BASS FISHINGBass Fishing Sports Blog

Turn low and slow into a pounding heartbeat.

Hey there Hot Stick! got a no-doubt fish trick to share with kayak nation? Send it in. we welcome Fish Friday submissions. It won’t bring you fortune, just a small bit of fame and the positive fish karma that comes from helping fellow ‘yakkers. look us up at .Finessing Early Spring River SmallmouthBy Juan Verute

Lethargic early spring cold-front smallmouth are driven to eat with the impending spawn just around the corner however they are far less likely to chase down a fast moving lure high in the water column. they will typically key heavily on the cold-shocked baitfish forage holding in cool eddy pools hovering close to the bottom. due to these factors, my spring cold front finesse bait lineup consists of five soft plastics that resemble baitfish profiles and can be fished slowly and deliberately on the bottom. The baits range in size from 3.25 to 2 inches and are rigged on either a snag resistant “rock guarded” football head or a  “flutter head” both made by Winco’s Custom Lures. I will typically move up and down in bait size until I find exactly what the fish want.

You can place together your own line-up of finesse soft plastics using tubes, twister tail grubs, paddle tail grubs or a combination of various types of bottom dragging plastics. The primary goal though is to stick with baits that are small in size, have a baitfish profile, and can be fished slowly and deliberately on the bottom. keep color selections simple. I try to use a color that is similar to the minnow or shad forage base in the river. I also like baits that incorporate metal flake colors such as blue, silver, or copper because it simulates the look and color flash of baitfish. A quick waterside assessment of the baitfish present in your river will help with color selection.

River smallmouth affected by an early spring cold front will typically be looking to conserve energy and be close to the baitfish. Major current breaks behind ledge rock, large boulders, bridge pilings, and other objects that deflect current are excellent places to seek out these early spring river smallmouth. Making precise casts to the coolest water behind these obstacles is often the ticket to success. Pay special attention to current breaks that have more depth relative the surrounding water.

A successful finesse presentation consists of “the drag” and “the pause”. Typically, I’ll start with a slow small drag and a very long pause. You’ll have the most luck in cold water situations with a long pause. Remember, you’re trying to mimic those cold-shocked baitfish hovering close to the bottom, in other words, an simple meal! If I’m getting bites consistently, I’ll incrementally speed up the presentation to see if I can cover ground a small faster while still picking up fish.

A kayak that is moving a lot will impede you ability to make a precise slow presentation. “Eddying out” or “wedging” the kayak on shallow rock close to your target location can help. getting out of the kayak and putting your feet on the ground is also a good option when the situation allows. Like I tell my guiding clients, “you should control the speed of the finesse bait presentation, not the current”.

Over the years I’ve downsized to these bottom dragging finesse plastic baits with great success during early spring cold font conditions. one of the biggest misconceptions when downsizing baits is that it will result in smaller fish. During some times of the year, this may be right but during early spring cold snaps nothing can be farther form the truth. These small bottom dragging finesse soft plastics produce big results!

River riding bass catcher Juan Verute operates the Kayak Fish PA guide service. Catch his fishing tips and join the conversation at Central Pennsylvania Fishing. 

Photos: Juan Verute.

“they just didn’t know when he was going to do it,” Hose said.

Hose said they talked about marriage and went out to look at rings together about two months before, “and then he surprised me with one.”

They are plotting a Sept. 22 wedding.

Tuesday is Valentine’s Day and, like Hose, some women will be receiving engagement rings or other jewelry. despite the sluggish economy, husbands-to-be still buy diamonds, according to several area jewelers.

“People are still getting engaged,” said Andy Gartenberg, owner of Gartenberg Jewelry in Chambersburg, Pa. “There’s a lot of styles out there.”

Gartenberg said Valentine’s Day is the “second- or third-most important holiday of the year.”

“Mother’s Day is always very excellent, but Valentine’s Day is the holiday of love. That’s why it was invented,” he said. “and we’ve been busy.”

Debbie Giles, manager of R. Bruce Carson Jewelers in Hagerstown, said she sold a few diamond engagement rings to men plotting to propose Tuesday, but a variety of gifts have been flying out of showcases since the beginning of the month.

