Louisiana’s Moore Declared Winner at Season-Opening Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Evan Howe, Ethan Howe Disqualified from Tournament
BROOKELAND, Texas (Jan. 6, 2026) – Boater Cole Moore of Anacoco, Louisiana, caught a total of five bass weighing 19 pounds, 15 ounces, to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Sam Rayburn Reservoir. The tournament, hosted by Jasper County Development District, was the first event of the season for the 2026 BFL, and was the first of five events for the BFL Cowboy Division. Moore earned $7,360 for his victory, including the lucrative $2,500 Phoenix MLF Bonus.
Boaters Evan Howe and Ethan Howe, both of Keatchie, Louisiana, were disqualified from the event. The disqualification stems from a protest alleging the anglers violated BFL Rule No. 10, which states, in part, that contestants may not use mobile communication devices to communicate with anyone about locating or catching fish on tournament waters during tournament hours.
Evan Howe admitted to the violation upon speaking with the tournament director as part of MLF’s investigation and turned over a text message exchange with Ethan Howe. The boaters are brothers, and Evan insists they were not familiar with the rule.
As a result of Evan’s disqualifications, boater Cole Moore moves up from second to first place in the tournament and will receive the first-place payout. Third through sixth place finishers in the tournament will each move up a spot with points and payouts adjusted accordingly.
As a result of Ethan’s disqualification, boater Colby Miller of Elmer, Louisiana moves up from eighth to sixth place and will receive $680. All places below eight will each move up two spots with points and payouts adjusted accordingly.
Rules governing the use of mobile communications devices during tournament hours are covered during the pretournament meeting at every BFL tournament.
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Cole Moore, Anacoco, La., five bass, 19-15, $7,360 (includes $2,500 Phoenix bonus)
2nd: Wyatt Frankens, Corrigan, Texas, five bass, 19-8, $2,400
3rd: Ricky Guy, Humble, Texas, five bass, 19-6, $1,170
4th: William Easley, Pollok, Texas, five bass, 17-14, $920
5th: Jeffery Rice, Shreveport, La., five bass, 17-12, $800
6th: Colby Miller, Elmer, La., five bass, 17-1, $680
7th: Hut Reeves, Tyler, Texas, five bass, 16-14, $650
8th: Joshua Tepley, Harrah, Okla., five bass, 15-4, $610
9th: James Laramore, Vidor, Texas, five bass, 14-15, $580
10th: Doug Odom, Huntsville, Texas, five bass, 14-14, $550
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Zachary McDaniel of Pitkin, Louisiana, won the co-angler division and the top prize of $2,530 Saturday after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 11 pounds, 10 ounces.
The top 10 co-anglers finished:
1st: Zachary McDaniel, Pitkin, La., three bass, 11-10, $2,530
2nd: Jeremy Edwards, Lufkin, Texas, three bass, 9-6, $1,200
3rd: Larry Stewart Jr., Brandon, Miss., three bass, 9-5, $585
4th: Shane Landry, Winnie, Texas, three bass, 8-11, $460
5th: Rick Habarka, North Little Rock, Ark., three bass, 8-10, $370
5th: J.J. Matzke, League City, Texas, three bass, 8-10, $370
7th: David Gandaria, Hemphill, Texas, three bass, 8-4, $330
8th: James Grizzle, Many, La., three bass, 7-14, $305
9th: Jacob Smith, Frisco, Texas, three bass, 7-13, $290
10th: Sean Johnson, Chalmette, La., three bass, 7-10, $275
Tournament winner McDaniel also earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $100 after landing a 7-pound, 12-ounce bass.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 22-24 BFL Regional tournament on Grand Lake in Grove, Oklahoma. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top prize of a new Phoenix 518 pro with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard, worth $33,500.
The 2026 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying tournament winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top seven, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2026 BFL All-American will take place May 28-30, at Lake Murray in Columbia, South Carolina, and is hosted by Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism.
Proud sponsors of the 2026 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7 Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Cigars International, Epic Baits, Grizzly, Lew’s, Mercury, MillerTech, Mystik Lubricants, OFF! Deep Woods, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, PirahnO2, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, VOSKER, YETI and Yuengling.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular BFL updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV and Game & Fish TV, and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Yuengling Joins Major League Fishing as Official Sponsor in 2026
BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 5, 2026) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today that D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., the Oldest Brewery in America, has signed a multiyear agreement to become an Official Sponsor of Major League Fishing beginning in the 2026 season. The agreement brings one of the nation’s most enduring and recognizable beer brands into the MLF ecosystem with a broad slate of on-site activations, event integrations and co-branded consumer promotions.
A cornerstone of the partnership will be an extensive Yuengling Light Lager x MLF retail engagement campaign. The multi-state retail campaign will support a new sweepstakes offering fans the chance to win one of eight VIP invitations to a 2026 MLF Pro-Am event, along with eight Yuengling Light Lager x MLF gear packs featuring MLF apparel, fishing tackle and angler memorabilia.
Yuengling Light Lager will also serve as the Presenting Sponsor of 2026 Bass Pro Tour Yuengling Light Lager Stage 5 on Beaver Lake, bringing elevated fan experiences and on-site hospitality to one of the season’s premier events. Yuengling will have a prominent presence at REDCREST 2026, including the Outdoor Sports Expo and on-site presence at most 2026 Bass Pro Tour events and select MLF5 tournaments.
The partnership will be supported by a broad media presence across television, livestream broadcasts, social media and digital content, giving Yuengling Light Lager consistent visibility throughout the 2026 season.
“Yuengling is an iconic American brand with nearly 200 years of history, and we are proud to welcome them to Major League Fishing,” said Jim Wilburn, MLF President of Sales. “Their commitment to supporting sports, outdoor culture and passionate fan communities aligns perfectly with what MLF represents. This partnership brings exciting opportunities for fans at our events, in retail stores across the country and throughout our media platforms. We look forward to showcasing Yuengling in a way that enhances the entire season.”
As the Oldest Brewery in America, Yuengling continues to expand its reach nationwide with its flagship Yuengling Traditional Lager, Yuengling Light Lager, FLIGHT by Yuengling and a diverse lineup of seasonal offerings.
“We’re excited to partner with Major League Fishing and connect with fans who share our passion for tradition, camaraderie and America’s great outdoors,” said Wendy Yuengling, Chief Administrative Officer of D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. “MLF delivers world-class competition and a uniquely engaged fan base. We’re looking forward to celebrating the 2026 season with anglers and fans through our co-branded promotions, event activations and the expanded visibility this partnership provides.”
For more information about Yuengling, visit Yuengling.com or follow Yuengling on Facebook, X, and Instagram. For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing, its tournaments and sponsors, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV and Game & Fish TV, and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
About D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc.
Founded in 1829, D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. is America’s Oldest Brewery, proudly family-owned and operated for six generations. With roots in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, Yuengling crafts an iconic lineup of beers, including Traditional Lager, Light Lager, Black & Tan, Golden Pilsner, FLIGHT, Premium, Premium Light, Dark Brewed Porter, Lord Chesterfield Ale®, Oktoberfest, Bock, and Bongo Fizz.
Visitors can explore Yuengling’s rich history with a free tour of America’s Oldest Brewery and the Museum & Gift Shop in Pottsville, PA. In Tampa, FL, guests can enjoy year-round and seasonal offerings at the Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen, featuring beer-inspired cuisine, local events, and exclusive merchandise.
Steering the Ship: Patterson’s Season of Reset, Faith and Forward Motion
By Walker Smith, Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships / Photos: Brandon Palaniuk
Anastasia Patterson learned this season that pressure carries weight.
The kind she puts on herself. The kind that comes from expectations. The kind that can quietly creep into every cast, every decision, every long drive down the highway to the next weigh-in.
“You want yourself to do the best you can, and I put a ton of pressure on myself,” Patterson said. “Towards the end of the season, I was talking to a friend and fellow competitor, and he gave me some great advice. He told me to just be comfortable with myself and that hit me in a meaningful way.”
For an angler still early in her career, comfort is not something that always comes easily. Patterson, a Team Toyota pro competing at some of the highest levels of bass fishing, spent much of the past year learning what it means to slow down, recalibrate and grow. Not just as an angler but as a woman navigating a demanding, male-dominated sport.
“I felt like I was repositioning myself this past season,” she said. “I feel like I was becoming more of the woman I wanted to be.”
That repositioning did not always feel graceful. Patterson calls this year what many athletes quietly dread.
“The ‘sophomore slump’ definitely happened this year,” she said.
The slump was not about effort. If anything, Patterson admits she may have tried too hard. She stayed busy, chased results and at times worried about details that often live outside an angler’s control. Over time, the constant motion left little room for reflection.
“I’ve been running around so busy,” she said. “But one big thing I’ve learned this year is that fishing local derbies has really helped me when it comes to fishing on the road.”
The local tournaments became grounding. They brought her back to basics. Reading water, trusting instincts and competing for the simple love of fishing. In a sport where careers are built on travel and schedules are relentless, staying connected to home waters offered clarity. That clarity is shaping how Patterson views the next chapter of her career.
“So, I’m in my junior year now and I’m trusting that Jesus is taking the wheel in a big way,” she said.
Faith has long been a steady presence in Patterson’s life but this season it became more visible. Not as a crutch, necessarily, but as an anchor. When results didn’t match expectations, faith helped reframe success.
“If I can help one person through fishing and lead them to faith, I’m all for it,” she said.
That mindset carries into nearly every corner of Patterson’s professional life, including her involvement with BassmastHER, a growing community dedicated to supporting and developing women in fishing.
“BassmastHER has been one of the greatest things I’ve ever had the opportunity to attach my name to,” Patterson said. “I go to every workshop and the girls are like my sisters. I talk to them all the time and it’s just the coolest thing I’ve ever done.”
The organization offers more than instruction. For Patterson, it provides belonging.
“There is something special about getting to know each other on a deeper level,” she said. “Meeting other outdoorswomen with a like-mindedness is so rewarding to all of us.”
Those relationships mattered during a year when confidence wavered. In conversations behind the scenes far from cameras and weigh-in stages, Patterson found reminders that growth rarely moves in a straight line.
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned this year is that you never stop learning,” she said. “Soaking in knowledge and networking are helping me in ways I don’t even see yet.”
That lesson extends beyond fishing technique. It applies to how she manages expectations, how she communicates with fans and how she presents herself publicly. Looking ahead, Patterson is not talking about minor tweaks. She is talking about a full reset.
“I’m in a whole reset for 2026,” she said. “Everything from my mind and body, to my shop and boat. New boats, trucks, getting my hair done; some stuff I haven’t had the chance to do as a woman.”
It is a statement that reflects the unique balance female anglers often must strike in the form of performing at a high level while carving out space to simply be themselves. For Patterson, that reset is not cosmetic. It is intentional.
“I am going to steer the ship as it sails,” she said. “No matter the conditions. There is no plan B. Just route A.”
That resolve is shaping her competitive goals as well. Patterson has history with nearly every fishery on the 2026 Opens schedule and that experience can be an asset or a burden.
“My goals for 2026 revolve around fishing in the moment,” she said. “I have a lot of history with almost every fishery on the Opens schedule. This past year I was probably too worried about the small details that could go wrong. But this upcoming year, I’d like to focus on the things that could actually go right.”
It’s a subtle shift but an important one. Instead of fishing defensively, Patterson wants to fish freely while trusting preparation without being trapped by it. That same philosophy is guiding how she plans to tell her story moving forward. Social media has become an unavoidable part of professional fishing, often presenting a polished version of reality. Patterson wants something different.
“I also want to start a YouTube channel and positively highlight women in fishing and tell my story better than I have been,” she said. “I want to show my good and bad times. I don’t want my social media accounts to be a highlight reel; I want everyone to see the good, the bad and the ugly.”
It is a vulnerable approach, but one Patterson believes is necessary, especially for young anglers watching from the sidelines. Her journey, marked by setbacks and self-discovery, mirrors what most competitors experience but rarely articulate. The pressure, the doubt and the recalibration are all part of the process.
Comforting herself, as her friend advised, did not mean lowering standards. It meant accepting that growth sometimes comes disguised as struggle. As Patterson prepares for what she calls her junior year, she does so with a clearer sense of purpose. Faith, community and self-awareness now sit alongside technique and preparation.
The water will still be unpredictable. The pressure will still exist. But Patterson is learning how to carry it differently. If along the way her story helps someone else feel seen in fishing, in faith or in life, then the season will have meant something far greater than numbers on a leaderboard.
Competing, Guiding, and Mentoring – Chase Carey’s Pursuit of Fishing for a Living
When Chase Carey graduated from Emmanuel University with a degree in Sports Management last year he had one major goal in mind: find a way to fish for a living. Like many up-and-comers in this next generation of tournament anglers, Carey made a name for himself through college fishing.
Under the leadership of a bass fishing legend, the late Pam Martin-Wells, or “Coach Pam” as Carey calls her, Chase and his partner Dylan Akins were crowned the Bassmaster College Series Team of the Year his senior year. Team of the Year was one of many accolades and accomplishments Carey compiled throughout his collegiate fishing career.
Since graduating, Carey has gone on to compete in the gauntlet that is the Bassmaster Opens, with hopes of one-day qualifying for the Elite Series through the Open EQs. Along with fishing tournaments, Carey started a guiding business to help off-set tournament expenses.
“I worked part-time for my dad’s automotive accessory business in the Atlanta-metro the first few months after graduating,” Carey explained. “But I realized I needed to spend more time on the water if I wanted to be able to compete with the best and get closer to my goal of fishing for a living. That was the catalyst to starting guide trips.”
Like many new fishing guides, Carey’s business started slowly but has steadily picked up as he grows his network and client list. Guide trips have allowed him to spend more time on the water the past six months, helping him hone his craft while simultaneously giving back to the next generation of fish-obsessed youngsters.
In addition to traditional 4-hour, 6-hour and electronics guide trips, Carey offers a unique and impactful option called “Youth Angler Mentorship” on his website. An idea that came to Carey after having a few kids approach him when he drove his boat past the neighborhood fishing pond.
“I usually stop and talk to the kids at our local fishing pond because I know how much impact one or two fishing mentors had on me when I was younger,” Carey said. “One day it hit me… why not create a service for young anglers where I could take them fishing monthly or semi-monthly on local lakes. With a consistent schedule, it’s more like teaching and training versus a fish-catching trip.
“I worked it out to make this option more cost effective for the kids and their parents than traditional guide trips, and it’s been great so far. One of my dad’s buddies, Chad Hart, was my fishing mentor in high school and it had a huge influence on me. I’m hoping this service can offer that same chance to kids who love to fish and are eager to learn.”
Carey’s time on the water has increased to an all-time high in the latter half of 2025, with guide trips, local tournaments and competing in one division of the Bassmaster Opens EQs complementing his ultimate goal. His relationship with Skeeter Boats and the Yamaha Power Pay contingency program have additionally helped Carey with his professional fishing pursuits.
During his years in the college fishing ranks, Carey won thousands of dollars through Yamaha Power Pay. Carey is quick to praise the program for its support of tournament fishermen and for the parents of high school and collegiate anglers.
This year Carey ran his third Skeeter boat powered by a Yamaha 250-horsepower V MAX SHO® and was rewarded with another $1,300 of bonus payouts for being the highest finishing angler in supported tournaments through Yamaha’s popular program.
“I owned my boat this year so I can tell you exactly how much I pocketed through Power Pay,” Carey said with a laugh. “Honestly, I couldn’t tell you how much money I made through the program in college because I gave all my checks to my dad, but I know the extra money was hugely helpful. My dad owned the boat in college and has always been my number one supporter. It’s the least I could do with all my family has done to help my dream.”
Carey’s response about his college Power Pay winnings and the genuine appreciation he has for his parents and supporters says a lot about his character. In a time where many people are quick to take all the credit, claim the rewards, stick out their chest and inflate their ego; it’s refreshing to hear Carey humbly give credit where it’s due.
More than just a talented young angler on the rise, Carey has proven to have a great head on his shoulders, too. There is little doubt he has a bright future ahead of him.
If you want to learn more about potential rewards through Yamaha’s free-to-register Power Pay program, follow this ink: https://yamahapowerpay.com/.
FIshful Thinking: Am I a Closeted Fly Fisherman?
By Vance McCullough, AC Insider
When tournament season winds down I stash a lot of the power fishing gear. Now I wade gin-clear shallows to cast diminutive offerings to small fish whose strikes I greet with the joy normally reserved for the birth of a child.
That would be ‘exhibit A’ in the case against me as a hard-core bass angler.
To keep the playing field level, I use a 6ft rod designed for lines testing between 1-and-4 pounds, paired with a gossamer thread of fluorocarbon boasting 4lbs of strength and hooks so small I frequently catch ambitious bluegill.
‘Exhibit B’.
I truly am out here for the joy of the whole experience, not just the short-lived thrill of landing a fish.
‘Exhibit C’ and likely the nail in the coffin for my case.
I do all the things I’ve always laughed at Western trout anglers for. Saltwater fly fishing is a different thing. Anyone who tames a giant tarpon or surging snook with a feather and a fly rod is cool. That’s some epic angling.
So my issue isn’t the gear involved. It’s the elitist attitudes of many trout chasers. As far as I can tell, the objective of their game is to wear as much of the LL Bean catalogue as possible in a single outing. If you catch a fish, fine. If not, “It’s about the process.” Of course, if you don’t post a selfie none of it counts.
OK – I’m kidding! Sort of. Wouldn’t want a fluff-chucker to spit white wine in my eye and try to run me over in their Saab.
But even down here in the land of eternal sunshine, there are seasons and patterns. Right now we’re in the ‘off’ season for major tournament action. All I want to do is see a fish eat and feel it fight so I take my little finesse spinning rod for a hike through the pine flats. A backpack is more than adequate to house the small selection of slinky worms and stubby minnows I’ve packed, all of which work well on a dropshot. The maximum depth I’ll fish today is three feet and you could read the label on a bottle lying on the bottom. So my dropshot is weightless. I cut the leader off completely. I nose hook a straight sliver of plastic designed for quivering over suspended bass located on electronics that cost more than a high-end fly rod. I use my eyes to find fish and the targets that may hide them. Just like my flyfishing cousins. See? We’re not that different. I even use expensive brand name eye wear. That’s 1 more point for me on the fly angler scale! I might be coming out of the closet here.
Besides, it’s all good as we’ll see.
Winter typically brings low, clear water conditions to start with and this year we’ve also had a bit of drought, so I’m adjusting by seeking out not the deepest lakes around, but the shallowest, the ones most affected by low water conditions. The ones that leave their fish no option but to crowd into predictable places where a stealthy angler can score quickly. Hence, the fly rod cross-dressed as a fairy wand spinning rod, either of which would garner much scorn should I be seen by other bass anglers. This is no small part of the reason I seek the solitude of heavily wooded ponds and shallow sloughs.
It is in these places - where winds seldom reach through soaring pines and palmetto-packed forest floor – where nothing stirs the surface to break up my approach to the transparent water, bounded by sand below and air only a couple of feet above, where there is no room for error, this is where my best is demanded of me. This is where I practice my art on the smallest scale I know. And for such extreme endeavor on these small waters I am rewarded with equally small fish, giants all of them.
You get good at fishing by fishing. It doesn’t matter what for, doesn’t matter which technique you employ, the art of pursuit is learned through experience, through feel, through stripping away all that distracts you from your game and by just going fishing.
Then there’s the scenery. I’ve always figured it to be a major draw for those who wade mountain streams. The mountains. Snowcapped and distant, shedding water that broadens the landscape you tread. Sure, there are fish. But if you didn’t catch one you’d be no worse off for the glimpse of Heaven. And so it goes when I’m on a wooded gem, small as a diamond and sometimes as hard to crack. If I catch nothing but the sunset I’ve lived a hundred years today, silver barked maples pressing water’s edge, their scarlet leaves reflected on the surface through which I focus to see a bass spook from the shadow of my ‘invisible’ line.
Note to self: don’t put anything, including invisible line, between the fish and the sun.
It’s little lessons like this that you didn’t know you’d forgotten that will take your angling from good to great once they become a solid habit. Winning is a habit and I’ll get back to that aspect of the sport in a couple of months. This experience today will help me then. It’s not that I’ll use 4lb line in a tournament but every time you cast a lure you continue to sharpen your skills. All fishing trips have value. I grew up bream fishing the St Johns River with a cane pole. When I picked up a baitcaster, the flipping technique came natural to me. I had been using it for years to drop a live cricket in tiny spots between lily pads and then play the feisty bluegills out on 6lb line. Those experiences formed the basis of my fishing DNA. Every cast counts. For life.
I’ll be back to tournament fishing with 65lb braid and flipping sticks soon enough. For now, I’m a kid again as Christmas rolls around and I fish for simply the pure joy of it, taking what comes as a grateful child accepts a gift. Socks and underwear? Uh, thanks Grandma!
Battery Tender named Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. officials have announced that Battery Tender®, a global leader in battery chargers, maintainers and portable power solutions, has signed on as the presenting sponsor of the 2026 Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Series, one of the sport’s most competitive and influential tournament trails.
The multievent partnership brings together two brands known for dependability and performance, strengthening support for the next generation of Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series pros while enhancing the tournament experience for anglers and fans nationwide.
“Bassmaster is the gold standard in the fishing world, and for a family-owned company with our own deep history, partnering with an organization that has defined the sport for decades is a major milestone,” said Michael Prelec Jr., CEO of Battery Tender. “It's an opportunity to align our brand with the very best in the industry and demonstrate our commitment to keeping anglers powered and ready for the future of sportfishing. We look forward to a successful collaboration that elevates the experience for fans and pros alike.”
With more than 35 years of experience delivering trusted charging and power-management technology, Battery Tender has become a staple for boaters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts who rely on dependable equipment. The company’s lineup of smart chargers, maintainers and portable power solutions ensures batteries stay healthy, efficient and ready for peak performance — a critical advantage for anglers who depend on their electronics, trolling motors and onboard systems during long, demanding competition days.
This shared emphasis on reliability and readiness makes Battery Tender a natural fit for Bassmaster, where success often hinges on preparation and having gear that performs flawlessly on the water.
“Battery Tender has earned a reputation for reliability and innovation — two qualities that resonate deeply with our anglers and fans,” said Phillip Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of B.A.S.S. “As presenting sponsor of the 2026 Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens, they’ll play a pivotal role in supporting the pathway to the Elite Series and helping us deliver the best possible tournament experience. We’re excited to welcome them into the Bassmaster family and look forward to a strong and impactful partnership.”
The 2026 Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens presented by Battery Tender will kick off January 29 on Florida’s renowned Kissimmee Chain of Lakes in Kissimmee, Fla. The season-opening tournament is expected to draw a full field of aspiring Elite Series pros eager to test their skills on one of the Sunshine State’s most dynamic fisheries. Known for producing heavyweight largemouth and dramatic early-season competition, the Kissimmee event will set the tone for a high-stakes Opens schedule that spans diverse fisheries across the country.
The Opens Series will continue to offer developing pros a direct path to the Bassmaster Elite Series while showcasing emerging talent. As presenting sponsor, Battery Tender will be integrated across on-site activations, live coverage and digital platforms, helping connect anglers with reliable power solutions built for life on the water.
For registration and more information about the Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens presented by Battery Tender visit Bassmaster.com/Opens.
About Battery Tender®
Battery Tender® is a leading force in the power management and battery industry, dedicated to crafting cutting-edge charging and maintenance solutions. With a rich legacy spanning over 35 years, our brand has garnered unwavering trust from customers, owing to our steadfast commitment to performance and unmatched product reliability. For more information, visit BatteryTender.com and follow @BatteryTender on social.
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Series presented by Battery Tender, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Winslow Cashes in on the Mississippi, Claims $5,000 Yamaha Power Pay Bonus at La Crosse
By Walker Smith / Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships
Noah Winslow’s week on the Mississippi River in La Crosse will be remembered for more than just another strong finish. It marked a turning point. It was a breakout moment blending performance, preparation and timely decisions that paid off in a big way. By finishing as the highest-qualified Yamaha angler in the field at the 2025 BASS Nation National Championship, Winslow captured the Yamaha Power Pay contingency prize and walked away with a $5,000 bonus to go along with a career-defining tournament.
Winslow’s second-place finish and his Power Pay payday on the storied Mississippi River was validation that the young angler has what it takes to compete at the next level. Fishing against a stacked field on a dynamic fishery known for current, changing water levels and endless decision-making, the 26-year-old Connecticut pro leaned into his strengths and trusted his instincts.
“I caught them all on the main river and channel-oriented spots,” Winslow said. “I fished on the outside of eel grass areas a good bit. I made a point to target a lot of hard cover and rock.”
That simple, straightforward approach is emblematic of Winslow’s style. He doesn’t overcomplicate things. Instead, he focuses on where fish live and how they feed, especially in river systems where positioning matters more than finding a school. The bass told him exactly what they wanted as the tournament unfolded.
“They were really eating bluegills, and I ended up catching them all on a plastic free rig in 2 to 5 feet of water.”
The free rig, a relatively simple yet highly effective presentation, was the key to triggering bites in the Mississippi’s rolling current. Winslow explained how the setup helped him present his bait more naturally in moving water.
“A free rig is essentially a drop shot sinker on your line that can slide up and down freely. It lets your plastic look much more natural in current. I mainly used a 1/8- or 3/16-ounce weight on the Mississippi.”
That attention to detail allowed Winslow to maximize every productive stretch of river. Each bite mattered and by the final day, his consistency propelled him to near the top.
“I finished second in this tournament and qualified for the 2026 Bassmaster Classic®… it was a dream come true.”
For Winslow, the significance of that statement can’t be overstated. The Bassmaster Classic® is the dream, the stage every angler imagines when they first pick up a rod. For someone who grew up far from the traditional bass fishing hotbeds, the opportunity feels even bigger.
“I’m 26 and have never fished a Classic before. I’m so excited for the overall experience of the Classic. Not many people from my neck of the woods in Connecticut get the chance to go.”
Despite the magnitude of what lies ahead, Winslow isn’t allowing the moment to overwhelm him.
“It might be a little intimidating at first, but I don’t get caught up in all of that.”
Instead, he’s already thinking about how he’ll approach the biggest event of his career with aggression and confidence.
“I’m going to fish super hard and take gambles because no one remembers who finished in second place.”
That mindset mirrors how he approached La Crosse, where commitment and execution carried him to both a podium finish and being the highest finishing angler for Yamaha Power Pay payout. Winslow has been loyal to Yamaha for years and his confidence in the equipment runs deep.
“I’ve run a Yamaha for a long time. I’ve genuinely never had a single problem. I could never not run one at this point. From big water on Champlain to backwaters on the Mississippi, my outboard has been flawless.”
That reliability mattered on the Mississippi River, where long runs, shallow backwaters and unpredictable conditions demand an engine that performs without question. Perhaps the most surprising part of the week came after the weigh-in, when Winslow realized just how much the contingency bonus would be worth.
“I didn’t realize the Power Pay check would be that much so I was super pumped about it. I actually signed up right before the tournament and I’m so glad I did!”
It was a reminder that preparation isn’t only about tackle and practice. Sometimes it’s about taking advantage of opportunities off the water as well. For Noah Winslow, La Crosse delivered confidence, cash and a ticket to the Bassmaster Classic®. And if his week on the Mississippi River was any indication, it’s only the beginning.
Gerald Swindle on the Road to Recovery
Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships, Photo: Bassmaster
The 2025 off-season has looked a little different for Team Toyota pro Gerald Swindle. Usually “G-man” and his wife LeAnn are focused on whitetail deer, what the direction is blowing, and which treestand they want to climb into during the break in tournament season throughout fall and winter.
