Scenic Cherokee Lake in Morristown, Tenn., was the site of the season-opening event for the 2010 PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix.

Three days of challenging fishing in July proved to be a stern test for the field as the anglers targeted largemouth, spotted and even smallmouth bass. Cherokee was an unknown fishery for most of the anglers who never had been there or had not been in years.

A strong lineup of some of the best professional anglers met the challenge well. Fishing fans in Morristown were impressed with the catches, especially that of eventual champion Tommy Biffle of Oklahoma. Going against conventional wisdom, the leaders targeted shallow bass despite the summer heat and Biffle prevaled with a stunning final-day catch.

This is just a preview of the FishPAA Television coverage of the PAA Tournament Series. Shows will begin airing on VERSUS in October each Friday and Saturday.

The first in a series of boating safety commercials has been filmed as part of a partnership between the PAA and BoatUS to help increase boating safety education and awareness.

PAA pros Greg Hackney, Mike McClelland, Jeff Kriet and John Crews filmed the commercial about the importance of wearing PFDs. McClelland learns firsthand his inflatable PFD does work and shows how it can help boaters and anglers in an emergency situation.

“This commercial, and others planned in the future with PAA members, are designed to be informative to help viewers remember the importance of boating safety,” said Danny Blandford, PAA Program Director. “We all enjoy our time on the water fishing or boating, but nothing is more important than being safe.”

The commercials will be featured during the FishPAA Television shows airing on VERSUS beginning in October.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — For Skeet Reese, the alarm clock keeps waking him to “I Got You Babe,” only it’s not Sonny and Cher singing, its Kevin VanDam.

Groundhog Day AOY-style.

Last year, KVD came from 16 points down to Reese to capture his second-consecutive Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year title. Wake up to 2010, and VanDam’s singing again, and casting a shadow that says they’ll be 52 more weeks of Kevin.

“This is not the way I wanted it to end up,” said Reese, who wanted so bad for this year to be different.

While Bill Murray handled waking to the same day over and over with mostly humor, Reese actually had a little of his façade chipped away by suffering through the same exact fate these past two years. It is, after all, his life, not a movie.

On stage at the Montgomery Amphitheater, as KVD stole what was anticipated to be his thunder, after probably the best season in BASS history, Reese grinned and beared it. Pictures show him smiling as KVD first-pumped with his third consecutive AOY and sixth overall.

When Reese exited stage right, he was greeted by Tommy Biffle, Gary Klein, Aaron Martens and Cliff Pace. As they patted his back to console him and show their support, Reese teared up.

No one can blame him. It was the story of the week. Could he hold his lead and get the other bookend to his 2007 AOY.

He had said he’ll never have a happy feeling for what happened on the Alabama River in 2009. Rinse and repeat for 2010 and this act has grown way too painful.

“Skeet will never tell you his true feelings,” Klein said. “It’s a façade. I’ve lost AOY, finished second, I know how much it stings.”

It hurts more that Reese again left some fish in the river. In 2009, it was a four-pounder that could have been the difference. Last week, there was three-pounder and a three-plus “that will be haunting me for awhile.”

“Was that the difference? I don’t know,” he said after regaining his composure. “I probably have to say it’s a fishery I haven’t figured out yet. The only thing you can do when you spill milk is clean it up and move on.”

Reese must be thinking of what he needs to do to wake from this loop that’s become more than just a bad dream, because the Elites will be back here in 2011. That would just be piling on.

Maybe Skeet needs to check with Ned Ryerson about insurance for AOY leaders, if there were such a thing.

KVD meanwhile, enjoys how he was cast in the drama. He’s certainly been antagonist to Skeet.

“Heck of a ride the last few years,” he said. “Each year it seems to come down to us.”

VanDam said his three-peat was amazing, as was being the first to win the Classic and AOY in the same season since Mark Davis 15 years ago.

“It was such a magical week,” he said. “Anything can happen when you get into a format like this and I love it.”

Obviously, Skeet does not. He’s still seeking a way to wake up and have it be the next day.

