Add Bonus Bucks to Fukae’s List of Favorites

Take a look at FLW champ Shin Fukae’s ‘list of favorites’ and you’ll find the following: baby back ribs, Lakes Champlain and Okeechobee, his Toyota Sequoia, Yamamoto’s Shad Shape lures, the rice balls his wife Miyu makes, and drop shot rigs.

Fukae has also grown fond of the Toyota Trucks Bonus Bucks program.  He has won more than $5,000 in his first year as a registered participating angler– including $1,500 in Bonus Bucks for his recent FLW victory at Lake Champlain.

Fukae offers wisdom along with a small plea for fellow FLW tournament anglers that are considering signing-up for Toyota’s Bonus Bucks program. “If you’re towing with a 2007 or newer Toyota Truck you should definitely sign up, but once you sign-up, you’ll be competing against me to win the Bonus Bucks, so please go easy on me,” said the 2004 FLW Tour’s Angler of the Year.

“I love my Sequoia, especially the integrated GPS and backup camera.  I also enjoy the luxury and comfort, and its interior space for carrying all the things necessary for life away from home as a touring pro.  My wife Miyu travels with me, and the backup camera makes it easy for her to connect the boat trailer,” said the 38- year-old Fukae, who claims fishing industry legend Gary Yamamoto as his mentor and very close friend.

Fukae continues describing his fondness of the Bonus Bucks program by saying, “With the Toyota Bonus Bucks program, you don’t have to win the tournament to win the Bonus Bucks.  You only need to be the highest or second highest finishing registered participant.  I only have one first place finish during the time I’ve been signed up, yet I’ve managed to accumulate over $5,000 with the program.”

Shin’s right.  Bonus Bucks is simple.  Own or lease a 2007 or newer Tundra, Sequoia, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser or Tacoma, send in your registration like Shin did, and be the highest finishing eligible participant (must finish in the top 50% of the field) in your FLW or BASS affiliated tournament – and you win the Bonus Bucks.  To find out more and to make sure you’re signed up please visit www.ToyotaTrucksBonusBucks.com or call Kendell at (918) 742-6424.

ArmyBassAnglers & Veteran Outdoors “Ambush” SFC Matt Miles

Aug 28 found ArmyBassAngler Pro Cody Roberson, almost the entire ArmyBassAnglers Pro Staff, Several Coalition Pro Staff, the Lake Fork Trophy Lures Owners, FLW Pro Mark Pack and Justin Rackley and the production crew of Veteran Outdoors all joining forces to spring a very special “trap” on Wounded Veteran SFC Matt Miles at the 2010 Bass Champs/Texas Fishing Forum 3 Fish Slam on Lake Fork, TX.

Veteran Outdoors Host Wes Higgins would spring the trap. Wes would pick up SFC Matt Miles in Round Rock, TX and the deception plan for Milese would simply be going for a little bit of fun fishing with Wes at Lake Fork, TX while filming a show to capture Matt’s personal story. Little would Matt know the surprise the Veteran Outdoor Staff and ArmyBassAnglers had waiting for him in Emory, TX.

As the group arrived, Wes played it perfectly, telling Matt they needed to stop at the famous Lake Fork Trophy Lure shop for some baits prior to hitting the water. Just inside, was an L-shaped ambush waiting for Matt—a surprise he’ll never forget. As the group entered the store they “just happened” to run into ArmyBassAnglers Pro Cody Roberson. Wes quickly took advantage of the situation and introduced Matt to Cody. Then Roberson sprung the trap, letting SFC Miles know that he wasn’t going to do some fun fishing with Wes Higgins. He was going to be Roberson partner in the Bass Champs/Texas Fishing Forum 3 Fish Slam competing for a brand new Skeeter ZX 190 and several thousands of dollars in payout money. SFC Miles was grinning ear-to-ear. But wait, that wasn’t all. Roberson brought in several special friends to introduce SFC Miles too. “Matt, I want you to meet my good friend FLW Pro, President of Lake Fork Trophy Lures and Walmart Open Champion Mark Pack and my other good friend FLW Pro and former 2007 Colliegient Champion Justin Rackley. They are going to take you thru the entire store on a shopping spree just for you Matt!”