This year, the Swindle’s have been focused on rehab and recovery from knee replacement surgery. The 56-year-old Elite Series veteran and fan favorite scheduled to have both of his knees replaced this offseason. Swindle had his first knee surgery immediately following his duties as emcee for the annual Toyota Bonus Bucks Owners Tournament.
Thankfully his first surgery was successful and smooth. Swindle has since been working hard to recover and get stronger.
“The first week or two post knee replacement sucks, there is no way around that,” Swindle said with candidness. “But it’s been a necessary evil. My knees have been causing me so much pain these last few years, it was time to get these things fixed up. I’m six weeks out from my first replacement and I’m set to go in December 22nd to have my other knee replaced. And as crazy as it sounds… I’m excited.”
Swindle is six weeks post-op from his first knee replacement and has met every physical therapy milestone with flying colors. He’s been putting in “overtime” miles on the stationary bike he has at home and even met his own goal of getting into a deer blind a time or two since surgery back in early November.
While recovering from a major, invasive surgery like this is anything but easy, the Swindle’s have been encouraged at the results. Though it’s not quite time to let up. Swindle has his second knee replacement surgery scheduled just before Christmas and he knows exactly what lies ahead of him.
“My left knee is already feeling so much better that I can honestly say I’m excited to go back in and have this second one done,” Swindle explained. “I know there is plenty of pain and perseverance on my plate following surgery but it’s like I’ve seen the light at the end of the tunnel. I’m excited to be able to fish and live life without dealing with the knee pain I’ve had.”
If you’re a fan or you’ve followed Swindle over the years, you know his knees are something that have caused him pain and issues in the past. The decision to undergo double knee replacement this off-season, or factory resets as he jokingly calls it, was made with hope that this will help him on and off the water.
Swindle will have to attack his right knee rehab with the same tenacity that he did his left knee replacement, because practice for first Elite Series tournament of the year begins just over six weeks from his surgery date of 12/22. He’ll undergo another arduous six weeks of physical therapy before being cleared to get back on the water in time to kick off the 2026 Elite Series season on Lake Guntersville.
What many may look at as an insurmountable obstacle, Swindle sees a challenge, and one he is ready to conquer.
“Man, you know I’m all about PMA (positive mental attitude) and this fall I’ve been reminded the importance of having goals on top of PMA,” Swindle offered. “They give you milestones at PT (physical therapy), but I had a list of my own goals, too. Little goals like fishing from the bank three weeks after surgery, pushing past the mileage goal on my bike, or climbing into a deer stand six weeks post-op. With my biggest goal of being healthy and ready to fish by tournament time on Guntersville.
“Just things for me to work towards and keep me grinding. No matter where you are in life or what you do, I think you gotta have goals. Little ones, big ones. Things to keep you honest and encourage you to put in the work, no matter what the work may be.”
Gerald Swindle is a two-time Angler of the Year who has amassed nearly $3 million in tournament winnings over his career. He’s achieved more than most could dream of in this sport but the fire to compete still burns hot. G-man still has a hard road ahead of him, but he continues to approach his recovery with the same grit, PMA, effort and swagger that has propelled him throughout his walk of life.
Gill Sets the Bar as MLF’s Youngest Bass-Fishing Millionaire
By: Jody White
When Drew Gill put a bow on his primary tournament season at the Toyota Series Championship, where he finished second by tiebreaker, the $50,000 check pushed his career earnings over the $1 million mark. In itself, winning a million dollars casting for bass is an impressive achievement, and this fall, Gill became the youngest to ever do it with MLF.
Edging ahead of Michael Bennett, who won the Forrest Wood Cup at 24 years old back when it paid $1 million, Gill accomplished the feat at just 23 years old. Over the last few years, Gill has pushed himself into the stratosphere of bass fishing by staying extremely busy, fishing just about every event he could fit on the schedule and almost never missing a payday at any level.
Bennett fished 54 total events with FLW before crossing the $1 million mark, with an FLW Tour win for $100,000 and then a Forrest Wood Cup win for $1 million on the list. Gill fished a total of 66 events with MLF, but only 52 if you remove college events. College and other team winnings aren’t included in this calculation, so, by some measures, Gill also made it in fewer events than Bennett.
Youngest anglers to reach $1 million in career earnings with MLF
- Drew Gill, 23 years old
- Michael Bennett, 24
- Jacob Wheeler, 25
- David Dudley, 26
- Michael Neal, 29
- Luke Clausen, 30
- Dakota Ebare, 30
- Anthony Gagliardi, 31
- Brent Ehrler, 32
- Alton Jones Jr., 32
Gill didn’t see it coming
Very cerebral, Gill is usually well aware of any stat, be it bite percentage, the number of scorable bass needed or the check weight. This one, he didn’t really see coming.
“I wasn’t tracking it, and to be honest, because of the All-American and the Forrest Wood Cup, I thought it was a (Jacob) Wheeler accolade that I’d never get,” Gill said. “So, when you texted me that, I was kind of shocked. But I’m tickled.”
Though Gill didn’t have his eye on the record, and Bennett’s success came before his time, he’s been after the $1 million mark hot and heavy.
“When I got into bass fishing and started doing it competitively, having the idea of being the youngest to get to $1 million wasn’t something I considered,” he said. “Once things got rolling, it was a goal of mine. I wanted to reach $1 million by the end of this year, once we got about halfway through the season and I thought it was feasible. To do that was a goal of mine, and to achieve that is super cool. It’s a milestone for most people in bass fishing who get to have long careers.”
Gill made about a third of his money in three events, his two Bass Pro Tour wins (on the Chowan River and Lake Murray) and his Tackle Warehouse Invitationals win on Sam Rayburn. But, only the BPT wins were for six figures, and a lot of his earnings have come with solid Top 10 checks cashed at all levels.
The Neko master
While the internet has been abuzz about minnows, Gill has made big money with a worm.
“I had a high school seminar this weekend, and it came up in conversation, and the Neko rig has been responsible for over $600,000 of my winnings,” Gill said. “Whether solely responsible or in part, it has played a role in over 60% of my tournament winnings.”
Gill is so into the Neko worm that he has a signature bait, the Big Bite Baits Nekorama, which came to market when he was just 22 years old.
“The Nekorama played a role in me winning at the Chowan and Murray, and since its inception last year, it’s been responsible for I think nine Top 10s and two wins,” he said. “It’s been a big part – it alone, or in part – has been a factor in probably $400,000 the last two years.”
Still more to accomplish
In the last few years, Gill has been inescapable – when he’s not in the Top 10, he’s part of the culture of bass fishing. Leading a crop of exciting young anglers on the edge of college, few have fished as well on the top level as Gill.
“There’s a lot of things I’m very grateful for; when it goes so well, you feel like you’re disenfranchising some achievements by highlighting others,” he said. “Having a Bass Pro Tour trophy matters a lot to me, but the Sam Rayburn trophy mattered a lot because it showed me that winning was possible. But, the Bass Pro Tour trophies matter a lot. It’s the best field in fishing – it’s indisputable – so having won twice, proving that it wasn’t a fluke, matters a lot to me.”
Gill’s consistency stands out as well, and he’s actively pursued it.
“One of the things I’m proudest of is that since starting on the Invitationals, out of essentially five seasons of fishing, I’ve missed a total of three checks,” he said. “I’m averaging less than one missed check a season. I always pride myself on my ability to always go for the layup. I’m a safe bet guy, and that safe bet mentality has led to making a lot of checks and a lot of Top 10s.”
Being the youngest to $2 million is well within reach for Gill (with MLF and FLW, it’s David Dudley at 30 years old), but before that, Gill has other goals.
“You’ve got to have this goal, I’m not saying it is realistic or even possible, but gosh dang I’d love to win a Bass Pro Tour Angler of the Year,” he said. “I think that’s the most meaningful trophy in bass fishing right now, because if you get that trophy, you had to beat Jacob Wheeler to do it. That’s Wheeler’s trophy, and if you take it from him, that’s something.
“Most AOY trophies, it’s about being consistent, and if you make Top 10s and Top 20s, you’re good,” he said. “With Wheeler, your Top 10s need to be top fives, and your worst tournament can’t be worse than the 20s. That’s the recipe you need to be on; I don’t know what to do to bridge that gap. This year I had a first, a seventh, an eighth and an 11th, and my four best tournaments are significantly behind him, and I’m not sure how to turn a great tournament into an incredible tournament. A Top 10 is great. To go from great to incredible intentionally is one of the hardest things to do – it’s a lot easier to never be bad.”
Certainly, Gill has made it look easy at times, but considering the statistical company he’s in, it’s anything but. Payouts have changed a little over the years, so getting to $1 million in earnings can happen faster now than Kevin VanDam or Rick Clunn could have imagined. But, when you’re at the head of a list that includes Brent Ehrler, David Dudley, Luke Clausen, Michael Neal and Dakota Ebare, you’re in rare company, and that doesn’t happen easily, or by accident.
For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Bass Pro Tour, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV and Game & Fish TV, and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Turtlebox Audio named Title Sponsor of Bassmaster Opens Tournament Series
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. officials are excited to announce that Turtlebox Audio, the rugged portable speaker company built for adventure, has signed on as the Title Sponsor of the Bassmaster Opens. The agreement pairs one of the fastest-growing brands in outdoor audio with one of the sport’s most competitive and widely followed tournament series.
Turtlebox delivers the most durable, high-performance audio products built for the outdoors — on the water, in the mountains and beyond. The brand’s products are available nationwide through national and specialty retail partners, major online marketplaces, and owned brand channels. In addition to creating premium audio equipment, Turtlebox actively supports the outdoor community, from conservation causes to grassroots angling events — always encouraging people to get outside and explore.
The Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens serve as a critical proving ground for anglers aspiring to compete at the sport’s highest levels — the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series and ultimately the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour. With eight tournaments across two divisions, the Opens offer a national stage for the next generation of professional bass anglers.
“B.A.S.S. has been a staple in fishing for decades, providing anglers of all ages a real shot at chasing big dreams,” said Will Bradley, Co-Founder of Turtlebox. “Turtlebox is fired up to be the Title Sponsor of the Bassmaster Opens and to stand behind a community that lives and breathes the outdoors as much as we do.”
Phillip Johnson, B.A.S.S. Chief Operating Officer, said the partnership is a natural fit for both organizations. “We’re proud to welcome Turtlebox as the Title Sponsor of the Bassmaster Opens,” Johnson said. “Their passion for adventure and commitment to durability perfectly reflect the spirit of Bassmaster anglers — men and women who depend on reliable gear in every condition. Together, we’ll continue to elevate the Opens and the anglers who make this series so special.”
The Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens will kick off at the Kissimmee Chain in Kissimmee, Fla., January 29-31, 2026, continuing a tradition of competitive excellence that has shaped the careers of some of the sport’s biggest stars.
For registration and more information about the Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Series visit Bassmaster.com/Opens.
About Turtlebox:
Originally designed to fuel a shared passion of the outdoors in South-Central Texas, Turtlebox is a leading manufacturer of portable audio devices. The brand’s mission is to produce the best-sounding, most durable, portable speakers available. In pursuit of untamed adventure, Turtlebox products are built to withstand the harshest elements, providing an unmatched, elevated experience outdoors. For more information, please visit TurtleboxAudio.com.
Turtlebox Fishing Marketing Inquiries, Please Contact:
Garren Johanson, Community Marketing Manager
Turtlebox Media Inquiries, Please Contact:
Bird Dog Public Relations
Thacher Stone
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Series, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Boats, ornaments, and beyond: Lance Newton leads Vexus® with a servant’s heart
Nine summers ago, the son of a rural school superintendent walked into a 14-acre hay pasture full of ticks alongside Forrest L. Wood’s grandson, Keith Daffron, his longtime close friend, and together they began staking out boundaries for an ambitious dream to build their own state-of-the-art boat manufacturing facility in Flippin, Arkansas.
Today, Lance Newton serves as V.P. of Operations for Vexus® Boats, working daily to lead nearly 200 dedicated teammates to build the highest quality fishing boats in the business, in a manner that is not only highly efficient, but also considerate of treating teammates with respect and appreciation throughout the process.
“I can’t help but be proud of the fact we literally started Vexus from the ground up by pounding PVC stakes in the ground that summer day, and have turned it into one of the most respected fishing boat brands in the world, while working with friends and family,” says Newton, who grew up in nearby Viola, and earned a mechanical engineering degree from Arkansas Tech in 2002.
As the ticks take a breather and the leaves disappear from the local Ozark Mountain landscape each autumn, Lance Newton’s heart for serving others takes on an additional focus as he creates the design for the company Christmas ornament, of which close to 500 will be laser cut by Precision Technologies in Ft. Smith, and sent to treasured friends of Vexus along with a card signed by numerous Vexus employees.
“It’s something we’ve been doing since our first Christmas at Vexus for all of our employees, boat dealers, industry partners, and even the local community, like the folks down at Flippin City Hall,” smiles Newton. “Everybody seems to love getting one, so now it’s an expected and fun tradition,” he adds.
This year’s design, shown in the accompanying photo, features a jumping largemouth with a Vexus logo where its eye is located. You can also see several of the ones Newton has designed in previous years in the photo. Look even closer, and you’ll note they’re resting on the original CAD-created blueprints he produced in 2017 to build the state-of-the-art factory.
“We based the factory design on our long-term production goals. Our goal is not to build the most boats, but instead, to build the best boats, and with input from so many people with decades of boat building experience, we’ve definitely learned what not to do, and to make the next new model even better than the last,” says Newton, who loves to drag a football jig on Bull Shoals and pheasant hunt with treasured friends, when he’s not leading the charge at Vexus.
“I think to be a great leader, you’ve got to be a great listener, as well as a great servant,” says Newton. “I’m here to make the lives of our employees and boat buying customers better through compassionate guidance. I believe that leads to us producing boats our customers are really proud to own.”
Certainly, the premium quality boats being built by Newton and his team nearly a decade after he and Daffron waded through ticks with a dream is all the proof necessary he’s a man of his word. But if you need a little added confirmation, look no further than the branches of Christmas trees owned by longtime friends of Vexus, and you’ll see reflections of his kind heart and creative mechanical mind there too.
To learn more about the quality fishing vessels he and his team build, please visit https://vexusboats.com/.
B.A.S.S. announces 2026 Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers schedule
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. announced today the 2026 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers presented by Bass Pro Shops (EQ) schedule, marking the second year of the postseason-style format designed to challenge the top anglers from the Bassmaster Opens. After a widely praised debut — one that produced 10 new Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series pros, including rising star Fisher Anaya and long-respected veteran Russ Lane — the EQs will return with a three-event run across some of the most intriguing fisheries in the country.
The 2026 season opens September 23-25 on Norfork Lake in Mountain Home, Ark., a deep, clear Ozarks impoundment known for its finesse-heavy patterns. From there, the trail shifts to Toledo Bend Reservoir in Many, La., October 21-23, where fall transitions, hydrilla flats, underwater forests and trophy-class bass will demand power fishing and precision. The season concludes November 11-13 on legendary Lake Guntersville in Guntersville, Ala., a grass-rich Tennessee River powerhouse that will challenge anglers with shifting fall bait movements, big schools of bass and world-class ledge fishing. Together, these fisheries form a diverse, high-pressure proving ground that embodies what the EQs are intended to be: a final test of versatility, mental toughness and performance under postseason stress.
Each event will now conclude on Friday to maximize digital viewership and fan engagement heading into the weekend. B.A.S.S. will once again award $110,000 in Angler of the Year prize money, while entry fees and payouts remain unchanged from the 2025 structure, based on 135 entries.
The EQ No-Information Rule will mirror the Bassmaster Elites Series, Bassmaster Opens and Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour restriction in order to continue to ensure the highest level of competitive integrity. Forward-Facing Sonar will be allowed at one EQ tournament, one without and the final tournament will be decided by a coin flip at the conclusion of the Bassmaster Opens season.
“We are excited to release this schedule so anglers can prepare for the entire season,” said Hank Weldon, B.A.S.S. Executive Director of Tournaments. “These fisheries will be challenging, and with the diversity they offer in this postseason run, we believe they represent what the EQs are all about.”
The EQ format remains one of the most demanding paths in professional bass fishing, with only 10 Elite Series invitations available and a schedule tailor-made to reveal the best all-around anglers in the Opens field. For more information on the 2026 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers presented by Bass Pro Shops, visit Bassmaster.com.
There are still spots available in both divisions of the 2026 Bassmaster Opens. To register, visit Bassmaster.com/Opens.
2026 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers presented by Bass Pro Shops Schedule:
- September 23-25: Norfork Lake, Mountain Home, Ark.
- October 21-23: Toledo Bend Reservoir, Many, La.
- November 11-13: Lake Guntersville, Guntersville, Ala.
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens Series, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Mandy Pascal, Communications Manager, 334-414-8677, [email protected]
101 anglers set to compete on 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series
101 anglers set to compete on 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Coming off the heels of a record-breaking 2025 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series season that awarded 11 century belts, saw four-first time champions (two of which were members of the 2025 rookie class) and garnered over 183 million social media impressions, B.A.S.S. has announced the 101-angler field for an exciting 2026 Elite Series season.
Next year, anglers will be put to the test with the use of forward-facing sonar only being allowed at five of the nine regular-season Elite events. Anglers will be competing for a $100,000 first-place prize at each stop of the season, while also accumulating valuable Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year points in hopes of making it to the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
“Each season, the Bassmaster Elite Series showcases the very best in professional bass fishing, and 2026 will be no exception,” said B.A.S.S. Elite Series Tournament Director Lisa Talmadge. “We’re excited to welcome 101 incredibly talented anglers who represent the heart of this sport — a mix of proven champions, rising stars and hungry newcomers all ready to compete on some of the most iconic fisheries in the country. It’s going to be an unforgettable season for our anglers and fans alike.”
With the exception of one angler, every 2025 Elite Series angler who qualified is returning next year. The list of anglers includes 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour champion Easton Fothergill of Grand Rapids, Minn., who won the most coveted trophy in bass fishing during his freshman season on the Elites. Two-time Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year Chris Johnston will also join the ranks of returning anglers alongside Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Rookie of the Year Tucker Smith, who took home his first blue trophy at the 2025 Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork with a 127-pound, 8-ounce winning weight that also earned him a century belt .
Ten anglers from the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers presented by Bass Pro Shops will also be joining the 2026 Elite roster, including 20-year-old Alabama phenom Fisher Anaya who claimed the 2025 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers presented by Bass Pro Shops Angler of the Year title. Wisconsin’s Nick Trim clinched an Elite Series spot for himself alongside his big win at the 2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship at Upper Mississippi River presented by Lowrance.
The 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series kicks off on Alabama’s Lake Guntersville February 5. From there the tournament trail will wind through six states as anglers battle for cash prizes and attempt to qualify for the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Each tournament will begin with the full field of anglers on Days 1 and 2 before the field is cut to the Top 50 on Semifinal Saturday. Only the Top 10 anglers will fish the final day of the event, with a $100,000 first-place prize and a blue trophy on the line.
Keep up with all the action from the 2026 Elite Series season on Bassmaster.com as well as the B.A.S.S. social channels and the FAST Channel on Roku.
2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series Field
Fisher Anaya, Eva, Ala.
Matt Arey, Shelby, N.C.
Justin Atkins, Florence, Ala.
Drew Benton, Panama City, Fla.
Stetson Blaylock, Benton, Ark.
Beau Browning, Hot Springs, Ark.
Scott Canterbury, Odenville, Ala.
Blake Capps, Muskogee, Okla.
Brandon Card, Salisbury, N.C.
Hank Cherry, Lincolnton, N.C.
Jason Christie, Welling, Okla.
Joey Cifuentes, Clinton, Ark.
Brandon Cobb, Greenwood, S.C.
Keith Combs, Huntington, Texas
Drew Cook, Cairo, Ga.
John Cox, DeBary, Fla.
Austin Cranford, Moore, Okla.
John Crews, Salem, Va.
Will Davis Jr., Sylacauga, Ala.
Greg DiPalma, Millville, N.J.
Bob Downey, Detroit Lakes, Minn.
Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas
Seth Feider, New Market, Minn.
Austin Felix, Eden Prairie, Minn.
Easton Fothergill, Grand Rapids, Minn.
Jacob Foutz, Charleston, Tenn.
Kyoya Fujita, Minamitsuru, Yamanashi, Japan
Cooper Gallant, Bowmanville, Canada
John Garrett, Union City, Tenn.
David Gaston, Sylacauga, Ala.
Robert Gee, Knoxville, Tenn.
Wesley Gore, Clanton, Ala.
Buddy Gross, Chickamauga, Ga.
Jeff Gustafson, Keewatin, Canada
Greg Hackney, Gonzales, La.
Justin Hamner, Northport, Ala.
Sam Hanggi, Knoxville, Tenn.
Jamie Hartman, Plumerville, Ark.
Randy Howell, Guntersville, Ala.
Caleb Hudson, Lincolnton, Ga.
Cody Huff, Ava, Mo.
Mike Iaconelli, Pittsgrove, N.J.
Taku Ito, Chiba, Japan
Aaron Jadgfeld, Rochester Hills, Mich.
Carl Jocumsen, Toowoomba, Australia
Chris Johnston, Otonabee, Canada
Cory Johnston, Otonabee, Canada
Steve Kennedy, Auburn, Ala.
Kenta Kimura, Hirakata, Osaka, Japan
Evan Kung, Pickering, Canada
Caleb Kuphall, Mukwonago, Wis.
Russ Lane, Prattville, Ala.
Jordan Lee, Cullman, Ala.
Shane LeHew, Catawba, N.C.
Brandon Lester, Fayetteville, Tenn.
Lee Livesay, Longview, Texas
Andrew Loberg, Guntersville, Ala.
Wes Logan, Springville, Ala.
Bill Lowen, Brookville, Ind.
Paul Marks, Cumming, Ga.
Tristan McCormick, Bon Aqua, Tenn.
Trey McKinney, Carbondale, Ill.
Mark Menendez, Paducah, Ky.
Matt Messer, Warfield, Ky.
Cody Meyer, Eagle, Idaho
Brock Mosley, Collinsville, Miss.
David Mullins, Mt. Carmel, Tenn.
Bryan New, Leesville, S.C.
Kyle Norsetter, Cottage Grove, Wis.
Cliff Pace, Ovett, Miss.
Brandon Palaniuk, Rathdrum, Idaho
Luke Palmer, Coalgate, Okla.
Logan Parks, Auburn, Ala.
Kyle Patrick, Cooperstown, N.Y.
Clifford Pirch, Payson, Ariz.
Jacob Powroznik, North Prince George, Va.
Jay Przekurat, Plover, Wis.
KJ Queen, Catawba, N.C.
Alex Redwine, Blue Ash, Ohio
Brock Reinkemeyer, Warsaw, Mo.
Tyler Rivet, Raceland, La.
Matt Robertson, Kuttawa, Ky.
Cole Sands, Johnson City, Tenn.
Pat Schlapper, Eleva, Wis.
Bryan Schmitt, Deale, Md.
Hunter Shryock, Ooltewah, Tenn.
Bryant Smith, Roseville, Calif.
Tucker Smith, Birmingham, Ala.
Pake South, Winnsboro, Texas
Caleb Sumrall, New Iberia, La.
Gerald Swindle, Guntersville, Ala.
JT Thompkins, Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Nick Trim, Galesville, Wis.
Emil Wagner, Marietta, Ga.
Patrick Walters, Eutawville, S.C.
Kyle Welcher, Valley, Ala.
Brad Whatley, Bivins, Texas
Jake Whitaker, Hendersonville, N.C.
Tyler Williams, Belgrade, Maine
Jason Williamson, Aiken, S.C.
Chris Zaldain, Boyd, Texas
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Missile Baits Announces Freedom Flyer 4.25 Shipping All Over
Salem, VA — [December 9, 2025] — Missile Baits, a leader in innovative soft-plastic lure design, is excited to announce that the highly anticipated Freedom Flyer 4.25 Minnow is officially here and now shipping to dealers across the globe.
Engineered for ultimate action and versatility, the Freedom Flyer 4.25 Minnow brings a new level of performance because of it being the easiest minnow to elicit the fish catching rolling action. The rear mounted side up-pitch elevators cause the easy rolling action. They are manufactured with a patented 3D printed mold cavity process that allows for the totally unique angles and details.
“Anglers want a minnow that is easy to roll because that is the fish catching action,” said John Crews of Missile Baits. “The Freedom Flyer 4.25 is exactly that because of the up-pitch elevators in the rear. There is no other minnow out there like it.”
The Freedom Flyer 4.25 Minnow is available in a wide array of proven fish-catching colors specially selected to match baitfish across all regions. Each bait is poured with Missile Baits’ premium soft-plastic formula, ensuring durability, action, and unmatched attention to detail.
Key Features of the Freedom Flyer™ 4.25 Minnow:
- Realistic minnow profile with integrated up-pitch elevators on the rear
- Designed for jig heads, Chatterbaits, weightless, and more
- Packaged in a protective clam so all baits are perfect
- Available in multiple proven fish catching colors
- Made in the USA
Dealers around the world have already begun receiving shipments this week, and anglers can expect to find the new Freedom Flyer 4.25 Minnow on store shelves and online tackle shops immediately at www.missilebaits.store.
About Missile Baits
Missile Baits is dedicated to producing high-performance bass fishing baits that deliver real results at the highest levels of competition. We design, test, and refine every bait to meet the demands of today’s top anglers. To see more stories, product news, or angler tips, visit www.missilebaits.store.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
[email protected] | (855) HOOKSET (466-5738)
THE ULTIMATE ANGLER ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL 2026 DATES
September 27 – October 3, 2026 • Goose Pond Colony • Scottsboro, Alabama
Scottsboro, Alabama — Unified Pros is proud to announce that The Ultimate Angler World Championship will officially return September 27 – October 3, 2026, taking over Goose Pond Colony for one of the most electrifying weeks in competitive fishing.
Widely recognized as one of the most unique and fast-growing championship events in the sport, the Ultimate Angler brings together the biggest names, the brightest talent, and thousands of fans for seven days of elite competition, entertainment, and community celebration.
“This event represents everything we love about this sport—competition, conservation, and community,” said Lori Waller, Vice President of Unified Pros. “2026 is shaping up to be our biggest year yet. The anglers, the expo, the concert, the excitement—it all comes together in a way you simply can’t experience anywhere else in the country.”
Details regarding the sanctioned qualifying events and the official 2026 purse will be announced soon.
A WEEK PACKED WITH ACTION, ENTERTAINMENT, AND INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE
The Ultimate Angler is more than a championship—it's an immersive, destination experience. The 2026 event will feature:
The Nation’s Top Professional Anglers
Elite competitors from across all major fishing leagues will converge on Lake Guntersville for a one-of-a-kind showdown that showcases the highest level of skill, strategy, and determination.
A Major Concert Event
A headlining live performance will anchor the week, creating a festival atmosphere that draws spectators from across the region.
The Ultimate Outdoor Expo
Hundreds of vendors, industry partners, and outdoor brands will fill the expo grounds with the latest gear, boats, apparel, technology, and lifestyle experiences.
Community, Youth, and Conservation Initiatives
The event includes youth education programs, field trips, conservation activities, and hands-on learning opportunities that strengthen the next generation’s connection to the outdoors.
GOOSE POND COLONY: A PREMIER DESTINATION FOR A NATIONAL EVENT
Lake Guntersville is renowned as one of America’s most iconic fisheries, and Goose Pond Colony provides the ideal venue for a championship of this scale. With thousands of visitors expected, the 2026 event is projected to deliver significant economic benefit to Scottsboro and the surrounding communities.
