The 4th Annual KVD Big Bass Classic set records for attendance and the largest number of states represented ever for an Oakley Big Bass Tour event. Bass Pro Shops Long Creek Marina played host to an outstanding event as Saturday brought a record number of fish to the scales. Ken Gross took the early lead on day one with a 7.30lb big bass and never looked back. The win earned Ken the championship and a brand new 2013 Nitro Z8 bass boat valued at $35,000.

Table Rock, MO – May 18-19

What a great time of year to be fishing Table Rock. The fish are fat and healthy, and BassGold shows they can be caught various ways, from shallow to deep.

Another great thing about the Rock is that it's what BassGold classifies as an upland reservoir. That means it's a highly patternable lake, so if you find something that works, you can move to similar spots on the lake, do the same thing and expect to catch 'em.

Before getting into what BassGold shows, bear in mind a few things:

1. Weather always plays a role. BassGold crunches many tournament patterns over several years to provide its recommendations, so it covers most weather scenarios, but you have to factor in current conditions and your fishing experience.

2. This is just a quick overview of the info BassGold has, but there's a lot of info in there. That's gold, and you can get more gold by applying what you know to what BassGold shows.

3. BassGold's data is based on thousands of tournament patterns (mostly), which means it's not what should or might work, it's what has definitely worked. Have confidence in it even if it's counterintuitive. BassGold's pattern info was second-guessed several times on the Elite Series last year, and ended up being right every time.

 Where, How and With What

A BassGold Pattern Report for May for Table Rock shows that most tournaments are won near the shore. (You might think limit tournaments are different than big-fish tournaments, but not really: In both cases, people are trying to catch the biggest bass they can.) But if you combine the wins from main lake offshore structure and main lake points, it's about a tie.

Habitat-wise, wood is the deal, whether shallow or deep. Nothing else even comes close.

The baits graph (below) shows a typical wide distribution, with jigs, worms/Senkos and – believe it or not – topwaters tied for accounting for the most numbers of wins. That topwater bite is interesting. Might not factor in a big-bass event. Then again, it might.

To learn more, join at BassGold.com.

Another record turnout and record number of states were represented at this weekends Tony Stewart Big Bass Classic. Anglers battled the conditions and the rain most of the weekend on Lake Norman. Louie Hull took the early lead on day one with a 6.20 lb big bass and that lead would hold on through two days of competition to earn him the championship and a brand new 2013 Nitro Z7 bass boat valued at $30,000.

Lake Norman, NC – April 27-28

Judging by the pattern information in BassGold.com, April is a great time to be fishing Lake Norman. Big fish should be shallow and plentiful, and weights should be big. Before looking at what a Norman "Pattern Report" for April shows, first bear in mind a few things:

1. Weather always plays a role. BassGold crunches many tournament patterns over several years to provide its recommendations, so it covers most weather scenarios, but you have to factor in current conditions and your fishing experience.

2. This is just a quick overview of the info BassGold has. You can get more gold by applying what you know to what BassGold shows.

3. BassGold's data is based on thousands of tournament patterns, which means it's not what should or might work, it's what definitely has worked. Have confidence in it even if it's counterintuitive. BassGold's pattern info was second-guessed several times on the Bassmaster Elite Series last year, and ended up being right every time.

Overview

Taken together, the Macro Factors and Habitat Factors graphs show that past tournaments around this period of time are all about the spawn. Main lake pockets, shoreline, docks and spawning beds – that says it all.

The Baits graph shows a wide variety of baits, a clue that April tournaments are in and around the spawn. But the real story is what has worked best. The dominance of worms – including Senko-type baits and trick worms – probably isn't a surprise, but the fact that the second most-cited bait in wins is an old-school spinnerbait might be. Swimbaits likewise factor big, but more in high finishes than wins. Same for jigs.

The bottom line is you can catch 'em many ways, and they should be big. The story not told in the graphs is that a lot of the fish are spotted bass – big ones.

Six things to keep in mind about big bass:

1. Big bass follow the same patterns as smaller bass and can be caught the same way as smaller bass. The key, which BassGold helps you with, is to not waste time in dead or low-production areas.

2. Big bass are often caught in tournaments – because all bass follow similar patterns.

3. Big bass can be around smaller bass, but big bass will be on the best spots on structure or around cover. It might be a boulder, a 6-inch depression or something else, but it will be something.

