Media News - Bass Fishing Florida

Bass Fishing Forecast for March

March is always a good month in Florida for Trophy Bass. Not only can you catch them on wild shiners, but you can also catch them on top water lures. Buzzbaits and toads will draw some vicious strikes and some fun action on the waters of Lake Toho and the entire Kissimmee Chain.

Rattle Traps, spinner baits and crank baits will make for some very exciting action on Orlando area lakes, catching bass on a regular basis throughout the day. Lizards, worms and senko type baits will also produce some quality bass and this is also the time of year when our cold fronts are reduced to cool fronts. Largemouth bass will be once again schooling up and feeding heavily on natural lake forage like shad and wild shiners, which also makes them an easy target for us to catch.

Lake Toho bass fishing is one of our main focuses, with such a wide range of cover to fish, from lily pads to hydrilla beds, to floating mats in mid lake, there is always some type of action going on.

Bass Fishing Forecast for February

February is typically a very good month for trophy bass fishing on Lake Toho and many of the Orlando lakes. Cold fronts coming thru can keep the air temperatures much cooler, so of course dressing in layers is highly recommended for this time of year. A lot of our focus is on World Famous Lake Toho, as this body of water is probably your best option at catching that trophy bass.

Your options for catching bass out here are wide depending on the weather. If we get hit by a cold front, we will consider having a dozen or two of wild shiners on the boat to slow troll behind the boat while we work spawning areas with artificial lures.
Your options for lures will range from ten inch worms to creature baits like craws.

We will target bass beds, but keep in mind that when a bass is caught from a bed we will take a picture and weight fast, and carefully release back into the water gently so we don’t harm her. Many times we have witnessed her go back to her bed, so if done properly she will not be stressed out and abort her eggs as many claim they do. We are also strictly catch and release with all bass, replicas of your catch are usually one dollar per inch more than a skin mount and will last forever.

Capt. Jose Wejebe to begin 15th season on ESPN2

ATLANTA (Dec. 8, 2009) – On Sunday, Dec. 27, Captain Jose Wejebe will depart on one of the greatest adventures he has taken his audience on, the launch of season 15 of Spanish Fly, currently the longest running outdoors program on ESPN2. This longevity will put Spanish Fly on par with beloved television programs like ER and Howdy Doody, each of which aired for 15 seasons.

Every week Spanish Fly host Jose Wejebe brings viewers on some of the greatest adventures in sportfishing, bringing new approaches to the technique, skill and craft of fishing. Wejebe’s rhythm, flow and passion enhance the viewer’s experience, which is then complemented by the production and editing style. Over the years the show’s blend of practical information, breathtaking scenery, underwater footage and heart-pounding action has helped create an enormous and loyal following.

“Having the opportunity to be invited into our viewers’ homes and lives for the past 15 years has been something that I am very thankful for,” says Wejebe. “Additionally, I am grateful to ESPN for providing a platform that is second to none when it comes to outdoor sports programming.”

In 1995, the first Spanish Fly looked into the lifesyle of a Florida Keys guide, Captain Jose Wejebe, where he guided viewers on a shark fishing trip where they caught bull sharks. The adventures, pursuits and saltwater journeys continue into season 15. On a two episode arc, which begins on Sunday, Dec, 27, Wejebe takes viewers on the water with a family of fishtafarian artists. There they will not only learn new approaches to fishing but also the ancient Japanese art form of fish printing known as “gyotaku.” Later in the season, Wejebe and team revisit the USS Vandenberg. Last season viewers were brought behind the scenes as this vessel was intentionally sunk off Key West. This season the show will return to see how it has quickly become one of the best artificial reef dive sites for recreational divers worldwide as well a desirable destination.

“Spanish Fly continues to resonate well with our audience,” Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager, ESPN Outdoors and BASS. “We applaud the show’s dedication to quality programming and Jose Wejebe’s unique ability to inform and entertain.”

Since its inception, Spanish Fly has been produced in cooperation with Wejebe and the award-winning JM Associates, an entity of Atlanta-based Career Sports & Entertainment. Over the past 15 years Spanish Fly has received many awards and honors including three Telly Awards in the nature/wildlife and videography/cinematography categories as well as a Communicator Award, which is considered to be the largest and most prestigious award recognizing the best creative work in the communications field.

The show’s production crew has been responsible for continuing to maintain first rate television. From its three-camera shoots to music ranging from hot Latin salsa and Schubert Waltzes, Spanish Fly has a look and feel like no other program on the air. Season 15 of Spanish Fly will run on ESPN2 through March 2010 with new episodes airing Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. ET and re-airs on Saturday mornings at 6 a.m. ET. For more information about Spanish Fly visit www.spanishflytv.com or www.espnoutdoors.com.

