DC gets number 3...Largest fishable decks at the Bassmaster Classic Expo (Issue 319)

Issue #319

BOT Trivia Question:

What fishery was the site of Dean Rojas’ record 45lb 2oz limit in a B.A.S.S. event?

Lake Toho, Sam Rayburn, Lake Guntersville, or Santee Cooper?

See the answer at the bottom of the newsletter!

PRESENTED BY: Sunline

Save Big At The Spring Blowout Sale

Save big on thousands of select items—rods, reels, tackle, and more. Prices on select items have been slashed by 35%, even on many that were already deeply discounted! Shop now for the best deals of the season. All items priced as marked. Sale ends Wednesday, 4.23.25 at 3pm PT / 6pm ET Check it out here.

Go Inside The BeatDown Facility

Take a look inside the BeatDown Outdoors operation with President Blake Price – Follow along with Blake as he takes us on a tour of every part of the Beatdown Outdoors facility. You will get a look how Beatdown produces premium mounts for your boat in the Sedalia, Missouri. Check out the video here.

Bill Taylor Chosen As Latest Recipient Of

Bass Fishing Hall Of Fame’s Meritorious Service Award

Whether behind the wheel of a UPS truck delivering packages or at the helm of the tournament operations team for FLW and Major League Fishing, Bill Taylor was as reliable as they come. A longtime tournament director and bass fishing advocate, Taylor, 77, was honored with the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame’s Meritorious Service Award at a Hall of Fame function Saturday, April 5 in Huntsville, Ala. He will be the eighth recipient of the MSA, which recognizes individuals and organizations deemed to have made significant contributions to the sport of bass fishing. “With the Hall’s mission being all about celebrating, promoting and preserving the sport of bass fishing, Bill Taylor hit all those marks during his career,” said Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Board president John Mazurkiewicz. “He was not only a successful tournament competitor, but he also became an integral part of the growth and success of FLW from its roots and later with Major League Fishing. Ask any tournament pros he interacted with over the years and their comments are nothing but glowing. His actions, fairness and problem-solving skills show exactly how important the role of a tournament director is in professional bass fishing.” Taylor began his fishing journey as a competitor in the first Operation Bass tournament in 1980. During his tournament career, he racked up more than $500,000 in winnings and more than a dozen victories, including the 1981 Ranger Classic Championship and the 1984 Kentucky Bass Association State Championship. His competitive success and deep understanding of the sport laid the foundation for his later contributions in tournament operations. In 1989, Taylor joined the staff of the Operation Bass Red Man Tournament Trail on a part-time basis, marking the start of a career in tournament operations that spanned five decades. When Operation Bass was rebranded as Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) in 1996, Taylor was a key member of the operations team for the inaugural FLW Tour. After retiring from a 30-year career at UPS in 2000, he assumed the role of FLW Tour Tournament Director, a position he held until 2019, making him the longest-serving director in FLW/MLF history. As Tournament Director of the FLW Tour, Taylor oversaw significant innovations that transformed professional bass fishing, including the introduction of sponsor-wrapped boats and jerseys, live-streamed tournament coverage, and a revamped pro/co-angler format. Known for always being the first at the launch ramp each morning and the last to leave each evening, Taylor’s tireless work ethic ensured the success of every event he directed. “To say Bill Taylor has made a significant contribution to bass fishing is an understatement,” said 2022 Hall of Fame inductee Kathy Fennel, Major League Fishing’s Executive Vice President and General Manager. “Bill embodies our sport. He is an incredible angler, fierce competitor, conservationist and mentor to many. As a long-time FLW Tournament Director, he upheld the sport’s highest standards on its biggest stages, enforcing rules with unmatched integrity. As Senior Director of Operations for FLW and Major League Fishing, his attention to detail ensured that every angler, sponsor and host was well cared for. Bill was also a recruiter. He worked tirelessly to help aspiring professionals get their start in a sport he loves with all his heart. Significant is not adequate to describe his contributions. They are second to none.” Taylor’s influence extended beyond tournaments. A passionate conservationist, he actively works to protect Kentucky Lake and testified before Congress on the impact of invasive Asian carp. His advocacy underscores his dedication to preserving natural resources for future generations. In 2020, Taylor transitioned to Major League Fishing (MLF) as Senior Director of Operations before retiring in 2021. Despite being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Taylor has remained a source of inspiration, openly sharing his journey to raise awareness and participating in groundbreaking treatments.

