Latest fishing news, From the Desk of Bassmaster Touring Pro, Walt Reynolds

Outdoor author Tim Tucker was killed this afternoon in a fatal car crash near his home in Gainesville, FL. Tim, one of the most noted outdoor editors of this century was well known and highly respected by everyone in the bass fishing community. Nearly every aspiring pro or seasoned veteran in the industry had been interviewed by Tim at one time or another. He was the author of Roland Martin's 101 Bass Secrets book that still is sold today all over the world. It is with our deepest sympathy that Tim will be remembered by his friends and fans across the country.

Just about the time you are ready to give up on the younger generation, there appears someone who gives you hope. I was honored this week to have Martin Truex, Jr as a house guest while we were filming an episode of the Fishing with Roland Martin television show in the Everglades. What a great young man. He is someone who I would be proud to have my grandsons hold as a mentor. He loves the outdoors, is a great fisherman, and is a true down to earth person. Martin is the NASCAR driver of the Bass Pro Shops #1 car on the Nextel Cup circuit for those of you who don't recognize the name. In my travels around the world, I meet a lot of celebrities but I always find those who love the outdoors to be the most enjoyable to spend time with.

Roland Martin, along with his wife, Judy and myself, were honored to fish with the Team USA, sponsored by Gary Yamamoto in the International Fishing Championships. Gary Yamamoto, Beverly Yamamoto, Ron Colby, and Joe Jones were also on the Team. The competition was held on Lake Alqueva in southern Portugal. The Team won a Bronze Medal, finishing third overall. Also a big "Thank You" to our great new friend, Lewis Santos for all his help and guidance in getting around Portugal while we were there.

The all new MotorGuide trolling motor Digital System is proving to be the motor to have. After nearly a year from the first motors hitting the market, they seem to live up to their bullet proof reputation. With no printed wiring boards and only a totally sealed digital module in the lower unit, failures have became almost unheard of. In 2004 there is a 3 year warranty on some of the high end motors and the Gatormount bracket has always been the strongest out there. In addition, Motorguide now has adapters that allow most electronics to use the built-in transducers on the Tour models. With Brunswick's backing and development of the superior digital system, it appears that MotorGuide is positioned to take the market share in trolling motors.

Roland Martin and Walt Reynolds pose with a huge 256 pound halibut that Walt caught during the filming of the Fishing with Roland Martin TV show. The Roland Martin Productions crew traveled to Juneau Alaska this past fall for filming there. It was a great trip with good fishing and cool weather. We had outstanding fishing for halibut and salmon. The Caledonia is a magnificent motor yacht and we enjoyed the stay aboard very much. Capt. Bob Stevens and Penni Manns were absolutely great hosts. Roland said" Of all the many trips around the world I have taken, this one will rank in the top two or three ever, both in comfort and great fishing."

This is the mother ship Roland Martin and crew stayed on while filming in Alaska. 96' Luxury motor yacht MV Caledonia

Walt Reynolds with his 256 lb Halibut he caught while filming with Roland Martin.

Bass N Edge has acquired a licenses from Fishing Hot Spots to use their map server which allows you to view highly detailed contour maps online. This is an awesome service for planning a trip or going over your latest honey hole with your buddy. Stop by and take a look by clicking on the logo here:

The Anglers Legacy organization has brought together companies and pro's in the fishing industry to bring more of the public into the outdoors arena and get young people involved in the outdoors

Lake Okeechobee fishing report.

Bass Wishes,

Walt Reynolds

G&W Enterprises has now become one of the top web hosting companies enabling the fishing industry to reach their customers and fans. This was very evident in light of so many companies approaching me at the Classic with questions on how they could contact us to take over their web presence. The fishing industry has discovered that having a web provider that is staffed entirely with people from inside the fishing marketplace handle their accounts and web sites, is nothing short of a no-brainer.