That wouldn’t be the end of it, as SFC Miles executed every grown man’s dream a FREE shopping trip in Lake Fork Trophy Lures Store, the fun wasn’t even close to being over. “Matt, I’d like for you to meet Ronnie Parker, CEO of LFT and a close friend.” Ronnie Parker and his wife informed SFC Miles he would be staying at their personal lake house on Lake Fork for the duration of his visit. “Matt’s a big guy, but at this point when Mrs. Parker hugged Matt for his service and told him she had a cookies, muffins, and all kinds of goodies all prepared for him, I think he realized just how much everyone cared about him and his visit,” stated Roberson.

As the group departed the store, things were just getting started. Upon arrival at the registration location the surprises just kept coming. ArmyBassAnglers had arranged for even more fun. SFC Miles would meet almost the entire ArmyBassAnglers & several Coalition Pro Staff, then another surprise. SFC Miles was introduced to Bass Champs President Chad Potts who thanked him for his service and informed Matt that his entire entry fee had been comp’d by Bass Champs! “We just can’t thank you enough for your service and sacrifice. It’s the least we can do,” said Chad Potts.

After completion of registration and a personal lesson on pitching and flipping from the famous Big Sexy (aka Tony), from the Bass Champs staff, SFC Miles and the entire crew headed to Mosiers for a special dinner just for him. Everyone was full of trash talk and war stories from combat in multiple operations and different theaters. “It was incredible to just watch all the Pro Staff talk and share their experiences with SFC Miles. I think it was almost just as exciting and therapeutic for them as it was for Matt.”

Just when you thought the day couldn’t get better, everyone headed to the Parker Family lake house, also known as the LFT TOC Forward, for some special Class One goodies made by Mrs. Parker herself. There everyone continued the great conversations and then SFC Miles was presented several personal gifts from each ArmyBassAngler Pro on behalf of Castaway, Dobyns Rods, Ardent, Lake Fork Trophy Lures, TipSee Light Company, JaRod Jigs, Victory Tackle, Tightlines and Bass Pro Shops. “What a day, I just can’t believe all this. It really means a lot to me that everyone cares so much. I can’t thank yall enough,” stated SFC Miles as he thanked everyone. With that, day one came to a close with a 0430 wake-up call looming.

Day two (0430), everyone was excited and up and prepping for the day. SFC Miles was no stranger to early wakeups. Roberson and Miles loaded up and headed to the lake, but one last bit of business had to be taken care. SFC Miles was wearing a regular shirt. “What are you wearing? That’s not a tournament shirt. Take that crap off and put this on,” stated Roberson, while they were preparing to put the boat in the water. “You’re an Honorary ArmyBassAngler Pro now and our Pros wear professional tournament shirts,” stated Roberson as he tossed SFC Miles a brand new custom sublimated ArmyBassAnglers tournament shirt.

Then team of Roberson and Miles hit the water and moved to their first point in preparation for the first cast at 0600. “This day’s not about fishing. It’s about SFC Miles! I hope we do well…I want nothing more for him than to win, but more importantly I want us to have a good time and weigh in a limit so we can recognize this hero on the Bass Champs stage,” said Roberson.

It was a tough day of fishing, with high skies, no breeze and 85+ degree water temps— conditions were tough. But, the team managed to scratch out a limit and cull once. “We struggled early and I missed an Over that would have put us in the top 10, but I was more excited that Matt was going to cross the stage.” As the team made its way to weigh-in with 3 fish, everyone, even people that didn’t know him, was patting SFC Miles on the back, thanking him for his service. It was an awesome site to witness. As the team crossed the stage, they weighed in 3 “under” fish for 3.85 lbs. A 97th place finish out of 203 teams. At which point, in true Bass Champs professionalism, Chad Potts interviewed SFC Matt Miles on stage in front of the whole crowd, highlighting the sacrifices SFC Miles has made for his country and put the entire spot light on him. The interview ended with the entire crowd giving a round of applause to SFC Matt Miles—Soldier, Angler and an American Hero!

