Fish and Game Q&A: Can I set a loaded shotgun on the hood of my car?

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday afternoon or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: We were hunting doves in Imperial County recently when the game wardens came in asking for inspections. I set my 12-gauge shotgun on the hood of the car, gave the officer my hunting license, and then went back to check the guns to make sure they were unloaded. The officer stopped me and told me not to touch any gun at that point. He then checked the guns and found both my gun on top of the hood and another gun leaning on the front hood were loaded. I was given a ticket for Fish and Game Code Section 2006 ”loaded gun in a vehicle.” I tried to argue that my gun was not “IN” the vehicle but “ON” the vehicle, but the officer declined to argue and said I have to argue in court.

Is this a valid citation? Was the officer in a position not to allow me to have a chance to unload our firearms before his inspection? Do you have any court cases regarding loaded guns on top of the hood/vehicle? I plan to plead not guilty on the charge. (Grace C.)

Answer: The situation you describe did warrant a citation. According to game warden Todd Tognazzini, when a vehicle is upon or along a public roadway, guns placed in or on a vehicle or its attachments may not be loaded.

Big bass caught in Japan could tie 77-year-old world record

It's amazing that for 77 years bass anglers have been trying to beat the catch of a 22-pound, 4-ounce bass made by George Perry on June 2, 1932, in Georgia's Montgomery Lake--and then somebody comes along and ties the record.

Japan's Manabu Kurita is that angler. He made his catch on July 2 at ancient Lake Biwa northeast of Kyoto, and it has generated quite a buzz among the passionate bass-fishing community.

But Kurita waited until this week to submit documentation for the catch to the Florida-based International Game Fish Assn. The IGFA issued a press release Tuesday afternoon stating it had received documentation via the Japan Game Fish Assn., and that it is under review. A decision regarding the submission is due within a month.

Kurita's bass measured 27.20 inches in length and an almost equal 26.77 inches in girth. It was caught on a live bluegill as the angler was trolling through a canal. The IGFA will try to verify  whether all regulations were adhered to.

Beating Perry has and remains the premier aspiration among serious bass fishermen. Few thought a Japanese reservoir could produce so large a bass. Many believed and still believe the new record fish will come from a Southern California reservoir, such as Lake Dixon in Escondido or Lake Casitas near Ventura, to name just two.

For now, however, anglers will wait to see what the IGFA says about Kurita's impressive catch.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Manabu Kurita poses with 22-pound, 4-ounce largemouth bass he caught in July in Japan. That ties the all-tackle world record, set 77 years ago in Georgia, but the world record submission must be approved by the International Game Fish Assn.

Today is a free fishing day in California

Today is the second of two annual free fishing days in California.

The Department of Fish and Game will waive sportfishing license requirements for the day, allowing citizens to fish all public waters in the state, both saltwater and freshwater.

"There are fish in many California waterways and urban lakes that can make a very fun day for beginning anglers and experienced hands alike," said Dave Moore, the department's interpretive services supervisor said. "Free Fishing Days offers a great opportunity for families to enjoy a hands-on experience with nature."

All other angling regulations, such as catch limits, gear restrictions and stream closures, remain in effect. Report cards for certain species will also still be required.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Seth Carper of Yucca Valley holds a trout he caught in Lake Arrowhead. Credit: Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times

Fish and Game Q&A: Is it legal to release fish I've had on a stringer or in a floating basket?

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday afternoon or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: I do a lot of shore angling and occasionally catch a few fish that I intend to keep. By the time I’m leaving the lake, though, if I’ve only caught a couple of fish, I don’t always want to take the time to clean them and would prefer to just let them go. Is it legal to release them into the same waters where they were caught if they are still in good health, even if they have been on a stringer or in a floating fish basket for a few hours? Thanks. (Ralph, Riverbank)

Answer: Fish and Game law does not prohibit this practice, but it is not recommended because it can be hard on the fish and they won’t always survive. While putting fish on a stringer may help to keep the fish alive and fresh longer, they are still being put under stress and their gills often damaged. When gills are damaged, especially with trout, fish will still often die even if they appear to be fine when released.

Keep in mind that fish that are released immediately have the best chances of survival. The best thing would be for you to decide at the time you catch your fish whether to keep or release them, and then keep only those you intend to take home and utilize. A fish that has spent time on your stringer or in your floating basket may swim away when you let it go, but there is no guarantee that it will survive. The sooner you can release any fish that you do not want to keep, the more likely it will survive to be caught by another angler on another day.