The 13 cuts include “John Boat Blues” by Jason Allen, “Out on the Water” by Randy Joe Heavin and “Wishin I was Fishin” by Floyd VanLandingham. Songs include country, blues and good ol’ toe-tapping folksy numbers. The CD was produced by Patriot Records of Oklahoma City.

A portion of sales of every CD will benefit Recycled Fish, a national non-profit organization dedicated to help anglers and conservationists assist and protect waterways. Patriot Records conducted two years of research, testing and production into the CD to ensure its likability.

CDs may be purchased in large quantities for retailers to sell in stores, with special pricing and display assistance for bigger orders. CDs are packaged in recyclable corrugated cardboard and recycled fiber cases with attractive labeling sure to catch consumers’ eyes.

Consumers can  buy individually by going to www.songsfromthetacklebox.com or
http://www.recycledfish.org/our-programs/songs-from-the-tackle-box.htm to purchase a hardcopy for $12. Songs also can be downloaded to MP3 units for 99 cents each or $10.99 for the entire CD.

For other information on purchasing “Songs from the Tacklebox,” contact Teeg Stouffer at fishrecycler@recycledfish.org or call (402) 873-7255.

Bassmaster Elite Series pro Russ Lane

But will he now be able to cash in at one of the biggest tournaments in his life? And does his experience give him an edge in the July 24-31 fight for the 2010 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year title — or, under pressure, can a lifetime of fishing history crash down on him and become a curse?

“It’s definitely not going to be a curse,” said Lane, who was the last-in postseason qualifier. “It’s all in how you handle it. I feel like I’m fishing well. It all boils down to one thing: It’s still just fishing.”

He has a handle on the home-lake trap pros refer to as “fishing the past.” “I’ll go out there and fish according to conditions,” he said. “If something in my past helps me out, that’s good, but I’m not going to call on past experience to make my decisions on the water.”

He’s expecting — welcoming, even — a cheering section on the water. If spectators can’t pick out his black-and-red Big Bite Baits wrap, all they’ll have to do is count the number of boats following him to surmise that the competitor is Russ Lane.

Lane is one of 12 Elite pros who will compete on the lake and river for the sport’s most coveted title and a bigger-than-ever payday. For the first time, the winner of each postseason leg will take home a boat rig valued at $60,000. The title — which an angler could conceivably win without winning either leg — comes with a $200,000 prize.

Toyota Trucks Championship Week is split into two competitions. First will be the Ramada Trophy Chase, July 24-25 on Lake Jordan. Weigh-ins are set for the Wetumpka Civic Center beginning at 5 p.m. CT. The finale will be the July 30-31 Evan Williams Bourbon Trophy Triumph on the Alabama River. Weigh-ins will be in Montgomery at the Riverwalk Amphitheater starting at 6 p.m. CT.

In each leg, the pros will be awarded points according to their finishes (see list below). The newly earned points will be added to those accumulated during the Bassmaster Elite Series regular season, which wrapped up June 20.

Regular-season points were recalibrated for the postseason by moving a decimal one place to the left, rounding, then adding 2 bonus points for each win. The result was a tighter field.

In the No. 1 spot with 216 points is Skeet Reese. He leads by 15 over No. 2, Edwin Evers. Anchoring the list at the other end are four anglers tied at No. 9 — one is Lane — just 39 points in back of Reese. Because each leg awards points on a sliding scale from 10 to 50, any of the 12 pros could capture the AOY crown.

Of the dozen, five are repeat qualifiers. Returning are Reese; Kevin VanDam, who triumphed over Reese in 2009 in a to-the-wire contest; Tommy Biffle; Gary Klein; and Cliff Pace. A complete entry list is below.

The 12 anglers will have two official practice days on Jordan to scope out conditions on the Coosa River impoundment’s 188 miles of shoreline surrounding 6,800 surface acres of water. After the Jordan competition, they’ll have a few days off, then two days of river practice before the finale begins July 30.

Lane said he expects air and water temperatures in late July to be similar to those in mid-September during the 2009 postseason.

