Month: March 2020

Friday Flashback (Belated)-Mar. 28,2010

Posted on by Troy Jackson

March 31, 2010 – First bass of the year

No matter whether it is a “good one” (2 pounds or heavier is my criteria) or one slightly (or significantly) smaller, I always look forward to meeting that first bass of the year. Being an open water guy who prowls West Central Illinois, the chance to chase that first bass usually rolls around in March. In fact, that has become my goal going back many years. Start my year with a March bass.

Today’s flashback looks back ten years to a handful of smaller than “good ones” that I tracked down at a couple remote Snakeden Hollow potholes. The log entries below refer to Upper and Lower Twin Lakes, my unofficial designations. I believe they may actually have real names and I originally called them by other names, but those are tales for some other day.

These spots required a substantial hike and beginning the next year I kicked off my March bass quest at a couple Snakeden fishing holes a bit closer to a parking lot. Yep, stories for another day.

Far from trophies but these bass represented “Mission Accomplished” for the start of another year on the water. And just under the wire too, as I barely made it to open water before March 2010 drew to a close. As March 2020 draws to a close in a few hours, I am thankful that I was able to meet the same goal ten years after landing today’s featured fish.

Ten Years After – First bass 2020

With a grand total of 1 bass for 2020, I now bid March farewell. As always, I wonder just what April and the rest of the year holds in store. Even more so in these unusual times. Talk to you later. Troy

Top 5 Update

Posted on by Troy Jackson

Hey, here’s what we need, a contribution to the Top 5!

Weight: 6-14 (21.5”)
Angler: Chris Schwarz
Date: March 25
Location: Warren County pond
Lure: Spinnerbait (bluegill)
Structure: 3’ of water near rocks and weeds
Angler Comments: My first submission is a personal best. I couldn’t believe the belly on this thing! Also, this bass had a bluegill sticking out of its throat and also who knows what else in its stomach. I released her as I’m sure she will dump her eggs in the coming weeks.
Top 5 Weight: 6-14

 

Congratulations, Chris, on the new personal best and what a great start to our suddenly odd 2020.

Strange days indeed and I’ll just leave it at that. Stop back by as I try to provide a little escape via the blog, Facebook (click here or see link at top of page), You Tube (click here) and Twitter (click here or see link at top of page). Stay safe and talk to you later. Troy

Lure Lunacy-LJ/Snakeden Finals

Posted on by Troy Jackson

The Final Four is about to be set based on the battles below.

Little John Region

Jig & Pig (1) vs. Booyah Buzzbait (2)

Lyric (Jig & Pig): “The jig is up the news is out.” Renegade – Styx (1979)
Lyric (Booyah Buzzbait): “Lights out, ah ha, blast, blast, blast.” Lights Out – Peter Wolf (1984)

Matchup: Big bass potential is an appealing feature of both baits in this battle. However, they get the job done in different conditions and different fashions. The jig shines in cold water while the buzzbait typically stays home until the water warms. The jig is a slower, bottom bouncer as opposed to the buzzbait which speeds through the surface with a crazy racket. And finally, the jig is an in your face, in your home presentation for the bass while the buzzbait rings the dinner bell far and wide.
Result: This one goes right down to the wire, much back and forth in determining the victor. Both have some big bass potential as the jig is productive in the early season when big bass catches are always a possibility. Wielding a buzzbait early or late in the day during warm water also has the same potential as those big bass are a little less wary. In the end, this one ends on a buzzer beater and the buzzbait goes down while the jig & pig fights on in the Final Four.

 

Snakeden Region

Senko Wacky Rig (1) vs. Mann’s Baby 1- (3)
Lyric (Senko): “Oh but they’re weird and they’re wonderful.” Bennie and the Jets – Elton John (1974)
Lyric (Baby 1-): “Every time I think of you it always turns out good.” – Every Time I Think of You – The Babys (1979)

Matchup: This is what I call the “I told you so” contest. Back in the 90s, a fishing buddy and co-worker they call “Woody” introduced me to the Mann’s Baby 1-. Knowing that he knew how to catch some bass I followed his advice, bought a few and never looked back. Similarly, when I finally got wise and bought into the Senko wacky rig that anglers raved about in major magazines, I also found it to be a winner.
Results: I am a creature of habit so often it is tough for me to change my ways or venture into new baits or presentations. In the case of these two lures, that was a mistake. The Senko will win this one running away but for my “I told you so” advice, you would be wise to put these two lures to use if you haven’t already.

