Anglers Channel Partners with Power-Pole For Total Boat Control on the Vexus® Dream Rig Build
Columbia, SC (April 29, 2024) – The Anglers Channel Vexus® Dream Rig is officially underway and will be rolling out of the Flippin’ AR facility in the coming weeks, outfitted with the latest in bass boat technology. In keeping with the Dream Rig theme, Anglers Channel has partnered with Power-Pole® from bow to stern for Total Boat Control in 2024. The Vexus AVX 2080 will feature the Power-Pole MOVE® ZR brushless trolling motor for unrivaled power, stealth, and durability on the bow. The stern of the Vexus Dream Rig will feature the brand-new Power-Pole ONE Pump anchoring system, featuring the Dual Blade ONE Pump design that debuted at the 2024 Bassmaster Classic.
According to Danny Blandford, Business Development Manager for Anglers Channel, “Setting up the Vexus Dream Rig has to be one of the more exciting projects I’ve worked on, thanks in large part to the partnerships and industry support here at Anglers Channel. We’re fortunate to be able to choose the best products on the market for our intended use, and the Power-Pole products are exactly that. Being that the Vexus AVX is an aluminum-glass hybrid, maintaining the weight advantage has been one of the key principles behind the build. Both the MOVE and the ONE Pump system are some of the lightest products in their categories, yet have both strength and durability, which is a must for a Dream Rig.”
The MOVE ZR trolling motor weighs only 53 pounds and has an ultra low-profile design, including the smallest head unit in the category. The aerospace grade titanium shaft is warrantied for life and tough enough to withstand some of the beatings it’s sure to take in shallow stump filled waters.
Blandford went on to add, “One thing that really impressed me in testing, in addition to the power itself, was the REAL-FEEL® foot pedal. It can be adjusted to steer exactly the way I want to, while being whisper quiet. It was not only as smooth as older cable steer models, but it also didn’t have the noise I’ve experienced in other digital steering trolling motors. I’m confident the MOVE is the stealthiest of our choices and that’s key in the shallow waters I spend time in.”
With the MOVE ZR providing plenty of power to pull the Vexus AVX at high speeds, the Power-Pole ONE Pump package is the perfect choice for keeping the boat at rest. Paired with dual 8 ft. Power-Pole Blades, and operated by a single lightweight pump, the system will provide rock solid anchoring and yet still satisfy the goal of keeping accessory weight to a minimum. The ONE Pump is 40% lighter than past models, takes up 50% less space, and draws 41.6% fewer amps when in use. Overall, the ONE Pump system is the most advanced Power-Pole hydraulic system to date thanks to the inclusion of a more powerful brushless motor, along with an upgraded circuit board and valves, making it the ideal choice for the Vexus Dream Rig build.
Beyond featuring Power-Pole products on the Dream Rig, Anglers Channel will be featuring the various features and benefits of Power-Pole products, highlighting the Captain’s Cash Program and winners, as well as keeping up with Team Power-Pole on the pro circuits throughout the year.
About Power-Pole:
For over 25 years, Power-Pole® has remained the pinnacle of trust and performance in the industry, cherished by both professional and recreational anglers. Power-Pole is the pioneering force behind the original hydraulic Shallow Water Anchor, the game-changing Power-Pole MOVE® brushless trolling motors, the cutting-edge CHARGE Marine Power Management Station, and other innovative products designed and engineered to deliver Total Boat Control.
A full Logan Martin will offer many options for Bassmaster Opens Field
April 26, 2024
A full Logan Martin will offer many options for Bassmaster Opens Field
LINCOLN, Ala. — The notion of ups and downs is nothing new to bass tournament anglers, but Alabama native and Bassmaster Elite Series champion Wes Logan said the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Logan Martin Lake presented by SEVIIN will be heavily influenced by a down-and-up deal.
Competition days will be May 2-4 with daily takeoffs from Lincoln Landing at 6 a.m. CT and weigh-ins each day back at the landing at 2 p.m.
As Logan explained, winter drawdown lowers this 17,000-acre Coosa River reservoir to a winter pool level of about 462 feet (2023-24). With Alabama Power Company gradually bringing the lake back to full pool (465) by early May, the lake stood about 1.75 feet from that mark a week prior to the event.
With warm weather forecast and water temperatures in the upper 60s to low 70s, Logan Martin’s shaping up for a good dose of spring patterns. That being said, the event’s timing, shortly after a major hydrologic adjustment could just as easily see a restrained mood or a wide-open stick fest.
“I think a lot of what people found in pre-practice is going to be null and void because of how those fish (reposition) when the water starts moving,” Logan said. “It’s going to be interesting, because fish will be moving with the water.”
From a lifetime of fishing Coosa River lakes, Logan expects that some of the bass will have spawned, but the annual spring water rise certainly factors into the fish’s timing. With water temperatures warm enough, successful bedding may occur during the rise. But as the water level increases, greater depth may limit sunlight penetration.
“Those drawdown fish are smart; they learn not to do it too early,” Logan said of the water level change. “From one week to the next, the fish can be completely different. I think this will make it interesting to see who can figure out the new pattern.
“If someone comes across something the last day of practice, they might be able to run a pattern that nobody else knows yet.”
Describing the lake as what he calls “Coosa River Clear” — about 1 to 1 1/2 foot visibility — Logan said tournament week will likely present a clean-slate scenario that could include a mix of spawn and postspawn scenarios. Given the significant water level change, he believes much of what pre-practicing anglers found before the April 14 off-limits date will be largely irrelevant.
On the upside, Logan said he believes the event could be won from the Neely Henry tailrace down to the Logan Martin Dam impounding this lake. For its relatively modest size, Logan Martin offers abundant habitat diversity.
“There will be a lot of stuff in play; there’s a lot of docks on Logan Martin — floating docks, pole docks, and around those docks are a lot of seawalls,” Logan said. “If we get back on a warming trend, there could be a few times where we have a shad spawn and those seawalls will play really well. As the sun rises, the shad leave and the fish pull to the docks or the first available shade.”
Logan expects to see a large segment of the field spending their days offshore looking for fish on forward-facing sonar. Plenty of spots to check and rising water won’t have much impact on this game. The biggest challenge for the “scopers” will be crowding and fishing pressure.
Other common targets include stump flats and water willow. The latter’s a Coosa River favorite, but Logan said anglers will have to gauge how firmly the fish have committed to this habitat. Growth happens quickly with the returning water, but the degree to which water willow plays has yet to be determined.
“Upriver from Lincoln Landing (takeoff site) to the (Neely Henry) Dam, anglers will fish your basic river structure,” Logan said. “You’ll have current swings, river bends with some current hitting off some bluff banks, laydowns and offshore rockpiles.
“Down lake there’s a lot of underwater humps where those spotted bass like to get on this time of year. From the Stemley Bridge (Highway 34) down to the Logan Martin Dam, in that lower lake area the water stays relatively cleaner and there’s a few major creeks that have a really good population of big spotted bass.”
While unlocking the Logan Martin bounty will require intense search and analysis, during this spring transitional time, Logan said competitors can fish their strengths.
“You can catch ’em on a vibrating jig, a buzzbait early, a spinnerbait (especially for the shad spawn) and a 1/2-ounce flipping jig,” Logan said. “For spotted bass, jerkbaits, crankbaits and jigs are good. A shaky head is a good way to cover water and get bites, and a Carolina rig with a finesse worm is really good for spots on those offshore humps.
“Even though it’s a smaller lake, you’re gonna be able to fish the way you want to. You’re not going to have to do one particular thing. There’s a lot of ways the tournament could be won.”
While spotted bass will almost certainly play a significant role in this event, Logan said he’s not looking for a winning weight solely comprising spots. The occasional spotted chunk will likely highlight competitive limits, but the dependable weight typically comes from largemouth.
“I don’t know if you can catch a 4-pound spot, or a couple of them every day,” Logan said. “It seems like there’s been a little better population of spotted bass here lately, but somebody who can figure out how to catch 14 to 16 pounds of spots for three days will be hard to beat.
“I think it will be dominated with largemouth; that’s going to be most consistent. It could be a mixed bag, but if someone figures out that largemouth deal, they could really run away with it.”
Canadian angler Evan Kung currently leads the Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers race with 568 points. Texas pro Dakota Ebare is second with 555 points, followed by Matt Adams in third with 529, Mike Surman in fourth with 504 and Easton Fothergill in fifth with 502 points. Andy Newcomb is sixth with 501 points, followed by Bobby Bakewell in seventh with 491, Cody Meyer in eighth with 491 and Christian Ostrander in ninth with 488.
Bassmaster LIVE will be streaming on Bassmaster.com all four days.
The event is being hosted by the City of Lincoln.
2024 Bassmaster Opens Series Title Sponsor: St. Croix
2024 Bassmaster Opens Series Presenting Sponsor: SEVIIN
2024 Bassmaster Opens Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2024 Bassmaster Opens Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2024 Bassmaster Opens Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
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 500,000-member 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.
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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 865-201-6458, cgay@bassmaster.
Fishin' Tip Friday - Shad Spawn tips with Greg Hackney
By Vance McCullough
Depending on where you fish, the shad spawn is either about to kick off or it's already on. Vampire bass will blitz balls of baitfish around shallow hard cover but the murderous activity ends as soon the sun hits the water, so most anglers think they need to work quickly. Greg Hackney tells us to slow the pace of our retrieve for maximum action during this unique opportunity which he exploited for a Top 10 finish in the recent Bassmaster Elite Series tournament on a stingy St Johns River.
He was using a soon to be released, four blade version, but a tandem willow with small blades will do the trick too! The key is to slow down to draw the shad to your bait...THEN the bass will come!
World's Greatest Fishing Auction is Back!
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“World’s Greatest Fishing Auction” Now Open |
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MN-FISH’s On-line auction includes include trips with legendary anglers, resort stays, world-class tackle and much more. Bidding ends May 2! |
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Rogers, Minn. (April 25, 2024) — MN-FISH’s popular “World’s Greatest” online auction of fishing adventures, resort vacation stays and products is now open. More than 40 items are up for bid, and new items are being added daily. Hosted by the nonprofit MN-FISH Sportfishing Foundation and Coalition, the 14-day online auction closes at 7 pm CST on Thursday May 2nd. Auction items may be drooled over and bids placed at the MN-FISH.COM Auction page. |
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MN-FISH executive director Mark Holsten said the auction is one of the nonprofit’s most important fundraising efforts of the year. It allows MN-FISH to continue its mission working to protect and improve fishing in Minnesota. Last year, MN-FISH successfully pushed for more than $98 million dollars in state funding to upgrade Minnesota’s aging hatchery system, improve public boat access sites statewide, and enhance shore-fishing opportunities in key urban areas. |
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“This year, we are working to stop invasive carp from moving up the Mississippi River, fighting the potential loss of key public waters, and continuing our efforts to rebuild the critical St. Paul fish hatchery, which not only helps maintain fishing in key metro waters, but could also serve as a research and education center for the public. But our most important role is monitoring potential regulation changes that affect all anglers.” “Our work has the support of state anglers, which is why so many legendary personalities have donated fishing adventures to this year’s auction,” said Ron Schara, MN-FISH president. “We have more than 30 trips from anglers including Al Lindner, Babe Winkelman, Dave Genz, Tony Roach, Jason Mitchell and many others. Who doesn’t want to share a boat with these anglers.” |
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“The auction includes fishing adventures or vacation stays on waters across Minnesota, as well as the Dakotas and Canada,” said MN-FISH secretary Steve Pennaz. “There’s also some great tackle from manufacturers including Abu Garcia, Rapala, DAIWA, and Zebco, as well as equipment from Milwaukee Tool.” Fishing is big business in Minnesota, generating $4.4 billion annually in economic impact and about $300 million in state taxes. MN-FISH is working to increase reinvestment back into the state’s vital fisheries. This auction represents the outdoors industry giving back to the state’s diverse angler make-up by giving them the chance to win once-in-a-lifetime fishing experiences, besides resort stays and products. |
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MLF Announces Launch of New Multi-Year Sponsorship and Licensing Partnership with REDCON1
Premium sports nutrition brand REDCON1 secures exclusive partnership as the Official Energy Drink & Sports Nutrition partner of MLF and will also serve as the presenting sponsor of Bass Pro Tour Stage Four at Lake Eufaula
BENTON, Ky. (April 25, 2024) – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, and REDCON1, a premier supplement and energy brand for people who demand the most out of their workout and workday, announced a multi-year sponsorship and licensing partnership that brings together category leaders in the fishing and outdoors space and the booming supplement and protein energy industry.
REDCON1 will become the Official Energy Drink, Official Protein Bar, Official Protein Powder, and Official Pre-Workout of MLF, integrating the premier supplement provider into a wide range of MLF media and tournament assets, including television and livestream broadcasts. REDCON1 will also be the presenting sponsor of MillerTech Stage Four at Lake Eufaula Presented by REDCON1, held April 30-May 5 in Eufaula, Oklahoma.
The exclusive partnership comes on the heels of REDCON1’s February announcement that Hall of Fame two-sport athlete Super Bowl Champion, and Division 1 college football head coach Deion Sanders had taken an ownership stake in the company. REDCON1 and “Coach Prime” have been developing a Prime Time-inspired line of products, which will debut with an energy drink.
REDCON1 will also license the MLF logo and brand on products in retail locations around the country.
“This multi-year partnership with REDCON1 is designed to raise the bar for both of our brands,” said MLF Vice President of Sponsorship and Business Development Michael Mulone. “Aaron Singerman and Coach Prime are building REDCON1 into the best premium energy and sports nutrition brand on the planet. With their strong presence in retailers nationwide and MLF’s brand-loyal audience, this sponsorship is a massive win for both companies. Whether you’re on the boat, working out or just working hard, REDCON1 should be every fishing fan’s first choice for an energy drink or protein supplement.”
"We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Major League Fishing. As MLF's Official Energy Drink and Sports Nutrition partner, we are excited to support the high-performance lifestyle of anglers everywhere—whether they're at the lake, on the road, or in the gym. At REDCON1, readiness isn't just a core value; it's our mission," stated Aaron Singerman, Founder of REDCON1.
In addition to the extensive broadcast presence at Stage Four, REDCON1 will receive prominent exposure across all MLF circuits, including the Bass Pro Tour and as a sponsor of all MLF5 tournaments, and the General Tire Team Series (which will be livestreamed for the first time this season). REDCON1 will be featured in all MLF media platforms, including tournaments and activations, website and social media channels, MLF Bass Fishing magazine and television programming on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) and Rumble.
The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the action at MillerTech Stage Four at Lake Eufaula Presented by REDCON1 live on the final two days of the Qualifying Rounds, the Knockout Round and the Championship Round of competition. MLFNOW!® is livestreamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app and Rumble.
Television coverage of MillerTech Stage Four at Lake Eufaula Presented by REDCON1 will premiere as a two-hour episode on Discovery starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Oct. 12, with the Championship Round premiering on Saturday, Oct. 19. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on Outdoor Channel.
For additional information about MLF, its tournaments and sponsors, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. To learn more about REDCON1 and its complete line of energy drinks, protein bars, protein powders and pre-workout supplements, visit REDCON1.com.
About REDCON1
REDCON1 is a mission-based company founded on a simple principle - create the highest quality supplements for people who need to get the most out of their workout and workday. REDCON1 stands at the forefront of the sports nutrition industry, committed to providing consumers with the highest quality supplements and performance drinks. Known for its gold standard in product development and dedication to innovation, REDCON1 continues to redefine excellence in nutrition and readiness, helping everyone around the world achieve their peak performance. For additional information, visit redcon1.com.
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 Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network 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 17 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.
Lake Havasu Readies to Host MLF Toyota Series Western Division Presented by Tackle Warehouse
LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. (April 25, 2024) – Lake Havasu City, Arizona is set to host the Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats next week, May 2-4, for the second event of the 2024 Western Division Presented by Tackle Warehouse – the Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats at Lake Havasu.
The three-day bass-fishing tournament, hosted by Go Lake Havasu, will feature a roster of the region’s best bass-fishing pros and Strike King co-anglers competing for a top prize of up to $75,000 in the pro division and a new Phoenix 518 Pro boat with a 115-horsepower outboard motor in the co-angler division.
“Lake Havasu is a great fishery – the most diverse lake on the Colorado River chain – and I know they’re going to catch them in this one,” said Bass Pro Tour angler Dean Rojas who resides in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. “Right now it’s the end of the spawn – most of the fish are already into their postspawn patterns and the fishing has been pretty good.
“This time of year on Havasu is a lot of fun. You can catch them almost any way you want to, both smallmouth and largemouth,” Rojas continued. “I think the tournament will probably be won weighing in all largemouth, but it would not surprise me at all to see a couple of guys in the top five that have mixed bags or limits that include three or four big smallmouth.”
With the lake fishing so freely right now, Rojas expects to see a variety of different tactics in play by competitors.
“We’re going to see a wide variety. Some guys will be throwing swimbaits, others will be using drop-shot rigs. I think we’ll see some jigs. And the flipping bite has been known to be pretty good this time of the year. You can do a lot of different things there, but the key is going to be finding the right areas and fishing to your strengths.”
When the Toyota Series last visited Lake Havasu in February of 2023, San Clemente, California pro Todd Kline was the only angler to weigh more than 60 pounds over the three days of competition, and won the event with a total of 60-14. Rojas said that he thinks the early May event will be very similar weight-wise in this postspawn event.
“It took 19 pounds to win a team tournament here last weekend, so the lake is fishing strong,” Rojas said. “It’s not the best it has ever fished, but it is certainly doing well. A lot of factors depend on the water fluctuations, but I think the three-day winner next week catches between 58 to 64 pounds.”
Anglers will launch at 6 a.m. MT each day from Windsor Beach at Lake Havasu State Park, located at 699 London Bridge Road in Lake Havasu City. Weigh-ins will also be held at Windsor Beach and will begin at 2 p.m. each day. Fans are welcome to attend and encouraged to follow the event online through the “MLF Live” weigh-in broadcasts and daily coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
In Toyota Series regular-season competition, payouts are based on the number of participants competing in the event, scaling up for every 20 boats over 160 and scaling down for every boat below 160. With a 160-boat field, pros fish for a top prize of up to $75,000, if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard (valued at $33,500). With a 260-boat field, pros fish for a top award of up to $100,000, if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard plus $5,000 cash.
The 2024 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats consists of six divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern, Southwestern and the Western Division Presented by Tackle Warehouse – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the six divisions or the Wild Card division and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning up to $235,000 and a qualification to REDCREST 2025. The winning Strike King co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard. The 2024 Toyota Series Championship will be held Nov. 7-9 on Wheeler Lake in Huntsville, Alabama, and is hosted by the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Madison County Commission, and the Huntsville Sports Commission.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Toyota Series include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, FX Custom Rods, General Tire, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters, YETI.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Toyota Series updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 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 Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network 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 17 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.
MLF Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats Set to Close Out Central Division Season with event at Lake Chickamauga
DAYTON, Tenn. (April 24, 2024) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats is set to return to the Dayton Boat Dock in Dayton, Tennessee, next week, May 2-4, for the third and final event of the 2024 Central division – the Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats at Lake Chickamauga.
The three-day competition, hosted by Fish Dayton and the Rhea Economic & Tourism Council, will feature a roster of the region’s best bass-fishing pros and Strike King co-anglers competing for a top prize of up to $100,000 in the pro division and a new Phoenix 518 Pro boat with a 115-horsepower outboard motor plus $5,000 in the co-angler division.
“I’ve been looking forward to this one for some time,” said local pro Seth Davis of Dayton, Tennessee, who finished second in this tournament in two of the last three Toyota Series visits to Lake Chickamauga. “I’ve got a lot going on in my life – we just got done building a house, we’re having a baby next month – but I’ve told my wife for the past few weeks, I am working for this one. I am thirsty, and I want to win! Map study, graphing, looking, finding grass, just staying in tune with the lake. I may not catch a keeper on Day 1, but I’m doing everything I can to give myself a shot.”
Davis said that this tournament, like most, will be largely weather dependent. The water levels on Lake Chickamauga are down a little bit, and with the TVA in the process of raising the lake, he doesn’t expect much current to be generated.
“The majority of the fish will be in spawn and postspawn patterns,” Davis said. “We’ve already had a wave or two spawn, so there potentially could be some fish already offshore. It would not surprise me one bit if this tournament is won either completely dedicated deep or dedicated shallow.
“The sleeper this year is that there are some areas with pretty good grass,” Davis continued. “It’s pretty healthy right now, and if a guy finds the right patch or two he could definitely catch some big bass just dragging stuff around the grass. It’s Lake Chickamauga and there are giants that live here.”
Davis said that he expects the three-day winner to bring three limits of bass to the scale in the mid-50-pound range.
“It’s still one of the best lakes in the country, but it’s fishing just a little finicky right now. Local tournaments are taking in the low 20s to win right now, so I’m going to be surprised if it takes more than 60 pounds. I think if a guy hits the mid-50s, he’ll be right there at the end with a shot to win.”
Anglers will launch at 6:30 a.m. CT each day from the Dayton Boat Dock, located at 175 Lakeshore Drive in Dayton. Weigh-ins will also be held at the Dayton Boat Dock and will begin at 2:30 p.m. each day. Fans are welcome to attend and encouraged to follow the event online through the “MLF Live” weigh-in broadcasts and daily coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
In Toyota Series regular-season competition, payouts are based on the number of participants competing in the event, scaling up for every 20 boats over 160 and scaling down for every boat below 160. With a 160-boat field, pros fish for a top prize of up to $75,000, if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard (valued at $33,500). With a 260-boat field, pros fish for a top award of up to $100,000, if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard plus $5,000 cash.
The 2024 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats consists of six divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern, Southwestern and the Western Division Presented by Tackle Warehouse – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the six divisions or the Wild Card division and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning up to $235,000 and a qualification to REDCREST 2025. The winning Strike King co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard. The 2024 Toyota Series Championship will be held Nov. 7-9 on Wheeler Lake in Huntsville, Alabama, and is hosted by the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Madison County Commission, and the Huntsville Sports Commission.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Toyota Series include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, FX Custom Rods, General Tire, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters, YETI.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Toyota Series updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 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 Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network 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 17 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.
COSTA FILMS™ Presents: A Legend Remastered
The Grand Catalina Field Test, featuring Angling Legends and Costa Pros Flip Pallot and Oliver White.
As Costa reintroduces its remastered classic frame, Grand Catalina, we are humbled to have had decades of support and patronage from those who are widely considered the legends of our sport. This frame is an homage to them.
Catch up with Costa’s longest tenured Pro Flip Pallot, along with good friend and fellow angling legend, Oliver White, as they reminisce on the evolution of Costa’s frame and lens technology throughout the years. Traveling the pristine waterways of Florida’s backcountry, Flip and Oliver take Grand Catalinas on the ultimate field test.
MillerTech Renews and Expands Major League Fishing Sponsorship
Leading Lithium Battery and Renewable Energy Product Brand Expands Sponsorship as Official Sponsor of the MLF Bass Pro Tour and Title Sponsor of Bass Pro Tour Stage Four
BENTON, Ky. (April 23, 2024) – Major League Fishing (MLF) and MillerTech, a premium lithium battery company known for harnessing the power of innovation, integrity and exceptional customer service, announced today a renewed and expanded partnership through the 2024 season. In addition to being an Official Sponsor of the 2024 Bass Pro Tour, MillerTech has been named the title sponsor of the 2024 MLF Bass Pro Tour MillerTech Stage Four Presented by REDCON1, held April 30 – May 5 at Lake Eufaula in Eufaula, Oklahoma.
“Many of our tournament anglers rely on MillerTech Lithium Batteries to keep their boats and electronics charged so they can focus on the competition,” said Kathy Fennel, MLF Executive Vice President and General Manager. “We’re thrilled to renew and expand our partnership through the 2024 season and are proud to continue to showcase the MillerTech brand on and off the water to our loyal MLF fans.”
MillerTech began its partnership with MLF in 2023. Per terms of its renewed agreement, the brand will receive increased exposure through multiple MLF outlets, including television and livestream broadcasts, the MLF website and social media outlets and onsite activation opportunities and signage at MillerTech Stage Four and all Bass Pro Tour events.
In addition to the MLF sponsorship, MillerTech will continue to sponsor a growing list of Bass Pro Tour pros, including Adrian Avena, Brent Chapman, Dustin Connell, David Dudley, Cole Floyd, Anthony Gagliardi, John Hunter, Justin Lucas, Fred Roumbanis, Ryan Salzman, Colby Schrumpf, Greg Vinson, Joshua Weaver and Jacob Wheeler.
