Dan Dannenmueller Sr. is a professional Crappie fisherman who has won the 2011 and the 2012 Bass Pro Shops CrappieMasters National Tour Angler Team of the Year.  Dan is from Wetumpka Alabama where his favorite Crappie fishery is the Alabama River.  Among his sponsors are the Bass Pro Shops, Bobby Garland Baits, BnM Poles, Ranger Boats, Yamaha Outboard Motors, RoadRunner Lures, Tru Turn Hooks, CrappieNow Online Magazine, TiteLok Rod Holders, Driftmaster Rod Storage, Lake Fork Line, Motor Mate, P&S Jigs, Rock Port Rattler Jigs, Fish Guardian and Engle Bait Coolers.

 

Dan is the Co-Publisher of the award winning CrappieNow Online Magazine, www.crappienow.com.  This free web magazine and how-to video site is a major source of how-tos for all Crappie Fisherman.

 

On 9 March, Dan will provide the latest Crappie Tips and Tactics on Spider rigging for bonus sized slab crappie and some new techniques and baits from Bobby Garland for Dock Shooting for Crappies.  The seminar is scheduled for 2:00PM in the Prattville Bass Pro Shops Store. 

 

Dan will also sign person photos and autograph for the attendees while showing everyone the winning ways of the current tour pros.

Be sure to make your plans to attend the first annual geocaching event “GeoFest In The Parks”, which is being held on February 23, 2013 at Chewacla State Park, Auburn, Alabama. The main event begins at 10:00 am however there will be several events held this weekend beginning on Friday evening with a dinner meet & greet at a local restaurant. 

Just what is a GeoFest you ask? GeoFest is a gathering of geocachers and friends to enjoy the many aspects of geocaching which include story telling, fellowship, creative caches, finding caches, CITO, food and other mischief that geocachers get into.  So then what is GeoFest in the Parks?  It is a gathering of geocachers in one of the state parks in Alabama the Beautiful.  The Alabama State Parks are a true treasure of the state and hope everyone will come and enjoy the beauty of this treasure as well as the fellowship of fellow geocachers.

This is a first annual event and is a coordinated effort between the geocaching community and Alabama State Parks.  This event is open to everyone.  If you have never heard about geocaching and/or want to know more about it then join us and learn about what it is while enjoying the great outdoors at a beautiful state park.  So come one, come all to this weekend of activities at and around Chewacla State Park.  

Bass Pro Shops of Prattville is delighted to be a part of the first annual "GeoFest."  Go to basspro.com for our selection of handheld GPS devices, or come into the store to test one for yourself!

Any questions about GeoFest can be forwarded to Terry Chestnutt at tlnutt@bellsouth.net.

Next time you get a few Wood Duck breasts and would like a tasty appetizer, give this a try.  I like to soak four or so breasts in a marinade like a Dale's or Moore's for a few hours.  Once I'm ready to cook, I'll remove them from the marinade and I typically will filet them down for a thinner piece of meat.  Give them a good once over with a meat mallet to tenderize a little as well.  A small chunk of cream cheese and strips of fresh jalapeno make a great stuffing for these and I add them to one end and add salt and fresh ground pepper.  Then, keeping the stuffing tight, roll the duck breast filet inside of a strip of bacon.  That's right, I knew you'd pay attention when I said bacon!  Slide a toothpic through to hold and give the outside another hit of fresh ground pepper.  Add them on the grill about 6 minutes per side and your ready to go!  Enjoy!

Hello all!  Just wanted to take this minute to give you guys a quick summary of all going's on in Prattville for November.  

We just started is our yearly Deer Hunting Sale.  This ad is currently running and will last until November 25th.  With it we'll have some great seminars that may just help you bag that big buck!

     November 3 at 2pm--Archery Basics.  Learn about bow basics, arrow choices, reliable releases, and selecting the right broadhead.  If you're stopping by, make sure you get the guys show you everything now available from Rage Broadheads, too!

