Tri-State Rod 
Builders Gathering
Scott Kleppe and Billy Vivona
 
 
The Tri-State Rod-builders had their fall meeting October 27, 2012 with 49 rod-builders in attendance. This meeting was hosted by Mark Blabaum. American Tackle Pro Staffers Billy Vivona and Scott Kleppe were in attendance. Billy was also the guest presenter for this fall meeting making the long trip from Staten Island to Peosta, Iowa.  
 
     
 
The meeting started off with Billy discussing American Tackles' new Microwave Guide System and then a casting exhibit outside.  American Tackle Pro Staffer Scott Kleppe provided two identical built Bushido CB72/8-15 blanks, with one wrapped with Concept guides and the other with the new American Tackle Microwave Guide System. Attendees were able to cast these rods, and all that did immediately noticed the difference. 
 
Billy Vivona giving the Microwave Guide Demonstration
Mike Sledden (BASS Federation Tournament Fisherman) and Kyle Robinson checking out the two Bushido blanks, one wrapped with Concept guides and the other with American Tackles new Microwave Guide System. Mike stated, "I would say the Microwave system is one of the smoothest casting guide systems out there. When comparing the Microwave system to a more traditional guide system you feel less line slap on the blank and rubbing on the guides itself."

  

Those that cast the Microwave system did experienced greater casting distance, but the number one remark was how much smoother it was to cast and with greater accuracy.  "I have also been letting customers take and use both of these Bushido blanks for a day of casting." said Pro Staffer Scott Kleppe. "Last week I gave it to Steve McCoy, an avid walleye fisherman on the Mississippi River. Steve came back at the end of the day and said "that is my next rod. Build it! Unbelievable how that casts and that Bushido blank is the best I have ever used to cast ringworms and Vibees (a bladebait)."

 

Byron Bohen test casting the new American Tackle Microwave Guide System on a Bushido CB72/8-15 blank.

 

American Tackle was also there with catalogs and information about the new Microwave Guides, Pro Wrap thread, Pro Kote finish and Bushido blanks. Billy Vivona also brought many Bushido blanks and other items. The Microwave Guide System he had available went quick.

 

 
American Tackle would like to thank Scott and Billy for an amazing job and  their continued support.  And a big thank you to Mark Blabaum for putting the whole gathering together and allowing ATC to be part of a great event.
 
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American Tackle 
Guide Series
Road to Success:
Round 2
Hunter McKamey and Zack Edmunds 
 
American Tackle's Bass Expert, Hunter McKamey and aspiring tournament angler, Zack Edmunds competed in the second leg of the qualifiers for the coveted position on the UCF Reel Knights bass team.  This month's tournament was held on November 10th on the world famous Lake Tohopekaliga. 

 

 

Hunter and Zack launched at 6:30 a.m. and Hunter landed their first keeper at 8 a.m..  Immediately following Hunters catch, Zack stuck a nice 5lber and landed her with skill.

 

 

After the team landed a few more fish the day began to head south.  It started with the live well shutting off and did not work throughout the rest of the day.  Luckily the water was cool and the fish survived the day.  But, the bad luck did not end there.  After thoroughly fishing the area, they decided to try another spot.  At about 10:45 a.m. the motor began having issues.  The team was forced to idle the rest of the day.  By this time they could not risk being late to weigh in so they idled from spot to spot and fished their way back to the dock.  

 

 

Even with all these set backs Hunter and Zack were able to stay positive.  They managed to place 2nd  and are now tied for first place with one more tournament to go.

 
Congratulations to Hunter and Zack and Good Luck in the final tournament!! 
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