Welcome to the BassBlaster, your daily email about all things bassin’. Take a sec to forward this Blaster to a bassin’ bud, willya?

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Today’s Top 3

1. That’s a tough one to figure out.

– Jerry McKinnis talking about the MLFers competing against B.A.S.S. while he’s trying to help them. Also said:

> Sure, it’s a competitor to B.A.S.S. If I’m in the lobby of a client that I’m trying to sell B.A.S.S. to and I bump into one of their sales people, then darn right they’re a competitor of ours.

> It’s kind of painful to me. The biggest reason I’m in it is because of them.

2. An 80-hp electric outboard?

Wonder how much that battery weighs….

> Torqeedo is recognized as the world’s leading manufacturer of electric outboards, especially in the smaller hp range – up to 8hp. Now, with a new 80hp motor, the company is gearing up to support electric mobility in the higher hp ranges.

> The magnitude of this achievement was recognized in Amsterdam last month when Torqeedo was awarded the renowned DAME Award: the award for the boat industry’s most important innovation for the coming year.

3. I think the main reason he succeeds so much is because he has no fear.

– Jacob Powroznik, who ended up #2 in the FLW AOY points, talking about David Dudley, #1.

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News

1. Bomber signs Lee bros, college “kids.”

> Matt and Jordan Lee, the Auburn University brothers who advanced to the Carhartt College Series Bassmaster Classic Finals Bracket to fish against each other for a spot in the Bassmaster Classic, have signed to fish for Bomber Lures.

2. Horton wants all Elite anglers to wear green/white…

…at the first event on the Sabine River, to support the Newtown, CT school. Doubt they can do it, but cool idea.

3. Mercury warning for bass in 2 NC lakes.

> In Lake Nantahala, the warning involves smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch and largemouth bass. In Lake Chatuge, it covers white bass and largemouth bass.

4. Largies used for nanoparticle pollution study.

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Tip of the Day

A-rigging tips from Open angler Jimmy Mason.

> You need a rod with a handle measuring a minimum of 10″, an overall length of about 8′ and an action that allows the rod to bend in the center. “These baits are a load to throw and can really wear you out. The longer handle allows you to grip with both hands while casting, and the length and bend enables the rod to load and launch a long cast with less effort.”

> The standard slow-roll retrieve will catch fish, but Mason likes to “stutter-step” his retrieve, meaning he will wind the bait then do a half-turn hesitation. “That allows the bait to flutter, and when you pick up on the retrieve, the bass often grab it.”

> During the summer months, when fish are on the bottom or suspended, he lets the rig flutter to the appropriate depth then cranks it fast a few turns. That presentation often catches them best.

> Reduce your lure size as the water temp drops. “Last year, when the water temperature got down below 49 degrees on Pickwick and Wheeler, my best bait was 3″ and 5″ Yum Grubs. If you’re not getting bit on the larger bait, try smaller.”

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Quote of the Day

There’s no way to learn how to handle it other than to go out in it.

– Ike talking about training for the Classic by going fishing in the nasty Jersey cold.

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Shot of the Day

Just in case you’re worried about using baits that are too big:

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