4. Big bass can be loners. Don't be afraid to fish, for example, a lone stickup or stump.

5. Big bass usually, but not always, move slower than smaller bass.

6. Big fish often are more sensitive to fishing pressure and boat traffic than smaller bass.

For more information, go to BassGold.com. Sign up for the daily BassBlaster email at: bassblaster.bassgold.com

A record number of anglers arrived at Smith Mountain Lake for the 3rd Annual Blue Ridge Big Bass Classic as Franklin County and Bridgwater Plaza Marina played host to anglers from fifteen different states. A cold front and wind slowed the sight fishing bite but anglers were still able to find plenty of fish in the 4-6 pound rage. Day one ended with Nathan Ward in the lead with a 6.02 lb big bass. That lead didn't last long on Sunday as Mike Ratcliff posted a 6.32 lb bass early on Sunday and held the lead for the balance of the afternoon. Mike took home the 2013 Blue Ridge Big Bass Classic bragging rights and a brand new 2013 Nitro Z7 bass boat valued at $30,000.

Anglers from 4 different states converged on Richland Chambers Lake this past weekend and they were met with chamber of commerce weather at the 2013 Kelly Jordon Big Bass Classic. Northshore Harbor played host to this open big bass event featuring 14 hourly weigh ins over two days of competition. Anglers brought some great fish to the Toyota main stage on Saturday and day one ended with John Libhart in the lead with 8.33lbs. John’s lead didn’t last long however, as Richard Walker brought a 8.73 lb bass to the scales in the 8-9am hour on Sunday to take the overall big bass lead. Richard’s fish was able to hold up through 6 additional hourly weigh ins and he took home the 2013 Kelly Jordon Big Bass Classic Championship and a brand new 2013 Nitro Z7 bass boat valued at $30,000.

Kelly Jordon Big Bass Classic – Richland-Chambers Lake, TX – April 13-14

Richland-Chambers is the third largest lake in Texas. That means it has lots of big bass, but also means it can be tough to figure out. Use BassGold's info to cut down on your fish-finding time big-time.

Richland-Chambers is what BassGold.com classifies as a lowland reservoir.  BassGold has pattern data for plenty of those waters in Texas, and after crunching those patterns came up with the following recommendations.  First bear in mind a few things:

1. Weather always plays a role, but BassGold crunches many successful tournament patterns over several years to provide its recommendations, so it covers most weather scenarios.

2. This is just a quick overview of the info BassGold has, but there's a lot of info in there. That's gold, and you can get more gold by applying what you know to what BassGold shows.

3. BassGold's data is based primarily on thousands of tournament patterns, which means it's not what should or might work, it's what has definitely worked. Have confidence in it even if it's counterintuitive. BassGold's pattern info was second-guessed several times on the Bassmaster Elite Series last year, and ended up being right every time.

Overview

BassGold indicates you basically have three places to start, depending on what you see and what you like: main lake grass beds, main lake points or the shoreline. Note that more tournaments have been won this time of year in Texas fishing the shore (some bed-fishing), but more fishermen have placed high (2nd-5th) fishing offshore.

Wood, submerged grass and spawning beds are the key habitat factors, in that order, with rock also good if you can find it. Bait-wise, it's worms (which includes Senkos) and crankbaits at the top, with tubes/craws and lizards/creatures second. Example: A 2008 mid-April BFL was won fishing a 1-oz white Rat-L-Trap, likely offshore, and the big bass of that tournament was caught by the 3rd-place finisher Carolina-rigging a creature bait, also offshore. Two different yet effective patterns that fit right in the above recommendations.

Six things to keep in mind about big bass:

1. Big bass follow the same patterns as smaller bass and can be caught the same way as smaller bass. The key, which BassGold helps you with, is to not waste time in dead or low-production areas/techniques.

2. Big bass are often caught in tournaments – because all bass follow similar patterns.

3. Big bass can be around smaller bass, but big bass will be on the best spots on structure or around cover. It might be a boulder, a 6-inch depression or something else, but it will be something.

4. Big bass can be loners. Don't be afraid to fish, for example, a lone stickup or stump.

5. Big bass usually, but not always, move slower than smaller bass.

6. Big fish often are more sensitive to fishing pressure and boat traffic than smaller bass.

To become a BassGold member, go to BassGold.com.  Sign up for the daily BassBlaster email here

Anlgers from 9 different states converged on Conroe Texas and battled the elements at the 15th annual Lake Conroe Big Bass Classic. Saturday brought winds in excess of 20mph and the fishing was extremely tough. Day one ended with Joseph Kallengberger in the lead with 8.49lbs. Strong storms hit the lake early Sunday delaying the start but the fishing quickly heated up and Michael Needham took the lead with a 10.19 beast in the 11-12 hour. That lead didn't last long however, as Michael Klevenski brought a 10.41 to the scales to win the 1-2 hour and take home the 2013 Lake Conroe Big Bass Classic Championship. The win earned Michael $1000 for the hour and a brand new Nitro Z7 bass boat valued at $30,000.