     November 4 at 2pm--Firearm Cleaning & Maintenance.  Learn proper cleaning and maintenance of your firearms for safety and top performance during your hunt.  Redhead offers a full line of gun care products, plus we have brands you've used for years such as Remington and Hoppe's!

     November 17 at 2pm--Reloading Basics.  Learn about selecting equipment and proper techniques to ensure success.

     November 18 at 2pm--Hunting for Whitetail.   Learn proper techniques and tips to help you scout, hunt, and track trophy whitetail bucks!

That only scratches the surface.  Stay tuned to our Facebook page for more coming to your Prattville Bass Pro Shops!

 

How to Rig your Bass Boat to Spider Rig for Crappie

Last week I just received my new 2013 Boat.  Unfortunately, they don’t come loaded to Spider Rig for Crappie.  The most frequent question I get asked is what to do and use.  Here are a few tips and be sure to check out the photos I have posted with the blog.

1.        Purchase and install Titelok rod holders either Black Widow Racks or the new Caps and Coleman individual mounts.  Titelok tracks and holders can be purchased through Bass Pro Shops. 

2.       For Spider Rigging, be sure to mount them to be right in front of your knees in the front of the boat.  You will want to have at least 4-8 rod holders to fish it appropriately.

3.       Purchase and install Driftmaster rod forks and racks.  You can also buy them with a locking system to keep your long 12, 14 and 16 poles secure.

4.       Install rubber matting that can be purchased from Lowes.  All you will need is the 2inch new Industrial strength 2 inch Velcro to keep it in place.  Cut it to your preference.  This will keep your carpet fresh and untarnished from smashed minnows, etc.

5.       Be sure to mount dual seat up front so you and your partner can fish side-by-side comfortably. 

6.       Please refer to the photos with this post which shows you how to lay out the front of the boat.

7.       Be sure to check out the CrappieNow Online Magazine for this and more tips and videos at www.crappienow.com.

Until next time, keep your lines wet and live wells full!

 

Dan

 

 

 

 

 

Are you joining us for the return of the Fall Hunting Classic at your Bass Pro Shops of Prattville, AL?  If you're not, you're missing out!  Just on Friday August 3rd we start off with the Free BPS Hunting University and we're hosting TWO of the most well known and respected members of the Hunting community!  Mark Thomas joins us again this year from 5-9pm.  Mark is a Certified Wildlife Biologist and a Chairman of the Quality Deer Management Association.  He is a wealth of knowledge that you don't want to miss!

Then at 7pm in the ATV showroom come meet Michael Waddell!  Host of "Bone Collector" and "Realtree Road Trips" will be on stage sharing a few tips and tricks to a successful whitetail season!

Wow!  That's just the first day of the Fall Hunting Classic!  Also starting that Friday will be the Bow & Crossbow Trade-In which will last through the 8th!  Trade in your old bow or crossbow and save on any new bow or crossbow purchase!

Join us on Facebook and keep up with daily events, too!

 

This weekend, July 6-8, 2012, Alabama has declared the first annual Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday.  The holiday will help Alabamians prepare for future storms and natural disasters.  “Being prepared is the first step to a quick response to a natural disaster,” Alabama Governor Robert Bentley said.   “If people have the emergency supplies they need, that will go a long way toward helping them weather any storm.”

I was a Boy Scout, so I learned at an early age to “Be Prepared.”  However, as I have grown older and started a family I may not be as prepared as I think for a natural disaster or emergency.  When these events strike we have all seen the devastation and know that it takes time for the government and relief organization to organize a response.  That’s why it is smart to be ready and prepared for you and your family.  Making a few simple plans will allow you to better “weather the storm”.

According to the website http://ready.gov a basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

·         Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

·         Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

·         Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

·         Flashlight and extra batteries

·         First aid kit

·         Whistle to signal for help

·         Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

·         Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

·         Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

·         Manual can opener for food

·         Local maps

·         Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

 

During the upcoming sales tax holiday many of these recommended items will be available for sale, tax free.  We at the Prattville Bass Pro Shops are fortunate that both Prattville and Elmore County have chosen to participate in the holiday, so our customers are able to enjoy the full benefit.  To see if your city and county are participating in the tax holiday you can check here: http://revenue.alabama.gov/salestax/WPholiday.htm.

