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20,000 BillFish Record
Posted on: Feb 25, 2010
Posted in: Lazer Sharp, News From Chris, Pro Staff News
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Capt. Brad Philipps of the “Decisive” from Guatemalan Billfishing Adventures has been a long time supporter of circle hooks. Brad has always used Eagle Claw and Lazer Sharp hooks and obviously they are working.
Brad has been one of the top captains in the world for a number of years and only the second person in history to reach the mark of 20,000 Billfish. Captain Brad has been fishing the waters off Guatemala since 2000. Brad has been named the Billfish Foundation release captain of the year for eight straight years. His exclusive use of the Lazer Sharp L2004EL non offset is one of his secrets to success. “This hook was designed specifically for Billfish and is the best in the world. All other hooks are designed after the L2004 and it was the first tournament approve circle hook. Eagle Claw has been the leader in circle hooks as long as I have been fishing” states Phillipps.
“Leading up to the record day the fishing had been red-hot since our Christmas report, and for a variety of reasons January 2010 will be a month to remember for years to come. ‘Decisive’ had many 30 plus sailfish release days, won both the tournaments it fished and Capt. Brad Philipps released his 20,000th career billfish as a captain. So with 551 releases in the past 25 days on the water it’s easy to see why anglers have been kept so happy sharing in the exceptional fishing Guatemala has to offer.” reported Brad
Eagle Claw Stripers
Posted on: Dec 21, 2009
Posted in: Hooks, News From Chris, Pro Staff News
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Check out this new show all about landing some big Chesapeake Bay Stripers.One of our favorite Pro Staff members, Jeffery Thomas braved some rough cold water for a chance to get in on a hot bite in Virgina
These guys show how good circle hooks can be at catching big fish on live bait. They put our circle hooks to the test!
NCSU wins the FLW College Bass Northern Divison
Posted on: Nov 11, 2009
Posted in: News From Chris, Pro Staff News
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In a come from behind victory the North Carolina State University team of Ben Dziwulski of Woodbine, Md., and Kevin Beverley of Fuquay Varina, N.C., shocked the rest of today’s field with six bass weighing 9 pounds, 6 ounces to win the National Guard FLW College Fishing Northern Division Regional championship on Lake Norman by nearly 2 pounds with a three-day total of 15 bass weighing 24-10. For their efforts, the team won a Ranger 177TR with a 90-horsepower Evinrude or Yamaha outboard wrapped in school colors and $25,000 for the school they represent.
These guys are the up and coming pros ready to take on the best of the FLW and BASS pros in the coming years – and they put their trust in Lazer Sharp hooks when the money is on the line
Lazer Sharp Pro tops the Federation Championship Leader Board
Posted on: Oct 28, 2009
Posted in: News From Chris, Pro Staff News
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Matt Massey, Lazer Sharp pro and Colorado native traveled all the way to Florida and the Harris Chain of Lakes to take on the rest of the Federation field for a chance to fish against the best of the best in the Bassmaster Classic in February
Matt is the current leader with 14lbs 12 oz, two pounds ahead of his nearest rival.
Matt normally dominates all the local bass fishing events in the Rocky Mtn. region and seems to be doing the same against the other hopefuls from around the country.
Go Matt!!

Collegiate Bass Fishing
Posted on: Oct 07, 2009
Posted in: Hooks, News From Chris, Pro Staff News
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Eagle Claw is happy to be involved in many of the collegiate bass events around the country. North Carolina State University is one bass team we sponsor. They continue to howl in college bass events. NCSU sent two teams last week to final qualifying events, one finished 2nd and the other 6th. The picture is of Will and Kolby who finished 2nd. NCSU now has 5 teams (a new record!) qualified for the FLW College Bass Regional Championship! Nice work guys, looks like you have a bright future ahead.
Look out Skeet and G-man!

Dave Mercer Unites Fishing and Baseball
Posted on: Sep 22, 2009
Posted in: News From Chris, Pro Staff News
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Professional angler and host of Facts of Fishing THE SHOW® Dave Mercer has made the Major League Baseball history books. On September 21st at 7:00pm Dave became the first person in the history of the league to “cast” (with rod and reel) the opening pitch, kicking off the game between the Toronto Blue Jays® and Baltimore Orioles.