“we were swamped,” Giles said Thursday, anticipating the biggest crowds would come in over the weekend because people don’t shop six weeks in advance for Valentine’s Day like they do for Christmas.

Well loved gifts for Feb. 14 include diamond hearts, diamond earrings and the Pandora line of charm bracelets, which has been growing in popularity because of the custom and unique designs of the bracelets, according to David Ettinger, manager of Bechdel Jewelers in Inwood, W.Va.

“No two (Pandora) bracelets come out the same,” Ettinger said. “Everybody designs it to their personal taste.”

The urge for something unique doesn’t end there, he said, but extends “even with engagement rings. Most folks want to have some input into the design, to be able to make something unique to them.”

Sterling-silver items, which are less expensive than gold or platinum, also have been huge sellers, Gartenberg said.

“Gold now is $1,700 an ounce. thank goodness for sterling, because I don’t know what we’d be selling if sterling wasn’t around,” Gartenberg said. “we have a lot of fashion stuff in sterling. we sell it every single day.”

Ettinger said business was excellent in the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day. if the economy has affected business at all, it’s just making people buy smaller-ticket items, but more of them, he said.

“People want lots of diamonds for engagements, but also just as gifts — diamond pendants and diamond earrings, those kinds of things,” he said. “Women love jewelry. It’s a great gift, a personalized gift. I reckon it requires a small more thought than some of the other things, like candy or flowers.”

While jewelry stores have been busy, some people turn to online sources to buy high-dollar items such as diamond engagement rings.

Brian Lumm, 31, of Hagerstown, who recently got engaged, said he shopped around with his fiancée, Kristin Marie Hutchinson, 27, to find a ring before purchasing through online retailer bluenile.com.

“I’ve heard a lot of other people say that they were really happy with buying off Blue Nile,” Lumm said. “I checked it out and liked it, so I finished up getting (the ring) from them.”

But people choose to buy, jewelry remains a great gift for Valentine’s Day because it creates memories and stands as a reminder of love, Giles said.

“it lasts a lifetime,” she said.

David Dudley of Lynchburg, Va., the 2003 FLW Cup Champion, the 2011 FLW Angler of the Year, and all-time leading FLW money winner with more than $2,743,948, headlines this year’s show. He’ll be joined by freshwater and saltwater experts including Mike DelVisco, BASS fishing pro from Greer, S.C.; Cory Routh, kayak fishermen and guide; Capt. Jimmy Price, flounder expert; and Capt. Rick Bennett, inshore and offshore guide. These and other fishing professionals will give free seminars in three different seminar rooms throughout the show.

The Expo showcases the latest in fishing and recreational boats, including bass rigs, aluminum boats, pontoons, and ski boats, and the latest in fishing tackle and electronic gear.

Two additional attractions are the Oklahoma Bass Tub and the Mountain Trout and Catfish Pond.

For a change of pace, visitors can meet six-time World WakeSurf Champion Drew Danielo, who will sign autographs and explain how to get involved in this quick-growing water sport.

Danielo isn’t the only water-riding enthusiast at the show. Twiggy, the water skiing squirrel, makes a return appearance based upon popular demand. Twiggy will demonstrate his skills while also emphasizing water safety. Youngsters of all ages will get to meet Twiggy and take photographs following Twiggy’s performance.

The show starts Friday, Feb. 24, at 10 a.m. and runs to 9 p.m. Other hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $4 for junior anglers. Children under 6 are free when in the company of an adult. Visit ncboatshows.com for a $1 coupon off admission.

Forty-nine anglers from 22 states will be competing in the Feb. 24-26 Bassmaster Classic on the Red River, Shreveport-Bossier, La.

Alabama boasts the most Classic qualifiers with 12 anglers. Dustin Wilks of Rocky Mount, a five-time Classic qualifier, is the only North Carolinian to make the world championship of fishing this year.

The Bassmaster Classic Outdoor Expo will take place at the Shreveport Convention Center while the CenturyLink Center will host the weigh-ins and serve as the ESPN broadcast site.

For the sake of uniformity, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has approved changes that establish a general statewide minimum size limit of 14 inches for largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass. On some waters, two fish may be less than 14 inches.