“Lake Guntersville is a world-class fishery, and there is no better place to crown our champion,” Waller added.
ABOUT THE ULTIMATE ANGLER
The Ultimate Angler World Championship is an annual, multi-league, invitation-only event that brings together the top anglers from across the country. Built on competition, conservation, and community engagement, the event continues to grow in scale and national recognition, solidifying its place as one of the premier fishing events in the United States.
Registration for the 2026 Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Big Bass Tour Opens December 12 at 8am CST
- Harris Chain of Lakes, Florida: Jan 30 – Feb 1
- Lake Conroe, Texas: Feb 27 – Mar 1
- Clarks Hill Lake, Georgia: Mar 13 – 15
- Table Rock Lake, Missouri: Mar 27 – 29
- Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia: Apr 17 – 19
- Lake Murray, South Carolina: Apr 24 – 26
- Chickamauga Lake, Tennessee: May 15 – 17
- Upper Mississippi River (La Crosse), Wisconsin: Jul 31 – Aug 2
- Douglas Lake, Tennessee: Oct 2 – 4
- Guntersville Lake, Alabama: Oct 9 – 11
- Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia: Oct 23 – 25
Abu Garcia Early Entry Promotions
As always, anglers who register early will have access to exclusive early-entry promotions from Abu Garcia. At each 2026 event, the first number of anglers to register (as defined on the event page) for two or three days, will receive an Abu Garcia early entry promotional item.
Once the early entry allotment for a specific event is filled, the Abu Garcia promotion for that event will close, but event registration will remain open.
With more than a decade of record participation, premier destinations, and one of the most angler-friendly formats in competitive fishing, the Big Bass Tour continues to be the nation’s leading big-bass tournament series.
Registration opens Friday, December 12 at 8AM CST, and anglers can sign up for any combination of events throughout the 2026 season.
Hit the link, pick your lakes, and get ready for another unforgettable year on the water.
https://bigbasstour.com/schedule
BAM Partners with Vexus Boats and Mercury for 2026 and Beyond
Bass Angler Magazine (BAM Trail) is expanding its commitment to western tournament anglers with a major new partnership for the 2026 season. BAM, Vexus Boats, and Mercury Marine have joined forces to deliver one of the most significant prize offerings in modern western bass fishing.
“Six” New Vexus/Mercury Prize Boats Awarded at BAM Pro-Am’s
Beginning in 2026, the first-place pro at every BAM Pro-Am event will receive a brand-new Vexus AVX1880 powered by Mercury. The prize boats will be on-site at each event, showcased for anglers and fans, and delivered directly to the winner at the tournament. This premium aluminum performance boat, combined with Mercury’s reliability and power, marks a major step forward for the BAM Trail and significantly elevates the value of each Pro-Am victory.
Strong Vexus Dealer Network Supporting the West
Vexus Boats maintains a strong dealer network across the western United States, and those dealers are enthusiastic about partnering with BAM throughout the season. Their support adds depth to the partnership and provides local backing for anglers, events, and regional promotion.
BAM Leadership on the Strategic Partnership
Mark Lassagne, CEO of BAM, said the agreement helps move the trail to the next level.
“Vexus builds a premium product and has a strong presence in the West. Teaming up with Vexus and Mercury allows us to provide an outstanding prize while strengthening our trail, our anglers, and the long-term growth of western tournament fishing.”
Vexus Boats Perspective
Keith Daffron, President of Vexus Boats, shared why the partnership is a natural fit. “We’re excited to partner with BAM and support a trail that is truly investing in its anglers. The BAM team is committed to doing things the right way, and our western dealers are looking forward to being part of the season. Putting a Vexus/Mercury package on the line at every Pro-Am is something special, and we’re proud to help lead that effort.”
Looking Ahead to the 2026 BAM Season
The 2026 BAM Pro-Am schedule will feature multiple opportunities for anglers to compete for the Vexus/Mercury prize package, along with expanded media coverage, on-site activation, and national-level visibility across BAM’s print, digital, video, and livestream platforms.
More details, schedules, and registration information will be posted at BAMTrail.com.
About Vexus Boats
Vexus Boats is a U.S.-based manufacturer known for building high-performance fiberglass and aluminum fishing boats designed for serious anglers. Founded by longtime industry leaders in Flippin, Arkansas, Vexus focuses on innovation, durability, and real on-the-water performance across its AVX aluminum and VX fiberglass lines.
With a growing dealer network nationwide — including strong representation across the West — Vexus delivers premium boats backed by hands-on customer support and a commitment to quality craftsmanship. #vexusboats
About Mercury Marine
Mercury Marine is a global leader in marine propulsion, known for building reliable, high-performance outboards trusted by anglers, boaters, and manufacturers worldwide. Founded in 1939 and headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Mercury designs and engineers advanced four-stroke engines, propulsion systems, and marine technologies focused on efficiency, durability, and exceptional on-water performance.
With a long history of innovation and industry-leading support, Mercury continues to power top tournament trails, boat brands, and anglers across the country. #mercurymarine
About BAM Tournament Trail
The Bass Angler Magazine Tournament Trail (BAM Trail) is the West Coast’s fastest-growing premier pro-level bass fishing circuit, built to showcase top anglers and connect leading brands directly with the fishing community.
Powered by Bass Angler Magazine’s national print and digital reach, BAM delivers year-round exposure through tournaments, the magazine, email campaigns, podcasts, social media, YouTube, and our televised Super 60 series — offering unmatched marketing opportunities for anglers and sponsors.
BAM Super 60 title sponsor – Bass Boat Technologies presented by Tackle Warehouse.
BAM Pro-Am title sponsor – Vexus Boats presented by Tackle Warehouse.
The trail is supported by industry leaders including Mercury Outboards along with Storquest Storage Solutions, Chicken Ranch Casino Resort, Ford Fairfield, Power Pole, Black Bear Diner, Bridgford Foods, Bob’s Machine, Anderson Auto Group, Sticky Graphics, and our conservation sponsor Fisherman’s Warehouse.
Tourism partners include; Lake Don Pedro, City of Oakley, and the Boardman Community Development .
Tournament series include the BAM Super 60 Pro Tour, Pro-Am, Scholastic, and Kayak Trail. Events are available to watch on YouTube. Learn more here: BAM TRAIL, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Media / Advertising Contact: Mark Lassagne
#bamtrail #bassanglermagazine #bamsuper60
Anaya grabs final Classic berth with Fish-Off win at Lake Hartwell
ANDERSON, S.C. — Fisher Anaya’s name says it all – the kid from tiny Eva, Ala., seems destined for big things as a professional bass angler.
Fresh off fishing atop the 2025 Bassmaster Elite Qualifier Points Standings last month and locking down a spot in the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series for the next two seasons, the 20-year-old Anaya won the TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off Saturday on Lake Hartwell. His two-day total of 10 bass weighing 39 pounds, 15 ounces was just enough to hold off fellow Alabaman Barrett Choquette, who finished second with 38-5.
The win secured for Anaya the final spot in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour when it’s held March 13-15 on the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tenn. He slipped into the Fish-Off after he and his father, Ryan, finished fifth in the Team Championship portion of the tournament on Thursday. The Top 5 teams in the team standings (10 anglers) had their weights zeroed and then fished individually on Friday and Saturday for a Classic berth.
And as he did throughout the past year, the younger Anaya rose to the challenge.
After catching mostly spotted bass during the Team Championship, Anaya dialed in on a hungry largemouth bite on Friday. His Day 1 weight of 19-8 weight gave him the Fish-Off lead and the confidence he could produce another big bag on Saturday.
He did just that, weighing 20-7 — the heaviest total of the Fish-Off. But it was far from an easy task. Hartwell, the 76,450-acre reservoir straddling the South Carolina/Georgia border, is known to switch up on anglers as it did on Anaya on Day 2.
“It was tough on me early today,” Anaya said. “I caught a 3-pounder on my second cast, and I just knew they were gonna’ bite again. Then I caught a small one, but from that time, I went hours without a bite. I decided to run to some spotted bass I knew I could catch, and I got to like 12 pounds. But I knew that wasn’t going to be enough to win this thing. I had this gut feeling I had to fish new water.”
Listening to his instincts proved wise.
“I moved and the second pocket I went into, I caught two over 4 pounds,” Anaya said. “Then the next pocket I went to, I caught another two over 4 pounds.”
Anaya caught his best bass throwing a Neko (green pumpkin Crush City Janitor Worm) with an 1/8-ounce weight in it. The colder temperatures (which stayed in the lower 40s throughout the Fish-Off) forced him to be patient, waiting for Lake Hartwell bass to bite.
“They weren’t super deep, maybe 10 to 12 feet,” he said. “I’d just had to throw it on them and deadstick it. I’d let the bait sit there. Some casts it might take five minutes to get them moving and some casts it might be instant. But eventually, I could end up catching some if I ran enough water.”
Anaya, who represented the Alabama Bass Trail at Lake Hartwell, said most of his catches came near the dam on the south end of the reservoir.
“It was about a 20-minute run one-way, but it sure was worth it,” he said. “When it’s meant to be, you can’t do wrong.”
The was Anaya’s second consecutive trip to the Classic Fish-Off. The Anayas finished third in last year’s Team Championship at Kentucky Lake, and Fisher placed third of the six anglers who qualified for the 2024 Fish-Off. The young phenom was dominant in Division 2 of the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN held earlier this year, and he finished no lower than 24th in those four tournaments. Then he proved himself in the trio of Nitro Bassmaster Elite Qualifier tournaments presented by Bass Pro Shops, finishing third, fifth and 19th in those derbies to pave a path into the Elite Series.
And now, he’ll add his first Bassmaster Classic to this burgeoning resume.
“When I pulled into that last pocket and caught that last big one, I thought ‘That might have done it. I might be going to the Classic.’ It’s crazy … I knew I had a shot at winning here. I just had to fish clean and catch everything that bit.”
Choquette, representing the Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation, actually led late on Saturday, according to BASSTrakk, but the 18-year-old from Headland, Ala., fell just short. He caught 19-8 on Saturday and finished 1-10 behind Anaya in his quest for a Classic berth.
“Five days ago, I was taking my first exams at Troy University,” he said. “I didn’t have much time to think about strategy. My brother (Hudson) did well in the Team Championship, and I caught some good ones in the Fish-Off. I caught a 5-pounder to start today and another 5-pounder to end the day. I’m proud of what I got done, but Fisher got us by a little bit.”
Choquette threw a green pumpkin Wacky Rig with a Technical Tungsten head with a little Sakamata Shad trailer to boat his best bass in the Fish-Off.
The remainder of the Top 10 who advanced to the Fish-Off are, third, Justin Raines, Lake Hartwell 5 Alive No Scope Series, 33-1; fourth, Dalton Head, Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Fall Series, 32-4; fifth, Hudson Choquette, Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation, 31-4; sixth, Bradley Day, Lake Hartwell 5 Alive No Scope, 30-10; seventh, Peyton Sorrow, Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Fall Series, 29-15; eighth, Austin McCall, Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Scope Trail, 27-15; ninth, Xander Patton, Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Scope Trail, 26-5; and 10th, Ryan Ayana, Alabama Bass Trail, 23-2.
In all, 200 teams from 48 different states and three other countries qualified for the Team Championship via their respective team trails. A total of $120,000 was divided among the Top 50 teams competing at Lake Hartwell, including $50,000 to Head and Sorrow when they clinched the team title on Thursday.
Visit Anderson and Green Pond Landing hosted the week’s events.
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Team Championship Title Sponsor: TNT Fireworks
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Title Sponsor: Mercury
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Presenting Sponsor: Lowrance
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Mandy Pascal, Communications Manager, 334-414-8677, [email protected]
2025 TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish Off 12/5-12/6
Lake Hartwell, Anderson SC.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Club/School Pts
1. Fisher Anaya - Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 19-08 Day 2: 5 20-07 Total: 10 39-15
2. Barrett Choquette - Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation 0
Day 1: 5 18-13 Day 2: 5 19-08 Total: 10 38-05
3. Justin Raines - Lake Hartwell 5 Alive No Scope 0
Day 1: 5 17-00 Day 2: 5 16-01 Total: 10 33-01
4. Dalton Head - Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Fall Serie 0
Day 1: 5 16-01 Day 2: 5 16-03 Total: 10 32-04
5. Hudson Choquette - Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation 0
Day 1: 4 11-14 Day 2: 5 19-06 Total: 9 31-04
6. Bradley Day - Lake Hartwell 5 Alive No Scope 0
Day 1: 5 18-10 Day 2: 5 12-00 Total: 10 30-10
7. Peyton Sorrow - Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Fall Serie 0
Day 1: 5 17-00 Day 2: 5 12-15 Total: 10 29-15
8. Austin Mccall - Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Scope Trai 0
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 13-10 Total: 10 27-15
9. Xander Patton - Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Scope Trai 0
Day 1: 5 13-02 Day 2: 5 13-03 Total: 10 26-05
10. Ryan Anaya - Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-08 Day 2: 5 14-10 Total: 10 23-02
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 9 49 154-13
2 10 50 157-15
------------------------------
19 99 312-12
Fisher Anaya takes “surprise” lead on Day 1 of Classic Fish-Off
ANDERSON, S.C. — Fans following the TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off online likely were surprised to see Fisher Anaya, a super-talented 20-year-old angler from Eva, Ala., apparently zeroed Friday on Day 1 of the derby at Lake Hartwell.
That wasn’t the case, though. Far from it.
BassTrakk, the digital phone app used to report weights of the bass caught throughout the day, was malfunctioning for the marshal aboard Anaya’s boat. So, while folks at home might have thought Anaya was striking out on this 76,450-acre reservoir, the young phenom actually was hitting a home run on this fabled fishery straddling the South Carolina/Georgia border.
Anaya stormed to the top of the leaderboard Friday with a limit of five bass weighing 19 pounds, 8 ounces. The Classic Fish-Off will be determined Saturday when the 10 remaining anglers in what was a field of 400 conclude the final tournament of the 2025 Bassmaster season. At stake, of course, is the final spot in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour when it’s held March 13-15 on the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tenn.
Most of the other nine anglers in the Fish-Off are hot on Anaya’s heels, however, with just more than 5 pounds separating seventh place from Anaya’s pole position. Barrett Choquette, an 18-year-old Alabaman who fishes for Troy University, is second with 18-13. Bradley Day, who fishes with the Lake Hartwell 5 Alive No Scope Series and lives about two minutes from the docks at Hartwell’s Green Pond Landing, is third with 18-10.
Anaya said his marshal informed him halfway through Friday’s competition that the BassTrakk app wasn’t registering weights he punched into his phone.
“I told him, ‘Well, I guess we’re gonna’ surprise some people,’” Anaya said, laughing.
Because he was unable to report his catch, Anaya led off Friday’s weigh-in at Green Pond Landing. He had a bounty to share, too.
“I caught probably 15 pounds in the first 20 minutes this morning,” Anaya said. “Soon as I got to my spot, I caught three big largemouth. A little later, I ran new water and caught another big one and then I found an area that had a bunch of big ones –— looked like they all were 4 pounders. I caught one and then left. So, I’m hoping they stick there for tomorrow. I’m not sure where I’ll start, but I’m gonna’ run around and hopefully find the ones I need to win this thing.”
After catching his best bass off points and just inside pockets during the Team Championship portion of this event, Anaya said bass now are stacking in the backs of shallow drains as winter conditions continue to take hold of the Palmetto State. Temperatures hovered around 40 degrees most of Friday with low cloud cover casting a gray pall over the expanse of Hartwell.
Still, Anaya’s growing star has shined.
“I’ve been throwing a Neko (green pumpkin Crush City Janitor Worm) and I have caught a few on a shad-colored minnow this week,” he said. “I started in about 20 feet of water to begin the week. and I probably caught them in about 10 feet today. I had four largemouth after weighing nothing but spots the first few days. Things have been unpredictable, but I know there are at least five more largemouth swimming out there, I’ve just got to stumble across them.”
This is Anaya’s second consecutive trip to the Classic Fish-Off. He and his dad, Ryan, finished third in last year’s Team Championship at Kentucky Lake, and Fisher placed third of the six anglers who qualified for the 2024 Fish-Off.
The Anayas finished fifth in this year’s Team Championship, which concluded Thursday. To their benefit, the 2025 Fish-Off field was expanded from six anglers to 10, allowing the duo from the Alabama Bass Trail another crack at a Classic Fish-Off.
The younger Anaya again is making the most of his opportunity, though he’s already proved his mettle in some of the sport’s biggest events. He finished atop the 2025 Bassmaster Elite Qualifier Points Standings last month, guaranteeing him a spot in the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series for the next two years. He also finished no lower than 24th in the four Division 2 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN held earlier this year.
Choquette had to finish exams at Troy before he could head north to Hartwell for the Team Championship. He and his brother, Hudson Choquette, represent the Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation, and they finished fourth in team tournament. Now Barrett is within a pound of the lead in the biggest derby of his life.
“My brother was up here for practice and found our best spots, so I left those to him today,” Barrett Choquette said. “I ran all new water today and it all paid off, surprisingly.”
Choquette said he’s fishing shallow water along Hartwell’s banks. He primarily used a Neko rig (green pumpkin) on Friday.
“There weren’t many bites. I think every bite I had came in the boat. They were nice to me today. They all ate it deep.”
Day, a 27-year-old fishing home water, said his bite came later on Friday.
“It was 11 in the morning to 1 in the afternoon for me today,” Day said “That was the window. This lake is so prone to those little windows, you have to be around them when they’re biting.”
Day said he’s cruising shallow water on the southern end of Hartwell. He’s relied on a Shaky Head worm and a jig this week, both in green pumpkin variety, but said he’s prepared to switch his approach if necessary.
“You have to fish the day,” he said. “You can fish a few history places, but eventually you have to let the day unfold.”
Justin Raines, of the Lake Hartwell 5 Alive No Scope Series, and Peyton Sorrow, of the Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Fall Series, are tied for fourth with 17 pounds caught Friday.
Sorrow teamed with Dalton Head to win the Team Championship on Thursday, and Head now is in sixth place in the Fish-Off with 16-1. Rounding out the field are Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Scope Trail teammates Austin McCall (14-5) and Xander Patton (13-2). Hudson Choquette is ninth with 11-14 and Ryan Anaya is 10th with 8-8.
In all, 200 teams from 48 different states and three other countries qualified for the Team Championship via their respective team trails. A total of $120,000 was divided among the Top 50 teams competing at Lake Hartwell, including $50,000 to Head and Sorrow.
The final day of the Bassmaster Classic Fish-Off is scheduled to begin at 7:20 a.m. ET Saturday. The final weigh-in is set for 3:30 p.m. ET.
Visit Anderson and Green Pond Landing are hosting the week’s events.
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Team Championship Title Sponsor: TNT Fireworks
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Title Sponsor: Mercury
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Presenting Sponsor: Lowrance
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
-30-
Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Mandy Pascal, Communications Manager, 334-414-8677, [email protected]
2025 TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish Off 12/5-12/6
Lake Hartwell, Anderson SC.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Club/School Pts
1. Fisher Anaya - Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 19-08 Total: 5 19-08
2. Barrett Choquette - Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation 0
Day 1: 5 18-13 Total: 5 18-13
3. Bradley Day - Lake Hartwell 5 Alive No Scope 0
Day 1: 5 18-10 Total: 5 18-10
4. Justin Raines - Lake Hartwell 5 Alive No Scope 0
Day 1: 5 17-00 Total: 5 17-00
4. Peyton Sorrow - Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Fall Serie 0
Day 1: 5 17-00 Total: 5 17-00
6. Dalton Head - Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Fall Serie 0
Day 1: 5 16-01 Total: 5 16-01
7. Austin Mccall - Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Scope Trai 0
Day 1: 5 14-05 Total: 5 14-05
8. Xander Patton - Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Scope Trai 0
Day 1: 5 13-02 Total: 5 13-02
9. Hudson Choquette - Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation 0
Day 1: 4 11-14 Total: 4 11-14
10. Ryan Anaya - Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-08 Total: 5 08-08
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 9 49 154-13
------------------------------
9 49 154-13
Sorrow and Head post convincing victory at TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship
ANDERSON, S.C. — There is no sorrow when you’re head of the pack on the final day of the TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship.
In fact, smiles abounded for Peyton Sorrow and Dalton Head on Thursday after they posted a commanding win on Lake Hartwell.
The tandem, representing the Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Fall Series, caught limits of five bass on both days of the derby, giving them a total of 10 bass for 38 pounds, 9 ounces. That was more than 5 pounds heavier than their closest competitors and it secured Sorrow and Head the $50,000 cash prize awarded to the winning duo on this 76,450-acre reservoir along the South Carolina/Georgia border.
Both Sorrow, 21, and Head, 22, compete for the University of Montevallo (Ala.) bass fishing team. Sorrow is from Abbeville, S.C., less than 40 miles southeast of historic Green Pond Landing, and he cut his teeth fishing on Hartwell. Head, a native of Moody, Ala., often travels north with his teammate to try his luck at one of America’s most-fabled bass fisheries.
The pair fished with that sort of knowledge and confidence in the Team Championship. After catching 22-13 on Day 1 (good for a 4 1/2 -pound cushion on the field), they followed with 15-12 on what proved to be a difficult day for most anglers. A 2 1/2-hour fog delay complicated matters with boats not taking off until 10 a.m. Thursday morning.
“Yesterday we had a really quick start and that helped relax us,” Head said. “Today, when we didn’t start quickly, it kind of felt like the wheels were spinning off. But we just kept plunking away and it eventually worked out for us.”
Sorrow said he and Head had nine bites between them on Thursday, when Hartwell’s bite was altered beneath heavy cloud cover and temperatures that didn’t climb out of the 40s. In all, 115 of the teams caught limits on Thursday when 163 had limits a day earlier.
“We weighed two largemouth and three (spotted bass) today,” Sorrow said. "Of the nine bites, two were nonkeepers and two others were extremely small. The five we weighed really counted today.”
That certainly was a different scenario than seen on Wednesday, when Head lit into a 6-3 largemouth early and Sorrow hooked a 5-12 late in the day to pad their lead.
“We were throwing a crawfish-colored jig and a green pumpkin Neko worm in anywhere from 15 feet of water to 8 feet of water,” Sorrow said. “We were putting the trolling motor down and stopping at anything that looked good, whether it was a steep drop on a point or a long, flat point. We’d move really slow and try to pick it apart … Some of the fish were suspended and some were so tight to the bottom you couldn’t see them.”
With the victory, Sorrow and Head advance to the Classic Fish-Off portion of this tournament, to be held Friday and Saturday on Hartwell. The Top 5 tandems in the Team Championship (10 anglers in all) have had their weights zeroed and they’ll fish individually, with the leader after Saturday’s weigh-in claiming the last spot in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour when it’s held March 13-15 on the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tenn.
Joining them in the Fish-Off are, second, Bradley Day and Justin Raines, Lake Hartwell 5 Alive No Scope, 33-5, $17,000; third, Xander Patton and Austin McCall, Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Scope Trail, 33-1, $12,000; fourth, Hudson Choquette and Barrett Choquette, Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation, 31-15, $8,000; and fifth, Fisher Anaya and Ryan Anaya, Alabama Bass Trail, 31-8, $6,000.
The Anayas, a father-son team, also reached the 2024 Team Championship at Kentucky Lake.
Brad Stalnaker and Chris Lumpkin, of Georgia-based Berry’s Team Trail, weighed the heaviest bass at Hartwell — a 6-4 they boated on Wednesday that earned them a $500 prize. Anderson Jones, of the South Carolina-based Palmetto Boat Center Series, won the Garmin Rewards Trolling Motor Award of $500 for being the top angler using that equipment in the tournament. Jared Whitt, of West Virginia-based Ferguson’s Great Outdoors Trail, won the Garmin Rewards Electronics Award of $500.
In all, 200 teams from 48 different states and three other countries qualified for the Team Championship via their respective team trails. A total of $120,000 was divided among the Top 50 teams competing at Lake Hartwell.
Barrett Newton and Wesley Kent were disqualified from the 2025 TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship for violation of Rule No. 5, Part III, regarding receiving information from a noncompetitor about catching bass on tournament waters during a no-information period.
Historic Green Pond Landing, 470 Green Pond Road, in Anderson, S.C., is home to the 2025 TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship and Classic Fish-Off. Day 1 of the Fish-Off is set to begin at 7:20 a.m. ET on Friday. Weigh-in is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET.
Visit Anderson and Green Pond Landing are hosting the week’s events.
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Team Championship Title Sponsor: TNT Fireworks
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Title Sponsor: Mercury
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Presenting Sponsor: Lowrance
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
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Media Contact: Mandy Pascal, Communications Manager, 334-414-8677, [email protected]
2025 TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship 12/3-12/4
Lake Hartwell, Anderson SC.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Club/School Pts
1. Peyton Sorrow - Dalton Head Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Fall Serie 0
Day 1: 5 22-13 Day 2: 5 15-12 Total: 10 38-09
2. Bradley Day - Justin Raines Lake Hartwell 5 Alive No Scope 0
Day 1: 5 17-00 Day 2: 5 16-05 Total: 10 33-05
3. Xander Patton - Austin Mccall Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Scope Trai 0
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 5 17-04 Total: 10 33-01
4. Hudson Choquette - Barrett Choquette Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation 0
Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 5 17-00 Total: 10 31-15
5. Fisher Anaya - Ryan Anaya Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 5 15-03 Total: 10 31-08
6. Avery Padgett - David Fincher Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation 0
Day 1: 5 17-15 Day 2: 5 13-07 Total: 10 31-06
7. Damien Willis - Tyler Kiker Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 18-04 Day 2: 5 11-11 Total: 10 29-15
8. Alex Korol - Cameron Alldredge Empire Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 16-04 Total: 10 29-11
9. Peyton Dunn - Luke Mcguffin Palmetto Boat Center 0
Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 5 14-01 Total: 10 29-10
Registration opening soon for 2026 Bassmaster AmBASSador program
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. officials announced today that registration will open to all B.A.S.S. Members Dec. 9 for the 2026 Bassmaster AmBASSador program, offering fans the opportunity to take part in the action at the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour and the 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series tournaments.
The AmBASSador program gives passionate fans the chance to join the world’s top professional anglers on the water, providing an unparalleled behind-the-scenes look at competition days and preparation at the sport’s highest level.
AmBASSadors have the option of signing up for one Elite event or multiple throughout the season. The $99 Elite AmBASSador program fee and $500 Classic AmBASSador program fee awards participants an AFTCO shirt, an AFTCO hat, an AFTCO gift card, a B.A.S.S. hat and, most importantly, a front-row seat to the world’s best anglers in action. Elite Series AmBASSadors are guaranteed spots for Days 1 and 2 of competition. On Day 3, participation is limited to 30 AmBASSadors based on their registration timestamp and 10 Super AmBASSadors selected for blogging excellence. There are no AmBASSadors on the final day of competition. Classic AmBASSadors will have the opportunity to go out on Friday and Saturday of competition, with the option to participate on the practice day, Wednesday, March 11, 2026. On-site registration will be held Thursday, March 12, 2026.
“The AmBASSador program truly bridges the gap between fans and professional anglers,” said Bassmaster Elite Series Tournament Director Lisa Talmadge. “It allows people to see firsthand the dedication, skill and preparation that go into competing on the Bassmaster Elite Series. Every AmBASSador becomes part of the experience, and that’s something unique to B.A.S.S.”