Some of the items that Bass Pro sells that are included in the event are AAA-cell batteries, AA-cell batteries, C-cell batteries, D-cell batteries, 6-volt batteries and 9-volt batteries; NOAA weather radios, battery powered flashlights and lanterns; emergency glow sticks, tarpaulins, non-electric food storage cooler or water storage container, self-contained first aid kits, and fire extinguishers.  All covered items must be $60 or under (except generators).  For a full listing you can check out the Department of Revenue document here: http://revenue.alabama.gov/salestax/WPHolidayQuickRefSheet12.pdf.

 

 

 

 

Class sizes are limited for the Summer Family Camp merit badge classes and workshops, so pre-registration will be necessary. Scouts may register in store at the customer service desk or over the phone by calling the store.

 

If all of this talk about the Boy Scouts has gotten you interested in the program, or if you want to learn more go to https://beascout.scouting.org/.  There you can find out information about all of the opportunities for youth, as well as how to volunteer as an adult.  You can also contact the Tukabatchee Area Council at (334) 262-2697.

Want to try a very effective method to catch slab crappie anytime of the year?  Try the Two-Bait Rig on Spider Rigging Poles.  How you do you make these rigs?  Here is how:

 

1.        Tie a lightweight swivel-snap to the main line for attaching your two-bait rig once it’s tied.

2.        On one arm of a three-way swivel, tie on a 8 inch leader of 6 to 8 lb. low-visibility line.  Tie a No. 1 or No. 2 blood red Tru Turn Hook to the end of this leader.

3.        On a second arm of the three-way swivel, tie a 32 inch leader of the same line.  Three quarters of the way down, loop the line four times through a 1/2oz egg sinker.  This will keep the sinker from sliding on the line.

4.        At the end of this leader, tie your jig of choice.  I like a 1/16 oz. Pro Series 2 Road Runner or P&S jig.

5.       On the top hook, I fish a minnow.

6.       On the bottom hook, the jig, I either tip it with just a minnow or with a Yamamoto plastic jig body and a minnow. 

Please refer to this video which shows you how to tie the Two-Bait Rig.

Keep your lines wet until next time!

 

Dan

 

You just bought a Modern Sporting Rifle; congratulations you now own the most customizable firearm on the planet! When it comes to the MSR there are hundreds of different directions that a person can go, weather it be for shooting varmint with a heavy barrel, long range scope and bipod or if you want a close quarters combat rifle with a quad rail, flash light and a vertical grip.

The MSR is a great tool for dealing with a varmint infestation from coyotes all the way to hogs. The high capacity magazines and low recoil make it ideal to squeeze off multiple shots even on a running coyote. The variety of optics that can be put on the MSR is just as diverse. A person can mount a reflex, like the EoTech, for close quarters action with a heard of hogs or they can put something like the Nikon M223 3-12x42 for long range shooting. The BDC 600 reticle in the M223 was specifically designed for the 223 Remington cartridges and can allow a shooter to have an effective range of over 600 yards, in ideal conditions.

If hunting is not your sport of choice a MSR chambered in 223 is also an inexpensive alternative to shooting high caliber, high price rifles. For those that want to go to a range a shoot off 500 rounds without spending over $500 on ammunition the 223 Remington is a great alternative, and the high capacity of the MSR makes for a long time between reloads. Other great options are things like 22 Long Rifle conversion kits such as the Stainless Steel CMMG kit. This allows you to take the bolt out of your MSR and drop in the adaptor kit, change magazines, and you are able to shoot 22LR out of your full size MSR. This is the ultimate solution for wanting to shoot lots of ammo, because it will only cost you $25 for well over 500 rounds of 22 verses $25 for about 45 round of 223 ammo.