The NCWRC withdrew two proposals.

First, the NCWRC withdrew the proposal that would have increased the minimum size limit for striped bass and hybrid bass at Jordan Lake. Instead, it kept the current 20-inch minimum size limit and four-fish daily creel limit.

Next, it withdrew the proposal for grass carp at Lake Tillery since protection is not deemed necessary given the level of aquatic vegetation control and potential negative impacts to native vegetation at the lake.

The High Point Showplace hosts the International Custom Rod Building Exposition on Feb. 25-26. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 per day for all ages.

Hundreds of custom rod builders will be present to exhibit and sell their products and to give tips on rod building. In addition, free seminars on rod building will be presented throughout the two days of the show.

Presenters include Gary Loomis, composite rods and blanks specialist; Dennis Papike, veteran custom rod builder; Jimi Ellis, decal expert; and Jason Brunner, rod and blank designer for St. Croix Rod Co.

Bryan Thrift of Shelby ranked sixth with 61-12 at the Feb. 9-12 FLW Tour event on Lake Okeechobee in Clewiston, Fla. Thrift banked $17,000.

Phil Jarmon of Apex placed 23rd among the co-anglers with 20-05 and earned $1,300.

The Carolina Crappie Association will hold a tournament Saturday at High Rock Lake. the weigh-in takes place at 3 p.m. at Hill’s Minnow Farm in Salisbury.

Tony Garitta is a fishing columnist for the Dispatch.

Several contentious issues concerning local and statewide anglers will be coming up on the docket of the California Fish and Game Commission meeting on Dec. 15 in San Diego.

One of the issues will be consideration of a new regulation that if passed, will require lake, pond and hatchery owners to perform environmental surveys on every lake or pond that stocks fish. It would also apply to private landowners who wish to stock and manage ponds and lakes on their property.

The other hot-button proposal would require fishing licenses in those private waters that were previously exempt. under the proposed new rules, even a farmer who taps a well on his own property to create a pond would be required to have a fishing license to fish it, and would be required to complete an environmental survey prior to stocking any fish.

The Chico-based California Association for Recreational Fishing has been the spearhead in the opposition to this regulation, along with the national group keep America Fishing.

For those following the “war on stripers” saga, that issue has been bumped forward to the commission’s Sacramento meeting in February.

Concerned citizens can address their feelings on any of these issues to the commission by going to KeepAmericaFishing.org to submit an e-letter, or writing to: California Fish and Game Commission, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, 94244.

Christmas gift ideas for anglers and outdoors people

Take a look at the following suggestions for the angler on your list, with special emphasis on locally made products. Next week’s column will include prices and information for the 2012 California fishing licenses.

Splurge items

Continuing in a nearly century-long tradition of local craftsmanship, the “Tributary” and “Confluence” series fly rods custom-made right here in Chico are available in stores under the “Raptor Rod Works” brand name, and range from $220 to $375.

Lincoln Grey of Sierra Stream and Mountain fly Shop advised, “We have been seeing a strong trend toward very light 2- and 3-weight fly rods the past few seasons. The Raptor ‘Confluence’ series will remind longtime local anglers of the ancient Powell actions, and we do have them in the popular small sizes.”

Under $25

Retired Department of Fish and Game warden Terry Hodges of Oroville has penned several right-life game warden adventure books that read like “Cops” meets “Animal Planet.” some longtime favorites like “Sabertooth” and “Sworn to Protect” are out of print, but others like “Tough Customers” are a fantastic read. Hodges also wrote the brilliant primer “A Rookie’s Guide to Bass Fishing.” look for all of Hodges’ titles at gamewarden.net or by phone at 533-0698, or at local booksellers.

Sierra Stream and Mountain fishing tools — Including the world-well-known “Tie-Quick,” this family of handy fishing gadgets has all been “made in Chico” for many years.

Under $50

Mag-Lite XL50 LED flashlight — The latest and greatest compact configuration of this perennial favorite includes easily selectable battery-saving modes.

Flying Fisherman polarized sunglasses — reasonably priced and super high-quality, these are a must any time you are out on the water.