“Having been an AmBASSador for 12 years, I’ve seen it all and I’ve ridden with them all,” said Super AmBASSador Gary Lee Robin. “Last year, I marshaled with Trey McKinney, Cooper Gallant and Kyoya Fujita to name a few, and let me tell you, these kids can catch ’em! Not only will you get to see the techniques and strategies they use from the inside of the boat, you will also get to know what great, positive people they truly are. Why would anyone walk into a tackle store, spend $200 for lures and bad info when you can spend $99 and ride with the best for two days? You’ll make a memory to keep for a lifetime.”
For more information on becoming an AmBASSador, including registration information and detailed guidelines, visit Bassmaster.com/Elite and look under Resources.
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Sorrow and Head take charge in TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship
ANDERSON, S.C. — Peyton Sorrow and Dalton Head know Lake Hartwell pretty darn well, with Sorrow (who lives in nearby Abbeville, S.C.) frequently bringing his University of Montevallo teammate here to fish his home water.
Despite their advanced knowledge of this 76,450-acre reservoir along the South Carolina/Georgia border, neither young man expected to catch a 22-pound, 13-ounce limit on Day 1 of the TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship.
Nevertheless, that was the result of a bountiful Wednesday on Hartwell for the tandem representing the Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Fall Series in the Team Championship. The 22-13 haul helped Sorrow and Head jump into the early lead in this two-day derby which boasts a $50,000 cash prize for first place — part of a $120,000 total cash purse up for grabs at Hartwell.
The Top 5 teams in the standings after Thursday’s weigh-in will advance to the Classic Fish-Off portion of this event, with the 10 anglers having their weights zeroed and fishing individually for two days. The winner of that competition will clinch the final spot in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour when it’s held March 13-15 on the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tenn.
Sorrow and Head knew it was important to get a solid start in the Team Championship, and they did just that, putting a limit of approximately 15 pounds in the livewell early Wednesday morning. Then Head hooked a 6-3 largemouth that quickly improved their catch by another three pounds.
“We saw lots of fish (in practice) but they didn’t bite,” Sorrow said. “We went to those same areas today, though, and just hunkered down, trying to make things work.
“That big one took a lot of pressure off. It gave us a chance to go fish some new areas and practice for tomorrow. We were able to find some fresh fish and not just keep rotating through the ones we’d been beating up on.”
The new water was productive, too, with Sorrow adding a 5-12 to the mix late on Wednesday.
“We saw some fish there in practice, but we only looked at ’em,” Sorrow said. “And honestly, they didn’t look too big. But today, we threw at ’em and it was like turning on a light switch. That area had just blown up with big fish. We got that big bite then just looked at the rest of them. We let them be for tomorrow.”
Sorrow, 21, and Head, a 22-year-old Moody, Ala., resident, weren’t immediately sure of their Day 2 game plan. They have a few good areas to choose from — a fine problem to have with so much riding on Thursday’s results.
“This lake has a lot of big fish in it,” Sorrow said. “And they’re extremely smart, maybe the smartest fish in the country. They see a lot of pressure. So, anything can happen. We’ll talk about what we want to do and hopefully it works out for us.”
Damien Willis and Tyler Kiker, in second place after Day 1 with an 18-4 limit, have high hopes, too. Having combined for eight previous appearances in the Bassmaster Team Championship, Wednesday was by far the best show either angler has had in the event to date. The Alabama Bass Trail partners believe they figured something out midday that could benefit them as they seek a team title and berths in the Classic Fish-Off.
“It scares me how quickly these lakes can change,” Willis said. “But I think we may have found something. We didn’t catch any of the ones we weighed in today until maybe 9 a.m. We were seeing them but couldn’t catch them. When we changed baits, things started happening.”
Rounding out the Top 5 teams on Day 1 are third, Avery Padgett and David Fincher, of the Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation, 17-15, fourth, Bradley Day and Justin Raines, of Lake Hartwell 5 Alive No Scope, 17-0; and fifth, Kyler Murray and Parker Guy, of Georgia-based Super 6 Shootout, 16-15. Fisher and Ryan Anaya, who compete with the Alabama Bass Trail and were one of three tandems to qualify for the 2024 Classic Fish-Off at Kentucky Lake, are currently in a tie for sixth place at Hartwell with 16-5. Illinois B.A.S.S. Nation duo Austin Moore and Jeffrey Lopez also caught 16-5 on Wednesday.
A total of 200 tandems from 48 different states and three other countries began the tournament. In all, 163 of the duos caught a five-fish limit on Wednesday. Brad Stalnaker and Chris Lumpkin, of Georgia-based Berry’s Team Trail, weighed the heaviest bass (6-4) on Day 1 and are in 12th place overall with 15-11.
Other notable tandems in the hunt include Tyler Campbell and Blake Campbell, of Lake Hartwell 5 Alive, in 10th place with 15-13. They were one of three teams to make the 2024 Classic Fish-Off cut, and Tyler Campbell won that portion of last year’s tournament, earning a spot in this year’s Bassmaster Classic in Fort Worth, Texas. Clint Knight and Noah Morgan won last year’s Team Championship and are in 19th place at Hartwell with 14-13. The Russellville, Ky., pair is representing the National Team Bass Association.
Historic Green Pond Landing, 470 Green Pond Road, in Anderson, S.C., is home to the 2025 TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship. The Day 2 take-off is set to begin at 7:20 a.m. ET with weigh-ins starting at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Visit Anderson and Green Pond Landing are hosting the week’s events.
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Team Championship Title Sponsor: TNT Fireworks
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Title Sponsor: Mercury
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Presenting Sponsor: Lowrance
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Bassmaster College Kayak Series to join select 2026 Bassmaster Kayak Series events
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Building on the success of its inaugural season, B.A.S.S. officials have announced that the Bassmaster College Kayak Series will once again be held in conjunction with select Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft tournaments in 2026.
College anglers will have the opportunity to compete alongside some of the nation’s best kayak anglers at three premier fisheries:
- Feb. 7-8: Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Kissimmee, Fla.
- April 18-19: Caddo Lake/Lake Bistineau, Shreveport, La.
- Aug. 1-2: Susquehanna River, Bloomsburg, Pa.
These events will follow the same tournament format that debuted in 2025, designed to give collegiate competitors valuable national-level experience while spotlighting the growth and skill of the kayak fishing community. College Kayak Series anglers must register and pay entry fees for each regular-season Bassmaster Kayak Series event they compete in. The highest-placing College Kayak Series angler will be named the winner of the College Kayak Series event and receive a trophy and a berth to the 2027 Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship. College Kayak Series anglers will be competing against the regular Kayak Series field, which will make it possible for a College Kayak Series angler to win both the Bassmaster Kayak Series event as well as the College Kayak Series event, as evidenced by Carson-Newman angler Ewing Minor who took home both top prizes at the 2025 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series at Dale Hollow Reservoir presented by Native Watercraft.
“In 2025 we had great experience with the college anglers competing in conjunction with the Bassmaster Kayak Series events,” said B.A.S.S. Kayak Series Tournament Director Steve Owens. “The composure and professionalism they each display is a wonderful thing to see in our sport. We look forward to more colleges joining us as we continue to develop the series and highlight its anglers.”
The Bassmaster College Kayak Series allows student anglers to earn recognition on a national stage, connect with peers from other universities and learn the discipline and preparation required to advance within the upper levels of Bassmaster’s tournament trails.
More information on the Bassmaster College Kayak Series, including registration dates and rules, can be found at Bassmaster.com/Kayak.
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Martin Reinstated for 2026 BFL All-American Following Disclosures
BENTON, Ky. (Dec. 2, 2025) – Boater Aspen Martin of White, Georgia, has been reinstated for the 2026 Bass Fishing League (BFL) All-American championship following new disclosures after he was disqualified from the Lake Murray Regional held Oct. 10-11.
Martin and boater Matt O’Connell of Brooks, Georgia, were disqualified from the tournament following a protest alleging the anglers violated BFL Rule No. 10, which states, in part, that contestants may not use mobile communication devices to communicate with anyone about locating or catching fish on tournament waters during tournament hours.
As part of MLF’s investigation of the protest, both anglers were asked to take a polygraph, at MLF’s expense, as prescribed by tournament rules. Martin cooperated with the investigation and took the polygraph as requested. The results of the polygraph indicated deception (untruthful) responses to the relevant questions asked during the exam, resulting in Martin’s disqualification.
After failing the initial polygraph, Martin turned over text messages from O’Connell showing that O’Connell had requested information about catching fish on tournament waters during tournament hours at the Lake Murray Regional. The messages also show that Martin did not provide the requested information. Based on the disclosure, Martin was granted a second polygraph, at his expense, that considered the text exchange in which information was requested, but none was provided. No deception was indicated in the second polygraph that was administered by an independent examiner mutually agreed upon by MLF and Martin. As such, Martin will be allowed to compete in the 2026 All-American and his $8,530 in winnings from the regional will be restored. He will, however, receive a fine of $500 for failing to report O’Connell’s violation.
O’Connell declined to take a polygraph as requested following the protest and withdrew from the 2025 Toyota Series Championship after being informed that refusal to take the exam would result in disqualification from the Lake Murray Regional and ineligibility to participate in the event. Following his refusal to take a polygraph, O’Connell was suspended from MLF competition through the 2026 season, with eligibility to reapply in 2027. Based on Martin’s subsequent disclosures, however, O’Connell’s suspension has been extended through 2027, with eligibility to reapply in 2028.
“This is an unfortunate situation that could have been avoided had Aspen immediately informed the tournament director of the rule violation by a fellow competitor, which he had direct knowledge of, as required by BFL rule number one,” said Boyd Duckett, MLF President and CEO. “Had he done so, the polygraphs would have been unnecessary. If you are aware of a rule violation, it is your duty to report it to the tournament director.”
As a result of the initial disqualifications, boaters William Bates of Alpharetta, Georgia, and Chad Sims of Lancaster, South Carolina, moved up to second and third place, respectively, in the regional and will advance to the 2026 All-American. Both anglers will keep their All-American spots as well as the adjusted payouts they received along with the remainder of the Lake Murray Regional boaters. Martin’s reinstatement means the 2026 All-American will include an extra boater and co-angler for a field of 47 boats. The extra co-angler spot, to balance the field, goes to Wayne Smelser of Wytheville, Virginia, who finished fourth in the Lake Murray Regional.
2026 NPFL Championship Coming to Smith Lake
CULLMAN, Alabama—The National Professional Fishing League and Visit Cullman are excited to announce that the 2026 NPFL Championship will be held on historic Lewis Smith Lake and hosted by Visit Cullman. The three-day event will run February 26-28 and feature 42 qualifying anglers from the 2025 season.
“Our first visit to Smith Lake will be an important one since it kicks off our 2026 season,” says NPFL president Brad Fuller. “It’s our third annual Championship event and will be the starting point for what’s going to be our biggest year ever. Alabama has hosted four previous league events, and we’ve enjoyed a strong relationship with the state and its bass fishing supporters who have made Alabama a major hub in the tournament world.”
Visit Cullman is one of the sport’s staunchest supporters.
“We are honored to host the 2026 NPFL Championship and welcome these elite anglers to Cullman County,” says Harmony Heard, Executive Director of Visit Cullman. “Smith Lake is one of the most unique and beautiful fisheries in the country, and we are thrilled to showcase our natural resources, hospitality, and the outstanding community that makes Cullman such a special place. Major fishing events like the NPFL Championship play an important role in strengthening Cullman’s local economy. Over this three-day tournament, visiting anglers and spectators will contribute to increased hotel stays, restaurant visits, and retail purchases, supporting small businesses throughout the community. We are grateful for our partnership with NPFL and look forward to welcoming them to our destination.”
Renowned as the most celebrated spotted bass lake in the world, Smith Lake produced several world records in the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s. Since that time, the genetics of those giants have been transplanted across much of the country and still produce the biggest examples of the species. The lake also boasts a thriving population of largemouth bass.
About the National Professional Fishing League
The National Professional Fishing League exists to elevate competitive bass fishing by creating a platform defined by integrity, competition, and tradition. We believe that bass fishing is more than a sport—it is a lifestyle, a culture, and a path to family, friends, and fulfillment. Our mission is to provide anglers and fans with an authentic and accessible experience that honors the spirit of the sport while building a community united by shared passion and purpose.
For more information, visit our website.
Fish Tip Friday - Bring the Thunder with Heavy Bladed Jigs
By Vance McCullough, AC Insider
Bladed jigs dominate. In bass tournaments. Just fun fishing. From pros in big boats to weekend anglers in kayaks to the hardcore shore-bound bank beaters, these angry little jigs with a thin metal blade attached to the head have been responsible for countless catches, amassing heavy weights and tons of tournament cash.
They all work, to an extent, but as with any tool we use in pursuit of our sport, some are simply a cut above the rest of the pack.
Strike King Pro Tristan McCormick proved he’s a cut above the rest by qualifying for the Bassmaster Elite Series via the gauntlet that is the Bassmaster EQ Series. McCormick used forward-facing sonar and a ‘pinging minnow’ to earn his invite to the big leagues by clearing the final EQ hurdle on Lake Okeechobee recently. He’s good with the latest technology as he demonstrated on a trip to a lake in South Georgia last fall. Then, after he walked us through the particulars of ‘video-gaming’ fish with his electronics, McCormick turned his back to the depths and began to dissect shoreline cover with a Strike King Tungsten Thunder Cricket.
“Three-quarters ounce,” said McCormick, then a hustling, hopeful angler trying to make it to the top of the sport. “Everybody throws a bladed jig, but few people use one this heavy and they’re really missing out. Sure, it works well out there where we just were, but it also shines around shallow cover. You can zip it along and it will stay down, getting solid bites from big fish.
“People might think it’s too heavy to use in the shallows, or that it’ll get constantly hung up, but that blade creates a lot of lift and this bait comes through clean.”
Then again, a little snag here and there allows anglers to pop it out of shallow grass and draw vicious reactions from fish. Contact with cover gives the bait a chance to deflect and carrom off stumps, dock pilings and the grass that begs for a bladed jig in the first place.
Sometimes it’s the lack of noise that counts. “I have more control over a slightly heavier bait,” noted McCormick, “so I can pitch this thing in there with barely a ripple. Let it swing gently from the rod tip and use its momentum to get it in there nice and easy. It’s just suddenly in their face with no warning and then it takes off, rattling away and that draws some mean strikes!”
I’ve had a year to test McCormick’s ideas and I have to give him an assist on the extra bites I’ve generated with the heavier-than-usual vibrating jig.
Tungsten construction makes the head small enough to capitalize on the extra weight, keeping it down in the water column. It’s density gives this version of the Thunder Cricket a unique clacking sound that calls bass from cover. Couple that with the tight action that this bait is known for versus other lures in the category and you have a serious weapon on the end of your line.
I was reminded of the 3/4oz’s prowess while fishing offshore hydrilla this week. I used 4 other bladed jigs, including half-ounce Thunder Crickets. I struck out with them. I tied-on the heavier model and instantly hooked a 4-lber. Two casts after releasing that fish, I got soaked by another of equal or greater size that basted the bait at boatside as I was lifting it out of the water.
Needless to say, I fished the 3/4oz tungsten version of my favorite bladed jig the rest of the day and was delighted by the action a half mile from the bank and, later, in the skinniest water I could find. This adaptability makes the heavy bladed jig perfect for finding and catching scattered bass in the fall when a 5-fish limit could come from 5 different places, each with it’s own depth and cover options.
Be ready for anything with the 3/4oz bladed jig!
Everything you need to know about MLF’s 2026 forward-facing sonar rules
BENTON, Ky. (Nov. 26, 2025) – Starting in 2026, Major League Fishing will restrict the use of forward-facing sonar at all professional and boater/co-angler levels of competition, from the Phoenix Bass Fishing League to the Bass Pro Tour. The decision to limit the technology was made in response to positive feedback from fans and anglers about the forward-facing sonar restrictions implemented on the Bass Pro Tour in 2025 as well as feedback from participants at lower levels.
The goal of these restrictions is to promote multi-dimensional angling – allowing anglers to utilize the latest technology while also creating an environment in which traditional techniques remain highly competitive. MLF believes these rules will make for more dynamic, entertaining competitions and will drive tournament participation, thus enhancing payouts.
A full FAQ page that answers the most common questions received by MLF regarding the forward-facing sonar rules can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The 2026 rules regarding forward-facing sonar for each circuit will be as follows:
Bass Pro Tour
- No changes from 2025.
- Anglers will only be allowed to utilize forward-facing/360-degree sonar for one of three competition periods per day and must declare in advance which period they intend to use it.
- The technology will not be restricted during B&W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters or Fishing Clash Team Series competition, as anglers in those events compete in identical, league-issued boats.
Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit
- Anglers will be allowed to utilize forward-facing/360-degree sonar for one 3-hour segment during each competition day.
- The 3-hour segment must be continuous.
- Restrictions will be enforced via electronic lock boxes that track how long they are unlocked as well as live-streaming security cameras onboard each pro’s boat.
Toyota Series and Phoenix Bass Fishing League
- Boaters will be allowed to utilize forward-facing and 360-degree sonar for one 3-hour segment during each competition day.
- The 3-hour segment must be continuous.
- Co-anglers will act as accountability stewards, like they have done for decades with regard to other tournament rules, and must sign off on boaters following all rules at the end of each competition day.
- Co-anglers are allowed to bring a portable forward-facing sonar transducer, but may only utilize it during the same 3-hour period that their boater chooses to use forward-facing sonar. If the boater does not use forward-facing sonar, co-anglers may do so during the final 3 hours of the day.
Abu Garcia College Fishing
- No restrictions on forward-facing or 360-degree sonar.
Abu Garcia High School Fishing
- Forward-facing and 360-degree sonar are not permitted during any MLF regular season competition.
- Forward-facing and 360-degree sonar are not restricted in the High School Fishing National Championship that runs concurrently with the High School Fishing World Finals, as this is a jointly operated event with The Bass Federation.
- Events operated by MLF for state high school athletic associations, including KHSAA, GHSA, IHSA and LHSAA, will operate according to rules adopted by the associations.
For complete details and the latest news from Major League Fishing, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV and Game & Fish TV, and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
7 Brew Coffee Becomes Title Sponsor of MLF5 Angler of the Year Awards
BENTON, Ky. (Nov. 25, 2025) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today that 7 Brew Coffee has been named title sponsor of the Angler of the Year (AOY) programs for the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit, Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats and Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine.
The announcement comes as MLF launches a revitalized Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit in 2026 with improved payouts and a competitive framework designed to further elevate professional bass fishing. With 7 Brew Coffee stepping in as AOY sponsor across all three circuits, the brand will be prominently connected to one of the sport’s most respected honors.
Founded in Rogers, Arkansas – home of the historic Beaver Lake – 7 Brew Coffee is one of the fastest-growing drive-thru beverage concepts in the nation, known for its upbeat service, customizable drinks and strong community presence across many of the regions where MLF anglers compete. Its addition as AOY title sponsor strengthens the connection between two brands fueled by energy, passion and dedication to being the best in their respective spaces.
7 Brew Coffee 2026 Angler of the Year Awards:
- Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit 7 Brew Coffee Angler of the Year: $50,000 Phoenix 819 Pro powered by a 200-HP outboard
- Toyota Series 7 Brew Coffee Angler of the Year: $5,000 per division (five divisions total)
- Phoenix Bass Fishing League 7 Brew Coffee Angler of the Year: $1,000 per division (24 divisions total)
7 Brew Coffee branding and integration will be featured prominently throughout the 2026 season, including consistent visibility during AOY coverage across MLF digital channels, livestreaming, on-site at event locations and multiple MLF media platforms. Fans can expect to see the 7 Brew Angler of the Year races featured in season-long coverage across the Pro Circuit, Toyota Series and BFL events.
For more information about 7Brew Coffee, visit 7brew.com. For regular MLF5 updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV and Game & Fish TV, and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Lew’s® Unveils the All-New Accel Baitcast Reel and Combo for Precision and Performance
Columbia, SC – Lew’s® is excited to announce the launch of a brand new product family: the Accel Baitcast Reel and Combo, a game-changing addition to their lineup that redefines the balance between high performance and affordability. Designed to Accel-lerate the angler experience on the water, Accel delivers expectational performance and durability at an exceptional price.
The Accel Baitcast Reel stands out with its lightweight graphite frame and side covers, built for long-lasting durability and reliability. Its 5-bearing system, including 4 stainless steel double-shielded bearings and a Zero Reverse® one-way clutch bearing, ensures smooth and reliable performance with every cast. The advanced MC-1™ Externally Adjustable Magnetic Cast Control System allows for quick, precise adjustments, while the precision-machined brass Speed Gears®, crafted on Hamai CNC machines, deliver unmatched consistency and strength. Additionally, the anodized aluminum spool with Knot Slot and the 95mm anodized aluminum handle with contoured rubber knobs are engineered for ease of use, comfort, and reliability, even under pressure.
The Accel Baitcast Combo rod offers a perfect synergy of performance and design. The rod features an IM6 graphite blank, which strikes the ideal balance of strength and flexibility for a variety of fishing techniques. Stainless steel guides with matching inserts ensure smooth line performance over time, while the split grip EVA handle provides superior comfort and durability. The addition of Lew’s patented “No Foul” Hook Keeper and an exclusive graphite skeletal reel seat offers convenience, reduced weight, and a seamless, ergonomic grip.
With the Accel Baitcast Reel and Combo, Lew’s delivers premium performance while maintaining affordability. This series embodies Lew’s dedication to designing reliable and durable fishing equipment, ensuring an enhanced experience for anglers of all skill levels.
About Rather Outdoors
Rather Outdoors is a global outdoors corporation uniting some of the most recognizable brands in the fishing space. With historic and iconic brands such as Lew’s, Strike King, Quantum, Zebco, Fox, Matrix, Salmo, and Fox Rage, Rather Outdoors provides a wide assortment of fishing products worldwide in an effort to enhance angler’s success and the enjoyment of outdoor pursuits. To learn more about the Rather Outdoors brands, visit www.ratheroutdoors.com.
NPFL 2026 Field: “Full” … But Room For More!
WILKESVILLE, Ohio—The field of anglers for the 2026 National Professional Fishing League season is full at 130. But if you don’t see your name on the list below, it’s not too late to get in.
“We’re still accepting talented anglers who are also outstanding human beings to join us for what promises to be the biggest and best season ever for the NPFL,” says league president Brad Fuller. “This will be our biggest field of competitors in our six-year history, and we’re about to close the door on new entries because we’ve always considered 130 anglers to be a ‘full’ field, but we can make room for a few more who are talented and ready to test themselves against a top-notch field and a challenging schedule.
“In 2026, we have the anglers, the schedule, the platforms, and the team to rival any organization in bass fishing,” adds Fuller. “For the fishing fans who enjoyed the great strides we made in 2025, it’s going to be even bigger and better next year.”
Anglers who wish to be part of the 2026 field should complete the Angler Application as soon as possible!
The six-event 2026 season kicks off on Florida’s Harris Chain of Lakes in March and wraps up in September on New York’s Lake George. In between, there are four other events in Texas, Alabama, and New York. Florida bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass will all be in play on the diverse fisheries that will reward versatility and adaptability in a true test of the best.
"For anglers ready to test themselves against a variety of fisheries, species, seasons, and conditions, the NPFL is the answer,” Fuller says. “But maybe even more than that, it’s a chance to compete against all-time greats like Rick Clunn, Greg Hackney, and Andy Morgan; top crossover pros like Patrick Walters, John Cox, and Zack Birge; and home-grown stars like Timmy Reams, Todd Goade, and Scott Hamrick. Plus, we’ve got more than a dozen true rookies joining the field in 2026—anglers who have never fished at the top level of a major tour, but who are ready to make a name for themselves."
Applicants must commit to a locked field and agree to participate in all six regular-season events. This ensures a committed group of anglers for the entire season. Choosing the right anglers for the field is critical to the NPFL’s mission.
“We take our selection process very seriously,” Fuller adds. “We interview each angler before they’re selected. No one is automatically accepted into the league just because they have an impressive tournament résumé or a lot of sponsors. We’re not just looking for excellent anglers. We want excellent people who are passionate about the sport—people who share our commitment and vision.”
Apply here.
Here's the list of 129 anglers committed to compete in the NPFL in 2026:
- Barron Adams
- Johnnie Adams
- Gary Adkins
- Sean Alvarez
- Charlie Apperson
- Todd Auten
- Chris Baker
- Keith Bardolf
- Hunter Baughman
- Bob Behrle
- Tommy Biffle
- Zack Birge
- Joey Bloom
- T-Roy Broussard
- Nick Brown
- Paul Browning
- Jason Burroughs
- Josh Butler
- Jon Canada
- Scott Canterbury
- Quintin Cappo
- Corey Casey
- Craig Chambers
- Ryan Chandler
- Hank Cherry
- Luke Clausen
- Rick Clunn
- Brandon Cobb
- Bo Collins
- Michael Comeau
- Drew Cook
- Richard Cooper
- John Cox (FL)
- John Cox (GA)
- Cliff Crochet
- Alex Davis
- Darrell Davis
- Harmon Davis
- Bill Day
- Seth Ellis
- Will Fletcher
- Tim Frederick
- Kyle Freeman
- Dylan Freeze
- Austin Garland
- Kyle Glasgow
- Todd Goade
- Wesley Gore
- Chad Grigsby
- Buddy Gross
- Greg Hackney
- Scott Hamrick
- Ray Hanselman
- Chip Harrington
- Cole Harris
- Matt Herren
- Paul Hodges
- Josh Hooks
- Stacey James
- Travis Jewell
- Ron Johnson
- Jonathan Kelley
- Russ Lane
- Logan Latuso
- Shane LeHew
- Derek Lehtonen
- Lavoyd Lemmond
- Shane Lineberger
- Joe Lineberry
- Jared Lintner
- Wes Logan
- Bill Lowen
- Kevin Madeley
- Chad Marler
- Lendell Martin
- Matt McBee
- Jason Meninger
- Harry Moore
- Andy Morgan
- Rickey Morris
- Brock Mosley
- Shawn Murphy
- James Niggemeyer
- Jordan Osborne
- Jamie Pierce
- Pete Ponds
- Jacob Powroznik
- J. Queen
- Mike Quinlin
- Timmy Reams
- Dustin Reneau
- Jason Reyes
- Joshua Reynolds
- Darrel Robertson
- Matt Robertson
- Troy Roder
- Kevin Rogers
- Fred Roumbanis
- T. Russell
- Hunter Sales
- Ryan Satterfield
- Adam Savage
- Garrett Smith
- Gerald Spohrer
- Brad Staley
- Scott Suggs
- Gerald Swindle
- Randall Tharp
- J Todd Tucker
- Andrew Upshaw
- Grant Vest
- Martin Villa
- Greg Vinson
- David Walker
- Patrick Walters
- Jimmy Ward
- Josh Watkins
- James Watson
- Mitchell Webb
- Brad Whatley
- Chris Whisenant
- Scott Wiley
- Alton Wilhoit
- David Williams
- Dustin Williamson
- Jason Williamson
- Jason Wilson
- Tim Wilson
- Jesse Wise
- David Wootten
About the National Professional Fishing League
The National Professional Fishing League exists to elevate competitive bass fishing by creating a platform defined by integrity, competition, and tradition. We believe that bass fishing is more than a sport—it is a lifestyle, a culture, and a path to family, friends, and fulfillment. Our mission is to provide anglers and fans with an authentic and accessible experience that honors the spirit of the sport while building a community united by shared passion and purpose.
For more information, visit our website.