Question: How are points on deer antlers determined? I would assume a forked horn buck has two points on the forked side and one point for the spike side, but I see in the harvest data most bucks taken have only two points total. (Steven J.)

Fish and Game Q&A: What's the best bass for stocking a private pond?

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday afternoon or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: We want to purchase some bass and bluegill for our four-acre pond in Northern California. We plan to use catch-and-release techniques to teach our kids how to fish. What would be the best kind of bass to buy? I assume largemouth bass and/or spotted bass would work best. Please advise me as to which type to buy and where to get them. Thanks very much. (Andrew)

Answer: The best bass for a small pond are going to be either the Northern or Florida strain of largemouth bass. According to Associate Fisheries Biologist Jay Rowan, the Northern strain are generally easier to catch and can grow to very large sizes in a pond environment. The Florida strain are a little more difficult to catch but are thought to have the genetic potential to grow to larger sizes than their northern cousins. Growth rates and maximum size of the fish are dependent on the stocking density, food supplies and water temperatures.

Since this is a relatively small pond in Northern California, Rowan suggests you start out with Northern strain bass for several years to see how they do. In your pond, the Northern strain fish should get a longer growing season because they will be less affected by cooler spring and fall temperatures than the Florida strain would be. And because of the longer growing season, you may also actually wind up with larger fish than if you went with the Florida strain from the start. In addition, the Northern strain bass are not quite as wily as the Florida strain, so the kids should catch more fish.

Irvine Lake anglers getting lots of action

Everything seems to be biting at Irvine Lake, including the huge catfish pictured above.

Donovan Swann of Fontana posed for this photo just before releasing the 20-pound, 1-ounce blue cat he landed using mackerel at Santiago Flats.

Other catfish anglers have had good results using mackerel, shrimp, DuMong's and Gulp baits. Most have been in the 2-to-6-pound range, though there have been some larger.

The bass are also hitting, with bites said to be bordering on the ridiculous.

Reports of anglers releasing up to 50 bass per boat were made, with most of the largemouth ranging from 1 to 4 pounds.

And the crappie bite is being described as spectacular.

California free fishing day this Saturday

The first of two annual free fishing days in California will be this Saturday, July 4.

The Department of Fish and Game will waive sportfishing license requirements for the day and citizens will be allowed to fish all public waters in the state, both freshwater and saltwater.

"There are fish in many California waterways and urban lakes that can make a very fun day for beginning anglers and experienced hands alike," said Dave Moore, DFG interpretive services supervisor said. "Free Fishing Days offers a great opportunity for families to enjoy a hands-on experience with nature."

All other angling regulations, such as catch limits, gear restrictions and stream closures, remain in effect. Report cards for certain species will also still be required.

The second free day this year will be Labor Day, Sept. 7.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Auguste Ackerman reaches for the mackerel he caught on a fishing trip off Catalina Island. Credit: Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times

Fish and Game Q&A: Can landowners with private ponds sell surplus fish?

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday afternoon or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: I have a pond in my backyard where the fish have been breeding very successfully, so I have lots of young healthy fish. Can I sell them to private buyers or pet stores? If so, is a license required to sell live fish? (Phil)

Answer: If the fish are species native to California or found in the wild here, you will need to have a Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Aquaculture Permit to legally sell or transport them, according to Retired DFG Capt. Phil Nelms. If the fish are a tropical ornamental species legally found in the pet industry in California, maintained in home aquariums for hobby purposes and will not be released into the wild, then no permit is required.

Be aware that there are many non-native species that are common in the pet industry in other states but illegal in California. These species are illegal to import, transport or possess alive. For a list of these species and more information regarding aquaculture permits, please visit www.dfg.ca.gov/fish/Administration/Permits/Aquaculture.

Bass pro Michael Iaconelli fulfills ailing girl's wish, and then some

Michael Iaconelli, one of the world's top pro bass anglers and a former Bassmaster Classic champion, recently complied with a terminally ill girl's simple request to chat with him.

Katie Shockley, 10, is from Shreveport, La., so it's understandable that she's a fan of tournament bass fishing. And Iaconelli (pictured), a five-time BASS tournament winner, is personable and down-to-earth. Of course he complied.

As they gabbed he learned she was a fan of country music (of course) and particularly enjoyed listening to Kenny Chesney, who was scheduled to perform a few days later in Shreveport. You guessed it: Iaconelli phoned Chesney, who subsequently invited the girl and her family to the concert, and even sent a car for them.

