Inside bass Fishing will be selling shirts .  They will be custom made with your first or last name on the shirt.  They will cost $15 plus $2.50 for shipping.  We need 24 people to order before we can place the order.  If you want one email Inside Bass Fishing with the name you want on it and what size.  Order yours TODAY!!!!  All orders need to be in by Friday Feb. 4th 2011.

A Look At the InvisaSwivel

The InvisaSwivel by Aquateko; “what is an InvisaSwivel?” you may be asking.  It is the newest swivel to hit the fishing market.  From the moment you see one up close you can tell there is something different about this swivel.  It’s made of plastic a Fluro-Clear material instead of metal.  The design of the swivel is completely different as well.  The InvisaSwivel is almost invisible in the water, unlike those metal ones we all use.

One of the most important aspects of the InvisaSwivel in my opinion is it is neutrally buoyant.  What does this translate into? More action in your Carolina rig.  When I tested the InvisaSwivel, I started throwing my Carolina rig in shallow water so I could watch the action of the lure.  With the InvisaSwivel tied on you could plainly see the soft plastic fluke I was using dancing back to the boat with more action than I have ever seen with a regular metal swivel.

Not only does the InvisaSwivel give your soft plastics more action on a Carolina Rig but it helps get rid of those horrible line twists we all get.  I used the InvisaSwivel on a spinning rod with 6 pound test fluorocarbon line, for drop-shoting.  It seems like most of the time when I fish a drop shot I fight the line twist more than I fight the bass.  In four hours of drop shoting with my spinning rod I never had a problem with line twist. 

The InvisaSwivel is as a great choice for those fishermen who like to fish braid with a fluorocarbon leader.  With the InvisaSwivel being clear under the water you can use the InvisaSwivel to connect the two lines together.  Your swivel and fluorocarbon leader will be clear under the water.

Tying the InvisaSwivel is easy as well.  You only need to know how to tie one knot for it.  A standard clinch knot works great, and the InvisaSwivel even helps straighten the knot itself.  On each end of the swivel you have a hole to run your line through and a notch underneath it.  The notch in the bottom of the swivel helps to straighten the knot when you cinch it into place.

The InvisaSwivel comes in many different line sizes from 12lbs to 200lbs.  A pack runs about 5 dollars for 5 swivels.  When compared to other swivels it is only a dollar or so more.  When you weigh in all that the InvisaSwivel offers like it’s neutrally buoyancy, and the fact that it all but disappears in the water the extra dollar doesn’t seem like a big deal.  Go get some today.

BY: Chris McDonald

Hydrilla Tips

Bass fishing in hydrilla can be a pain or it can be some of the best fishing you have ever had while fishing in Florida! The biggest pain with hydrilla are the gnats. I am unsure of the name of these critters, but they are very small and swarm the boat in the summer. They are so thick that eventually you get them in your nose and ears. When you get close to the topped out stuff, these gnats will cover your boat, motor and clothes. Sounds bad doesn't it! Just because the gnats are there doesn't mean the fish are not! Hydrilla can be loaded with fish, so be patient and put up with those critters. You can also take a break once in awhile and get up on plane to drive 'em off you!

So now that we're over the hydrilla gnat discussion, the other issue is that trolling motor props tend to get wrapped up with the thick hydrilla. It's not bad until you start to flip the stuff and you are real close. The best way to battle this is to buy a high powered trolling motor, 80 lb thrust and up.

Finally, the last pain is that crankbaits, hard jerkbaits and even spinnerbaits will get wrapped up in the stuff. After some experience, you will know how to retrieve these lures to minimize the wrap-ups, and yet maintain contact with the weeds. If you do get wrapped up bad, don't just try to jerk it lose otherwise you may break your line. It is best to go to the opposite side of the hydrilla bed you're stuck in and do a steady pull with an occasional jerk.

OK, after all that are you still willing to bass fish hydrilla. You better, or you will be missing some of the best bass fishing you ever had.

My favorite method of fishing the stuff is to look for the deep water side of the hydrilla bed and fish maybe 25-50 yards from the topped out stuff, give or take a few yards. In this scattered stuff you can use the hard jerkbait of your choice, a Zara Spook topwater, a Rattletrap, a spinnerbait or a Texas rigged worm. Use the methods I discuss in each of the technique sections for all these lures.

If the going gets tough, I'll try two other methods. The 1st one is to go to where the underwater hydrilla stops with only a few scattered clumps every 10-20 yards. I will use a Diving crankbait in this area.

