Dr. Crankinstein - Chris Woehl - Ultimate Bass Fishing

Off Season - Back to Business

2010-08-22T20:30:00.000-07:00

This off season has my mind going a mile a minute with new advertising ideas and potential sponsor growth. I have already found various new avenues for exposure and impressions for my sponsors. For this coming year I plan to wrap my truck and boat which will bring over 36.5 million impressions for my sponsors. I am creating a new presentation package which will include various sponsorship levels to increase brand awareness for my supporters. Creating the package alone is inspiring especially when I see the potential for exposure in my region. Anyone looking for more product exposure and brand awareness please let me know soon because I am rolling! Stay tuned for updates! Potential sponsors don't have to believe me... watch the video below!

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Bud Light Trail - Stillhouse 3-27-2010

2010-03-28T06:28:00.000-07:00

I have to start by thanking Omega Custom Tackle for making the best jig on the market (Pro Mega) which caught all my fish for the day. One of those solid fish I caught was an 8.10 lbs. good for big bass for the tournament. It was caught on a 5/8oz. Watermelon Red Pro-Mega Jig in 1.5ft of water off the end of a lay down. My other fish were caught on a 1oz Pro-Mega in Ozark Special in deep water timber 25-40ft. deep. Finished the day as the champion with 4 fish 18.59 lbs. winning by 5.59 lbs margin. This one is for my little fishing buddy, my 4 year old son Carter! Daddy came home a Champion!

Every time I come home from a tournament my son Carter asks if I won the champion, which is the trophy. With two four pounders in the boat and only 2 1/2 hours left to fish I said a little prayer. I prayed that the good Lord would let me win this one not for myself, but for my son. So, his daddy could come home a champion! I said if anyone could understand it would be God himself. Well, about 15 minutes later I caught the 8.10 lb fish! Which in the end, made Daddy a Champion by 5 lbs.! When I got home Carter had fallen asleep from a long afternoon of playing outside so I waited anxiously for him to wake up. When he did, I told him I had a surprise for him and gave him my 1st Place plaque and my Big Bass plaque and told him Daddy came home a champion! He got the biggest smile on his face and gave me a great big hug and said, "Mommy, Daddy won the Champion"! ;) I will praise God the rest of my days for that moment. If you don't know God, I suggest you meet him. If you don't know how to find him, just ask me or any other Christian and we will show you!

A view from the sideline

2010-03-24T19:56:00.000-07:00

With high expectations for this fishing season it is heart breaking to watch part of the season pass from the sideline. Unfortunetly, one of my sponsors who was going to fund half of my tournament season has not upheld his part of the committment. With the current costs of tournament fees, travel, lodging, and food I just cannot afford to swing the season I planned without sponsorship help. So, I apologize to all for the lull in my writing action. I have committed myself work even harder now to solidfy funding for next tournament season with reputable people and companies. So, I will bounce back. Stay tuned!

Tough February

2010-02-10T12:11:00.001-08:00

Wow! Is about all I can say for February 2010 so far. With a few arctic blasts coming through the region local lakes have all but shut down. Recent storms have brought record rainfalls and the local lakes are on the rise. Of course, the rains come a day or so before the 2010 season opener on Stillhouse for the Bud Light Trail. The rain caused the lake to be 10’ over pool the day of the tournament and to rise another 1’ during the tournament. Rising lake levels and water temps in the low 50’s = tough fishing. Even on lakes like Stillhouse which historically push out 30lb. sacks this time of year. Even on a day this tough with only 2 bites all day when all was said and done a 4th Place check was in order.

Tournament 2 of this season was much like tournament one. Rains just days before had Belton lake 10’ over pool, the lake elevated a 1ft. the night before my first BassChamps tournament. Like Stillhouse with water temps in the low 50's and new inflow of water made fishing tough. 200 boats competed and 133 had to make the "walk of death" with 0 fish. Unfortunetly, this day I was one of 133. After a tough tournament like that all you can do is look forward to the next tournament to redeem yourself. March looks to be more promising. The lake levels should be close to normal with water temps increasing. I can't wait to get back on the water!

Central Texas Boat Show - Jan 8th-10th

2010-01-02T17:14:00.000-08:00

Sports News Article-27 December 2009

For Immediate Release

On the Dock with Rick Smith

Upstream

The 2010 boat show season is upon us and the first show of the year in Central Texas is coming up January 8th-10th at the Bell County Exposition Center in Belton. This show is produced by the area boat dealers, so admission is only $5.00 for adults. Children 12 and under have free admission when accompanied by an adult. Parking at the Expo is free. Show hours are Friday the 8th from noon to 9:00pm, Saturday the 9th from 10:00am to 9:00pm and Sunday the 10th from 10:00am to 5:00pm. In support of our military the show is free to active duty military and their families all day Friday. The Scott & White blood mobile will be onsite Friday from noon to 6:00pm for needed blood donations. Anyone giving blood will get a free VIP family pass to the show plus a goody bag to include fishing tackle and two free hats.