The historic cast took place at the Rogers Center® in downtown Toronto, and created an excellent opportunity to raise money for a great cause. In conjunction with the Blue Jays a “Facts of Fishing” section of seats was created where $5 from every ticket sold was donated by the Jays to Dave Mercer’s Casting for a Cure charity benefiting the Canadian Cancer Society. Casting for Mr. Mercer created a Cure in honor of his late mother, Ann Mercer who lost her battle with cancer and has since raised over $100,000 for cancer research.
Not the first place one would expect to see a “cast”, Dave continues to be a great ambassador for the sport of fishing. By putting the sport in front of mainstream audiences such as those watching the game Dave has been able to introduce new people to the sport who otherwise would never
have given it a chance. Dave stated, “My most vivid memories from my childhood were the times spent with family in the boat. So many people never get the opportunity to experience all the things this great sport has to offer. My goal is always to get one more person out there to give
it a try.”
ABOUT DAVE MERCER:
Fishing funny-man, Dave Mercer, host of television’s Facts of Fishing® THE SHOW and the Facts of Fishing Tip Series spends over 250 days a year on the water fishing for just about anything that swims. He is one of today’s most sought-after seminar speakers and his off-the-wall blend of
edutainment has had audiences across the country rolling in the aisles. This unique and original mix of humor, entertainment and education has made Dave one of Canada’s most recognized and revered anglers.
Saltwater 24/7 fishing tips and Tactics
Posted on: Aug 13, 2009
Posted in: Hooks, News From Chris, Pro Staff News
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There is a hot new site on the internet, Saltwater 24/7, with some great “how to” and informational videos. Of course some of the first up relate to Eagle Claw and Lazer Sharp hooks and how to rig ‘em. What else would you expect. After all the hook is the only thing that ever touches a fish. Without a good hook, that expensive rod and reel is not much more than a fancy stick. Check these out:
Choosing a Hook and Rigging Live Bait
and
Eagle Claw on Americas Got Talent
Posted on: Aug 07, 2009
Posted in: News From Chris, Pro Staff News
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If you are a fan of America’s Got talent you know the name Kevin Skinner. The chicken farmer/singer who wowed the judges the last few weeks. Well, you may or may not be a fan of Kevin, but Kevin sure is a fan of Eagle Claw.
Check out this link and look closely.
That favorite tan hat he wears proudly states Eagle Claw 1925.
Since he wears it backwards it can be tough to see but trust me, it’s there.
World Record King Salmon?
Posted on: Jul 29, 2009
Posted in: News From Chris, Pro Staff News
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On July 17th, Eagle Claw and Wright & McGill pro staff guide, John Whitlatch, guided his client Joe Atchison to what could be a world record breaking King Salmon on Alaska Kenai River. This monster was released immediately after snapping the photo so the only evidence remaining are the measurements taken of the fish – 58″ long with a 34″ girth and this great shot of the trophy fish. John, a well respected veteran guide on the river, estimated the fish weighed at least 91 pounds.
Shortly into the fight I told Joe, “man, it’s a big fish,” said Whitlatch, owner of Reel Adventures guiding service of Soldotna. “It went on one run and then went back up the river slow and with some real authority, like there’s nothing you’re going to do about it.”
Nearby anglers cooperated by steering clear of the big fish. After working around a bend in the river and heading downstream, the fish tired. Whitlatch and Atchison maneuvered him close to the bank to be netted. After some measurements and photos, Whitlatch released him.”It went incredibly smoothly,” Whitlatch said. “A real quick-and-easy deal. We tried not to stress the big fish out at all.”
Atchison said he had no second thoughts about releasing a fish that may have been near the world record. “I felt good about it.” So did the fish.
“He took off like a rocket,” Whitlatch said. “He almost took my shoulder off.”
“But to me, the real story is for somebody to actually be conservation-minded and choose to let it go. Johnny pushes catch and release. This fish was really fresh and still heading upriver to spawn. By releasing this fish we help the chances of having giant fish in the river in future years.”
“Kenai kings are genetically unique and need to be protected.”