 

Thus, the Final Four is set and we will now enjoy a much needed break before the Lure Lunacy semi-finals launch next Saturday. But have no fear, there is some other blog stuff in the works beginning with our latest Monday Top 5 Update. And somewhere along the way, I need to work in last week’s Friday Flashback. Talk to you later. Troy

Lure Lunacy – Storey/Emiquon Finals

Posted on by Troy Jackson

Half of the Final Four will be set following this pair of Region Finals. And a new wrinkle for this post includes a pertinent lyric for each lure. On with the fun…

Storey Region

Zara Spook (1) vs. Blue Glimmer (3)
*Lyric (Zara Spook): “It’s you and me forever, Zara, smile…”
Zara Smile – Hall & Oates (1976)
*took a little liberty with the lyric and title to make it work
Lyric (Blue Glimmer): “Hey, there, Mr. Blue, we’re so glad to be with you.”
Mr. Blue Sky – Electric Light Orchestra (1978)
Matchup: Both lures in this battle have seen their heyday, somehow winding up on the bench when it formerly was their time to shine. The Zara Spook has been replaced by a couple other topwater presentations as new lures and new models hit the market. The Blue Glimmer was replaced out of necessity as Stanley Jigs ceased production of the bait many years ago.
Results: Each of these lures scream for a comeback, perhaps 2020 is the year pending how the current national health situation plays out. Even though I have plenty of Spooks on hand versus a lone intact Blue Glimmer bait, the latter is going to gain entry to the Final Four. With the aid of some spare skirts I do have several frames of Blue Glimmers that can be put back in action. Sort of a Steve Austin thing as “we can rebuild it.”

 

Emiquon Region

Creatures (4) vs. Red Eye Shad (2)
Lyric (Creatures): “But all the while you hear a creature creepin’ up behind, you’re outta time.”
Thriller – Michael Jackson (1983)
Lyric (Red Eye Shad): “Red! Knock’s ‘em dead, some like it hot, I like it red!”
Red – Sammy Hagar (1977)
Matchup: Slow vs. fast, finesse vs. power, tortoise vs. hare? Creature baits get real up close and personal with their quarry while the Red Eye Shad calls out to the bass with its rattling and vibration as it blazes through the water column.
Results: Nothing wrong with the old saying that “slow and steady wins the race” as that can certainly be the case with those that comprise the creature collection such as muskrats and craws. But I like to cover a lot of water when I can get away with it and the up tempo game of the Red Eye Shad is right up my alley to win this one going away, don’t blink or you’ll miss it.

Half of the Lure Lunacy Final Four is now set with a classic set to face a contemporary. Final two regions to come so stay tuned. Talk to you later. Troy

Lure Lunacy-LJ/Snakeden Round 3

Posted on by Troy Jackson

In the final half of the Sweet 16 collection of lures, things get old school, create a buzz, turn wacky, and we finally get a resolution to the much anticipated “Baby” showdown.

Little John Region

Jig & Pig (1) vs. Shad Rap (4)
Matchup: These two lures have done battle before as they often vie for the bookend bass of each fishing year. Cold water specialists that you should have on the end of your line right now.
Results: While the Shad Rap can somehow entice that cold water bite when other baits can’t get it done, the jig & pig generally gets bigger bites. Generally speaking, when I get out in the cold water period I only have a narrow window of time on the water. In that time I am basically looking for one bite. And I’ve seen some good ones on the jig & pig which push it on to the region final.

KVD Squarebill (3) vs. Booyah Buzzbait (2)
Matchup: The KVD Squarebill owes a debt of gratitude to the Poe’s Crankbaits that bowed out in the first round of our tourney. Built to deflect off of structure, and with a little practice, these lures can save you a few bucks and nab you some more bass. Be very careful when you pick up a buzzbait. If the timing is right and you run into some early quality bites, you may be in trouble.
Results: Crankbait effectiveness is taken up a notch when you can run the bait into something whether it be wood, rock or the lake bottom. Sure is fun to get that thump after a bump but the explosion of a surface buzzbait strike is over the top. Every once in a while one of those buzzbait bass will fool you too, just barely slurping the bait in with hardly a ripple. You never know until you set the hook but wait for the weight before you do so. Easier said than done on our topwater winner that moves on to the next round.