The MSR is also a great choice for those looking for a home defense firearms that can provide ample firepower without over penetration. The short barrel and the collapsible stock of the M4 make it easier to maneuver corners than a full length shotgun and with the versatility of a quad rail it is easy to mount accessories such as vertical grips, lights and laser identifiers. With the pairing of optics like the Vortex Fire Dot the MSR can be a deadly defensive tool within the walls of your home. With the low recoil of the 223 bullet it would be easy for a female to shoot the gun as well. With new technology that is in bullet design the 223 Remington bullet used in the MSR will not penetrate more than a few sheet of sheetrock inside a home. This helps prevent the problem of firing a gun in a house, for protection, but the bullet travels all the way through your home and possible into a neighbor’s home, destroying everything in its path. The MSR is not a gun just for the military any more; in fact with the versatility of the MSR any outdoorsman can find a use for the MSR weather it is for hunting, protection or play.

 

On April 25^th, two of our Apparel Leads, Sandy McClain and Starla Evans, and I, Ashley McNeil (Apparel Manager) participated in an Annual Fashion Show that is held at the Prattville Chamber of Commerce for the Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon.  The Chamber hosts this each year and invites local shops to participate to generate store and brand awareness for the businesses and to entertain the attendees.  This is our 3^rd year participating and it was definitely the best yet.  

 

Sandy and Starla were chosen to model two Bass Pro outfits each in the Fashion Show.  Starla’s first outfit was a Peasant Tank Top by Bob Timberlake in Chambray Denim.  It has awesome embroidered detailing on the straps and retails for $38.00.  It was paired with a pair of Navy Columbia Bermuda Shorts that have an 8 inch inseam and retail for $40.00.  We completed her outfit with some awesome Spin Art Accessories that sell for $9.99 and $12.99.

Sandy’s first outfit was made by Natural Reflections.  Her top was a Mixed Print Baby-Doll Cami with a Denim Jacket layered over it.  The cami retails for $29.99 and the jacket is a steal at only $45.99.  Her jeans are a Modern Fit Dark Denim that sell for $34.99.  The jeans are also available in a lighter wash and a Classic Fit. You also have the choice of lengths ranging from Petite to Tall, and sizes ranging from 2 to a Women’s 24.  Her outfit was topped off with a Blue Pebble Beaded Clutch and Beaded Accessories that are available in our Women’s department.

 

 

Starla’s second outfit was a beautiful Floral Maxi dress by Bob Timberlake and a Shawl Collar Cardigan by Natural Reflections.  The dress sells for $58.00 and the cardigan for $34.99.  Her dress is accented by a Sun and Sand Woven Tote and Spin Art Accessories that range from $9.99 to $39.99.

Sandy’s second outfit is a fun spa green Heights Slub Printed V-Neck and Nomad Burnout Hoodie made by Ascend.  The hoodie retails for $54.00 and the tee for $34.00.  Her Capri’s are made by Natural Reflections and have awesome flap- pocket detailing and destruction.  The capri’s sell for ONLY $34.99!!  Her Crossbody Bag is also by Ascend and sells for $36.00.

 

We had a great time and can’t wait until next year!!!

Ladies are you looking to update your closet with color this Spring?  Our new Columbia Collections have plenty of shirts and shorts to choose from.  One of our favorites is the Tidal Tee paired with the Viva Bonita Board short and as a set is a must have for any outdoor activity!  Both offer UPF-50 Omni-Shade to protect you from harmful UV rays.  To keep you cool both pieces also feature Omni-Wick which will keep you dry and comfortable when Spring turns to Summer.  The Omni-Wick technology moves and disperses sweat away from the body for quick evaporation, keeping you comfortable and looking your best during any outdoor activity this spring.  This great technology is also available in Men’s as well!  Come see us!

 

Joanna Hoggle

Apparel Team Leader

Prattville, AL

With so many options and features to choose from, finding the perfect rain gear can be quite intimidating. Besides price, there are other factors to consider. How often will you wear your rain gear? What activity will your rain gear be used for? Do you want a jacket or a parka? Will bibs or pants be needed? This guide and/or help from an associate from our Rain Wear Department at Bass Pro Shops can help make the process of buying easier.

Let’s go over some available options.