Special thank you to Veteran Outdoors, Lake Fork Trophy Lures, Mrs. Parker, Mark Pack, Justin Rackley, ArmyBassAnglers Pro Staff, Coalition Pro Staff, Bass Pro Shops, TipSee Light Company, Ardent, Castaway Fishing, Dobyn’s Rods, JaRod Jigs, Victory Tackle and Tightlines.

For more information on ArmyBassAnglers and the Coalition visit ArmyBassAnglers.com

HOOAH!

Legend Boats and the Toyota Texas Bass Classic

MIDWAY, AR (Sept. 2, 2010) Legend Boats, LTD has signed into a multi-year agreement with the Toyota Texas Bass Classic to become the Official Boat of the Toyota Texas Bass Classic.  ”We’re thrilled to be working with the guys at the TTBC and look forward to a long relationship.  The event they put on in Texas is absolutely incredible and we’re happy to join alongside”, noted Randy Qualls, Legend Boats President.

The Toyota Texas Bass Classic will be bigger and better than ever at the Lone Star Convention and Expo Center in Conroe, TX October 1-3, 2010.  3000 square feet of Legend Boats will be on display at the event and an Evinrude-powered Alpha 211 will be a part of the winner’s purse.  Legend Boat demo rides will of course be available at the event as well.

If you haven’t gotten your ticket to get into the event yet, Legend Boats has a limited number of tickets to supply to those who take a free Legend Boats Demo Ride at the McDonald’s Big Bass Splash at Lake Fork, Texas, September 17th, 18th & 19th, 2010.  Those who go for a demo ride and inquire about their ticket will receive one (1) ticket into the TTBC while supplies last.

We look forward to seeing you at both events!  Visit ridewithalegend.com for more information.

Pinnacle’s New Optimus Baitcasters

TUSTIN, Calif., Sept. 1, 2010 – Pinnacle has teamed up with BASS Elite Series and FLW touring pros to design its new Tournament Class Optimus™ reels– a selection of ultra-smooth, extremely durable metal baitcasters weighing in at just over seven ounces each.  State-of-the-art, yet surprisingly affordable, Optimus reels put professional-grade quality, precision and performance within reach of the average angler.
Pinnacle worked closely with its pro staffers – Paul Elias, Dave Wolak, Britt Myers and Grant Goldbeck – to develop this series of “ultimate” baitcasters, which includes reels ideal for virtually every bass-fishing application.  The Optimus™ family features a total of five Optimus XLT, Optimus XT and Optimus X models, offering serious bass fishermen a variety of styles, gear ratios and feature sets to choose from.
Every Optimus reel boasts an exclusive metal X-Bone™ pattern frame that maximizes strength and durability, while keeping weight at an absolute minimum.  X-Bone construction distributes the amount of critical stress equally to four points (like a car chassis), ideally compensating for the entire weight load.  This proprietary frame design and metal side covers increase rigidity and torque resistance too, allowing the gears to remain in perfect alignment at all times. Optimus XLT and XT models also feature internal components (drive gear, drive shaft and worm gear) made of Duralumin – an advanced “super alloy” that’s 20 percent stronger and 70 percent lighter than brass.
Pinnacle’s top-of-the-line Optimus XLT is a gleaming gold beauty that fishes as good as it looks.  An incredibly smooth, reliable performer, it boasts 11 stainless bearings (10 double-shielded ball bearings plus a roller bearing), a blazing fast 7.3:1 retrieve, and Tandem Cast control, which combines the best properties of magnetic and centrifugal braking systems.  This reel’s rugged X-Bone frame is complemented by metal side covers with a distinctive Titanium Deposition (Titanium Nitride) finish.  More than an aesthetic touch, this finish – the result of Titanium particles vaporized in a vacuum chamber and chemically bonded to the side plates – is significantly more durable and scratch resistant than any painted surface.  For superior fish-stopping power, the Optimus XLT is equipped with an incredibly smooth, super consistent Multi-Stack Drag with cross woven, uni-directional carbon fiber washers.  The Optimus XLT (like all Optimus models) also features the industry’s first QuickFlip™ Button for flipping and pitching applications.  Conveniently positioned on the right side of the frame, this ergonomically designed button lets you engage the gears instantly without turning the handle for lightning-fast hooksets.  Additional Optimus XLT features include: a curved, cold-forged aluminum handle and star drag, ergonomic handle grips, Unlimited Anti-Reverse™, and a precision-click spool tension knob.
While the Optimus XT boasts the same all-metal construction, advanced features and professional-grade performance as the Optimus XLT, it sports a slightly different look (“black chrome” Titanium Deposition side covers, instead of gold).  Optimus XT models are also available with a range of gear ratios – 7.3:1, 6.4:1 and 4.7:1 – to suit varying angler needs and preferences.
Bass fishermen looking for a “Tournament Class” reel at an even lower price can opt for Pinnacle’s Optimus X.  This smooth, rugged baitcaster is equipped with nine stainless steel bearings (8 double-shielded ball bearings plus a roller bearing) and a versatile 6.4:1 retrieve.  Like the Optimus XLT and XT, it features an X-Bone metal frame and metal side covers (without the Titanium Deposition finish).  Tandem Cast Control and a QuickFlip Button also come standard.  Additional Optimus X features include:  Multi-Stack Trulon drag washers, precision-cut brass gearing, Unlimited Anti-Reverse™, a contoured forged aluminum handle, and a precision-click spool tension knob.
Despite the advanced engineering, cutting-edge features and custom-quality construction, Pinnacle’s Optimus baitcasters are affordably priced.  The Optimus XLT has an MSRP of $199.99, while the Optimus XT and Optimus X models retail for $179.99 (MSRP) and $129.99 (MSRP), respectively.