Whitlatch, who grew up in Palmer, moved to the Kenai Peninsula in 1995. For years, he has advocated catch and release among his clients.
“With a little education and effort, we can save these big fish. They’re special,” he said.
John, we may never know for sure if this was the new world record, but we do know this was a real world class trophy fish. Thanks for giving us all the chance to find one in the future.
Hot News! Skeet Reese Signs up to fish with Wright and McGill Rods
Posted on: May 20, 2009
Posted in: News From Chris, Pro Staff News, Wright & McGill
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2009 Bassmaster Classic Champion and 2007 Bassmaster Angler of the Year, Skeet Reese, announces a new partnership with the Wright & McGill Co. to produce a new line of Skeet Reese Signature Tessera Fishing Rods and will be fishing Wright & McGill rods exclusively in the coming years. The series will be based on the competitive needs of one of the world’s best anglers combined with the technological expertise of one of the industry’s most well known manufacturers.
The Wright & McGill Skeet Reese Signature Tessera Fishing Rods will feature nine technique specific models designed by Reese to fit his own fishing style and the most popular fishing techniques being utilized today. From drop shotting to flippin’ and pitchin’, swimbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits, the lineup will fill the needs of any serious angler. The new lineup will be constructed using Wright & McGill’s proprietary S-Curve blank technology.
S-Curve is Wright & McGill’s new process of blank construction that blends a precise mixture of materials in a specific process for assembly that results in a thin diameter blank that weighs less than conventional construction without sacrificing durability. The result of the S-Curve construction and premium components is a premium bass fishing rod that would make a Bassmaster Classic Champion proud, while making it affordable for the angling public.
“I am very excited about this new partnership with Wright & McGill,” said Reese, who has been active in design and construction of new products with his sponsors for many years. “I have always wanted to be able to produce a premium fishing rod that would be at a price point that every angler would be able to afford; Wright & McGill Co. has given me that opportunity. This new project will allow me to build the rods I’ve always wanted to build at a price point that everyone can afford; and with Wright & McGill’s distribution network, we will be able to provide many anglers a chance to experience their quality construction and affordability.”
“Chris Russell, Marketing Director for the Wright & McGill Co. said that the company is equally as excited to be working with Reese. “The thought of working with a Bassmaster Classic Champion and Angler of the Year is certainly thrilling,” Russell said, but that was not the only draw. “Skeet has a real understanding of the business side of the fishing industry, and a real sense of what the fishing public needs and wants; when coupled with his skill as an angler and his work ethic, he represents a tremendous asset, one we are proud to enter into this project with.”
Reese said the rods fit his style, both as an angler and an icon. “The components are the best available, the blanks are some of the most technologically advanced I’ve ever seen,” Reese said. “The look of the rods will certainly be aggressive, reflecting my personal trademarks, I think everyone will see them for the revolutionary product they are.”
Wright & McGill’s Skeet Reese Signature Tessera Rods will make their industry debut at ICAST in Orlando in July. The rods are expected to be available for sale to the public in September of this year. In keeping with the Wright & McGill Co. brand strategy, these rods will be designed and priced to offer exceptional quality and value at a price point affordable to a wide range of anglers; the entire line is expected to retail between $89 – $99.
Skeet Reese is a Bassmaster Elite Series pro, he is the 2009 Bassmaster Classic Champion and the 2007 Bassmaster Angler of the Year who has compiled career earnings that total more than $1.9 million in career earnings. Reese has qualified for 10 Bassmaster Classic appearances, and has finished in the top 10 41 times, including four wins in BASS competition in an 11 year career. Reese is a 39-year-old California native who resides in Auburn, Calif. with his wife Kim, and two daughters; Leamarie and Courtney. Visit his website: www.skeetreeseinc.com.
Wright & McGill Company is one of the most recognizable companies in the fishing industry. They have been in business for over 80 years manufacturing Lazer Sharp and Eagle Claw hooks in Denver Co and their own brand of rods and reels, as well as other big game tackle. Their line of Essentials and Accessories gear has become one of the most sought after brands in the world today, and the new fishing rod home of 2009 Bassmaster Classic Champion Skeet Reese.

