Best On Tour is pleased to announce the first winners for our 2024 contingency program in conjunction with AFTCO and Sunline. The first Bassmaster Open of the season on Lake Okeechobee saw Emil Wagner take the top spot on the AFTCO side of the contingency program with a solid 12th place finish. Ty Faber was the highest finishing angler registered for the Sunline side of the program, finishing in 18th place. Both registered anglers will receive an extra $1000 for their efforts at the event. The second Bassmaster Open of the season will take place on Arkansas's Lake Ouachita February 15-17th where registered anglers will have the opportunity to take home an extra $1000 from both AFTCO and Sunline.
Idle Time
Have you ever wondered what it takes to find the "juice" on a new body of water? On a recent scouting trip to Rodman Reservoir Bassmaster Elite Series pro Bryan New put in a staggering amount of idle time on his Yamaha Outboard in just one day. Of the 8hr 31minute and 40 second trip New estimated he idled approximately 90% of the time looking for structure and scanning the depths. New is hoping his hard work pays huge dividends when the Elite Series visits the St. Johns River April 18-21.
There’s A Reason Day 2 Is Called “Moving Day”
Special Contribution By Jeremy Lawyer
I heard a story one time of when a lady asked Rick Clunn if her son had what it took to make a career as a fisherman….. Rick answered the lady by explaining that every young man loves fishing when it’s all rolling the right way. When it’s not and he’s still getting in there battling, scratching, & clawing then you’ll know!
There’s a lot to be said about that statement in fishing and I found myself starting the season at the Bass Pro Tour opener on Toledo Bend last week with that exact situation. Absolutely, almost dead last after day one and looking down both barrels of starting the season off in the worst position I’ve ever faced in my 8 year professional career. Even though I made what I felt like was the best decision at the time on day 1, it turned out to be a wrong one that cost me dearly. I could have made excuses and blamed it on all types of things, but that was going to do anything towards moving up on day 2 and it would absolutely wreck me between the ears! I went right back to work tying fresh Sunline leaders and rigging tackle. I thought about options for day 2, small changes in my rotation I would make, and how I was not gonna let one bad day take me out of the game “Mentally”. I thought of past situations in events where I did well on day 1 and not on day 2 (we’ve all been there). I told myself this was just gonna be the opposite kind of event. I focused on the very few positives that happened on day 1. Anything I thought about that evening was positive and when I woke up the next morning I was comfortable with the focus of one job……catch as many bass as possible and get back all the points I can to salvage at this event. Turns out I battled all the way back to nearly make the day 3 cut and get paid with one of the best days on the water I’ve experienced in a long long time! I guess nobody really knows how they’ll handle one of these situations until their day comes but I think G-Man says it best “PMA Baby”!
Do-it Molds Pro Caleb Kuphall gives a quick rundown on his favorite features and applications of the new Bushi Beetle. This bait comes out of an (ES XL) 4 cavity mold, which means less time pouring, and more time on the water! Check this mold out, and many others Do-it has to offer here.
So what are the hot techniques and baits on the lakes around Green Top Sporting Goods? Best On Tour recently stopped by the shop to find out! Check out the full video here.
Bassmaster Opens EQ angler Matt Messer recently unveiled his 2024 boat wrap. His sponsors include Neat Companies, Abu Garcia, Berkley, Shoreline Boat & RV, NUFLO, Waterland Optics, Malone's Marine, and Boogerman Buzzbaits just to name a few.
BeatDown Outdoors LVS34 Replacement Knob
Are you looking for a replacement for the LVS34 Livescope transducer knob? BeatDown Outdoors has the solution. The BeatDown Outdoors LVS34 replacement knob is a great option to replace a broken knob, or just as an optional upgrade. Check it out here.
TheAFTCO x B.A.S.S. Nation Conservation Grant Programcontinues in 2024 to support conservation initiatives throughout the country. The Conservation Grant Program was created in 2018 to help provide funds to approved freshwater bass conservation projects proposed by B.A.S.S. Nation clubs. To date, AFTCO’s total contribution to this program has exceeded $120,000 in grants. This partnership with B.A.S.S. Nation Conservation has actively contributed to the shared goals of AFTCO and B.A.S.S., fostering community and youth-oriented conservation projects that positively impact local fisheries.The Grant Program provides financial support for stocking bass, habitat enhancements and ensuring that bass are properly cared for and returned to lakes and rivers in the best possible condition for future generations to enjoy. These efforts are coordinated locally with the aid of B.A.S.S Nation chapters, governmental fishing agencies, local businesses, and the valuable support of volunteers and youth organizations contributing their time and labor to the cause. “These grants are a great example of the efforts our B.A.S.S. Nation clubs are putting forth to enhance the fishing in their local lakes and reservoirs. Our state chapters are blessed to be associated with a company like AFTCO that takes conservation to heart. That continued commitment to the B.A.S.S. Nation and to the fishery resources that our sport depends on is unmatched.” said Gene Gilliland, B.A.S.S. Conservation Director. You can submit your conservation proposalHERE.The deadline for entries is March 31, 2024. Proposals will be judged by a panel that includes representatives from B.A.S.S. and AFTCO. Please direct any questions to Gene Gilliland atggilliland@bassmaster.com.
Are you considering installing forward facing sonar transducers on your transom?
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