“The team at MillerTech Lithium Batteries is honored to be the title sponsor for Stage Four of the 2024 Bass Pro Tour,” said Lester Miller, General Manager, MillerTech Energy Solutions, LLC. “When our great team of professional anglers take on this awesome fishery, it will be extremely important for them to have reliable battery systems that can give them confidence and the peace of mind that they deserve.
“We are blessed to be able to provide that for them. This sponsorship is only one way for us to show our appreciation to the anglers and the fishing community that continues to support our brand, and our mission of creating a better tomorrow!”
For more information about MLF, its tournaments and sponsors, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. To learn more about MillerTech, its commitment to innovation, integrity and a brighter, greener future, visit MillerTechEnergy.com.
About MillerTech
MillerTech Energy Solutions LLC is a Premium Lithium Battery Company that combines superior quality products with faith-based business values to deliver a unique and beneficial experience for end users. Our commitment to integrity, customer focus, quality and community engagement sets us apart as a reliable and trustworthy partner in the lithium battery industry. Choose MillerTech for premium lithium batteries that enhance your bottom line while aligning with your values.
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 Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network 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 17 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.
DB gets a double bonus at St. Johns Elite
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Drew Benton is still not sure what random underwater object his Yamaha 250 V MAX SHO® hit amid a 40-mile run to his starting spot on Day 1 of the St. Johns River event, but he’s positive Yamaha’s durability is unmatched like that of his tow vehicle.
He’s also certain that registering for contingency programs such as Yamaha’s Power Pay program and Toyota Bonus Bucks program, provides the proverbial icing on the cake of both leading brands.
Benton finished 4th in the MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at the St Johns River, which was good enough for cash bonuses from both Yamaha and Toyota that are available to anglers of all levels who fish tournaments and register for the respective programs.
“I’ve towed with various brands of trucks, and I’ll tell you straight-up that a Toyota Tundra is hands-down the strongest and most reliable gas-powered truck out there, with gas mileage that is on par with the diesel I used to drive. I love my Tundra’s Tow+ feature, and the huge 14” screen on the dash is fantastic for all the miles we travel while referencing GPS directions,” says Benton.
Benton puts his money where his mouth is. Not only did he buy a Tundra, but his wife, Morgan also bought a Toyota Sequoia recently. “Toyota supports bass fishing on so many levels. They do more for our sport than any other truck manufacture by a wide margin, so we’re going to be a Toyota family. It’s that simple,” says Benton.
His strong belief in the brands he runs is as clear as his world-class sight fishing skills, which might have been next to worthless, if not for his Yamaha’s ability to keep running after surrendering a piece its lower unit to the underwater object, and safely returning him to weigh-in for a top finish by week’s end. No to mention, the two beefy bonus checks he collected to make his success even sweeter.
AC Insider Podcast - Elite Series Champ John Garrett
The guys caught up with Elite Series Champ, John Garrett, after back to back Florida Elite Series events. The Strike King/Lews Pro breaks down the event itself and the guys dig deep into some electronics pointers, as well as the mindset of the new Young Guns on tour. John shares some enlightening details on what high school and college fishing events have done to prepare these men for the Elite Series and other professional tours. It is DEFINITELY about more than comfort with electronics...give a listen and gain some good perspective on the transformation we're seeing in our sport.
Virginia’s Winebarger Earns First Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at South Holston Lake
Saige Evans, of Abingdon, Va., Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division
BRISTOL, Tenn. (April 22, 2024) – Boater Clayton Winebarger of Abingdon, Virginia, caught a five-bass limit weighing 20 pounds even Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on South Holston Lake . The tournament was the second event of the season for the BFL Volunteer Division. Winebarger earned $9,235, including the lucrative $5,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus, for his victory.
Not surprisingly for April, the smallmouth spawn was on for the BFL event at South Holston. The spawning bite is typically a dominant pattern this time of year, and because everyone knows it, winning during the spawn can come down to who gets to the best banks first.
“I found a few banks that had some fish on them and was lucky enough to get boat No. 2,” Winebarger said. “I was lucky enough to get on a good bank really quick. I caught three good ones within the first hour.”
After that, he ran up the lake to another stretch and was able to finish out a quality limit. His best fish, however, came later.
“In practice, I had caught a 4½-pounder on a bank not far from where I started. That was on Thursday evening,” he said, “and I knew exactly where it was at. In the tournament, there was actually three boats that got on that bank right at blastoff while I was catching the other three good ones. So I couldn’t get on it. Later in the day, I ran back down to that bank and was able get on it and catch it (the same fish from practice), and that was the biggest one I had today.”
Winebarger caught his fish Texas-rigging a small green worm with either a 1/8- or 3/16-ounce weight.
Occasionally, if the fish got finicky, he changed colors – even using a pink worm. He caught his fish from about 5 to 16 feet deep.
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Clayton Winebarger, Abingdon, Va., five bass, 20-0, $9,235 (includes $5,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
2nd: Corey Neece, Bristol, Tenn., five bass, 19-9, $2,418
3rd: Jimmy Neece Jr., Bristol, Tenn., five bass, 19-0, $1,413
4th: Colton Chambers, Elizabethton, Tenn., five bass, 18-10, $988
5th: Matthew Rock, Bristol, Va., five bass, 18-3, $776
5th: Brian Barnett, Bluff City, Tenn., five bass, 18-3, $776
5th: Derrick Snavely, Piney Flats, Tenn., five bass, 18-3, $776
8th: Hunter McClaskey, Elizabethton, Tenn., five bass, 18-2, $635
9th: Cody Fuller, Bluefield, W.Va., five bass, 17-12, $529
9th: David Tolbert, Bristol, Tenn., five bass, 17-12, $529
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Randy Oliver of Johnson City, Tennessee, caught a bass that weighed 5 pounds, 1 ounce, and earned the Berkley Big Bass boater award of $590.
Saige Evans of Abingdon, Virginia, won the Strike King co-angler division and $2,064 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 16 pounds, 4 ounces.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Saige Evans, Abingdon, Va., five bass, 16-4, $2,064
2nd: Mac Fritts, Caryville, Tenn., five bass, 15-14, $1,032
3rd: Keith Gunsauls, Dandridge, Tenn., five bass, 15-9, $688
4th: Caleb Chambers, Elizabethton, Tenn., five bass, 14-15, $447
4th: Kyle Musick, Abingdon, Va., five bass, 14-15, $447
6th: Don Bible, Knoxville, Tenn., five bass, 14-10, $378
7th: Matthew Faulkner, Corbin, Ky., five bass, 14-9, $714
7th: Shane Winebarger, Abingdon, Va., five bass, 14-9, $327
9th: Will Castle, Cleveland, Va., five bass, 14-8, $258
9th: Brayden Ringley, Piney Flats, Tenn., five bass, 14-8, $258
Matthew Faulkner of Corbin, Kentucky, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $287, catching a bass that weighed in at 4 pounds, 11 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
After two events, Jimmy Neece Jr. of Bristol, Tennessee, leads the Fishing Clash Volunteer Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 498 points, while Keith Gunsauls of Dandridge, Tennessee, leads the Fishing Clash Volunteer Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 484 points.
The next event for BFL Volunteer Division anglers will be held May 11, at Douglas Lake in Dandridge, Tennessee. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 17-19 BFL Regional tournament on Clarks Hill Lake in Appling, Georgia. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.
The 2024 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 Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League 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 Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network 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 17 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.
Dickson’s True Skips Docks to Win Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Tims Ford Lake
| Hixson’s Henry Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division
WINCHESTER, Tenn. (April 22, 2024) – Boater Austin True of Dickson, Tennessee, caught a five-bass limit weighing 19 pounds, 8 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Tims Ford Lake. The tournament was the second event of the season for the BFL Music City Division. True earned $2,883 for his victory. Before the tournament, True found some spawning fish in the Elk River and thought this BFL tournament would be a spawn event. But in practice on Friday, he realized he’d have to change his strategy due to warming weather. “I skipped a ChatterBait up under a dock and caught like a 5-pounder,” he said. “So using my (Garmin) LiveScope, I determined there were fish suspending up under docks. All my fish that were spawning, were now suspending under docks.” True changed it up in the tournament. He caught a decent smallmouth first thing in the morning on a 4-inch 6th Sense Crush Dogma topwater bait in French bone pearl. “From there, I took a jumbo (7-inch) Strike King Ocho on a baitcaster with 20-pound fluorocarbon, and I just skipped it as far back under the dock as I could. And hold on!” True said. “I enjoyed it because I didn’t have to stare at the LiveScope all day. I could see the structure I was fishing, and I fished confident.” True, who works as an electrician at Wolfe & Travis Electric in Nashville, finished the tournament with four largemouths and the one smallmouth he caught in the morning. All his best docks were situated on channel-swing banks where he found wads of shad. The top 10 boaters finished the tournament: 1st: Austin True, Dickson, Tenn., five bass, 19-8, $2,883 Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com. Wesley D. Taylor of Estill Springs, Tennessee, caught a bass that weighed 4 pounds, 11 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass boater award of $320.
Rex Henry of Hixson, Tennessee, won the Strike King co-angler division and $1,602 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 15 pounds, 1 ounce. The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished: 1st: Rex Henry, Hixson, Tenn., five bass, 15-1, $1,602 Henry also earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $160, catching a bass that weighed in at 4 pounds, 3 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day. After two events, Jacob Woods of Loudon, Tennessee, leads the Fishing Clash Music City Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 972 points, while Kevin Jones of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, leads the Fishing Clash Music City Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 495 points. The next event for BFL Music City Division anglers will be held May 11, at Center Hill Lake in Sparta, Tennessee. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 17-19 BFL Regional tournament on Clarks Hill Lake in Appling, Georgia. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard. The 2024 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 Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota and YETI. For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. About Major League Fishing |
Oxford’s Hodge Overcomes High-Water Conditions to Win Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Grenada Lake
Como’s Ingle Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division
GRENADA, Miss. (April 22, 2024) – Boater Blake Hodge of Oxford, Mississippi, caught a five-bass limit weighing 17 pounds, 6 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Grenada Lake . Hosted by the Grenada Tourism Commission, the tournament was the second event of the season for the BFL Mississippi Division. Hodge earned $9,813, including the lucrative $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus, for his victory.
Heavy rains ahead of the tournament had Grenada’s water well out of its banks when the BFL kicked off. Hodge followed the rising water into newly flooded fields of grass.
“I practiced a couple days last week and found a couple grass flats and was just targeting bass that were on hard or clean spots inside flat pieces of bank,” he said.
“I had three spots that I could put the nose of my boat in and make the same cast over and over.”
Hodge caught fish from as shallow as 6 inches of water by trolling his boat up as far as he could go and then bombing long casts. His key bait was a SPRO Bronzeye Frog, which produced a pair of keepers that Hodge brought to weigh-in.
“You had to work that area for probably 30 to 45 minutes until you made one of them bite,” he added.
Once he exhausted the frog pattern, Hodge made an adjustment and ran new water – mostly deeper postspawn areas where he was able to get bit throwing a BOOYAH Covert Spinnerbait with orange and gold blades.
Even though the high water had Hodge questioning whether he’d even be able to catch a keeper coming into the tournament, he wound up landing six fish and culling up to win by almost 6 pounds.
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Blake Hodge, Oxford, Miss., five bass, 17-6, $9,813 (includes $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
2nd: Barrett Saunders, Hammond, La., five bass, 11-10, $1,274
3rd: Dakota Fleming, Oak Grove, La., five bass, 10-5, $848
4th: Dakota Shaw, Millport, Ala., four bass, 9-11, $594
5th: Scott Whitehead, Columbus, Miss., five bass, 8-11, $810
6th: Tim McDaniel, Grenada, Miss., four bass, 8-10, $467
7th: Jeff Johnston, Marion, Ark., four bass, 8-1, $425
8th: Clint Pegg, Caledonia, Miss., four bass, 6-12, $507
9th: Kenneth Underwood, Columbus, Miss., three bass, 6-6, $340
10th: Chris Jones, Senatobia, Miss., three bass, 5-15, $297
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Hodge’s limit included a bass that weighed 6 pounds, 3 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $265.
Jeff Ingle of Como, Mississippi, won the Strike King co-angler division and $1,274 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 11 pounds, 8 ounces.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Jeff Ingle, Como, Miss., five bass, 11-8, $1,274
2nd: Troy Ladner, Bay Saint Louis, Miss., four bass, 7-8, $737
3rd: Brayden Gray, Pontotoc, Miss., three bass, 5-8, $424
4th: Christopher Daughdrill, Foxworth, Miss., two bass, 5-0, $297
5th: Thomas Smith, Brandon, Miss., three bass, 3-15, $255
6th: Joe Cornelius, Corinth, Miss., one bass, 3-9, $366
7th: Roy Steed, Madison, Miss., one bass, 3-6, $212
8th: Auston Ballard, Smithville, Miss., two bass, 2-12, $191
9th: Randy Maples, Amory, Miss., one bass, 2-7, $170
10th: Ryan LeCompte, Picayune, Miss., two bass, 2-3, $149
Joe Cornelius of Corinth, Mississippi, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $132, catching a bass that weighed in at 3 pounds, 9 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
After two events, Barrett Saunders of Hammond, Louisiana, leads the Fishing Clash Mississippi Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 493 points, while Thomas Smith of Brandon, Mississippi, leads the Fishing Clash Mississippi Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 493 points.
The next event for BFL Mississippi Division anglers will be held May 11, at Lake Sardis in Sardis, Mississippi. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 17-19 BFL Regional tournament on Wright Patman Lake in Texarkana, Texas. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.
The 2024 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 Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League 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 Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network 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 17 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.
West Palm Beach’s Terescenko Posts Second Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Okeechobee
West Chapel’s Giran Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division
CLEWISTON, Fla. (April 22, 2024) – Boater Alex Terescenko of West Palm Beach, Florida, caught a five-bass limit weighing 28 pounds, 3 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Okeechobee . Hosted by Roland & Mary Ann Martin's Marina & Resort, the tournament was the fourth event of the season for the BFL Gator Division. Terescenko earned $3,804 for his victory.
Terescenko certainly put together a solid bag of fish, but it wasn’t hot-and-heavy fishing.
“I pretty much caught all my fish on a homemade vibrating jig,” said Terescenko. “I didn’t really get much time to practice, but when I did practice I found a whole bunch of Mayan cichlid beds. They were loaded with cichlids.”
Cichlids are similar to bluegills, at least in size and their habit of spawning in clusters or colonies. And the bass prey on them during the cichlid spawn.
Terescenko was able to get bit in practice, but he knew he likely would have to adjust in the tournament because the wind kept switching directions. That kind of weather change in spring in south Florida calls for adjustments in fishing tactics, too.
“I really, really slowed down, and I was almost crawling the bait on the bottom,” he said.
Slowing down proved to be the deciding factor. Terescenko said other anglers were in his area fishing faster but weren’t having the same results. In fact, he never fired up his big motor the entire day and only burned through about 20 percent of his trolling motor batteries. He just worked a triangular area of three bedding zones, each about 50 yards apart, and made cast after cast.
“Patience was definitely a big thing for me,” he said. “That’s something that takes years to learn as a fisherman, but that’s what really came in clutch.”
Terescenko fished a green pumpkin Gambler Komodo as a trailer on his vibrating jig, and he dipped the tails in chartreuse. The jig had a green pumpkin skirt. He also caught a couple fish on a white vibrating jig.
The 31-year-old angler is a custom rod builder who owns Scenko Stix rod brand, which he runs with his girlfriend, Jenna Vlaar. He won the tournament using a 7-foot, 4-inch rod of his making that he calls the Chatter Trap.
“A lot of guys that throw a ChatterBait will use a composite blend rod,” he said. “It kind of has the benefits of the glass and composite, where if they (the fish) do eat that bait at the boat, it’ll have enough give and parabolic bend to not pull the hook. I designed the Chatter Trap where the blank is pretty thin but the walls are pretty thick, giving it a really nice whippy, crisp feel. It casts great and keeps fish pinned.
“You can really lean into them and not worry about your line breaking or pulling the hook. It’s very forgiving, but very strong at the same time. It’s definitely our best seller.”
Terescenko thanked his local community for supporting his rod business. He also thanked his Vlaar for her support, as well as his parents, who covered his entry fee to fish the BFL event.
“None of this would be possible without them,” he added.
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Alex Terescenko, West Palm Beach, Fla., five bass, 28-3, $3,804
2nd: Eric Beaty, Plantation, Fla., five bass, 27-0, $2,407
3rd: Joseph Carter, Orlando, Fla., five bass, 26-0, $1,267
4th: Dylan Quilatan, Windermere, Fla., five bass, 25-15, $1,188
5th: Luis Lindstedt, Melbourne, Fla., five bass, 25-14, $1,261 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
6th: Clay Mock, Winter Haven, Fla., five bass, 25-1, $697
7th: Aaron Yavorsky, Palm Harbor, Fla., five bass, 24-4, $634
8th: Robert Chase Burlew, Inverness, Fla., five bass, 23-7, $571
9th: Timothy King, Fort Myers, Fla., five bass, 21-14, $507
10th: Adam Hall, Bryceville, Fla, five bass, 21-11, $444
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Eric Beaty of Plantation, Florida, caught a bass that weighed 9 pounds, 3 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass boater award of $505.
Adam Giran of Wesley Chapel, Florida, won the Strike King co-angler division and $1,902 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 19 pounds, 8 ounces.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Adam Giran, Wesley Chapel, Fla., five bass, 19-8, $1,902
2nd: Matt Russell, Elkton, Md., five bass, 19-2, $1,303
3rd: Timothy Perdue, Casselberry, Fla., four bass, 16-15, $634
4th: David Jones, Umatilla, Fla., five bass, 16-4, $444
5th: Chase Brumfield, Middleburg, Fla., five bass, 16-1, $380
6th: Sean Ripley, Lakeland, Fla., five bass, 15-1, $349
7th: Sam Goldberg, Boynton Beach, Fla., five bass, 14-11, $317
8th: David White, Winter Garden, Fla., five bass, 14-8, $285
9th: Pat Herolt, Citrus Springs, Fla., five bass, 14-7, $254
10th: Jordan Elmore, Saint Petersburg, Fla., five bass, 14-4, $222
Matt Russell of Elkton, Maryland, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $252, catching a bass that weighed in at 6 pounds, 15 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
After four events, Ryan Crowley of Yulee, Florida, leads the Fishing Clash Gator Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 949 points, while Evrett Hunter of Inverness, Florida, leads the Fishing Clash Gator Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 961 points.
The next event for BFL Gator Division anglers will be held Sept. 28-29, at Lake Okeechobee in Clewiston, Florida. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 10-12 BFL Regional tournament on Santee Cooper Lakes in Clarendon County, South Carolina. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.
The 2024 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 Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League 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 Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network 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 17 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.
Retired U.S. Air Force Vet Earns First Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at DeGray Lake
Boater Justin Howard of Austin, Arkansas, catches 18-10 limit to top third Arkie Division event of season
ARKADELPHIA, Ark. (April 22, 2024) – Boater Justin Howard of Austin, Arkansas, caught a five-bass limit weighing 18 pounds, 10 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on DeGray Lake. Hosted by the City of Caddo Valley , the tournament was the third event of the season for the BFL Arkie Division. Howard earned $4,394 for his victory.
Howard, who retired a couple years ago after a 25-year career in the U.S. Air Force, put in some prep time for this event. Though he didn’t find a lot of bass on beds, he found a key spawning fish that helped him kick off the tournament first thing in the morning. That fish weighed 8 pounds, 7 ounces and earned him the Berkley Big Bass award on the boater side.
“I thought if I could catch her, I had an area mid-lake with some cuts that had some better fish flipping bushes and throwing a (Z-Man Evergreen ChatterBait) Jack Hammer. It was nothing really crazy or out of the ordinary. I just found the right areas.”
Howard’s goal was to catch four more keepers that weighed about 10 pounds to go with his kicker, and he nailed it right on the money. The key to his best area was wind blowing in, which helped in the clear water by breaking up the surface. He also experienced a productive stretch during a bout of rain.
For his flipping fish, Howard used a Rapala Crush City Cleanup Craw. He also credits the reliability of his Skeeter Yamaha boat-and-engine combo and his Costa Del Mar sunglasses with copper lenses for his win.
After a military career that took him all over the globe, Howard is proud to be in Arkansas competing against what he believes are some of the best bass anglers in the country. He said things just went right for him during the tournament.
“When we got to Arkansas in 2016, I really got into it (tournament fishing) heavy after coming from Alaska because I’ve always loved bass fishing,” Howard said. “I had fished some as a co-angler back in the day when I was stationed down in Georgia. I thought if today ain’t the day, I don’t know when it’s going to happen.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Justin Howard, Austin, Ark., five bass, 18-10, $4,394
2nd: Shawn Gordon, Russellville, Ark., five bass, 14-9, $2,065
3rd: Rance Warden, Searcy, Ark., five bass, 14-6, $1,293
4th: Drew Dawson, Pocahontas, Ark., five bass, 13-14, $905
5th: Fisher Davis, Mount Ida, Ark., five bass, 13-13, $776
6th: Brennan Cole, White Hall, Ark., five bass, 13-7, $1,211 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
7th: Chris Hamilton, Mayflower, Ark., five bass, 13-0, $647
8th: Quincy Houchin, Mabelvale, Ark., five bass, 12-15, $582
9th: Chip Hawkins, Little Rock, Ark., five bass, 12-12, $517
10th: Bryce Boatright, Sheridan, Ark., five bass, 12-8, $453
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Howard’s limit included a bass that weighed 8 pounds, 7 ounces, which earned him the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $515.
Jonathan Dotson of Dover, Arkansas, won the Strike King co-angler division and $1,902 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 15 pounds, 7 ounces.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Jonathan Dotson, Dover, Ark., five bass, 15-7, $1,902
2nd: Derek Dixon, Hot Springs, Ark., five bass, 12-1, $951
3rd: Adam O’Connell, Conway, Ark., four bass, 11-14, $886
4th: Kelly Shamlin Jr., Benton, Ark., five bass, 10-6, $444
5th: Stephen Simms, Hot Springs, Ark., five bass, 10-3, $380
6th: Koby Gooden, North Little Rock, Ark., five bass, 10-0, $349
7th: Brock Krohne, Belton, Mo., five bass, 9-3, $317
8th: Alan Bernicky, Joliet, Ill., five bass, 9-1, $535
9th: Michael Massey, Amity, Ark., five bass, 8-14, $254
10th: Sam Mitchell, Malvern, Ark., five bass, 8-13, $222
Adam O’Connell of Conway, Arkansas, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $252, catching a bass that weighed in at 5 pounds, 5 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
After three events, Chris Darby of Hot Springs, Arkansas, leads the Fishing Clash Arkie Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 724 points, while Steve Meredith of Jessieville, Arkansas, leads the Fishing Clash Arkie Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 706 points.
The next event for BFL Arkie Division anglers will be held June 8, at Lake Dardanelle in Russellville, Arkansas. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 17-19 BFL Regional tournament on Wright Patman Lake in Texarkana, Texas. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.
The 2024 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 Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League 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 Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network 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 17 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.
Robinson and Davenport Tie for the Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Mitchell
Montevallo’s Smith Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division
CLANTON, Ala. (April 22, 2024) – Boaters Robbie Robinson of Mobile, Alabama, and Blake Davenport of Jemison, Alabama, each caught five-bass limits weighing 14 pounds, 10 ounces, Saturday to tie for the win at the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Mitchell . The tournament was the second event of the season for the BFL Bama Division. Robinson earned $2,964 for his share of the win, which includes the Berkley Big Bass prize of $425 for catching a bass that weighed 6-7. Davenport’s share was $2,539.
Interestingly, both anglers caught their fish throwing swimbaits. But they weren’t fishing the same pattern.
“Most of mine were postspawn, and I caught them offshore,” said Davenport. “There were a few prespawn too. I caught most of them off one spot that was up the river, on a swimbait.”
Davenport said the fish were schooled up in about 10 to 12 feet of water and relating to current.
He fished his swimbait on a 1/2-ounce Crusher Lures Legendary Swimbait Head and was able to land a limit in a quick flurry midmorning.
“It was like a 30-minute span and it was all over,” Davenport said.
Robinson pulled out a secret homemade swimbait he’s been making and using for years. The tournament veteran rigged the swimbait on a discontinued 8/0 hook that he carefully weighted with lead. He made long casts and waked the swimbait along and through the edge of some fresh green grass in about 2 feet of water.
The best grass beds were in pockets off the main lake. According to Robinson, the water dropped during pre-tournament week, which likely caused bass to vacate the grass. But then it came back up a foot on Friday, drawing the fish back into his areas.
“These fish have never seen it in their life,” he said about his homemade swimbait. “And it comes swimming through the top of the grass, and they literally lose their mind. I’ve had them hit it and come out of the water like yellowfin tuna.”
He figures he caught about five limits’ worth of 2-pound bass throughout the day. When he wasn’t fishing the swimbait, Robinson also caught some off beds, but the spawners weren’t big enough to help his limit.