There will be over 150 boats on display during the three day event plus displays by area sporting goods and tackle dealers. Special discounts will be offered during the show. For the children there will be a Kids Fish catfish tank where for $2.00 children will have the opportunity to catch a fish plus learn about conserving our natural resources. Water safety agencies and lake authorities like the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Corps of Engineers will offer static displays along with safety handouts.

There will be free fishing seminars given by pro-fisherman/guide, Keith Combs, on black bass fishing and guide, Tommy Tidwell, on crappie fishing.

The 10th Annual Tuffman Bass Championship will weigh-in at approximately 3:15pm Saturday inside the dome of the Expo Center. Show admission includes watching this B.A.S.S. style weigh-in where the teams will be pulled through the arena to have their fish weighed. The winners will receive over $20,000 in cash and prizes.

For more information go to www.centraltexasboatshow.com.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-23T07:19:00.001-08:00

With Christmas comes time for giving and no better gift to give the fellow angler than a jig kit from Omega Custom Tackle http://www.omegacustomtackle.com/products.cfm/Jigs
perfect for any angler's tackle box.

Also, don't forget to protect your gear this season and get some Rod Slick rod sleeves. They will protect your rods and also make organizing them in the rod box a synch! Check them out here: http://www.kasswinns.com/rodslick.html

Anglers looking for new electronics this season need to contact Brian at BBG Marine Electronics. He has the latest Lowrance HDS units and side-imaging modules available! Don't fall behind the curve and call Brian today! http://www.bbgmarine.com (1-888-570-0916)

Boaters and Anglers don't forget about the Central Texas Boat Show coming Jan. 7-9th. This is a great opportunity to look at all the latest watercraft and angling gear. Also, don't miss out on the Tuff Man Tournament Series Championship weigh in on Sunday! More info at: http://www.centraltexasboatshow.com

Fishing Texas

2009-12-11T21:19:00.001-08:00

This off season I have dedicated myself to becoming a pro angler. Now, the immediate assumption is that I want to be a profesional angler traveling around the country fishing large national tournaments. Although, that sounds great someday my short term goal is to become a promotional angler. To become a promotional angler I am planning to leverage my past experience as a tackle business owner and my exploit my technical knowledge gained thoughout that venture. I believe I have a lot to offer potential sponsors in the marketing products and services with 21st century technology tools.

My marketing strategy for 2010 is to acquire level 1 sponsorships with the business and products that I have used and believe in. Last week I had the pleasure of talking with Todd Barnes with Omega Custom Tackle who turned me on to some new fishing resources. I also received my new jig order that included the new Pro-Mega jig from Omega. This jig looks like a great alternative to football jig for fishing deep structure and I can't wait to get it in the water. I also received the new finesse jig from Omega the "Baby J" which is going to be a head turner for those harder fishing days and those finicky bass. These new items get me fired up to get on the water and catch some big fish.

This week I also got to order my Christmas gift which is a new HDS-10 with LSS-1 side-imaging module from Lowrance. The side-imaging is a huge advantage to anglers that are the early adopters of this technology. Instead of traditional sonar which can only view directly below the boat, you can now see 250ft. to the right and left which will cut down time on the water locating new structure, cover, and fish. I my search to find the best place to order my HDS online I met Brian Leivia from BBG Marine Electronics . Anyone looking for the best deal on a new Lowrance or other electronics as well as outstanding customer service needs to give Brian a call.

My other goal for December was to get onboard with my local Ranger dealership and begin a relationship to assist with marketing, branding, and exposure. I reached out to Rick Smith with Marine Outlet in Temple, TX and offered my services to his outstanding dealership. I originally had the pleasure of meeting some of his service staff when I bought my Ranger and had the warranty transfered. I was impressed with Monica and Brady in the service department and very pleased with their personal attention and concern they had for my service requests. In speaking with Rick I am very excited to offer my services to assist with making Marine Outlet the premier angler dealership in Texas.

Finally, I was also able to be supported by a new product manufactorer in the industry Rod Slick . Rod Slicks are a rod sleeve that keeps rods from getting tangled or damaged in your rod box. Rod Slick are different from the other rod sleeves out there in the details they use in their product. The ends are sealed with a hook hanger to hang your rods if you so desire while they are in the sleeve. Also the opening is sealed with a ring to keep the end from fraying or damage. They will definetly make rod organizing simpler.