“The days are just a little bit shorter in September, which has subtle effect on the fish,” Lane said. “They’ll still be on the same structure and cover, but they’ll feed differently. We’ll have to fish a little bit slower; they won’t be hitting reaction baits like they did last year.”

After the Jordan competition, the pros will be off the water for two days. On Monday, July 26, at the Prattville, Ala., Bass Pro Shops location fans can meet the pros and get autographs beginning at 4 p.m. CT. On Tuesday, July 27, in conjunction with Hope for the Warriors, the pros will join up with 12 wounded military veterans for an outing on The Waters, a private fishery.

July 28, it’s back to the water for all 12 pros — there’s no cut in this competition. July 28-29 will be practice days on the Alabama River for the July 30-31 final round of competition.

The pros will take off at 9 a.m. CT from Montgomery’s Riverwalk facility. Anglers will bring their catches to the Riverwalk Amphitheater stage each day beginning at 6 p.m. CT.

The weigh-ins, which are free and open to the public, will be followed by free concerts. On Friday, country artist and songwriter Jason Michael Carroll will appear. Saturday, after the new Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year is crowned, the popular group Lifehouse will perform a second free concert.

Click here for a full list of free postseason events.

Wetumpka is the host of the Ramada Trophy Chase. For the Evan Williams Trophy Triumph, Montgomery and Riverfront Facilities are the hosts.

More information is available at www.Bassmaster.com.

2010 TOYOTA TRUCKS CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK

Field and standings

Points awards

MORRISTOWN, Tenn. – Takahiro Omori is about as easygoing as can be off the water when he’s tinkering with his crankbaits or relaxing with friends.

On the water, though, he’s driven by a competitive nature to be the best in whatever tournament he’s competing in anywhere in the country. That’s why when the PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix kicks off July 8-10 at Cherokee Lake, he’ll be seeking a bit of personal redemption.

“I’m going to fish all the PAA tournaments, refocus my efforts to them and be ready for them,” said Omori, who lives in Texas near Lake Fork. “I’m so mad right now about the way the (Bassmaster Elite Series) season ended, it’s just part of my nature with competitiveness. Until I have a good tournament I won’t feel good. I’m definitely looking forward to the PAA events.”

Omori has excelled in the past, winning the 2004 Bassmaster Classic and almost $2 million on the Bassmaster and FLW circuits. But his Elite Series season ended with a thud when he finished 54th in the points standings and failed to qualify for the 2011 Classic in New Orleans.

That has spurred Omori to dig deeper as the PAA Tournament Series approaches. The first of four events on the series begin at Cherokee Lake, which with its offshore offerings setting up perfectly for cranking has him enthused.

“We have about seven months before the Classic since the season ended and I’ll be fishing as much as I can,” he said. “My expectations were a top 12 this year for the post-season, but the way I ended up in the points it’s going to kill me the next 6-7 months. I’m going to think about it a lot in the next few months.

“That’s one reason I’m excited about the PAA events, to be able to continue fishing because that’s what professional anglers do. We fish whenever we can.”

Omori is comfortable with shallow cranking situations, often favoring the Lucky Craft RC Series 1.5 and 2.5 crankbaits around cover and shallow structure. He uses his swimming pool at his home to practice and refine techniques with crankbaits, such as line size, while also occasionally getting into the pool to watch how crankbaits track underwater.

One thing Omori is keen on is using fluorocarbon line to help get his crankbaits to maximum depths. Fluorocarbon is more dense than monofilament or co-polymer lines and sinks faster, which helps crankbaits run deeper.

“Along with the depth, there’s less stretch with fluorocarbon so you get a little better hookset,” he said. “Fluorocarbon is good for deep and shallow cranking. The heaviest I’ll usually go is 14-pound test if I get shallower than 10 feet, but mainly I use 10- or 12-pound test line. Sometimes if I’m in really shallow stuff around cover, I may go up to 20-pound test.”