“I’m sure he didn't do that to gain any recognition,” said Mary Ann Tice, executive director of the Shreveport Regional Sports Authority. “But with his phone call and with his contacting Kenny Chesney, he sure made one little girl very, very happy.”

Tice had been contacted by the Louisiana State Police’s Grant-A-Wish program, and helped arrange the meeting between Shockley and Iaconelli, through BASS.

Outposts commends Ike for his actions and expresses sincere well wishes toward Shockley.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Mike Iaconelli. Credit: Courtesy of ESPN Communications.
 

Aaron Martens a big winner in Alabama, Kevin Langill the big loser

California anglers have risen to lofty heights recently on the pro bass-fishing circuit. Northern California's Skeet Reese (Auburn) recently won the Bassmaster Classic, which is the sport's Super Bowl. Reese earned $500,000 plus hefty sponsor bonuses.

Aaron Martens, formerly of Castaic but now residing in Leeds, Ala., last weekend edged Reese to win a Bassmaster Elite Series event at nearby Lake Guntersville. The victory — earned with a four-day weight  of 107 pounds, 8 ounces — was worth $100,000.

Reese and Martens, pictured above, are ranked Nos. 2 and 4, respectively, in the Angler of the Year standings.

I've fished with Martens and met Reese a few times. Both are class acts. But the BASS tournament ranks occasionally produce a rotten apple, and the most recent to fall from grace was North Carolina pro Kevin Langill, who has been suspended for the remainder of the season for his actions at Guntersville.

Langill was disqualified from the event and had his two-day weight total DQ'd, for violation of the tour's code of conduct policy. That cost him a spot in the Top 50 and a minimum paycheck of $9,506. The season disqualification was handed down after Langill allegedly ventured onto the lake during the third day of competition, after his tournament disqualification, and aggressively stalked another competitor.

Langill told Bassfan.com: "I didn't plan on giving [BASS] any more of my money anyway. I just can't be a part of it and I'll leave it at that." Langill was referring to entry fees and said the suspension will allow him to focus on his lure-making business.

— Pete Thomas

Photo: Aaron Martens plucks a largemouth bass from Lake Guntersville en route to winning a four-day Bassmaster Elite Series event. Credit: Seigo Saito / ESPN Communications

So long Earl Gustkey, a true character and rare breed of journalist

Earl Gustkey, who died Friday after a brief bout with leukemia, was my predecessor on the L.A. Times outdoors beat. He was a character whose many traits included deep passion for all topics he wrote about -- including women's basketball!

I remember Earl best as an outdoors reporter, who held that beat during the newspaper's heyday, when an expansive sports section routinely splashed colorful stories about the great outdoors on its pages.

He was meticulous in reporting. When he'd return from his adventures, he'd tear pages from his notebook and piece them together in chronological order atop his desk, then start writing.

Stories about Earl are too numerous to list here, but one of my favorites was the time he visited remote Christmas Island, northwest of Australia, to write about fly-fishing for bonefish. Hawaii-based flights to and from Christmas Island were on Saturday's only, and Earl missed either the outbound or inbound and got to remain at large in an exotic locale for two weeks.

He was old-school; he wrote primarily about fishing, hunting and wildlife, until giving up the beat in the mid-1980s. When I took over and started writing about surfing, skiing and snowboarding, Earl didn't complain to me personally, but he probably objected and would still object today.

I cannot envision Earl as a blogger or Tweeter, and perhaps a changing newspaper landscape was partly why he retired in 2001 and moved to Montana, which he once referred to as God's country. He was 69, and he will be missed.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo by Los Angeles Times

Cuba travel ban might be lifted soon. Bring on the bass!

The day is near when U.S. citizens can freely travel to Cuba, according to a bipartisan group of senators, who say the removal of a 50-year-old travel ban would boost the U.S. economy by creating tourism-related jobs and increasing air travel and cruise excursions.

I'm all for it. I don't believe that by traveling there I'm supporting Cuba's oppressive government, and I certainly don't buy claims that Cuba represents a threat to the United States. I agree with Sen. Byron L. Dorgan (D-N.D.), who said, "Punishing the American people in our effort to somehow deal a blow to the Castro government has not made any sense at all."

Besides, I hear they have some incredible bass fisheries and bountiful other outdoor opportunities on the Caribbean island.