Ehrler and Lucas Run Away with Victory at Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup
Team Ferguson Catches 29-9 to Lead Wire-to-Wire and Win Final Fishing Clash Team Series Event of Season
SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY, La. (Nov. 21, 2025) – The Team Ferguson duo of Justin Lucas and Brent Ehrler powered through a stingy Championship Day on Cross Lake to claim the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni, capping a gritty wire-to-wire performance in one of the tightest final rounds of the season.
Lucas stacked 10 scorable bass for 19 pounds, 1 ounce, while Ehrler’s late surge pushed the team to a commanding finishing weight of 29-9, securing the title over Team Lucas Oil – defending Summit Cup champs Drew Gill and Marshall Robinson.
The four-team field competed on Cross Lake for the first time this week, and the Louisiana fishery proved challenging. Early rain, muddy water and scattered bait kept the entire field in check and prevented any team from pulling away. Through the grind, Lucas and Ehrler proved to be the only duo able to generate steady opportunities across all three periods, and they stacked seven scorable bass in the final two hours to secure the victory.
Lucas, who now calls Guntersville, Alabama, home but grew up in California, noted how fitting it was to win alongside Ehrler, a fellow West Coast product he looked up to as a young angler.
“This one feels special,” Lucas said. “Brent and I kind of came up in the same circles back home, and to win this one together – especially in Louisiana – that’s something I’ll never forget. Today wasn’t easy. Nobody was running away with it, and we had to grind every single minute.”
The team started on the dam with a shallow-running crankbait – including an older, discontinued model Lucas grabbed off his garage wall on the way out the door – and quickly put a pair of scorable fish on the board. As the bite slowed, they adjusted by targeting shallow, rocky points where bait was sliding up with the wind. The crankbait continued to play throughout the afternoon, but the biggest strategic shift came when Ehrler moved to a finesse flipping setup to clean up behind Lucas.
“When Justin gets on a roll with a crankbait, there isn’t much point in me trying to do the same thing behind him,” Ehrler said. “I tied on the Yamamoto Yama Bug and just started pitching around the walkways and docks. It’s a new bait – I only had four packs of them. But it was the right adjustment. Those bites came fast, and they were the ones that really sealed the deal for us.”
Despite entering the final period just over 4 pounds behind Team Ferguson, the Team Lucas Oil duo of Gill and Robinson couldn’t match the late-day momentum. Meanwhile, Team B&W Trailer Hitches mounted a charge behind Todd Faircloth’s 4-pound, 14-ounce Berkley Big Bass of the Day, but the gap was simply too large to close in the remaining time. Local favorite Nick LeBrun , who had previously won the 2018 BFL All-American on Cross Lake, made a late run with Faircloth in the shallow cypress forest on the west end, but it wasn’t enough to catch Ehrler and Lucas.
Lucas said the victory was the result of constant communication and trust – two things that define a successful Team Series partnership.
“We made the right calls,” he said. “We stuck together, we stayed patient, and when things got tough ,we didn’t panic. Brent caught some absolutely critical fish behind me, and that’s what makes this format so fun. You’re never out of it as long as you’re making good decisions.”
“It’s been a while since either of us has won one of these,” Ehrler agreed as he was awarded the Summit Cup trophy. “We worked hard this week, we adjusted when we had to, and we got it done today in a really challenging place. Sharing this win with Justin, after all the years we’ve fished against each other – and now with each other – is just awesome.”
The final four teams at the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni finished:
1st: Team Ferguson, 15 bass, 29-9
Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., five bass, 10-8
Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., 10 bass, 19-1
2nd: Team Lucas Oil, 11 bass, 16-15
Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., eight bass, 13-4
Marshall Robinson, Landrum, S.C., three bass, 3-11
3rd: Team B&W Trailer Hitches, six bass, 16-6
Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, four bass, 9-13
Nick LeBrun, Bossier City, La., two bass, 6-9
4th: Team Kubota, two bass, 3-6
Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, two bass, 3-6
Nick Hatfield, Greeneville, Tenn., zero bass, 0-0
Complete results from throughout the week can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 34 bass weighing 66 pounds, 4 ounces caught by the final four teams Friday in the Championship Round on Cross Lake. Team B&W Trailer Hitches pro Todd Faircloth weighed a largemouth bass totaling 4 pounds, 14 ounces – the largest of the day – to earn the Berkley Big Bass of the Day honors.
The Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni was hosted by the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission and took place over six days in Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana. The competition water for each day was top secret and only revealed to the anglers when they arrived at the boat ramp each morning.
The Summit Cup featured 12 two-man teams divided into three groups as they entered the one-day Elimination Round matches. Each of the three Elimination Round matches featured four new teams, with the top two teams from each match of the Elimination Round advancing to the Knockout Round on Days 4 & 5. In the Knockout Rounds, three teams competed each day, with the top two teams from each Knockout Round match moving on to the Championship Round on Day 6. In the Day 6 Championship Round, the final four teams competed in a one-day shootout to determine which team would be declared the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni champions.
The MLF Fishing Clash Team Series Presented by Bass Pro Shops featured four Cup events in 2025 – the Challenge, Heritage, Patriot, and Summit Cups – with 12 two-man teams of Bass Pro Tour anglers competing for a share of $560,000 in prize money.
Television coverage of the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni will premiere on Outdoor Channel as six two-hour original episodes each Saturday afternoon starting May 9, 2026. The complete television schedule for the Fishing Clash Team Series on Outdoor Channel will be posted at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Proud sponsors of the MLF Fishing Clash Team Series include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Boat Technologies, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, E3 Sport Apparel, Epic Baits, Ferguson, Fishing Clash, Knighten Industries, Kubota, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, NITRO Boats, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Smokey Mountain Caffeinated Pouches, Star brite, Toyota, YETI and Zenni.
For complete details and updated information on the MLF Fishing Clash Team Series, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV and Game & Fish TV, and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Fish Tip Friday - Rip, Kill, Trigger
By Vance McCullough, AC Insider
Rip, Kill, Trigger - Your 3-Beat Fall Spinnerbait Cadence
Fall bass are aggressive but moody – chasing shad in 2-to-8 feet of water around cover such as grass edges, points and creek mouths. They are on the move, and so should you be if you plan to cross paths with a few of them. What autumn bassin’ lacks in consistency, it makes up for in fun. Here’s the deal.
A Strike King 1/2oz double willow leaf spinnerbait in white, chartreuse and white, or a shad pattern is your search-and-destroy tool. And you’re going to use it with a cadence that has won many a tournament dollar for the savvy pros who know about it.
One key to success in autumn is to stay on the move so we’re not slow rolling here. We’re standing on the trolling motor, channeling our inner KVD and slinging that bladed beauty around anything that has water on it. Soundtrack courtesy of Metalica.
The technique:
Rip - Burn the bait subsurface for a few feet (5-to-10 cranks on the reel handle). This mimics fleeing shad and triggers a few bonus reaction strikes.
Kill – Stop dead. Let it helicopter down a foot or two while holding the rod tip at 10 o’clock. Bass follow 70% of rips but strike on the fall. The pause is key. This is when most bites will happen.
Trigger – Twitch twice with sharp, short pops, keeping the bait in the same general area for an extra beat or two. Wounded baitfish panic. So should your bait, giving those uncommitted followers a second chance before we move on to the next target.
Pro tip - Typically, that double willow gets the job done with a blade combo that features a #4 ahead of a #5 size blade, but if the fish start striking short, swap to a single Colorado blade for more thump and a slower fall. Pump the rod tip on the kill to imitate a dying shad. This could become your go-to tactic after that first Arctic blast causes a massive shad die off as fall gives way to winter.
Master this cadence, and you’ll turn follower fish into hooked fish. Fall bass can’t resist. Once you feel that thump on the fall, you’ll be hooked on spinnerbaits in the fall.
Now go burn some blades!
Team Ferguson’s Ehrler and Lucas Rally Around Docks to Win Knockout Round Match 2 at Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni
Team Kubota duo of Floyd and Hatfield advance with second-place finish, final four teams set for Friday’s Championship Round
SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY, La. (Nov. 20, 2025) – A mid-match slump turned into a dominant closing run for Team Ferguson, who unlocked a crucial dock bite in the final period, Thursday, to win Knockout Round Match 2 of the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni on Cypress Bayou and punch their ticket to Friday’s Championship Round. Team Ferguson’s Brent Ehrler of Redlands, California, and Justin Lucas of Guntersville, Alabama, closed out a tense, back-and-forth battle with a total of 30 pounds, 5 ounces on 18 scorable bass to overtake a tight field in the closing stretch and secure the win.
Team Kubota (Cole Floyd and Nick Hatfield) held steady throughout the day to finish second with 13 bass for 23 pounds, 7 ounces, earning the final berth in the Championship Round.
Meanwhile, Team Fishing Clash – Keith Carson and Ron Nelson – struggled to maintain momentum in the third period, weighing 10 bass for 18-9 and falling 4-14 below the Lucas Oil Cut Line to end their Summit Cup run.
Team Ferguson opened the match strong, targeting a hard spot along the dam with a Lucky Craft 1.5 Square Bill crankbait to set an early pace. But as the bite faded, their momentum stalled, and the team temporarily fell to the bottom of SCORETRACKER® before a critical adjustment reignited their day.
“Justin and I really took turns catching them today,” said Ehrler in his postgame interview. “We started off great and were leading the pack but then stalled out midday and found ourselves in last place there for a second.”
The turning point came when Ehrler fired a Lucky Craft Pointer 78DD jerkbait to the corner of a dock, hooking up almost instantly.
“We got on a really good pattern going into the third period,” said Lucas. “Brent caught a fish on the jerkbait and that changed things up for us. I picked up the drop-shot rig and caught some on that. We had a nice little one-two punch going.”
From that moment on, Team Ferguson dialed in a consistent rhythm, targeting docks sitting over a distinct 4- to 8-foot break along the bank. The combination of Ehrler’s jerkbait paired with Lucas’ drop-shot rig and occasional Neko rig with a Yamamoto Baits Sensei Worm allowed them to systematically pick apart productive water and regain control of the round.
“It seemed like the bite just completely turned midday,” Ehrler said. “They were chasing bait in the morning, kind of through midday, and then they just stopped, and they were on the bottom.”
“I got one that weighed 1-3 about halfway through the second period and I was like, ‘Oh my god. I got a bite,’ said Lucas. “Then I caught another one and that gave me all the confidence in the world. That was a game-changer in our day for sure.”
Together, the duo managed the emotional roller coaster of fluctuating leaderboard positions and switched up their pattern at exactly the right time.
“It was a stressful day because it was really close for a long time, and we just started to pull away at the end,” said Lucas. “But I think we had a nice little back-and-forth pattern going.”
The Knockout Round win marks the second Championship Round appearance together in three Team Series events for Ehrler and Lucas.
Team Kubota’s Floyd and Hatfield stayed committed to a single productive area all day, never firing up their Mercury outboard as they worked their way through a shallow, bait-rich zone in 2 to 3 feet of water. They rotated through vibrating jigs, crankbaits and topwater baits to generate enough steady action to remain above the Lucas Oil Cut Line despite a bumpy final period that included lost fish and several non-scorable hookups.
The top two teams from Knockout Round Match 2 at the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni that now advance to Friday’s Championship Round are:
1st: Team Ferguson, 18 bass, 30-5
Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., 12 bass, 20-8
Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., six bass, 9-13
2nd: Team Kubota, 13 bass, 23-7
Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, seven bass, 13-6
Nick Hatfield, Greeneville, Tenn., six bass, 10-1
Eliminated from competition are:
3rd: Team Fishing Clash, 10 bass, 18-9
Keith Carson, DeBary, Fla., eight bass, 13-3
Ron Nelson, Berrien Springs, Mich., two bass, 5-6
Complete results from throughout the week can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 41 bass weighing 72 pounds, 5 ounces caught by the three teams Thursday in Knockout Round Match 2 on Cypress Bayou. Team Fishing Clash pro Ron Nelson caught the Berkley Big Bass of the day – a largemouth bass weighing 4 pounds, 4 ounces.
The final four teams that will compete in Friday’s final-day Championship Round at the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni are:
Team B&W Trailer Hitches:
Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas
Nick LeBrun, Bossier City, La.
Team Ferguson:
Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif.
Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala.
Team Kubota:
Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio
Nick Hatfield, Greeneville, Tenn.
Team Lucas Oil:
Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill.
Marshall Robinson, Landrum, S.C.
The Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni is hosted by the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission and takes place over six days in Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana. The competition water for each day is top secret and is only revealed to the anglers when they arrive at the boat ramp each morning. Anglers are driven directly to the day’s competition area launch ramp by their officials. Competition begins on the water at 9:15 a.m.
The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live on Championship Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT. MLFNOW!® is livestreamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MLF and MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) apps, RFD-TV Now, Game & Fish TV and Rumble. The final period of every day of competition of the 2025 Fishing Clash Team Series is broadcast live on RFD-TV, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. CT.
The Summit Cup features 12 two-man teams divided into three groups as they entered the one-day Elimination Round matches. Each of the three Elimination Round matches featured four new teams, with the top two teams from each match of the Elimination Round advancing to the Knockout Round on Days 4 & 5. In the Knockout Rounds, three teams competed each day, with the top two teams from each Knockout Round match now moving on to the Championship Round on Day 6. In Friday’s Day 6 Championship Round, the final four teams will compete in a one-day shootout to determine which team will win the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni.
The MLF Fishing Clash Team Series Presented by Bass Pro Shops features four Cup events in 2025 – the Challenge, Heritage, Patriot, and Summit Cups – with 12 two-man teams of Bass Pro Tour anglers competing for a share of $560,000 in prize money. Teams were formed through a selection process, where 48 team captains – based on Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) standings throughout the 2025 Bass Pro Tour season – selected a teammate. Teams will compete throughout the fall of 2025.
The MLF Fishing Clash Team Series Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni will also air on Outdoor Channel as six two-hour original episodes each Saturday afternoon starting May 9, 2026. The complete television schedule for the Fishing Clash Team Series on Outdoor Channel will be posted at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Proud sponsors of the MLF Fishing Clash Team Series include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Boat Technologies, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, E3 Sport Apparel, Epic Baits, Ferguson, Fishing Clash, Knighten Industries, Kubota, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, NITRO Boats, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Smokey Mountain Caffeinated Pouches, Star brite, Toyota, YETI and Zenni.
For complete details and updated information on the MLF Fishing Clash Team Series, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV and Game & Fish TV, and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Strike King & Lew’s Pro Anglers Qualify For Bassmaster Elite Series
Lake Okeechobee, FL – Rather Outdoors is proud to announce that two of its pro anglers, Tristan McCormick and Aaron Jagdfeld, have successfully qualified for the prestigious 2026 Bassmaster Elite Series. Both fishermen earned their spots through the rigorous Bassmaster Opens Elite Qualifier (EQ) series, showcasing exceptional skill and determination.
Tennessee native Tristan McCormick secured his place after a consistent performance throughout the EQ series. He initially qualified for the EQs by finishing 15th in Division 1 of the Bassmaster Opens with 640 points. A two-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier, McCormick demonstrated his experience by climbing from 15th to 6th place in the standings at the Lake Okeechobee event. He ultimately finished 9th overall with 226 points, solidifying his invitation to the Elite Series.
After finishing as the runner-up in the 2024 College Classic Bracket, Michigan angler Aaron Jagdfeld qualified for the EQs through Division 2 of the Opens. Despite a challenging start to the season, Jagdfeld mounted an impressive rally, posting three top-40 finishes to earn his EQ qualification. Jagdfeld then delivered a standout EQ performance, including an eighth-place finish at Lake Champlain and a 12th at Wheeler Lake. A critical day 2 comeback at Lake Okeechobee propelled him to 29th in the tournament. This was just enough to clinch 3rd overall in the EQ standings with 242 points, locking in his Elite Series invitation.
The pathway from the Bassmaster Opens to the Elite Series, established by B.A.S.S. in 2025, is designed to identify the most consistent and skilled anglers in the sport. The success of McCormick and Jagdfeld highlights their ability to perform under pressure across diverse fisheries.
About Rather Outdoors
Rather Outdoors is a global outdoors corporation uniting some of the most recognizable brands in the fishing space. With historic and iconic brands such as Lew’s, Strike King, Quantum, Zebco, Fox, Matrix, Salmo, and Fox Rage, Rather Outdoors provides a wide assortment of fishing products worldwide in an effort to enhance angler’s success and the enjoyment of outdoor pursuits. To learn more about the Rather Outdoors brands, visit www.ratheroutdoors.com.
Hobie Eyewear Announces Northern Outer Banks Destination Giveaway Sweepstakes
Hobie® Eyewear is excited to announce the Northern Outer Banks Destination Giveaway Sweepstakes, a collaborative digital campaign between Hobie® Eyewear, Hobie®, and the Northern Outer Banks. The promotion will run from Friday, November 14, 2025, through Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Participants can enter online at the Northern Outer Banks website, with full details available at northernouterbanks.com/hobie.
This program brings together a shared spirit of adventure and coastal lifestyle. The concept celebrates the natural beauty of the region while showcasing the passion for exploration that defines Hobie®. The visual storytelling campaign will reach audiences across digital platforms, social channels, retail partners, and through a custom sweepstakes.
The Grand Prize winner will receive an unforgettable travel and product package designed to highlight the best of the Northern Outer Banks and Hobie®. The full Grand Prize includes:
- A weeklong six-bedroom vacation house rental in Corolla through Twiddy Realty
- A Kitty Hawk Kites Hobie® experience for four people
- A Hobie® All Around 11’ SUP
- A Wild Horse Adventure Tour for four people
- Admission to Currituck Beach Lighthouse for four people
- Admission to Whalehead in Historic Corolla for four people
- A $250 Visa gift card
- Four Hobie Eyewear swag bags, including three pairs of Hobie® Eyewear sunglasses and additional Hobie® Eyewear accessories
“Hobie Eyewear and the Northern Outer Banks share a deep connection to coastal culture, rooted in heritage, community, and a love for life on the water,” said Dylan Coates, Hobie® Eyewear Marketing Manager. “The Northern Outer Banks offers the same coastal spirit that inspires every pair of Hobie Eyewear, making it the perfect backdrop for new experiences. We are thrilled to invite fans to explore this incredible destination and enjoy the performance and style of Hobie Eyewear as they soak in the timeless feeling of life by the ocean.”
The Northern Outer Banks Giveaway Sweepstakes supports Hobie® Eyewear’s mission to bring premium polarized eyewear and coast-inspired storytelling to passionate explorers everywhere.
How to Enter
Participants can submit entries beginning Friday, November 14th, 2025. Entries must be received by Wednesday, December 31st, 2025. For complete sweepstakes details, visit northernouterbanks.com/hobie
Team B&W Trailer Hitches’ Nick LeBrun and Todd Faircloth Smash Team Series Record to Win Knockout Round Match 1 at Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup
Local pro LeBrun and Texas veteran Faircloth ignite Cypress Bayou with a record-setting 139-15 to advance to Friday’s Championship Round
SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY, La. (Nov. 19, 2025) – Team B&W Trailer Hitches delivered a historic performance Wednesday on Louisiana’s Cypress Bayou, rewriting the Major League Fishing (MLF) record books with a jaw-dropping total of 139 pounds, 15 ounces to win Knockout Round Match 1 of the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni. Hometown favorite Nick LeBrun of Bossier City, Louisiana, and Jasper, Texas veteran Todd Faircloth erupted for one of the single most dominant periods in Fishing Clash Team Series history – boating a staggering 91-13 on 55 scorable bass in Period 1 alone.
Team B&W Trailer Hitches final total of 139-15 surpassed the previous one-day record of 114-4 in two-man Fishing Clash Team Series competition, cementing the duo’s place in the 2025 Summit Cup Championship Round.
“All I can say is, ‘Praise Jesus,’” LeBrun said in his post-match interview. “There’s nothing better than two friends, spot-locked down with the Lowrance Ghost, reeling in a fish on every cast. It’s been an amazing day.”
Working a pair of current-swept hard spots – rare gems amid Cypress Bayou’s typically soft bottom – LeBrun and Faircloth triggered schools of fired-up bass with a two-crankbait assault. LeBrun leaned heavily on a chartreuse-and-blue colored Bill Lewis MR-12 crankbait with Hayabusa TBL930 treble hooks, while Faircloth threw a Strike King 3XD crankbait to match the pace. When the school slowed, the duo seamlessly mixed in a Buckeye Mini Mop Jig, a Yamamoto Baits Shad Shape Swimmer and a Strike King KVD Perfect Plastics Ocho to mop up stragglers.
“We caught a lot of fish today a lot of different ways, but that first-period crankfest was unbelievable,” LeBrun said.
As the day wound down, the pair shifted gears in Period 3, trading the blistering crankbait pace for a slower search around docks and nearby brush in hopes of connecting with a kicker.
“We spent some of the third period just fishing docks and a few little brush piles outside the docks. We weren't catching a whole lot, but just spent some time hunting a big one,” LeBrun explained. “We're super thankful for how the day went. It’s been very special getting to know Todd this week and growing our friendship – and it’s really easy to grow a friendship when you’re anchored down catching one on every cast.”
Faircloth echoed the sentiment, crediting LeBrun’s deep local knowledge for the runaway win.
“Nick pretty much called his shots today. He knows when those fish are going to fire, and he made it look easy,” Faircloth said. “It was just a fun, stress-free day. We don’t get many like this, and we’re excited to be moving on to the Championship Round.”
For the second straight day, Team Lucas Oil – Drew Gill and Marshall Robinson – relied on forward-facing sonar mastery and a commitment to the drop-shot rig to secure the final Championship Round berth. The pair finished second with 45 pounds even on 21 scorable bass, powered by exceptional quality.
Gill mixed his drop-shot presentation with the same new “fuzzy dice” rig he showcased earlier in the week, while Robinson delivered steady production with classic drop-shot setups and “netted” Gill’s catches. Their bag was loaded with 3- and 4-pounders, enough to stay well above the Lucas Oil Cut Line and comfortably earn their place in the Championship Round on Friday.
Team Star brite’s Bobby Lane and Jacob Wall came out hot, catching fish early around boat docks with a drop-shot before switching to the same crankbait pattern that carried them through Tuesday’s Elimination Round Match 3 on Caddo Lake. But, after midday, the bite collapsed. Despite several adjustments, the fish never re-fired, leaving Star brite with 16 bass for 22-11 and ending their Summit Cup run.
The top two teams from Knockout Round Match 1 at the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni that now advance to Friday’s Championship Round are:
1st: Team B&W Trailer Hitches, 77 bass, 139-15
Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, 33 bass, 55-10
Nick LeBrun, Bossier City, La., 44 bass, 84-5
2nd: Team Lucas Oil, 21 bass, 45-0
Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., 16 bass, 38-1
Marshall Robinson, Landrum, S.C., five bass, 6-15
Eliminated from competition are:
3rd: Team Star brite, 16 bass, 22-11
Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla., nine bass, 12-8
Jacob Wall, New Hope, Ala., seven bass, 10-3
Complete results from throughout the week can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 114 bass weighing 207 pounds, 10 ounces caught by the three teams Wednesday in Knockout Round Match 1 on Cypress Bayou. Team B&W Trailer Hitches pro Nick LeBrun and Lucas Oil pro Drew Gill tied for the Berkley Big Bass of the day with a pair of largemouth bass weighing 4 pounds, 12 ounces.
The three teams that will compete Thursday in Knockout Round Match 2 at the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni are:
Team Ferguson:
Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif.
Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala.
Team Fishing Clash:
Keith Carson, DeBary, Fla.
Ron Nelson, Berrien Springs, Mich.
Team Kubota:
Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio
Nick Hatfield, Greeneville, Tenn.
The Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni is hosted by the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission and takes place over six days in Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana. The competition water for each day is top secret and is only revealed to the anglers when they arrive at the boat ramp each morning. Anglers are driven directly to the day’s competition area launch ramp by their officials. Competition begins on the water at 9:15 a.m.
The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live every day of competition from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT. MLFNOW!® is livestreamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MLF and MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) apps, RFD-TV Now, Game & Fish TV and Rumble. The final period of every day of competition of the 2025 Fishing Clash Team Series is broadcast live on RFD-TV, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. CT.
The Summit Cup features 12 two-man teams divided into three groups as they entered the one-day Elimination Round matches. Each of the three Elimination Round matches featured four new teams, with the top two teams from each match of the Elimination Round advancing to the Knockout Round on Days 4 & 5. In the Knockout Rounds, three teams compete each day, with the top two teams from each Knockout Round match moving on to the Championship Round on Day 6. In Friday’s Day 6 Championship Round, the final four teams will compete in a one-day shootout to determine which team will win the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni.
The MLF Fishing Clash Team Series Presented by Bass Pro Shops features four Cup events in 2025 – the Challenge, Heritage, Patriot, and Summit Cups – with 12 two-man teams of Bass Pro Tour anglers competing for a share of $560,000 in prize money. Teams were formed through a selection process, where 48 team captains – based on Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) standings throughout the 2025 Bass Pro Tour season – selected a teammate. Teams will compete throughout the fall of 2025.
The MLF Fishing Clash Team Series Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni will also air on Outdoor Channel as six two-hour original episodes each Saturday afternoon starting May 9, 2026. The complete television schedule for the Fishing Clash Team Series on Outdoor Channel will be posted at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Proud sponsors of the MLF Fishing Clash Team Series include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Boat Technologies, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, E3 Sport Apparel, Epic Baits, Ferguson, Fishing Clash, Knighten Industries, Kubota, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, NITRO Boats, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Smokey Mountain Caffeinated Pouches, Star brite, Toyota, YETI and Zenni.
For complete details and updated information on the MLF Fishing Clash Team Series, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV and Game & Fish TV, and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Under Armour renews presenting sponsorship of the Bassmaster Classic, the premier event in competitive bass fishing
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. officials announced today that Under Armour will remain the presenting sponsor of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic, continuing its role as a premier partner of the most prestigious event in professional bass fishing.
The renewed partnership underscores Under Armour’s dedication to performance, innovation and the athletes who embody the spirit of competitive angling. Widely regarded as the “Super Bowl of Bass Fishing,” the Bassmaster Classic draws tens of thousands of fans annually and reaches millions more through Bassmaster LIVE and extensive media coverage across digital and broadcast platforms.
“Under Armour has been an incredible partner in helping us elevate the Bassmaster Classic experience for both anglers and fans,” said Phillip Johnson, Chief Operating Officer at B.A.S.S. “Their focus on innovation and performance aligns perfectly with the intensity and precision demanded by our sport. We’re thrilled to continue building on this partnership as we showcase the best anglers in the world competing on bass fishing’s biggest stage.”
“The Bassmaster Classic is more than a tournament — it’s a cultural moment for the fishing community, and we’re proud to continue our partnership as presenting sponsor,” said Tyler Rutstein, SVP of Brand & Americas Marketing at Under Armour. “B.A.S.S. has been an exceptional partner, and together, we’re elevating the experience and providing innovative outdoor products for the next generation of anglers.”
Under Armour will continue outfitting tournament staff and on-air talent with performance apparel engineered for the demanding conditions of elite-level competition. The brand’s presence will span across Bassmaster LIVE broadcasts, fan expos and digital activations, ensuring fans and competitors alike experience the synergy between athletic excellence and outdoor passion.
The 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, will take place March 13-15 on the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tenn. The three-day championship will feature the top anglers from the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Lowrance and the Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, all competing for the coveted Ray Scott Bassmaster Classic trophy and a place in bass fishing history.
Fans can follow coverage of the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, including live weigh-ins and Bassmaster LIVE streaming, at Bassmaster.com and across all official Bassmaster and Under Armour social channels.
About Under Armour, Inc.