Renowned as the ‘king of jerkbaits’ worldwide, the Megabass Vision 110 SR Jerkbait expands ITO vision engineering with a shallow-running diver that offers a wider scope of left-to-right darting action. By holding the rod upright, varying line slack, and applying short upward twitches, the Vision 110 SR creates a unique rise-up trajectory towards the surface of the water rolling and fluttering as the abdomen rotates side to side. Armed with custom Megabass out-barb hooks, the premium 1X strong wire is enhanced with a fluorine coating for superior penetration that ensures instant hook-ups from any direction in the toughest situations. Built to maximize your competitive angling potential, the Megabass Vision 110 SR Jerkbaits move into action as soon as you impart action to effectively trigger strikes even before the rings of water from your cast settle. Check out the full selection here

PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu

Ever wonder which bass boat has the most fishable deck? Ken Smith got a chance at the Bassmaster Classic Expo to measure the “fishable” front deck space on a bunch of boats. This is the data you asked for, updated, and all in a single video. Check it out here

PRESENTED BY: Denali

Wesley Strader

Photo Courtesy Of Major League Fishing

Bass Pro Tour professional Wesley Strader’s sponsors include Sterling Site Construction, Ranger, Powell Rods, Mercury, Lew’s, Sunline, Zoom, Power-Pole, Lowrance, T-H Marine, Trokar, Epic Baits, Optima, and AFTCO just to name a few.

Hook’em Bait & Tackle

Hook’em Bait & Tackle is a small, independent fishing supply store located in Sumter, SC. Owned and operated by William Griffith, the shop was founded out of his genuine passion for fishing and the community of anglers who share that love. Located at 561 Bultman Drive #7, Hook’em offers a solid selection of fishing gear and supplies, with a reputation for friendly, knowledgeable service. The store is open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 7 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM, closed on Sundays. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just getting started, Hook’em Bait & Tackle is a welcoming spot for all who enjoy life on the water.

PRESENTED BY: AFTCO

Autism Awareness Goes Local

John Crews and the bass fishing world are ready to show support for Autism Awareness month this April. This year will be highlighted by showcasing autism focused organizations that are based in the two towns hosting the two Bassmaster Elite Series events this month. Autism Awareness Month represents an excellent opportunity to promote autism awareness, autism acceptance, and to draw attention to the tens of thousands that deal autism every day. In addition, the BASS pros will have the opportunity to display autism puzzle decals on their boats and John Crews will auction off some special items later in April. Pro bass angler, John Crews, explains, “Each year we try to show a different angle of autism. This year is about where the work is done, locally. We contacted local organizations in Elizabeth City, NC and Anderson, SC. Each group will have a display in our weekend expo so people can learn about them and help support them through direct donations. Many people have no idea these places are right in their backyard, wherever you live!”

In Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Grassroots 252 is the nonprofit group that will display and educate people on how they help improve the lives of the special needs community. In Anderson, South Carolina, the Rainbow Gang is a nonprofit group that operates a free day program for adults with intellectual disabilities. That program is run by Anderson County, and they focus on evidence based recreational based therapy. Like in previous years, the BASS Elite anglers will have the opportunity to show their support for autism awareness by putting autism puzzle themed fish decals on their boats. Also, there will be numerous auction items on eBay later this month with all proceeds going to various autism charities. Lastly, anyone can get the autism puzzle themed fish decals with autism bracelets for $10 plus shipping at https://missilebaits.store/products/autism-awarness with all the proceeds going to Virginia Institute of Autism.

Issue #319

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