The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, sending the most significant collection of conservation measures to come before Congress in a quarter of a century to President Obama for his signature.

As the weekend progressed, the temperatures on Lake Amistad warmed up and so did Jason Williamson. The third-year BASS pro from Aiken, South Carolina, shoved aside consistency and posted a backbreaking total of more than 68 pounds through the final two days, which was enough to advance from 38th position to third heading into Day 3, then secure his first BASS victory and the accompanying $100,000 top prize Sunday at the 2009 Bassmaster Elite Series season opener, the OPTIMA Batteries Battle on the Border.

The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday failed to achieve the two-thirds majority needed to pass a landmark public lands protection bill that would have ensured access and opportunity for hunters and anglers today and for generations to come.

When James Niggemeyer of Van, Texas, left the dock Sunday morning for a 3 ½-hour fish-off against fellow Texan Jerrel Pringle, the Bassmaster Elite Series pro worried that heavy cloud cover would kill his sight-fishing bite and the victory would slip away at the Bassmaster Central Open on Toledo Bend Reservoir.

Due to unsafe weather conditions and in the best interest of all concerned, BASS announced the cancellation of the first day of competition for the Bassmaster Central Open on Toledo Bend Reservoir, scheduled for Thursday, March 5. The remaining two days of competition, set for Friday, March 6, and Saturday, March 7, remain as previously scheduled.

The 2009 Bassmaster Elite Series season rolls out with the Battle on the Border at Texas' Lake Amistad, where Elite anglers have produced impressive hauls of bass in the past three seasons. In 2008, Todd Faircloth of Jasper, Texas, moved from 10th place to first on the final day of the event to edge then-Elite rookie Clark Reehm of Russellville, Arkansas, by 12 ounces with a total weight of 76 pounds, 15 ounces.

BASS, the worldwide authority on bass fishing, and Bass Pro Shops, the #1 Outdoor Retailer in America*, have formed a joint marketing alliance, BASS announced today. The relationship will allow each industry-leading company to integrate both brands across their respective platforms to further reach and educate outdoors enthusiasts on initiatives facing natural resources and to grow participation.

American Bass Anglers (ABA) and the Union Sportsmen's Alliance (USA) have teamed up to further the sport of bass fishing among union members while promoting the conservation of our Nation's natural resources. American Bass Anglers will offer USA members the opportunity to participate in specially designated ABA activities and services. USA members will be able to track their point standings and compete against their union brothers and sisters within their designated trade association in the same manner that ABA Competition Team members presently track their standings.

Low water levels again challenged the 51 Bassmaster Classic competitors Wednesday as the full field participated in one day of official practice for the big event, set for Feb. 20-22 on the Red River.

Southwick Associates' AnglerSurvey.com announced the brands and products that anglers preferred most in 2008. This list has been compiled from the 22,486 angler surveys received by AnglerSurvey.com last year.