About ESPN Outdoors
Since its inception in 1980, ESPN Outdoors has strived to inform and entertain anglers, hunters, campers and people of all ages who enjoy the outdoors. ESPN Outdoors is committed to increasing awareness of and participation in outdoor activities, a direction best exemplified by television programming on ESPN2. Each year, ESPN Outdoors stages more than 30 marquee events, including the Bassmaster Classic. ESPN Outdoors is comprised of BASS, the worldwide authority on bass fishing, and a growing array of multimedia platforms, including Bassmaster.com, ESPNOutdoors.com and programming on ESPN2, in addition to promotions and activities that deliver a clear message of conservation and ethical sportsmanship.

About Career Sports & Entertainment
Atlanta-based Career Sports & Entertainment (CS&E) is a full-service agency dedicated to working with a wide range of clients in the sports and entertainment fields for more than 21 years. CS&E’s expertise includes Client Representation of athletes, coaches, and broadcasters; Corporate Marketing Services for Fortune 500 and growing companies, including property consulting, public relations, event services and creative services; and Media Services consisting of television, mobile and interactive production. Some of the world’s most influential people and brands trust CS&E’s integrated approach. A sample of CS&E’s corporate clients include: Kellogg Company, AT&T, Aflac, the Atlanta Falcons and the New Jersey Nets; some of CS&E’s individual baseball clients include John Smoltz, Jeff Francoeur, Mark DeRosa andJeremy Hermida. Visit us at: http://www.careersportsentertainment.com/.

Media Contact
Robin Applebaum
Career Sports & Entertainment
770.955.1300
rapplebaum@careersports.com

Berkley signs on as sponsor of Bass Fishing University

Berkley signs on as sponsor of Bass Fishing University
COLUMBIA, S.C. (December 4, 2009) – Berkley and Abu Garcia will partner with the Bass University as a supporting sponsor. Berkley pro Michael Iaconelli and Pete Gluszek will be on hand to provide instruction and tutelage at each seminar to anglers looking to stay ahead of the curve.

“Bass University is perfect for the avid angler looking to gain a better understanding of the techniques that professional anglers use,” said Iaconelli. “This will allow myself and fellow pro anglers to teach avid anglers the tricks of the trade in a classroom type setting. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share with other anglers that want to learn more.”

Berkley and Abu Garcia will provide giveaways and prizes at each Bass University seminar. Students that attend the seminar will receive two days of intensive classroom education taught by today’s top anglers. Iaconelli and Gluszek will provide one-on-one instruction and offers an open forum for discussion.

“Berkley and Abu Garcia is thrilled to have this opportunity,” said Tammy Cox, Berkley Marketing Manager. “It is a great opportunity to grow our sport and pass along a greater understanding for today’s top techniques among professional anglers. Students have a great opportunity to learn from the best and Pure Fishing is proud to have the chance to be part of Bass University.”

The Bass University provides students with the most comprehensive bass fishing instruction available. In its first year in existence, Bass University students will gain access to the most cutting edge techniques, tackle, and equipment. Students will also receive a one-year subscription to BASSIN’ Magazine, course literature, Berkley items in official tackle gift pack and Bass University t-shirt. For more information please visit www.thebassuniversity.com

Upcoming Bass University Schedule

January 9-10, 2010
Sacramento, Calif.

January 23-24, 2010
Nashville, Tenn.

February 6-7, 2010
Dallas, Texas

Big Bass Contest

“The General” selected for winning name in big bass contest

A 16-pound, 15-ounce largemouth bass discovered in October during a routine electro-fishing procedure at Brown’s Creek Lake in rural Henderson County, Tenn., has been officially dubbed “The General” in a Name That Bass Contest posted on Outdoors with Larry Rea’s web site, www.lroutdoors.com.

Will Garey, 24, of Atoka, Tenn., came up with the winning name. The General was among three finalists in the contest, which was featured throughout November on the Outdoors with Larry Rea radio show, which is in its eighth year on the air on Country Legends WMC 79 in Memphis. More than 30 names were submitted by show listeners during November. The show is broadcast on Saturday mornings from 6-7:30 a.m., CST.

A panel of judges trimmed the original list to The General, Granny Brown (Ron Wong of Memphis) and Shockey (Regina Owen of Memphis) with the winning name selected in a vote of show listeners on Dec. 5.

Gareyl, an August 2009 graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in aerospace, won a prize pack from Collierville-based Strike King Lure Company, Shimano Sonora 2500FB reel with a propulsion line management system and a spool of the award-winning Power Pro 15-pound test Spectra braided line and Grabber Warmer Prize Pack. The Strike King Lure Prize Pack included a tackle box autographed by professional bass angler Kevin Van Dam.

“I’ve never seen so much stuff (prizes),” said Will’s dad, Bart, whose family has owned and operated one of Memphis’ oldest retail outlets, the Hollywood Furniture & Hardware Company, which has been in business for 85 years at 2461 Chelsea Avenue.

Don’t let the fish’s manly sounding name fool you.

