Used to be in cast-for-cash bass fishing every second counted. It still does but the format of Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest adds an interesting twist.
Before making a cast after landing a fish a lot has to happen by the rules. The fish must be measured, if necessary, to assure it meets the 14-inch minimum or is outside the 21-inch slot. Then, the judge must hold the scale while the angler clips it to the scale. The fish is weighed, judge and angler confirm the weight and the scorecard gets initialed by the angler. That entire process only takes a couple of minutes or fewer.
A few casts are lost but the benefits of the format outweigh the downtime. Here is what else is noteworthy about how the format lines up with unique angles.
Recent innovations to marine technology and equipment have made a difference in time lost.
“When you catch one there is a little time lost but you get that back with things like Power-Poles and Spot-Lock.” Michael Iaconelli shared that comment with me yesterday.
Power-Poles are the shallow water anchoring systems that allow the user to anchor the boat in place with the touch of a key fob worn around the neck. Minn Kota’s Spot-Lock uses GPS to lock the boat in place and hold it position with the trolling motor.
What you loose in casts you gain in staying on spot. Either way, the technology is beneficial, just like the format is to conservation.