“From the day Jamie strolled into our Newport Beach offices nine years ago, it was clear to me that Jamie would be something very special,” said Steve Rosenberg, Kaenon CEO and co-founder. “His pure love for the ocean, his humility and charm was so refreshing. To see him win ten in a row is mind-blowing. To win one is great, to defend is always a special accomplishment, but to dominate and win 10 consecutive years? That’s Jordan-esque, Slater-esque. It’s freakish! Jamie is truly one of the greatest athletes and inspirations of our time.” Read more about Jamie’s monumental win here.

Hard Kore JM10 is available now at Kaenon.com and coming soon to a retailer near you.

Optimus Hand Tuned Reels
Tournament anglers seeking an edge will find the performance they demand in Pinnacle’s new top-of-the-line OptimusTM Hand Tuned reels. Like all Tournament Class tackle, the reels were designed with extensive input from top B.A.S.S. Elite and FLW pro anglers to give avid fishermen a full range of cutting- edge features, without the sticker shock.

The two Optimus Hand Tuned models include an ultra-high-speed 7.3:1 baitcaster and an incredibly durable Reinforced Carbon Fiber spinning reel. Both are specifically crafted to meet the rigors of tournament fishing and, in order to deliver the ultimate performance edge, undergo a final step at Pinnacle’s California facility before being released to the market — individual Hand Tuning.

Each Optimus Hand Tuned reel is subjected to a complete 8-step manual inspection and adjustment program covering every major system inside and out. As a result, it arrives in the angler’s hands pre-calibrated for optimum casting, braking, retrieving and drag performance right out of the box.The Optimus XiHS Hand Tuned Baitcast Reel is built on a flex-inhibiting X-BoneTM metal frame. The drive train is lightweight Duralumin alloy, supported by 10 double-shielded stainless steel bearings plus roller bearing for ultimate strength and smoothness, with convenient externally adjustable Tandem Cast Control. With its blistering 7.3:1 gear ratio, this reel offers everything a dedicated bass angler could want in a high-speed baitcaster, plus the advantage of certified Hand Tuned performance.

The reel is endorsed by professional B.A.S.S. Elite Series angler John Crews and retails for $249.99.
The all-new Optimus Hand Tuned Spinning Reel brings over-the-top Hand Tuned precision to many popular bass-catching techniques. Built to withstand tough tournament conditions, it features high-strength RCF2 Reinforced Carbon Fiber construction in the body and rotor, topped by a carbon- wrapped ported spool. The superior rigidity of RCF2 assures flex-free operation. With 7 double-shielded stainless steel bearings plus roller bearing, waterproof multi-stack carbon drag and versatile 5.0:1 retrieve. Available in 30 and 40 class sizes, endorsed by professional B.A.S.S. Elite Series angler John Crews, it retails for $149.99.

Producer XT Spinning Reel
This new addition to the established Producer line of Tournament Class tackle offers the extra toughness of advanced RCF2 Reinforced Carbon Fiber construction in a modestly priced reel that over-delivers on performance.
Its RCF2 body and rotor provide a solid base for the precision-machined ported spool while keeping internal parts in perfect alignment. The 7 double- shielded stainless steel bearings plus roller bearing, waterproof multi-stack drag, balanced rotor with FatWire Bail, titanium-coated ResistTwist line roller.

Available in both 30 and 40 class sizes, the Producer XT Spinning Reel retails for $79.99.

Perfecta DHC5 Micro Guide Rods
Answering the call for ultimate precision in specialized bass tackle, the new PerfectaTM DHC5 Micro Guide Rods set new standards for castability, sensitivity and balance within a wide range of critical bass fishing applications.
These split-grip rods are built on Pinnacle’s proprietary DHC5 blanks, which contain no glass scrim but are reinforced with a double carbon wrap for extreme power without added weight. The addition of premium Fuji Alconite Micro Concept guides makes these rods insanely lightweight and balanced. Anglers will notice a significant increase in casting distance as well as sensitivity, regardless of lure type.