Under $100

Rapala 60-pound Lock-N-Weigh tool — The perfect thing for handling and weighing those giant Sacramento River salmon we are now allowed to fish for again.

Flambeau Fishing-4-Freedom tackle bag — Benefits the Wounded Warrior project that takes injured veterans fishing.

Stocking stuffers

Guide Flies (hand-tied in Chico), Ehrler Coho Spinners (made in Paradise), Butte Creek Tackle jigs and spinnerbaits (made in Gridley), Paradise Tackle Jigs, Russelures (made in Texas, but born in Chico), Bucketmouth Baits plastic worms (made in Magalia), Jay Honest’s Flies (made in Chico), insect repellant, Coleman lantern mantles, batteries, pocket warmers, camouflage duct tape.

Send your outdoor news items to Steve Carson via e-mail at .

Looking for that perfect gift for the Outdoors enthusiast in your life?

Here are some suggestions from Daily News staff members.

GoPro Hero

One of the coolest video cameras on the market right now is call the Hero, made by a company called GoPro. The camera is about the size of a pack of cigarettes, but can shoot HD quality video. It can be purchased with various accessories like helmet mounts, mounts that will allow you to attach it to a surfboard, motorcycle, boat, plane, whatever. The camera starts at $199, with various accessory kits going for around $299. This camera has developed a cult following among the “extreme” outdoor sports folks because you can take it just about anywhere you go. Devon Ravine – Staff Photographer

eTrex Venture HC from Garmin

You probably don’t even need to know that it functions because there are 24 satellites orbiting earth 12,000 miles above you, or that these satellites are shooting around at something like 7,000 miles per hour.

GPS’s are just cool to have.

They’re cool because they can help get you from one place to another, locate fishing holes, decide which golf club to hit or find your way around in the woods.

GPS’s have, over the years, gotten really reasonably priced too. one website estimated the cost range at “from about $70 to $400 or so depending on the brand and store you buy from.”

One example is the eTrex Venture HC from Garmin, an industry leader in the GPS world. This little beauty retails at $170, but we found it selling for $99.99 on a website. The Venture HC, according to its manufacturers’ press clippings, “locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover and deep canyons.”

That’s right, deep canyons.

“you can count on Venture HC to help you find your way when you need it the most,” the Garmin literature claims.

I don’t know about you, but this little beauty sounds like the GPS I want to find under my tree.

But not everyone wants to go into a deep canyon and thus have to find their way out. For that reason it’s key to know the industry has diversified enough that GPS’s can be purchased for specific interests like cycling, golf, running or finding fish.

Tom McLaughlin – Staff Writer and Avid Outdoorsman

Stocking Stuffers for Runners

As a runner, I know it’s vital to have the right tools when you’re headed out to do a nine mile trek in the cold. Some ideas for the athlete in your family are relatively inexpensive. Running socks help keep the feet from blistering when going long miles and are cut to form to the feet with some padding. Nike sells Dri-FIT socks that run from $12 to $14. Along those same lines are the Nike Dri-FIT running gloves. these range from $18 to $20 and help pull sweat away from the skin while reflective detail also offers visibility at night.

My last suggestion for runners is a good pair of head phones. Sony MDR-Q23LPPS are cushioned and clip-on and cost $20. Philips SHS3201 costs $13 and has earhooks that hold the headphones still. a final suggestion is the Arriva Active wear stereo headphones. The headphones are $30 and were designed for snowboarders and rock climbers so they won’t go.

Angel McCurdy – Staff Writer, Wanna-be Marathon Runner

Trek Bicycle’s Wahoo

In bikes you pretty much get what you pay for. a $175 bike is going to be made of the heaviest frame material and have the cheapest components available. if you’re looking for a bike you plan to keep around for a few years, it makes sense to spend the extra money and buy something that you will delight in riding. however, a high-end mountain bike designed for racing can cost several thousand dollars.

Here’s one suggestion that hopefully won’t break the bank: Trek Bicycle’s Wahoo mountain bike, part of the Gary Fisher Collection. at a MSRP price of $579.99, the Wahoo is a solid entry level mountain bike whose components can be upgraded as time, inclination and budget allow.