To learn more about Tournament Class Optimus Reels, or the complete line of Pinnacle fishing products, visit: www.pinnaclefishing.com.

Special Olympics 5th Annual Bass Tournament

NORMAL, Ill. – Professional bass fisherman Chad Morgenthaler of Coulterville, Ill., teamed with Special Olympics Illinois and the Law Enforcement Torch Run to host the 5th Annual Chad Morgenthaler Bass Tournament presented by Jasper Engines & Transmissions on Aug. 28 at Rend Lake in southern Illinois.

A record 91 two-man teams competed for the most weight and for big bass. Teams had the option of competing in a Beat the Pro contest against Morgenthaler and fishing legend Guido Hibdon. Bryan Mitchell and Tony Mitchell won the tournament with a 5-fish limit weighing 18.32 pounds and had the tournament’s big bass which weighed 5.27 pounds.

The top 10 teams who cashed checks were:

Bryan Mitchell and Tony Mitchell – 5 fish weighing 18.32 pounds
Duke Jenkel and Jeff Atchison – 5 fish weighing 17.12 pounds
Steve Dorris and Gary Bowlin – 5 fish weighing 16.74 pounds
Toby Corn and Brad Lutz – 5 fish weighing 16.45 pounds
Stan Jones and Doug Borgmann – 5 fish weighing 14.53 pounds
Shannon Toigo and David Guill – 5 fish weighing 14.30 pounds
Travis Boley and John McKinney – 5 fish weighing 13.82 pounds
Matt Coe and Kenny Atchison – 5 fish weighing 13.10 pounds
Marcus Reed and Chad Blades – 5 fish weighing 12.92 pounds
Chris Sledge and Dan Sledge – 5 fish weighing 12.29 pounds

Complete results are available at http://www.soill.org/bass. Each angler received a T-shirt, meal and goodie bag full of tackle. This year’s tournament raised more than $32,000 for Special Olympics Illinois, bringing the five-year total to $133,000.

Media Sponsors of the tournament were: WSIL-TV, The Southern Illinoisan and River Radio.