Yes, the fish is a female, but according to the U.S. Army’s web site (www.army.mil) women can serve in 93 percent of Army occupations and they make up about 15 percent of the active Army. In fact, on June 11, 1970, Colonel Anna Mae Hays, Chief, Army Nurse Corps was promoted to the grade of brigadier general, thus becoming the first woman in the history of the U.S. Army to attain general officer rank. In November 2008, Ann E. Dunwoody made history when she became the first woman in the U.S. military to attain the rank of four-star general.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency discovered “The General” on Oct. 21 at Brown’s Creek, a state-managed 167-acre lake located in Natchez Trace State Park. The big fish was examined and then released back into the lake where since its discovery has created a frenzy of activity by anglers.

Dave Rizzuto, TWRA Region 1 fisheries biologist, says “The General” is going to get even bigger, possibly topping 18 pounds as she fattens up during January and February. The existing state record for largemouth bass is 14 pounds 8 ounces caught in Sugar Creek in Lawrence County in 1954. It is the state’s oldest state fisheries record.

Among other names considered by the panel of judges were Gilda (Rodney Owen of Memphis), Miss Daisy (Calvin Jones of Memphis), Elvis (Nichol Treuil of Memphis), Lucille (Brian Carroll of Smyrna, Ga.), Lucky (Steve McGoldrick of Memphis), Shamuno (Gil Lackey of Nashville), Mr. T. (Edward Farrell of Memphis), George (Jo Ann Lynch of Memphis), Gertrude (Angela Lusk of Memphis) and It Ought to Be Mine (Les Collier of Lakeland).

PAA announces four dates for 2010 regular season events

BENTON, Ky. – The Professional Anglers Association is proud to announce some of the details for their 2010 Bass Pro Shops PAA Tournament Series. On the heels of three days of meetings in Kentucky, the PAA has finalized their tournament format, entry fees, payout, field size, off limits and event dates.

The four tournament series will take place in a centralized area of the country to reduce travel expenses for the anglers as much as possible. Exact locations, registration dates and other details will be announced in the near future.

“We are ecstatic to have many of these details ready to release,” said PAA President John Crews. “The PAA wanted to announce these details so everyone can plan their 2010 calendars. We will have more details to release about the events once they are finalized. We know our events are going to create fantastic opportunities for our members to fish more televised, pro level events.”

2010 Bass Pro Shops PAA Tournament Series

Format:
• 30 Day off limits before first practice day (no info and not on water)
• 3 day official practice (Sunday- Tuesday)
• 1 off day (Wednesday) for registration and other activities
• 3 day tournament (Thursday- Saturday)
• Full field on first 2 days
• Top 30 fish the final day to weigh in at Bass Pro Shops store
• Pro only – must be a TOUR level member of PAA to fish any tournament in 2010
• Member Observers all three days
• 150 boat full field, 160 boats max

Dates:
• July 8-10
• August 19-21
• September 9-11
• October 21-23

Entry Fee: $2,500 per event (4) with a $750 deposit per event

Payout:
1 $50,000 ($10,000 cash plus prize boat)
2 $20,000
3 $15,000
4 $13,000
5 $12,500
6 $12,000
7 $11,500
8 $11,000
9 $10,500
10 $10,000
11 $6,750
12 $6,750
13 $6,750
14 $6,750
15 $6,000
16 $6,000
17 $6,000
18 $6,000
19 $6,000
20 $6,000
21 $6,000
22 $6,000
23 $6,000
24 $6,000
25 $6,000
26 $6,000
27 $6,000
28 $6,000
29 $6,000
30 $6,000
31 $5,500
32 $5,500
33 $5,500
34 $5,500
35 $5,500
36 $5,500
37 $5,500
38 $5,500
39 $5,500
40 $5,500
41 $5,500
42 $5,500
43 $5,500
44 $5,500
45 $5,500
46 $5,500
47 $5,500
48 $5,500
49 $5,500
50 $5,500

Big Bass Award: $1500 ($500 per day)

Total Payout: $400,000.

The Professional Anglers Association is a non-profit organization that gives professional anglers a unified voice in order to aid in the growth of the sport of professional bass fishing. The PAA also aims to administer educational programs to the average angler, to increase enjoyment of the sport, and to embrace sound conservation practices to further the future of the sport. For more information, visit www.FishPAA.com.

Jamie Hairgrove
PAA Operations Manager
270.527.2030 (direct line)
270.527.2032 (fax)

Mailing Address:
PAA
PO BOX 655
BENTON, KY 42025

Shipping Address:
PAA
1102 Main Street
Benton, KY 42025

Media Contact
Jamie Hairgrove, Operations Manager, (270) 527-2030, Jamie@fishpaa.com

Bass Fishing Forecast for March

Bass Fishing Forecast for February

Capt. Jose Wejebe to begin 15th season on ESPN2

Berkley signs on as sponsor of Bass Fishing University

Big Bass Contest

PAA announces four dates for 2010 regular season events

Lake Toho

Butler Chain of Lakes

Current Orlando Fishing Reports