 

Waterproof

The most basic rainwear beyond ponchos is the PVC Rain Suit.  The Bass Pro Shops ® PVC Rainsuit is 100% waterproof and affordable at only $14.99.  It is ideal for occasional to rare usage, keeping you dry at minimal cost.  The jacket and pants easily roll up to be stashed away for storage, so you can keep it in your glove box for when a storm catches you off guard.  The jacket has a zipper closure with a storm flap, adjustable wrist cuffs, and a drawstring hood with visor. The back of the jacket features a vented cape to help regulate temperature by allowing airflow. The pants feature an elastic waist and snap closure ankle cuffs for a dry fit.  However, the primary drawback to PVC is it does not breathe. Therefore, if you have to wear it for any length of time, it starts to get very warm, and if it is warm outside, you can get uncomfortable fast.

For just under $50.00, you can get basic waterproof breathable protection with the RedHead® Lightweight Packable Rainsuit Jackets and Pants that are 100% waterproof and breathable.  Both pieces are constructed of 100% rip stop nylon taffeta treated with waterproof coating durable water repellency (DWR) and every stitch hole is designed to prevent leakage by being fully taped and sealed.  This option is lighter weight and slightly more breathable than PVC.

 

Membrane waterproof/breathable

Moving beyond basic rainwear, we encounter waterproof breathable membranes.  These membranes are both waterproof and breathable due to their micro-porous design.  These micro-pores are large enough to allow water vapor from your body to escape, but small enough to block raindrops.  The vapor molecules are smaller than the liquid water molecules, thereby allowing the escape of one, while blocking the other.  The best-known brand using this technology is Gore-Tex®, but also includes Columbia Sportswear’s Omni-Tech®, North Face's HyVent®, and Bass Pro Shops BONE-DRY®. 

The RedHead® Stretch Rainwear Jacket for men starts at $69.99 and is a great example of a waterproof breathable rain jacket.  Made of a polyester/spandex blend, the jacket provides 4-way stretch, making it a comfortable jacket that allows freedom of movement.  It has a drawstring adjustable hood and two zippered slash front pockets.  An added bonus to this jacket is a drawstring bag to pack it away when not in use.  RedHead® Stretch Rainwear Pants are sold separately starting at $59.99.  The same technology is also available with the RedHead ® for Her Stretch Rainwear Jacket also priced at $69.99.

The Columbia® Watertight™ Rain Jackets for Men and the Columbia® Arcadia™ Omni-Tech® Rain Jackets for Ladies start at $70.00.  These are a good example of a lightweight shell type jacket.  They both feature 100% nylon outer shells with 100% polyester mesh lining.  These jackets utilize Columbia’s proprietary Omni-Tech® waterproof/breathable membrane, and have fully sealed seams.

The final item we will look at is the Bass Pro Shops® HPR (High Performance Rainwear) BONE-DRY® Waterproof Rain Jacket, starting at $119.99.  It features Bass Pro Shops proprietary BONE-DRY® 100% waterproof/breathable membrane technology, guaranteed to keep you dry. The jacket is constructed with a 100% nylon shell and features a hood with flexible visor, hook ’n’ loop storm flap and cuffs, articulated sleeves, a nylon mesh lining, adjustable elastic waist, and six pockets.  This jacket is waterproof, windproof, and breathable and will take care of you in some very adverse conditions.

 

Taking care of your rainwear

As you can see, there are many options available for rainwear and the best item will vary depending on the activity.  No matter what you buy, remember that the better and best rainwear items have built-in technology that may have additional care requirements.  Always follow the directions on the manufacturers’ tag so your gear is in the best condition possible.  To help you in the care and washing of your rainwear, find products designed specifically for cleaning and protecting it.  The ReviveX® Synthetic Fabric Cleaner is a special formula that cleans all types of outerwear.  After you clean your jacket or pants, you can reapply a topical DWR, like ReviveX® Spray-On Water Repellent, that will renew the protective coating on the shell of your jacket that causes rain to bead up and roll right off. Again, be sure to read the manufacturers’ tag to ensure the product is right for your gear.  With a little extra care, you can make your rainwear investment go the distance and last so you can stay dry in all of your outdoor pursuits.

