Dave Mercer Elite emcee

There will be a new mouthpiece of the Bassmaster Elite Series, B.A.S.S. announced today. Starting with the upcoming Bassmaster Classic in New Orleans (Feb. 18-20), popular television personality Dave Mercer will control the microphone as contenders weigh fish for the world championship title. Mercer also will emcee all Elite Series events for 2011.

Gear

2010 anglers’ gift guide

'Tis that season again. Time to rack your brain in an attempt to remember if someone has left hints as to what they'd like to receive this holiday season.

New Colorado smallmouth record

Eleven-year-old Conner Peitsmeyer made the most of his new rod and reel while fishing with his father on a cold morning in November at Aurora Reservoir.

elite

Battle on the Bayou

Bassmaster.com takes a closer look at the 2011 Bassmaster Elite Series schedule. Battle on the Bayou: Toledo Bend Reservoir

Learn to cast

I'm not saying I'm the best caster around — far from it. I am saying that casting accuracy is a skill that's more important than many anglers realize.

How-To

Power Fishing with Kevin VanDam

Master Series on Power Fishing with Kevin VanDam (Lesson 13: Power fishing during winter)

BASS Reporter’s Notebook

Deb Johnson Blogs about Elite Series rookies, Wellman, and the Central Opens

20 Questions with Clark Reehm

Clark Reehm has been fishing B.A.S.S. events on the pro side since 2002, and is one of the youngest on the Elite circuit at age 30. He's begun to make a name for himself with his second Bassmaster Classic berth, and is looking to be around for a while. Here's how he answered our 20 Questions:

20 Questions with Keith Combs

Keith Combs won the points title in the Bassmaster Central Opens, qualifying for his first Bassmaster Classic in the process. He'll be a rookie on the Bassmaster Elite Series in 2011, and likely a force to be reckoned with for many years down the road. Here's how he fared against our 20 questions.

Clearing the mind in Kansas

I'm in Kansas this week with my brother-in-law, Russ Campbell, for more hunting. We lease land there with some other friends, and it gives us a change of scenery. Don't get me wrong. I love hunting in Michigan with family and friends, but there's something special about doing hunting trips like this in the late season. It's fun to hunt new places.