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This early and rare DOS fishing sim has a menu driven interface much like Wizard Game's Rockstar. If you enjoyed that game you will appreciate the depth and effectiveness of most screens.
You begin by entering a competition and choosing the entry level Lake Stikapig. Right away you have the choice of setting a pre, mid, or late variation on one of the four seasons. If you look around you can check out the competition rules and get some tips for your selected lake.
As you and your partner, Rich Tauber, set out with a limited ammount of fuel, you will be able to consult his invaluable expertise as well as your electronic fish finder. When you find a hot spot you will want to set your hook. There are over 20 different lures in your graphical tackle box and even more colors. Along with the choice of retrieval rates (fast, medium, and slow - steady or erratic) and fish scent additive, the combinations are very extensive. How much effect on the game this has is hard to actually gauge.
In addition to regular casting you have the jig and flipping techniques at your disposal which are not as effective as changing retrieval rate or gear, or even moving to another location. As you retrieve your casts the text box will alert you to any activity. Set the hook after a bite and your view changes to 'in boat'. The catching mechanics are mostly arcade but effective. Having to replace the lines snagged on rocks or whatever else becomes increasingly grating, the most true to life simulation aspect of the game perhaps.
The sounds are limited, basically to the motor of your boat and splashing water. There is a bit of music when a fish breaks the line but nothing extraordinary. One interesting feature is the ability to adjust the pitch of the water effects to accommodate as many soundcard setups as possible I assume.
It's been over 10 years since I played the game (at least). Even after all that followed from Sierra's Trophy Bass to Sega's Bass Fishing, this one is well worth a look back. Standing unacknowledged as it does solidifies Bass Champ Pro with a genuinely abandoned legacy.
It's really easy for anyone to jump into and there are no bugs or glitches that I know of. I rate it 3 because even though its well made, it gets repetitive like most other fishing games.
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