His best keeper produced a memorable moment.
“When that big fish rolled up and ate that swimbait, I about had a stroke,” he said. “I stuck her and looked around at my co-angler and said, ‘Dude, you’re gonna have to get the net for this one.’ That’s the only time I asked for the net all day.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Robbie Robinson, Mobile, Ala., five bass, 14-10, $2,964
1st: Blake Davenport, Jemison, Ala., five bass, 14-10, $2,539
3rd: James Willoughby, Gulfport, Miss., five bass, 13-8, $1,129
4th: Jake Childers, Hamilton, Ala., five bass, 13-3, $790
5th: Steven Ingram, Tallassee, Ala., five bass, 12-15, $677
6th: Hunter Dubose, Andalusia, Ala., five bass, 12-6, $621
7th: Morgan Brown, Spanish Fort, Ala., five bass, 12-4, $564
8th: Chad Hall, Cullman, Ala., five bass, 11-13, $451
8th: Kyle Dorsett, Springville, Ala., five bass, 11-13, $451
8th: Cole Williams, Jacksons Gap, Ala., five bass, 11-13, $451
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Brad Smith of Montevallo, Alabama, won the Strike King co-angler division and $1,648 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 9 pounds, 13 ounces.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Brad Smith, Montevallo, Ala., five bass, 9-13, $1,648
2nd: Nick Glenn, Hamilton, Ala., five bass, 9-9, $824
3rd: Troy Calloway, Sylacauga, Ala., five bass, 9-8, $549
4th: Gary Marlowe, Montgomery, Ala., five bass, 9-7, $385
5th: Steve Barnett, Conroe, Texas, five bass, 9-5, $330
6th: Brian Carroll, Glencoe, Ala., five bass, 9-1, $302
7th: Kyle Kimbrell, Jasper, Ala., five bass, 8-15, $275
8th: Bill Hutchison, Bessemer, Ala., five bass, 8-13, $234
8th: Mark Black, Selma, Ala., five bass, 8-13, $234
10th: Caleb Gwaltney, Athens, Ala., five bass, 8-12, $192
Co-anglers Steve Watson of Dadeville, Alabama, and Steve Barnett of Conroe, Texas, split the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $202 after each brought a bass to the scale that weighed in 2 pounds, 11 ounces.
The next event for BFL Bama Division anglers will be held May 4, at Lake Demopolis in Demopolis, Alabama. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 10-12 BFL Regional tournament on Santee Cooper Lakes in Clarendon County, South Carolina. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.
The 2024 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 Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League 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 Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network 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 17 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.
Witek & Kessler win $25,000 at LBJ Slugfest with 26.93 lbs.
Top 50 results from the Skeeter Bass Champs at Lake LBJ, Texas. Next Event: Lake Ray Roberts, May 11
For Full results, go to http://www.basschamps.com
Place Boat Truck Angler 1 Angler 2 Fish Big Bass Wt. Prize Amt. 1 KENNETH WITEK
SAN ANTONIO , TXRUSSELL KESSLER
LA VERNIA , TX5 0 26.93
$25,000.00 2 CHASE HUX
FLORESVILLE , TXBUCK HUX
NEW BRAUNFELS , TX5 0 25.15
$10,200.00 with TH Marine Atlas Rewards 3 TREY GROCE
DRIPPING SPRINGS , TXCHARLES WHITED
SAN MARCOS , TX5 0 24.54
$6,000.00 4 ROBERT BUTLER
CEDAR PARK , TXBRIAN MATER
AUSTIN , TX5 8.37 24.34
$15,000.00 with Skeeter Bonus Cash 5 MIKE NICHELINI
FREDERICKSBURG , TXDUSTIN WATERS
KERRVILLE , TX5 0 23.25
$4,200.00 with Garmin Force Bonus 6 CHARLES GERHART
SALADO , TXDAVID SHUSTER
GEORGETOWN , TX5 9.50 23.02
$3,000.00 + $1,000.00 Big Bass 7 CARY LAUDADIO
AUSTIN , TXRAY TOMASITS
LEANDER , TX5 8.95 22.98
$2,500.00 8 RONALD SISK
RIO VISTA , TXTAYLOR HUFFERD
FT WORTH , TX5 0 22.13
$2,000.00 9 JUSTYN PARRISH
LAGO VISTA , TXHUNTER ARTHUR
BASTROP , TX5 0 21.64
$1,400.00 10 BRYAN SCOTT
HORSESHOE BAY , TXBRADY DILL
SPRING , TX5 0 21.25
$1,400.00 11 JACOB FROESE
PFLUGERVILLE , TXCALEB RAMM
BELTON , TX5 9.37 20.65
$1,400.00 12 COLLIN LANSDALE
BURNET , TXBEN MORTON
SPRING , TX5 0 20.64
$1,400.00 13 ALLEN GASS
LLANO , TXDANIEL ABERNATHY
BURNETT , TX5 6.08 20.56
$1,400.00 14 TIM RENEAU
RICHLAND SPINGS , TXBRYAN HOFFMAN
ANDREWS , TX5 0 20.43
$6,400.00 with Skeeter Bonus Cash 15 GARRETT HENNIG
TEMPLE , TXBRANDON MCQUEEN
TEMPLE , TX5 0 20.10
$1,400.00 16 TERRY HALL
LEANDER , TXLYNN PIERCE
LEANDER , TX5 0 19.70
$1,400.00 17 TONY FERDINANDO
SPICEWOOD , TXERIC VASQUEZ
AUSTIN , TX5 9.04 19.54
$1,400.00 18 JJ LARSON
JOHNSON CITY , TXJASON LARSON
LEANDER , TX5 0 19.41
$1,400.00 19 ROSS WRIGHT
PIPE CREEK , TXJOSEPH ORTEGA
SAN ANTONIO , TX5 0 19.31
$1,400.00 20 TODD CASTLEDINE
NACOGDOCHES , TXRUSSELL CECIL
WILLIS , TX5 0 18.57
$1,400.00 21 LEE BEUERSHAUSEN
MARBLE FALLS , TXLANCE DILLARD
LLANO , TX5 0 18.49
$2,800.00 Classic Arlington Buick GMC Bonus 22 JOHNNY KOONS
TILDEN , TXJAKE LONG
BRADY , TX5 0 18.40
23 GERALD POBORIL
TEMPLE , TXJACK POWE
KEMPNER , TX5 6.54 18.27
24 KEVIN POLCYN
HORSESHOE BAY , TXDONNIE MARSHALL
SAINT HEDWIG , TX5 8.71 18.08
25 EDDIE PELFREY
LEANDER , TXDAVID LANDRY
TOW , TX5 0 17.97
26 JUD HARRIS
WACO , TXDEREK TAYLOR
WEST , TX5 0 17.67
27 CURTIS PENNINGTON
ARTESIA , NMDAVID RUTHERFORD
ARTESIA , NM5 0 17.09
28 STEVE MAGNELIA
AUSTIN , TXMICHAEL TENNANT
PFLUGERVILLE , TX5 0 17.06
29 LAMARCUS MCCRAY
HOUSTON , TXJAMES ROZELL
PORTER , TX5 0 16.98
30 LEE LEONARD
MARTINDALE , TXSCOTT BRONDER
FALLS CITY , TX5 9.07 16.94
31 PATRICK ANDERSON
BUDA , TXDOUG HAMILTON
KYLE , TX5 0 16.81
32 LINO GUTIERREZ
COTTONWOOD SHORES , TXRUBEN RIBERA
MARBLE FALLS , TX5 0 16.78
33 ZACH PARKER
DENTON , TXBUSTER JOHNSON
KRUM , TX5 0 16.50
34 TERRY KIRCUS
BURNET , TXJASON BUCHANAN
BURNET , TX5 0 16.44
35 ADAM DUNN
HOUSTON , TXJOSHUA WARE
SPLENDORA , TX5 0 16.29
36 RONALD YOUNG
NEW BRAUNSFELS , TXGROVER CHAMBLISS
LEANDER , TX5 0 16.18
37 COLE WHITAKER
VAN ALSTYNE , TXCALEB HAND
ANNA , TX5 0 16.14
38 RONNY MAYNARD
GEORGETOWN , TXERIC CRUMLEY
LEANDER , TX5 0 16.09
39 COLT DIETZ
AUSTIN , TXSAM MORROW
AUSTIN , TX5 0 16.05
40 KEITH HEINRICH
LIBERTY HILL , TXBRENT TREDEMEYER
LEANDER , TX5 0 15.94
41 MATT HILL
JONESTOWN , TXBARRY MOTT
LIBERTY HILL , TX5 0 15.83
42 COREY WALDROP
FT WORTH , TXCRAIG WALDROP
BENBROOK , TX5 0 15.57
43 CHANDLER STEWART
CANYON LAKE , TXJASON MURPHREE
BLANCO , TX5 0 15.52
44 BRAD DOBBS
HUDSON OAKS , TXMIKE GROUNDS
MARBLE FALLS , TX4 0 15.27
45 SHONN BLASSINGAME
DILLEY , TXCODY BURDINE
BRIDGEPORT , TX5 0 15.15
46 BRENNAN FERTIG
BELLVILLE , TXJAMES BEAUCHAMP
SUNRISE BEACH , TX5 0 14.97
47 CHRIS STUDINGER
NEW BRAUNFELS , TXJOSHUA RHODES
SAN ANTONIO , TX5 0 14.85
47 COREY SCHNAUTZ
MARION , TXJASON SCHNAUTZ
ELMENDORF , TX5 0 14.85
49 DAVID SAWYER
YANTIS , TXWILLIAM CRUFF
BELTON , TX5 0 14.83
50 TREVOR ROBERTSON
KERRVILLE , TXJARRETT ROBERTSON
KERRVILLE , TX5 0 14.78
Alabama’s Andrew Nordbye Surges to Win Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 3 at Kentucky Lake Presented by Phoenix Boats
Nordbye catches final day limit of 21-14, including a near 6-pounder, to earn victory and top prize of $80,000
CALVERT CITY, Ky. (April 21, 2024) – Leading with 22 pounds, 12 ounces on Day 1 of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 3 Presented by Phoenix Boats on Kentucky Lake, pro Andrew Nordbye of Guntersville, Alabama, took a step back to second on Day 2 and could have continued the slide. Instead, he sacked up the biggest bag of the final day — 21 pounds, 14 ounces, including a near 6-pounder — to earn the win Sunday. With a 63-5 total, Nordbye finished almost a pound ahead of Brookeland, Texas’ Dakota Ebare and earned $80,000 and a berth to REDCREST 2025 for his efforts.
The win is Nordbye’s first with MLF, and he did it with his wife, Codi, and their newborn twins, Andi Mae and Zeal, on hand.
“Incredible, just amazing,” he said of the win. “I’ve been in first multiple times, second multiple times. But I’ve never been able to put all three days together to finish out and get a victory.”
Like many in the Top 10, Nordbye targeted smallmouth spawning on the flats of Kentucky Lake. For his part, he focused on stumps in 9 to 11 feet of water.
“I marked 1,500 waypoints in practice using side-scan,” he said. “We had long, 14-hour days in practice, so I probably idled six to eight hours a day and fished six to eight. When I would find a flat with stumps, maybe 300 stumps, I would graph them all first, and then I would pull up.
“I think the key was finding a niche stump row that probably had 100 stumps a little bit spread out that nobody else found,” he added. “I had my own water on about 100 stumps, and I caught my bag Day 1 there except for one, and Day 2, three of them came there, and today, two of them came from there.”
Relying heavily on Garmin LiveScope, Nordbye used Lew’s rods and Lew’s Custom Lite SS Series reels to present a variety of finesse offerings. His primary baits were a 5-inch Strike King Z-Too in Arkansas shiner, a Mach Skooler and a Strike King Ned Ocho.
Finessing the spawning smallies off stumps was standard issue for the pros on the week, but Nordbye separated himself by moving fast, refusing to get hung up on fish that wouldn’t bite.
“The fresh ones, they would bite right off the bat,” he said. “But honestly, I didn’t work a bed fish more than 5 or 10 minutes. I heard a lot of guys say they sat on one for 20 minutes and finally got it to bite. I felt like that was a waste of my time unless I knew it was a giant. I caught a 3-pound male today that was the size of a 6-pounder, and it would look like a 6-pounder on LiveScope. I really tried to make the most of my time, and if they wouldn’t bite, I had a plethora of stumps to fish.”
He narrowed his stump selection to the north end of the lake and ended up having a rough idea of what he wanted out of his stumps as well.
“I went south of the first bridge, almost all the way to Paris, in practice, and I found some stump fields and fished them and didn’t do any good,” Nordbye said. “The stump fields up here were a lot more productive in practice. Out of the current but still on the main lake, where there is current, seemed to be the deal. And a hard bottom. I caught a few right on the break of the channel, but 2-pounders, mostly; the better quality was more on the flat.”
In the end, it wasn’t just stumps and spawners for Nordbye – he needed to make the sort gameplan adjustment that wins tournaments. Doing so produced his kicker, a 5-15 brute with just a couple hours left before weigh-in.
“The whole tournament, I fished stumps with spawning smallmouth, and today at like noon, I decided to go fish an area where I caught a 4 ½-pound largie and some 2-pound smallies by a barge tie,” he said. “I went in there, and there was a school of 6-pound smallies sitting on the barge tie. There were like 20 of them. I got one to eat, and I couldn’t get any more to eat, but that was all I needed.”
The top 30 pros at the Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 3 on Kentucky Lake Presented by Phoenix Boats finished:
1st: Andrew Nordbye, Guntersville, Ala., 15 bass, 63-5, $80,000
2nd: Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas, 15 bass, 62-2, $50,000
3rd: Colby Miller, Elmer, La., 15 bass, 61-1, $20,000
4th: Alec Morrison, Peru, N.Y., 15 bass, 59-2, $18,500
5th: Brody Campbell, Oxford, Ohio, 15 bass, 57-13, $17,300
6th: Jacob Walker, Springville, Ala., 15 bass, 56-9, $16,000
7th: Kyle Hall, Granbury, Texas, 15 bass, 56-6, $15,500
8th: Kevin Meunier, Lamar, Ind., 15 bass, 56-1, $14,000
9th: Jaden Parrish, Liberty, Texas, 15 bass, 55-12, $13,000
10th: Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., 15 bass, 55-9, $12,000
11th: Nick Hatfield, Greeneville, Tenn., 15 bass, 55-1, $10,000
12th: Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., 15 bass, 54-11, $10,000
13th: Michael Harlin, Sunrise Beach, Mo., 15 bass, 54-6, $10,000
14th: Adam Bartusek, Clearwater, Minn., 15 bass, 54-2, $10,000
15th: Ken Thompson, Roaring Springs, Pa., 15 bass, 52-6, $10,000
16th: Marshall Hughes, Hemphill, Texas, 15 bass, 51-7, $10,000
17th: Justin Cooper, Zwolle, La., 15 bass, 50-12, $10,000
18nd: Robby Lefere, Jackson, Mich., 14 bass, 50-5, $10,000
19th: Brett Carnright, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 15 bass, 49-11, $10,000
20th: Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, 15 bass, 49-7, $10,000
21st: Ethan Greene, Eufaula, Ala., 15 bass, 49-3, $11,000
22nd: Brock Reinkemeyer, Warsaw, Mo., 15 bass, 48-13, $10,000
23rd: Brad Jelinek, Lincoln, Mo., 15 bass, 48-12, $10,000
24th: Jake Lawrence, Buchanan, Tenn., 15 bass, 47-4, $10,000
25th: Cole Breeden, Lebanon, Mo., 15 bass, 47-3, $10,000
26th: Brad Leuthner, Victoria, Minn., 15 bass, 46-2, $10,000
27th: Connor Cunningham, Springfield, Mo., 15 bass, 44-10, $10,000
28th: Mark Condron, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 15 bass, 43-1, $10,000
29th: Tom Redington, Royse City, Texas, 13 bass, 42-9, $10,000
30th: Ethan King, Wilsonville, Ala., 15 bass, 41-11, $10,000
Complete results for the entire field can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 148 bass weighing 503 pounds, 11 ounces caught by the final 30 pros Sunday. Of the 30 final day competitors, 29 brought a five-bass limit to the scale.
With his third Top 10 of the season, pro Drew Gill of Mount Carmel, Illinois, stayed in the lead of the Fishing Clash Angler of the Year race with 587 points. However, there was some shuffling behind him, as Peru, New York’s Alec Morrison moved into second with 578 points, while pro Brody Campbell of Oxford, Ohio edged up to third place with 572 points. Heading into Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 4 Presented by E3 Sport Apparel on Lake Eufaula, the race is super tight and promises to go down to the wire.
The three-day tournament, hosted by the Kentucky Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau, featured a roster of 150 anglers competing for a top prize of up to $115,000. The next Tackle Warehouse Invitational event will take place May 10-12 at the Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 4 Presented by E3 Sport Apparel on Lake Eufaula in Eufaula, Alabama.
In Tackle Warehouse Invitational competition, the full field of 150 anglers compete in the two-day opening round on Friday and Saturday in a five-fish, weigh-in format. Only the top 30 pros, based on their two-day cumulative weight, advance to the final round on Championship Sunday, where they will compete for the grand prize of up to $115,000. The winner of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 3 at Kentucky Lake Presented by Phoenix Boats will be determined by the heaviest three-day cumulative weight and will receive an invitation to compete at REDCREST 2025 on Lake Guntersville in Huntsville, Alabama.
Television coverage of the MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Stop 3 at Kentucky Lake Presented by Phoenix Boats will air as a two-hour episode, premiering at 9 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Oct. 19 on CBS Sports Network.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak Fishing, Onyx, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota and YETI.
For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Tackle Warehouse Invitational updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 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 Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network 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 17 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.
Johnston victorious with overwhelming performance in Bassmaster Elite Series event at St. Johns River
April 21, 2024
Johnston victorious with overwhelming performance in Bassmaster Elite Series event at St. Johns River
PALATKA, Fla. — Cory Johnston fished a full tournament.
But with all due respect to nine other talented and worthy Top 10 competitors, he could’ve slept in the final day and still won the MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River.
A four-day total of 93 pounds, 6 ounces gave the pro from Otonabee, Canada, a winning margin of 21-2 over Texan Brad Whatley. But Johnston’s Day 3 total — 73-13 — would have edged Whatley’s tournament total of 72-4 by 1-9.
“Everyone who fishes these tournaments dreams of winning one of these blue trophies,” said Johnston, who took home the $101,000 top prize. “I don’t know what to say; it was just one of those weeks that was absolutely incredible.
“People say, ‘When it’s your time, it’s your time.’ This week, I couldn’t do anything wrong.”
Johnston’s winning margin was the second largest in Elite history (behind Patrick Walters’ 29-10 record at Lake Fork in 2020). This is only the 15th time an Elite Series competitor has recorded a double-digit winning margin.
Johnston placed second on Day 1 with 23-3, took the lead with a second-round catch of 27-8, and held on to the top spot with a Semifinal Saturday limit of 23-2.
With Johnston carrying a 14-pound lead into the final round, a come-from-behind victory would have required either a stumble at the top, or heroics somewhere below.
Neither occurred and with Johnston turning in a Championship Sunday limit of 19-9, he strolled across the finish line to claim his first blue trophy. With a trio of second-place Elite finishes (Lake St. Clair 2020, St. Lawrence River 2022 and 2023), Johnston said that finally closing an Elite win was hugely rewarding.
“It’s been five years (on the Elites) and I’ve been so close so many times,” Johnston said. “To finally get it done, I can’t even describe it.”
All week, Johnston targeted bed fish in Salt Springs, which runs off the northwest side of Lake George. Noting that he relied heavily on Garmin Perspective Mode and his Power-Pole Move trolling motor, Johnston said he caught those fish by flipping various worms and creature baits and drop shotting a finesse worm.
On Day 4, Johnston sensed his main pattern was dwindling, so he started his morning by flipping spatterdock (pads) on the main river. This produced a couple of his limit fish, including his biggest catch — a 7-12.
“I managed my fish well and made good decisions,” Johnston said. “Flipping pads today was probably the best decision, in my mind, that I could’ve made.”
Of all the Top 10 competitors, Whatley was the one with the highest probability of snatching victory from Johnston’s grasp. The pro from Bivins, Texas, mounted the event’s biggest comeback by boosting a disastrous 95th-place Day 1 bag of 8-9 with a second-round limit of 20 pounds and rising to 36th.
“I didn’t turn it around; the good Lord turned it around,” Whatley said. “My back was against the wall. I had a couple of bad events (Toledo Bend and Lake Fork), got a Top 10 at the Harris Chain and came out here swinging.”
When Whatley hit the “dirty 30” with a Semifinal Saturday limit of 31-4 — the event’s heaviest bag and Whatley’s best Elite Series catch — speculation over his show-stealing potential percolated. Ultimately, Whatley weighed a Day 4 bag that went 12-7.
All week, Whatley has focused on main-river spatterdock fields. Whatley said he caught his bass on an Epic Baits swim jig and another unnamed swim jig, both with craw trailers and a chrome/blue Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap.
“I love Florida,” Whatley said of his back-to-back Sunshine State Top 10 finishes. “If I ever move anywhere, it will be right here.”
Jacob Foutz of Charleston, Tenn., finished third with 7-16. His daily weights were 17-11, 18-12, 18-4 and 16-11.
Committing his event to Rodman Reservoir, south of Palatka, Foutz focused on chasing bass that were moving with bait schools. When the fish came up schooling, he’d catch them on a Zara Spook. For the ones he spied on forward-facing sonar, a jighead minnow presentation got the bites.
“I had (Rodman) to myself, which is surprising with these guys,” Foutz said. “Anytime you have something to yourself, it means one of two things: It’s something special or you’re not on them at all.
“I was around so many fish. They were swimming around in schools of 30 and 40. They got a little hard to catch the last two days. I just had two 30-minute flurries when I caught the bulk of my weight.”
Cory Johnston won the $1,000 Phoenix Boats Big Bass award for Day 4 with his 7-12. Whatley won the $2,000 Rapala CrushCity Monster Bag Award.
Whatley also won the $2,000 Phoenix Boats Big Bass award for the tournament with his 8-7.
Wes Logan of Springville, Ala., won the $1,000 BassTrakk contingency award.
Florida pro Drew Benton also took home an additional $4,000 for being the highest-placing entrant in the Toyota Bonus Bucks program, while Louisiana’s Greg Hackney earned $2,000 for being the second-highest placing entrant.
As part of the Yamaha Power Pay program, Benton earned an additional $4,000 while Oklahoma’s Jason Christie claimed an additional $1,500 for being the second-highest placing entrant.
Rookie Trey McKinney of Carbondale, Ill., won $1,000 for once again finishing an event with the lead in the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year race. McKinney has 380 points, followed by Jordan Lee of Cullman, Ala., with 375, Canadian Chris Johnston with 342, Tyler Williams of Belgrade, Maine, with 338 and Cory Johnston with 335.
McKinney also leads the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Rookie of the Year standings.
This event was hosted by the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce.
2024 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2024 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2024 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
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 500,000-member 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.
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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 865-201-6458, cgay@bassmaster.
2024 MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River 4/18-4/21
St. Johns River, Palatka FL.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 4
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Cory Johnston Otonabee CANADA 20 93-06 103 $101,000.00
Day 1: 5 23-03 Day 2: 5 27-08 Day 3: 5 23-02 Day 4: 5 19-09
2. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 17 72-04 102 $40,000.00
Day 1: 2 08-09 Day 2: 5 20-00 Day 3: 5 31-04 Day 4: 5 12-07
3. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 20 71-06 101 $30,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-11 Day 2: 5 18-12 Day 3: 5 18-04 Day 4: 5 16-11
4. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 20 70-11 100 $25,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-01 Day 2: 5 11-04 Day 3: 5 20-14 Day 4: 5 21-08
5. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 20 70-00 99 $20,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 21-07 Day 3: 5 18-14 Day 4: 5 13-02
6. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 20 67-15 98 $19,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-05 Day 2: 5 16-13 Day 3: 5 15-09 Day 4: 5 16-04
7. Jason Christie Dry Creek, OK 20 66-09 97 $18,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 5 21-13 Day 3: 5 15-14 Day 4: 5 16-13
8. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 19 66-09 96 $17,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 19-10 Day 3: 4 13-00 Day 4: 5 16-09
9. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 20 64-13 95 $16,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-00 Day 2: 5 18-02 Day 3: 5 09-03 Day 4: 5 16-08
10. Logan Latuso Gonzales, LA 20 63-15 94 $15,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 5 21-02 Day 3: 5 20-03 Day 4: 5 11-09
------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Jake Whitaker Hendersonville, NC 07-15 $1,000.00
2 John Cox Debary, FL 08-00 $1,000.00
3 Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 08-07 $1,000.00
4 Cory Johnston Otonabee CANADA 07-12 $1,000.00
------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 08-07 $2,000.00
CRUSHCITY MONSTER BAG
Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 31-04 $2,000.00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 99 506 1411-00
2 101 510 1336-09
3 42 235 644-07
4 10 50 161-00
------------------------------
252 1301 3553-00
Johnston widens lead on Day 3 of Bassmaster Elite Series event at St. Johns River
April 20, 2024
Johnston widens lead on Day 3 of Bassmaster Elite Series event at St. Johns River
PALATKA, Fla. — With less competition, but more company, Cory Johnston leveraged late-day heroics to extend his lead on Day 3 of the MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River.