 

Snakeden Region

Senko Wacky Rig (1) vs. Rapala Floating Minnow (4)
Matchup: Tackle selection got a bit wacky back on May 22, 2005 at Lake Bracken when I broke down and tied on a plain looking worm to try out a new presentation. As they say, “The rest is history” and I’ve had one tied on ever since. Speaking of history, the Rapala Floating Minnow, originally crafted in Finland circa 1930s, caught the eye of American anglers in the 1960s. All these years later, the tackle aisles are still stocked with the “Original Floater”
Results: Shame on me, perhaps, that my last floating minnow catch came in 2006. Dad has busted it back out on several occasions in the meantime but I seemed to have forgotten my roots. Such can be fishing these days with overwhelming offerings tugging at an angler’s mind. The Senko, on the other hand, has been on a spinning rod nearly every trip since that tackle changing first catch back in 2005. The Senko moves on but I’ll make a note to dust of the Rapala this spring if conditions permit.

Mann’s Baby 1- (3) vs. Baby Brush Hog (2)
Matchup: The media blitz for the “Battle of the Baby’s” has hit a fever pitch in the days leading up to this matchup. Fierce allegiances have spiked merchandising, The Babys rock group has seen a resurgence in radio airplay and internet hits and a variation on a popular 70s soft drink jingle has resurfaced. Anybody recall the original version of “I’m a baby, he’s a baby, she’s a baby…wouldn’t you like to be a baby, too?” Okay, maybe not, but I could see it happening.
Results: When the bass tell me that I need to slow down, I occasionally listen. And when I do, I often reach for the Baby Brush Hog. Just did that last year in fact, so the Zoom creature represents a contemporary lure. As does the Baby 1- which also reeled in a few in 2019. The fast moving Baby wins out in this matchup as that’s my speed and for many years my lifestyle with four kids.

 

We have our Elite 8 baits and little rest for the contenders (and the blogger) as the show must go on. Talk to you later. Troy

Lure Lunacy – Storey/Emiquon Round 3

Posted on by Troy Jackson

Back in business with the first two regions of the Sweet Sixteen. No sense in giving a rambling intro as the lures speak for themselves.

Storey Region

Zara Spook (1) vs. Mepps (5)
Matchup: A classic battle that originated for me in the mid-80s. Both lures were already legends when one found me and I found one. The Mepps was a fixture in Dad’s arsenal and one of “only two lures you need to catch some bass” (more on the other one tomorrow). The Spook was something Brent and I read about and couldn’t pass up at a tackle wholesale outlet on Grand Avenue ran by Dom and Pete Calderone.
Results: While both have faded from regular use among me and my fishing partners, they each hold many memories. Not only the memorable catches but the origins of how this whole thing once began with a handful of lures and a head full of dreams about landing some big bass. As these lures come in neck and neck in the sentimentality factor, the fact that the Spook produced more of those big bass gives it the edge in this matchup.

 

Blue Glimmer (3) vs. Booyah Spinnerbait (2)
Matchup: This is a spinnerbait battle that began with a homemade lure crafted by my baseball coach and early bass fishing mentor, Gary “Bru” Bruington. That one was lost to the ages somehow, initially giving way to a Roland Martin Blue Fox model and then a batch of Mann’s Hank Parker spinnerbaits. Thirty five years after receiving that first spinnerbait, these two winners slug it out for the current spinnerbait title and a spot in the Elite Eight.
Results: The Booyah models are the spinnerbait stars when I hit the water these days as The Blue Glimmer has long been out of production. One of my last two Blue Glimmers bit the dust at Lake Storey a few years ago courtesy of a broken blade while fooling one last bass. I do have a final spare Blue Glimmer in the package so the bait indeed can live to cast another day. Which is just what it does in defeating the formidable Booyah Blades.

Emiquon Region

 

Swimbait (8) vs. Creatures (4)
Matchup: So some of these swimbaits are actually bigger than a lot of the bass this aging wannabe bass angler catches. Pretty cool looking but at a price that stops me in my tracks. After all, if I hang one of them in a brushpile I’m either going swimming or pulling out a hanky to dry my tears. Creature baits on the other hand, while not a dime a dozen, are certainly more in this frugal fisherman’s price range.
Results: Jaw dropping bass pics from giant swimbait action sure do get my attention. But, there’s a price in terms of both financial and time investment. I’m just not committed enough to that niche to spend my day looking for one or two big bites. Tried that one before as a muskie fisherman. Nope, I’ll take my chances on a big bass eventually showing up among the collection of small to mid-sized bass that eat my muskrats and craws. Victory to the creatures.

