Bassmaster rookie Britt Myers has an interesting answer when asked to name the strangest item he ever caught with a rod and reel.
"I was fishing Lake Greenwood in South Carolina about six years ago and they were actually dragging the lake for a body," the North Carolina pro said. "I hooked a barbecue grill on a crankbait, and as it got closer to the boat I started thinking it might be that body. I was terrified as I was pulling it up. It had this spongy feeling to it and it was real heavy."
Brauer Handicaps Bassmaster Angler of the Year Race
After 10 Elite Series tournaments, the Bassmaster Angler of the Year race comes down to two anglers and one tournament.
Michael Iaconelli of New Jersey leads Steve Kennedy of Alabama by just 45 points. And a challenging Table Rock Lake awaits them on Sept. 14-17 in Missouri to decide the winner at the final stop of the 2006 Bassmaster Elite Series.
Legendary pro and Toyota Horizon award leader Denny Brauer assessed the Angler of the Year finale.
The former Bassmaster Classic champion and Angler of the Year prefaced his remarks by emphasizing that September may prove to be difficult fishing at "The Rock" and could create frustration among even the best anglers.
"I think both anglers are very capable of having a good tournament there. And I think they're both capable of having a bad tournament, just because of the conditions they could face.
"Iaconelli is very, very good with light tackle, and he likes to throw that little worm. Those techniques should be good. But Kennedy has proven he can do a good job fishing deep with football-head (jigs) and that type of stuff. I know he's done well in places like Kentucky Lake that way."
Brauer was pressed to predict the next Angler of the Year.
"I couldn't pick one. I think they're both very capable of catching them there. But I think the lake is very, very capable of dealing either one of them fits."
BIG MONEY
The combination of the Bassmaster Elite Series and the three Bassmaster Majors promised to make 2006 a big-money year for several pros. And, indeed, it has proven to be just that. This year alone, five anglers pushed over the $1 million mark in all-time BASS earnings. Here's the top 10 money-winning anglers in 2006:
Peter Thliveros, Florida: $354,600
Dave Wolak, Pennslyvania: $348,250
Scott Rook, Arkansas: $325,525
Greg Hackney, Louisiana: $262,650
Michael Iaconelli, New Jersey: $257,750
Terry Scroggins, Florida: $233,545
Kevin VanDam, Michigan: $227,300
Tommy Biffle, Oklahoma: $219,650
Kelly Jordon, Texas: $206,500
ACT
Fishing enthusiasts and BASS members who want to improve fishing in their local areas and help protect natural resources can join a newly formed group called the BASS Angler Conservation Team or ACT.
ACT is a network of local, grassroots anglers who volunteer to make a difference in their areas - protecting and enhancing wildlife habitats. BASS is bringing those motivated members together like never before, enabling them to preserve and protect the nation's waterways so that they may be enjoyed for years to come. Once signed up, members will receive an introductory e-mail and then in 2007, receive special reports on ongoing and upcoming projects.
WRAP RAP
Kevin Wirth's ride is hard to miss. The elaborate wrap promotes his title sponsor - Early Times Kentucky Whisky.
"Team Early Times was a natural fit for me because we have so much in common," the Kentucky pro said. "It was a win-win situation.
"With the changes ESPN has made in the sport, having great sponsor support has become essential. Early Times is allowing me to do what I love to do, and at the same time I am becoming an ambassador for a great brand."
Wirth has been involved in promotional activities in each state the Elite Series has visited and plans call for his likeness to be part of a new sales display at retailers.
DID YOU KNOW?
Veteran Texas pro Alton Jones is poised to be the next (and 18th) member of the BASS millionaires club. His career earnings total to date is $946,579.
IF I HADN'T BECOME A BASS PRO
Sarah Augustine, a competitor on the Women's Bassmaster Tour, is a manager for the U.S. Postal Service in Lake Charles, La. She also has lived in California, Utah, Missouri and Iowa, in addition to spending time in Iraq.
THEY SAID IT
"Winning always has been bigger than the money. For these fishermen, that champion's trophy has always been more important than the check that comes with it. It's a pride thing." - BASS founder Ray Scott, who was honored last week during the Bassmaster Legends, on the pride of BASS champions past and present.