January 31st.  Sad day in Alabama.  Hunting season will end today at sundown.  As the sun sets on another season I reflect back on the past season and wonder what I've learned.  As far as putting up numbers, I've got nothing to brag about at all.  I haven't chased deer in a few years and have tried putting my efforts into chasing ducks.  Ducks in these parts should translate into "maximum effort and expense for minimal meat on the table."  I'm kidding, but am learning that the amount of effort going in, just as any other endeavor, will increase the output.  Typically.  Most of the time.  

It was a tough season for me as I only got to go for a couple of hunts this year.  I'm learning that duck hunters in these parts are more protective of their flying gold than tournament fisherman are about their prized grass bed.  But, I did get an invite to go and didn't give the guy a chance to retract his offer.  Yes, I'll be there in the morning.  Yes, I realize that I'm working late tonight and won't get but 3 hours sleep.  Claim me on your taxes if you need to, I'm going duck hunting with ya.

Next morning I'm up and ready.  Truck loaded.  Let's do this.  Just a short trip from the house, too.  Starting off great!  We get to our spot and quickly start fumbling into my waders, Redhead BoneDry Big Man in Max 4.  Yep, Big Man because I shopped in the husky section as a kid.  No problem.  Added my Redhead BoneDry Canvaback 4-in-1 Jacket and I'm ready to go!  My partner and guide for the day told me it would be a short wade in to where we were going, but it would be tough.  "No problem" were my famous last words.  Two steps into the murky abyss and I'm up to my thighs in water and mud!  Not freaking out yet, just gotta put in the work I tell myself.  I also realize that the water is deep enough that Champ, our trusted duck picker for the day, was swimming most of this "short wade" in, finding high spots to climb onto, shake off, then back in for another swim.  "I'm gonna be a duck hunter" I keep telling myself.  We stop for a second, and as I relay to my hunting buddy that this was my first time wading in muck like this, he offered up some advice.  "Walk slow, not lifting your feet high.  Feel for your next step.  And don't worry, everybody falls sooner or later.  We're almost there." Cool, I can do this!  

Two more steps I take, twist, and my world turns horizontal.  Didn't feel the step, did feel the water hit the side of my face.  Kept my Weatherby Shotgun pointed barrel up, though!  Don't know how but I did, and good thing too as I could have grown rice on the butt end.  I somehow popped up quickly and stood their kinda dumbfounded.  I soon realized that I probably submerged 3/4 of myself.  And it's 30 degrees.  Cold for Alabama.  Cold to be falling over in a swamp.  I'm still not freaking out.

I laugh it off and keep on moving.  I'm learning to feel for the step now, learning to test the stumps and sticks that I feel before putting my weight on them.  "This still ain't so bad" I think as I get to my shooting hole.  "Sit on that high spot, it's comfortable like a recliner" my leader tells me.  No problem, I've been training for the Recliner Olympics for years.  He throws me out a few RedHead Decoys and he's on the move to his spot.  I'm in my mud recliner and I'm feeling good.  I shine my headlamp around the swamp and immediately that ol' Charlie Daniels song "Wooly Swamp" is blaring through my head.  That's ok.  I've got a gun which I quickly loaded.  I'm ok, gonna do this, be a duck hunter.  Right here today!  Swoosh!!!  Something swirled around one of those decoys and I promise that it woke up every bit of adrenaline that I owned.  Headlamp back on, scanning, scanning, looking.  Nothing.  "Had to be a fish, a beaver would have slapped the water.  Could it have been a gator?  We have'em on the River!  This ain't far!" is how my internal monologue spoke in my head between heart palpitations.  Wait, I've got the gun.  It's loaded.  I'm going to be ok.  Not going to freak out again.  The sun will be up in a minute.

