B.A.S.S. Nation

PVA Makes a Difference

On July 11-13, 2008, the Paralyzed Veterans of America Bass Tour returned to Waldorf, Md., to fish the Potomac River. Sixty-four disabled anglers from 27 different states rounded out the field that including 24 newly injured wounded warriors who have recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Forecasting change

BASS official Chuck Harbin appeared relaxed as he monitored the handful of Elite Series anglers tie up to the launch dock during Thursday's Day One launch of the Empire Chase presented by Farmer's Insurance. He had just spoken to the National Weather Service and confirmed the fact conditions looked favorable for a seemingly comfortable and relatively safe first day of tournament action.

Pick Three

The 2008 Bassmaster Elite Series tour begins its 10th event of the 11-tournament season Thursday with the Empire Chase presented by Farmer's Insurance. Lake Erie's 10,000-plus square miles — it's the 11th-largest lake in the world — and the Niagara River will be where the 106 Elites Series anglers compete for the $100,000 first place check.

The answer is blowing in the wind

Grant Goldbeck got a lesson is just how good the smallmouth bass fishing can be during practice this week at Lake Erie. As he prepared for the 10th of 11 Bassmaster Elite Series tournaments this season the Empire Chase presented by Farmer's Insurance Goldbeck caught a 4-pound smallmouth on a bare hook.

Jones for the Title

When Alton Jones first visited Lake Hartwell in December to practice for February's Bassmaster Classic, he hardly fished at all. Instead, seeing that the impoundment was 12 feet low, he spent his time with a video camera, filming potential structure and cover that might, if the lake level were to rise, become prime bass holding areas. He marked them with his GPS, and catalogued more than 130 locations.

Expect the Unexpected!

Let's talk this week about the importance of expecting the unexpected. I know you hear that all the time, but it's important. Being prepared is often the difference between winning and losing.

Don Butler Remembered

>One hundred and six anglers played a big part in the success of my first All-American tournament at Beaver Lake in 1967 but especially one man, Don T. Butler. He would have a profound effect on the history of B.A.S.S. and my life.

In the Beginning: Bob Cobb

I'm not an outdoor writer, but I have met and associated with all the great ones over the past 35 years. The one I know best and have spent the most time with is my friend Bob Cobb. This is about him.

Bass by the Sun and the Moon

I'll admit that for many years I was skeptical of the so-called "moon tables." I couldn't fathom how a ball of rocks and dust some 250,000 miles away could possibly influence my beloved bass … or anything on Earth for that matter. But a lot of other anglers seemed to be using them, so I thought I'd give one an honest try.

B.A.S.S. Membership Swag

Join B.A.S.S

Membership Includes 1 Year Bassmaster Magazine, Plus $50 in free gear.