If that doesn't work I'll resort to flippin the topped out stuff. Of course you'll have to deal with the gnats, but the number of big fish I have caught doing this far outways the negatives associated with the gnats. Just look for the thickets stuff you can find a wiggle your lure on top of the stalks until it penetrates. If the lures doesn't go through, go to a little less dense stuff or look for small holes in the mat.

If there is hydrilla in the Florida lake you are fishing and you are not trying it, you'll miss a great opportunity!

BY: Gordon Holman

Crankbait Cover-Ups Joins Forces with ArmyBassAnglers

San Antonio, TX, January 15, 2011 – The mission statement behind ArmyBassAnglers (ABA) is “SUPPORT. DEFEND. FISH.”, and Pat Garvey, founder of Crankbait Cover-Ups company, pledged his support today of the ABA mission through a multi-year sponsorship.

“I am proud to be an American and enjoy those liberties, such as fishing, that our servicemen and women serve to defend daily through the United States military. What really sparked my interest in ArmyBassAnglers, is when I asked one of your Pro Staffers to fish the Make a Wish Foundation on Lake of the Ozarks. After 8 hours in the boat with Pro Staffer Russ Mc Burney (Also an ArmyBassAnglers Coalition Pro Staffer) from Springfield Missouri, I was eager to join forces with ABA and a few conversations later with the President of ABA, Cody Roberson I knew this was a Mission and Organization like no other. Our Company is now committed for the next three years to be the exclusive Crankbait Cover of ArmyBassAnglers,” stated Pat Garvey/President of Crankbait Cover – UPS. “Now, I can proudly say that Crankbait Cover-Ups, with the support of two Bassmaster Classic Champions Guido and Dion Hibdon and ArmyBassAnglers and their Coalition of Anglers, from all branches of service, we are poised to SUPPORT.DEFEND.FISH.”

ABA consists of 12 pro staff anglers and 100 coalition anglers all of whom are active duty or retired U.S. military from all branches of service. The group currently fishes Bass Champs on the World Fishing Network, and numerous grass roots events, and gained national prominence as the Ceremonial Launch Boats for the past two Bassmasters
Classics while raising National awareness for Returning Heroes Home, Lone Star Paralyzed Veterans of America, Heroes on the Water and Veteran Outdoors.
The Warrior & Family Support Center, ABA’s original non-profit it supported, is a 12,000 square-foot rehabilitation center, funded solely by private donations and provides space for wounded soldiers undergoing treatment in San Antonio, allowing them to spend private time with their friends and families when they are not actively participating in rehabilitative treatment.
Heroes on the Water is a National non-profit 501c3 that focuses its efforts on kayaking and fishing as a rehabilitative outdoor activity for wounded veterans recovering from their combat injures. HOW is an incredible alternative to power boat fishing and outdoor recreation that has provided very inspiring results both in physical and emotional rehabilitation.
Veteran Outdoors is a non-profit 501c3 that completes the ArmyBassAngler’s Task Force of non-profits that provides big game one-of-a-kind hunting and fishing experiences for wounded veterans with some of the country’s most experienced pros and guides all focused on the wounded hero and his story.

“We are extremely excited about joining Forces with the Crankbait Cover-Ups and the ability to add to our already incredible line of “tactical” angling products and sponsors. Crankbait Cover-Ups now allows us to add (2) All New combat multipliers to our arsenal. The Crankbait Cover-Up offers us the distinct ability to protect our crankbaits from harmful UV rays that fade our baits and extends our baits overall longevity for longer lasting bait life (saving us money) and most importantly their “industry unique smoked color” Stealth series covers provide us a level of “Stealth” to protect ArmyBassAngler and Coalition Pros from any other anglers ability to glean critical G2 (Military Intelligence) from our bait selections before we get on the water. This stealth capability is huge in giving us the ability, for the first time, to institute operational force protection and security measures at
major tournaments. Everyone’s been to a tournament and snuck a peek at another angler’s rods to glean some intel from his boat. We’ll we now have stealth like protection, thanks to Crankbait Cover-Ups to provide us that much needed protection prior to any tournament. We couldn’t be more pumped about our new relationship and capabilities while continuing to track and locate sponsors that are combat multipliers to our Mission. We are proud to join forces with a company and product as advanced as the Crankait Cover-Ups—HOOAH,” stated President Cody Roberson. “We look forward to a long—strong and “stealthy” relationship with Crankbait Cover-Ups.”
For more information on Crankbait Cover-Ups, visit www.coveryourcrank.com about or visit www.armybassanglers.com.

