OCEANSIDE, Calif. (August 11, 2022) – The 2022 Hobie Bass Open Series (B.O.S.) Anchored by Power-Pole heads for the Wolf and Fox Rivers in Appleton, Wisconsin, August 20 – 21, and the eighth event of the season promises yet another action-packed kayak fishing slugfest. Offering just about every feature a bass fan could want, from dams and hard structure to extensive weedlines, grass beds and blowdowns, this inviting pair of rivers flow in and out of the state’s most notable lakes and bays. A brand-new stop on the Hobie tour, competitors will be able to spread out across a huge swath of water and fish to their strengths for both largemouth and smallmouth bass. “When you have a schedule featuring as many big-name venues as the Hobie B.O.S. trail, it’s easy to overlook one that isn’t known as a bucket-list destination – but don’t let this one fool you,” says tournament director A.J. McWhorter. “These are two of the longest rivers in the state and they feed Wisconsin’s largest bodies of water! That means there’s going to be some great opportunities for our competitors to enjoy unlocking the mysteries of these storied fisheries while showcasing their bassing potential. I expect to see a lot of solid limits and quality largemouths and bronzebacks submitted to TourneyX during our two-day, catch, photograph and release (C.P.R.) event.”
Jeremiah Burish from La Crosse, Wisconsin, fully agrees. The 33-year-old serious kayak tournament angler has fished these waters before with solid results, including a recent second-place finish. “There’s a ton of bass in these rivers with plenty of quantity for largemouth and smallmouth up to 16 inches,” notes Burish. “Catching a solid limit shouldn’t be much of a problem, but it’s going to take more than that to win this event. You’re going to have to find a few of those big 18-inch fish to set yourself apart. With both species of bass abundant, you can mix it up or target whichever you prefer based on your own personal fishing strengths. Still, any way you slice it, I think you’ll need at least 85 inches a day to come away the winner.” Burish notes that his most recent forays on these rivers found them running a little low, but still featuring a gentle flow. He points out, however, that there are significant differences between the two. For starters, he explains, the Fox River flows northward, which can take some getting used to if you haven’t fished here before, he cautions. “The upper (northern) section of the river flows in and around the city of Appleton and features several dams plus other manmade structure. The southern end of this river has more weeds and seems a little less manicured with a lot of grass and softer edges. The Wolf River, by comparison,” continues Burish, “snakes along with a lot of twists and turns, sand and rock, overhanging trees and deadfalls.” The lakes on this flow are shallow and smaller than on the Fox but still hold some high-quality fish, he adds.
With three Tournament of Champions (T.O.C.) qualifications going to the highest non-qualified finishers plus extremely valuable AFTCO Angler of the Year (AOY) points on the line, this event is also going to play a major role in deciding who will be fishing for the series’ ultimate championship on Caddo Lake, November 11-13, in Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana. The TOC is a three-day 50-angler championship with a $100,000 payout guarantee and $45,000 first-place prize. Additionally, the Wolf and Fox River event will see Bassin’ Big Bass honors, and a $500 check, bestowed on the angler catching the largest bass over the course of the tourney. As always, cash payouts will go to the top 10% of the field and all competitors will have a chance to win a 2022 Hobie Outback in custom Orange and Black ‘BOS Camo’ color way, plus many prizes that will be randomly given away by event sponsors.
Anglers traveling to the Wolf and Fox River event can expect to be greeted with open arms by the local community, says Matt Ten Haken, Director of Sports Marketing for the Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We are excited to welcome the anglers of the Hobie Bass Open Series,” he states. “Competitors will find our waterways to be among the best fisheries in the Midwest and they’ll surely provide a fun challenge. When not on the water, be sure to take advantage of the unique dining, shopping, and nightlife options for a complete Fox Cities weekend experience.” With only Lake Dardanelle in Russellville, Arkansas, (September 17 and 18) remaining on the Hobie BOS schedule after the Fox and Wolf River event, the pressure is really mounting to see who will rise to the challenge and punch their ticket to the big show. Who will make their move now and who will have to sweat it out for one last chance in Arkansas? Like you, we can’t wait to find out.
