“Eagles Of Angling”

Skilled sportsmen with sharp senses, a spirit of competition and the dedication to put the SPORT back in sportfishing.

 The EOA creed: “Don’t just catch fish, live the thrill of the strike.  Treasure the moment.

With pool-cue strength rods and well rope-size lines, sportfishing – like the American Eagle is an endangered species and might become extinct.

Why “bully bass?”  Where’s the sport in whipping a 4-pound bass with 20-pound test line?  But, think about the flip side.  A big bass on light line.  Yes, four-pound test line.

Well-honed skills, steady nerves and confidence in their light-tackle system characterize the “Eagles of Angling.”

In reality, fishing is not all about catching fish.  The rewards are often in the memories of the moment.  The cast.  The strike.  The surface-crashing splash.  The screaming drag.  The heart-pounding excitement.  The anxious wait to ease the bass close, trying to get a handhold.  Knowing at any moment, the bass can win as the sewing-thread thin, four-pound line gives up.  Angler versus fish.   A give and take, tug-a-war rather than an un-ceremonial dip with a long-handle landing net.

There are degrees (stages) to a bass fisherman’s interest in his sport.  First, you’ll want to catch a bass.  Then, catch a limit.  Later, it’s the trophy-class bass that means most.

But, like deer hunting, the level of excitement can change dramatically when you decide to use a bow and arrow…not a high-powered rifle with a scope.

Without a doubt, the identical challenge (thrill) you’ll experience with fishing four-pound line, as opposed to 20-pound test.  Rightly, there’s more sport to be had.

As the founder of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.), in 1968, we’ve experienced the evolution of bass fishing firsthand.  Chronicled the changes in tackle and tactics in the society’s BASSMASTER Magazine, and watched with pride as the interest in bass clubs and the B.A.S.S. Federation spread across the globe.

As a result, bass fishing changes quickly as we all may know it.  Organization, as in bass clubs, creates the exchange of how-to information and rotating fishing partners spreads the knowledge and improves fishing skills.

In the early days of B.A.S.S., the tournaments and competitions served as a great “funnel” of information as bass anglers from across the country, learned “secrets” that had long been buried as in the family Bible.

With today’s world wide web of information, there’s an even more split-second flow of information and instant answers to bassin’ questions.  Soon there may be no more “missing pieces” to the puzzle.

Then, what?  Bass fishing will become boring.  A mechanical happening.

But, as “Eagles of Angling” we can rise above the rest.  Pursue the quest to put SPORT back into sportfishing.

Our aim is not to replace any fishing tackle, method or technique or lessen any sporting hook and line tactics, but to encourage and embark on an angling alternative to, perhaps, heighten the sport of bass fishing.

To soar to the heights of bassin’ thrills, the light-tackle system must pass the 12 Steps to Success:

1.      Hook – Needlepoint wire hooks for penetration.

2.      Knot – Maximum knot strength for line size.

3.      Line – Certified 4-lb. line strength – not to exceed pound-test label rating.

4.      Rod Action – 6 ½-ft. spinning, sturdy butt with lighter rod tip and straight cork handle.

5.      Guides – Smaller rings and lower profile to reduce line slap and increase casting distance.  Proper placement and number of guides for better  hooking power and casting accuracy.

6.      Reel – Serious features:  stainless steel ball bearings, roller bearing, over-size line roller to reduce line twist, wobble-free shaft, high speed gear ratio, line capacity 140 yards for four-pound test, fluid front drag system, right/left hand retrieve, lightweight aluminum spool.

7.      Hook set - The snap-hook set is taboo.  Use sweeping rod hooking-motion and reel to maintain pressure and hook penetration.  Hard hook set will often break-off.

8.      Drag system – Front mounted with lightweight, skirted aluminum spool for smooth drag setting.  Tighter drag needed for “hook set” on long casts and simple adjustment to loosen drag to control fish.

9.      Play the fish – Use the rod bend and drag control and your arms to fight the fish.  Be patient.

10. Know tackle limits – Don’t try to over pressure the fish.  Let the reel and rod work against the bass.  In preparation for sudden power run or rush, loosen the drag as fish nears the angler. 

11. Hand land ability – Don’t use a net.  Fight the fish fairly.  Slowly work bass into position for a handhold.

12. Pray – Light-line bassin’ will make fishermen a lot more religious.   With light-line there’s need for a prayer-line.

As interested bass anglers we share many common goals.  The interesting thing about tournaments is that you can always learn something new from a different partner.  Maybe our idea of a light-line concept for bass fishing will appeal to your interest.

For sure, you’ll discover a different thrill, fishing among the “Eagles of Angling.”

Bass wishes,

Ray Scott