Perfecta DHC5 Micro Guide Rods are available in both casting and spinning models, which include tangle-free Fuji Alconite K-Series guides. All have split-grip handles and top-of-the-line Fuji reel seats, and are available in 10 technique-specific actions. The rods retail for $169.99 to $199.99.

Perfecta DHC5 Walleye Rods
Two years in the making, the new PerfectaTM DHC5 walleye rods place a formidable arsenal into the hands of dedicated anglers targeting elusive marble- eyes. The rods feature Pinnacle’s proven, feather-light Double Helical Construction blanks fitted with premium Fuji components and Super AAA grade contoured cork handles, ensuring ultimate comfort and responsiveness — with plenty of backbone to handle that final dive at the boat.
Fuji Alconite New Concept guides and superb handcrafted actions are the hallmarks of this advanced rod series. Constant fine-tuning by pros and field staff, working in real on-the-water situations, led to the development of 10 technique-specific walleye actions to cover virtually any approach from finesse live bait rigging, to slip bobber fishing, to open water trolling. The rods retail for $169.99 to $199.99.

To learn more about Pinnacle Tournament Class tackle, or to review the complete line of Pinnacle fishing products including specifications, visit: www.pinnaclefishing.com.

Dave Wolak is more than just an affable Elite Series pro with multiple titles and nearly a million dollars in B.A.S.S. winnings. He’s also a hardcore fitness enthusiast with a background in physical therapy and a walking billboard for everything we advocate here at FishStrong.

Dave is a true angling athlete.  In fact, he’s so hardcore about living the FishStrong lifestyle that even his wife is said to perform multiple sets of 12-15 pull-ups! Most guys can’t even do that!

I think FishStrong fans can learn a lot from Dave’s hard-won insight and experience, so I gave him a call. Get ready to take some notes!

FS: Life on the road can be pretty stressful.  What do you do to keep this stress from affecting your fishing?

DW: We are all creatures of habit. Repetition breeds confidence. I try to eat at the same places, stay at a lot of the same places, and maintain the same routine as much as possible no matter where we are. Cognitively, you respond to this more positively because you’re not totally stressing yourself out by having to deal with new things and experiences.

FS: I call this the “autopilot” function. The more you “autopilot” things, the more brain energy is saved for critical executive functions. Is this what you mean?

DW: Exactly. On the road I think the more routine and repetition you have, things happen a lot easier. If you know what to expect with the small stuff, you’re not sweating the small stuff AND the big stuff. We have enough guesswork to do with the fishing.  The weather can change, our pattern from practice can disappear, etc… so eliminating the small worries really helps in dealing with other things. It frees our brains up.

FS: Can you give us an example of the kind of repetition you’re talking about?

DW: Okay… for example, I always try to stay at the same brand of hotel because I already know what to expect, what they offer, if they have a gym, what the room is like, what the breakfast is like… If I’m not staying at a house, I usually stat at the Holiday Inn Express. I like the hard-boiled eggs at their Continental Breakfast!

FS: Why should exercise be a part of the hardcore angler’s overall game plan?

DW: We have to stand for hours, mostly on one foot, bend over constantly, and we sit a lot in the truck.  This is hard on the back and can throw you out of balance.  I do a lot of core training to combat this — because without it, you’ll end up with poor posture, lower back pain, and you’re more apt to getting a bulging disc.  You’ll end up hurting yourself by not exercising. Stretching and maintaining flexibility is also a big part of this.  You can get really tight around the hips after driving long distances.

I always travel with a couple pairs of dumbbells, a pull up bar, and a water bottle belt with me for when I run. Having these things helps me stay on my workout routine.  I also perform a 15-20 minute core training routine first thing in the morning.  I think it really helps prepare me.

FS: According to your observations, what’s wrong with the typical tournament angler’s diet?

DW: I’d say their biggest problem is letting their diet and overall fitness become secondary to everything else. They don’t realize that their energy levels are a direct result of what they eat. Your diet and your fishing are intertwined.

FS: Do you think nutritional supplements should play a role in the serious bass angler’s arsenal? If so, what role do they play for you?

