News

Lake Cherokee – PAA Bass Pro Shops First Series Event

I really didn’t know what to expect heading into this event. It was my first time on Cherokee, the first PAA tournament of the year and the first one since I was elected President. I had high expectations, to say the least, but also knew that I’d have a lot of responsibility. Fortunately, the tournament as a whole went very well. There are still a few things we need to improve upon, but on the whole I think everyone who was there thought it was a success. My own performance was less satisfying, although I managed to salvage some points out of a near-disaster.

The lake is super-clear and water temperatures were in the 90s, so like just about everyone else I expected that the dominant bite would be deep. I spent the first day of practice fishing offshore exclusively and I felt like I could catch a limit of spots, maybe a few largemouths or smallmouths too. I knew it was going to be tough but I thought 10 pounds was within the realm of possibility and 10 pounds would be strong.

With just one day under my belt I felt that there was a lot left to learn, so I decided that night that I’d spend part of the second day of practice out deep again and part of it up shallow. Unfortunately, some unforeseeable mechanical problems put an end to my plans. I was able to fish a little bit – maybe an hour – on my trolling motor, but I spent most of the day on the phone trying to find someone to deal with my issues. As a result, it was pretty much a wasted day. read more…

Rend Lake Tournament to Benefit Athletes in Illinois

PRO FISHERMAN CHAD MORGENTHALER TEAMS WITH
SPECIAL OLYMPICS FOR 5^th ANNUAL BASS TOURNAMENT

NORMAL, Ill. – Professional bass fisherman Chad Morgenthaler of Coulterville, Ill., is hooked on Special Olympics. He is teaming up 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. 

            The tournament is a buddy team format, with a Beat the Pro fishing contest and chances to win great prizes. Morgenthaler and other Professional Anglers Association (PAA) pros will participate.   

            The fishing tournament is limited to the first 150 boats to register. Entry is $175 per boat if registered by 5 p.m. Aug. 20 which includes entry into the Big Bass pot. Entry fee is $200 per boat for those who register after 5 p.m. Aug. 20. Each angler receives a T-shirt and goodie bag full of tackle. The first four years of the tournament raised more than $100,000 for Special Olympics Illinois.  read more…