Under Armour, Inc., headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, is a leading inventor, marketer, and distributor of branded athletic performance apparel, footwear, and accessories. Designed to empower human performance, Under Armour's innovative products and experiences are engineered to make athletes better. For further information, please visit http://about.
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Team Fishing Clash Surges Late To Win Elimination Round Match 3 at Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup
Carson and Nelson Combine for 36-10 to Pace Field and Advance to Knockout Round
SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY, La. (Nov. 18, 2025) – A dominant late-day rally powered Team Fishing Clash to the top of the leaderboard Tuesday at the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni, as teammates Keith Carson of DeBary, Florida, and Ron Nelson of Berrien Springs, Michigan , posted 17 bass for 36 pounds, 10 ounces to win Elimination Round Match 3 on Caddo Lake and secure a berth into the Knockout Round.
Team Star brite, pros Bobby Lane and Jacob Wall, also advanced after tallying 16 bass for 36-0, finishing just 10 ounces behind Fishing Clash in a tight race for the top spot.
Teams YETI – Fred Roumbanis and Jeff Sprague – and O’Reilly Auto Parts – Adrian Avena and Mark Daniels Jr. – were eliminated.
Carson and Nelson spent most of the first two periods relying on a methodical punching pattern, but a visible shift in fish behavior late in the day forced an adjustment, and the team capitalized.
“We started really slow, but once we got that first bite punching, it settled us down,” Nelson said. “Then the winding bite just wasn’t happening at all. Late in the afternoon, Keith caught one winding and said, ‘They’re switching.’ From that moment on, everything changed.”
Carson agreed the momentum swing was unmistakable.
“Once those fish pushed up and got active, the swimjig took over,” Carson said. “It almost felt like a topwater bite – they were eating it that aggressively. We kept it moving, covered water and that flurry in the last 45 minutes is what won us the round.”
The team combined for 19 pounds in the final period, overtaking Star brite during the closing stretch of Toyota Overdrive. Throughout the afternoon, both anglers recognized the environmental shift that triggered the winning pattern.
“You could feel it coming,” Nelson explained. “The fish stopped wanting that slow presentation. Then we started seeing a few bust on top, a little bait moving – that’s when we knew we had to pick up something winding.”
Carson credited the team’s ability to stay open-minded.
“After losing several flipping fish in Period 2, we had to pivot,” he said. “That’s the beauty of this format – when it changes, you change with it. Today that decision saved our day.”
Lane and Wall controlled much of the match through two periods, using a mix of mat-punching and mid-lake crankbait fishing to stay ahead of the cut line. Despite falling just short of the daily win, their 36-0 total comfortably advanced the team into tomorrow’s Knockout Round Match 1.
Team YETI finished third with 15 bass for 26-15, highlighted by Jeff Sprague’s 3-12, which tied for Berkley Big Bass Honors of the Day. Despite a strong final-period push. Team O’Reilly Auto Parts finished fourth with 15 bass for 24-3.
The top two teams from Elimination Round Match 3 at Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni that now advance to the Knockout Round are:
1st: Team Fishing Clash, 17 bass, 36-10
Keith Carson, DeBary, Fla., nine bass, 17-1
Ron Nelson, Berrien Springs, Mich., eight bass, 19-9
2nd: Team Star brite, 16 bass, 36-0
Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla., 11 bass, 25-1
Jacob Wall, New Hope, Ala., five bass, 10-15
Eliminated from competition are:
3rd: Team YETI, 15 bass, 26-15
Fred Roumbanis, Russellville, Ark., two bass, 2-12
Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas, 13 bass, 24-3
4th: Team O’Reilly Auto Parts, 15 bass, 24-3
Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J., 11 bass, 18-4
Mark Daniels Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., four bass, 5-15
Complete results from throughout the week can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 63 bass weighing 123 pounds, 12 ounces caught by the four teams Tuesday in Knockout Round Match 3 on Caddo Lake. Team Fishing Clash pro Ron Nelson and Team YETI pro Jeff Sprague both caught largemouth bass weighing in at 3 pounds, 12 ounces, to share the Berkley Big Bass of the Day honors.
The three teams that will compete Wednesday in Knockout Round Match 1 at the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni are:
Team B&W Trailer Hitches:
Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas
Nick LeBrun, Bossier City, La.
Team Star brite:
Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla.
Jacob Wall, New Hope, Ala.
Team Lucas Oil:
Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill.
Marshall Robinson, Landrum, S.C.
The Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni is hosted by the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission and takes place over six days in Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana. The competition water for each day is top secret and is only revealed to the anglers when they arrive at the boat ramp each morning. Anglers are driven directly to the day’s competition area launch ramp by their officials. Competition begins on the water at 9:15 a.m.
The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live every day of competition from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT. MLFNOW!® is livestreamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MLF and MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) apps, RFD-TV Now, Game & Fish TV and Rumble. The final period of every day of competition of the 2025 Fishing Clash Team Series is broadcast live on RFD-TV, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. CT.
The Summit Cup features 12 two-man teams divided into three groups as they entered the one-day Elimination Round matches. Each of the three Elimination Round matches featured four new teams, with the top two teams from each match of the Elimination Round now advancing to the Knockout Round on Days 4 & 5. In the Knockout Rounds, three teams compete each day, with the top two teams from each Knockout Round match moving on to the Championship Round on Day 6. In Friday’s Day 6 Championship Round, the final four teams will compete in a one-day shootout to determine which team will win the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni.
The MLF Fishing Clash Team Series Presented by Bass Pro Shops features four Cup events in 2025 – the Challenge, Heritage, Patriot, and Summit Cups – with 12 two-man teams of Bass Pro Tour anglers competing for a share of $560,000 in prize money. Teams were formed through a selection process, where 48 team captains – based on Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) standings throughout the 2025 Bass Pro Tour season – selected a teammate. Teams will compete throughout the fall of 2025.
The MLF Fishing Clash Team Series Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni will also air on Outdoor Channel as six two-hour original episodes each Saturday afternoon starting May 9, 2026. The complete television schedule for the Fishing Clash Team Series on Outdoor Channel will be posted at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Proud sponsors of the MLF Fishing Clash Team Series include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Boat Technologies, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, E3 Sport Apparel, Epic Baits, Ferguson, Fishing Clash, Knighten Industries, Kubota, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, NITRO Boats, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Smokey Mountain Caffeinated Pouches, Star brite, Toyota, YETI and Zenni.
For complete details and updated information on the MLF Fishing Clash Team Series, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV and Game & Fish TV, and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Love, Laughter and a Little Friendly Competition: Steve and Kim Sandlin’s Lake Guntersville Adventure
By Walker Smith / Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships
There’s something about Lake Guntersville that brings out the best in people. The water sits still and glassy, the light just beginning to pour through the mountains and the laughs and storytelling among excited anglers carries a kind of electricity that only anglers understand.
For Steve and Kim Sandlin of Spartanburg, South Carolina, that electricity wasn’t just about chasing bass. It was about sharing time together, unplugging from the world and soaking up every laugh and quiet moment in between.
“This is my second Toyota Owners Tournament,” Steve said with a grin. “I loved the first one so much, I just knew I had to come back. I even told my wife, Kim, that she needed to come with me this year. I’m so glad she decided to join me.”
Kim, his wife and co-angler for the weekend, smiled at that. “We took half a week off of work and came down Wednesday morning just to enjoy this beautiful fishery and enjoy spending some much-needed time together,” she said. “We treated this like a mini vacation. We have had a blast.”
It’s clear that for the Sandlins, fishing tournaments aren’t really about competition. It’s about connection to each other and to the tight-knit community of anglers who come together every year for the Toyota Bonus Bucks Owners Tournament.
Joy in the journey
Steve, the Metrology Methods Leader for Michelin Tire, approaches life with the precision you’d expect from a man whose career revolves around measurements and details.
“Metrology is the study of measurements, so I’m a pretty meticulous and detail-oriented guy,” he said. “That’s why I drive a 2022 Toyota Tundra. Heck, I kept my first one for 13 years. I choose them because they’re reliable and durable. I’m always very particular about researching our vehicles before we make the decision to buy one. It couldn’t have been an easier decision when I decided to go with Toyota. I’m doubt if I’ll ever have another brand.”
That same level of research and precision, though, seems to take a backseat when it comes to fishing with Kim. Out on the water, Steve trades spreadsheets and measurements for laughter and lighthearted ribbing. It’s a different kind of balance that’s just as important, if not more.
“I really don’t even fish,” Kim admitted with a laugh. “I normally just let him do his thing but I’m here to catch some fish this year.”
When asked if she’d be the professional net-person, Kim laughed again, shaking her head.
“No! I have to show him how it’s done out there! I’m going to catch a bigger bass than he will!”
Steve chuckled, knowing she just might make good on that promise.
“She actually out-fished me at Hartwell last year,” he confessed. “But don’t tell anyone!”
Quiet moments and big memories
Couples who fish together are special. It’s the way they move around each other in the boat, one setting the hook while the other grabs the net, their laughter rolling across the water. It’s teamwork and teasing, patience and persistence. All wrapped into one experience.
For the Sandlins, that balance comes naturally. They’re a little quiet at first, the kind of couple who takes a few minutes to warm up in a crowd. But once they do, they’re quick to laugh, to tell stories and to poke fun at each other in that easy way that only comes from years of love and partnership.
They’ve made a life together in Spartanburg, surrounded by friends, family and now this growing circle of anglers they’ve come to call friends through the Toyota Owners Tournament. It’s a community that celebrates not only the catch but the stories behind it.
The heart of the tournament
Every year, the Toyota Owners Tournament draws anglers from all walks of life. Weekend warriors, first-time anglers, seasoned pros and couples like the Sandlins who just love the water and the people who gather around it. It’s a place where the brand loyalty that brings them together quickly gives way to something deeper: fellowship.
For Steve and Kim, that sense of belonging is what keeps them coming back. The laughter shared at the weigh-in line, the friendly trash talk between teams and the collective appreciation for the outdoors. It’s all part of what makes the event feel less like a tournament and more like a family reunion.
“This is something we’ll definitely keep doing,” Steve said with his arm around Kim. “We just love the atmosphere. Everyone’s so kind and welcoming and it’s a great chance to meet other folks who share the same passion.”
Kim nodded, still smiling.
“And I get to see him in his element,” she said. “I might not be as serious about fishing as he is, but being out there with him is special. Even when I’m tangled up in the line or casting in the wrong direction, we just laugh about it. That’s what it’s all about.”
More than a fishing trip
For some, a fishing tournament might just be a weekend getaway. For Steve and Kim, it’s something more. Out there on the boat, surrounded by the quiet of the water, everything slows down. The world fades, leaving just the two of them, the lake and a handful of fishing rods.
They may not bring home the biggest bass or the heaviest bag but what they do take home is far more valuable.
As the rain melted the horizon on their last evening at Lake Guntersville, Steve and Kim stood by their Tundra, packing up tackle boxes and gear. The air was cold, carrying the faint smell of the lake and the sound of distant laughter from other anglers wrapping up their own days.
Steve turned to Kim and smiled.
“You know,” he said, “even if we didn’t catch another thing, I’d still call it a great trip.”
Kim laughed softly.
“That’s because you’re just happy I came with you.”
He nodded.
“That’s exactly right.”
Burch frogs his way to a Vexus® buckle
Ask Minnesota native, turned Lake Okeechobee area resident, Matt Burch what his favorite lures are, and he’ll grin and say, “A frog, a frog, and a frog!” However, if you ask him what he loves most about his new Vexus® VXs21, he’ll tell you it’s really tough to name just one or two features.
“When you fish big water like Okeechobee, the AirWave® seats are phenomenal for comfort in big waves, but I also love the unique plexiglass livewell shields that allow you to see your fish, and cull easily, without worrying a bass is going to jump out of the livewell,” says Burch.
“I’ve been in a lot of boats, and I studied a lot of boats, before I bought this Vexus, and it’s just a cut above in terms of the craftsmanship. Even the carpet trim is made of powder-coated aluminum, instead of plastic that cracks in the sun like most boat builders use. And honestly, when I learned about the chance to win up to $10,000 in the Vexus REV Rewards™ program, that’s what finalized my decision to buy a Vexus,” confirms Burch.
His purchase decision quickly led to his first unique Vexus buckle and a check for nearly $5,000 to match his winnings in a recent Roland Martin Marine Center Team Series event on Okeechobee -- and as you might have guessed, a frog was he and his partner’s primary lure in the victory, along with a few key bites on a speed worm.
“I’m going to display my new Vexus buckle next to the 2023 RMMC team championship trophy that Kyle Powers and I won,” says Burch, who works in sales, selling AI-powered legal technology to law professionals.
Burch certainly applied plenty of genuine intelligence to his recent boat buying decision and tournament strategies, and he’s got a shiny new buckle and a big bonus check from Vexus® to prove it.
To make sure you’re eligible to cash-in on the Vexus REV Rewards™ program, please visit https://vexusboats.com/rev-rewards/. High school and college anglers competing in a Vexus® should be sure to check out the Vexus® Varsity and University contingency programs that offer generous gift card prizes from Tackle Warehouse.
Team Lucas Oil’s Gill and Robinson Cruise to Day 2 Victory in Elimination Round Match 2 at Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup
Team Ferguson rallies to claim second advancing spot, four new teams set for Elimination Match 3 on Tuesday
SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY, La. (Nov. 17, 2025) – On a day defined by dramatic swings and one unforgettable giant, Team Lucas Oil’s Drew Gill and Marshall Robinson surged to the top of SCORETRACKER® to go wire-to-wire in Elimination Round Match 2 of the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni at Caddo Lake. With 27 scorable bass for 62 pounds even – anchored by the biggest bass of the event thus far – Gill and Robinson punched their ticket to the Knockout Round and reminded the field why they’re the reigning Summit Cup champions.
Right behind them, Team Ferguson – made up of Brent Ehrler and Justin Lucas – used an explosive final-period rally to lock down the second advancing spot, stacking up 37 pounds, 4 ounces in the final period alone.
The pairing of Gill and Robinson continues to prove formidable. The duo teamed up last season to win the 2024 Summit Cup in Florida, and their chemistry was on full display again as they dismantled Caddo Lake with the same blend of efficiency, communication and precision that carried them to that championship. Their comfort fishing together – and their shared understanding of how to break down water with forward-facing sonar – has quickly made them one of the most dangerous teams in the field.
Their Day 2 victory was built on a disciplined, straightforward approach – target bass loosely relating to bait in 10 to 12 feet of water, then pick them apart with a drop-shot rig once they slid away from the main bait balls.
“We targeted fish in drains and holes, and fish that were chasing bait and relating to divots with the drop-shot rig,” said Gill. “That rig was an absolute bass catcher in a situation like this.”
Robinson agreed that the pattern worked spectacularly.
“Today was a really good day and Caddo Lake was great to us,” he said. “The fish were pretty much where we thought they’d be after looking at the map this morning. We had good weather and a solid average weight across our fish throughout the day.”
Gill leaned on a classic setup – a 7-inch green-pumpkin-colored worm on a 1/0 hook with a ¼-ounce weight – while Robinson threw a 3/8-ounce drop-shot rig with a Roboworm to keep the numbers climbing. Together, they caught 27 scorable bass and left no doubt that forward-facing sonar could be a winning tool this week.
“We absolutely smashed them,” Gill said in his post-game interview. “That was so fun.”
The signature moment of the day came courtesy of Robinson, who launched a vibrating jig toward a cypress-studded point and connected with the heaviest bass caught so far this week – a 7-pound, 14-ounce Caddo Lake giant.
“I caught it on a shad-colored, 3/8-ounce Z-Man Original ChatterBait,” Robinson said. “We pulled up to a cypress island we’d looked at earlier, and I made a long cast. When it locked up, I thought I was hung. That was one of the biggest tournament fish I’ve ever caught.”
Gill was equally stunned.
“When it came up and jumped, I freaked out,” he said. “That was awesome. Top-tier experience right there.”
The fish was more than a highlight – it was the exclamation point on a dominant day that secured Lucas Oil’s advancement to the Knockout Round and gave notice to the remaining field.
Though they finished the day in second place, Ehrler and Lucas delivered one of the most electric periods of the Summit Cup thus far in Period 3. After identifying a jerkbait bite over hydrilla in 3 feet of water, the duo returned to the area late – and unleashed a flurry.
“We had a great start to the third period that carried us, and I think we did everything right,” Ehrler said. “We let that spot rest, and when we came back, they were ready.”
Lucas could only laugh at the chaos.
“There were a lot more in that area than we realized,” he said. “We caught about 30 pounds in, what, forty minutes? That doesn’t happen every day. Everything was right about that spot.”
Team Ferguson ended the day with 23 scorable bass in the final period alone, securing their move into the Knockout Round.
Team BUBBA, Wesley Strader and Brent Chapman , entered the final period only 4 pounds, 4 ounces below the Lucas Oil cutline, but despite several quality fish – including a 4-8 on a bladed swim jig and a 4-3 on a buzzbait – the bite fizzled late. They managed just three scorable bass in the last period and finished the day in third.
Team Smokey Mountain’s Terry Scroggins and Britt Myers committed early to punching thick mats of salvinia and hyacinth – a pattern that showed promise – but the momentum didn’t hold. After a solid start, the bite evaporated through the second and third periods, dropping them below the cutline to finish in fourth place and end their Summit Cup hopes.
The top two teams from Elimination Round Match 2 at Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni that now advance to the Knockout Round are:
1st: Team Lucas Oil, 27 bass, 62-0
Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., 19 bass, 41-6
Marshall Robinson, Landrum, S.C., eight bass, 20-10
2nd: Team Ferguson, 34 bass, 59-1
Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., 21 bass, 35-0
Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., 13 bass, 24-1
Eliminated from competition are:
3rd: Team BUBBA, 12 bass, 25-10
Brent Chapman, Lake Quivira, Kan., one bass, 2-2
Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn., 11 bass, 23-8
4th: Team Smokey Mountain, 10 bass, 22-9
Britt Myers, Lake Wylie, S.C., five bass, 12-8
Terry Scroggins, San Mateo, Fla., five bass, 10-1
Complete results from throughout the week can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 83 bass weighing 169 pounds, 4 ounces caught by the four teams Monday in Elimination Round Match 2 on Caddo Lake. Team Lucas Oil pro Marshall Robinson caught the Berkley Big Bass of the day – a chunky 7-pound, 13-ounce largemouth bass.
The four teams that will compete Tuesday in Elimination Round Match 3 at the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni are:
Team Fishing Clash:
Ron Nelson, Berrien Springs, Mich.
Keith Carson, DeBary, Fla.
Team O’Reilly Auto Parts:
Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J.
Mark Daniels Jr., Tuskegee, Ala.
Team Star brite:
Jacob Wall, New Hope, Ala.
Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla.
Team YETI:
Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas
Fred Roumbanis, Russellville, Ark.
The Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni is hosted by the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission and takes place over six days in Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana. The competition water for each day is top secret and is only revealed to the anglers when they arrive at the boat ramp each morning. Anglers are driven directly to the day’s competition area launch ramp by their officials. Competition begins on the water at 9:15 a.m.
The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live every day of competition from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT. MLFNOW!® is livestreamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MLF and MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) apps, RFD-TV Now, Game & Fish TV and Rumble. The final period of every day of competition of the 2025 Fishing Clash Team Series is broadcast live on RFD-TV, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. CT.
The Summit Cup features 12 two-man teams divided into three groups as they enter the one-day Elimination Round matches. Each of the three Elimination Round matches will feature four new teams, with the top two teams from each match of the Elimination Round advancing to the Knockout Round on Days 4 & 5. In the Knockout Rounds, three teams compete each day, with the top two teams from each Knockout Round match moving on to the Championship Round on Day 6. In Friday’s Day 6 Championship Round, the final four teams will compete in a one-day shootout to determine which team will win the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni.
The MLF Fishing Clash Team Series Presented by Bass Pro Shops features four Cup events in 2025 – the Challenge, Heritage, Patriot, and Summit Cups – with 12 two-man teams of Bass Pro Tour anglers competing for a share of $560,000 in prize money. Teams were formed through a selection process, where 48 team captains – based on Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) standings throughout the 2025 Bass Pro Tour season – selected a teammate. Teams will compete throughout the fall of 2025.
The MLF Fishing Clash Team Series Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni will also air on Outdoor Channel as six two-hour original episodes each Saturday afternoon starting May 9, 2026. The complete television schedule for the Fishing Clash Team Series on Outdoor Channel will be posted at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Proud sponsors of the MLF Fishing Clash Team Series include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Boat Technologies, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, E3 Sport Apparel, Epic Baits, Ferguson, Fishing Clash, Knighten Industries, Kubota, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, NITRO Boats, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Smokey Mountain Caffeinated Pouches, Star brite, Toyota, YETI and Zenni.
For complete details and updated information on the MLF Fishing Clash Team Series, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV and Game & Fish TV, and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
BASS FISHING HALL OF FAME OPENS NOMINATION SEASON FOR THE INDUCTION CLASS OF 2026
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.— For Immediate Release — November 17, 2025 — Fresh off an induction ceremony that celebrated three influential members of the bass fishing community, the Board of Directors of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame has opened the nomination process for the next class of inductees.
Starting immediately, any interested person may nominate deserving individuals for consideration in the Hall. Nominees should have made a major impact on the world of bass fishing and brought honor and credit to the sport. Properly submitted nominations are accepted on a rolling basis, but in order to be considered for the Class of 2026, they must be completed in full by January 15, 2026. The initial list of nominees will be narrowed to an official ballot to be evaluated by our Selection Panel, which includes 30 members of the industry plus all living Hall of Famers.
More information about the process can be found on the “Road to Induction” page of the Hall’s website.
A nomination form is also available on the Hall’s website and may be returned electronically or by mail. While the length or depth of the submitted materials does not determine whether a nominee advances in the process, a thorough description of the candidate’s achievements allows selectors to make well-informed evaluations.
“We continue to be impressed by the passion and care that the bass fishing community puts into these nominations each year,” said Craig Lamb, Chair of the Board’s Nominations Committee. “The voters always face tough choices, and we are confident that the Selection Panel will again do an outstanding job.”
The most recent class of inductees — the Class of 2025 — included longtime industry leader Craig Lamb, innovative boat manufacturer Randy Hopper, and influential tackle pioneer William Shakespeare Jr.
“As we head toward the next era of growth for the Hall, we will continue recognizing both the modern leaders of our sport and the foundational figures whose innovations shaped bass fishing,” said incoming 2026 President Bruce Stanton. “Each successful banquet and nomination cycle strengthens our ability to support projects that protect, preserve, and promote the future of bass fishing.”
Proceeds from the induction ceremony’s auction support the Hall of Fame’s core mission of celebrating, preserving, and promoting the sport of bass fishing. Funding grants for fisheries conservation, scholarships for fisheries science students, and youth fishing initiatives are among the many programs supported through these efforts.
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About the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame (BFHOF)
Celebrating its 25th year, the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization led by a volunteer board of directors, dedicated to celebrating, promoting, and preserving the sport of bass fishing. The Hall’s inductees and historical memorabilia are showcased in Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri. For more information about the road to induction, the Hall’s impact on the community, or to get involved, visit www.BassFishingHOF.com.
or contact BFHOF executive director Barbara Bowman at [email protected].
South Carolina’s Murphy Clinches Home-Water All-American Berth With Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Wild Card on Pickwick Lake
Alabama’s Ramsey Claims Co-Angler Division
COUNCE, Tenn. (Nov. 17, 2025) – Boater Lucas Murphy of West Columbia, South Carolina, caught a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 46 pounds, 4 ounces, to win the Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine Wild Card on Pickwick Lake . The tournament, which was hosted by Hardin County Convention & Visitors Bureau, concluded Saturday. For his win, Murphy earned $4,017 and a spot in the 2026 BFL All-American.
The BFL Wild Card is an annual event held at the conclusion of the BFL postseason as a last-chance opportunity to make the All-American. It’s open to BFL contestants who pay an entry fee prior to the tournament for all five tournaments in a division, fish two or more tournaments in the same division, and are not already advancing to the All-American. A total of 104 boaters and 104 co-anglers competed in this season’s Wild Card tournament.
Murphy’s previous fishing experience on Pickwick Lake before the Wild Card event consisted of one spring visit, so he practiced for 2½ days before the tournament hoping to gain crucial knowledge to secure a berth into the 2026 All-American, which takes place on his home waters of Lake Murray.
“I thought I had found some areas that I could catch some,” Murphy said. “Not many, but some big ones. So, on the first day of the tournament, I scrambled down the lake a little bit and fished main-river bars and gravel flats to catch a 19½-pound bag of mostly smallmouth.”
On the second day of the tournament, Murphy eyed the leaderboard and knew he had to catch a big limit to close the gap to the top of the field.
“I figured I’d stay down the lake, by the dam, where a lot of the big largemouth seemed to be hanging out,” Murphy said. “If I caught five, I’d catch five, and if I didn’t, I didn’t. And at the end of the day, I had caught a lot of them.”
Murphy said he caught 20 bass that weighed more than 4 pounds, and six that checked in at more than 5 pounds on Saturday.
“All of the fish were quality,” Murphy said. “There weren’t many little fish in there. There are a lot of really big fish biting in Pickwick right now. If you get a bite right now, it’s at least a 3-pounder.”
Murphy said the fish were in a typical fall pattern – chasing shad on gravel bars, or sitting behind ambush points on stumps or on bluffs. Murphy said the baits that produced for him were a Strike King 3X ElazTech Z Too Soft Jerkbait in various shad colors, an Alabama rig and a jighead minnow. Murphy said a slow, dragging-the-bait presentation turned the fish off; many times, they wanted a bait burned past them to trigger a bite.
“At 10:00 I had 22½ pounds, and the thought started creeping into my head that I might have a shot at qualifying for the All-American,” Murphy said. “Winning the tournament wasn’t even a thought until I checked in and saw the leaderboard.
“I’m ecstatic about this,” Murphy went on to say. “Now I can relax a little bit knowing I’ll be fishing the All-American at home on Lake Murray. I can’t wait.”
The top three boaters who qualified for the 2026 All-American finished:
1st: Lucas Murphy, West Columbia, S.C., 10 bass, 46-4, $4,017
2nd: Caz Anderson, Haysville, N.C., 10 bass, 45-9, $1,958
3rd: Gavin Clevenger, Knoxville, Tenn., 10 bass, 45-5, $1,307
The rest of the Top 10 finished:
4th: Jackson Bennett, Knoxville, Tenn., 10 bass, 44-10, $914
5th: Clint Knight, Russellville, Ky., 10 bass, 43-10, $783
6th: Harlan Thomas, Paducah, Ky., 10 bass, 42-14, $718
7th: Zane Parker, Kingwood, Texas, 10 bass, 42-4, $653
8th: Buddy Benson, Dahlonega, Ga., 10 bass, 42-0, $588
9th: Dustin Blasengame, Booneville, Miss., 10 bass, 40-11, $522
10th: Kaden Buchmann, Troutman, N.C., 10 bass, 40-8, $457
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Clint Pegg of Caledonia, Mississippi, won the Berkley Big Bass boater award and $520 for landing a bass that weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces.
James Ramsey of Boaz, Alabama, won the co-angler division Saturday after bringing a two-day total of six bass weighing 20 pounds, 8 ounces, to the scale. For his win, Ramsey won $1,958 and also advances to the All-American to compete as a co-angler.