Morgenthaler is a three-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier and has several FLW Top 10 tournament finishes. He became involved with Special Olympics Illinois in 2005 when he hosted a day-long fishing trip as part of an online auction sponsored by the organization. Special Olympics athletes were on hand at Crab Orchard Lake in southern Illinois to see Morgenthaler and the auction winner begin their fishing trip. That experience led to Morgenthaler’s interest in hosting a charity tournament for the organization.

“It’s just a privilege to have the opportunity to raise funds for this worthy cause,” Morgenthaler said. “We’ve raised more than $133,000 over five years that we’ve been holding this tournament. This year’s was our largest ever. It’s really growing and we’re looking to do some additional things to make it bigger and better.”

“Special Olympics Illinois would like to thank all the participants and sponsors, who without their help, this event would not be possible,” said Jeff Henson, Director of Special Events for Special Olympics Illinois.

Chad Morgenthaler, 43, has been a professional bass fisherman since 2002. He is sponsored by Jasper Engines & Transmissions, Phoenix Boats, Lunker Lure – Hawg Caller, Svanda GM Motor Group, Solar Bat, Power-Pole, Nameoki Village Marine, Plano Tackle, Minn Kota, Element 21 Fishing, Optima Batteries, Fishouflage, U.S. Reel, Humminbird, Line & Lure, BTS Protectant and El Grande Lures.

Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 19 sports for nearly 21,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and more than 4,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics changes lives by empowering people with intellectual disabilities to realize their full potential in sports and in life. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support.  If you are interested in learning more about Special Olympics Illinois, volunteering or providing financial support to help make Special Olympics programs possible, contact your local Special Olympics agency, call 800-394-0562 or visit our website at www.soill.org.

The Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run is the single largest year-round fund-raising event benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. The intrastate relay and its various fundraising projects have two goals: to raise money and increase public awareness for the athletes of Special Olympics. Each year, more than 3,000 officers in Illinois run more than 1,500 miles carrying the Flame of Hope through the streets of their hometowns and deliver it to the State Summer Games in Normal in June.

Crews on Treble Hook Selection

Hot Techniques for August Bass

By Billy “Hawkeye” Decoteau

Professional FLW Tour Angler, Licensed Bass Guide, and Classroom Instructor for The Bass University Pete Gluszek has more on his plate than most Chinese Buffets! Yet this likeable Franklinville, NJ angler is always available and willing to share his tournament winning techniques and tactics with Bass East.

(www.PeteGluszek.com,)

Now don’t misunderstand me Pete Gluszek is a highly motivated, competitor knowing the importance of having a little something different than his fellow colleagues in order to cash a check! Listening to the Lake Champlain and Hudson River Champion, Pete’s enthusiasm was overwhelming, while his never-ending compassion for pursuing the Black Bass within it’s aquatic environment was a lesson within itself.

“Most bass anglers take a detour when it comes to chasing bass during the heat intensified month of August,” says Ranger Boat’s Pete Gluszek. (www.NorthJerseyMarine.com) “However, savvy anglers wanting to increase their bass knowledge, realize it’s during those extremely tough condition days when the bite is almost non-existent the opportunity for advance learning is waiting at their doorstep!”

According to Gluszek he and Professional Bassmaster Elite Angler Mike Iaconelli, founded their educational nationwide program, ‘The Bass University’, specifically to encourage and provide information hungry bass anglers with the importance of The Bass University motto “Never Stop Learning”! “Any time you think you have the bass situation figured out these finned creatures seem to throw you a change-up,” Chuckles Gluszek. “However, every movement of the Black Bass is based upon the prevailing conditions within its environment, and their predatory instincts.” (www.TheBassUniversity.com)

Gluszek informed me every professional bass angler utilizes the same basic fundamental bass transitional factors in their approach to establishing on-the-water bass behavior. “It is during this search process, where we first actually witness why some anglers always seem to catch bass no matter what!” Separation of individual anglers application of techniques and presentations, understanding of bass movement, centered on their ability to read prevailing weather conditions, and most importantly the individual talent of each angler to make adjustments quickly, is usually the key to success.