DW: Absolutely! Supplementation allows you to get what you need in a short amount of time. It’s a good way to get energy fast. Taking supplements on the boat allows me to get the nutrition I need and saves me time. It might equate to 50 more casts at the end of the day. Everything in bass fishing is statistics. It’s a numbers thing. Even if you don’t get more casts out of it, it gives you time for other things… tweaking a bait, running to one more spot before check-in…

In general, I take a number of supplements both on and off the water, stuff like protein powders, protein bars, caffeine, creatine monohydrate, and pre-workout drinks that contain various amino acids. They really help power my workouts.

FS: I’m currently working on an article that talks about the best “boat food”.  What is Daves Wolak’s favorite “boat food”?

DW: My favorite boat food is the Supreme Protein bar. I can get my necessary carbs, fats, and protein in about 30 seconds and be done with it.

FS: Now that we’re in the off-season, what is your nutrition and fitness routine like?

DW: The in-season is more about maintenance, but the off-season is all about making gains. I ramp up my workouts in the off-season. It’s all about making progress and setting new goals. It’s hard to make gains during the season so I try to make up for it in the off-season. I do cardio in the morning and lift weights around 7pm maybe.  I really like the P90X program. It’s all about the timing with that program.  You don’t get to sit around for 10 minutes in between exercises.

I weigh about 200lb so I eat around 200g of protein per day in the off-season… about one gram per pound of my body weight.  I keep my carb and fat intake a little lower, but I’m not worried about the good fats… like what’s in almonds or fish. I eat massive salads with good greens and lots of variety… and eat tons of fruit and veggies most days.

It’s really a whole lifestyle.  You always have to maintain a general awareness of your health. If I go to the store, I’ll buy what I know is healthy for me. I don’t want a bag of Doritos staring me in the face when I get back from a workout because I’d probably eat it… you know, you come back all sweaty and you always crave the salty stuff. I always think about the consequences of my choices… what I’d feel like if I didn’t get that workout… how I’d feel later if I ate those Doritos…

FS: There are still people out there who don’t really believe professional bass fishermen are “athletes”. What would you say to change their mind?

DW: Come and fish with me a whole week, dawn to dusk, throughout an entire event.  Do what I do. That’s the only way they can truly learn.  People think we kick back on the boat with our feet propped up and tip a “tall boy”. That’s just not true. In order to get up in the morning and do what we do, then again the next morning and the next, and the next… and then go and repeat the whole thing a week later.  It takes a lot out of you.

FS: No doubt!  That’s all I’ve got for you today.  Do you have any closing statements?… anything in particular you’d like to leave with FishStrong readers?

DW: One thing I’ve learned in reference to diet and exercise is that you have to stick with it.  It takes time and hard work, but the time and hard work becomes easier and it all becomes part of a better you.

FS: … and a better angler!  Thanks, Dave!

FishStrong!

http://basseast.com/?p=7973

By Dave Wolak

Yamaha Pro Staff

I’m fresh off a four event roll that really had a lot of mental aspects to the fishing. In all four events the fish were on the edge of the spawn/post spawn phase, and I had to make a lot of decisions on the fly, particularly whether to fish the shallows for the spawning fish or go deep for the post spawn fish.

It started with Pickwick Lake in Florence, Alabama where it set up to be something that plays to my style of fishing. It’s a rock-laden lake with stained water and a lot of bushes and docks, which are a great shallow water fishing scenario. They also raise and lower the water a lot, so you almost have to address it like a tidal fishery. What I did was a lot of moving around and fishing points.

I made Day Three and had 16-plus pounds on that day, and I missed a four pounder, which would have put me into the top 12 and allowed me to fish the forth day. I felt like I did everything right, fished well, made adjustments, but one four pound fish kept me from advancing and I ended up 15^{th in} the event. It was just bad timing to lose a nice fish.