Goals for the coming weeks are to meet with Rick Smith and discuss promotion of the upcoming Central Texas Boat show in Belton, research more web 2.0 marketing venues online and finally visit local business that I frequent for sponsorship opportunities.

Lake Travis - 11.27.2009

2009-11-27T19:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all! I had the pleasure of spending "Black Friday" on the water on Lake Travis. I do have to say there were several more cars on the road this morning at 5AM. I was glad to see all those people were fighting it out at their favorite store instead of their favorite honey hole. We started the day putting the Ranger Z20 in the water off the bank and fishing just down the bank.

I started the day off casting a OMEGA 3/4 oz. football jig in Pumpkin Pepper Green on my G.Loomis GLX BCR854 teamed with a Daiwa Zillion reel on main lake point in 25ft. of water. In just a few casts I put the first of many "spots" in the boat. "Spots" is short for Guadalupe spotted bass: The Guadalupe bass is found only in Texas and has been named the official state fish. It is endemic to the northern and eastern Edwards Plateau including headwaters of the San Antonio River, the Guadalupe River above Gonzales, the Colorado River north of Austin, and portions of the Brazos River drainage. Relatively small populations can also be found outside of the Edwards Plateau, primarily in the lower Colorado River. The spotted bass is the closest thing we have to smallmouth in some area lakes because they are very competitive and put up a great fight. So, this morning was fun!

Today the weather was beautiful, the fish were biting and I was blessed to be on the water. As for today, it is behind me and now I need to plan on putting up Christmas decorations so I need to catch up on some Z's. Good night everyone, and God Bless.

2010 Preparations

2009-11-22T19:09:00.001-08:00

I truly believe as many pro's have stated that there is no substitute for time on the water, but I believe a close second would be preperation. Now is the time of year to begin reviewing tackle inventories, cleaning gear, and recruiting new sponsors. I believe my tackle is updated, reels are cleaned and lubed, and now I need to work on sponsors for 2010. I believe in having a plan, and that having no plan, is a plan to fail. Therefore, I began by making a list of manufacturer's who's product's I use, believe in, and have great people working for them. This year I also want to focus on manufactures of the products that support my fishing strengths. Two techniques standout for me as my strengths that I can catch fish on anytime anywhere are cranking and jigs. This lead me to pursue OMEGA CUSTOM TACKLE as my first new sponsor of 2010.

OMEGA CUSTOM TACKLE makes great a great jig for every situation. Beginning with a heavy football jig that propelled Derek Remitz to not only win the 1st BASS Elite tournament of 2007, but also win him Rookie of the Year for the 2007 season! The Derek Remitz football jig is what made me retire my old faithful 3/4 oz. PJ's finesse bait football jig for which I thought I would never find a better bait. I did, so this week I had the pleasure of talking with Todd Barnes who verbally committed to adding me to his pro staff to influence sales, increase exposure, and grow the customer base in the great state of Texas. Therefore, I will be highlighting various products from OMEGA throughout this years tournament success. OMEGA's products are second to none and I can't wait to get them on the water this year!

I have also sent angler portfolios to several other companies and will reachout for first contact in the next few weeks. More to come....

Fayette Nov. 6-8th

2009-11-09T19:25:00.001-08:00

Wow! What a beautiful weekend to camp and fish! Daytime temps in the 70's with nighttime temps in the lower 60's, what a blessing to be on the water. Also, what a great place to fish, Fayette county reservior. The fish in this power plant lake are all on a high powered energy drink or something illegal. Even small fish pull like a freight train. I guess they have to be tough to survive in water temps that reach the high 90's. The coolest water I could find was a tempered 79 degrees. Seriously!??!

The second element to having a great fishing trip is great company. I had the pleasure of getting my brother on the water, for which I consider a miracle especially on opening day of deer season. I wish I could have put him on some more fish, but he is a fishing/Net-man rookie. Yea, don't get me started on the net-man rookie thing. All I will say is when the fish is longer than the net is wide (22") then you need to scoop him from the head first! Dang, that fish was huge but the net man knocked him loose!! WHOOPS! I think that is enough ribbing my brother for now. I also got to hang with my team tournament partner Chris Clements who is like my other brother. Good times!

Fishing was good. DrCrankinstein was in full effect and I was able to crank up 3 days worth of fish. Most of my fish came on a Norman DD22, and a few on a Lucky Craft D-20 before the underwater rock monster ate it. I believe I would have thrown the Lucky Craft all weekend if I wouldn't have lost the only chartreuse shad D-20 I had in the boat. Oh ya, and the dam also ate the last 2 plug knockers I had in the boat trying to free the darn thing. I was still able to managed 5 fish on both Sat. and Sunday cranking a Watermelon red DD-22. Only two fish in my limits came on something other than the deep cranks, one on a chrome Bill Lewis 3/4oz. rattle trap and the other on a 3/4oz. Omega football jig - pumpkin pepper green. I have no problem cranking all day, although I like to mix in my other strength with the jig and it payed off.