Bolstering his first two days’ weights of 23-3 and 27-8, the seasoned pro from Otonabee, Canada, added a Semifinal Saturday limit of 23-2 to tally 73-13 and hold on to the lead he set on Day 2.
“It’s been an incredible week, but it’s one of those things — if it’s gonna happen, it’s gonna happen,” Johnston said. “The past two days, I caught a big one on the last cast. We’re just going to go out tomorrow, go fishing and see what happens.”
Leading Texan Brad Whatley by 14 pounds, Johnston spent his day looking for bed fish in Salt Springs, which runs off the northwest side of Lake George. He had far fewer competitors in the area, but with weekend pleasure boaters packing into this popular area, he had to account for more noise and habitat disturbance.
“They stir the water up a little bit, but you just keep looking and looking and looking and eventually you come across them,” Johnston said.
While he was fortunate enough to find a “one-flipper” — a fish that bit on the first presentation — Johnston said others were less cooperative. This was not necessarily due to the recreational boat traffic, as the area he’s fishing has sustained three days of heavy fishing pressure.
“I had a few that were not being nice to me, to say the least,” Johnston said.
Same as the past two days, Johnston flipped a variety of Texas-rigged plastics to his bed fish. Watching the fish on live sonar allowed him to monitor locations and reactions.
Johnston owns a stellar smallmouth fishing resume, with a St. Croix Bassmaster Opens win at the St. Lawrence River and a Bassmaster Century Club belt for catching over 100 pounds of smallies in a four-day Bassmaster Elite Series event (2022) at the same fishery. Despite his brown fish bona fides, he’s very familiar with largemouth.
“Where we grew up, it was all largemouth fishing; the smallmouth weren’t as relevant,” Johnston said. “We grew up punching mats, flipping reeds, and that kinda stuff.”
Late in the day, Johnston watched his younger brother Chris Johnston catch a 6-pounder, but the elder sibling soon struck back with a double shot of St. Johns difference-makers. Catching a 5-pounder at 1:41 p.m., he added a 7-pound day-ender a few minutes later.
With three second-place Elite finishes (Lake St. Clair 2020, St. Lawrence River 2022 and 2023), Johnston said he’s focused on closing the deal at the St. Johns River. After weighing in his third-round bag, Johnston said he wasn’t sure exactly how he’ll do that.
“I do have a backup plan that I haven’t had to use this week, but I feel like tomorrow’s probably going to be the day,” he said. “I really don’t know what I’m going to do yet. I don’t know if I’m going to go into (Salt Springs) at all; I don’t know if I’m going to go in there and not leave it. We’ll see what happens in the morning.”
Hailing from Bivins, Texas, Whatley electrified the weigh-in crowd with an astounding limit of 31-4 — the event’s biggest bag and the seventh-heaviest in St. Johns River Elite events. The only competitor to reach the 30-pound mark, Whatley has a three-day total of 59-13.
Coming off a Top 10 finish at last week’s Elite event at the Harris Chain, Whatley turned in the week’s greatest comeback. Placing 95th on Day 1 with 8-9, he added a Day 2 limit of 20 pounds and rose to 36th.
Anchoring his bag with an 8-7, Whatley said he endured a painfully slow Saturday morning that nearly drove him to abandon his area. Thankfully, his bite ignited and he sacked up all of his weight in about a two-hour period.
“I went to my main area and I wasn't getting bit and I only had one little one (around 11:30 a.m.),” Whatley said. “I said, ‘I’m going to need a bite pretty quick or I’m going to have to burn out of here.’
“Probably 30 seconds later, I caught one that was close to 6 pounds and then, probably 30 minutes later, I caught that (8-7).”
Whatley spent his day flipping vegetation and fishing a swim jig. He’s optimistic that Championship Sunday holds the potential for him to repeat his Day 3 performance.
“This is Florida, they live here — we all know that,” Whatley said. “I’m seeing a lot of big fish. I’m definitely around some big fish. If they bite (tomorrow), I’ll have a chance to catch another 30-pound bag.”
Also making his home in Otonabee, Canada, Chris Johnston is in third place with 56-14. His daily weights were 16-9, 21-7 and 18-14.
Johnston started his day Saturday flipping main-river pads and then transitioned to Salt Springs bed fishing. He followed the same plan on Friday, but the third morning treated him better.
“I got a 4 1/2-pounder, a 2 1/4- and a 2-pounder, so that took some of the pressure off this morning,” Johnston said. “I knew if I went to the Springs and got two good bites, I’d have a decent day.
“I fished pads until about 10:30 and I didn’t get very many bites. That was discouraging, but I had one stretch that continued to produce bigger bites. That’s where I got a 4 1/2 on my way back in yesterday.”
Johnston caught his pad fish on stickbaits with a 5/16-ounce tungsten weight on 25-pound fluorocarbon. In Salt Springs, he caught his fish on a drop shot, a wacky rig and a Texas rig.
Whatley is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 8-7.
Rookie Trey McKinney of Carbondale, Ill., leads the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year race with 380 points. Jordan Lee of Cullman, Ala., is in second with 375, followed by Chris Johnston with 344, Tyler Williams of Belgrade, Maine, with 338, and Cory Johnston with 335.
McKinney also leads the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Rookie of the Year standings.
The Top 10 remaining pros will take off at 7 a.m. Sunday from Palatka City Dock & Boat Ramp. The weigh-in will be held at the ramp at 3 p.m., with the winning pro earning $100,000.
Follow all of the Championship Sunday action with live coverage on FS1from 8 a.m. – 1:30- p.m. ET and on Bassmaster.com from 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.
This event is being hosted by the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce.
2024 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2024 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2024 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
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 500,000-member 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.
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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 865-201-6458, cgay@bassmaster.
2024 MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River 4/18-4/21
St. Johns River, Palatka FL.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Cory Johnston Otonabee CANADA 15 73-13 103
Day 1: 5 23-03 Day 2: 5 27-08 Day 3: 5 23-02
2. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 12 59-13 102 $1,000.00
Day 1: 2 08-09 Day 2: 5 20-00 Day 3: 5 31-04
3. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 15 56-14 101
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 21-07 Day 3: 5 18-14
4. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 15 54-11 100
Day 1: 5 17-11 Day 2: 5 18-12 Day 3: 5 18-04
5. Logan Latuso Gonzales, LA 15 52-06 99
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 5 21-02 Day 3: 5 20-03
6. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 15 51-11 98
Day 1: 5 19-05 Day 2: 5 16-13 Day 3: 5 15-09
7. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 14 50-00 97
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 19-10 Day 3: 4 13-00
8. Jason Christie Dry Creek, OK 15 49-12 96
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 5 21-13 Day 3: 5 15-14
9. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 15 49-03 95
Day 1: 5 17-01 Day 2: 5 11-04 Day 3: 5 20-14
10. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 15 48-05 94
Day 1: 5 21-00 Day 2: 5 18-02 Day 3: 5 09-03
11. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 15 48-05 93 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 14-15 Day 3: 5 19-04
12. Jordan Lee Cullman, AL 15 47-14 92 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 15-04 Day 3: 5 18-08
13. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 15 46-14 91 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 14-11 Day 3: 5 15-10
14. Jonathan Kelley Old Forge, PA 15 46-11 90 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 14-06 Day 3: 5 18-00
15. Bob Downey Detroit Lakes, MN 13 46-09 89 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-01 Day 2: 5 22-11 Day 3: 3 07-13
16. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 15 46-06 88 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 13-11 Day 3: 5 18-08
17. Trey McKinney Carbondale, IL 15 45-11 87 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-14 Day 2: 5 09-01 Day 3: 5 15-12
18. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 15 45-04 86 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-13 Day 2: 5 11-06 Day 3: 5 13-01
19. Todd Auten Clover, SC 15 44-15 85 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 5 16-02 Day 3: 5 12-08
20. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 15 44-13 84 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 16-03 Day 3: 5 15-11
21. Cody Huff Ava, MO 15 44-09 83 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 15-14 Day 3: 5 15-05
22. John Cox Debary, FL 15 44-01 82 $11,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 20-15 Day 3: 5 09-11
23. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 13 44-00 81 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-00 Day 2: 5 12-00 Day 3: 3 11-00
24. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 15 43-07 80 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 17-12 Day 3: 5 10-09
25. Kyle Norsetter Cottage Grove, WI 15 43-06 79 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 5 14-05 Day 3: 5 12-03
26. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 11 42-11 78 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 28-08 Day 2: 1 03-11 Day 3: 5 10-08
27. Wesley Gore Clanton, AL 15 42-09 77 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-15 Day 2: 5 12-13 Day 3: 5 11-13
28. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 12 41-13 76 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-04 Day 2: 5 12-04 Day 3: 2 10-05
29. Wes Logan Springville, AL 15 41-12 75 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-00 Day 2: 5 10-12 Day 3: 5 09-00
30. Robert Gee Knoxville, TN 15 41-12 74 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-15 Day 2: 5 16-07 Day 3: 5 14-06
31. Cooper Gallant Bowmanville Ontario CAN 15 41-01 73 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 12-05 Day 3: 5 11-03
32. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 15 40-14 72 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 09-00 Day 3: 5 13-07
33. Jake Whitaker Hendersonville, NC 14 40-13 71 $11,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-06 Day 2: 5 15-01 Day 3: 4 05-06
34. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 15 40-11 70 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 5 11-04 Day 3: 5 10-06
35. Ben Milliken New Caney, TX 15 40-09 69 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 13-04 Day 3: 5 13-10
36. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 15 40-08 68 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-04 Day 2: 5 11-10 Day 3: 5 09-10
37. Koby Kreiger Alva, FL 15 40-04 67 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-14 Day 2: 5 14-08 Day 3: 5 07-14
38. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 15 40-03 66 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 10-15 Day 3: 5 10-12
39. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 15 40-02 65 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 5 11-07 Day 3: 5 12-15
40. Kyle Welcher Valley, AL 15 39-15 64 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-15 Day 2: 5 14-00 Day 3: 5 12-00
41. Derek Hudnall Zachary, LA 14 39-05 63 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 16-14 Day 3: 4 09-15
42. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 15 38-15 62 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 15-04 Day 3: 5 10-13
43. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 13 38-12 61 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-15 Day 2: 5 14-04 Day 3: 3 04-09
44. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 15 38-05 60 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-04 Day 2: 5 11-03 Day 3: 5 10-14
45. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 15 37-10 59 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 15-01 Day 3: 5 09-11
46. Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 15 36-14 58 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 12-08 Day 3: 5 08-04
47. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 15 36-12 57 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 5 11-00 Day 3: 5 09-15
48. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 15 36-07 56 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-00 Day 2: 5 11-13 Day 3: 5 09-10
49. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 15 32-09 55 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-11 Day 2: 5 11-07 Day 3: 5 05-07
50. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 12 30-00 54 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 5 11-12 Day 3: 2 02-08
------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Jake Whitaker Hendersonville, NC 07-15 $1,000.00
2 John Cox Debary, FL 08-00 $1,000.00
3 Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 08-07 $1,000.00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 99 506 1411-00
2 101 510 1336-09
3 42 235 644-07
------------------------------
242 1251 3392-00
Ebare Catches 21 Pounds for Second Consecutive Day to Take Lead at Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 3 at Kentucky Lake Presented by Phoenix Boats
Texas pro takes slim 13-ounce lead into final day of competition Sunday
CALVERT CITY, Ky. (April 20, 2024) – For a while, Dakota Ebare was a snakebit young gun, getting close so often and not quite sealing the deal, time after time. Now, he’s basically a grizzled veteran compared to some of his competition, and there’s pretty much no tournament he can’t win.
Tallying an even 21 pounds – the biggest bag of the day – the Texas pro moved into the lead of Stop 3 Presented by Phoenix Boats on Kentucky Lake. With a 42-2 total over two days, Ebare leads the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals event by just under a pound, with three pros behind him who have averaged 20 pounds or better.
Falling to second, Andrew Nordbye weighed 18-11 on Day 2 for a 41-7 total, Colby Miller sacked up 20-11 to move up and Alec Morrison added 20-2 to his total to drop one spot in the standings. The entire Top 30 is averaging well over 15 pounds a day, and it’s been a genuine catchfest so far on Kentucky.
Moving up from second, Ebare has weighed all smallies so far, as has basically everyone else in the top five.
Heading into the event, Ebare knew what he wanted to look for. He’s executed perfectly so far.
“I had in my mind kind of what I wanted to do before I ever got here,” Ebare said. “I practiced at Rayburn for a couple weeks when I was home for what I felt like was going to be down here, and it was, and it is, and it’s worked out.”
Fishing for smallmouth predominantly, he says he’s not 100 percent locked-in on bedding fish, as some of his peers are.
“Some of them are spawning, for sure,” he said. “But I think some of them are just hanging out on current and cover.”
Tightlipped about the specifics, Ebare seems to know what he’s looking for, and he’s ran new water and old water so far – which should set him up well for the final day.
“The only thing is, there’s a lot of areas that have gotten a lot of pressure, and I don’t really know all of them,” he said. “I’ve been trying to stay out of the crowds. Tomorrow will be a lot more open, but I don’t want to fish a lot of dead water that has been pounded. I feel like I know what I’m looking for; it’s just about finding those right areas with fresh fish and getting a big bite. I’m catching a lot of them, but you never know when that next big bite is going to come.”
Given another good day, he may take home his third MLF win since January of ‘23.
“I think if I make good decisions tomorrow, I have a chance,” he said. “I think I’ve prepared myself well. I feel like I know what I need to look for. We’ve been down this road a bunch, and it hasn’t always worked out. But if I make good decisions tomorrow, I have a chance.”
The top 30 pros advancing to the final day of competition on Kentucky and Barkley Lakes are:
1st: Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas, 10 bass, 42-4
2nd: Andrew Nordbye, Guntersville, Ala., 10 bass, 41-7
3rd: Colby Miller, Elmer, La., 10 bass, 40-14
4th: Alec Morrison, Peru, N.Y., 10 bass, 40-9
5th: Brody Campbell, Oxford, Ohio, 10 bass, 38-9
6th: Nick Hatfield, Greeneville, Tenn., 10 bass, 38-3
7th: Ken Thompson, Roaring Springs, Pa., 10 bass, 37-11
8th: Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., 10 bass, 36-8
9th: Kyle Hall, Granbury, Texas, 10 bass, 35-15
10th: Jacob Walker, Springville, Ala., 10 bass, 35-13
11th: Kevin Meunier, Lamar, Ind., 10 bass, 35-13
12th: Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, 10 bass, 35-6
13th: Marshall Hughes, Hemphill, Texas, 10 bass, 35-4
14th: Michael Harlin, Sunrise Beach, Mo., 10 bass, 35-2
15th: Brad Leuthner, Victoria, Minn., 10 bass, 34-14
16th: Connor Cunningham, Springfield, Mo., 10 bass, 34-11
17th: Adam Bartusek, Clearwater, Minn., 10 bass, 34-9
18th: Jaden Parrish, Liberty, Texas, 10 bass, 34-8
19th: Brett Carnright, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 10 bass, 34-8
20th: Jake Lawrence, Buchanan, Tenn., 10 bass, 34-5
21st: Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., 10 bass, 33-10
22nd: Robby Lefere, Jackson, Mich., nine bass, 33-0
23rd: Cole Breeden, Lebanon, Mo., 10 bass, 33-0
24th: Brad Jelinek, Lincoln, Mo., 10 bass, 32-13
25th: Justin Cooper, Zwolle, La., 10 bass, 32-11
26th: Ethan Greene, Eufaula, Ala., 10 bass, 32-8
27th: Tom Redington, Royse City, Texas, 10 bass, 31-14
28th: Mark Condron, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 10 bass, 31-14
29th: Ethan King, Wilsonville, Ala., 10 bass, 31-12
30th: Brock Reinkemeyer, Warsaw, Mo., 10 bass, 31-10
Complete results for the entire field can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Saturday’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass award was split by pros Alec Morrison and Kyle Hall, as each brought a bass to the scale that weighed at 5 pounds, 3 ounces.
Overall, there were 559 bass weighing 1,535 pounds, 10 ounces caught by 130 pros Saturday. The catch included 86 five-bass limits.
In Tackle Warehouse Invitational competition, the full field of 150 anglers compete in the two-day opening round on Friday and Saturday in a five-fish, weigh-in format. Only the top 30 pros, based on their two-day cumulative weight, advance to the final round on Championship Sunday, where they will compete for the grand prize of up to $115,000. The winner of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 3 at Kentucky Lake Presented by Phoenix Boats will be determined by the heaviest three-day cumulative weight and will receive an invitation to compete at REDCREST 2025 on Lake Guntersville in Huntsville, Alabama.
The final 30 anglers will launch at 6:30 a.m. CT Sunday from the Kentucky Dam Marina, located at 466 Marina Drive in Gilbertsville. Sunday’s Championship weigh-in will also be held at the marina and will begin at 2:30 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and weigh-in events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® live stream and coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The MLFNOW! broadcast team of Chad McKee and Rob Newell will break down the extended action live from 7 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. CT. MLFNOW! will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.
Television coverage of the MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Stop 3 at Kentucky Lake Presented by Phoenix Boats will air as a two-hour episode, premiering at 9 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Oct. 19 on CBS Sports Network.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak Fishing, Onyx, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota and YETI.
For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Tackle Warehouse Invitational updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 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 Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network 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 17 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.
Austin Bonjour Wins 2024 WON Bass Clear Lake Open
LAKEPORT, Calif. – April 19, 2024 –– Opportunity knocked – Austin Bonjour answered.
After taking a little more than a two-pound lead on the second day of the tournament, Bonjour, the 30-year-old pro from Templeton, Calif. knew that he had to perform on the final day. With warm and mild conditions remaining on the lake, and waves of massive Clear Lake largemouth bass moving, he knew his lead was tenuous.
He knew that all he had to do was locate quality fish and get them in the boat, often easier said than done - especially in a major tournament. He also knew that he had one major advantage in that he was going to be the first boat to takeoff and the final angler to weigh-in.
Walking on stage for the final time, Bonjour’s day two total of 59.25 was his official weight, and as each angler weighed in during the day three weigh-in, he stood in 46th place until his five fish limit hit the scales. He needed his bag to be 19.15 pounds or more to claim the crown and the keys to the 2024 Ranger Boats Z518 with Mercury 150 ProXS outboard presented by Bass Pro Shops.
His daily limit posted at 24.03 pounds, bringing his total winning weight to 83.28 pounds for the three-day affair. He was followed by Winters, Calif. pro Joe Mariani, who had been in contention each day. Mariani produced a 21.87-pound limit on day three to bring his three-day total to 78.39 pounds, good enough for second place.
Bonjour said that he spent his days in the north area of the lake. “I fished Adobe and the creeks from the State Park to Lakeport in the mornings and went to Nice and Lucerne in the afternoons,” he said. “That’s the timing that seemed to work out for me as the fish moved with the sun.”
He reported catching two thirds of the keepers he weighed on a pair of unnamed 9-inch glide baits in Trout and Bone colors. He also mixed in a 1/16-ounce 2/0 Garage Tech Baits FFS jighead and Z-Man Scented Jerk Shad in “The Deal” color for three of his keepers while using Forward Facing Sonar, and he caught two bed fish on the final afternoon using a 1/2-ounce Garage Tech Baits Bed Jig in Bluegill color.
His best day was the first day, he reported catching 15 keepers, but then had to work hard to fill his limits on days two and three. “I only caught five keepers on the final two days,” he said. “I just had to keed gridning and trust that the bites would come.”
The win helped the Templeton, Calif. pro reach a peak he’s been climbing towards for years. “I finally got it done in a big event, he said. “I’ve had a few seconds (place finishes) and I’ve come close, but this is surreal and I can’t believe I’m sitting here with this trophy; I’m actually having a hard time putting my thoughts to words about it.”
Oakdale, Calif. pro Ish Monroe, a Bassmaster Opens EQ pro with nearly $2.5 million in career earning on national tours, smashed a 32.54-pound final day limit to bring his total weight to 77.47 pounds to finish third overall, jumping from 12th place. Day one leader Nick Klein, from Oroville, Calif. pushed his final weight to 76.30 pounds to finish fourth for the event and Scott Helleson of Paso Robles, Calif. rounded out the top five with a three-day total of 74.82 pounds.
In winning, Bonjour earned the Ranger / Mercury prize boat rigged with Power-Pole Charge and Bioenno Power Batteries valued at $55,000 and the winner’s $17,000 share, bringing the total Champion’s prize package to $72,000 in value. Mariani’s runner up prize was $13,500 with Monroe earning $11,500 for third place, Klein received $10,000 and Helleson collected $9,000.
Mariani said he made the most of what he had found during practice. “I caught my first day weight off of Windflower point around the lava rock,” he said. “I caught an 8-pounder on a 6-inch Trash Fish (Lil’ Creeper’s Swimbait) and the rest on a wacky rigged 5-inch green pumpkin purple flake Senko; I sight fished the rest of the event.” He also said that he made the decision to stay in the Redbud and Rattlesnake arms of the lake to avoid the “circus up north.”
One of his main goals for the event was to earn one of the B.A.S.S. Nation Golden Tickets to compete in the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship in 2025. “I am super stoked to have accomplished that goal, and I really fished a super clean event; I did everything I could here,” he said. “Austin just flat beat me, and I’m really happy for him – he’s a great guy.”
In the AAA Division, Anthony Madrigal of Auburn, Calif. paired with Redding, Calif. pro Antonio Gold on the final day. The pair produced a final day limit of 30.03 pounds which was enough to push Madrigal’s three-day total to 79.46 pounds to claim victory and the $6800 AAA prize. Second place in the AAA division went to Oroville, California’s John McClellan with 78.33 pounds.
Chris Crawford of Sacramento, Calif. Finished third with 73.53 pounds, with Ottis Woodwar of Clearlake, Calif. finishing fourth with 71.52 pounds and David Oyler of Boulder City, Nev. round out the top five in the AAA division with 71.19 pounds.
Each of the pros and AAA anglers who finished in the top five have earned a Golden Ticket berth into the 2025 Bassmaster B.A.S.S. Nation Championship for a chance to qualify for the Bassmaster Classic
The top 10 in each division are posted below: for complete standings, visit https://wonbassevents.com/
|
WON Bass Clear Lake Open 4/17 to 4/19/2024 |
||||||||
|
Place |
Pro Day 3 | Hometown |
Fish |
Day 1 |
Day 2 |
Day 3 |
Pnlty |
Total |
|
1 |
Austin Bonjour | Templeton, CA |
15-15 |
33.84 |
25.41 |
24.03 |
83.28 |
|
|
2 |
Joe Mariani | Winters, CA |
15-15 |
34.34 |
22.18 |
21.87 |
78.39 |
|
|
3 |
Ish Monore | Oakdale, CA |
15-15 |
21.30 |
23.63 |
32.54 |
77.47 |
|
|
4 |
Nick Klein | Oroville, Ca |
15-15 |
35.59 |
21.64 |
19.07 |
76.30 |
|
|
5 |
Scott Hellesen | Paso Robles, CA |
15-15 |
26.46 |
17.85 |
30.51 |
74.82 |
|
|
6 |
Kurt Dove | Del Rio, TX |
15-15 |
19.54 |
32.44 |
19.86 |
71.84 |
|
|
7 |
Scooter Griffith | Mesa, AZ |
15-15 |
27.47 |
20.44 |
23.22 |
71.13 |
|
|
8 |
Bill Brown | Grand Junction, CO |
15-15 |
25.59 |
20.41 |
23.86 |
1.00 |
69.86 |
|
9 |
Matt Nadeau | Nevada City, CA |
15-15 |
19.61 |
22.33 |
26.29 |
68.23 |
|
|
10 |
Antonio Gold | Redding, CA |
15-15 |
20.52 |
17.44 |
30.03 |
67.99 |
|
|
Place |
AAA Angler Day 3 | Hometown |
Fish |
Day 1 |
Day 2 |
Day 3 |
Pnlty |
Total |
|
1 |
Anthony Madrigal | Auburn, CA |
14-14 |
33.84 |
15.59 |
30.03 |
79.46 |
|
|
2 |
John Mcclellan | Oroville, CA |
15-15 |
20.80 |
29.27 |
28.26 |
78.33 |
|
|
3 |
Chris Crawford | Sacramento, CA |
15-14 |
17.23 |
32.44 |
23.86 |
0.50 |
73.53 |
|
4 |
Ottis Woodford | Clearlake, CA |
15-15 |
24.24 |
21.12 |
26.16 |
71.52 |
|
|
5 |
David Oyler | Boulder City NV |
15-15 |
26.73 |
25.41 |
19.05 |
71.19 |
|
|
6 |
Damon Motley | Orange, CA |
15-15 |
30.37 |
25.86 |
14.52 |
70.75 |
|
|
7 |
Bob Nelson | Galt, CA |
15-15 |
23.86 |
21.13 |
25.32 |
70.31 |
|
|
8 |
Chase Harrell | San Jose, Ca |
13-13 |
34.34 |
20.86 |
14.43 |
69.63 |
|
|
9 |
Eric Painter | Tucson, AZ |
14-14 |
15.05 |
20.68 |
32.54 |
68.27 |
|
|
10 |
Kirk Marshall | Discovery Bay, CA |
15-15 |
21.27 |
20.71 |
26.08 |
68.06 |
|
The winner of the 2024 WON Bass Clear Lake Open earned the Ranger Boats / Mercury Motor prize boat provided by Bass Pro Shops, and the Golden Tickets to the 2025 Bassmaster BASS Nation National Championship will be awarded to the top five Pro and AAA anglers and will further develop the season long competition to see who will receive guaranteed slots into the 2025 Bassmaster Opens Elite Qualifiers.