Devon Ravine – Staff Reporter and Avid Cyclist

Kill those bugs

One of my favorite gifts I’ve received is an electric bug zapper. They may seem like a made-for-TV purchase but the glorified fly swatters come in handy indoors and outdoors.

Prices range beginning at $12 and they can be found at most sporting goods stores, such as Bass Pro Shop. They come in a variety of colors and have a safety feature if anyone is concerned about young children electrocuting themselves.

The electronic zapper is an environmentally friendly way to kill insects in seconds.

The zapper makes the perfect gift for anyone from the daughter leaving for college to your camping buddy. I guarantee they are going to use it and have fun killing the bugs.

Angel McCurdy – Staff Writer who likes to kill Bugs

Fisherman’s Favorites

Paul Darby’s one-man operation Quality Reel Repair in Shalimar offers everything from stocking stuffers to huge-ticket items that can’t be found at huge box Outdoors gear retailers for the fishing fanatic on your Christmas present list.

Darby, who’s also a fishing guide, caters to fishermen of all stripes, including those who delight in fly fishing.

Pay attention to the photograph – the one of the huge redfish with a small lure in its mouth – high on a wall to his reel repair cubby. The lure is the Darby spoon fly and, if its very sharp hook is secured properly, makes a fantastic stocking stuffer.

Darby worked a long time to develop the durable coating that makes the fly long lasting, whether the opponents are dogged, heavyweight reds or ferocious toothy runners like Spanish mackerel and bluefish. he also designed the fly to cast farther by shaping its blade to reduce flutter in the air.

Darby spoon flies come in an assortment of patterns and colors and are hand built, like much of the small shop’s other inventory.

There’s a rack or two of custom-built rods and refurbished rods for sale. There’s even a reel or two and some clothing available for purchase.

And, there’s something that comes for free: Darby’s amicable manner and skillful story telling.

He’ll give you tips on when and where to go to find huge fish and what to do and use to catch them, along with the unique gift for your fisherman.

The shop, located at the Shalimar Yacht Basin, opens when it opens – usually sometime before lunch. call 200-3172 for more information.

Mladen Rudman– former Daily News Outdoors Writer and Avid Fisherman

For the person who seems to have everything, a custom game call makes a unique gift. I was recently at the shop of local turkey call manufacturer Rich Shively, who makes the Super Yelper, a traditional scratch box design dating to the 1800s. He was turning out a limited edition Civil War commemorative call. the calls are handcrafted out of a walnut beam from a barn in the Shenandoah Valley that survived the Civil War, and there is only enough wood to make 51 calls. it depicts a confederate soldier kneeling with a wild turkey. Cost is $125. Other Super Yelper calls are priced at $20 to $50. (Call 910-452-3716 or visit superyelper.com).

Another local call maker, Ralph Jensen of “Master’s Touch”, carves custom calls from many types of wood, some of which have local historical significance.

“Carving a hunting scene or a hunter’s dog on a call is a popular request,” Jensen said. “I recently carved a duck call that had a Lab’s head and two mallards in flight, out of burled walnut. I also carved a pintail whistle with a carving of a pintail and a pair of teal in flight. on a turkey call lid, I added an inlay made from a piece of mammoth tusk. For calls, the carving and materials are only limited by your imagination.”

Jensen also offers custom-carved smoking pipes of authentic briarwood. Custom carved duck and goose calls start at $350 and plain calls cost $150. Pipes start at $450. Box turkey calls cost $150 to $250. (Call 231-6865 or visit mastershoppe.com).

Allen Bliven Calls offers a full line of handcrafted waterfowl calls from coca bola wood and acrylics. these mallard, pintail/widgeon and goose calls are as exquisite as they are functional. Prices start at $30. (ABC calls, 252-926-9969).

A gift certificate for a taxidermy mount for a fish, game bird or game animal is a welcome present. Karl Reichardt of Wildlife Preservation Specialists mounts all species and provides habitat-style mounts as well. A sampling of prices includes ducks at $185, swans $580, geese $325, deer $385 and bass in a habitat mount at $285. Saltwater replica fish mounting costs are $16 per inch. (Call 233-8865 or visit wildlifepreservationspecialists.net).