As legal shooting light hit it was as if someone had let the gates open.  Pairs of woodies, teal, and mallard painted the sky as the sun rose as their backdrop.  Beautiful.  I'm learning that mucky walk is worth it just to see this sight, and was somewhat interested in trading my gun for a camera.  I watched as the woodies and teal flew through my shooting hole like mad bombers on their final missions.  The mallards would swing wide, circle, circle again.  I reached in my jacket for my lanyard......gone.  Not there on my neck holding my Duck Commander call, ready for a little chuckle and tick-a tick-a.  As my lanyard sat on my truck seat I learned to do a final check before you leave, don't let your excitement override your preparedness.

I don't know that those calls would have made my trip more successful or not.  I do know that they can't pull the trigger for me and learned that no matter how good you look doing it, you've still gotta shoot when you get there.  The opportunities were there as the ducks flew that cool Alabama morning, but now a few days removed I can reflect on how much I truly learned that morning.  Things like preparation, wading, how the birds fly will make for awesome pictures and a nice dinner next season.  What did you learn this year?

It's November already and the holiday season is fast approaching us. Many people will soon be thinking about the gifts they will be receiving and giving throughout the holiday season. If you're like many, you might not know what to get that person on your gifting list. If so, you’re in luck! Each week I will be detailing one popular item until Christmas day, that might just be the magical gift your hoping to find.

This week we're detailing the Bushnell BACKTRACK Point 3. Great for the adventurer in your family or the person who simply just cannot remember where they parked. The Bushnell BACKTRACK Point 3 features a small light weight shell, equipped with a lanyard loop. The lanyard is ideal to wear around your neck without causing additional strain. Not only does the BACKTRACK Point 3 offer a light weight GPS solution. It's also VERY simple to use, letting you store up to three locations with a click of a button. Worried about finding your marked location? Don't be, the BACKTRACK Point 3 also features an easy to follow digital compass allowing you to go anywhere without getting lost.

So there we have it. The Bushnell BACKTRACK is designed for the everyday individual, as well as the hunter, hiker, fisherman, or even grandma. This popular GPS device can be purchase through BassPro.com, or any of our Bass Pro Shops retail stores for $72.99 making this a great stocking stuffer.

Bass Pro Shops' Pros Dan Dannenmueller, from Wetumpka, AL, and Bill Braswell, from Hazard, KY, are well on their way to winning the 2011 Bass Pro Shops Crappie Masters National Tournament Trail Angler Points Team Leader of the Year award. With 14 of the 15 tournaments in almost as many states, Dan and Bill (Team Yamamoto) lead by 72 points leading into the final tournament at Buchanan’s Resort on Kentucky Lake next week. “The schedule this year has really been challenging.” Dan was quoted this week. “We started in the driving snow, rain and freezing winds this past January in Florida; Got flooded at many locations later this spring; and literally were hot dried this summer.” 

You may learn their winning techniques and tactics during Crappie Tech at the Prattville, AL Bass Pro Shops on the 24th and 25th of September. Not only will Dann and Bill be here, but three other teams will be hosting seminars at Noon, 2:00 and 4:00. Be sure to personally meet them at the Bass Pro Shop Crappie Masters National Championship "Meet and Greet" at the Prattville, AL Bass Pro Shops on the 27th, from 6:00pm-8:00pm.

You may follow them on the trail on their websites at www.ddoutdoor.com, www.crappienow.com and their personal facebook pages.

This past July 16th and 17th we had the opportunity to host the 6th Annual University of Alabama Invitational Collegiate Fishing Tournament!  Twenty-two two man teams came to compete on the Alabama River, and had the opportunity to show off their efforts on stage IN THE STORE!  Teams from Alabama, Auburn, Auburn-Montgomery, Troy, Montevallo, Northwest Shoals Community College and Georgia competed in the two day tournament, and changing weather patterns threw them a curve between practice and competition.  High blue bird skies gave way to scattered thunderstorms and fluctuating water levels to really test these guys abilities!  Day one still ended though with 75% of the teams weighing in a limit of 5 fish, and the Alabama team of Kyle Worsham & Mitchell Gryska had a comfortable lead with 11.45lbs.  Day one big fish though was no disappointment, the Auburn team of Austin Brooks and Briggs Defoor weighed in at fat 4.35lb large-head!