The heavier line in shallow water keeps the bigger-bodied square bill crankbaits Omori favors from running to deep. They wobble and bang around off cover, and bigger line gives him a little more leverage in close quarters.

Omori plans to fish all four PAA Tournament Series events and has his sights set on qualifying for the Toyota Texas Bass Classic in October on Lake Conroe. The top 15 pros after the first three PAA Tournament Series points standings will qualify for it, along with the top 15 from the FLW Tour and Bassmaster Elite Series standings and five TTBC exemptions.

For now, though, he’s getting ready for Cherokee Lake.

“Every morning I wake up with a smile on my face because I’m getting to do what I love to do … go fishing,” Omori said. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do and I’m blessed to be able to do what I love.”

When most anglers hear the name Castaic Lake, grandiose visions arise of giant swimbaits sashaying through the water, pursued by record-class bucketmouths. Though that thought is legitimate, what many outside the southern Cal bass scene fail to realize is that Castaic was the birthplace of one of the most important finesse techniques ever—the split-shot rig.

The term birthplace may be a stretch, since lead shot pinched on the line had been used to catch bass for years prior to the advent of what we now call finesse techniques. Still, when one examines the technique—thin line, light rod, small hooks, and miniature plastics—there’s no doubt it was revolutionary in its development.

The late Richard Trask is credited with developing the rig to trick Castaic’s bass, highly pressured even back then. Split-shottin’ had its heyday in the late 1970s and early ’80s, eventually spreading across the nation in the 1990s. But with the advent of the drop-shot rig, the technique drifted into obscurity.

Oldies but Goodies

The fishing world counts a number of recent rebirths of significance. Resurrection of the square-bill crankbait is one example, as new lures seek to emulate the ancient Big O. Also, the Texas-rigged worm has returned, as evidenced by its success at the 2008 Bassmaster Elite Series tournament on Falcon Lake in Texas.

What these two techniques have in common is that they both lost popularity, possibly due to a combination of fish conditioning and the development of newer, more effective techniques. When reintroduced by a few savvy anglers, they’ve proven as valuable as in the past. The split-shot rig, with its storied history, is in this same category.

The Basic Rig

The beauty of the split-shot rig lies in its simplicity. A straight-shank worm hook tied to 6-pound-test line, a #4 to #2 round shot set 24 to 48 inches above the hook, an appropriate rod and reel for the light line, and a 4-inch worm. That’s it.

But let’s drill down deeper and discuss ways to maximize your catch with this rig. As this is a light-line technique, tackle choice is extremely important. First, the rod must be capable of setting the hook with line in the 6-pound range without fear of breaking the line. Rods from 61⁄2 to 71⁄2 feet, rated medium- to extra-fast action and with a minimum line rating of 4- to 6-pound test, generally fill the bill. Longer rods act as shock absorbers against sudden boatside dives, and help set the hook at long range.

Veteran split-shotters select spinning reels with smooth drags and larger-than-normal spool diameters. A smooth drag, when set properly, minimizes break-offs and hook pulls that can plague anglers with sticky drags. Large spool diameter helps minimize coiling for better line control and longer casts.

Historically, there was little choice in line except for color, as monofilaments ruled. Ardent split-shot anglers swore by the advantages of green lines to help camouflage their presentation. Now, braids and fluorocarbons greatly broaden the options, and selection depends on what you’re trying to accomplish.

To keep the lure gliding above bottom, a limp monofilament is still the number one choice. Some new braids in the 10- to 16-pound-test range work, with a section of monofilament tied to the braid using a double uni-knot. A leader reduces line visibility and lead shot grips mono better than braid.

For anglers targeting bottom-­oriented bass, fluorocarbon line is hard to beat. Not only does fluoro offer low visibility, it sinks, giving the angler more direct contact with the lure and greater sensitivity. Limper brands, like Spiderwire Ultracast 100% Fluorocarbon, behave better, particularly if spools are not filled completely.