Have you traveled to Cuba, and, if so, what travel tips can you offer? I'm curious about fishing and have found one website that claims the next world record largemouth will be pulled from a Cuba reservoir. But I'm also curious about diving and surfing, etc.

If you've been there and can share any advice, Outposts would like to hear from you. Thanks and safe travels.

--Pete Thomas

Photos: Swanky hotels line the beach in Havana. Credit: Alejandro Ernesto/EPA. 

Rigoberto Ernesto displays a 10-pound 4-ounce bass. Credit: Peter Beste/Field & Stream
 

Big Bear Lake filling with snowmelt in time for trout-fishing season

The rapid snowmelt in the San Bernardino Mountains is bad news for skiers and snowboarders, but it's filling Big Bear Lake in time for the spring fishing season.

Both public launch ramps will open Wednesday, thus beginning the assault on "pink-meat holdover" rainbow trout and on largemouth and smallmouth bass.

The sprawling lake is nearly at full capacity, which bodes well for a long and productive season. "A fresh influx of water naturally helps fish grow faster and provides a healthier habitat," says Mike Stephenson, lake manager for the Big Bear Municipal Water District. "Not only do we have a full lake, but we have thousands of hungry fish chomping at the bit."

Anglers might wish to note these events: The Jim Hall Memorial May Trout Classic, May 16 and 17, and the Fishin' for 50k Trout Derby, on May 30-31. Both offer cash prizes, and the latter provides an opportunity to catch a tagged trout worth $50,000.

The water district will stock trophy-size trout before the derbies, to supplement regular plants by the Department of Fish and Game. To learn more click here, or call (800) 424-4232.

-- Pete Thomas

Photos: Aaron Armstrong (top) displays a plump holdover trout caught at Big Bear Lake. Credit: Big Bear Charter Fishing. Second photo by Dan McKernan

Bishop trout-fishing weekend a mostly enjoyable affair

I visited Bishop with my brother over the weekend for some trout fishing and we forgot all about the Blake Jones Derby, which lured 1,200 anglers onto the Pleasant Valley Reservoir and Owens River.

Making matters worse, our room at the Best Western Creekside Inn had rough sheets that literally rubbed our skin raw.

Also, Bishop has been experiencing a counterfeiting problem and many businesses -- including the Eastern Sierra Community Bank -- were not accepting $100 bills, which was all my brother brought, so I had to pay for almost everything.

Then my brother had the nerve to out-fish me.

The Owens was flowing ideally but fishing was slow and every prime spot from Bishop south beyond Big Pine was occupied by 8 a.m. We tried many locations. My brother, Scott, had caught the first trout outside Lone Pine, on our way up U.S. 395. He also caught an impressive bass and a nice brown trout (pictured) at a secret little channel east of Bishop.

In fact, we spent more time fishing there simply to escape the crowds, and aside from turning into mosquito pin cushions we enjoyed ourselves immensely amid the majestic scenery, listening only to wind and birdsong.

My proudest angling moment on the Owens came when I sent a floating green rapala 75 yards downriver, then reeled it beneath overhanging trees to catch a 12-inch wild brown trout.

But by trip's end, it was six to five (as I said, fishing was slow) in favor of Scott. Fortunately, I was able to persuade the woman behind the counter of the pizza restaurant to accept one of his $100s.

-- Pete Thomas

Photos: Scott Thomas (top) and yours truly practicing catch-and-release fishing for trout and bass during a weekend trip to Bishop

Economic worries won't stop Fred Hall show from ushering in fishing season

Sales might not be as brisk during this year's Fred Hall Fishing Tackle and Boat Show at the Long Beach Convention Center, but thousands will attend regardless of the beleaguered economy to help usher in the spring fishing season.

The 68th rendition of the show will run March 4-8 and boast more than 3,000 exhibits, and offer almost nonstop seminars. Trucks, boats, kayaks and trailers will be for sale, along with every type of fishing excursion and modern fishing product known to man.

You can subscribe to any of numerous fishing magazines -- Fish Taco Chronicles has nothing to do with Mexican food but is crammmed with stories and photos -- and meet such radio/TV personalities as Pete Gray, Philip Friedman, Dan Hernandez and Ronnie Kovach.

Manny Ramirez rejects $25-million contract offer---who cares?

News item: Manny Ramirez rejects the Dodgers' $25-million one-year proposal.

Reaction: How do you think this kind of news feels to all those fans -- and I mean virtually all of those fans -- who have lost their jobs or are worried about losing their jobs?