Day 2 brought on more challenging weather patterns as the teams faced rain, then wind, then bright sunny skies, then rain again!  If you don't like the weather here, wait 5 minutes!  We brought the teams back to the store and as team after team weighed in, drama ensued as teams took the lead and took their place in the Nitro Z8 Hot Seat!  The AUM team of Nummy & Haag got comfy their for a minute with their two day total of 21.1lbs.  But were soon knocked off their perch by the Auburn team of Seals & Holland whose two day total bested the AUM team by 1/4lb!  The boys in Orange & Blue didn't really have time
to rest easy, though, as only a couple of bags that fell short were weighed in after theirs.  Then the Day 1 leaders stepped to the scales and the ol' Alabama vs. Auburn rivalry heated up!  If you ever want to see competition at it's best watch anything that these two schools compete against each other in, even if it's hopscotch!  The Auburn team stepped up to watch the scales as they registered a 12.90lb bag to give the 'Bama team a 24.35lb total, and settled the Auburn team into a 2nd place finish!  The crowd of about 250 that gathered was electrified as the Alabama team took the victory!  The Alabama team of Carter & Morrow also took the Day 2 big fish with a healthy 4.5lb largemouth. 

1st Place 
Alabama's Kyle Worsham & Mitchell Gryska
$1000 prize donated by AirFlow Awning

2nd Place
Auburn's Chris Seals & Daniel Holland
$500 donated by EarthSports

3rd Place
AUM's Jacob Nummy & Larry Haag
$300 donated by Souther Collegiate Trail

4th Place
Alabama's Warren Hoffman & Ben Weldon
2 Duckett Rods donated by Duckett Rods

5th Place
Alabama's Keith Kirkley & Trent Wright
2 Advent Reels donated by Advent Reels

Collegiate Anglers can also be rewarded for joining the BPS Collegiate Fishing Incentive Program!  Go to www.basspro.com/collegefishing for details!

By: Matthew Hartzog

So, what is all the hype about when we hear the name Costa (formally Costa del Mar)?  Let's start off first by discussing Costa's reputation.  Costa is regarded as having an outstanding evaluation in the public eye and is possibly the most popular name in the sunglass industry.  They've done this in an industry in which they must compete with such megaweights as RayBan, Oakley, and Maui Jim just to name a few.  When reviewing some differences in quality, craftsmanship, and overall performance we start to look at sunglasses which fit our specific needs.  Furthermore, when it comes to sunglasses some of the specifics we look for are things such as polarization, clarity, amazing color and contrast (our perception).  Getting even deeper involved you may also want to select glasses based on weight, whether they are safety rated by ANSI, durability and most importantly COST!

When it comes to polarization, Costa offers amazing technology fully polarizing all of their lenses with 100% polarizing film of pure PVA iodine dye.  This is especially distinguishable for fisherman who particularly need top grad polarized lenses so that fish will not get out of sight.  Next we look for lenses that are clear with the least amount of imperfection and color distortion possible.  That's why Costa offers two lines of lenses, the 580 which is a high performance, high technology line and then the 400 which is more affordable but is still "built to perform."

The 580 line offers a yellow light filter that eliminates yellow light--which distorts colors that are most significant to outdoorsmen, especially fishermen.  Filtering out the yellow light gives the 580 lens the ability to emphasize red, blue and green.  This gave birth to the name 580, as it blocks all light in the 580 nanometer range of the light spectrum, which is almost entirely yellow light.  If the weight of the 580 seems to be much, they also offer the 580P.  These are a polycarbonate lens with is ANSI tested, shatter-resistant and durable plastic lens.

Overall, we have learned that Costa has proven "all the hype" it has been given by going above and beyond to provide an excellent 100% polarized and UV protected lens in a lightweight, durable and most importantly AFFORDABLE pair of sunglasses!  Come see us at the Prattville Bass Pro Shops and try on a pair today!