Next I went to Lake Ray Hubbard in Garland, Texas for a PAA All Stars event, and the wind was just honking. The fishing was exceptional in practice, even in the howling wind. Now I’m not afraid of the wind. I use a 52 inch shaft trolling motor, point the bow into the wind and fish away.

I also use my Yamaha generator in those conditions to keep my trolling motor batteries charged enough to get me through the day. When you’re running your trolling motor wide open all day, by the afternoon you start to lose power and can’t hold on the spots. So what I do is tie my Yamaha generator on the back of my seat post, plug it in and start it up once I see the batteries getting low. It engages my charger and charges the batteries as I use the trolling motor and essentially gives me the extra power to make it through my day in the wind.

I kind of crept up the leader board every day, finishing around 25^th and in the middle of the pack the first day, up to 10^th on the second day, and on the third day I ended up finishing in sixth. I made good decisions the entire event and had a great tournament.

From there I went to West Point Lake in LaGrange, Georgia, a place that I’d never fished before. Getting back to decisions and timing, I felt that that lake fished very random—it was one of those deals where you fish as hard as you can all day with no pattern and right when you thought you wouldn’t catch a fish, you’d get a bite.

I had a real strong Day One with over 15 pounds. Day Two I had some execution problems and lost two fish that were each over three pounds, so I only had a little more than 10 pounds on that day, yet I still made the Top 50 cut. On the third day I had just a terrible day and lost my focus and missed three good fish that would have helped me advance.

Although I finished in 37^th place, which is decent, I felt like I could have done a lot better in the event and that for two events in a row that I could have been in the Top 12, but just had some bad timing on when I got my bites. It was one of those events with no real pattern, you just had to move around a lot and stay focused all the time.

From there, it was off to Lake Murray, in Columbia, South Carolina, which is a lake I’ve fished a bunch and done well at in the past. It was the end of the blueback herring spawn, and I was torn between fishing shallow or fishing deep, and that decision ended up being critical in the event for everyone.

Running and fishing the points was way too volatile of a pattern for me, so I went to areas where there were schooling fish. Unfortunately, when I got there, there was either a bunch of people fishing them or the fish just weren’t there, so that killed the first hour of the first day of fishing. So I went to my back-up plan, which was to fish the shallow bushes, rocks and shorelines.

I could see a lot of really nice fish—four to six pounds fish—but I couldn’t get them to eat. They were kind of in a Zombie mode and just moping around, and there was no overall pattern to what would make them bite. It was frustrating.

I was in 45^th after Day One with 10 pounds or so. The second day was just a struggle and it wasn’t until three o’clock where I finally caught my limit of fish. I worked my butt off and moved around a lot. I bet I started and stopped 40 times.

The adjustment I made at the end of the day was to try a completely neutrally buoyant worm that almost floated, and that got me a few bites from the Zombie fish. I’d pull up on points that had 20 or more big fish moving back and forth, and just couldn’t get them to bite, but the worm finally did the trick.

So I made an adjustment that worked, only too late in the day to help me. I feel that I found that triggering mechanism a little too late, and came out of the event shy of making the cut and in 61^st place. So timing had a lot to do with how my event rolled out.

So I’m currently sit in 43^rd place for Angler of the Year. It’s not where I want to be, but it is a reflection on how decisions, execution and timing play such a big part of professional angling. We’re all so close in talent and knowledge that those little things play such a key role in how you place. Catch one good fish at the right time, make the right move early or don’t miss a bite, and you have a completely different event.

Wolak, a 5-time Bassmaster Classic Qualifier, paired up with a pair of former Marines and one wounded Marine to compete in the 22^nd annual Bataan Memorial Death March.  The march is 26.2 mile full marathon in the sandy, mountains and desert of New Mexico.

A record number 6400 participants marched in the annual event held in honor of the thousands of prisoners of war that were forcibly marched to their death in the Philippine jungles during WWII.

The proceeds from the event help fund a fishing tournament for severely wounded Marines and Soldiers, called the Marines Helping Marines Fishing Tournament.

Marine Corps Major Justin Constantine is the wounded warrior the team chose to embrace in the competition.

