Experience a true-to-life tournament structure that focuses on all the real elements of an actual fishing tournament. Now, The Strike allows players to pre-fish a lake to test out equipment; challenge fellow fisherman to fishing contests; troll around a lake to get a feel for the layout and plot hot spots with their GPS, and even receive lake specific tips from their very own fishing mentor. Finally, sit back and enjoy a HUD-less fish fight because players are no longer forced to focus on meters and bars to reel in a fish — simply allow the feedback from the Wii remote to indicate the line tension and stamina of the fish.

More screenshots after the break!

Full press release after the break.

America’s Leader in Outdoor TV Brings Another Hit Fishing Series to Growing Lineup

TEMECULA, Calif., and CELEBRATION, Fla. – March 10, 2011 – Outdoor Channel, America’s Leader in Outdoor TV, and B.A.S.S., the authority on bass fishing, today announced that the two companies have entered into an agreement that brings “The Bassmasters,” one of the highest-rated outdoor programs on television, to Outdoor Channel. The popular show highlighting the Bassmaster Classic and Bassmaster Elite Series tournaments will debut on Outdoor Channel beginning March 28, 2011. The addition of this successful Bassmaster series follows Outdoor Channel’s recent acquisition of other top fishing shows, such as “Buccaneers and Bones,” “The Madfin Shark Series,” “Spanish Fly,” “Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show,” “The Fish Fishburne Show,” “The Salt Water Series” and “Fishing University.”

Under the terms of the deal, Outdoor Channel will air 26 weeks of programming including the 2011 “Bassmaster Classic” and “Bassmaster Elite Series” as well as several of the top episodes from 2010. The series will appear on Outdoor Channel as part of its 2011 second-quarter and third-quarter programming lineup. The Bassmaster series will join Outdoor Channel’s prime time programming schedule as well as its highly popular Yamaha Friday Night Fishing block. The hour-long Bassmaster episodes will appear on Outdoor Channel approximately 30 days after their original air dates on ESPN2 and its affiliated networks.

“We are excited to embark on this new partnership with B.A.S.S. as we continue to expand our fishing content with top-quality proven programming. These high-caliber Bassmaster TV series further strengthen and broaden Outdoor Channel’s angling appeal, providing us with leading fishing programs that immediately resonate with our viewers,” said Roger Werner, president & CEO at Outdoor Channel. “This agreement with B.A.S.S. reflects our ongoing commitment to providing our 35 million viewers with the best in outdoor programming.”

“Our goal has always been to have Bassmaster TV programs distributed as widely as possible to allow anglers across the country access to our leading fishing series. Our new partnership with Outdoor Channel significantly increases our reach, and enables fishing fans to watch “The Bassmasters” during weekend prime time slots along with other popular fishing shows,” said Jerry McKinnis, a pioneer in outdoor television production and one of three new owners of B.A.S.S. “We’re excited to join Outdoor Channel and be part of its roster that includes the industry’s leading outdoor celebrities.”

The Bassmaster programs, hosted by Tommy Sanders and Mark Zona of Outdoor Channel’s “Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show,” serve fishing fanatics with the most comprehensive how-to and where-to information about ways in which Elite Series pros tackle a body of water. The shows provide in-depth analysis on lure choice, fish management, the mental approach to fishing and countless other variables that affect the competition. The series has received critical acclaim, as the production of the “Bassmaster Classic” earned a 2008 Sports Emmy nomination for Outstanding Live Event Turnaround category.

“We are so excited to bring Dave Mercer on board,” said Jerry McKinnis, an owner of B.A.S.S. “He has a tremendous following through his Facts of Fishing television show, and has a charisma I believe fishing fans are going to love.”

“This is a dream come true for me,” said Mercer. “At one time I used to dream about fishing the Bassmaster Classic. Then, after I fished with some of the Elite Series pros and realized how good they are, I altered my dream to emceeing the Classic! I never imagined it would become a reality.”

Dave’s first appearance will be at the Bassmaster Classic in New Orleans and can be seen on ESPN2, so mark your calendars!

via ESPN with more from Facts of Fishing

Was that video not enough to sway you? Why not ask Pro Staffer Rod Lathrop and Team Green Lightning Laundry and who won 2nd place finish in the annual Oregon Tuna Classic? Well, because the pictures speak for themselves..

Archer SuperBars Composite Spreader Bars, Dredges and Lures via Fishermens Fleet

The road to creating a great fishing video game is very difficult, which is probably why there are so many bad fishing games out there. Trying to please fishermen and gamers alike is even more difficult. Today’s gamers demand more than ever in terms of graphics and entertaining gameplay while fishermen want an game style that feels like fishing. A good fishing game doesn’t have to capture every aspect of fishing, it only has to capture the rush you feel when you’re fishing.

Rapala and Activision have teamed up to combine their respective fields of expertise into an entertaining and immersive video game for every major gaming console (PS2, PS3, 360, Wii) and handheld (PSP, DS, iPhone/iTouch/iPad). Unfortunately I can’t review the game for every platform, though I may pick up the iPhone version later. I was however lucky enough to receive Rapala Pro Bass Fishing for the 360, complete with the full motion fishing rod controller, and since I was home sick with the flu it provided the perfect opportunity to really sit down and grind some lakes.