The top three co-anglers who qualified for the 2026 All-American finished:
1st: James Ramsey, Boaz, Ala., six bass, 20-8, $1,958
2nd: Tyson Giesbrecht, Gurley, Ala., six bass, 20-8, $979
3rd: Jimmy Rhodus, Versailles, Ky., six bass, 16-7, $653
The rest of the Top 10 finished:
4th: James Menold, Amory, Miss., five bass, 15-15, $457
5th: Scott Sayasing, Grantville, Ga., four bass, 15-10, $392
6th: Mark Miller, Baltic, Ohio, four bass, 15-10, $359
7th: Ben Carter, Lancaster, Ky., five bass, 14-15, $326
8th: Arturo Baquera, Noble, Okla., four bass, 13-4, $294
9th: Nicholas Mowen, Pataskala, Ohio, three bass, 12-13, $261
10th: Brian Huber, St. Charles, Mo., four bass, 12-5, $228
Dennis Blakely of Norwalk, Ohio, won the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $260 for catching a bass that weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces.
The 2025 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine was a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 134 events throughout the season – five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 60 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying tournament winners, advanced to one of 12 BFL Regional tournaments, and the Wild Card, where they competed to finish in the top three, which then qualified them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the 43rd annual BFL All-American. The BFL All-American will take place May 28-30, 2026, at Lake Murray in Columbia, South Carolina, and is hosted by the Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board.
Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sport Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Li Time Batteries, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, PirahnO2, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular BFL updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV and Game & Fish TV, and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Anaya leads the charge into the 2026 Elite Series
CLEWISTON, Fla. — It was only last July when Fisher Anaya wrapped up his final high school tournament. Now, the 19-year-old is achieving his dream of becoming a professional angler.
Anaya claimed the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier presented by Bass Pro Shops points race, earning 264 points during the three-tournament gauntlet. He and nine other Elite Qualifiers earned invitations to the 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series.
“It’s awesome. I’m ready to go. I wish we started tomorrow,” Anaya said.
Hailing from Eva, Ala., Anaya has been fishing as a boater in adult-level tournaments for several years, racking up impressive results in BFL’s and Toyota Series events as well as Alabama Bass Trail tournaments with his father Ryan.
Even still, Anaya wasn’t quite sure how he would stack up against an impressive group of St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN pros. Turns out, he was top of the class.
“I knew I had a chance,” he explained. “Like, if you are going to fish this stuff you have to bet on yourself. You have to have confidence. I told myself I could do it. I came out here, worked my rear end off daylight to dark every day and it paid off.”
Conditions for Division II, and the EQ schedule for that matter, were volatile. But each tournament, Anaya found one area that he felt could produce quality bites. Nothing seemed like it came easy, however.
“I would land on one area each tournament that would have big ones and I could bank on those to help me survive,” Anaya said. “Really and truly, it looks great on paper, but all my tournaments were super slow and were always a grind.
“I think it bettered me.”
The ability to fight through those grimy days will no doubt serve him well at the Elite Series level.
Let’s take a look at how the Top 10 finishers in EQ points got to this point.
1st place - Fisher Anaya (264 points; $45,000)
Anaya was one of the 50 anglers who best navigated a tumultuous Division II schedule, finishing second in the regular season to Pake South by two points. He opened the season with a 9th place finish at Sam Rayburn, which he feels set the tone for the season.
“After catching them in the first one, I was like, ‘I can do this,’” Anaya said. “I caught them at a place I’d never seen before. I just had to carry my momentum and keep going.”
He then notched back-to-back 11th places at Kentucky Lake and Norfork Lake before rounding out the regular season with a 24th at Leech Lake.
He didn’t miss a beat once the EQ schedule started, claiming 19th, 5th and 3rd place finishes at Champlain, Wheeler and Okeechobee respectively.
2nd place - Russ Lane (244 points; $12,000)
After a couple seasons away, the seasoned veteran will return to the Elite Series next year. Lane, a million dollar earner at B.A.S.S., fished both divisions of the Opens, earning his spot in the EQ with a sixth-place finish in Division II, which included a Top 10 at Tombigbee River and Top 35 finishes at Clarks Hill and Chesapeake Bay.
In the EQ, he earned Top 20s in every event, including a Top 10 at Lake Champlain.
3rd place - Aaron Jagdfeld (242 points; $10,000)
The runner-up in the 2024 College Classic Bracket presented by Lew’s wasted no time making it through the Opens grind and into the Elite Series. Despite a dismal 197th at Kentucky Lake, Jagdfeld earned a spot in the EQ on the back of three Top 40 finishes in Division II.
He followed that up with an eighth place finish at Lake Champlain and a 12th at Wheeler Lake. He needed a Day 2 comeback to earn 29th in the tournament and his spot in the Elite Series.
4th place - Austin Cranford (240 points; $9,000)
Another Okie will join the Elite ranks in 2026. Cranford had been close to making the Elite Series the past several years, but this year all the pieces fell into place. He finished seventh in Division II points with three Top 35s and a 55th place showing at Sam Rayburn.
Cranford showed his muscle in the EQ, claiming Top 30 finishes at Champlain and Wheeler before clinching at Okeechobee with a fourth place finish.
5th place - Sam Hanggi (238 points; $8,000)
Hanggi becomes the fourth Auburn alum to qualify for the Elite Series, joining Logan Parks, Tucker Smith and Jordan Lee. Hanggi fished both divisions of the Opens, double qualifying for the EQ round with a 28th place finish in Division I and a 10th place finish in Division II points.
A 5th place finish at Champlain put him in prime position. Although he stumbled slightly with a 36th at Wheeler Lake, he rebounded nicely with a 13th at Okeechobee.
6th place - Matt Messer (237 points; $7,000)
The Kentucky native has been known for big time performances, winning a College Series event and a 2023 Open to earn a spot in the 2024 Bassmaster Classic. Now he will get to showcase his big game prowess on the biggest stage.
Messer earned a spot in the EQ via a 16th place showing in Division I before nearly winning the opening round at Lake Champlain, ultimately finishing second. A 16th place finish at Wheeler Lake vaulted him into the points lead, but Messer needed a Day 2 comeback to finish 35th at Okeechobee and secure his Elite bid.
7th place - Caleb Hudson (228 points; $6,000)
Hudson competed against Jagdfeld in the semifinal round of the 2024 College Classic Bracket, and now will do the same in the Elite Series.
Hudson found himself behind the eight ball after the first two EQ events, entering Okeechobee in 20th place in points. On the strength of a 25-pound Day 2 limit, he won Okeechobee and punched his ticket to the big show in the process.
8th place - Tristan McCormick (228 points; $5,000)
The two-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier had an excellent 2025 campaign, earning a long-awaited berth to the Elites. McCormick finished Division I in 15th place while also notching a 15th and a 26th at Sam Rayburn and Kentucky Lake in Division II.
After a 44th place finish at Champlain, the former College Bracket Champion rattled off a 14th at Wheeler Lake and a 7th at Okeechobee to jump into the Top 10.
9th place - Pake South (226 points; $4,500)
Another member of the 25 and under club, South was one of the most consistent anglers during the Opens season.
South notched two Top 5s on his way to winning the Division II points race and punching his ticket to the EQ round. He then overcame a 51st place finish at Champlain with a 6th and 10th at Wheeler and Okeechobee to send him to the Elite Series.
10th place - Brock Reinkemeyer (222 points; $3,500)
A Team Series Fish-Off runner-up, Reinkemeyer overcame a 100th place finish at Sam Rayburn to finish 19th in Division II points. The Missouri angler then rattled off 27th, 13th and 30th place finishes in the EQ Division to qualify for the Elite Series.
2025 Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series Title Sponsor: Nitro Boats
2025 Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series Presenting Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops
2025 Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series Platinum Sponsors: Progressive, Toyota
2025 Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Triton Boats, VMC, Yokohama
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Nitro Boats Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Team B&W Trailer Hitches’ Faircloth and LeBrun Win Elimination Round Match 1 on Caddo Lake at Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup
Team Kubota’s Floyd has big day to advance alongside Hatfield with second-place finish
SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY, La. (Nov. 16, 2025) – On a day when every bite felt earned, local favorite Nick LeBrun of Bossier City, Louisiana, and veteran hammer Todd Faircloth of Jasper, Texas, leaned on heavy punching gear and steady teamwork to power Team B&W Trailer Hitches to the top of SCORETRACKER® in Elimination Round Match 1 of the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni at Caddo Lake.
The duo caught 15 scorable bass for 27 pounds, 5 ounces, securing the win and a spot in Knockout Round Match 1 on Wednesday.
Right behind them – and riding a heroic solo performance – Team Kubota grabbed the second advancing position with 24 pounds, 13 ounces, all caught by Ohio pro Cole Floyd, who carried his squad into Thursday’s Knockout Round Match 2.
In total, the four teams combined for 38 bass weighing 80 pounds, 5 ounces on a tough Caddo Lake that made every presentation matter.
For LeBrun, the win carried emotional weight. Fishing his home lake, LeBrun said the day felt significant from the moment he made his first run.
“I got pretty emotional this morning running across the lake and passing the island where my dad and I used to wade fish,” LeBrun said. “I miss my dad a lot, and it was special to be back on this lake, fishing a major event with Todd. Today was a really good day.”
LeBrun set the pace with 10 of the team’s 15 scorable bass – the most of any angler in the field – contributing 18-11 of B&W Trailer Hitches’ winning total. Faircloth added five bass for 8-10, and the pair protected their lead throughout the final period.
The key for Team B&W Trailer Hitches was an early commitment to punching matted vegetation. LeBrun and Faircloth identified the pattern before any other team and leaned on it all day, rotating targets and angles to stay efficient.
Faircloth relied on a 7-foot, 6-inch Lew’s Signature Series rod paired with an 8:1 Lew’s skipping and pitching reel, a 1¼-ounce Strike King tungsten weight and 50-pound Sunline braid. He focused on probing deeper sections of the thick mats while LeBrun targeted the outer edges.
“The key for our team was keeping fresh water in front of us and staying efficient with every pitch,” Faircloth said. “Nick set us up perfectly, and I just needed to settle in, fish clean and keep the momentum going.”
He credited the team dynamic for their success.
“Nick and I communicate extremely well, and that’s what makes this format so much fun,” Faircloth said. “We trust each other’s instincts, and when you get in sync like that, these results happen.”
LeBrun used a similar setup, anchored by a TFO Resolve 7-foot, 2-inch heavy-action rod, a 4/0 Hayabusa FPP Straight hook and Elite Tungsten weights – both 1 and 1¼ ounces. Both anglers flipped compact creature-style plastics designed to slip through dense vegetation.
LeBrun also gave a lot of credit to the Lowrance Ghost, as the trolling motor also played a major role as the team maneuvered through heavy cover for most of the day.
“We were in the sticks all day long, and that Ghost was quiet and reliable,” LeBrun said. “I put it through the test.”
It was a little bit of a different story for Team Kubota. While Nick Hatfield went scoreless, Cole Floyd delivered a dominant solo effort for Team Kubota, boating all eight of the team’s fish for 24-13 – the highest individual weight of the round.
Floyd also earned the Berkley Big Bass of the Day with a 5-pound, 13-ounce largemouth caught on a frog – more than 2 pounds heavier than the next-largest fish. He added multiple bass over 3 pounds and briefly put Team Kubota in the lead before B&W Trailer Hitches pulled away late.
Team Knighten Industries – Matt Becker and Spencer Shuffield – made things interesting in the final period, cutting the deficit to just over five pounds with less than two minutes remaining. Shuffield’s 1-9 late catch gave the team hope, but the run stalled and they finished the day in third with 19-4.
Team 7Brew Coffee’s Zack Birge and Keith Poche struggled to generate consistent bites and ended the day fourth with 8-15.
The top two teams from Elimination Round Match 1 at Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni that now advance to the Knockout Round are:
1st: Team B&W Trailer Hitches, 15 bass, 27-5
Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, five bass, 8-10
Nick LeBrun, Bossier City, La., 10 bass, 18-11
2nd: Team Kubota, eight bass, 24-13
Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, eight bass, 24-13
Nick Hatfield, Greeneville, Tenn., zero bass, 0-0
Eliminated from competition are:
3rd: Team Knighten Industries, 10 bass, 19-4
Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Tenn., four bass, 7-6
Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark., six bass, 11-14
4th: Team 7Brew Coffee, five bass, 8-15
Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., four bass, 7-14
Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala., one bass, 1-1
Complete results from throughout the week can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 38 bass weighing 80 pounds, 5 ounces caught by the four teams Sunday in Elimination Round Match 1 on Caddo Lake. Team Kubota pro Cole Floyd caught the Berkley Big Bass of the day – a 5-pound, 13-ounce largemouth bass.
The four teams that will compete Monday in Elimination Round Match 2 at the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni are:
Team BUBBA:
Brent Chapman, Lake Quivira, Kan.
Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn.
Team Ferguson:
Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif.
Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala.
Team Lucas Oil:
Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill.
Marshall Robinson, Landrum, S.C.
Team Smokey Mountain:
Britt Myers, Lake Wylie, S.C.
Terry Scroggins, San Mateo, Fla.
The Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni is hosted by the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission and takes place over six days in Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana. The competition water for each day is top secret and is only revealed to the anglers when they arrive at the boat ramp each morning. Anglers are driven directly to the day’s competition area launch ramp by their officials. Competition begins on the water at 9:15 a.m.
The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live every day of competition from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT. MLFNOW!® is livestreamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MLF and MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) apps, RFD-TV Now, Game & Fish TV and Rumble. The final period of every day of competition of the 2025 Fishing Clash Team Series is broadcast live on RFD-TV, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. CT.
The Summit Cup features 12 two-man teams divided into three groups as they enter the one-day Elimination Round matches. Each of the three Elimination Round matches will feature four new teams, with the top two teams from each match of the Elimination Round advancing to the Knockout Round on Days 4 & 5. In the Knockout Rounds, three teams compete each day, with the top two teams from each Knockout Round match moving on to the Championship Round on Day 6. In Friday’s Day 6 Championship Round, the final four teams will compete in a one-day shootout to determine which team will win the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni.
The MLF Fishing Clash Team Series Presented by Bass Pro Shops features four Cup events in 2025 – the Challenge, Heritage, Patriot, and Summit Cups – with 12 two-man teams of Bass Pro Tour anglers competing for a share of $560,000 in prize money. Teams were formed through a selection process, where 48 team captains – based on Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) standings throughout the 2025 Bass Pro Tour season – selected a teammate. Teams will compete throughout the fall of 2025.
The MLF Fishing Clash Team Series Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni will also air on Outdoor Channel as six two-hour original episodes each Saturday afternoon starting May 9, 2026. The complete television schedule for the Fishing Clash Team Series on Outdoor Channel will be posted at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Proud sponsors of the MLF Fishing Clash Team Series include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Boat Technologies, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, E3 Sport Apparel, Epic Baits, Ferguson, Fishing Clash, Knighten Industries, Kubota, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, NITRO Boats, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Smokey Mountain Caffeinated Pouches, Star brite, Toyota, YETI and Zenni.
For complete details and updated information on the MLF Fishing Clash Team Series, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV and Game & Fish TV, and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Hudson survives final day lull to win at Okeechobee
CLEWISTON, Fla. — Last September, Caleb Hudson didn’t know what direction he wanted to take in life. He came just short of winning the College Classic Bracket presented by Lew’s, what he assumed would be his best chance at qualifying for the Bassmaster Classic, at least in the foreseeable future.
But with the support of his family and a few good sponsors, the USC-Union grad decided to fish Division I of the 2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN and it was the best decision he ever made.
“I feel like I’m on top of the world right now,” he said.
With a three-day total of 52 pounds, 6 ounces, Hudson claimed the victory at the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier presented by Bass Pro Shops. The win not only sends him to the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, it also vaulted him into the Top 10 in Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier presented by Bass Pro Shops points.
Opening the tournament in 25th with 10-9, Hudson brought 25-7 to the scales on Day 2 before landing 16-6, which was enough to outlast Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series pro Robert Gee, who finished with 51-12.
“This was never in my 2025 bingo card. It is the best kind of blindside. This is the last event on the schedule I would have ever thought I would win,” Hudson said. “God is the reason for this. Day 2 I was blessed, and it carried me the rest of the way. This is what exactly needed to happen to get me into the Elite Series. I sent it and it worked out.”
Despite warming temperatures, the final day proved to be just as difficult as the previous two. Only one 20-pound bag hit the scales on Saturday while five limits under 10 pounds were brought in.
Hudson spent his week fishing the Rim Canal on the southwest side of Lake Okeechobee targeting largemouth he saw on his Garmin LiveScope. While he didn’t know there was winning potential in the area after practice, Hudson knew he could achieve a solid finish if he could get the bass to commit.
Two different stretches of the canal produced all of his bites. The water in that area was dirtier than other areas of Okeechobee, which is usually a receipt for disaster in Florida, but a key ingredient for Hudson.
Most of the bass he caught were just under the surface, and because of the dirty water, he could get the largemouth to bite close to his boat. The first two tournament days, Hudson didn’t notice any baitfish in the area, but the final day he noticed much more activity.
A Spro McDart jerkbait and a jighead minnow were his two best presentations the first two days of the tournament, but with calmer conditions on the final day, only the minnow played. To keep the minnow in the strike zone, he used 1/16-ounce, 3/16-ounce or a 1/8-ounce jighead.
Hudson’s final day started with a bang, landing three bass in the opening hours, including a 4-pounder and a 5-pounder. The bite dissipated quickly after that, and he spent most the day trying to fill out his limit. Around midday, he caught two 1-pounders, which turned out to be the winning catches.
“Those two fish saved the day and put me over the top,” he said.
Gee, meanwhile, came up just short of qualifying for the Bassmaster Classic in his hometown of Knoxville. The Elite Series pro weighed in bags of 14-11, 19-9 and 17-8 to notch his third second place finish as a B.A.S.S. angler.
“It was a pretty good week,” he said. “First day, I lost two key fish that would have helped. That would have won me the tournament. But there is a lot of momentum to build on. I missed the Classic by one spot now, which sucks.”
Spending his time in a pocket in the J&S Canal on the east side of the lake, an area he shared with several other competitors, Gee targeted largemouth feeding on balls of bait. He rotated between the new Yamamoto Hinge Minnow on a jighead and a spoon given to him by fellow Elite pro Cody Huff.
The way he fished this week in Florida reminded him of fishing highland reservoirs in his home state.
“I was in the right area,” the Tennessean said. “It was a tough bite. There were a lot of bass in there, but they are so hard to catch. The fish I caught on the spoon were on the bottom, but as the day went on these started suspending.”
Weighing in bags of 14-9, 13-13 and 19-10, Eva, Ala.,’s Fisher Anaya finished third with a total of 48-0. Not only did he notch a Top 10, he claimed EQ Angler of the Year with 264 points.
“It’s crazy, honestly. I have never seen this place, and it is big and intimidating. After two days of practice, I was a little spun out. I ended up finding one little area and hunkered down there. I knew if I got bit, they would be big.”
Anaya spent the entire tournament in a short stretch of the Harney Pond Canal searching for largemouth with his forward-facing sonar with a new 6.25-inch Rapala CrushCity Freeloader on a jighead and a Rapala Mavrick jerkbait.
The majority of the bass he threw at never bit, but the ones that did were quality. That included the Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Tournament, an 8-13 worth $500.
Joining Anaya in the 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series are Russ Lane (244 points); Aaron Jagdfeld (242); Austin Cranford (240); Sam Hanggi (238); Matt Messer (237); Caleb Hudson (228); Tristan McCormick (228); Pake South (226); and Brock Reinkemeyer (222). Jaden Parrish, Riley Nielsen and Ryan Lachniet were the first three anglers outside the cut.
Visit Hendry County and Roland and Mary Ann Martin’s Marina and Resort hosted the tournament.
2025 Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series Title Sponsor: Nitro Boats
2025 Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series Presenting Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops
2025 Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series Platinum Sponsors: Progressive, Toyota
2025 Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Triton Boats, VMC, Yokohama
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Nitro Boats Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Mandy Pascal, Communications Manager, 334-414-8677, mpascal@
2025 Nitro Bassmaster Elite Qualifier at Lake Okeechobee presented by Bass Pro Shops 11/13-11/15
Lake Okeechobee, Clewiston FL.
(BOATER) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Caleb Hudson Lincolnton, GA 15 52-06 95 $46,910.00
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 25-07 Day 3: 5 16-06
2. Robert Gee Knoxville, TN 15 51-12 0 $12,032.00
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 19-09 Day 3: 5 17-08
3. Fisher Anaya Eva, AL 14 48-00 94 $55,126.00
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 4 13-13 Day 3: 5 19-10
4. Austin Cranford Moore, OK 14 47-04 93 $18,145.00
Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 4 15-06 Day 3: 5 12-13
5. Riley Nielsen Salt Lake City, UT 15 46-01 92 $8,663.00
Day 1: 5 09-04 Day 2: 5 16-08 Day 3: 5 20-05
6. Ty Faber Pagosa Springs, CO 13 43-02 91 $8,182.00
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 4 15-01 Day 3: 4 14-01
7. Tristan McCormick Bon Aqua, TN 15 41-11 90 $12,701.00
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 16-11 Day 3: 5 09-09
8. Ryan Lachniet Gum Spring, VA 14 41-06 89 $7,220.00
Day 1: 4 07-06 Day 2: 5 27-01 Day 3: 5 06-15
9. Aaron Yavorsky Palm Harbor, FL 15 40-06 88 $6,738.00
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 5 22-12 Day 3: 5 06-13
10. Pake South Winnsboro, TX 13 32-06 87 $10,757.00
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 3 12-12 Day 3: 5 06-09
------------------------------
BIG BASS OF TOURNAMENT
Fisher Anaya Eva, AL 08-13 $500.00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 47 305 661-07
2 40 279 692-15
3 9 52 135-11
------------------------------
96 636 1490-01
Hudson claims Day 2 lead at Lake Okeechobee EQ
CLEWISTON, Fla. — Day 2 of the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier at Lake Okeechobee presented by Bass Pro Shops is a day Caleb Hudson won’t soon forget.
The Lincolnton, Ga., native caught a five-bass limit weighing 25 pounds, 7 ounces, adding to his 10-9 limit from Day 1 to take the tournament lead with a two-day total of 36 pounds. After starting the day in 25th, Hudson now has a 1-9 advantage over Ryan Lachniet and Austin Cranford who are tied for second with 34-7.
Not only did Hudson jump into the lead, but he also launched himself into eighth in Elite Qualifier points.
“This place is one of my favorites now,” he said. “Today was crucial. I got sick several times on the boat today thinking about the points.”
It’s been a challenging week on Lake Okeechobee as anglers struggled with the remnants of a powerful cold front that swept through the country earlier in the week. The field of 75 weighed in 47 limits on Day 1, while only 40 limits were caught on Day 2.
Hudson, a former Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops competitor with USC-Union, is fishing one of the canals surrounding Lake Okeechobee. Using his forward-facing sonar, he has located individual bass swimming just under the surface.
“I think they are trying to absorb some heat,” he explained.
Two things make his bite unique. For one, the water in his area is murky, an unusual occurrence for productive Florida fishing. Because of this, the bass can’t see Hudson’s baits as well, and he has gotten plenty of bites close to his boat.
A Spro McDart and a jighead minnow with either a 1/16-ounce or 1/8-ounce head.
“They are biting it so close to the trolling motor and so high in the water column, they are hard to see because the numbers on my Garmin block the picture,” Hudson explained. “I caught three today I didn’t have to reel on.
“I don’t think the bass have good coordination (in murky water). I float around until I see a bunch of them and then I slow down and pitch on them from there.”
After practice, Hudson had confidence in two areas of the lake, but Day 1 didn’t unfold how he hoped. Still, his limit kept him in the Top 25, giving him the chance to make the comeback he did today.
“I’m not going to say I had a chance at 25, but in practice knew what I was on. Yesterday it didn’t happen. I made up for it today,” Hudson said.
Hudson opened the day with a 7 1/2-pounder, a bass he initially thought was a different species of fish.
“He followed (my bait) all the way to the boat. It was basically head-butting my trolling motor,” he said. “He jumped immediately. I toted him around for 4 or 5 hours before I had any more luck.”
It took most of the day, and throwing at more than 50 bass that didn’t bite, but Hudson went on an impressive 45-minute flurry in the afternoon that included a 6-pounder to reach his daily total. He isn’t sure he can repeat his performance, but he knows there are still plenty of bass in the area.
After weighing 7-6 on Thursday, Lachniet landed the tournament’s biggest bag on Day 2, a 27-1 limit with three bass weighing 6 pounds or better, a 5-pounder and a 1-8. Those five bass lifted him from 44th all the way into the second-place tie.
“I knew I needed a big bag, so I started on the main lake thinking that was my best chance. After an hour and a half, I knew it wasn’t going to work,” the Campbellsville University angler said. “I want to make the Elite’s more than anything. I’d rather do that than win the tournament, honestly.”
Lachniet proceeded to lock into Taylors Creek, hoping to catch 10 pounds, and immediately had several bass follow his jerkbait. Soon after, he pitched a jighead minnow at a 4-pounder that didn’t bite. But those fish gave him all the clues he needed.
“10 minutes later, I catch a 7-pounder. Not long after I catch a 5,” Lachniet explained. “I thought it was an area thing, but I ran to a known spot and caught a 6. Ran to another spot and caught another 6.”
The minnow was not something he intended on throwing at all this week at Okeechobee. In fact, he tied on the minnow he used while he was waiting in the lock, which proved to be a critical decision.
“I was kind of done with it,” he said. “It got good quick. I think they were prespawn. Three of them were pretty fat. They were all over the place.”
Cranford, meanwhile, almost certainly secured his spot in the 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series field with four bass that weighed 15-6 on Day 2. The Norman, Okla., pro has been fishing the lower end of the J&S canal on the lakes east side all week.
“I gave myself two hours to get back,” he said. “We were worried about making the Elites today, we’ll worry about winning tomorrow.”
Each day the bass in the area have changed. One small area produced his 19-1 Day 1 limit, but it took most of the morning for Cranford to unlock the bite. On Day 2, that small area received much more fishing pressure, and he struggled to generate bites.
“I spent four hours in there knowing they weren’t going to bite. Luckily, I caught one 4-pounder,” Cranford said. “At noon, I pulled the plug. I had another group of bass that I hadn’t been to yet and no one else has been on it.”
When he arrived, he landed a 3-pounder, 6-pounder and finished the day with a 12-incher. Cranford believes the majority of those bass are either spawning or getting ready to spawn. A certain 6-inch jighead minnow presentation generated all his bites in the afternoon.
“These are giant ones. I’m starting there in the morning,” Cranford said. “These fish might be spawning. The 6-pounder came out of 4 feet of water and the 3-pounder looked like it was sitting on a bed. I just figured it out in the last hour.”
Georgia’s Brady Vernon caught the Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Day, an 8-6 largemouth. Alabama’s Fisher Anaya holds the Big Bass of the Tournament, an 8-13 he landed on Day 1.
Anaya leads the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers presented by Bass Pro Shops points with 259 points, followed by Alabama’s Russ Lane with 244 points and Aaron Jagdfeld in third with 242 points. Cranford is fourth with 240 points and Tennessee’s Sam Hanggi is fifth with 238 points. Kentucky’s Matt Messer is sixth with 237 points; Tennessee’s Tristan McCormick is seventh with 229 points; Hudson is eighth with 228 points; Texas’s Pake South is ninth with 226 points; and Missouri’s Brock Reinkemeyer is 10th with 222 points.
Jaden Parrish, Lachniet and Bailey Gay are the first three anglers out of the cut currently.
The Top 11 anglers will launch from Roland Martin Marina at 7 a.m. ET and return for weigh-in at 3 p.m. The winner will earn a spot in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour. The Top 10 finishers in EQ points will earn a spot in the 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, and those anglers will be revealed during weigh-in.