Local author Jeffrey Weeks has written a new book, “Surf and Saltwater Fishing in the Carolinas” that’s a perfect stocking stuffer for inshore fishermen. Weeks once lived in Brunswick County and recently went to Denver, N.C., but still bases his coastal fishing trips out of Ocean Isle Beach. the book’s 35 chapters cover all species and include pier, kayak and night fishing tactics along with good old yarns and great recipes, 175 pages, paperback. (surfandsalt.com).

The Saltwater Sportsman Seminar Series is in its 25th year and is the coast’s most popular fishing show. the event will be held at new Bern’s Riverfront Convention Center on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012. Ticket cost is $55. (Call 800-448-7360 or visit nationalseminarseries.com).

A traditional gift for pint-sized cowgirls and cowboys is the Daisy Red Ryder Carbine. This cute little lever gun is a hoot to shoot and holds 650 BBs. ($39.99 at Dick’s Sporting Goods, daisy.com).

Shakespeare manufactures a complete children’s fishing tackle kit that has a rod, reel and tackle. these theme kits include Barbie, Disney Princess and Spider Man versions ($14.99 at Dick’s and Walmart, shakespeare-fishing.com).

Mike’s most recent book, Fishing North Carolina, details fishing opportunities at 100 lakes, rivers, parks, sounds, beaches and piers. To order, visit mikemarshoutdoors.com.

A next-gen , load-carrying, store all your stuff, stand-tall fishing craft.

When Kayak Angler bumped into NuCanoe’s Blake Young at ICAST last July, Young was smiling. It was clear the company that builds “verstatile, stable and simple to use watercraft” had an exciting new fishing kayak in the works, but all he was ready to say was it’s going to be huge. He promised to drop us a line once it was ready for public view.

That note announcing the launch of the Frontier 12 arrived in the wee hours Saturday night.  It was an eye-opener. The deck is nothing like previous NuCanoe models. from here, it looks like a huge leap forward in fishing utility.

When the Frontier hits the water in January 2012, it’ll be the first NuCanoe to sport Custom Fit Seats that mount wherever you want on along 72-inches of Freedom Track. There’s in-hull storage too, dubbed the Internal Rod Chamber, and a Gear Vault hatch compartment, two more NuCanoe firsts.

Very nice, but not the first thing that caught my eye. that was the broad, level Cast & Blast deck. 41-inches wide! This could be the largest standing platform on any craft conceivably called a fishing kayak.

This is a huge, confidence inspiring ride (stability is a hallmark of any NuCanoe design). those who must can mount a motor on the squared-off stern. 

The NuCanoe website indicates the new bass battleship will come with two Multi-Seat Bases with Sliders, a paddle holder on each side, hardware to accommodate a stern anchor, a pair of the obligatory cup holders, and the aforementioned Gear Vault with removable Hatch Sack. 

We’re looking forward to taking this new Frontier for a fishing spin. The vitals: 144 inches long, 41 inches wide, 16 inches high, hull weight 76 pounds, capacity 600 pounds, draft 3 inches at 250 pounds, $1,129; nucanoe.com.

Illustrations courtesy NuCanoe.