From a Small Town in Idaho to the Bassmaster Classic

Seventeen years ago, 23 year old Bryan Kerchal won the Bassmaster Classic.  He was the first and only to win the Classic from the Federation before he tragically died a few months later.  Recently a Federation angler has been compared to Bryan. The similarities are there, both moved up through the Federation, both qualified for the Classic and they are within a month of being the same age at the time of the event.  Can Brandon Palaniuk win the Classic just like Bryan?  Just a few short months ago, Brandon Palaniuk was hanging out with friends, fishing, and working in Northern Idaho for a company that built logging roads.  Since he was eight years old he has dreamed of fishing the Classic and and now he is preparing to do it.  He will also be fishing this year on the Elite Series.  You might not have heard his name yet, but his fishing accomplishments

are making sure you take notice.  Brandon has long been a dominant force in the Pacific Northwest, making the Idaho Federation Nation and TBF State teams with amazing consistency over the last few years.  His success has also allowed him to represent the state of Idaho at the national level in the Federation three times.  At the age of 23, he has done more than most fishermen have done in a lifetime.  He recently won the Federation Nation National Championship which gave him a berth into both the Elite Series and the Bassmaster Classic.  With him growing up in tiny Rathdrum, ID; I fished against him several times when I was living in Washington State and just had the chance to talk with him to see how things have changed since making the Classic.

TB: You qualified through the Federation, probably one of the most difficult paths.  Walk me through the qualification you made all the way to the classic.

BP: It all started with fishing the Idaho qualifiers for the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation.
From there I made the Idaho State team and was invited to fish the Western Divisional on Lake Martinez in Yuma,AZ.  I didn’t really have anything special going on down there and caught eight or nine pounds each day but ended up winning for Idaho (he finished 14^th with 23lbs 9oz over 3 days) and qualified for the Nationals on the Red River in Shreveport, LA.  I was able to win that event and make it to the Classic and also make the Elite Series. 

TB:  The story behind that win was pretty cool.  Tell me how you did it.

BP:  I found a spot in practice that was really hard to get into, but I had read that tournaments have been won back there.  I waited until the last half of the day of the last practice day to try to get back there.  It was a really shallow path and I had to remove things like thick hyacinths mats just to make a path.  It got really shallow in places and was only a few inches deep in spots.  It took me 2 hours and 15 minutes to make that first path. I didn't want anyone else to see me go back there so on the first tournament day; I waited until all the boats had blasted past me to sneak in there.  I was just cranking a rock jetty until they were all gone.  Once I make it back there it took me a little while to figure out the sweet spots, but I had it all to myself. 

TB: Now that you’ve made the Elite Series, what are your goals?  Are you nervous? 

BP: I want to have a solid season and re-qualify.  Of course, I’d also love to win Rookie of the
Year, but this is a strong class of rookies. Guys like David Walker, Andy Montgomery, Ott Defoe, Keith Combs have all been fishing on the FLW Tour for years, plus you have all of the other rookies.  I’m a little nervous, but don’t have any expectations for myself.

TB: Since qualifying for the Elites, I see you have picked up a few new sponsors.  What new companies will you be working with and what other sponsors do you have now?

BP:  I just signed on with Berkley, Abu Garcia, Wave Away, Skeeter and Yamaha and Topwater Clothing.  I am also sponsored by BaitSmith, Parker Toyota, and AXTackle.com.

TB: Idaho is not really known as a bass fishing state, what do you have to say about the bass fishing in Idaho?

BP:   It’s really good bass fishing, in Idaho and the Pacific Northwest in general.  You know how good it is, you lived there.  I believe the Northwest is one of the most versatile regions in the entire country.  You can fish clear lakes or muddy water, deep lakes or shallow places; the Northwest has it all.  We have some of the best fishing in the country for maybe nine months of the year.

TB: What do you think of the similarities between you and Bryan Kerchal?  

BP: I have watched the video of that Classic at least twenty times and every time I watch it I get choked up.  Bryan brought a lot of light the federation and was an amazing representative for the entire federation.  I am honored to be representing the federation and hope to do well in his honor.  He was a true inspiration for everyone who fishes the and dreams of winning the classic.