Constantine was shot through the back of the skull by a sniper in Iraq in 2006.  The bullet tore through his skull just behind his left ear, smashed his jaw, and exited through his right cheek. He had been in Iraq just 6 weeks. He has since had bone removed from both of his fibulas, in his legs, to reconstruct his upper and lower jaws, and had bone and bone marrow from his hip grafted into his mouth.

The team called their fundraising event “Walk for the Wounded.”

Wolak has supported and participated in the annual fishing tournament for wounded warriors at Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval Hospital the past two years.

The Marines Helping Marines Fishing Tournament was been held at Lake Hopatcong, N.J. in both 2009 and 2010 and allowed nearly a dozen wounded military veterans the opportunity to pair up with a professional or semi-pro angler to compete in a bass fishing tournament.

The third annual Marines Helping Marines Fishing Tournament which is scheduled to take place at Anchor Marina in North East, Maryland on May 21.

“I did the Bataan March because a couple years ago I felt it was time for me to give back a little considering my good fortune….after all I make a living do what I love, fishing.  That is why I volunteered to help in the Marines Helping Marines first annual event three years ago, and continue to help in what it led to in the future,” Wolak said.

“I always felt it was difficult for a person to find a cause that he or she feels connected to or passionate about, that is also in many ways connected to what you do for a living.  With that in mind, the funds we raise by us doing things like the March go to a fund that helps wounded and recovering soldiers enjoy and share the same emotional sense of euphoria and serenity I get from recreationally enjoying the outdoors,” he said.

Wolak is not new to participating in physically challenging events like Bataan.  He recently competed in his first marathon and strives to fit competitive running events into his busy tournament and sponsor promotion schedule.

A prior knee injury and full ACL reconstruction would eventually force Wolak to withdraw from the walk around the 12-mile marker.

The remaining four members of the team endured the loss of a few toe nails, severe blisters, and cramping but that did not stop them from crossing the finish line.

“I have no regrets and plan on doing it again and complete it when I am fixed up.  I am really proud of my team for completing it.  They were true warriors for grinding it out through all the blisters and pain,” Wolak said.

Event organizer, Eric Kowal said before the event, “We really do not care if it takes us seven hours or 17 hours to cross the finish line.  We are staying together as a team with one common goal to provide inspiration and hope to all our wounded military personnel around the globe.”

“Being injured can be devastating, but it doesn’t mean your life is over,” Kowal said.

Two years ago when the fishing tournament first took place Kowal met a Marine who he said gave him inspiration and motivation to keep putting events like this one on.

Corporal Larry Draughn (Lance Corporal at the time of the event) was severely injured in Afghanistan in 2009.

He lost both of his legs and several fingers from an explosion over Mother’s Day weekend of that year.

“Ten weeks later, Larry was at our fishing tournament. I really had no idea what to expect, and no idea that somebody could come back from an injury like that in such a short period of time.”

Draughn was paired up with Wolak in the inaugural fishing event and two spent the day talking to the media about the importance of events like the Marines Helping Marines Fishing Tournament.

Kowal and Draughn have become great friends and Draughn even asked Kowal to visit the hospital last year to promote him in ceremony in front of his family, friends and a platoon of other wounded Marines.”

“That was one of the most memorable moments of my life,” Kowal said.  “He could have had anyone promote him, anyone in the world, but he asked me.  You don’t make friends like that every day.”

Donations are still needed for this year’s fishing tournament.  Your donations will help pay for hotel rooms, travel expenses, meals, and fishing equipment for each wounded veterans and his or her family.

You can help make a donation by contacting Eric Kowal at Semper Fi Marketing at 570-350-2818 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            570-350-2818      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or visit them on the web at semperfimarketing.com

There is also an online fundraising website set up at http://www.indiegogo.com/3rd-annual-Marines-Helping-Marines-Fishing-Tournament

Product sponsorships for the fishing tournament are also needed as the number of participants grows each year.

This year’s tournament will be held on Armed Forces Day, May 21, at the Anchor Marina in North East, MD.

Courtesy: BassEast