“What many anglers seem to forget is that a bass’s metabolism is the complete opposite than ours!” instructs Gluszek. Referring to bass being cold blooded and our being warm blooded. “This is when an angler’s attitude takes over, he/she can fall victim to the August heat, make a million excuses, or as in most cases simply quit and head home! Or, they can place the heated temperatures off to the side and concentrate on reading and observing the prevailing conditions!”

“When the temperatures rise, bass need to feed more often as their body requires this for survival, they also seek areas with cooler temperatures, and easy access to food. One reason, thick vegetation such as emergent matted grassy areas comes into play this time of year.”

Pete Gluszek idles his Evinrude E-Tec along extended matted grass or chestnut flats searching for sections that standout as being different. “Cuts, pockets, points and depth changes are all factors to consider. However, openings within the matted vegetation, raised mats, and areas with a change in the prevalent vegetation are transition areas and can be bass magnets!” (www.Evinrude.com)

Elaborating Gluszek explains, “I equip myself with what I refer to as ‘Power-Finesse’. Let’s consider heavy matted vegetation or Chestnuts as found on Lake Champlain and the Hudson River. Power and speed is needed to get these bass below the heavy cover to explode through the surface, here I will utilize my Rogue 7’6” Flipping Sticks, braided PowerPro line, high-speed reels, and a heavy spoon to work the surface.” Gluszek is adamant when it comes to balanced tackle. “My longer rod not only allows longer cast, more importantly it allows me to quickly get the bass to the surface, by picking up more line, as does a high speed reel, while PowerPro braid cuts through the vegetation and assures solid hook-ups!” (www.RogueRods.com)

Calling this setup his locator, Pete adds a trailer to his spoon for additional weight, noise and vibration. “If the bass have no problem honing in on my spoon, I’ll add a PowerTeam Lures 4.5” grub. The grubs’ tail will keep flipping and kicking the surface, while it’s inverted ribbing causes more surface commotion, especially in open water areas. When the situation calls for additional weight or a faster retrieve, nothing is better than impelling a 4.5” Conviction Craw unto your spoon!” (www.PowerTeamLures.com)

The Finesse portion of Gluszek’s Power-Finesse equation comes into play when bass are exploding holes in the matted vegetation, yet he is unable to get a hook-up. “This technique is not for the faint of heart,” laughs Gluszek. Adding, “Too often anglers will try to follow-up their missed strike with the same bait, and although it will work at times, I have discovered following up with a Power-Finesse tactic works much better!”  Gluszek’s arsenal includes the same 7’6” Rogue Rod, braided PowerPro line and high-speed reel. However, his Power-Finesse follow-up bait is a PowerTeam Lures 3.5” Craw D’oeuvre! (www.PowerPro.com)

“It’s imperative that anglers immediately pitch their follow-up bait into the exploded hole ASAP! I have found that utilizing larger baits in this situation doesn’t always produce solid hook-ups. For this reason I peg a 3/8 oz bullet weight, in front of a 4/0 EWG Gamakatsu hook, then add the perfect size follow-up bait…………3.5” Craw D’oeuvre!”

According to Gluszek, the bass inhale his 3.5” Craw D’oeuvre offering. “I believe it’s compact size, long vibrating thin craws, and balled shaped rear tentacles aid in the bass locating the craw, but when their olfactory glands register the PowerTeam Lures ‘Sow Chow’ impregnated scent the bass simply eat it!”

When confronted with submerged vegetation, such as Milfoil, Coon-tail, eelgrass, etc, Pete Gluszek highly recommends taking the same underwater approach to reading this cover as he does with emergent matted vegetation. “Once again anglers need to eliminate the unproductive areas by concentrating on high percentage areas.” Gluszek, utilizes his sonar to mark waypoints locating grass bed, pockets, holes, depth changes, underwater rock piles, timber and any other sections he believes bass will use as ambush points.

“Shade is a major factor when approaching submerged vegetation, as are overhanging trees, and docks. It may surprise you, but the bass your chasing along the deeper outside weedline, may have moved to the shallow inside due to it becoming the shady area!” suggest Gluszek.