Thursday, 11 August 2011

Carrying a long wish-list of total performance features, the now-legendary Z500 Series has taken anglers across the country to millions in tournament winnings and in the process, became the best selling tournament bass boat of the modern era. In 2012, the integration of new interior features, driven by angler feedback, has once again served to further elevate Ranger's flagship line – continually distancing the popular Z500 Series from the rest of the field. Two models in particular, the Z520 and Z522, will enter the 2012 model year with a long list of refinements. Most notably, both boats will feature a raised front casting deck, delivering the optimum height for flipping and pitching in bass-filled shallow waters. without changing the highly acclaimed hull design, the increased height of the casting deck will in turn allow more space in the boats' storage and rod lockers. also on the front deck, anglers will find a recessed foot pedal standard on all 2012 Ranger Z500 Comanche Series models. “On a tournament day, it's hard to spot a boat that's not a Ranger Z-Comanche – that tells you a lot about the boat. People who fish for a living aren't going to trust their livelihoods to anything less than the best equipment available,” said Ranger Pro Mark Rose, fresh off a FLW Tour victory and currently ranked 3rd in the world among bass anglers. “One or two huge fish each tournament can mean the difference between a win and a loss – or making it to the Forrest Wood Cup. And with so many of these huge fish up shallow, flipping can often be the only way to get to them. The new raised deck gives me the perfect height for flipping under overhangs and allows me to be even more accurate and efficient with my presentation.” Ranger's promise of building boats “by anglers, for anglers” is solidified with so many innovations consistently showcased in the Z500 Series. Originally introduced on the Z521, all 2012 model Z500 Comanche's will sport Ranger's innovative console design, which delivers more protection from the elements, increased leg room and space for back mounting today's popular large-screen electronics. Notable enhancements have been made on the Z500 Series trailers, as well. All 2012 models will feature new style lines and be equipped with an additional step integrated into the fiberglass fender, making it even simpler to access the vessel. In addition to so many standard features, Ranger continues to offer the ability for owners to upgrade their dream rig with a multitude of custom options. Introduced for the 2012 model year, Ranger is now offering a “Touring Package” that combines several of the most popular add-ons in one package. this includes a Hamby's keel protector, deluxe traveling boat cover, water line stripe, Oxygenator, as well as a trailer parking brake and aluminum wheels from American Racing. “We're fortunate to have so many talented anglers running our product,” said Ranger Boats President Randy Hopper. “The evolution of our Z500 Series in particular is a reflection of the feedback we've received from our customers and pro-staff across the country. It's really the best focus group our R&D team could have and never stops driving us to build the absolute best product on the water.” 2012 RANGER Z520 COMANCHE Capacities and Specifications Overall Hull Length: 20 feet, 9 inches Beam: 95 inches Maximum HP: 250 Engine Shaft Length: 20 inches inside Depth: 21 inches Fuel Capacity: (2) 24-gallon tanks Total Persons/Motor/Gear: 1,650 lbs. Approx. Boat Weight: 1,825 lbs. (single console) 1,850 lbs. (dual console) Trailer Capacities/Specifications Trailer GVWR: CF5000 Length on Trailer with Motor down: 25 feet, 9 inches Length on Trailer with Motor down & Swing-Away Tongue Open: 23 feet, 9 inches Width on Trailer: 100 inches

Last Updated ( Thursday, 11 August 2011 )

Thursday, 25 August 2011

Anglers from the University of Arkansas and the University of Texas at Tyler will face off later this week on Texas' famed Choke Canyon Reservoir in an exclusive, expense-paid trip made possible through their participation in the Ranger Cup University program. The three-part, hole-style competition, which pays $2,000 to the winning team, will be filmed Aug 24-25 and will air as an episode of Americana Outdoors early next January. Mook Miller and Kyle Billingsly, both collegiate anglers from the University of Arkansas qualified for the Choke Canyon event by being the highest-finishing participants in the BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing National Championship. Matthew Tyler and Tyler Fisher, collegiate anglers from the University of Texas at Tyler, claimed the highest place of finish for a Ranger Cup University-qualified team at the FLW College Fishing Championship. each team will fish from fully rigged Ranger Z521 Comanche boats during three separate sessions, with a weigh in to follow each, fishing in designated areas. The team with the highest combined weight over the three sessions will take home $2,000 and the title of Ranger Cup University's “Team of the Year.” The tournament is scheduled to appear on Americana Outdoors, broadcast on Versus, during the third week of January. The competition will also be featured during an episode of the soon-to-premier BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship Series. Modeled after the most lucrative contingency program in the industry, the Ranger Cup, Ranger Cup University is open to collegiate anglers fishing in either FLW- or Boat US-affiliated competitions. Signup for Ranger Cup University is free and exclusively for collegiate anglers, regardless of which brand of boat they own. To remain qualified in the program, anglers need only adhere to clothing and decal requirements. The program also allows anglers to reap the rewards of a professionally run contingency program regardless of tournament results. and as part of the Ranger Cup University program, participants will be able to receive specially-discounted tournament gear through Gemini Custom Apparel, with no artwork or set-up fees. for more information on Ranger Cup University, to register and read all about the program guidelines, go online to RangerBoats.com