Terminal Tackle

Originally developed to present small baitfish-colored worms to Castaic’s shad-centric bass, the hook had to be light wire to keep baits above bottom as much as possible. Aberdeen-style was about the only hook to fill the niche at the time. Though it worked in most cases, Aberdeens lacked the strength to hold a big bass, or the keeper barbs to secure softbaits at the hook eye.

Hook options have increased and several manufacturers now offer hooks ideal for split-shottin’. They’re built of thin-gauge wire, with keeper barbs to hold softbaits firmly at the eye, and are forged for strength.

Long-shank O’Shaughnessy-style hooks like Gamakatsu’s Light Wire Worm Hook, or those with keeper barbs, such as the ReBarb from Robo Worm, are ideal for worms and grubs 4 inches or longer. These hooks allow an angler to rig a bait weedless, while the hook shank acts as a keel to minimize line twist.

Kahle-style hooks such as Eagle Claw’s Lazer Sharp L144, Mustad’s Ultra Point 37753 NPNP, or Gama-katsu’s Split Shot Hook also work well for rigging leeches, minnows, and other small baits that lose action when hooked Texas-style on a long-shank hook. Run the point up through the head or nose of the bait, leaving the body free to move. Because the hook’s exposed, it’s best suited for areas with little or no brush.

Split-shot Details

Two types of split-shot exist—round and eared. To keep the rig as snag-free as possible, use round split-shot. Eared shot are handy, as they’re easily removed, but may hang between rocks or pick up algae.

Split-shot are available in many sizes, though the most useful weights are #4 and #2 (higher numbers are smaller), which weigh 1/8 and 1/4 ounce. In most situations, these two sizes maintain bottom contact and present the bait in a nearly weightless manner, a key to successful ­split-shottin’.

If wind or current make it difficult to maintain bottom contact, heavier shot come in handy. At the other extreme in shallow, calm water, I recommend #7 shot, weighing 1/16 ounce.

Most split-shotters set sinkers from 2 to 4 feet above their lure. But similar to Carolina-rigging and Lindy-­rigging for walleye, in tough conditions such as post-frontal weather or dropping water levels, you may have to increase the distance between shot and hook. Lengths up to 6 feet aren’t unheard of.

A longer leader allows the bait to move more naturally but also reduces the angler’s ability to feel bites. Concentrating on the rig for any indication of movement helps. The longer the leader, the more likely you are to miss bites or to gut-hook fish.

Split-Shot Tactics

Although it was developed for tough, highly pressured conditions, the split-shot rig excels in many situations. It works well in super-shallow water to catch visible bass, and down over 50 feet to catch fish feeding on suspended bait.

Defining a target is the first step. Use your eyes or electronics to decide where bass may be holding. Cast the rig and let it sink to the bottom and then begin a slow, methodical retrieve with the rod. It’s a slow presentation but when the bite is tough, split-­shottin’ is hard to beat.

Pay close attention to the rod tip and line during the retrieve: Bites can be nearly undetectable, since the light sinker doesn’t slide on the line as with a Carolina rig. Often, a bite is signaled merely by a bit of pressure or line movement to the side.

Starting in the mid-1970s, Trask also used split-shot rigs in conjunction with his electronics to catch ­suspended bass. In deep western ­reservoirs, threadfin shad often suspend over deep water and bass hold below them, waiting for a prime opportunity to feed. In this situation, sonar reveals the depth at which the baitfish and bass are holding. It’s generally best to vertically present baits between the bottom of the school of baitfish and the depth bass are holding.

Position the boat upwind of the spot, lower the rig to the proper depth (most good sonar units enable you to follow the rig down), and then drift the lure through the marks on the screen, using the trolling motor to control speed. If there isn’t enough wind to drift, use your trolling motor to move the boat slowly through the area.

Bait Selection

In the early days of split-­shottin’, lure selection consisted of 3- to 4-inch curlytail worms that mimic baitfish. Since then, anglers have expanded their offerings to include many of the countless softbaits on the market. There are several considerations when choosing lures, however.

If bass are feeding on baitfish in the area, select something that imitates the size and color of the forage. Floating or neutral-buoyancy baits glide off the bottom and realistically represent natural prey.