Continue Reading “Review: Rapala Pro Bass Fishing For Xbox360″

Rapala’s new game is available on every platform you could imagine- Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, PSP, DS, Wii, and it was even just announced on the iPhone. Plus the 360, PS3, and Wii owners can pick up one of the new full motion wireless Rapala Rod & Reel controllers. That’s right, the 360 controller is wireless!

Rapala has also pushed the envelope on the tournament mode where you will face off against the Rapala Pro staff in over 20 tournament events in more sports-style presentation including, announcer commentary, live updates, leader boards, in-depth analysis and heart pounding final weigh-ins complete with chariot-style entrances and pyrotechnics! Once you’ve mastered these lakes grab a friend for some head-to-head fishing and angling skills competitions. One thing you can always count on in a Rapala game is a huge library of gear and high quality models with serious action, just check out this huge list of gear available in game.

I will be reviewing Rapala Pro Bass Fishing for Xbox 360 this weekend, it was delivered to my office this morning, but as I’m home sick I had to asked my friend Phil to bring it to me. So it’s not here yet… It’s actually turned out for the best since I’ve been home sick and likely won’t be going outdoors this weekend it’s time to brew up some piping hot peppermint tea and get ready! More photos after the break.

SANTA MONICA, CA – September 29, 2010 — It’s time to experience pro tournament fishing action like never before! Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) today announced Rapala Pro Bass Fishing is now available for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Nintendo DS™ and Wii™. The Xbox 360 and PlayStation®3 system versions are available with first of a kind wireless Rapala Rod & Reel controllers and an innovative new Rapala Rod & Reel peripheral is available for Wii™. The PlayStation®3 system version game is also compatible with the Move motion controller. Rapala Pro Bass Fishing is all about the intensity and adrenaline of live fishing competition!

Players will test their fortitude against some of the world’s leading fishing pros in over 20 tournament events on seven of North America’s prime freshwater fishing locations. Every win will help unlock additional lures and equipment from Rapala and other leading manufacturers, essential for catching over 20 species of trophy fish, each with its unique feeding habits and behaviors. The action is presented as a live TV event with commentary and live updates from real-world announcers including Barry Brueland of InFisherman TV, competitive leader boards and heart-pounding final weigh-ins.

Featuring full motion controls, players will be able to cast, reel, jig, set the hook and more as if they had an actual fishing rod in their hands. The wireless Rod & Reel controllers for the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 system feel and behave much like a genuine rod and reel, responding accurately to players’ every motion for an immersive fishing experience. Players will also be able to challenge their friends in head-to-head multiplayer in over 50 different fishing and angling competitions.

Rapala Pro Bass Fishing is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB. For more information visit www.RapalaFishingGames.com.

Today we’re bringing that opportunity to you! Since our previous interview with pro angler and first lady of fishing Kim Bain-Moore, we’ve been dying to sit down with another pro angler and this time we felt compelled to let our readers have the opportunity to ask a pro angler the questions they’ve always wanted answer to. This is your chance to ask a pro angler anything you want!

Paul Meleen is a pro angler and this year’s FLW Walleye Angler of the Year (more), he has won over $100,000, weighed-in over 1000 lbs of walleye throughout his career, and has an insatiable appetite for fresh fish.

“Winning Angler of the Year means I was the best out there in 2010,” said Meleen. “And that’s something no one can take away from me. It gets harder and harder every year to win, so I feel very fortunate.

“I’m old school; I simply put more time in than anyone else. I’m practicing from sunrise to sundown, trying to find something off the wall. I also have the confidence of a great sponsor team. Foremost among them is Evinrude. Cabela’s has also been instrumental, and I’ve been with Ranger Boats since 1988. In fact, I was the first walleye pro to run a 600-Series Ranger.”

“I’ve had two goals for a long time. The first was to win Angler of the Year and the second was to win the year-end championship. I’m halfway there, and this could be my year.”

Post your questions for Paul Meleen in the comments below. We’ll choose the best ones and include them in our interview. This is your chance to ask a pro angler anything about fishing, walleye, the FLW tour, and everything in between.

We came, we saw, we fished, we partied, we swam, we sank, we saved the boat, and though the fun guys did not win the tournament competition, we were victorious in the trials and tribulations that come with trying to have too much fun on the river. This is just the tip of the iceberg, folks. Merely the tip. Stay tuned for the full episode soon. Thanks again to Dusty and Kenny for writing and performing the catchy fun guys song. Shot & Edited by T.A. Snyder.

Redneck Fishing Tournament via Vimeo

The agreement announced today reports that ESPN has sold the BASS LLC fishing organization to investors. The contract allows for the Bassmaster Elite Series and Bassmaster Classic to continue broadcasting on the ESPN network.

The investment group that purchased the largest membership organization of bass anglers in the country is led by Deloitte CEO, Jim Copeland and Don Logan, a retired Time Inc. Executive.

via The Examiner