Operation Ditch Pickle

Patagonia Fly Fishing Amabassador Dylan Tomine and Sage rep John Sherman bring their fly rods to the high octane world of tournament bass fishing.

Dylan reports:

I won’t state where we placed yet, but suffice it to say, there are a number of sad-sack gear guys currently on suicide watch for appearing lower on the scoreboard than us. Or, as I’ve been telling everyone, we won the Fly Division.

LINK (Via: Tailgate)

Choo Choo Ch'Boogie

Choo Choo Fly & Tackle has partnered with Outdoor Chattanooga to host the Chattanooga Bass Bug Classic. Some of the best anglers in the region and throughout the nation will be participating in this inaugural event. This tournament is one of the first “Fly Fishing Only” tournaments for Bass to be held in the country at this level.

The tournament will be held on the scenic Nick-a-Jack section of the Tennessee River. This is considered by many to be world-class bass fishery. The City of Chattanooga is no stranger to tournament bass fishing. The City’s long history began with its first major tournament, the BASS Master Classic in 1986. Since the Classic, several other BASS and FLW affiliate tournaments have been held on this section of the Tennessee River. The Chattanooga Bass Bug Classic is a welcome addition to the resume of Chattanooga, as a world-class bass fishing destination.

Proceeds from the tournament will be donated to the Chambliss Children's Home & Shelter. This agency has been helping abused and neglected children in Chattanooga since 1872. Tournament proceeds will exclusively fund their fishing program that allows area children the opportunity to spend time with mentors catching bass, brim, and trout.

The official launch and weigh-in will be at the TVA Raccoon Mountain boat ramp due to its proximity to downtown Chattanooga and its strategic "half-way point" location in the reservoir.
The two-day charity tournament, June 18-19, will have live weigh-ins starting at 1pm, followed by an award ceremony on the last day. These tournament events are free and open to the public.

This is an invitational tournament, parties interested in participation or sponsorships are encouraged to contact Ben Austin, at Choo Choo Fly & Tackle via phone 423.267.0024 or by email, banjoaustin@gmail.com.

The Original Bass Movie - Bigmouth

Originally released in 1974, Glen’s Lau's documentary, “BIGMOUTH” was years ahead of it's time. Narrated by Rod Serling of Twilight Zone fame, Bigmouth describes the lifecycle of the largemouth bass in and around it’s natural habitat. 

Bigmouth, The 35th Anniversary Edition is availble at Lau's site Reel Bass.

More Japanese surface bait gallery goodness

It's been a while since we visited some of our favorite Japanese topwater sites.

If you ever go bass fishing in Japan don't forget the crank baits and the Kleenex.

A piece of candy will do in a pinch.

A cigarette is an acceptable solution.

Two is even better.

If you're interested in exploring the vibrant culture of Japanese fishing tackle check out Lure of the Sea.

San Diego's water supply reservoirs are home to some of the biggest largemouth bass in the nation

When Makos are not in season Conway turns his attention to freshwater apex predators.

Bass on the fly

 Big Mouth Billy Bass decides to drop Don't Worry Be Happy from his song repertoire.