Major league baseball ought to take these dealings out of the public eye or people ought to find something more worthwhile to do with their free time, such as getting outdoors and enjoying cheaper and healthier pastimes like hiking, climbing, fishing, surfing, snowboarding, skiing or bird-watching.

I for one am finding it increasingly difficult to support big-time athletes who earn obscene salaries -- and whine through their agents when they aren't quite obscene enough -- while a growing number of ordinary hard-working Americans are jobless or out on the street.

Sure, baseball is entertainment and top entertainers demand millions. But you don't see -- or at least I don't see -- actors or their agents squabbling over such grossly high contracts in public.

Baseball is notorious for this, and the Manny money headlines are sickening to me during a gloomy economic period during which teachers, nurses, salesmen, truck drivers and people in just about every regular line of work are deeply concerned about how they're going to get by.

I think I'll skip baseball this year and support state parks and their incredible hiking trails instead. Spring training will be spent on my surfboard or alongside a trout stream. Summer weekends will be enjoyed on the beach, not at the ballpark, and the fall classic might be fighting a giant tuna at one of the outer banks.

Now that will be something to cheer about.

--Pete Thomas

Group seeks reversal of California fishing license regulation

A Long Beach-based recreational fishing advocacy group has launched a campaign aimed at rescinding the California Department of Fish and Game mandate that fishing licenses be worn and visible at all times when fishing.

The Sportfishing Conservancy is seeking to gather signatures in support of their objective, hoping to get it on the agenda at the Fish and Game commissioners meeting this month.

"We believe that the commission will vote on the issue and repeal the wearing of fishing licenses if we can generate support for it. The voice of the recreational angler can play an important role in moving fishing licenses from around our necks to our wallets or tackle boxes where they belong." said Tom Raftican, president of the Sportfishing Conservancy.

"I can't tell you how many anglers complain about having to visually wear their licenses. From the hassle of having it tangle around your neck while fishing to losing it frequently," added Raftican. "I've even had an angler tell me that those who fish and dogs are the only two who need to wear a license around their neck."

The anglers I spoke with about this issue find having to wear their licenses inconvenient. When the wind picks up the license whips about and generally gets in the way. It can also be forgotten when taking off a jacket or changing shirts, opening up the possibility of being cited for noncompliance.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Department of Fish and Game Warden Scott Melvin writes a citation for a man who was fishing without a license near Seacliff in Ventura County. Credit: Steve Osman/Los Angeles Times

Kim Bain-Moore closing in on history as Bassmaster Classic nears

The Super Bowl is Sunday at Tampa, Fla., but the Super Bowl of bass fishing is Feb. 20-22 on the Red River near Shreveport-Bossier City, La.

And my money's on the longshot: Kim Bain-Moore, an Alabama pro who on Oct. 25 became the first woman in the 38-year history of the Bassmaster Classic to qualify.

Bain-Moore, 28, infiltrated what has always been a good-old-boy network by winning the points race in the relatively new Women's Bassmaster Tour, on which she won the first event and never finished lower than sixth.

Up for grabs at the Classic: $500,000 for the winner, plus overwhelming fame and lucrative sponsorship deals that, in Bain-Moore's case, would transform her into an almost instant millionaire.

"I've dreamed about being in the Classic my whole life, and now it's really happening," says Bain-Moore, who this week tuned up by winning -- on a team with her husband and fellow bass pro Andre Moore -- a saltwater kingfish tournament in Florida.

She seems to possess a blend of luck and skill necessary to succeed at a high level, and it'd be great for bass fishing -- and a humbling experience for the rest of the field -- if Bain-Moore cracks even the top 10.

It would be a truly amazing story if she were to win.

--Pete Thomas

Photo: Kim Bain-Moore is the first woman ever to qualify for the prestigious Bassmaster Classic. Credit: ESPN Communications.

Giant squid and bass shine in local saltwater fishing spotlight

Philip Friedman of 976-TUNA will resume offering occasional best-bets saltwater fishing blurbs for Outposts. He filed this one today:

Winter in Southern California. Surface fishing disappears and most anglers retire their gear until spring. Usually.

Summer-like conditions these past couple of weeks, coupled with the availability of live squid for bait, have sparked a solid sand bass bite.

"I had eight nice big sand bass on the Southern Cal," said Torrance angler Earl McVicar, after his trip aboard the half-day Southern Cal from Pierpoint Landing in Long Beach. McVicar advises using 25-pound test and a one-ounce torpedo sinker.