The 2024 WON Bass Western Opens Series of events Consisting of five events in California, Arizona and Nevada moves next to the California Open at Clear Lake April 17 to 19, 2024. The series will culminate with the 2024 WON Bass U.S. Open at Lake Mohave in October. The full schedule of the five event dates are as follows:
Jan. 31–Feb. 2, Lake Shasta - Champion Nick Wood – 47.42 pounds
April 17-19, Clear Lake – Champion Austin Bonjour – 83.28 pounds
May 15-17, Lake Havasu
Sept. 18-20, Lake Mead
Oct. 14-16, U.S. Open at Lake Mohave
For complete details to register for future events, or to find results, look to wonbassevents.com and WONews.com to hear the latest news about the 2024 season and beyond and follow along at Facebook.com/
The 2024 WON Bass Clear Lake Open was brought to you by Bass Pro Shops, Ranger Boats, Mercury Marine, Nitro Boats, Triton Boats, Bridgford Foods, Phenix Rods, Yamamoto Baits, Bill Lewis Lures, Buckeye Lures, Steel Shad, Bioenno Power, SOG Knives, Cold Steel Knives, Gamma Line, Power Pole, Lowrance, Daiwa, AFTCO, Costa, Berkley, Abu Garcia, DD26 Fishing, Anderson Toyota, A&M Graphics, Anglers Marine and Signature Gates.
Local presenting sponsors were Clear Lake Outdoors and the City of Lakeport. Daily takeoffs and weigh-ins were at Library Park in the City of Lakeport, California.
Johnston springs into lead on Day 2 of Bassmaster Elite Series event at St. Johns River
April 19, 2024
Johnston springs into lead on Day 2 of Bassmaster Elite Series event at St. Johns River
PALATKA, Fla. — Cory Johnston knew he was playing a high-stakes game, but the Canadian pro believed the potential payoff justified his day’s commitment.
Cashing in on his gamble, Johnston sacked up a five-bass limit of 27 pounds, 8 ounces to lead Day 2 of the MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River.
After placing second on Day 1 with 23-3, Johnston now has a two-day mark of 50-11. The only competitor to break 20 pounds the first two days, Johnston heads into Semifinal Saturday with a lead of 11-9 over North Carolina’s Matt Arey.
Repeating his Day 1 strategy of targeting bed fish in Salt Springs, which runs off the northwest side of Lake George, Johnston described the requisite plodding pace.
“It takes a lot of patience; it’s not like it’s fast and furious,” he said. “You fish all day and it’s one of those high-risk, high-reward things.
“I went probably three hours midday without catching a fish. It was a lot of looking at them and trying to see which fish are going to bite. Sometimes, you waste an hour on one and it never even bites.”
Well-schooled in the ways of bed fish, Johnston said he expected nothing less. Several fish pushed him to the limit of exasperation, but persistence proved to be his best tool.
“Every fish is different, you just have to see what they’re doing and see if you can get them to react,” he said. “Some you can get close to, some you can’t. They’re super finicky in that clear water and they’re not easy to catch.”
Fortunately, his biggest fish — a 7-10 that bit around 8:40 a.m. — was fired up and ready to bite. While neighboring fish often required multiple presentations, this bass made the day’s highlight reel.
“Nothing I love more than a one-flipper,” Johnston said. “I don’t usually get too excited, but that one got me excited.”
Noting that he caught his bass by flipping a variety of plastics, Johnston said he’s hoping Day 3 brings a complexion similar to the second day’s warm, calm conditions.
“We’ll see how it goes; weather dictates a lot of what I’m going to do,” he said. “If we get weather that isn’t conducive to what I want to do, I’m gonna have to switch it up and do something totally different. I’m just hoping I can get one more day out of it.
"I was shocked that this place held up. I thought after yesterday, it was done. Hopefully a couple more stay locked on and we can go back and do it again tomorrow.
Arey started strong with a fourth-place Day 1 limit that weighed 21-0. Adding 18-2 lifted him two spots with a total weight of 39-2.
Beginning his day by flipping main-river pads, Arey caught a small limit and then relocated to Salt Springs where he flipped soft plastics and culled four of his fish. Arey said he was thankful his second stage delivered because his first stop was leaner than he’d expected.
“I only had about 6 pounds when I went into Salt Springs,” he said. “Yesterday, I had about 10-11 when I went in there. I did lose a couple fish this morning and one was about a 2 1/2-pounder.”
Arey said he’s encouraged with the Salt Springs potential.
“I need to catch 25 to 30 pounds and I’ve seen it swimming around in there,” he said. “They’re not locked down and you can’t catch them right now, but who knows what’s in store for tomorrow.”
Bob Downey of Detroit Lakes, Minn., is in third place with 38-12. Posting a respectable limit of 16-1, Downey placed 28th on Day 1. Adding 22-1 Friday, he raced 25 spots up the standings.
Mixing up his tactics, Downey said he spent most of his time winding reaction baits. He opted to keep the details thin, but he said picking up the pace served him well.
“Yesterday, I went through this area kind of methodically and had a couple nip at my work,” Downey said. “I started winding through there and it turned out that’s what they wanted."
Bracing his limit with a pair of kickers — a 7-0 and a 7-10 — Downey said he was thankful for the numerical advantage.
“My other three were 2 1/4- to 2 3/4-pounds and just two giants today,” he said. “Yesterday, I had three good ones and two rats. Today, I had a better average.”
John Cox of DeBary, Fla., is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 8-0.
Rookie Trey McKinney of Carbondale, Ill., leads the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year points standings with 371 points. Jordan Lee of Cullman, Ala., is in second with 357, followed by Chris Johnston of Otonabee, Canada, with 343, Tyler Williams of Belgrade, Maine, with 338, and Cory Johnston with 335.
The Top 50 remaining anglers will take off at 7 a.m. ET Saturday from Palatka City Dock & Boat Ramp. The weigh-in will be held back at the ramp at 3 p.m., with only the Top 10 advancing to Championship Sunday with a chance to win the $100,000 first-place prize.
Follow all the Semifinal Saturday action on FS1 from 7:30-10:30 a.m. and on Bassmaster.com from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. ET. On Championship Sunday, watch live coverage on FS1from 8 a.m. – 1:30- p.m. and on Bassmaster.com from 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.
This event is being hosted by the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce.
2024 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2024 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2024 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
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 500,000-member 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.
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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 865-201-6458, cgay@bassmaster.
2024 MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River 4/18-4/21
St. Johns River, Palatka FL.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Cory Johnston Otonabee CANADA 10 50-11 103
Day 1: 5 23-03 Day 2: 5 27-08
2. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 10 39-02 102
Day 1: 5 21-00 Day 2: 5 18-02
3. Bob Downey Detroit Lakes, MN 10 38-12 101
Day 1: 5 16-01 Day 2: 5 22-11
4. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 10 38-00 100
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 21-07
5. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 10 37-00 99
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 19-10
6. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 10 36-07 98
Day 1: 5 17-11 Day 2: 5 18-12
7. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 10 36-02 97
Day 1: 5 19-05 Day 2: 5 16-13
8. Jake Whitaker Hendersonville, NC 10 35-07 96 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-06 Day 2: 5 15-01
9. John Cox Debary, FL 10 34-06 95 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 20-15
10. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 10 34-03 94
Day 1: 5 19-15 Day 2: 5 14-04
11. Jason Christie Dry Creek, OK 10 33-14 93
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 5 21-13
12. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 10 33-00 92
Day 1: 5 21-00 Day 2: 5 12-00
13. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 10 32-14 91
Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 17-12
14. Wes Logan Springville, AL 10 32-12 90
Day 1: 5 22-00 Day 2: 5 10-12
15. Todd Auten Clover, SC 10 32-07 89
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 5 16-02
16. Koby Kreiger Alva, FL 10 32-06 88
Day 1: 5 17-14 Day 2: 5 14-08
17. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 6 32-03 87
Day 1: 5 28-08 Day 2: 1 03-11
18. Logan Latuso Gonzales, LA 10 32-03 86
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 5 21-02
19. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 10 32-03 85
Day 1: 5 20-13 Day 2: 5 11-06
20. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 10 31-08 84
Day 1: 5 19-04 Day 2: 5 12-04
21. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 10 31-04 83
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 14-11
22. Kyle Norsetter Cottage Grove, WI 10 31-03 82
Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 5 14-05
23. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 10 30-14 81
Day 1: 5 19-04 Day 2: 5 11-10
24. Wesley Gore Clanton, AL 10 30-12 80
Day 1: 5 17-15 Day 2: 5 12-13
25. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 10 30-05 79
Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 5 11-04
26. Trey McKinney Carbondale, IL 10 29-15 78
Day 1: 5 20-14 Day 2: 5 09-01
27. Cooper Gallant Bowmanville Ontario CAN 10 29-14 77
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 12-05
28. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 10 29-07 76
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 10-15
29. Derek Hudnall Zachary, LA 10 29-06 75
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 16-14
30. Jordan Lee Cullman, AL 10 29-06 74
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 15-04
31. Cody Huff Ava, MO 10 29-04 73
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 15-14
32. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 10 29-02 72
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 16-03
33. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 10 29-01 71
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 14-15
34. Jonathan Kelley Old Forge, PA 10 28-11 70
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 14-06
35. Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 10 28-10 69
Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 12-08
36. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 7 28-09 68
Day 1: 2 08-09 Day 2: 5 20-00
37. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 10 28-05 67
Day 1: 5 17-01 Day 2: 5 11-04
38. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 10 28-02 66
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 15-04
39. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 10 27-15 65
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 15-01
40. Kyle Welcher Valley, AL 10 27-15 64
Day 1: 5 13-15 Day 2: 5 14-00
41. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 10 27-14 63
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 13-11
42. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 10 27-08 62
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 5 11-12
43. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 10 27-07 61
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 09-00
44. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 10 27-07 60
Day 1: 5 16-04 Day 2: 5 11-03
45. Robert Gee Knoxville, TN 10 27-06 59
Day 1: 5 10-15 Day 2: 5 16-07
46. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 10 27-03 58
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 5 11-07
47. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 10 27-02 57
Day 1: 5 15-11 Day 2: 5 11-07
48. Ben Milliken New Caney, TX 10 26-15 56
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 13-04
49. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 10 26-13 55
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 5 11-00
50. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 10 26-13 54
Day 1: 5 15-00 Day 2: 5 11-13
51. Tyler Williams Belgrade, ME 10 26-11 53 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 5 16-06
52. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 10 26-11 52 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 13-12
53. Cole Sands Calhoun , TN 10 26-08 51 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 08-12 Day 2: 5 17-12
54. Buddy Gross Chattanooga, TN 10 26-08 50 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 13-01
55. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 10 26-04 49 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 05-09 Day 2: 5 20-11
56. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 10 26-04 48 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 09-01 Day 2: 5 17-03
57. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 10 26-03 47 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-15 Day 2: 5 12-04
58. Timothy Dube Nashua , NH 10 26-03 46 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 12-13
59. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 10 26-02 45 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 13-11
60. John Garrett Union City, TN 10 25-12 44 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 5 14-15
61. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 10 25-04 43 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-08 Day 2: 5 11-12
62. Frank Talley Belton, TX 10 25-01 42 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 11-07
63. Jay Przekurat Plover, WI 10 24-13 41 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 12-14
64. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 10 24-10 40 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 12-12
65. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 10 23-11 39 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 12-01
66. Clark Wendlandt Leander, TX 10 23-10 38 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-02 Day 2: 5 10-08
67. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 10 23-09 37 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-02 Day 2: 5 10-07
68. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 10 23-08 36 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 09-08 Day 2: 5 14-00
69. Kenta Kimura Osaka OK JAPAN 10 23-08 35 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 12-13 Day 2: 5 10-11
70. Kyle Patrick Cooperstown, NY 10 23-06 34 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 5 12-10
71. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 10 23-06 33 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 10-14 Day 2: 5 12-08
72. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 9 23-05 32 $2,500.00
Day 1: 4 14-13 Day 2: 5 08-08
73. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 10 23-04 31 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 09-11
74. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 10 23-04 30 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 5 11-03
75. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 10 23-03 29 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 09-00
76. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 10 23-03 28
Day 1: 5 12-12 Day 2: 5 10-07
77. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TN AUSTRALIA 10 23-02 27
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 10-12
78. Matty Wong Honolulu, HI 10 22-15 26
Day 1: 5 14-08 Day 2: 5 08-07
79. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 10 22-15 25
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 09-06
80. Taku Ito Dalton GA JAPAN 10 22-14 24
Day 1: 5 09-12 Day 2: 5 13-02
81. John Soukup Sapulpa, OK 10 22-14 23
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 09-13
82. Patrick Walters Eutawville, SC 10 22-13 22
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 5 12-07
83. Will Davis Jr Sylacauga, AL 10 22-12 21
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 09-11
84. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 10 22-11 20
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 12-02
85. Seth Feider New Market, MN 10 22-08 19
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 10-10
86. Bryan New Leesville, SC 10 21-08 18
Day 1: 5 08-14 Day 2: 5 12-10
87. Joseph Webster Hamilton, AL 10 21-08 17
Day 1: 5 09-14 Day 2: 5 11-10
88. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 10 21-05 16
Day 1: 5 11-12 Day 2: 5 09-09
89. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 10 21-02 15
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 07-07
90. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 10 20-09 14
Day 1: 5 09-10 Day 2: 5 10-15
91. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 10 20-07 13
Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 5 10-03
92. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 10 19-00 12
Day 1: 5 07-13 Day 2: 5 11-03
93. Mike Huff London, KY 10 19-00 11
Day 1: 5 08-15 Day 2: 5 10-01
94. JT Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 7 18-15 10
Day 1: 2 04-06 Day 2: 5 14-09
95. Clent Davis Montevallo, AL 10 18-15 9
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 5 07-15
96. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 10 18-10 8
Day 1: 5 08-05 Day 2: 5 10-05
97. Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 10 18-07 7
Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 5 08-00
98. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 10 17-13 6
Day 1: 5 08-14 Day 2: 5 08-15
99. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 10 16-14 5
Day 1: 5 07-11 Day 2: 5 09-03
100. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 10 16-00 4
Day 1: 5 06-13 Day 2: 5 09-03
101. Jeff Gustafson Kenora, ON Ontario CANA 10 15-05 3
Day 1: 5 06-11 Day 2: 5 08-10
102. Logan Parks Auburn, AL 9 14-09 2
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 4 04-00
103. Kyoya Fujita Yamanashi CA JAPAN 8 12-07 1
Day 1: 3 05-11 Day 2: 5 06-12
------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Jake Whitaker Hendersonville, NC 07-15 $1,000.00
2 John Cox Debary, FL 08-00 $1,000.00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 99 506 1411-00
2 101 510 1336-09
------------------------------
200 1016 2747-09
Alabama’s Andrew Nordbye Leads on Day 1 at Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 3 at Kentucky Lake Presented by Phoenix Boats
Former College Fishing standout from Northwest Missouri State University takes 1½-pound lead into second day of competition Saturday
CALVERT CITY, Ky. (April 19, 2024) – As expected, it’s a smallmouth smash fest on Kentucky Lake. Starting strong, Andrew Nordbye of Guntersville, Alabama, wrangled 22 pounds, 12 ounces on Day 1 of Stop 3 Presented by Phoenix Boats. Behind him, Brookeland, Texas’ Dakota Ebare put 21-4 on the scale, and Alec Morrison of Peru, New York, slipped into third with 20-7, narrowly ahead of five other pros who caught 20 pounds or better on Day 1.
Overall, Friday was a banner day of fishing to start the event despite less than ideal weather. Though some pros ran south a long way on both Kentucky and Barkley, a strong north wind kept most from traveling too far and complicated matters when it came to fishing.
The full field of 150 anglers will conclude the two-day opening round on Saturday, with only the top 30 pros based on their two-day cumulative weight advancing to Championship Sunday. The three-day tournament, hosted by the Kentucky Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau, features a roster of 150 anglers competing for a top prize of up to $115,000 and an invitation to compete at REDCREST 2025.
Weighing four smallmouth and one largemouth, it was a 5-15 smallie that really put Nordbye in the driver’s seat. Fishing offshore for smallmouth that he believes are spawning and postspawn, the day went great.
“It was excellent. I did lose a couple that would have helped me by a quarter pound here and there, but it’s as good as I hoped it might go,” Nordbye said. “God blessed me big time.”
While some pros rationed their fish pretty carefully on Day 1, Nordbye seems to have caught more keepers than many of his competitors. It remains to be seen how that plays out the rest of the way.
“I hope to get 18 to 20 (pounds) the next day or two,” he said. “If God blesses me with another 6-pounder, I might bump it back up again. But, when you’re fishing for smallmouth, especially ones on bed, they don’t replenish when you take them off. So, the weights will go down. But I did leave some stuff alone. I tried to be a little strategic. I probably caught 10 3- to 3 ½-pounders that I had to let go. So, we’ll see; there’s a lot of fish out there eating.”
Fishing offshore in pretty windy conditions, Nordbye thinks having a turret for his LiveScope was a difference maker today.
“Everybody dogs me for having the turret, and I always dog ‘em for not having it,” he said. “My Cornfield Fishing Gear Live Sweep turret was crucial today. It was blowing, my front end kept coming out of the water, and I was able to Spot-Lock and cast directly where I wanted to and watch it all go down. If you’re not twitching your bait or moving it at the exact time you need to, the smallmouth aren’t gonna bite it. Being able to do that in the extreme conditions we had was key to catching what I had.”
Saturday and Sunday are not supposed to be much calmer, so Nordbye may have the upper hand again. But he certainly doesn’t have much room to slack off – the whole field is bringing the heat this week.
The top 20 pros after Day 1 on Kentucky and Barkley Lakes are:
1st: Andrew Nordbye, Guntersville, Ala., five bass, 22-12
2nd: Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas, five bass, 21-4
3rd: Alec Morrison, Peru, N.Y., five bass, 20-7
4th: Brad Leuthner, Victoria, Minn., five bass, 20-5
5th: Colby Miller, Elmer, La., five bass, 20-3
5th: Ken Thompson, Roaring Springs, Pa., five bass, 20-3
5th: Nick Hatfield, Greeneville, Tenn., five bass, 20-3
8th: Robby Lefere, Jackson, Mich., five bass, 20-1
9th: Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, five bass, 19-14
10th: Brody Campbell, Oxford, Ohio, five bass, 19-12
11th: Ethan Greene, Eufaula, Ala., five bass, 19-2
11th: Kevin Meunier, Lamar, Ind., five bass, 19-2
13th: Michael Harlin, Sunrise Beach, Mo., five bass, 18-10
14th: Connor Cunningham, Springfield, Mo., five bass, 18-2
14th: Jake Lawrence, Buchanan, Tenn., five bass, 18-2
16th: Marshall Hughes, Hemphill, Texas, five bass, 17-14
17th: Brett Carnright, Plattsburgh, N.Y., five bass, 17-10
18th: Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., five bass, 17-9
19th: Brad Jelinek, Lincoln, Mo., five bass, 17-5
20th: Ethan King, Wilsonville, Ala., five bass, 17-3
20th: Cole Breeden, Lebanon, Mo., five bass, 17-3
Complete results for the entire field can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Greene earned Friday’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass award with a fish that weighed in at 6 pounds, 7 ounces.
Overall, there were 632 bass weighing 1,766 pounds, 3 ounces caught by 142 pros Friday. The catch included 104 five-bass limits.
In Tackle Warehouse Invitational competition, the full field of 150 anglers compete in the two-day opening round on Friday and Saturday in a five-fish, weigh-in format. Only the top 30 pros, based on their two-day cumulative weight, advance to the final round on Championship Sunday, where they will compete for the grand prize of up to $115,000. The winner of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 3 at Kentucky Lake Presented by Phoenix Boats will be determined by the heaviest three-day cumulative weight and will receive an invitation to compete at REDCREST 2025 on Lake Guntersville in Huntsville, Alabama.
Anglers will launch at 6:30 a.m. CT each day from the Kentucky Dam Marina, located at 466 Marina Drive in Gilbertsville. Weigh-ins will also be held at the Marina and will begin at 2:30 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and weigh-in events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® live stream and coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The MLFNOW! broadcast team of Chad McKee and Rob Newell will break down the extended action live all three days of competition from 7 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. CT. MLFNOW! will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.
Television coverage of the MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Stop 3 at Kentucky Lake Presented by Phoenix Boats will air as a two-hour episode, premiering at 9 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Oct. 19 on CBS Sports Network.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak Fishing, Onyx, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota and YETI.
For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Tackle Warehouse Invitational updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 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 Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network 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 17 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.
Anglers Channel and Vexus® Partner on The Dream Rig Build
Columbia, SC (April 19, 2024) – Anglers Channel partnered with Vexus® Boats as the Official Boat of the Anglers Channel platform for 2024 and beyond and they are celebrating the partnership with the “AC Dream Rig Build”. Anglers Channel has selected the all new Vexus AVX V2 product line as the perfect platform for this exciting project.
According to Danny Blandford, Business Development Manager for Anglers Channel, “I got some seat time in the all new AVX 2080 at the Revolution Tour Demo Rides on a rough Grand Lake during the Bassmaster Classic. I was blown away by the performance on a cold and windy day. The glass infused hybrids have a quiet, smooth, and dry ride that rivals fiberglass, with the hole shot and acceleration I’ve come to expect in performance aluminum boats. The AVX2080 is just as impressive at rest. The front deck is massive, with plenty of storage, and the platform was ultra-stable, even with two adults fishing from the bow.”
The AC Dream Rig will be powered by Anglers Channel longtime partner, Mercury® Marine. The AVX 2080 is rated for a maximum horsepower of 200 and the 4.6 L V8 Mercury Pro XS is the perfect power plant for a Dream Rig Build. It’ll be paired with the Next-Gen TorqueMaster Gear Case, making for industry-leading acceleration and top end speed. In addition to being strong and fast, the Mercury Pro XS is also very fuel efficient at cruising speeds. When coupled with the weight savings of the AVX 2080, the Dream Rig will be the perfect blend of efficiency and power when it’s called for.
As an added bonus, the Pro XS features low water pickups on the gearcase nosecone, making it the ideal choice for jack plate set ups. The AC Dream Rig will include the TH Marine ATLAS® Hydraulic Jack Plate, providing 6 inches of setback, as well as 5 to 7 inches of vertical adjustment, providing optimal engine height for performance, as well as options for shallow water adjustments as needed. TH Marine will also be the foot throttle of choice for the AC Dream Rig project, as the Hot FootTM has been the industry leader for over 20 years. With the adjustable sliding base, it’ll ensure comfortable and safe operation for users of all sizes.
Blandford went on to add, “Pairing the Mercury Pro XS with the TH Marine ATLAS was a must have for a true Dream Rig for both the performance and functional aspects of this combo. This boat will spend a lot of time in both rivers and backwaters and having the ability to quickly raise and lower the engine will be of huge benefit to its intended uses. I wanted something that was rock solid and required little maintenance, and with the actuator in the plate and no lubrication required, this was the perfect choice. I can’t wait to hear that V8 Mercury fire up in the mornings and I know it’ll be destined for the shallow backwaters I like to call home.”