Lake Conroe Big Bass Classic – March 9/10 

Lake Conroe is what BassGold classifies as a lowland reservoir, and BassGold has data for plenty of those in Texas. As you check out the following, bear in mind a few things: 

1. Fish location often is weather-dependent in March. On Lake Conroe, this might determine whether you're on wood, docks or beds. 

2. This is just a quick overview of the info BassGold has, but there's a lot of info in there. That's gold, and you can get more gold by applying what you know to what BassGold shows. 

3. BassGold's data is based primarily on thousands of tournament patterns, which means it's not what should or might work it's what has definitely worked. Have confidence in it even if it's counterintuitive. BassGold's pattern info was second-guessed several times on the Elite Series last year, and ended up being right every time. 

Overview 

BassGold indicates that while some fish can be caught offshore, most will be shallow: Shoreline, backs of pockets, and back of coves. Wood is the key factor for Texas lowland reservoirs this time of year, but depending on the weather, don't discount shoreline structure like docks and riprap especially on Lake Conroe. The most effective baits will be typical spring presentations – soft-plastics and moving baits – with tubes and craws being most effective. Note that the lizard/creature category is second most effective in tournament wins.

Six things to keep in mind about big bass: 

1. Big bass follow the same patterns as smaller bass and can be caught the same way as smaller bass. The key, which BassGold helps you with, is to not waste time in dead or low-production areas. 

2. Big bass are often caught in tournaments – because all bass follow similar patterns. 

3. Big bass can be around smaller bass, but big bass will be on the best spots on structure or around cover. It might be a boulder, a 6-inch depression or something else, but it will be something. 

4. Big bass can be loners. Don't be afraid to fish, for example, a lone stickup or stump. 

5. Big bass usually, but not always, move slower than smaller bass. 

6. Big fish often are more sensitive to fishing pressure and boat traffic than smaller bass. 

For more information, go to www.BassGold.com  Sign up for the daily BassBlaster email.

Due to the low lake levels at Clarks Hill we have cancelled the March 23rd & 24th event.  Regretfully, the current elevation of 318 (Feb 8) results in safety and ramp availibility issues that are beyond our control.  Anglers who have registered for this event will have the option of a full refund or moving their entry to another tournament.  At this time we have no further plans to re-schedule the Georgia event.

Fans, if you like to win swag, you'll want to be sure to download and use our Android/iPhone app in 2013. We will be giving away thousands in prizes to our most active app users. Post pics, share news updates with your social network and much more. Download for free today!

http://road.ie/oakleybbt

Season 2 of Oakley Big Bass Tour TV cranks up on FOX Sports South on Dec 30th and we are also excited to announce that we will be back on WFN with new shows on Big Bass Monday's beginning January 28th. Check cable listings for times.

Dustin Turner wins the 2012 Rusty Wallace Big Bass Classic with a 5.54lb big bass. Dustin topped a field of over 300 anglers to take home the championship and the Nitro Z7 grand prize.

Jim Neece Jr wins the 2012 Gerald Swindle Big Bass Classic with a 7.89lb big bass. Jim topped a field of over 500 anglers to take home the championship and the Toyota Tundra grand prize.

Luke Barton wins the 2012 Jason Williamson Big Bass Classic with a 7.93lb big bass. Luke topped a field of over 290 anglers to take home the championship and the Nitro Z7 grand prize.

Aaron Gunn wins the 2012 Kelly Jordon Big Bass Classic with a 10.10lb big bass. Aaron topped a field of over 350 anglers to take home the championship and the Nitro Z7 grand prize.

Randy Edens wins the 2012 Quantum Big Bass Classic with a 6.30lb big bass. Randy topped a field of over 400 anglers to take home the championship and the Nitro Z7 grand prize.

Steven Porter wins the 2012 Kevin VanDam Big Bass Classic with a 6.60lb big bass. Steven topped a field of over 400 anglers to take home the championship and the Nitro Z8 grand prize.

Phillip Cox wins the 2012 Blue Ridge Big Bass Classic with a 7.18lb big bass.  Phillip topped a field of over 500 anglers to take home the championship and the Nitro Z7 grand prize.

Chad Schroeder wins the 2012 Jamie McMurray Big Bass Classic with a 5.47lb big bass.  Chad topped a field of over 400 anglers to take home the championship and the Nitro Z7 grand prize.