Where bass are feeding on crawdads, small imitations of these crustaceans are favored, along with small creature baits and lizards.

Larger plastics, like 6-inch or longer worms and lizards, also have their times. Rigged behind a split-shot, these standard lures entice bites from bass that are bombarded by masses throwing the same lures on Texas or Carolina rigs. Split-shottin’ is all about presenting lures in a natural manner with light weight.

As with many techniques of the past, the split-shot rig has demonstrated its versatility and effectiveness, only to be placed on the back shelf. But with bass across the U.S. becoming conditioned to techniques like the drop-shot and shakey-head rig, it’s time to break out the split-shot gear and show them something they haven’t seen or may have long forgotten. I’ll wager the bass in your area will respond the same way they did back when **** Trask first developed the split-shot technique.

Terry Battisti, Idaho Falls, Idaho, is an avid bass angler and freelance writer who has previously written articles for In-Fisherman and Bass Guide.

BENTON, Ky. (June 14, 2010) – The VERSUS sports network will air 13 original episodes of “FishPAA Television” including coverage of the 2010 PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix.

Tournament coverage and other original programming highlighting the Professional Anglers Association will be aired from October through December at 7 a.m. EST each Saturday and 4 a.m. each Friday. Ninety minutes of coverage from Tournament Series events will include 30 minutes per day of competition.

VERSUS is available to approximately 80 million homes throughout the United States as part of the network’s strong block of outdoors programming. Tournament Series events begin with the season-opener July 8-10 on Cherokee Lake in Morristown, Tenn.

“This move is big for our organization and, more importantly, for the anglers competing in the PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix,” said Danny Blandford, PAA Program Director. “Versus will allow us to showcase our growing organization along with some of the most talented professional anglers in the world to a vast audience. Producing three episodes per event allows us to highlight all the anglers who do well, regardless if they are still in contention on the final day.”

Tournament Series fields will compete for two days before being cut to the top 30, who will compete on the final day. Final weigh-ins will take place at nearby Bass Pro Shops stores where fans can visit with anglers and learn how the pros achieved their success on the water.

Outdoors shows on Versus include “Bill Dance Outdoors,” “Fishing University,” “Jimmy Houston Outdoors,” “O’Neill Outside,” “Scott Martin Challenge,” “The Bass Pros,” “The Next Bite,” “Hank Parker’s Outdoor Magazine,” “Hook and Look” and “Fishing with Roland Martin.” Viewers have a wide range of airtime opportunities to see their favorite shows and glean information about a variety of fishing strategies.

“Versus is quickly becoming the nation’s largest network with dedicated time for outdoor sports,” Blandford said. “When anglers are looking at the best value in terms of entry fees compared to exposure, there really is no better value for the competitors, or their sponsors, than the PAA.

“For a $2,500 entry fee they have an opportunity for 90 minutes of televised coverage per event, with no sponsor restrictions. An angler competing in the Tournament Series has 12 good opportunities to receive national exposure and help create a fantastic promotional opportunity for their careers.”

“FishPAA Television” currently is airing on Versus each Saturday in June at 7 a.m. with highlights from the 2009 Carrot Stix Tournament Series.

Coverage of the four events in the Tournament Series – Cherokee Lake, Lake Norman in Charlotte, Tawakoni Lake near Garland, Texas, and Table Rock Lake in Branson, Mo. — along with other episodes about the PAA will begin in October.

“Our 7 a.m. time slot on Saturday mornings in the fourth quarter, from October through December, is traditionally a very strong position,” Blandford said.”The PAA will be offering the only fresh tournament content during that period. If you’re looking for professional fishing on television this fall and winter, FishPAA Television on Versus will be the best option.”