 

Rapala DT (3) vs. Red Eye Shad (2)
Matchup: We’re talking evolution and legacy in this matchup of differing crankbait styles. The Rapala DT Series comes from the legendary lure maker that first introduced the floating minnow, then divers such as the Shad Rap and Fat Rap along with a stab at a topwater bait in the Skitter Pop. The Red Eye Shad comes from a legacy of lipless cranks such as the Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap and Rapala’s lipless model known as the Rattlin’ Rap.
Results: Quite the matchup here as the Rapala DT series hauled in an amazing bunch of Emiquon Preserve bass including my personal best. The Red Eye shad was no slouch down there either but truth be told, those bass were duller than the trebles on some of my vintage crankbaits. In the end, it’s the Red Eye Shad with the win. Confidence and the added cold water effectiveness indeed make this a lure for all seasons.

 

 

Full videos scheduled at Troy Jackson Outdoors You Tube (click here)

More to come with the Little John and Snakeden Regions tomorrow night. And have no fear, the Friday Flashback will appear with a slight delay as the “essential employee” status trumps “dedicated blogger”. Guess what pays the bills? Talk to you later. Troy

Top 10 Trip Tunes 3/7 – Part II

Posted on by Troy Jackson

The Top 5 spans the 70s and provides a nice retrospective on the range of offerings that the decade had to offer. From ballad to singer/songwriter love song to rocker to disco/funk to new wave/post-punk. If you didn’t like the genre of the song on the radio in the 70s, well, just wait until the next one…

5. Boogie Nights – Heatwave (1977)
This funky groove was one of the trio of Heatwave hits that also included “Groove Line” and “Always and Forever.” All were written by the band’s English keyboardist, Rod Temperton, who claims my title of “I sure didn’t expect that” among songwriters (guess which guy in the lineup above). Just for fun, do a search for the guy who also wrote Michael Jackson’s “Off The Wall”, “Rock with You” and “Thriller.” And there was also George Benson’s “Give Me the Night”, “Stomp” by The Brothers Johnson, “Baby Come to Me” from Patti Austin/James Ingram and “Yah Mo Be There” from James Ingram/Michael McDonald. Awesome and unexpected.

4. Message in a Bottle – The Police (1979)
This trio was hitting their stride with the release of this cut as the first single from their second album. Strange to think that in four short years and three more albums, it would all be over, arguably right at their peak. The members would go on to individual successful endeavors as well as earning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction as a group. The lasting impact of a band that released five albums in just under a five year span not only amazes but also begs the rock and roll cliché’, “What if?”

3. Without You – Nilsson (1971)
Harry Nilsson took this tune penned by a pair of members of the group Badfinger to the top of the charts in early 1972. Numerous other artists have recorded versions of the cut over the years as it is just one of those tunes that some find bears repeating. Personally, I find the Nilsson recording by far the best and despite some fawning over Mariah Carey’s version, not a fan. Of her or the song, both are too much. Anyway, if there was such a thing as a make The Beatles jealous song, this is it (only make believe though as I realize there is no such thing).

2. Let It Ride – Bachman Turner Overdrive (1974)
Led by a somewhat different looking stout pair of Canadian co-vocalists, BTO flat out rocked. This cut is a prime example with bassist C.F. Turner belting out the lead vocals and the band cranking out a rhythm that just chugs along full speed ahead. It is one of those songs where the pace, tone and vocal perfectly reflect the tune’s title. Or, maybe it is the other way around. Whatever the case, I could listen to this one all day long.

1. I’ll Have to Say I Love You in a Song – Jim Croce (1974)
When it comes to the singer/songwriter niche, it’s tough to find anyone who did it any better than Jim Croce. Not only love with songs such as this classic but also as a humorous storyteller offering up characters like Leroy Brown and a “five foot six and two fifteen bleach blond mama with a streak of mean.” Impossible to say where Croce was at his best but this Top 10’s Top Tune is among his many candidates.

Tourney time tomorrow night as Lure Lunacy resumes with Sweet 16 matchups. Talk to you later. Troy

Top 10 Trip Tunes 3/7 – Part I

Posted on by Troy Jackson

Okay, let’s shifts gears from my blend of basketball and bass fishing to my blend of tunes and bass fishing.