I also need to mention how great my Ranger Z20 fishes. A stable platform for fishing and anyone who has chronic back pain like I do needs to have the recessed trolling motor pedal. I have to be honest, in my short 7 years since I started fishing this is the first 3-day trip that I have had and not come home with heavy back pain. God bless!

Great weather, great company, great fishing, and I still always look forward to getting home to family. Even in three short days I terribly miss Momma, Lil'Carter, and sweet 6mo. old Avery. I am truly blessed to get to come home to a wonderful family.

This coming weekend.... practice on Stillhouse for Tuffman tournament on the 21st. See you next weekend....

Thankful for another day

2009-11-01T19:22:00.000-08:00

I start each day with small and simple prayer thanking God for having air in my lungs and blood in viens and getting to see another beautiful day he has created. Today was no exception. This beautiful day started with temps in the upper 50's and warmed fast. By the time I reached the water today I never even needed to put on my Ranger boats sweatshirt. Only having a few hours to wet a line this morning I went to Lake Georgetown, which is only about 15 minutes from the ranch and were my fishing workshop resides. Lake Georgetown has been severally low with the historical central texas drought, but with the recent rains the lake is already 6'ft. above normal pool. So, we have a quick 20' rise in water levels, cooling temperatures, and fall feeding conditions which should result in a good 4 hours of fishing, but sometimes the fish don't follow the so called "book".

I started my day testing some new gear, the Daiwa SOL baitcasting reel. I have been using the Daiwa TD-X PI 5.1 gear ratio reel for cranking for as long as I can remember and have never had issue with it. After recently receiving the SOL I can say I will most likely be retiring the ole' TD-X's and converting all my cranking reels to the SOL. The SOL is incredibly small, comfortable, and smooth. Combined with the 5.8:1 gear ration make it a perfect match for my Lucky Craft arsenal. I made hundreds of cast with the SOL today fishing the flooded buck brush and timber and never tired. I wish I could have enjoyed the tug of a few more fish but the main goal was testing the equipment before next weekends 2-Day tournament on Fayette. Mission accomplished.

Now, I get to spend the rest of the week preparing my tournament gear. I also need to go check my right rear tire on the Ranger Trail trailer which was totally flat this morning. I put 50 PSI in before the trip this morning and it held air through this afternoon so I will need to check it this Wed. and see if I need to get it patched. Well, tonight its back to watching the rest of game 4 of the World Series. I will see you next week with the details from Fayette county reservior....

October 2009

2009-10-29T19:52:00.000-07:00

Well, despite my best intentions to kickoff this fishing season with the Tuffman Tournament trail life has slowed my progress. Father's day was good to me this year and my wonderful wife let me get back into the tournament scene with the purchase of 2005 Ranger Z20. I new things would still need to start slow for with the new addition to our family in May of this year, beautiful Avery Grace. Family comes first, so finding the balance with this years tournament series will be a challenge.

Leading up to this year I have been preparing for a full tournament series by purchasing, preparing, and organizing all the necessary gear for weekly operations. Daiwa reels have been with me from the start, this year I switched my rod arsenal from Kistler over to G.Loomis. I found a great distributor and now sponsor with Jimmy at Ohya.com who made the conversion possible. Anyone looking for a new rod should definitely give Jimmy a call or visit his website (http://www.ohya.com). G.Loomis rods come with a lifetime "No Hassle" warranty with advanced replacement which is one of the motivating reasons I made the switch. On the tackle front there are many manufacturers that I would endorse but I would have to start with Lucky Craft since they would be my primary goto bait. (Also, since my alias is DrCrankinstein it would be fitting to plug a crankbait dealer first.) Sticking with my strengths I would then endorse OMEGA jigs who have opened my eyes to a quality well built football jig, the Almighty Football Jig. Once I discovered the football jig I will always have one rod in the boat with one tied on. Let's face it, they just catch big fish! My third goto bait would be a War Eagle Spinnerbait. War Eagle is what we originally built my online tackle store around back in 2003. Anyone looking for a great blade to catch big fish give War Eagle a try.

Continuing my preparation I have been gathering lake maps, searching the web for historical tournament "buzz" words, and reviewing my fishing notes from previous years. Although, we all know that there is no substitute for time on the water. Unfortunately, this is were I am way behind the curve. I started bass fishing in 2002 at the age of 25. Most professional fishermen have been fishing a lot longer that 7 years so I have some major catch-up to do. This is were I believe my faith, determination, preparation, and goals will outweigh my lack of experience to fuel my tournament success.