About VERSUS: VERSUS, the fastest growing sports cable network in the country, prides itself on super-serving passionate sports fans across all platforms (VERSUS.com, VERSUS on Demand and VERSUS HD). Now in more than 80 million homes, the network is the cable television home of the National Hockey League, IZOD IndyCar Series, Tour de France, World Extreme Cagefighting and Professional Bull Riders. VERSUS also airs NASCAR, NBA, UFC, college football and college basketball programming. The network is home to the best outdoor programming on television and airs original programs not available anywhere else, including The Daily Line, Sports Soup and Sports Jobs with Junior Seau. VERSUS, a wholly owned company of Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA, CMCSK), is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States. Web: www.versus.com

About the PAA: The Professional Anglers Association is a non-profit organization that gives professional anglers a unified voice in order to aid in the growth of the sport of professional bass fishing. The PAA also aims to administer educational programs to the average angler, to increase enjoyment of the sport, and to embrace sound conservation practices to further the future of the sport. Web: www.FishPAA.com

Media contact:
Alan Clemons – Communications Director
alan@fishpaa.com

Lucky Craft pro Casey Ashley recently hooked one of the biggest catches of his career and it didn’t involve a boat, lures or water.

The fourth-year pro from South Carolina has signed a development contract with Buddy Lee Attractions, one of Nashville’s largest privately-owned talent agencies. Founded in 1964, BLA’s diverse client list includes Earl Thomas Conley, Edgar Winter, Jamie O’Neal, Jason Aldean, Gallagher, Rhett Atkins, Atlanta Rhythm Section, John Cafferty and Pat Travers.

“It’s just a developmental contract, the beginning stages of it,” Ashley modestly said. “They see potential and will try to carry me to where I need to be, and we’ll see where it goes from there.

“They’re one of the biggest companies in Nashville. They’re good people to be with and have a lot of ties. I think it will go somewhere. They like the fact I have a ready-made audience with fishing fans and have had a pretty good career so far.”

In four years on the Bassmaster Elite Series, Ashley has won once and earned more than $435,000 while finishing in the money 32 times out of 49 tournaments. His win came in 2007 on Smith Mountain Lake. Ashley has qualified for three Bassmaster Classic championships.

Ashley is registered for the PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix. The season begins July 8-10 on Cherokee Lake in Morristown, Tenn.

“I’ve heard some guys talking about the lake and how it might be tough, which is just fine with me,” Ashley said. “I like tough tournaments, the ones where you have to figure out something and then get with it. Last year I didn’t fish anything after the (Elite) season ended and it just about killed me. I’m a fisherman and need to fish, so this year I’m looking forward competing in the PAA events.”

Ashley began singing “I guess as early as I can remember,” he said, and has parlayed that into appearances at different events. He has performed the National Anthem before tournament launches, played at social gatherings and last week performed for more than an hour at the Triton Owner’s Tournament at Kentucky Lake.

Ashley didn’t learn to play guitar until eight years ago when he was 18 years old, which he regrets starting so late in life. He carries his guitar on the road now, playing when he can, to build on the two years of lessons he took to learn the instrument.

Two years ago Ashley might have just laughed if someone told him he’d be on the cusp of a music development deal.

“Everyone’s always said I could have a career singing, but I love to fish and want to do that, and fishing’s got me where I am,” he said. “But fishing also has presented this opportunity and I’m going to try both. It’s an advantage to have an audience of sorts with the fishing world because so many people who enjoy fishing also enjoy country music.”

Donna Lee of Buddy Lee Attractions said the combination of fishing, the outdoors and country music is a natural fit.

“I have wanted to integrate music and sports on our roster for a while,” Lee said in a press release. “What better way to do so than with the merging of country music and professional fishing fans? Casey Ashley is the epitome of the ‘hometown country boy.’ I look forward to watching him grow into as talented of a singer as he is a fisherman.”

Low-key and humble, Ashley says he’s excited to see what the future holds. He’s talked with fellow angler Boyd Duckett of Alabama, who had a successful career in the Nashville music industry, and already has tasted success with his song “Fisherman.”

“I guess we’ll just see where this takes me,” he said. “Boyd said the tip of the triangle is small and it’s narrow on both sides, and he’s right. You have to work hard to get there.”