL, when a lot of fish are offshore at any time, and in smallmouth and spotted bass tourneys. In other words, the times everyone thought it would play.

2. When the tours said scheduling would make a difference, it did – even if it wasn't exactly in the ways they thought (ie, the Pasquotank).

I still think it would be more interesting on the Elites if they went to half and half, but all good if not. My learning it the hard way deal is just to love bass fishing where it's at.

Reminds me: The younger cats hope for and advocate for our sport to be better. Good! That type of pushing is always needed. To them: I encourage you to really know your bassin' history. Study it. Because a lot of what you're talking about is ground that has been covered by others. Lessons to be learned there.

1. Gussy did not qualify for next year's Classic

He's won every tournament outta Knoxville so he's giving someone else a chance! 😁 Sorry to hear it Gussy!

2. Lee Livesay went from 83rd to 7th in 1 day...

...at LaCrosse. Crazy! THat's ^ what he said about it on BM.com, here's a vid of what he's talking about (IG). F-bomb warning!

3. Guys who are or may be out of the Elites

Matty Wong, Chad Pipkens, Bernie Schultz, amazingly maybe Ben Milliken. That's not all of 'em, just ones I saw....

4. Hunter Shryock is selling his iKon LX21

250 Pro XS, all Lowrance. Stealth grey so you can't be seen from far away...😁

5. Next year's MLF Redcrest is on Table Rock

Apr 17-19. Believe the last time they were there was 2019? Back to back tourneys there because of a scheduling deal. Won by Aaron Martens and...Jacob Wheeler, who got 5th when Aaron won.

6. Check these crazy color-palette FFS differences

Posted by Brent Chapman:

7. The Berkley Krej is a low-key hit

Or maybe not low key:

> A quick tour of tackle shops across north AL...tells the tale. Where the Krej once hung, there are now rows of empty pegs. Even major suppliers like Academy Sports + Outdoors report sell-outs across popular colors and sizes. For a lure barely a year past its introduction, that's a telling sign.

Now comes in 3 sizes: 85, 100 and 128. And remember: slack – or controlled slack – is the key for that backwards deal. Or if you've got one following maybe just drop the rod tip.

8. Abu released a $60 baitcaster combo??

That's crazy talk! In 1970 that means the combo would have been $7.21! 😁 (For real.) Anyhow, a few deets:

> Max X EZ Cast Baitcast Combo...designed specifically to eliminate the intimidation factor of learning to use a baitcast reel.

> ...Abu Garcia's revolutionary anti-backlash system, which automatically controls the spool to eliminate frustrating line tangles. An integrated on/off switch lets anglers toggle the system off once they've mastered their casting technique....

[I need that! 😁]

> The reel is built with a graphite frame and sideplates for lightweight strength, while a 3+1 bearing system ensures smooth retrieves. It also comes pre-spooled with 10-lb line....

> 6' M lightweight carbon composite rod in 1-pc or 2-pc.

Gitcha pond rig at TW.

9. Here's your prototype tracker/what's coming

Stuff guys have mentioned the last couple months and who mentioned 'em:

> Berkley prototype fluoro -- Logan Parks

> SPRO minnow -- Chris Johnston

> 6th Sense dice bait(s) -- Trey McKinney

> BKK dropshot hook -- Cory Johnston

> Black Sheep Custom Tackle jigs -- Seth Feider

10. TW's Labor Day sale is on yo!

11. AL Bass Trail sold out in 5 minutes

> ...the ABT will host 450 teams consisting of 900 anglers from 12 different states...including CA and MO.

12 states! Do AL residents get priority in that deal? I don't know, just am curious.

12. The Marathon Man is back

Johnston Outdoors' Jeff Kolodzinski – aka Kolo, a good dude and brother in Christ – is going to try to break his own 24-hour fish-catch world record on Sept 10-11. He wants to beat the current 2022 record of 2,977 by 1.

After a little pause he's back – because he wants to celebrate fishing and say thank you to it, and help folks: "to increase awareness and financial support for Camp Dallas [charity] as well as local first response teams."

> "Partnering with Camp Dallas is my way of giving back to the sport that's given me so much, while bringing awareness to a program that supports families of all walks enduring hardships. We hope to raise money – from inside and outside the fishing industry – to fund Camp Dallas' outreach programs and also help local first responders.