Said Rick Oefinger of Marina del Rey Sportfishing: "Big quality sand bass are biting during the day and at night, and you will never find a more beautiful time to be on the water."

Rockfish season is closed in Southern California but anglers aboard San Diego boats inside Mexican waters are catching large lingcod and limits of assorted rockfish.

Giant squid have been voracious out of San Diego, to the delight of calamari-loving anglers aboard night excursions out of Seaforth Sportfishing. The trips have produced as many as 400 squid to 50 pounds. They fight hard and often douse anglers with water and ink, so dress appropriately.

Lastly, guests on my radio show, Sportfishing Saturday, this week will include Steve Fukuto, new president of the United Anglers of Southern California, and Rosarito Beach Mayor Hugo Torres. The show airs on KLAC-AM (570) at 6 a.m. Saturday.

Photo: Earl McVicar of Torrance, left and Southern Cal captain Ryan Carrillo display sand bass during recent trip out of Long Beach. Credit: Pierpoint Sportfishing

Largemouth bass at Mexico's El Salto worth boasting about

For some in the outdoors press, the best perks are free trips to exotic destinations.

Shawn Arnold, who edits and publishes Fish Taco Chronicles out of his home office in Huntington Beach, recently returned from Mazatlan, where he and his brother Steve spent three days as guests at beachfront Cardon Resort.

Two days were spent plying El Salto Reservoir, one of the most prolific largemouth bass fisheries on the planet, nestled in the famous Sierra Madre range.

Of course Arnold could not wait to boast about his exploits, which included (after a missed flight) catching and releasing an 8-pound, 4-ounce bass (see photo). Steve Arnold, a bass angler from Alabama, caught a 10-3 bass.

Overall, the two averaged about 10 bass apiece each day, while catching nothing smaller than 2 pounds. They also missed a lot of hookups and lost a few fish in the weedy structure.

"And we saw them all over the place, chasing shad," Arnold said.

Look for his story in the winter issue of Fish Taco Chronicles, which will be published the first week of December.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Shawn Arnold of Huntington Beach displays 8-pound, 4-ounce largemouth bass caught on a plastic worm at El Salto Reservoir in Mexico. Credit: Steve Arnold

Corona Lake record bass revealed

This monstrous largemouth bass was caught by Randy Muirhead of Glen Ivy on Sept. 2, but the photo didn't begin to circulate until Thursday afternoon. At 17 pounds, 10 ounces, it set a Corona Lake record. And what's remarkable is that Muirhead, who was initially reluctant to share the information,
caught two others during the same week weighing 12-plus pounds.

The record fish, he added, inhaled a plastic worm and was the smallest of several bass he had hooked on Sept. 2.

"I don’t know what was going on that night, but there were a bunch of big fish and they were all hitting," he said. "I had one fish rip the hook right off my lure, a jointed crank plug."

Muirhead released all the bass back into the small, freeway-side fishery, so imagine their girth and weight come spawning season next spring.

Muirhead, to his chagrin, will have plenty of company.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo courtesy of Corona Lake

Bass fishing's million-dollar man

Michael Bennett of Lincoln, Calif., received $1 million for winning the Forrest Wood Cup, which ended Sunday at Lake Murray in South Carolina. His weekend total of 10 largemouth bass weighing 24 pounds, 15 ounces, gave him a convincing triumph over runner-up Dave Lefebre, who had to settle for $100,000.

“This hasn’t sunk in at all,” Bennett said in the afterglow of the weigh-in. “I mean, I’m excited and have an unbelievable feeling inside, but overall it hasn’t sunk in. It’s incredible.”

Bennett, 24, became the youngest angler in the history of pro bass fishing to surpass $1 million in earnings. His victory pushed this season's haul on FLW Outdoors events to $1.4 million.

It's enough to leave millions of ordinary fishermen -- people stuck in low-paying, monotonous 9-to-5 jobs -- wondering if a career switch might be in order.

Truth be told, though, pro bass fishing is a grind and requires lots of hard work, practice and travel. And for every success story on the big tours there are thousands of failures. Still, it seems an enviable profession, doesn't it?

—Pete Thomas

Photo: Michael Bennett has reason to smile and probably is still wearing this grin after winning $1 million for his triumph Sunday in the Forrest Wood Cup in South Carolina. Credit: Doug Dukane/FLW Outdoors