Bassmaster LIVE will carry coverage of the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier at Lake Okeechobee presented by Bass Pro Shops on Bassmaster.com and ROKU from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. ET and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Visit Hendry County and Roland and Mary Ann Martin’s Marina and Resort are hosting the tournament.
Tournament note
An angler in the Top 10 is advancing to tomorrow’s final round under appeal of the results of a polygraph administered at the event. In accordance with tournament rules, an 11th angler will also compete Saturday while B.A.S.S. officials continue to carry out the appeals process.
2025 Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series Title Sponsor: Nitro Boats
2025 Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series Presenting Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops
2025 Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series Platinum Sponsors: Progressive, Toyota
2025 Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Triton Boats, VMC, Yokohama
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Nitro Boats Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Mandy Pascal, Communications Manager, 334-414-8677, mpascal@
2025 Nitro Bassmaster Elite Qualifier at Lake Okeechobee presented by Bass Pro Shops 11/13-11/15
Lake Okeechobee, Clewiston FL.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Caleb Hudson Lincolnton, GA 10 36-00 95
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 25-07
2. Ryan Lachniet Gum Spring, VA 9 34-07 94
Day 1: 4 07-06 Day 2: 5 27-01
3. Austin Cranford Moore, OK 9 34-07 93
Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 4 15-06
4. Robert Gee Knoxville, TN 10 34-04 0
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 19-09
5. Aaron Yavorsky Palm Harbor, FL 10 33-09 92
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 5 22-12
6. Tristan McCormick Bon Aqua, TN 10 32-02 91
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 16-11
7. Ty Faber Pagosa Springs, CO 9 29-01 90
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 4 15-01
8. Fisher Anaya Eva, AL 9 28-06 89
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 4 13-13
9. Jaden Parrish Liberty, TX 10 26-01 88
Day 1: 5 10-08 Day 2: 5 15-09
10. Pake South Winnsboro, TX 8 25-13 87
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 3 12-12
11. Riley Nielsen Salt Lake City, UT 10 25-12 86 $4,813.00
Day 1: 5 09-04 Day 2: 5 16-08
12. Chris Beaudrie Princeton, KY 10 25-08 85 $4,813.00
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 12-15
13. Sam Hanggi Knoxville, TN 6 25-07 84 $4,813.00
Day 1: 5 23-15 Day 2: 1 01-08
14. Hayden Gaddis Dandridge, TN 10 25-07 83 $4,813.00
Day 1: 5 15-14 Day 2: 5 09-09
15. Kyle Austin Ridgeville, SC 10 25-04 82 $4,813.00
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 5 14-08
16. Trey Swindle Cleveland, AL 10 25-00 81 $2,888.00
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 5 14-03
17. Connor Jacob Peoria, IL 10 24-12 80 $2,888.00
Day 1: 5 07-15 Day 2: 5 16-13
18. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 10 23-15 79 $2,888.00
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 11-12
19. Adam Rasmussen Sturgeon Bay, WI 10 22-07 78 $2,888.00
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 5 11-00
20. Michael Neal Dayton, TN 10 22-03 77 $2,888.00
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 5 09-08
21. Colby Dark West Monroe, LA 7 22-02 76 $2,888.00
Day 1: 5 18-12 Day 2: 2 03-06
22. Blake Smith Lakeland, FL 10 21-14 75 $2,888.00
Day 1: 5 07-04 Day 2: 5 14-10
23. Chris Blanchette Chapin, SC 10 21-04 74 $2,888.00
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 07-02
24. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 10 21-04 73 $2,888.00
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 09-06
25. Nic Rand Paw Paw, MI 9 20-14 72 $2,888.00
Day 1: 4 08-15 Day 2: 5 11-15
26. Ryan Salzman Huntsville, AL 8 20-11 71 $2,888.00
Day 1: 3 05-09 Day 2: 5 15-02
27. Evan Cox-VanVliet Loveland, CO 10 20-07 70 $2,888.00
Day 1: 5 07-12 Day 2: 5 12-11
28. Brad Jelinek Lincoln, MO 10 20-07 69 $2,888.00
Day 1: 5 08-14 Day 2: 5 11-09
29. Aaron Jagdfeld Rochester Hills, MI 9 20-06 68 $2,406.00
Day 1: 4 05-13 Day 2: 5 14-09
30. Brock Reinkemeyer Warsaw, MO 9 20-05 67 $2,406.00
Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 4 09-14
31. Trey Schroeder Theodosia, MO 10 20-03 66 $2,406.00
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 08-13
32. Chris Hellebuyck White Lake, MI 10 19-02 65 $2,406.00
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 5 09-02
33. Cole Drummond Effingham, SC 10 19-02 64 $2,406.00
Day 1: 5 09-10 Day 2: 5 09-08
34. Bo Thomas Edwardsburg, MI 10 19-00 63 $2,406.00
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 07-06
35. Matt Messer Warfield, KY 7 18-14 62 $2,406.00
Day 1: 2 05-06 Day 2: 5 13-08
36. Jack Dice Lynchburg, VA 10 18-14 61 $2,406.00
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 07-05
37. Tommy Wood Peregian Springs AUSTRA 7 18-06 60 $2,406.00
Day 1: 2 03-07 Day 2: 5 14-15
38. Erik Brztowski Lemont, IL 10 18-03 59 $2,406.00
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 06-13
39. Beau Browning Hot Springs National Pa 10 18-03 0 $2,406.00
Day 1: 5 08-06 Day 2: 5 09-13
40. Joey Nania Cropwell, AL 6 17-15 58 $2,406.00
Day 1: 2 09-11 Day 2: 4 08-04
41. Tanner Hadden Appling, GA 9 17-04 57
Day 1: 4 04-15 Day 2: 5 12-05
42. Bailey Gay Union, KY 8 17-04 56
Day 1: 5 06-06 Day 2: 3 10-14
43. Jimmy Washam Stantonville, TN 10 17-03 55
Day 1: 5 06-10 Day 2: 5 10-09
44. Jack York Emory, TX 8 17-03 54
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 3 06-13
45. Alec Morrison Peru, NY 9 16-15 53
Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 4 06-11
46. Chase Clarke Virginia Beach, VA 10 16-14 52
Day 1: 5 09-08 Day 2: 5 07-06
47. Lane Olson Forest Grove, OR 10 16-10 51
Day 1: 5 09-06 Day 2: 5 07-04
48. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 8 16-06 50
Day 1: 5 09-15 Day 2: 3 06-07
49. Matt Adams Guntersville, AL 5 15-00 49
Day 1: 5 15-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
50. Brady Vernon Sterrett, AL 4 15-00 48
Day 1: 2 04-01 Day 2: 2 10-15
51. Michael Corbishley Raleigh, NC 9 14-08 47
Day 1: 4 05-15 Day 2: 5 08-09
52. Yui Aoki Minamitsurugun JAPAN 8 14-04 46
Day 1: 5 07-02 Day 2: 3 07-02
53. River Lee Diboll, TX 8 14-03 45
Day 1: 3 05-01 Day 2: 5 09-02
54. Jace Lindsay Beckville, TX 7 13-13 44
Day 1: 5 09-03 Day 2: 2 04-10
55. Bobby Bakewell Orlando, FL 8 13-09 43
Day 1: 5 09-04 Day 2: 3 04-05
56. Andrew Behnke Fond Du Lac, WI 6 13-06 42
Day 1: 1 01-10 Day 2: 5 11-12
57. Brandon McMillan Clewiston, FL 7 13-03 41
Day 1: 3 04-01 Day 2: 4 09-02
58. Cody Stahl Barnsville, GA 7 13-01 40
Day 1: 4 07-01 Day 2: 3 06-00
59. Laker Howell Guntersville, AL 5 12-06 39
Day 1: 2 06-04 Day 2: 3 06-02
60. Matt Baker Glenwood, AR 9 12-00 38
Day 1: 5 06-05 Day 2: 4 05-11
61. Bryan Partak Marseilles, IL 5 11-14 37
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
62. Grae Buck Green Lane, PA 6 10-15 36
Day 1: 4 06-11 Day 2: 2 04-04
63. Dillon Harrell New Caney, TX 6 10-03 35
Day 1: 2 04-05 Day 2: 4 05-14
64. Lucas Lindsay Auburn , AL 7 10-02 34
Day 1: 5 07-00 Day 2: 2 03-02
65. Ryan Broughman Corapeake, NC 6 09-15 33
Day 1: 3 05-12 Day 2: 3 04-03
66. Bailey Bleser Burlington, WI 6 09-15 32
Day 1: 3 04-06 Day 2: 3 05-09
67. Tyler Campbell Martin, GA 6 08-09 31
Day 1: 1 01-02 Day 2: 5 07-07
68. Blaine Bunney Claremore, OK 4 07-02 30
Day 1: 3 05-08 Day 2: 1 01-10
69. Bryson Osteen Live Oak, FL 3 06-00 29
Day 1: 3 06-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. James Chandler Liberty, TX 4 05-11 28
Day 1: 4 05-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
71. Timothy Dube Nashua , NH 2 03-10 27
Day 1: 2 03-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
72. Cameron Mattison Benton, LA 1 01-14 26
Day 1: 1 01-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
73. Dylan Akins Flowery Branch, GA 1 01-03 25
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-03
74. Tai Au Glendale, AZ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
74. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 47 305 661-07
2 40 279 692-15
------------------------------
87 584 1354-06
Hanggi’s afternoon rally lifts him to lead at Okeechobee
CLEWISTON, Fla. — After practice for the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier at Lake Okeechobee presented by Bass Pro Shops, Sam Hanggi was convinced he wasn’t going to catch a keeper bass come tournament time.
Not only did he catch a bass, but he also filled out most impressive limit of Day 1 at the legendary south Florida fishery.
“Every day I wake up and I do what I feel like I need to do to make the Elite Series,” Hanggi said. “That’s how I’ve spent the last four years. For it to come down to this event, on a place I’m so bad at (is crazy)”
Hanggi leads the field of 75 anglers with 23 pounds, 15 ounces, anchoring his bag with a 7-15 largemouth and a 6-pounder he landed during the afternoon hours. His advantage over second-place Austin Cranford is 4-14.
Call it a redemption tour for Hanggi, who finished 188th during the 2024 St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Lake Okeechobee presented by SEVIIN.
“Today had nothing to do with my fishing ability, it was just a blessing from God,” the Auburn University alum said. “The way I’m fishing is something I’m not confident in doing. It isn’t something I’ve done in over a year and something that’s never worked for me in Florida. It was just meant to be.”
A cold front rushed through the country over the weekend, ushering in the coldest temperatures of the year to the Clewiston area during official practice. Those conditions made life tough for Hanggi, who only caught one keeper bass during warm-up period.
“I didn’t catch anything anywhere,” he said. “I caught one 7-pounder in the area I caught them today. It was super random.”
That bass, however, clued Hanggi into his best area, a prespawn and postspawn staging area in 4 feet of water outside of a major spawning pocket. The Tennessee native believes many of these bass are roaming in the area and will set up on reeds or other pieces of cover for short periods of time. A Texas-rigged Yamamoto Senko with a 3/16-ounce weight produced all of his best bites.
The area also harbors plenty of other life, including a plentiful population of shad and bluegill.
“It is a really healthy area,” Hanggi said.
Hanggi started the morning in an area he fished during his previous open, landing two 12-inchers before moving to a second area that produced just one bass.
“Moral was pretty low,” he said. "I didn’t expect to catch anything after that. I decided to go out to that area I got my one bite and caught a 5 and a 4 pretty quick.”
From there, Hanggi only caught two more bites, but they were his two biggest bites.
“(That 8-pounder) was unbelievable. It had been two hours since my last bite. I flipped to a patch of reeds, picked up on my Senko and felt it barely moving off to the right,” he explained. “It was like setting a hook into the moose. It was ripping drag on my locked down drag.
“I thought it was biggest bass I’d ever seen. I tried to grab and threw it 7 feet in the air and it fell back in the water before I got my hands on it.”
While it may not be the biggest bass he’d ever seen, it may be the most important bass he’s ever caught. Hanggi is now sitting in second in the points race, with the Top 10 anglers earning a Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series berth at the end of Saturday’s weigh-in.
Despite his Day 1 success, Hanggi isn’t convinced he can come close to repeating that performance the rest of the tournament. There are promising signs though. Of the four bass he landed in his best area, three of them were prespawn and only one was postspawn.
“It is an expansive area. I went hours between bites,” he explained. “I don’t know if I’ll catch a bass tomorrow.”
Cranford, meanwhile, caught a limit weighing 19-1 to vault himself into the Top 10 in EQ points. Coming into this tournament in 11th, the Norman, Okla., pro wanted to find an area he could consistently catch 15 pounds of largemouth. So far, he has exceeded those expectations.
“I knew we had that cold front coming, and I didn’t want to mess around with that too much,” Cranford said. “I’m doing something completely different than I did in (2024). I didn’t expect this to happen, but it did.”
When he arrived at his starting spot, Cranford discovered giant schools of tilapia had invaded the area, which made it difficult to pick up the largemouth on his forward-facing sonar.
After an hour of fishing, Cranford fished his way to a spot without tilapia, and landed a 5-pounder.
“That keyed me in to what they were doing,” he explained. “They had changed from practice. I don’t know if it is this warmer weather, but they weren’t nearly as lethargic as they were. They grouped up a little bit more too. The key is being around life. If you have bird chirping, shad flickering and alligators, you are around bass.”
The bigger largemouth he is finding on FFS are usually alone, while the groups of fish seem to produce 3 and 4-pounders. One bait produced all his bites, although Cranford adjusted his weight size throughout the day.
West Monroe, La.,’s Colby Dark finished Day 1 in third with 18-12 while Tennessean’s Hayden Gaddis and Tristan McCormick rounded out the Top 5 with 15-14 and 15-7 respectively.
Eva, Ala.,’s Fisher Anaya landed the Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Day, a 8-13 largemouth.
Anaya leads the Nitro Boats Elite Qualifier presented by Bass Pro Shops standings with 259 points followed by Hanggi in second with 249 points and Alabama’s Russ Lane in third with 248 points. Cranford is fourth with 241 points while Alabama’s Matt Adams is fifth with 237 points. McCormick is sixth with 229 points; Virginia’s Jack Dice is seventh with 228 points; Texas’s Pake South is eight with 225 points; Brock Reinkemeyer is ninth with 225 points; and Dark is 10th with 223 points.
Jace Lindsay, Grae Buck, Aaron Jagdfeld, Bo Thomas and Matt Messer are the first five outside of the Top 10 cut.
The full field will launch from Roland Martin’s Marina at 7 a.m. ET and return for weigh-in at 3 p.m. ET. The Top 10 anglers after tomorrow’s weigh-in will advance to Championship Saturday and the winner will clinch a berth in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Bassmaster LIVE will be providing coverage of all three days of the 2025 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier at Lake Okeechobee presented by Bass Pro Shops on Bassmaster.com and Roku from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Visit Hendry County and Roland and Mary Ann Martin’s Marina and Resort are hosting the tournament.
2025 Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series Title Sponsor: Nitro Boats
2025 Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series Presenting Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops
2025 Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series Platinum Sponsors: Progressive, Toyota
2025 Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Triton Boats, VMC, Yokohama
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Nitro Boats Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
MINN KOTA AND HUMMINBIRD ANNOUNCE 2026 OWNERS TOURNAMENT AT LAKE EUFAULA, AL
This year’s event will take place April 10–12, 2026, at Lakepoint State Park, featuring three days of big-bass excitement, exclusive on-site experiences, and opportunities to connect with the brands and products anglers rely on every day. Registration opens January 9, 2026.
Event Details
Dates: April 10–12, 2026
Location: Lake Eufaula, Alabama
Weigh-In Site: Lakepoint State Park, 104 Lakepoint Dr., Eufaula, AL 36027
Lodging Information
For lodging options, visit the Eufaula Chamber of Commerce Lodging page for a list of nearby accommodations.
About Minn Kota and Humminbird
JOHNSON OUTDOORS is comprised of the Humminbird®, Minn Kota® and Cannon® brands. Humminbird is a leading global innovator and manufacturer of marine electronics products including fish finders, multifunction displays, autopilots, ice flashers, and premium cartography products. Minn Kota is the world’s leading manufacturer of electric trolling motors, as well as a complete line of shallow water anchors, battery chargers and marine accessories. Cannon is the leader in controlled-depth fishing and includes a full line of downrigger products and accessories.
Visit Humminbird at www.humminbird.com
Visit Minn Kota at www.minnkotamotors.com
Visit Cannon at www.cannondownriggers.com
JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global outdoor recreation company that inspires more people to experience the awe of the great outdoors with innovative, top-quality products. The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft, Fishing, Diving and Camping.
Visit Johnson Outdoors at www.johnsonoutdoors.com
Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by MillerTech Reaches 125-Angler Benchmark for 2026 Season
Strong coalition of pros commit to full season of Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit
BENTON, Ky. (Nov. 12, 2025) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today that the 2026 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by MillerTech has reached the benchmark of 125 pros committed to all six stops – surpassing the threshold required to lock down the field exclusively to anglers fishing all six qualifying events along with Bass Pro Tour anglers.
The milestone marks a major step forward for the newly revamped Pro Circuit, ensuring that each stop of the 2026 season features the same competitive roster of anglers. The result is greater consistency, fierce competition and the elimination of local jackpotting – strengthening both the integrity and excitement of competing in MLF’s top five-fish, weigh-in circuit.
“From the onset, we worked with our loyal anglers and sponsors to build a circuit that provides incredible payouts and unmatched media opportunities for veteran pros and rising stars alike,” said Kevin Hunt, Tournament Director for the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit. “It’s a true team effort, and we are proud of the results. Every stop will feature the same lineup of world-class pros. That consistency strengthens both the quality of competition and the fan experience.”
The field of 125 pros has collectively earned more than $25.2 million in MLF winnings, an average of $201,000 per angler. That total will undoubtedly climb as each 2026 stop features a guaranteed $100,000 payout for the winner ($135,000 including the Phoenix MLF Bonus) and a minimum payout of $10,000 to a third of the field.
“The Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit is a special program that is built on respect for the anglers, the fans, and the sport as a whole,” Hunt added. “We’re all in this together, and we’re going to continue working with all of our constituents to ensure MLF is the greatest place in the world to fish competitively.”
Although the 2026 roster is already among the strongest in years, registration remains open until the 150-angler cap of pros committed to all six qualifying stops is reached. Anglers interested in joining the 2026 campaign can enter by phone at 270.252.1000, or if you have questions about the events, call tournament director Kevin Hunt at 270.205.5155. Anglers hoping to fish individual events will be placed on a waiting list should the field of all-six anglers drop below 124. For the complete Pro Circuit schedule, rules and payouts, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The first 125 pros that have signed up for all six stops on the 2026 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by MillerTech are:
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- Charles Abshire, Lake Charles, La.
- Caz Anderson, Haysville, N.C.
- Allen Armour, Cumming, Ga.
- Kyle Austin, Ridgeville, S.C.
- Teimuraz (Tom) Balachvili, Scarsdale, N.Y.
- Jay (Striker) Barnett, Locust Grove, Ga.
- Matt Baty, Bainbridge, Ga.
- Tripp Berlinsky, Florence, Ala.
- Josh Bertrand, San Tan Valley, Ariz.
- Daryl Biron, Meriden, Conn.
- Daniel Blackert, Richfield, Ohio
- Drew Boggs, Lebanon, Tenn.
- Greg Bohannan, Bentonville, Ark.
- Alex Bradley, Wellford, S.C.
- John Brown, Wedowee, Ala.
- Dennis Burdette, Pembroke, Va.
- Miles Burghoff, Dayton, Tenn.
- Brody Campbell, Oxford, Ohio
- Tyler Campbell, Martin, Ga.
- Brett Carnright, Plattsburgh, N.Y.
- Eddie Carper, Valliant, Okla.
- Brent Chapman, Lenexa, Kan.
- Mark Condron, Murfreesboro, Tenn.
- Kyle Cortiana, Broken Arrow, Okla.
- Ben Cox, Andrews, S.C.
- (Skeeter) Wayne Crosby, Green Pond, S.C.
- John Dial, Winter Haven, Fla.
- Boyd Duckett, Guntersville, Ala.
- Tony Dumitras, Winston, Ga.
- Charlie Evans, Berea, Ky.
- Ty Faber, Pagosa Springs, Colo.
- Ron Farrow, Rock Hill, S.C.
- Ethan Fields, Breese, Ill.
- Mark Fisher, Wauconda, Ill.
- Terry Fisher, Decatur, Ala.
- Jeff Fitts, Keystone Heights, Fla.
- Shinichi Fukae, Harlem, Ga.
- Nick Gainey, Charleston, S.C.
- Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill.
- Kyle Glasgow, Guin, Ala.
- Kyle Goldstein, Paso Robles, Calif.
- Will Gordon, Athens, Ill.
- Robert Grabow, Morgantown, W. Va.
- Ethan Greene, Eufaula, Ala.
- Christian Greico, New Bern, N.C.
- Mitchell Grimsley, Hiawassee, Ga.
- Tommy Guthke, Anderson, S.C.
- Blake Hall, Rogersville, Ala.
- Will Harkins, Blairsville, Ga.
- Byron Haseotes, West Newton, Mass.
- Brian Hatfield, Spring City, Tenn.
- Marshall Hughes, Hemphill, Texas
- Lake Johnson, Trinity, Ala.
- Kelly Jordon, Flint, Texas
- Richard Kee, Somerville, Tenn.
- Aidan Kerlin, Nags Head, N.C.
- Frank Kitchens III, Oxford, Ga.
- Gary Klein, Mingus, Texas
- Clint Knight, Russellville, Ky.
- Parker Knudsen, Shakopee, Minn.
- Levi Kohl, Edinburg, Ill.
- Andrew Krintz, Brookston, Ind.
- Parker Lambert, Riegelsville, Pa.
- Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla.
- Cal Lane, Grant, Ala.
- Christopher Lane, Guntersville, Ala.
- Brian Latimer, Belton, S.C.
- Michael Leach, Shenandoah, Texas
- Robby Lefere, Jackson, Mich.
- John Levesque, Nashua, N.H.
- Jared Lintner, Covington, Ga.
- Steve Lopez, Oconomowoc, Wis.
- Harbor Lovin, New Concord, Ky.
- Broderick Luckey, Lynchburg, Va.
- Terry Luedtke, Burton, Texas
- Adam Lynn, Culleoka, Tenn.
- Matt Massey, Saint Augustine, Fla.
- Mike Mayo, Athens, Texas
- Julius Mazy, Phoenix, Ariz.
- Bill McDonald, Greenwood, Ind.
- T.J. Mckenzie, Georgetown, S.C.
- Brandon McMillan, Clewiston, Fla.
- Bryan McNeal, Madison, Ala.
- Neal McWhorter, Hiram, Ga.
- Grant Meisenhelter, Decatur, Ill.
- Jesse Millsaps, Jasper, Ga.
- Chad Mrazek, Montgomery, Texas
- John Murray, Spring City, Tenn.
- Britt Myers, Clover, S.C.
- Britt Myers Jr., Clover, S.C.
- Riley Nielsen, Murray, Utah
- Andrew Nordbye, Guntersville, Ala.
- Hayden O'Barr, Scottsboro, Ala.
- Terry Olinger, Louisa, Va.
- Lane Olson, Forest Grove, Ore.
- Bruce Parsons, Arbela, Mo.
- Austin Pemberton, Tuscola, Texas
- Keith Poche, Cecil, Ala.
- Matt Reed, Madisonville, Texas
- Charlie Reed Jr., Gloucester, Va.
- Dusty Rice, Breaux Bridge, La.
- Marshall Robinson, Landrum, S.C.
- Marty Robinson, Landrum, S.C.
- Ricky Robinson, Greenback, Tenn.
- Fred Roumbanis, London, Ark.
- Roman Ryan, Madison, Wis.
- Jackson Ryley, Clinton, Ind.
- Cason Sanchez, Flintville, Tenn.
- Colby Schrumpf, Highland, Ill.
- Terry Scroggins, San Mateo, Fla.
- Banks Shaw, Harrison, Tenn.
- Blake Smith, Lakeland, Fla.
- Miles Smith, Houma, La.
- Robert Sparks, Heflin, La.
- Kennie Steverson, Umatilla, Fla.
- Tyler Stewart, Dubach, La.
- Troy Stokes, Trenton, Mich.
- Mike Surman, Boca Raton, Fla.
- Levi Thibodaux, Thibodaux, La.
- Matteo Turano, Puryear, Tenn.
- Jason Vance, Battle Ground, Ind.
- Todd Walters, Kernersville, N.C.
- Jimmy Washam, Stantonville, Tenn.
- Joseph Webster, Hamilton, Ala.
- Thomas Wooten, Huddleston, Va.
Proud sponsors of the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by MillerTech include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sport Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Mercury, Minn Kota, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, PirahnO2, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, VOSKER, WIX Filters and YETI.
For regular Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by MillerTech updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV and Game & Fish TV, and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
TNT Fireworks named title sponsor of the 2025 Bassmaster Team Championship at Lake Hartwell
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. officials announced today that TNT Fireworks, the nation’s largest distributor of consumer fireworks, has signed on as the title sponsor of the 2025 TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, which will be held December 3-6 on South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell.
The Bassmaster Team Championship marks the culmination of a yearlong grass-roots competition that gives anglers from team trails across the country the chance to fish for one of the most coveted prizes in competitive bass fishing — a berth in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
More than 200 two-angler teams representing B.A.S.S.-sanctioned team trails nationwide will compete over two days for the team title. The top three teams will then split up and compete individually in a two-day fish-off, where the winner will earn the final spot in the Bassmaster Classic field.
“TNT Fireworks is thrilled to be the official sponsor of the 2025 Bassmaster Team Championship,” said Carson Anderson, Managing Director at TNT Fireworks. “We look forward to watching anglers from across the country experience the excitement and energy of competition at beautiful Lake Hartwell.”
TNT Fireworks, headquartered in Florence, Ala., has been lighting up celebrations for more than 100 years. The company’s passion for bringing people together through family-friendly entertainment aligns perfectly with the community spirit and excitement of Bassmaster events.
Lake Hartwell, one of the Southeast’s most storied fisheries, has hosted multiple major B.A.S.S. tournaments, including the Bassmaster Classic, and is known for its healthy populations of both largemouth and spotted bass. The deep, clear reservoir straddling the Georgia-South Carolina border provides the perfect backdrop for a championship-level event.
“The Bassmaster Team Championship is one of the most special events we host each year because it represents the heart of competitive fishing, everyday anglers earning their shot at the Classic,” said B.A.S.S. Nation Tournament Manager GL Compton. “Having TNT Fireworks as our title sponsor adds an extra spark to an already exciting event. Their enthusiasm for community, celebration and competition mirrors what this championship is all about.”
Fans can follow live coverage of the 2025 TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship on Bassmaster.com and across B.A.S.S. social media platforms, including live weigh-ins, photo galleries and on-the-water updates.
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Team Championship Title Sponsor: TNT Fireworks
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Title Sponsor: Mercury
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Presenting Sponsor: Lowrance
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series
About TNT Fireworks
TNT Fireworks, established in 1920, is America’s bestselling brand of fireworks and the largest distributer of 1.4G consumer fireworks in the U.S. The company offers a diverse range of products including aerials, ground-based items, assortments and novelties, while also supporting fundraising initiatives nationwide. TNT’s goal is to provide safe family fun that lets consumers ignite the night!
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