The Vexus AC Dream Rig has started production and Anglers Channel will be providing updates and glimpses behind the scenes at Vexus as the Dream Rig makes it was through the Flippin, AR facility. From the custom trailer to the boat itself, fans will be able to see the distinct features and proprietary designs that go into building The Most Advanced Fishing RigsTM. Those currently in the market for a “Dream Rig” of their own can take advantage of the Vexus Dream Rig Sales Event now through May 15th. The promotion includes a free custom boat cover and various rebates depending on the year and model chosen. Visit Vexusboats.com for complete details.
Austin Bonjour Takes over Command at WON Bass Clear Lake Open, Nick Klein holds in Second Place
Damon Motley leads AAA division as Clear Lake fish are on the Move.
LAKEPORT, Calif. – April 18, 2024 –– While the mild breezes and warm temperatures at Clear Lake remained for day two of the 2024 WON Bass Ranger Boats Clear Lake Open presented by Mercury, those mild conditions may have played havoc with the leaderboard. Ideally, stable conditions are the friend of a tournament angler, but when prespawn bass are looking towards spawning beds, a little change in weather can keep them from moving.
With 177 boats entered into the 2024 WON Bass Clear Lake Open, and a waxing moon four days from its peak full, either the pressure or the conditions seemed to throw a wrench into the plans of those who caught them best in the opening rounds. While several of the anglers who were amongst the leaders on day one remained, the size of their creels were noticeably smaller.
While there were six bags over 30 pounds that came to the scales on day one, only Kurt Dove from Del Rio, Tex. managed to cross that threshold on day two. Austin Bonjour, from Templeton, Calif. who stood in third place with 33.84 after day one saw his day two weight slip to 25.41 pounds. However, his total weight of 59.25 pounds moved him into the lead ahead of day one leader Nick Klein from Oroville, Calif. Klein posted a 21.64-pound limit to bring his total to 57.23 pounds, to finish the day in second place.
Bonjour said that he was two missed opportunities from having his second consecutive 30-pound-limit today. “I had two six-plus pounders swing and miss my swimbait within sight of the boat today,” he said. “If I land those two fish, I don’t weigh the two four-pounders I weighed, and I’m at 30 pounds again today.”
He said that his bite slowed down overall, but that he felt like he would be able to reach what he needs to finish off the event tomorrow. “I’m running a pattern all over the lake and having a late boat draw affected my ability to get into spots today, and I’m boat one tomorrow with a long day to fish,” he said. “I really feel like I can get a couple of bigger bites to get me a long way towards 30 pounds, which is what I think I’ll need tomorrow to win – I feel pretty good about it.”
Klein also reported fewer bites on day two, and only being able to catch five keeper bites. “I think the pressure on the lake and the moon phase have caused things to change more quickly than I thought it would,” he said. “I’m going to try to start early and make the adjustments needed to win; I feel like everything is there, I just need to make the right decisions and execute.”
Sliding one spot into third place was Joe Mariani of Winters, Calif. who also saw his weight slip on day two. His 22.18-pound limit on day two brought his total weight to 56.52 pounds to finish in third place for the day. Sparks, Nev. pro John Hampel added a 22.94-pound limit on day two to move from sixth place to fourth place at day’s end. The aforementioned Dove, who found himself in 59th place with a 19.54-pound day one, climbed all the way to fifth place with a total weight of 51.98 pounds.
Damon Motley, took the lead in the AAA division with a total weight of 56.23 pounds. He added 25.86 pounds fishing with pro Brett Robbins from Solvang, Calif. to his day one weight of 30.37 pounds to take the lead on day two. Second place went to Chase Harrel with 55.20, third place AAA went to David Oyler of Boulder City, Nev. with 52.14 pounds. Fourth place in the AAA division was Nick Dulleck of Roseville, Calif. at 50.82 pounds and day one AAA leader Jiongbo (Bob) Zhang of Walnut Creek, Calif. rounded out the top five with 50.53 pounds.
The top 10 in each division are posted below: for complete standings, visit https://wonbassevents.com/
WON Bass Clear Lake Open 4/17 to 4/19/2024
|
Place |
Pro Day 2 | Hometown |
Fish |
B/B |
Day 1 |
Day 2 |
Pnlty |
Total |
|
1 |
Austin Bonjour | Templeton, CA |
10-10 |
7.86 |
33.84 |
25.41 |
59.25 |
|
|
2 |
Nick Klein | Oroville, Ca |
10-10 |
8.85 |
35.59 |
21.64 |
57.23 |
|
|
3 |
Joe Mariani | Winters, CA |
10-10 |
9.21 |
34.34 |
22.18 |
56.52 |
|
|
4 |
John Hampel | Sparks, NV |
10-10 |
30.37 |
22.94 |
53.31 |
||
|
5 |
Kurt Dove | Del Rio, TX |
10-10 |
7.50 |
19.54 |
32.44 |
51.98 |
|
|
6 |
Randy Pierson | Oakdale, CA |
10-10 |
7.41 |
27.46 |
22.63 |
50.09 |
|
|
7 |
Kyle Grover | RCHO STA MARG, CA |
10-10 |
8.22 |
26.99 |
22.01 |
49.00 |
|
|
8 |
Ian Boehm | Desrt Hills AZ |
10-10 |
7.23 |
24.44 |
24.02 |
48.46 |
|
|
9 |
Brett Robbins | Solvang CA |
10-10 |
22.35 |
25.86 |
48.21 |
||
|
10 |
Scooter Griffith | Mesa, AZ |
10-10 |
9.92 |
27.47 |
20.44 |
47.91 |
|
|
Place |
AAA Angler Day 2 | Hometown |
Fish |
B/B |
Day 1 |
Day 2 |
Pnlty |
Total |
|
1 |
Damon Motley | Orange, CA |
10-10 |
9.39 |
30.37 |
25.86 |
56.23 |
|
|
2 |
Chase Harrell | San Jose, Ca |
9-9 |
34.34 |
20.86 |
55.20 |
||
|
3 |
David Oyler | Boulder City NV |
10-10 |
26.73 |
25.41 |
52.14 |
||
|
4 |
Nick Dulleck | Roseville CA |
10-10 |
24.83 |
25.99 |
50.82 |
||
|
5 |
Jiongbo (Bob) Zhang | Walnut Creek, CA |
10-9 |
35.59 |
14.94 |
0.50 |
50.53 |
|
|
6 |
John Mcclellan | Oroville CA |
10-10 |
20.80 |
29.27 |
50.07 |
||
|
7 |
Chris Crawford | Sacramento CA |
10-10 |
17.23 |
32.44 |
49.67 |
||
|
8 |
Anthony Madrigal | Auburn, CA |
9-9 |
33.84 |
15.59 |
49.43 |
||
|
9 |
Dink Mendez | Campbell CA |
10-10 |
26.53 |
20.71 |
47.24 |
||
|
10 |
Tim Evans | Oroville CA |
10-10 |
22.06 |
24.17 |
46.23 |
||
The final day of the Clear Lake Open will commence at Safe Light Friday April 18, 2024, from Library Park in Lakeport, Calif. with the first flight due to return at 2:30 PM. Daily Weigh-ins are streamed on Facebook.com/
The winner of the 2024 WON Bass Clear Lake Open will earn the Ranger Boats / Mercury Motor prize boat provided by Bass Pro Shops, and the Golden Tickets to the 2025 Bassmaster BASS Nation National Championship will be awarded to the top five Pro and AAA anglers and will further develop the season long competition to see who will receive guaranteed slots into the 2025 Bassmaster Opens Elite Qualifiers.
The 2024 WON Bass Western Opens Series of events Consisting of five events in California, Arizona and Nevada moves next to the California Open at Clear Lake April 17 to 19, 2024. The series will culminate with the 2024 WON Bass U.S. Open at Lake Mohave in October. The full schedule of the five event dates are as follows:
Jan. 31–Feb. 2, Lake Shasta - Champion Nick Wood – 47.42 pounds
April 17-19, Clear Lake
May 15-17, Lake Havasu
Sept. 18-20, Lake Mead
Oct. 14-16, U.S. Open at Lake Mohave
The 2024 WON Bass Northern California Lake Shasta Open is brought to you by Bass Pro Shops, Ranger Boats, Mercury Marine, Nitro Boats, Triton Boats, Bridgford Foods, Phenix Rods, Yamamoto Baits, Bill Lewis Lures, Buckeye Lures, Steel Shad, Bioenno Power, SOG Knives, Cold Steel Knives, Gamma Line, Power Pole, Lowrance, Daiwa, AFTCO, Costa, Berkley, Abu Garcia, DD26 Fishing, Anderson Toyota, A&M Graphics, Anglers Marine and Signature Gates.
Local presenting sponsors are Clear Lake Outdoors and the City of Lakeport. Daily takeoffs and weigh-ins will happen at Library Park in the City of Lakeport, California.
Erickson, Pontius edge Montevallo teammates for Bassmaster College Series win on Kentucky Lake
April 18, 2024
Erickson, Pontius edge Montevallo teammates for Bassmaster College Series win on Kentucky Lake
PARIS, Tenn. — University of Montevallo (Ala.) anglers have had a great deal of success as a program, so it wasn’t a huge surprise that a pair of the school’s teams were the final two standing Thursday at the Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Kentucky Lake presented by Bass Pro Shops.
In the end, Blair Erickson and Jackson Pontius were on the right side of the balance, winning the tournament with a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 42 pounds, 1 ounce. They edged Montevallo teammates Easton Fothergill and Nick Dumke, the defending Bassmaster College Series Team of the Year, who placed second with 10 bass totaling 41-5.
In all, 216 college tandems competed for a total of $18,400 in prize money for their respective schools. Erickson and Pontius split $5,500 for winning, while Fothergill and Dumke split $3,600 for finishing second.
Edging their high-profile teammates was a point of pride for the victorious 21-year-old juniors — Erickson a computer science major from Brainard, Minn., and Pontius, a Wilsonville, Ala., native studying business marketing. Both acknowledged that competing with the many other talented anglers at Montevallo puts them in a position to win whenever they compete.
“Iron sharpens iron,” Erickson said, his voice beginning to crack with emotion, even before he and Pontius weighed a 19-9 limit to push them past their teammates.
“(Competing with guys like Fothergill and Dumke) motivates you. I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”
Pontius wholeheartedly agreed.
“We are so competitive,” he said. “All these guys (at Montevallo) are hammers…We have a big support team.”
Erickson and Pontius caught 22-8 on Day 1, grabbing the lead catching smallies off a shellbar only a few dozen yards from takeoff at Paris Landing Marina. They burned that spot, though, and only caught two bass there Thursday morning for about 7 pounds.
That’s when they decided to make a 20-mile run to mid-lake and a hotspot Erickson located during practice. When they arrived, however, Fothergill and Dumke were already fishing that location. They didn’t slink off to another spot, however, rather they fished within shouting distance of their teammates, locking in on a trio of 4-pounders they marked during practice.
“It only took a few casts, and we had the limit we needed,” Pontius said.
Still, it was a kicker fish that provided the margin of victory.
“We had 18 pounds, but we still had a 2-8 in the box,” Pontius said. “We couldn’t get rid of him, and it was almost 12 o’clock. So, we rolled up to where we started and on the last cast of the day, with five minutes to go until weigh-in, Blair got hung up on a rock and a 3-12 decides to eat his bait off the rock.”
“That was the fish that won it for us,” Pontius said.
Erickson used a pair of Untamed Tackle Shitake Mushroom Head jigs, one a 3/16-ounce lure and another that was 1/8-ounce. Pontius primarily threw a 3/16-ounce tube for his best bites. Both anglers favored green pumpkin lures speckled with orange and purple flakes.
“The bedding bass were finicky,” Erickson said. “I learned ice fishing (back home in Minnesota) that when they’re like that, you want to give them something with less resistance so it’s easier for them to get more of the lure. You need something lighter.”
Light lures, perhaps, but they were a recipe for a heavy victory.
“This means so much,” Pontius said. “This is our third tournament fishing together. To get a win and qualify for Nationals at the same time is an incredible thing.”
“This has been a dream since I was in eighth grade,” Erickson added. “It’s been a dream for both of us.”
Rounding out the Top 5 at Kentucky Lake are Dylan Fogerty and Hunter Filmore of Bethel University (Tenn.), third, 40-4; Banks Shaw and Nathan Reynolds of the University of North Alabama, fourth, 39-13; and Jack Hay and Eli Jaime of Southwestern Michigan College, fifth, 39-10.
This week’s event was the first B.A.S.S. tournament on Kentucky Lake since the Bassmaster High School National Championship was held here in 2020. After a few lean years, mainly due to an influx of invasive Asian carp, Kentucky Lake’s bass bite (especially the smallmouth) has rebounded tremendously.
It showed, with a total of 144 limits caught on Day 1 and another 125 on Day 2.
The teams of Sam Moll and Will Burch of Murray State (Ky.) University, and Quade Lobo and Nick Owens of Adrian College (Mich.), each weighed a 6-13 smallmouth on Day 1 to tie for the heaviest bass of the tournament.
The College Series stop at Kentucky Lake was the second of three events on the new Legends Trail, the first being held on South Carolina’s Lake Murray in January and the final tournament set for Michigan’s Saginaw Bay in June. Teams finishing in the top 10% of the field at any of the college events qualify for the Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship scheduled for Aug. 22-24 at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, S.C.
The Henry County Tourism Authority hosted the derby on Kentucky Lake.
2024 Bassmaster College Series Title Sponsor: Strike King
2024 Bassmaster College Series Presenting Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops
2024 Bassmaster College Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2024 Bassmaster College Series Premier Sponsors: Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2024 Bassmaster College Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
2024 Bassmaster College Series Youth Sponsors: Seaguar, Shimano
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 500,000-member 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.
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2024 Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Kentucky Lake presented by Bass Pro Shops 4/17-4/18
Kentucky Lake, Paris TN.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Club/School Pts
1. Blair Erickson - Jackson Pontius University of Montevallo 250
Day 1: 5 22-08 Day 2: 5 19-09 Total: 10 42-01
2. Easton Fothergill - Nick Dumke University of Montevallo 249
Day 1: 5 20-04 Day 2: 5 21-01 Total: 10 41-05
3. Dylan Fogarty - Hunter Fillmore Bethel University 248
Day 1: 5 20-05 Day 2: 5 19-15 Total: 10 40-04
4. Banks Shaw - Nathan Reynolds University of North Alabama 247
Day 1: 5 19-08 Day 2: 5 20-05 Total: 10 39-13
5. Jack Hay - Eli Jaime Southwestern Michigan College 246
Day 1: 5 20-11 Day 2: 5 18-15 Total: 10 39-10
6. Derek Rodriguez Jr. - Dalton Mollenkopf Adrian College 245
Day 1: 5 19-11 Day 2: 5 19-11 Total: 10 39-06
7. Lane Stephens - Ethan Fields McKendree University 244
Day 1: 5 19-06 Day 2: 5 19-07 Total: 10 38-13
8. Hayden Marbut - Auburn University 243
Day 1: 5 17-12 Day 2: 5 20-13 Total: 10 38-09
9. Adrian Urso - Corbin Templon Murray State University 242
Day 1: 5 18-10 Day 2: 5 19-03 Total: 10 37-13
10. Jerry Brumbaugh Jr. - Brady Pinwar Adrian College 241
Day 1: 5 17-00 Day 2: 5 20-10 Total: 10 37-10
11. Colby Carrier - Justin Frey Bethel University 240
Day 1: 5 19-07 Day 2: 5 17-14 Total: 10 37-05
12. Dylan Akins - Chase Carey Emmanuel College 239
Day 1: 5 19-13 Day 2: 5 17-04 Total: 10 37-01
13. Elliot Wielgopolski - Aaron Jagdfeld Adrian College 238
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 18-12 Total: 10 36-15
14. Tyler Leachman - Mark Bixler Murray State University 237
Day 1: 5 17-01 Day 2: 5 19-12 Total: 10 36-13
15. Owen Januszewski - Mitch Straffon Adrian College 236
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 5 20-12 Total: 10 36-08
16. Chase Milholen - Koltyn Harbin Bethel University 235
Day 1: 5 18-04 Day 2: 5 17-05 Total: 10 35-09
17. Jackson Kulijof - Aiden Clark Murray State University 234
Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 5 16-01 Total: 10 35-02
18. Carter Nutt - Dylan Nutt University of North Alabama 233
Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 5 17-15 Total: 10 34-13
19. Hagan Marlin - Chris Fallon University of Montevallo 232
Day 1: 5 14-08 Day 2: 5 20-04 Total: 10 34-12
20. Hank Sturm - Matt Amosby Adrian College 231
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 17-01 Total: 10 34-10
21. Lake Norsworthy - Calup Williams Blue Mountain Christian Universi 230
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 5 17-15 Total: 10 34-04
22. Kai Barnett - Parker Welch McKendree University 229
Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 5 17-06 Total: 10 34-04
23. Benjamin Travis - Brendin Simich Auburn University 228
Day 1: 5 17-11 Day 2: 5 16-04 Total: 10 33-15
24. Cy Lambert - Austin King University of North Alabama 227
Day 1: 5 16-08 Day 2: 5 17-05 Total: 10 33-13
25. Wyatt Pearman - Ridge Rutledge Campbellsville University 226
Day 1: 5 15-10 Day 2: 5 18-01 Total: 10 33-11
26. Dalton Phelps - Gannon Stork Wabash Valley College 225
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 20-01 Total: 10 33-10
27. Peyton Rose - Brogan Gregg Wabash Valley College 224
Day 1: 5 16-13 Day 2: 5 16-12 Total: 10 33-09
28. Henry Vincent - Tommy Parker Adrian College 223
Day 1: 5 17-12 Day 2: 5 15-10 Total: 10 33-06
29. Cameron Smith - Thomas Phillips Ohio State University 222
Day 1: 5 16-10 Day 2: 5 16-11 Total: 10 33-05
30. Tyler Finley - Christopher Kistler University of North Alabama 221
Day 1: 5 17-01 Day 2: 5 16-03 Total: 10 33-04
31. Collin Barnett - Sander Ludeman Minnesota State University - Man 220
Day 1: 5 19-02 Day 2: 5 14-00 Total: 10 33-02
32. Andrew Howell - Jordan Pennington University of Montevallo 219
Day 1: 5 18-13 Day 2: 5 14-05 Total: 10 33-02
33. Drake Sturgill - Beau Browning University of Montevallo 218
Day 1: 5 19-10 Day 2: 5 12-15 Total: 10 32-09
34. Levi Seagraves - Scooter Ligon Jr Emmanuel College 217
Day 1: 5 14-08 Day 2: 5 18-01 Total: 10 32-09
35. Logan Plueger - Charlie Wright University of Montevallo 216
Day 1: 5 16-13 Day 2: 5 15-08 Total: 10 32-05
36. Colton Odom - Tyler Madden Auburn University 215
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 20-09 Total: 10 32-04
37. Luke Davis - Chance Schwartz University of Montevallo 214
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 15-02 Total: 10 31-11
38. Lucas Washburn - Braylon Eggerding Adrian College 213
Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 14-03 Total: 10 31-10
39. Jonathon Garbacz - Owen Moss University of North Georgia 212
Day 1: 5 15-08 Day 2: 5 15-14 Total: 10 31-06
40. Brady Metzger - Mason Bohland Purdue University 211
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 5 15-08 Total: 10 31-04
41. Jack Mcillwain - Jake Krauth University of North Alabama 210
Day 1: 5 13-08 Day 2: 5 17-11 Total: 10 31-03
42. Braden Cox - Joel Berelsman Ohio State University 209
Day 1: 4 11-01 Day 2: 5 19-14 Total: 9 30-15
43. Hunter Russell - Benny Blank Wabash Valley College 208
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 12-04 Total: 10 30-11
44. Ethan Tedder - Hunter Brewer University of North Alabama 207
Day 1: 5 15-05 Day 2: 5 15-03 Total: 10 30-08
45. Blayner Leeman - Cameron Dials Kentucky Christian University 206
Day 1: 5 16-06 Day 2: 5 14-01 Total: 10 30-07
46. Tucker Dottley - Jordan Hampton Bethel University 205
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 16-10 Total: 10 30-05
47. Kyle Hopping - Colsyn Head McKendree University 204
Day 1: 5 16-04 Day 2: 5 13-12 Total: 10 30-00
48. Payton Sodervick - Adam Troyer Indiana University 203
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 15-02 Total: 10 29-15
49. Connor Westerman - Michael Mcnulty West Virginia University 202
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 15-01 Total: 10 29-12
50. Ryan Olsen - Delaney Platt Southwestern Michigan College 201
Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 5 13-04 Total: 10 29-11
51. Nick Seitz - Paxton Giem Adrian College 200
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 13-01 Total: 10 29-10
52. Jacob Swanson - Zack Cooper University of Montevallo 199
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 15-07 Total: 10 29-10
53. Jonah Potts - Connor Lacy Murray State University 198
Day 1: 5 15-15 Day 2: 5 13-09 Total: 10 29-08
54. Brody Robison - Colton White University of Montevallo 197
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 5 13-01 Total: 10 29-06
55. Carson Calvert - Austin Thomas University of North Alabama 196
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 16-03 Total: 10 29-04
56. Andrew Jones - Tyler Malone Southern Union State Community C 195
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 15-12 Total: 10 29-03
57. Zane Roberts - Elijah McDonald University of North Alabama 194
Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 5 13-13 Total: 10 29-03
58. Tomas Matual - Colton Hill McKendree University 193
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 14-15 Total: 10 29-01
59. Max Newkirk - Makenzie Shelton Murray State University 192
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 16-12 Total: 10 28-15
60. Andrew Oswalt - Evan Mabrey University of Montevallo 191
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 15-08 Total: 10 28-09
61. Quade Lobo - Nick Owens Adrian College 190
Day 1: 5 18-04 Day 2: 5 10-04 Total: 10 28-08
62. Peyton Harris - Dalton Head University of Montevallo 189
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 5 17-01 Total: 10 28-08
63. Will Hart - Logan Fisher Emmanuel College 188
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 16-00 Total: 10 28-08
64. Chandler Pruett - Wes Bailey Blue Mountain Christian Universi 187
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 13-01 Total: 10 28-08
65. Nick Pemberton - Will Holloway University of Montevallo 186
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 5 16-03 Total: 10 28-04
66. Harmon Marien - Maxwell Trotter McKendree University 185
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 13-14 Total: 10 28-03
67. Brennan Berglund - Neal Braddy University of Montevallo 184
Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 12-12 Total: 10 27-14
68. Brenton Godwin - Hunter Odom University of Montevallo 183
Day 1: 5 19-03 Day 2: 3 08-10 Total: 8 27-13
69. Tyler Cory - Scott Sledge University of Montevallo 182
Day 1: 5 10-14 Day 2: 5 16-15 Total: 10 27-13
70. Reece Keeney - Brantley Anders Kentucky Christian University 181
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 12-09 Total: 10 27-13
71. Jack Stephens - Jason Qualich McKendree University 180
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 13-06 Total: 10 27-12
72. William Vickery - Hunter Starling Georgia Southern University 179
Day 1: 5 11-12 Day 2: 5 15-15 Total: 10 27-11
73. Austin Marley - Jack Richardson Georgia Southern University 178
Day 1: 5 16-10 Day 2: 5 11-00 Total: 10 27-10
74. Nick Redlin - Ben Redlin University of Wisconsin - Platte 177
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 5 14-03 Total: 10 27-08
75. Kobe Thompson - Cole Carr Adrian College 176
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 5 14-12 Total: 10 27-07
76. Tyler Altizer - Landon Lawson King University 175
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 13-04 Total: 10 27-07
77. Harrison McCall - Cameron Yates Lander University 174
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 5 15-09 Total: 10 27-06
78. Jordan Bezold - Joe Bezold Nku Bassmasters Club 173
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 12-07 Total: 10 27-01
79. Chris Baker - Elijah Kelley Kentucky Christian University 172
Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 11-14 Total: 10 27-00
80. James Willoughby - Phillip Herring University of Montevallo 171
Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 11-12 Total: 10 26-14
81. Carson Tucker - Kade MacDonald University of Wisconsin - Whitew 170
Day 1: 5 17-11 Day 2: 3 09-02 Total: 8 26-13
82. Joseph Woods - Anthony Cicero IV Bethel University 169
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 12-10 Total: 10 26-13
83. Brock Blazier - Colby Joseph Campbellsville University 168
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 13-15 Total: 10 26-13
84. Logan East - Conner Giles Bryan College 167
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 13-13 Total: 10 26-11
85. Harrison Terry - Zachary Bowen Bethel University 166
Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 5 11-00 Total: 10 26-09
86. Hunter Petrovic - Kaiya Ziga Southwestern Michigan College 165
Day 1: 5 15-05 Day 2: 4 11-03 Total: 9 26-08
87. Hunter Sandschafer - Blake Beckmann Wabash Valley College 164
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 5 14-04 Total: 10 26-01
88. Jake Thornbury - Lane Pohlman Campbellsville University 163
Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 5 11-01 Total: 10 26-00
89. Gus Dietrich - Jack Wilson University of Alabama 162
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 14-00 Total: 10 26-00
90. Jake Peck - Carty Shoen Auburn University 161
Day 1: 4 12-09 Day 2: 5 13-06 Total: 9 25-15
91. Sam Moll - Will Burch Murray State University 160
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 3 07-15 Total: 8 25-08
92. TJ McKenzie - Will Wester Emmanuel College 159
Day 1: 5 13-12 Day 2: 4 11-00 Total: 9 24-12
93. Carson Winn - Grady Mcclendon University of North Alabama 158
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 5 13-09 Total: 10 24-09
94. Brooks Parker - Hudson Choquette University of Montevallo 157
Day 1: 5 07-15 Day 2: 5 16-09 Total: 10 24-08
95. Hunter Palmer - Eli Stevenson Bryan College 156
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 12-04 Total: 10 24-07
96. Max Pierlott - Mike Pierlott UNC - Charlotte 155
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 11-00 Total: 10 24-06
97. Branson Campbell - Hayden Short Kentucky Christian University 154
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 12-11 Total: 10 24-06
98. Zach Pocos - Tucker Siminak McKendree University 153
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 4 11-15 Total: 9 24-05
99. Karsten Raney - Ben Sadler Campbellsville University 152
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 5 11-09 Total: 10 24-03
100. Bryce Dimauro - Tripp Berlinsky Bryan College 151
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 5 12-12 Total: 10 24-00
101. Joe Lutz - Jake Monti UNC - Charlotte 150
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 4 10-05 Total: 9 23-11
102. Ben Brockwell - Will Rooker Kentucky Christian University 149
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 5 12-08 Total: 10 23-10
103. Allen Powe - Jonathan Combs Campbellsville University 148
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 11-15 Total: 10 23-08
104. Hayden Pirman - Luke Chaddock West Virginia University 147
Day 1: 3 07-14 Day 2: 5 15-09 Total: 8 23-07
105. Emily Freeman - Charly Hutson Murray State University 146
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 11-00 Total: 10 23-07
106. Nick Shoffner - Drake Page UNC - Charlotte 145
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 4 10-05 Total: 9 23-04
107. Hunter Shelton - Colten Drawdy Bethel University 144
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 4 08-12 Total: 9 23-02
108. Nate Triplett - Holden Johnson University of North Alabama 143