Yes, folks, Trip Tunes returns for another year, albeit in belated fashion. Perhaps you recall my less than impressive performance during my first fishing trip of 2020 back on March 7. While it only produced one bass, it did result in the Top 10 Trip Tunes selection that comes your way over the next two days.

For anyone new to the series, I still roll with the radio about anywhere I go and that includes the drive to and from the fishing hole. When it is all said and done I pick the Top 10 cuts that graced the airwaves and pass along not only my countdown but also my two cents regarding each tune.

And it goes a little something like this…hit it!

10. Kung Fu Fighting – Carl Douglas (1975)
While I was familiar with Bruce Lee and used to watch Grasshopper snatch the pebble from his Master’s hand, I wasn’t really a Kung Fu kid. Regardless, this one-hit wonder that went all the way to the top of the charts was right on target for an eight-year old armed with a radio on the nightstand. Still gets folks going all of these years later and I will always remember a friend and co-worker from the 90s expertly hitting each “Huh!” and “Ha!” along the way. R.D., if you’re out there, quite a treat.

9. Cruel to be Kind – Nick Lowe (1979)
For music fans of my age range, MTV was a revolution. Not only was I introduced to a wider range of tastes but I also got to actually see the performers performing. So many more than The Midnight Special, American Bandstand, Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert, Night Flight, Saturday Night Live or Fridays could provide. Artists such as Nick Lowe were among the initial batch of video offerings that continue to entertain nearly 40 years later. MTV would eventually go down the tubes but I’m proud to say that I knew MTV when it used to rock n’ roll.

8. Hurting Each Other – The Carpenters (1972)
What do you get when you combine top notch songwriting, exquisite arrangements and one of the top female vocalists of all-time? Well, you get The Carpenters, who compiled three Billboard chart toppers (15 on the Adult Contemporary chart), five number two hits, several Grammy awards, 90 million records sold, television shows and a Hollywood star. For those who find it not cool to be a Carpenters fan, you are missing out. And while I’m at it, I also dig Barry Manilow, Air Supply and The Village People.

7. Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head (1969)
While we are talking top vocalists, I’d rank B.J. Thomas right up there on my list of male singers. “Raindrops” and “Hey, Won’t You Play…” are fixtures when revisiting the soundtrack of my childhood courtesy of a transistor radio or wood panel station wagon dial. Over the years there’ve been more than a few rainy days on the water where I’ve found this tune creeping into my mind. A welcome treat when I get into that wonderful zone of escape where “nothing’s worrying me.”

6. The Love You Save – Jackson 5 (1970)
I challenge you to pull any version of this tune up on the internet that features some live footage of these performers and not find yourself smiling. Better yet, not find yourself moving, or even pondering dancing. Heck, I’m smiling now just thinking about that little eleven year old performer getting down. Interesting lyrics too, as they reference Isaac Newton, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Graham Bell and Christopher Columbus. When this tune hit the top of the charts in 1970, my household consisted of the Jackson 4. A few years later it would skip right past the Jackson 5 as we welcomed two at a time.

Been a while since I got distracted on one of these remotely fishing related tangents, kind of missed it. Lucky for me, I get to do it again tomorrow with the Top 5. Talk to you later. Troy

Lure Lunacy-Snakeden Region Round 2

Posted on by Troy Jackson

The Sweet 16 have been finalized with the results of our last region below.

Snakeden Region – Round Two

Senko Wacky Rig (1) vs. Pop R (8)
Honorary Captains: Bill Walton & Kermit Washington/Rudy Tomjanovich


Matchup: Silent versus loud, sinking versus floating, wobble versus twitch, all parts of the equation when figuring out what to throw to fool some bass. Every lure has its time to shine and spots to be employed.
Result: While the Pop R and surface baits in general can be addictive, the flat out bass fooling ability in a wider range of the calendar and the water column push the Senko to a runaway victory.

Rattlin’ Rap (5) vs. Rapala Minnow (4)
Honorary Captains: Bill Laimbeer & Quinn Buckner


Matchup: In this much anticipated battle of Rapala baits, does loud and brash win out over silent and steady? Well, that depends on a lot of variables and that is what the angler has to figure out. Experience is valuable, confidence is crucial and while practice may never amount to perfect in fishing, putting those lures to work is key.
Result: the second of three lipless crankbait contenders bows out of the tourney as we bid farewell to the Rapala Rattlin’ Rap. It served as my introduction to such lures but the old Rapala Floating Minnow goes back to my bass fishing origins and lives to fish another day.