Keeping to his Power-Finesse approach, after an early morning topwater bite has disappeared, FLW Tour and Bassmaster Open Professional Angler Pete Gluszek likes to keep it simple.     (www.FLWOutdoors.com, www.Bassmaster.com) “Contending with the afternoon heat is enough of a challenge, so when it comes to bait selection for flipping, pitching or skipping into shady areas I stick with only one bait, and utilize two different sizes,” reveals Gluszek.

Once again turning to PowerTeam Lures Pete Gluszek rigs a 4.5” Texas-Rig Jig soft plastic unto a 6/0 Gamakatsu EWG hook and a 3.5” Texas-Rig Jig soft plastic unto a 4/0 EWG Gamakatsu. While, his weight size varies based on the prevailing conditions. “These PowerTeam Texas-Rig Jigs are heavy enough to skip weightless, and the difference in the two sizes is perfect for my Power-Finesse Technique!” As for colors, Gluszek prefers PowerTeam Lures ‘Swirl Colors’. Nothing in nature is actually the same color; there is always some form of color modification, for this reason anglers can not go wrong choosing a swirl combination!”

Swindle’s Sandwich Bags of Inspiration

Avid readers might remember a story posted last year that detailed 2004 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year Gerald Swindle’s reliance on P.B. & J sandwiches to get him through long days on the water.  His loving wife “Lulu” makes the masterpieces of bread early each morning when she travels with him.

Since that story published, Swindle has qualified for yet another Bassmaster Classic – his 11^th – and time spent chewing on a P.B. & J continues to play an integral role in his success.

But what about when she’s not there; when she simply can’t be at a tournament?  Well, the dock-skipping Quantum pro makes his own P.B. & J.  But “Lulu” is still very much a part of the daily bread.  She writes different messages of inspiration on numerous sandwich bags and sends them from their Alabama home to wherever the Bassmaster Elite Series may be.

She’s not a sports psychologist.  She’s a wife.  A friend.  A lifelong mate to bass fishing’s funniest man.  And what she knows – that most of us don’t – is that a huge part of Gerald Swindle’s success or failure plays out between his ears.  There’s a deep thinker in there.  She knows that.  And she makes it her job to make sure the thinker is motivated in a positive fashion.  A permanent marker, polyethylene bag, postage stamp and love are her tools.

“She knows my mental trigger points,” says Swindle.  “She started writing on my sandwich bags at Kentucky Lake last year.  And together, we nabbed three straight Top 12 finishes from that point forward.”

“There may be other pros that tell you they don’t get lonely out here on the road, but I’m not sure I believe that.  Let me tell you something.  Years from now when I’m retired, when I’m reflecting on my career, ‘the one that got away’ won’t be a bass.  Instead, it will be time. Time shared at birthdays, anniversaries and weekends together.  So knowing that she’s thinking about me keeps me going.  Keeps my head straight,” says the normally hilarious Swindle at an obvious moment of deep reflection.

“Self confidence is way bigger than a change in weather or lake level in determining success or failure as a tournament fisherman.  She knows that,” said Swindle.

More than just subsistence in the form of grape and extra crunchy, it’s a source of inspiration written on a sandwich bag.  And it’s working – even when she’s not there.

“But I kept loving her from a distance.  Like an angel watching from afar.” – Corey Smith

Aaron Martens Drop Shot Tricks

KVD Calls Out Toyota

Moments after being crowned Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year for the third straight year, and the sixth time in his career, Kevin VanDam was quick to thank Toyota. In fact, in typical intense and sincere KVD style, Kevin told thousands of fans from the weigh-in stage on the banks of the Alabama River that not only was the Toyota Tundra the best tow vehicle out there, but punctuated his love and trust of the brand by saying that in his opinion it’s also the safest vehicle out there. “In fact, it saved my life,” said VanDam in reference to a horrible wreck that unfolded directly in front of him while towing his boat from Michigan to Florida. He sincerely feels he was only able to avoid being a part of the bad wreck because of his Tundra’s oversized brakes and stability control system.

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