> "Along the way, I think we can show people how great the sport of fishing really is – how it promotes nature, healthy relationships, mental health, camaraderie, and fun. It's been a huge part of my life, and I want to share it."

> "I kind of feel like the Mike Rowe of fishing highlighting these great Americans who are serving their local communities."

His goal is to raise $50,000 like he did in 2022. Live feed is at: https://marathonmanfishing.com

> As part of the broadcast, Marathon Man will offer product giveaways from supporting sponsors. Those who donate $25 or more will also be entered into a drawing for...prizes.

> Companies and sponsors interested in making a tax-deductible donation or pledge, may sign up by contacting Kolodzinski via the Contact Page or campdallas.org.

13. FL: Okeechobee has the most pollutants of any US lake?

14. GA: Biologists ID 2 "new" bass species

Not really new because they've been here, but you know what I mean. Just as long as biologists understand that records are for fishermen, not biologists...my 2c for the moment....

15. Hydrilla herbicide used here is banned in Europe

Diquat, some of which is made IN EUROPE for export to less-strictly regulated countries.

16. Keep an eye on...

Cue the Clown Car: Everytown Gun Control Wants to Train Gun Owners

Nothing to do with fishing, just a heads up on the bizarre tactic. Imagine Peta wanting to give fishing lessons.

Headlines of the Day

Donald Trump makes wild comment about 'violent' Chinese carp jumping into boats around US

Lol good! Put those dang fish in the spotlight!

Norway Spends Half a Billion Rubles Battling Invasive Russian Humpback Salmon

So they want to get rid of salmon??

> The humpback salmon, also known as pink salmon, was introduced to rivers in Russia's Far East during the Soviet era as part of large-scale aquaculture projects. From there, the species gradually spread westward through northern seas, eventually entering the rivers of Norway, Finland, and other parts of northern Europe.

Tiger Steals Catch from Russian Fishermen

How 'bout them apples bear peeps! 😳

What your Carolina rig is (not) doing down there

Talkin' 'bout the bait – from an older In-Fisherman post:

> "You often see illustrations with the lure floating above the bottom. This doesn't happen unless the lure and hook combination is lighter than water. Once heavier-than-water lures reach the bottom, they tend to stay there.

> "If you rig a floating lizard or other floating bait, it rises whenever the retrieve is paused. Slightly buoyant lures rise slowly, while highly buoyant baits ascend at only moderate speeds because the leader resists upward movement, and the weight of the hook slows the rise.

> "A slow retrieve with many pauses allows floating baits to rise above the bottom. The longer the pauses and the longer the leader, the higher a bait rises.

> "...each retrieve motion pulls the lure downward, keeping the bait on the bottom or in contact with weeds or other cover.

> "Lengthening the leader doesn't change basic laws of physics, so lures don't ride higher with long leaders. ..long leaders only extend the time the lure falls after the sinker first contacts the bottom. Once on bottom, standard baits stay down until the entire rig is lifted off the bottom.

> "...with floating lures, however, long leaders mean different arcs of up and down movement. But floating lures are forced downward each time the sinker is moved. Long rod-sweeps and rapid retrieves keep floating baits near the bottom."

I've been picturing this in my head all wrong!

"You have to have a screw loose to fish professionally."

- Greg Hackney talkin' on Bassmaster.com. Yes you do! And be short a couple marbles! 🤣 Just kidding pro peeps, but you know what he means.

Couple more interesting and wise lines:

> ...the fishing part is only 25% of the job.

> We see a lot of young guys come into the Elites and get off to a great start. That makes life easier. But the true test is how well they can handle coming out of a bad season, especially when you're a new guy and you have to finish consistently high to avoid getting bumped out of the Elites.

> A big change I see coming is you won't see the longevity of pro anglers like we have for the past 25 years. The sport is evolving, and the average age is the lowest it's been for a long time. Career lifespans are being shortened; the days of 25-year Elite veterans are becoming a thing of the past.

This is an 11.21 (looks bigger!) caught by Henry Boudreaux on Toledo Bend. 27" long x 19.75" around.

LA Sportsman said it was a Zoom Trick Worm, 15-lb Seaguar InvizX fluoro and he was just messing around trying to catch some spotted bass for eatin':

If you don't know, that fish is just inside for weighing....

Hack texted me this, said he got it off one of his trailcams. I said it's possible but that necklace – either it knows who Hack is or it's 100% fake: 🤔 😁

Fishers of Men Tournament Trail

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StrayCasts crazy web show!

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