Jitterbug (11) vs. Mann’s Baby 1- (3)
Honorary Captains: Connie Hawkins & Muggsy Bogues


Matchup: The flashy moves and attention getting action of the Jitterbug can appeal to bass and anglers alike. Well, the Mann’s Baby 1- sure has a distinctive bass catching wobble all of its own.
Result: The Mann’s Baby 1- put a crankbait in a zone that really had never been effectively exploited before by such a lure type. A revolutionary highlight in bass lure history, in my opinion. An aspect that pushes it past the Jitterbug into the Sweet 16.

Hula Popper (7) vs. Baby Brush Hog (2)
Honorary Captains: Tom Henderson & Nate “Tiny” Archibald


Matchup: A matchup of extremes always makes for an interesting decision. There’s often a tradeoff of some sort. More bites, bigger bites, exciting bites, rewarding bites, moderate focus, intense focus…In “Taking Care of Business”, Bachman-Tuner Overdrive observes, “If it were easy as fishin…” C’mon, dudes, you rock, but that’s kind of insulting.
Result: Conditions aside, this decision comes down to not only feeling more confidence in the Baby Brush Hog but also having more confidence in topwater presentations beyond the Hula Popper. So long to another classic bait, it was a good ride.

Well, that’s a wrap for the opening weekend. Took some work but I’ve had a good time. Lure Lunacy resumes this coming Thursday evening and perhaps some other items to come in the meantime. Talk to you later. Troy

Lure Lunacy-Little John Region Round 2

Posted on by Troy Jackson

Covering the water column top to bottom, the third of our four regions launches on the final day of the first weekend.

Little John Region – Round Two

Jig & Pig (1) vs. Dropshot (9)
Honorary Captains: Sidney Moncrief & Rick Barry


Matchup: A compact, cold water lure that shines around heavy cover takes on a slim profiled, less intrusive bait. The dropshot often does it work on more wide open broad structure areas as the business end suspends off of the bottom.
Result: Generally speaking, the jig & pig is going to get the attention of some larger fish and sets up better for most of the water I fish. I would be wise to give the dropshot more of a workout on some clearer strip mines but no winner this time around.

Whopper Plopper (5) vs. Shad Rap (4)
Honorary Captains: Billy “The Whopper” Paultz & Donald “Slick” Watts


Matchup: The Whopper Plopper represents a loud topwater presentation that provides the option of bait models that run to gaudy, muskie sized plugs. The Shad Rap on the other hand is a sleek, rather silent plug that stealthily gets the job done in cold water when other lures can’t steal a bite.
Result: If I’m going to root for a topwater noisemaker, I’m still fonder of a buzzer or walking bait than this entertainingly named prop bait. And while the Shad Rap is kind of a seasonal niche bait, it fills an important role in getting those tough cold water bites. Victory to the Shad Rap.

Ned Rig (11) vs. KVD Squarebill (3)
Honorary Captains: Ernie DiGregorio & Phil Jackson


Matchup: The Ned Rig doesn’t look like much and doesn’t do much in terms of action. But it does catch some tough to tempt bass. The Squarebill on the other hand wobbles, rattles and gets the attention of the bass as it bangs around their home.
Result: No matter if the Squarebill was endorsed by some random, rambling blogger as opposed to perhaps the best bass angler of all-time, it’s a winner. Today it is endorsed again by the blogger and moves on to the Sweet Sixteen.

Mann’s Augertail (10) vs. Booyah Buzzbait (2)
Honorary Captains: Manny Leaks/Calvin Murphy & Garfield Heard/Jerry West


Matchup: I just learned that Mann’s actually still makes the Augeratail model, had no idea. Probably would use my old ones first though to see if the sleek offering is still a bass attractor. Still a couple more months before the buzzbait hits the water but seems it is always worth the wait.

Result: Cinderella stories are great for a tourney but they eventually meet their match in most instances. Today is the day for the nostalgia of the Mann’s Augeratail to lose the magic to an explosive and addictive topwater beast.

One more second round bracket to go as we head for the Sweet Sixteen. Talk to you later. Troy