Day 1: 5 11-12 Day 2: 5 11-05 Total: 10 23-01
109. Max Heaton - Brooks Anderson Emmanuel College 142
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 2 07-03 Total: 7 23-00
110. Easton Lindus - Seth Jenkins Emmanuel College 141
Day 1: 3 07-06 Day 2: 4 15-10 Total: 7 23-00
111. Kaleb Brown - Cole Moulton Lander University 140
Day 1: 5 13-03 Day 2: 5 09-12 Total: 10 22-15
112. Hayden Fry - Vance Roberts McKendree University 139
Day 1: 5 16-11 Day 2: 3 06-03 Total: 8 22-14
113. Chris McGregor - Preston Kolisek University of North Alabama 138
Day 1: 3 06-07 Day 2: 5 15-12 Total: 8 22-03
114. Evan Sutton - Grant Olsen McKendree University 137
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 10-07 Total: 10 22-00
115. Spencer Grooms - Kyle Knoll Auburn University 136
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 12-00 Total: 10 21-13
116. Turner Hart - Summer Dees Bryan College 135
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 4 10-06 Total: 9 21-13
117. Jake Brown - Walker Brown University of North Alabama 134
Day 1: 5 10-03 Day 2: 4 11-09 Total: 9 21-12
118. Butler Cochran - Bryce Evans University of South Carolina 133
Day 1: 2 05-00 Day 2: 5 16-10 Total: 7 21-10
119. Harlan Thomas - Jack Thompson Murray State University 132
Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 2 06-03 Total: 7 21-09
120. Jackson Holbert - Joshua Hayes University of North Alabama 131
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 3 08-12 Total: 8 21-05
121. Drew Bradstreet - Florida Gateway College 130
Day 1: 4 08-07 Day 2: 5 12-09 Total: 9 21-00
122. Riley Lawson - Joe Bob Burchett Kentucky Christian University 129
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 2 05-15 Total: 7 20-11
123. Kyle Smith - Aaron Mills Kentucky Christian University 128
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 4 08-02 Total: 9 20-08
124. Evan Barker - Corey Yarish Campbellsville University 127
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 4 09-06 Total: 9 20-07
125. Coleman Self - David Gummow Bethel University 126
Day 1: 3 07-02 Day 2: 5 13-00 Total: 8 20-02
126. Braden Thompson - Mason Gross Wabash Valley College 125
Day 1: 2 07-11 Day 2: 5 12-07 Total: 7 20-02
127. Jake Kimbrough - Tyler Hill Blue Mountain Christian Universi 124
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 3 07-13 Total: 8 20-01
128. Dawson Woerner - Wyatt Cash Purdue University 123
Day 1: 4 09-04 Day 2: 5 10-13 Total: 9 20-01
129. Caden Pearson - Nathan Kallstrand Wabash Valley College 122
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 3 07-04 Total: 8 19-13
130. Dawson Burton - Ethan Burnette Kentucky Christian University 121
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 2 03-14 Total: 7 19-10
131. Nathan Preston - Reece Tremaglio Auburn University 120
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 3 06-01 Total: 8 19-10
132. River Blanton - Brock Catlett Campbellsville University 119
Day 1: 4 07-08 Day 2: 5 11-14 Total: 9 19-06
133. Mitch Johnson - Jonathan Fitch Kentucky Christian University 118
Day 1: 4 09-09 Day 2: 5 09-10 Total: 9 19-03
134. Kyle Zainitzer - Brock Vogel University of North Alabama 117
Day 1: 3 06-08 Day 2: 5 12-08 Total: 8 19-00
135. Tyler Eggers - Dustin Swafford Catawba Valley Community College 116
Day 1: 5 16-11 Day 2: 1 02-02 Total: 6 18-13
136. Jonathan Yazdi - James Yuska Indiana University 115
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 3 06-14 Total: 8 18-13
137. Jake Hope - Alex Nesmith Murray State University 114
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 3 07-01 Total: 8 18-08
138. Daniel Schroeder - Jacob Autry Murray State University 113
Day 1: 5 18-06 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 18-06
139. Owen Wheeler - Caleb Neu Bethel University 112
Day 1: 2 05-00 Day 2: 5 13-05 Total: 7 18-05
140. Carter Doren - Brett Hill Campbellsville University 111
Day 1: 2 04-11 Day 2: 5 13-07 Total: 7 18-02
141. Thomas Smith - Kaleb Butts University of South Carolina - U 110
Day 1: 2 05-01 Day 2: 5 12-11 Total: 7 17-12
142. Hunter Barrow - Caleb Dugger King University 109
Day 1: 2 04-06 Day 2: 5 13-04 Total: 7 17-10
143. Jack Carroll - Joseph Senn Bethel University 108
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 2 05-06 Total: 7 17-09
144. Wes Newman Jr. - Holden Zinda Liberty University 107
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 2 05-00 Total: 7 17-04
145. Jeffrey Jones - Coleman Bingham Bethel University 106
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 17-01 Total: 5 17-01
146. Ryan Foster - Will Hornsby McKendree University 105
Day 1: 2 04-00 Day 2: 5 12-14 Total: 7 16-14
147. Blake Milligan - Carson Maddux Auburn University 104
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 16-13 Total: 5 16-13
148. William Brogan - Cole Bubenzer Indiana University 103
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 2 05-12 Total: 7 16-08
149. Jadon Spencer - Chase Martin Catawba Valley Community College 102
Day 1: 5 09-10 Day 2: 3 06-14 Total: 8 16-08
150. Josh Richardson - Logan Greeno 101
Day 1: 3 05-08 Day 2: 5 10-08 Total: 8 16-00
151. TJ Davis - Dillan Mcglothern Webber International University 100
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 2 04-05 Total: 7 15-14
152. Gavyn Rapp - Ephraim Cretsinger Adrian College 99
Day 1: 5 09-15 Day 2: 3 05-08 Total: 8 15-07
153. Garrett Ring - Peyton Sorrow University of Montevallo 98
Day 1: 3 05-03 Day 2: 3 09-13 Total: 6 15-00
154. Jarrett Prunty - Chase Fleenor Western Kentucky University 97
Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 14-15
155. Jackson Smith - Sawyer Williams Bethel University 96
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 1 02-12 Total: 6 14-15
156. Will Gordon - Murray State University 95
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 14-13
157. Brendan Vinton - Jacob Vanscoik Catawba Valley Community College 94
Day 1: 1 02-01 Day 2: 5 12-10 Total: 6 14-11
158. Billy Erdakos - Davis Klimczak Southwestern Michigan College 93
Day 1: 3 07-03 Day 2: 4 07-04 Total: 7 14-07
159. Dylan Thomson - Trey Marco King University 92
Day 1: 5 09-12 Day 2: 2 04-09 Total: 7 14-05
160. Dustin Weinberg - Sawyer Brady Blue Mountain Christian Universi 91
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 1 02-02 Total: 6 14-03
161. Sam Hoesley - Malcolm Patton Auburn University 90
Day 1: 1 01-12 Day 2: 4 12-04 Total: 5 14-00
162. Jaxson Freeman - Connor Hall McKendree University 89
Day 1: 1 01-08 Day 2: 5 12-07 Total: 6 13-15
163. Carson Aarup - Matt Peine UNC - Charlotte 88
Day 1: 1 02-01 Day 2: 5 11-12 Total: 6 13-13
164. Cole Hadlock - Braiden Koerber Murray State University 87
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 13-07
165. Camden Lewis - TJ Edwards Jr Blue Mountain Christian Universi 86
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 13-05 Total: 5 13-05
166. Luke Dardeen - Connor Becker Wabash Valley College 85
Day 1: 5 13-03 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 13-03
167. Briggs Alavezos - Solomon Glenn University of Montevallo 84
Day 1: 3 07-03 Day 2: 3 05-15 Total: 6 13-02
168. Bryson Hatcher - Matthew Dopp Bryan College 83
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 12-10
169. Carter Smith - Sam Ausbrooks Wabash Valley College 82
Day 1: 4 12-08 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 12-08
170. Cole Berry - Braci Ault Purdue University 81
Day 1: 3 07-07 Day 2: 1 04-12 Total: 4 12-03
171. Dylan Bush - Tyler Hudson Western Kentucky University 80
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 11-11
171. Ethan Vue - Christian Vue UNC - Charlotte 80
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 11-11
173. Tristen Dubbs - Parker Wilburn Grace College 78
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 11-09
174. William Travis - Caleb Griffin Bryan College 77
Day 1: 1 02-08 Day 2: 3 08-15 Total: 4 11-07
175. Gage Starks - Anthony Ethridge Murray State University 76
Day 1: 2 03-10 Day 2: 4 07-13 Total: 6 11-07
176. Chase Loftus - University of Iowa 75
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 11-04
177. Robert Richbourg - Cal Austin Catawba Valley Community College 74
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 11-00 Total: 5 11-00
178. Sam Harvey - Jordan Brewer Auburn University 73
Day 1: 1 05-03 Day 2: 2 05-11 Total: 3 10-14
179. Jacob Highley - William Copley Kentucky Christian University 72
Day 1: 3 06-08 Day 2: 2 04-04 Total: 5 10-12
180. William Gully - Preston Barnett Southern Union State Community C 71
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 10-11 Total: 5 10-11
181. Tanner Herndon - Bryan College 70
Day 1: 2 05-14 Day 2: 2 04-12 Total: 4 10-10
182. Caleb Bridges - Jonathan Fann Middle Tennessee State Universit 69
Day 1: 4 10-02 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 10-02
183. Campbell Coyle - Tanner Davis University of Kentucky 68
Day 1: 4 09-12 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 09-12
184. Gavin Sheffer - Liberty University 67
Day 1: 4 07-11 Day 2: 1 02-00 Total: 5 09-11
185. William Henry - Hunter Heckman Purdue University 66
Day 1: 5 09-08 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 09-08
186. Dade Vincent - Murray State University 65
Day 1: 4 09-06 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 09-06
187. Tyler Dubois - Grayden Scibilia Bethel University 64
Day 1: 3 07-10 Day 2: 1 01-09 Total: 4 09-03
188. Casey Cornelius - Zion Dunaway Purdue University 63
Day 1: 4 09-02 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 09-02
189. Aidan Kolb - Tanner Brockman Murray State University 62
Day 1: 4 08-13 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 08-13
190. Nickolas Illobre - Bethel University 61
Day 1: 4 08-01 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 08-01
191. Lucas Thornton - Lucas Snyder University of North Alabama 60
Day 1: 3 07-15 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 07-15
192. Nick Harenda - Nick Mallmann Conto University of Wisconsin-Whitewat 59
Day 1: 4 07-11 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 07-11
193. Blake Bullock - John Mark Berry Blue Mountain Christian Universi 58
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 07-09 Total: 2 07-09
194. Bryson Dotson - Kobi May Bryan College 57
Day 1: 4 06-08 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 06-08
195. Luke Caylor - Joe Gollmer Indiana University 56
Day 1: 2 03-05 Day 2: 1 02-06 Total: 3 05-11
196. Jaxson Smoak - Dylan Reid Georgia Southern University 55
Day 1: 3 05-08 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 05-08
197. Colin Chavers - Aiden Macks Southern Union State Community C 54
Day 1: 2 05-06 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 05-06
198. Nick Staub - Sam Schmitz University of North Alabama 53
Day 1: 1 02-05 Day 2: 1 02-14 Total: 2 05-03
199. Jacob Butts - Mark Kershaw-Klara University of South Carolina - U 52
Day 1: 2 05-02 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 05-02
200. Ryan Thomas - Nathaniel Harper University of Pikeville 51
Day 1: 2 04-08 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 04-08
201. Kolby Clark - Rees Williams University of North Alabama 50
Day 1: 2 03-11 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 03-11
202. Hampton Shull - Lander University 49
Day 1: 1 02-15 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 1 02-15
203. Ty Reynolds - Murray State University 48
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-07 Total: 1 02-07
204. Clayton Cruze - Murray State University 47
Day 1: 4 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 00-00
205. Victor Alford - Christian Misciagna Bryan College 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
205. Kyle Ashe - Bobby Beck JR University at Buffalo 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
205. Lynn Chitwood - Trevor Moore Virginia Tech 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
205. Ryan Daugherty - Brantley Barrentine Campbellsville University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
205. Owen Day - Morehead State University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
205. Allen Everett - Matthew Tomolonis Murray State University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
205. Alex Geroulis - Harrison Bomba Indiana University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
205. Gavin Grossman - Nicholas Jones Indiana University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
205. Dylan Levin - Dalton DeFelice Southwestern Michigan College 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
205. Aaron Mcgill - Coastal Carolina University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
205. Kevin Palmer - Sydney Rice Pellissippi State Community Coll 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
205. Alan Ter Molen - Luke Rosebrook Grace College 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
------------------------------
BIG BASS OF TOURN
Sam Moll Hershey, PA 06-13 $0.00
Quade Lobo Oroville, CA 06-13 $0.00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 144 866 2432-09
2 125 761 2212-09
------------------------------
269 1627 4645-02
Sumrall smashes big limit for Day 1 lead at Bassmaster Elite Series event on St. Johns River
April 18, 2024
Sumrall smashes big limit for Day 1 lead at Bassmaster Elite Series event on St. Johns River
PALATKA, Fla. — A little bit of water can make big things happen. Leveraging that logic, Caleb Sumrall sacked up a massive Day 1 limit of 28 pounds, 8 ounces to lead the MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River.
“That was the best day of fishing in my life,” the pro from New Iberia, La., said. “I’m trying not to get too excited because I don’t know what’s left on my spot.”
Leading Cory Johnston of Otonabee, Canada, by 5-5, Sumrall said he fished in Salt Springs and focused on sight fishing for bedding bass. Notably, Sumrall had not initially intended to fish this area, largely due to his take-off order.
“I was boat 99 today, so I didn’t even start there because I figured it would be loaded with boats,” he said. “But when I got in there around 9 o’clock, there was just one boat in there. I rolled up in there and immediately got a bite, then got another bite. I culled about every hour.”
Typically, a late arrival on a key area relegates an angler to picking through the leftovers. Today, Sumrall benefitted from recent meteorological factors.
“What I think saved me was Wednesday’s practice was really windy,” he said. “I think the guys that were in there looking for fish couldn’t see them.
“The wind came in fluctuations today. I’m looking for the ones that are out a little farther. I think that was the key to catching a big bag.”
With an outgoing tide in the morning, Sumrall fared well by working with the falling water. His best action came in the afternoon, as he drew upon his Southern Louisiana tidal bass fishing know-how.
“I think the tide was key and I think a couple other guys that fished (in Salt Springs) didn’t key in on something specific,” Sumrall said. “Anytime you’re fishing for spawning fish on a tide, 6 inches (of water) over their head is a big deal.
“That can make them go to lock (onto the bed) and bite. There can be a window where those fish go to snapping. I really think that was key. From 11 to 2 is when I got some really good bites.”
Sumrall said he caught his bed fish by pitching a mix of Texas-rigged plastics. Patience, he said, was essential, but a couple of persnickety fish tested his resolve.
“I fished the slowest I’ve fished in my entire life,” he said. “I was just calm and in my zone and I got the bites.
“I worked on one fish for about two hours. Then, I switched to a Missile Baits 48 and on the first cast, I got her to eat it.
Sumrall said he’ll return to Salt Springs for Friday’s second round. He’s not sure what to expect, but the potential is too great to resist.
“I have to go back; it would be silly not to,” he said. “I have boat No. 5 (for Day 2) so I could be the first one in there. Today, I saw an 8-pounder and a 10.
“If the weather remains stable and the wind lays down, there’s the potential for a 35-pound bag — easily.”
Johnston is in second place with 23-3. Notwithstanding his well-documented northern prowess, which included a century belt for catching 100 pounds of smallmouth during his second-place finish at the 2022 Elite at the St. Lawrence River, Johnston said the St. Johns suits his background.
“I grew up fishing just like this — flipping reeds, flipping pads, flipping matted vegetation,” Johnston said of his youth, prior to smallmouth coming into prominence. “There were no smallmouth that played when I was younger, so I grew up fishing largemouth.”
Day 1 saw Johnston employing many of his early fishing lessons. His success required mobility and a diverse bait selection.
“I ran all over (the fishery) and checked a bunch of stuff,” he said. “I had a good bag by about 10 o’clock, so I ran back and covered a bunch of new water.”
Johnston said he got bit on reaction baits early and then switched to flipping later in the day. His targets varied from docks, to pads, to mats.
Wes Logan of Springville, Ala., is in third place with 22-0. Spending his day in the Little Lake George area, he fished various targets including shellbars, wood, pads and docks.
Catching his bass on mix of winding baits and flipping, Logan said the afternoon hours proved most productive.
“I lost some big fish earlier and I don’t know why they came off,” he said. “I don’t know if the sun helped, or maybe it was the tide changing, but later in the day, when they ate it, they ate it.
“I haven’t figured out the windows yet, but you can tell when they start biting. They’re really eating.”
Jake Whitaker of Hendersonville, N.C., is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 7-15.
Rookie Trey McKinney of Carbondale, Ill., leads the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year race with 391 points. Jordan Lee of Cullman, Ala., is in second with 347, followed by Cory Johnston with 334, Chris Johnston of Otonabee, Canada, with 324, and Tyler Williams of Belgrade, Maine, with 305.
McKinney also leads the race for Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Rookie of the Year.
Friday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. ET at Palatka City Dock & Boat Ramp. The weigh-in will be held back at the ramp at 3 p.m., with only the Top 50 anglers advancing to Semifinal Saturday.
Bassmaster LIVE will be streaming on Bassmaster.com all four days and coverage will also be available on FS1 Saturday and Sunday.
The event is being hosted by the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce.
2024 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2024 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2024 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
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 500,000-member 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.
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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 865-201-6458, cgay@bassmaster.
2024 MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River 4/18-4/21
St. Johns River, Palatka FL.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 5 28-08 103
Day 1: 5 28-08
2. Cory Johnston Otonabee CANADA 5 23-03 102
Day 1: 5 23-03
3. Wes Logan Springville, AL 5 22-00 101
Day 1: 5 22-00
4. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 5 21-00 100
Day 1: 5 21-00
4. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 5 21-00 100
Day 1: 5 21-00
6. Trey McKinney Carbondale, IL 5 20-14 98
Day 1: 5 20-14
7. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 20-13 97
Day 1: 5 20-13
8. Jake Whitaker Hendersonville, NC 5 20-06 96 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-06
9. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 5 19-15 95
Day 1: 5 19-15
10. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 19-05 94
Day 1: 5 19-05
11. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 5 19-04 93
Day 1: 5 19-04
12. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 19-04 92
Day 1: 5 19-04
13. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 5 19-01 91
Day 1: 5 19-01
14. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 5 18-08 90
Day 1: 5 18-08
15. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 5 18-07 89
Day 1: 5 18-07
16. Wesley Gore Clanton, AL 5 17-15 88
Day 1: 5 17-15
17. Koby Kreiger Alva, FL 5 17-14 87
Day 1: 5 17-14
18. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 5 17-11 86
Day 1: 5 17-11
19. Cooper Gallant Bowmanville Ontario CAN 5 17-09 85
Day 1: 5 17-09
20. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 5 17-06 84
Day 1: 5 17-06
21. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 5 17-01 83
Day 1: 5 17-01
22. Kyle Norsetter Cottage Grove, WI 5 16-14 82
Day 1: 5 16-14
23. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 5 16-09 81
Day 1: 5 16-09
24. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 16-09 80
Day 1: 5 16-09
25. Todd Auten Clover, SC 5 16-05 79
Day 1: 5 16-05
26. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 5 16-04 78
Day 1: 5 16-04
27. Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 5 16-02 77
Day 1: 5 16-02
28. Bob Downey Detroit Lakes, MN 5 16-01 76
Day 1: 5 16-01
29. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 5 15-13 75
Day 1: 5 15-13
30. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 5 15-12 74
Day 1: 5 15-12
30. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 5 15-12 74
Day 1: 5 15-12
32. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 5 15-11 72
Day 1: 5 15-11
33. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 5 15-02 71
Day 1: 5 15-02
34. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 5 15-00 70
Day 1: 5 15-00
35. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 4 14-13 69
Day 1: 4 14-13
36. Matty Wong Honolulu, HI 5 14-08 68
Day 1: 5 14-08
37. Jonathan Kelley Old Forge, PA 5 14-05 67
Day 1: 5 14-05
38. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 5 14-03 66
Day 1: 5 14-03
38. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 5 14-03 66
Day 1: 5 14-03
40. Jordan Lee Cullman, AL 5 14-02 64
Day 1: 5 14-02
40. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 5 14-02 64
Day 1: 5 14-02
42. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 5 13-15 62
Day 1: 5 13-15
42. Kyle Welcher Valley, AL 5 13-15 62
Day 1: 5 13-15
44. Ben Milliken New Caney, TX 5 13-11 60
Day 1: 5 13-11
44. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 5 13-11 60
Day 1: 5 13-11
46. Frank Talley Belton, TX 5 13-10 58
Day 1: 5 13-10
47. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 5 13-09 57
Day 1: 5 13-09
47. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 5 13-09 57
Day 1: 5 13-09
49. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 5 13-08 55
Day 1: 5 13-08
50. John Cox Debary, FL 5 13-07 54
Day 1: 5 13-07
50. Buddy Gross Chattanooga, TN 5 13-07 54
Day 1: 5 13-07
52. Timothy Dube Nashua , NH 5 13-06 52
Day 1: 5 13-06
52. Cody Huff Ava, MO 5 13-06 52
Day 1: 5 13-06
54. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 5 13-02 50
Day 1: 5 13-02
54. Clark Wendlandt Leander, TX 5 13-02 50
Day 1: 5 13-02
56. Will Davis Jr Sylacauga, AL 5 13-01 48
Day 1: 5 13-01
56. John Soukup Sapulpa, OK 5 13-01 48
Day 1: 5 13-01
58. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 5 12-15 46
Day 1: 5 12-15
58. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 5 12-15 46
Day 1: 5 12-15
60. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 5 12-14 44
Day 1: 5 12-14
60. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 5 12-14 44
Day 1: 5 12-14
62. Kenta Kimura Osaka OK JAPAN 5 12-13 42
Day 1: 5 12-13
63. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 5 12-12 41
Day 1: 5 12-12
64. Derek Hudnall Zachary, LA 5 12-08 40
Day 1: 5 12-08
65. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 5 12-07 39
Day 1: 5 12-07
66. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TN AUSTRALIA 5 12-06 38
Day 1: 5 12-06
67. Jason Christie Dry Creek, OK 5 12-01 37
Day 1: 5 12-01
67. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 5 12-01 37
Day 1: 5 12-01
69. Jay Przekurat Plover, WI 5 11-15 35
Day 1: 5 11-15
70. Seth Feider New Market, MN 5 11-14 34
Day 1: 5 11-14
70. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 11-14 34
Day 1: 5 11-14
72. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 5 11-12 32
Day 1: 5 11-12
73. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 5 11-10 31
Day 1: 5 11-10
74. Logan Latuso Gonzales, LA 5 11-01 30
Day 1: 5 11-01
75. Clent Davis Montevallo, AL 5 11-00 29
Day 1: 5 11-00
76. Robert Gee Knoxville, TN 5 10-15 28
Day 1: 5 10-15
77. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 5 10-14 27
Day 1: 5 10-14
78. John Garrett Union City, TN 5 10-13 26
Day 1: 5 10-13
79. Kyle Patrick Cooperstown, NY 5 10-12 25
Day 1: 5 10-12
80. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 5 10-09 24
Day 1: 5 10-09
80. Logan Parks Auburn, AL 5 10-09 24
Day 1: 5 10-09
82. Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 5 10-07 22
Day 1: 5 10-07
83. Patrick Walters Eutawville, SC 5 10-06 21
Day 1: 5 10-06
84. Tyler Williams Belgrade, ME 5 10-05 20
Day 1: 5 10-05
85. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 5 10-04 19
Day 1: 5 10-04
86. Joseph Webster Hamilton, AL 5 09-14 18
Day 1: 5 09-14
87. Taku Ito Dalton GA JAPAN 5 09-12 17
Day 1: 5 09-12
88. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 5 09-10 16
Day 1: 5 09-10
89. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 5 09-08 15
Day 1: 5 09-08
90. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 5 09-01 14
Day 1: 5 09-01
91. Mike Huff London, KY 5 08-15 13
Day 1: 5 08-15
92. Bryan New Leesville, SC 5 08-14 12
Day 1: 5 08-14
92. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 5 08-14 12
Day 1: 5 08-14
94. Cole Sands Calhoun , TN 5 08-12 10
Day 1: 5 08-12
95. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 2 08-09 9
Day 1: 2 08-09
96. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 5 08-05 8
Day 1: 5 08-05
97. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 5 07-13 7
Day 1: 5 07-13
98. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 5 07-11 6
Day 1: 5 07-11
99. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 5 06-13 5
Day 1: 5 06-13
100. Jeff Gustafson Kenora, ON Ontario CANA 5 06-11 4
Day 1: 5 06-11
101. Kyoya Fujita Yamanashi CA JAPAN 3 05-11 3
Day 1: 3 05-11
102. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 5 05-09 2
Day 1: 5 05-09
103. JT Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 2 04-06 1
Day 1: 2 04-06
------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Jake Whitaker Hendersonville, NC 07-15 $1,000.00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 99 506 1411-00
------------------------------
99 506 1411-00
Lake Eufaula Readies for MLF Bass Pro Tour MillerTech Stage Four Presented by REDCON1
EUFAULA, Okla. (April 18, 2024) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour is set to visit Lake Eufaula in Eufaula, Oklahoma, April 30 – May 5, for the fourth event of the 2024 season – the MillerTech Stage Four at Lake Eufaula Presented by REDCON1.