Last Updated ( Thursday, 25 August 2011 )

Hey guys,well I got my 7'3 MH F{closer to XF} micro guides custom from Mike at DVT friday.I was alittle worried about the sensativity the MHX blank would have but I pulled the trigger. I took it out yesterday and tied on a 3/8 brush jig{sieberts custom jigs awesome products) with 12# fluoro on Revo reel. The rod fits me perfectly and the sensativity is on par with ANY 250-350$ stick. this rod is SWEET!!! caught 3 Keepers on it. It was a very soft bite kind of day! if you guys are lookin for a rod that fits you perfectly with the components you want call Mike. He's a stand up guy and will take care of you!

Can't wait to take it back out and slam some more bucketmouths!

P.S. if anyone want's a pic of rod just ask.
You don't have to be crazy to love to Bass fish, but it helps! 0

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#2   Chris at Tech 

• I love Bass Fishing!

• Group: Members
• Posts: 1,174
• Joined: April-12 2006
• LocationAtlanta, GA

Posted August 07 2011 – 08:50 AM

Let's see some pics!
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#3   Delaware Valley Tackle 

• I love Bass Fishing!

• Group: BassResource.com Advertiser
• Posts: 1,430
• Joined: July-20 2009
• Facebook:100001517419739#!/pages/Milford-PA/Delaware-Valley
• LocationMilford, PA
• My PB:Please Choose
• Favorite Bass:Please Choose

Posted August 08 2011 – 10:12 AM

Those MHX blanks are the real deal. Glad you like it. Keep on catchin'!
10% Disc. on Reel Repair/Service & Custom Rods for BassResource.com members! delawarevalleytackle.com 0

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#4   Stout-G 

• 8.9

• Group: Members
• Posts: 2,069
• Joined: May-15 2009
• LocationRichmond, Va
• My PB:between 8-9 lbs
• Favorite Bass:Largemouth

Posted August 08 2011 – 10:42 AM

We definitely need pictures man!
Hayden

ragetail.com 0

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#5   Bass_Fanatic 

• Fishing on the Bend!

• Group: Members
• Posts: 757
• Joined: June-13 2008
• LocationCentral Louisiana
• My PB:between 10-11 lbs
• Favorite Bass:Largemouth
• Favorite Lake or River:Toledo Bend, Cane River, Sibley Lake, Black Lake

Posted August 08 2011 – 11:15 AM

Im thinking about a custom for DVT too and Im glad to hear you like the MHX blank so much. We need pictures.
PB: 10lbs 1oz 0

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#6   BrASSmonkey 

• BASStard

• Group: Members
• Posts: 122
• Joined: January-13 2010
• LocationMilton, ON, Canada
• My PB:between 3-4 lbs
• Favorite Bass:Largemouth
• Favorite Lake or River:Lower Buckhorn, West Lake, Rice Lake

Posted August 08 2011 – 12:31 PM

I am a huge fan of the MHX rods as well. They are very high ont he value list for me. Nice, light blanks. Congrats on your custom rod!
BrASSmonkey

Quick releasing fish since 1980… 0

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#7   Fishohio 

• I love Bass Fishing!

• Group: Members
• Posts: 86
• Joined: April-13 2010
• LocationOhio
• My PB:between 5-6 lbs
• Favorite Bass:Largemouth
• Favorite Lake or River:Salt Fork

Posted Today, 08:25 AM

i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz89/rickfishohio/th_005-1.jpg

Sorry it took so long guys was out of town.

I'm not the most skilled at computers so I hope this will suffice. I'll try to resize
You don't have to be crazy to love to Bass fish, but it helps! 0

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#8   BASSclary 

• Haters Gonna Despise.

• Group: Members
• Posts: 2,818
• Joined: April-24 2010
• LocationStafford, VA
• My PB:between 9-10 lbs
• Favorite Bass:Largemouth
• Favorite Lake or River:Potomac RIver;
  Curtis Lake;
  Burke Lake.

Posted Today, 09:09 AM

Larger, more detail pictures please bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif
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