The Bass University: Never stop learning!

They say there's no substitute for time on the water, but there are shortcuts.

In becoming a better angler, they say there’s no substitute for time on the water. And for the most part I would agree with that statement. But it doesn’t mean there aren’t a few ways to speed up the learning process.

Beginning this month, many of the sport’s top pros will appear at various outdoor venues across the country to do just that — teach you the latest tips and techniques for finding and catching more bass. And when it comes to schools of higher learning, none is more informative than The Bass University.

Founded by pros Mike Iaconelli and Pete Gluszek, their school’s mission is to provide students — both beginning and advanced — with an opportunity to learn from the sport’s best instructors, in a controlled classroom environment.

For less than the cost of hiring a guide, you’ll receive personalized instruction from a who’s who list of top level pros — all of whom share their knowledge and expertise to help you become a better angler. This year’s list includes veterans Davy Hite, Mark Davis, Ish Monroe, John Murray, Jeff Kriet, Kevin Short, Gerald Swindle, Fred Roumbanis, Paul Elias and others,  plus hot new talents Brandon Palaniuk, Ott DeFoe, Adrian Avena, Cliff Crochet and Chris Zaldain.

Multi-Media Presentation

Not only will each school feature a faculty of world class instructors, their seminars will be supported by multi-media programs that include video and digital graphic presentations. Students will benefit from an easy-to-follow curriculum with detailed outlines for each topic.

 You’ll learn strategies for finding and catching all species of bass in a multitude of situations, on all types of water. Natural lakes, reservoirs, rivers and even tidal systems are discussed. The instructors will also share their personal experiences, so you’ll have tangible, real-life situations to learn from.

In addition, they’ll detail specific lures and techniques — those they use in actual competition — and when to choose one over another. You can even purchase these lures directly on site through Tackle Warehouse.

And if you’re an aspiring tournament angler, you can gain valuable insight on how to build a career in this highly competitive sport — like how to deal with sponsors, media and the fans. It’s a hands-on experience that you can’t find anywhere else.

Get With The Program!

In total, there are five schools scheduled — two of which begin this weekend (January 11-12) at Raleigh, N.C., and Edison, N.J.

I’ll be teaching at the Niagara Falls school, January 25th. My topics include “Clear Water Spinnerbaits” and “Topwaters A-Z”. Also appearing at Niagara are Mike Iaconelli, Pete Gluszek, Ott Defoe, John Murray and Chris Zaldain — each offering personalized instruction to help you become a better angler.

To find The Bass University nearest you, check out their website. There you’ll find a complete list of instructors with their angling profiles and information on how to enroll. But be sure to act fast, as classes are rapidly filling.

Remember, one weekend with a team of Bass U instructors can prepare you for a lifetime of angling, both on and off the water, so enroll now!