The six-day tournament, hosted by Vision Eufaula, will feature a field of 79 professional anglers, including Ott DeFoe , back-to-back Angler of the Year (AOY) Jacob Wheeler, two-time REDCREST Champion Dustin Connell, reigning REDCREST Champion Bryan Thrift and Oklahoma superstars like Zack Birge of Blanchard, Oklahoma, James Elam of Tulsa, Oklahoma and 2019 REDCREST and AOY champion Edwin Evers of Talala, Oklahoma. They’ll be competing for a purse of $659,000, including a top payout of $100,000 and valuable Angler of the Year (AOY) points in hopes of qualifying for the General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2025, the Bass Pro Tour championship.
“We are thrilled to welcome Major League Fishing to Eufaula, Oklahoma,” said Andrea Oldham, Community Development Director for the City of Eufaula. “We invite all anglers, staff and their families to experience our small town's unique charm and warm hospitality.”
The tournament will feature the MLF catch, weigh, immediate-release format, in which anglers catch as much weight as they can each day, while also feeling the pressure and intensity of the SCORETRACKER® leaderboard. The tournament is being filmed for broadcast later this year on Discovery.
“Vision Eufaula is excited that Major League Fishing and the Bass Pro Tour is coming to Eufaula,” said Karen Weldin, President of Vision Eufaula. “As an organization dedicated to making Eufaula one of the best destination places in Oklahoma, we love that organizations like MLF agree that Lake Eufaula is a great place to fish and attract thousands of people to our city by their presence here.”
MillerTech pro Greg Vinson of Wetumpka, Alabama, who will be among the 79 anglers competing, said he feels like the timing of the event is spot on and this will be a tournament where the entire field will be able to fish their strengths.
“I’m really excited about this event and think the timing will make it interesting,” said Vinson. “It’s a new lake to me, but I started doing my homework as soon as it came out on the schedule. The first thing I noticed was that Lake Eufaula sets up for both shallow and deep-water fishing, especially this time of year. I expect the fish to be in late spawn, early post-spawn, which leaves the door wide open for a variety of techniques.”
Vinson said he expects to see anglers targeting offshore structure in the cleaner portions of the lake and utilizing shallow-water power-fishing techniques in the areas with more color.
“The quality of the fish should be really good,” said Vinson. “I also expect to see a good shad spawn in the morning and maybe even some bream starting to bed, which opens up those shallow-water techniques. Obviously topwater buzzbaits and spinnerbaits could be in play, as well as flipping and pitching around boat docks.
“In the deeper portions of the lake, I’ll be looking for some offshore structure,” Vinson continued. “I know Lake Eufaula has some good rock piles, humps, points, brush piles and even some natural timber in it. So, there are a lot of options for that offshore cover fishing as well.
“In typical five-fish tournaments, 18 to 20-plus-pounds is a good limit on Lake Eufaula, which sets us up to have to catch probably 25 pounds or more per day, just to make the cut, so it should be a good shootout.”
Local Bass Pro Shops pro Edwin Evers of Talala, Oklahoma, said Lake Eufaula has been fishing really good and had a lot of great spawning seasons over the past several years.
“It’s a monster lake, so being able to spread out on this fishery is going to be a lot of fun,” said Evers. “Anglers are liable to find an area and not ever see another boat the rest of the day.
“It typically takes 20-22 pounds to win most five-fish tournaments at Lake Eufaula,” Evers continued. “I don’t see it as being a big numbers event like we just had at Dale Hollow. I think if a guy can catch 10-15 scorable bass per day, he’ll be doing pretty well.”
Evers agreed that the event is hitting the fishery at an opportune time, when a variety of techniques will be in play.
“I think this will be a straight power-fishing event,” Evers explained. “I don’t think we’re going to see a lot of the jighead minnow-type stuff that we’ve been seeing. I think it’s going to be a lot of spinnerbaits, crankbaits, a jig – just your typical power-fishing type baits. There will probably be quite a bit of sight-fishing going on as well, so I think it will be a really fun tournament with plenty of options.”
Anglers will launch at 7:30 a.m. CT each day from the Peter’s Point-Nichols Point Boat Ramp, located on Dabbs Road in Eufaula. Each day’s General Tire Takeout will be held at the boat ramp, beginning at 4 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
On Saturday and Sunday, May 4-5, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF welcomes fans of all ages to visit Peter’s Point-Nichols Point for the MLF Watch Party and Kids Fishing Derby. Fans can watch the pros live on the MLFNOW! big screen, enjoy free food, enter to win hourly giveaways and cheer on their favorite pros. The first 50 kids 14 and under will receive a free rod and reel from Pure Fishing each day. Additional fishing gear will be provided onsite for the fishing derby or kids can bring their own. The final 10 Championship Round Bass Pro Tour anglers will be on hand at the trophy celebration on Championship Sunday to meet and greet fans, sign autographs and take selfies.
The MillerTech Stage Four at Lake Eufaula Presented by REDCON1 will feature anglers competing with a 1-pound, 8-ounce minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. The MLF Fisheries Management Division determines minimum weights for each body of water that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.
The Bass Pro Tour features a field of 79 of the top professional anglers in the world, competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and the REDCREST 2025 championship.
The 39 Anglers in Group A compete in their two-day Qualifying Round on Tuesday and Thursday – the 40 anglers in Group B on Wednesday and Friday. After each two-day Qualifying Round is complete, the anglers that finish first through 10th from both groups advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed, and the remaining 20 anglers compete to finish in the top 10 to advance to Sunday’s Championship Round. In the final-day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.
The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live on the final four days of competition from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT. MLFNOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.
Television coverage of the MillerTech Stage Four at Lake Eufaula Presented by REDCON1 Knockout Round will air as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Oct. 12 on Discovery, with the Championship Round premiering on Oct. 19. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on Outdoor Channel.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Bass Pro Tour include: Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Garmin, General Tire, Humminbird, Lowrance, Mercury, MillerTech, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak Fishing, NITRO, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, Rapala, StarBrite, Suzuki, Toyota and U.S. Air Force.
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 Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network 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 17 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.
Arey’s rollin with tides and lunker sticks
Team Toyota’s Matt Arey says he won’t allow the challenging tide-driven water level changes of the St. Johns River to dictate his day, but he did take time to look at tidal charts briefly on his Lowrance unit prior to Day 1 blast-off in Palatka.
“I’m not a guy who gets caught-up in chasing the ‘perfect tide’ up and down the river. First off, there’s never any certainty as to which tidal conditions are truly best, and secondly, it’s different every few miles,” says Arey.
For example, low tide here in Palatka was at 7:37 a.m. Thursday, but that didn’t have a ton to do with water levels where Arey made his first cast a few miles downriver. So, he likes to have a general knowledge of the tides, without letting them run him ragged mentally.
The North Carolina State grad has a very impressive tournament performance history on the St. Johns. He finished 15th at the Bassmaster Elite here in 2019 and followed that up with an even stronger 7th place finish in 2020, and simplicity is a huge part of his success.
“I’m not going to run around looking for the shad spawn like a lot of guys will this morning. I’m going to Texas rig a black and blue Lunkerhunt Trick Stick and hope to get 8 to 10 bites pitchin’ by about 10:00 a.m., then I’ll go looking for a big one on a spawning bed,” he says.
Arey describes the St. Johns as a “soft plastic pitcher’s paradise” and says he’s made a ton of money in Florida with the 5” Lunker Stick throughout his career. In fact, he says if you come bass fishing in Florida and you want to get a bite, you’d be wise to make sure you rig one up.
“If I can weigh-in 14-pounds today, I’ll be ecstatic!” exclaims Arey. “I’ll tell you this … fans can expect to see a lot of healthy bass here on the St. Johns compared to what we brought to the scales at the Harris Chain of Lakes last week. This should be a fun one,” says Arey.
With two Top 15 finishes to his credit, it’s certainly been a fun one in recent years for him, based largely on a strong mental focus that keeps tidal charts in proper perspective, and a simple ink-pen shaped piece of soft plastic tied to the end of his line.
Nick Klein Leads Day One of 2024 WON Bass Clear Lake Open, Joe Mariani in Second
LAKEPORT, Calif. – April 17, 2024 –– The conditions leading up to the 2024 Ranger Boats WON Bass Clear Lake Open presented by Mercury had become the conversation. Long range forecasts predicted warm and mild conditions, however the colder weather seemed to be hanging around, and one began to wonder if the forecasts were going to ring true.
As practice progressed it appeared that the forecasts for the 177 pros and their AAA anglers were going to come to fruition as if Nostradamus himself predicted them. The field was blessed with Chamber of Commerce type weather with high skies, warm temperatures, no rain and very light breezes. For a field expecting to target bedding bass as a part of their tactics, the conditions could not be better.
There was also a lot of discussion about the potential for a lot of heavy weights to be weighed in during the 2024 Clear Lake Open, and on the first day of the event, the field – and Clear Lake – did not disappoint. Nick Klein, from Oroville, Calif. and his AAA partner Jiongbo (Bob) Zhang lead day one with 35.59 pounds. He is followed by Winters, Calif. pro Joe Mariani who totaled 34.34 pounds with his AAA partner Chase Harrell of San Jose, Calif. finished the day in second place.
Third place for the day went Templeton, Calif. pro Austin Bonjour and his AAA Anthony Madrigal of Auburn Calif. with 33.84 pounds. They were followed in fourth place by Turlock, Calif. pro Christian Ostrander and AAA Daniel Martinez of Murrieta, Calif. with 31.83 pounds, and pro Vance Hayes of Chico, Calif. and his AAA partner Mike Flores of San Diego, Calif. rounded out the top five with 31.17 pounds.
In all, there were six limits on the first day of the 2024 WON Bass Clear Lake Open that eclipsed the 30-pound mark and 55 five fish limits that eclipsed 20 pounds for the day. With that many heavy weight limits touching the scales, one might assume that there were some individual big bass weighed in as well, and that would be correct.
Bill Brown of Grand Junction, Colo. Weighed a 9.93-pound largemouth that was the big bass on the pro side, and Damon Motley of Orange, Calif. brought a 9.39-pound monster to the scales that was big bass in the AAA Division. Altogether, across both divisions, there were seven bass over 9 pounds that were weighed in, six more that topped 8 pounds, seven more that eclipsed 7 pounds and another seven bass that weighed greater than 6 pounds on day one.
The 27-year-old Klein, who is the son of Steve Klein, brother of Alex and nephew of Bass Fishing Hall of Famer Gary Klein, said that it was a good day. “I had a limit that weighed 30 pounds by noon and was able to cull up five more pounds in the afternoon,” he said. “I feel pretty good that I can have a good day tomorrow, but it’s spring and these fish can decide to move up any time.”
What may make him sleep a little easier overnight is that he is running through several different areas. “I covered a lot of the lake today, and I caught them on several different baits, so hopefully I’ll be able to continue with similar results,” he said. “All I can say is that today was a really fun day.”
Mariani, in contrast to Klein’s multitude of areas, caught his first limit of pre spawn fish by 8:30 AM – which topped 30 pounds – off of one spot. “I have a little spot that I’ve had to myself so far, and it’s got good ones on it,” he said. “I was able to leave them biting and catch the best bed fish I found at 10:30 to get my weight. I thought she was seven pounds until I hooked her, and then I thought she was a ten pounder – she weighed 9.21. I feel pretty good about tomorrow, if the fish on my early stuff are still there and don’t move toward the beds.”
Day Two of the Clear Lake Open will commence at Safe Light Friday April 18, 2024, from Library Park in Lakeport, Calif. with the first flight due to return at 2:30 PM. Daily Weigh-ins are streamed on Facebook.com/
The winner of the 2024 WON Bass Clear Lake Open will earn the Ranger Boats / Mercury Motor prize boat provided by Bass Pro Shops, and the Golden Tickets to the 2025 Bassmaster BASS Nation National Championship will be awarded to the top five Pro and AAA anglers and will further develop the season long competition to see who will receive guaranteed slots into the 2025 Bassmaster Opens Elite Qualifiers.
The top 10 in each division are posted below: for complete standings, visit https://wonbassevents.com/
|
WON Bass Clear Lake Open 4/17 to 4/19/2024 |
|||||
|
Place |
Pro Day 1 | Hometown |
Fish |
B/B |
Day 1 Total |
|
1 |
Nick Klein | Oroville, Ca |
5-5 |
8.85 |
35.59 |
|
2 |
Joe Mariani | Winters, CA |
5-5 |
9.21 |
34.34 |
|
3 |
Austin Bonjour | Templeton, CA |
5-5 |
7.86 |
33.84 |
|
4 |
Christian Ostrander | Turlock, CA |
5-5 |
31.83 |
|
|
5 |
Vance Hayes | Chico, CA |
5-5 |
9.29 |
31.17 |
|
6 |
John Hampel | Sparks, NV |
5-5 |
30.37 |
|
|
7 |
Julius Mazy | Phoenix, AZ |
5-5 |
8.62 |
28.50 |
|
8 |
Scooter Griffith | Mesa, AZ |
5-5 |
9.92 |
27.47 |
|
9 |
Randy Pierson | Oakdale, CA |
5-5 |
7.41 |
27.46 |
|
10 |
Kyle Grover | RCHO STA MARG, CA |
5-5 |
8.22 |
26.99 |
|
Place |
AAA Angler Day 1 | Hometown |
Fish |
B/B |
Day 1 Total |
|
1 |
Jiongbo (Bob) Zhang | Walnut Creek, CA |
5-5 |
35.59 |
|
|
2 |
Chase Harrell | San Jose, Ca |
5-5 |
34.34 |
|
|
3 |
Anthony Madrigal | Auburn, CA |
5-5 |
33.84 |
|
|
4 |
Daniel Martinez | Murrieta, CA |
5-5 |
9.30 |
31.83 |
|
5 |
Mike Flores | San Diego, CA |
5-5 |
31.17 |
|
|
6 |
Damon Motley | Orange, CA |
5-5 |
9.39 |
30.37 |
|
7 |
Joe Uribe, Sr. | Havasu City, AZ |
5-5 |
28.50 |
|
|
8 |
Frank Ortega | Upland, CA |
5-5 |
27.47 |
|
|
9 |
Thor Dusenberry | Pheonix, CA |
5-5 |
27.46 |
|
|
10 |
Larry Bonjour | Santa Maria, CA |
5-5 |
26.99 |
|
The 2024 WON Bass Western Opens Series of events Consisting of five events in California, Arizona and Nevada moves next to the California Open at Clear Lake April 17 to 19, 2024. The series will culminate with the 2024 WON Bass U.S. Open at Lake Mohave in October. The full schedule of the five event dates are as follows:
Jan. 31–Feb. 2, Lake Shasta - Champion Nick Wood – 47.42 pounds
April 17-19, Clear Lake
May 15-17, Lake Havasu
Sept. 18-20, Lake Mead
Oct. 14-16, U.S. Open at Lake Mohave
For complete details to register or find results, look to wonbassevents.com and WONews.com to hear the latest news about the 2024 season and beyond and follow along at Facebook.com/
The 2024 WON Bass Northern California Lake Shasta Open is brought to you by Bass Pro Shops, Ranger Boats, Mercury Marine, Nitro Boats, Triton Boats, Bridgford Foods, Phenix Rods, Yamamoto Baits, Bill Lewis Lures, Buckeye Lures, Steel Shad, Bioenno Power, SOG Knives, Cold Steel Knives, Gamma Line, Power Pole, Lowrance, Daiwa, AFTCO, Costa, Berkley, Abu Garcia, DD26 Fishing, Anderson Toyota, A&M Graphics, Anglers Marine and Signature Gates.
Local presenting sponsors are Clear Lake Outdoors and the City of Lakeport. Daily takeoffs and weigh-ins will happen at Library Park in the City of Lakeport, California.
Montevallo’s Erickson and Pontius take lead in Bassmaster College Series event on Kentucky Lake
April 17, 2024
Montevallo’s Erickson and Pontius take lead in Bassmaster College Series event on Kentucky Lake
PARIS, Tenn. — Kentucky Lake looked very much like one of the nation’s legendary fisheries on Day 1 of the Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops.
Blair Erickson and Jackson Pontius of the University of Montevallo (Ala.) caught the heaviest bag on Wednesday, weighing five bass for a total of 22 pounds, 8 ounces. That was one of 145 limits caught by 216 teams entered in this two-day derby — a sure sign that Kentucky Lake has rebounded after enduring a few lean years due mainly to an influx of the invasive Asian carp.
This is the first B.A.S.S. event on the mammoth fishery since 2020 when the Bassmaster High School National Championship was held here. As was proved at that tournament, and again on Wednesday, the smallmouth bite is especially strong on Kentucky Lake.
“We caught a mix of smallmouth and largemouth today,” Erickson said, “but we wound up weighing five smallmouth bass.”
“We upgraded with a 4-14 smallmouth to finish the day,” Pontius said. “And we actually came in an hour early. It was a really good day.”
Fortune smiled early on the pair of 21-year-old juniors. They had 21 pounds in the livewell by 9 a.m., fishing current in anywhere from 4 to 13 feet of water. But the duo struggled to improve on that total until the kicker smallie later in the day.
Erickson said the overcast skies early on Wednesday helped their bite, but bright sun and warmer conditions as the morning wore on slowed things considerably.
Fishing pressure was also a factor, the Day 1 leaders said.
“The area we were in got pretty loaded,” Erickson said. “We burned that area to the ground today, but we have another tomorrow that’s hopefully as good.”
Pontius said he’s confident they can make a run for the tournament title on Thursday.
“I think we can catch 17 or 18 pounds tomorrow, at the worst,” he said. “And we should be able to get 20. That gives us a chance.”
Jack Hay and Eli Jaime of Southwestern Michigan College are in second place with 20-11. Rounding out the Top 5 after Day 1 are Dylan Fogerty and Hunter Fillmore of Bethel University (Tenn.), third, 20-5; Easton Fothergill and Nick Dumke of Montevallo, fourth, 20-4; and Dylan Akins and Chase Cary of Emmanuel College (Ga.), fifth,19-13.
Fothergill and Dumke were the Bassmaster College Series Team of the Year in 2023.
The teams of Sam Moll and Will Burch of Murray State (Ky.) University, and Quade Lobo and Nick Owens of Adrian College (Mich.), each weighed a 6-13 smallmouth on Wednesday to tie for the heaviest bass on Day 1.
This week’s College Series stop at Kentucky Lake is the second of three events on the new Legends Trail, the first being held on South Carolina’s Lake Murray in January and the final tournament set for Michigan’s Saginaw Bay in June. Teams finishing in the top 10% of the field at any of the college events will qualify for the Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship scheduled for Aug. 22-24 at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, S.C.
The second and final day of competition on Kentucky Lake will begin at 6:30 a.m. CT. The closing weigh-in is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. Follow the action on Bassmaster.com.
The Henry County Tourism Authority is hosting the event.
2024 Bassmaster College Series Title Sponsor: Strike King
2024 Bassmaster College Series Presenting Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops
2024 Bassmaster College Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2024 Bassmaster College Series Premier Sponsors: Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2024 Bassmaster College Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
2024 Bassmaster College Series Youth Sponsors: Seaguar, Shimano
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 500,000-member 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.
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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 865-201-6458, cgay@bassmaster.
2024 Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Kentucky Lake presented by Bass Pro Shops 4/17-4/18
Kentucky Lake, Paris TN.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Club/School Pts
1. Blair Erickson - Jackson Pontius University of Montevallo 250
Day 1: 5 22-08 Total: 5 22-08
2. Jack Hay - Eli Jaime Southwestern Michigan College 249
Day 1: 5 20-11 Total: 5 20-11
3. Dylan Fogarty - Hunter Fillmore Bethel University 248
Day 1: 5 20-05 Total: 5 20-05
4. Easton Fothergill - Nick Dumke University of Montevallo 247
Day 1: 5 20-04 Total: 5 20-04
5. Dylan Akins - Chase Carey Emmanuel College 246
Day 1: 5 19-13 Total: 5 19-13
6. Derek Rodriguez Jr. - Dalton Mollenkopf Adrian College 245
Day 1: 5 19-11 Total: 5 19-11
7. Drake Sturgill - Beau Browning University of Montevallo 244
Day 1: 5 19-10 Total: 5 19-10
8. Banks Shaw - Nathan Reynolds University of North Alabama 243
Day 1: 5 19-08 Total: 5 19-08
9. Colby Carrier - Justin Frey Bethel University 242
Day 1: 5 19-07 Total: 5 19-07
10. Lane Stephens - Ethan Fields McKendree University 241
Day 1: 5 19-06 Total: 5 19-06
11. Brenton Godwin - Hunter Odom University of Montevallo 240
Day 1: 5 19-03 Total: 5 19-03
12. Collin Barnett - Sander Ludeman Minnesota State University - Man 239
Day 1: 5 19-02 Total: 5 19-02
13. Jackson Kulijof - Aiden Clark Murray State University 238
Day 1: 5 19-01 Total: 5 19-01
14. Andrew Howell - Jordan Pennington University of Montevallo 237
Day 1: 5 18-13 Total: 5 18-13
15. Adrian Urso - Corbin Templon Murray State University 236
Day 1: 5 18-10 Total: 5 18-10
16. Hunter Russell - Benny Blank Wabash Valley College 235
Day 1: 5 18-07 Total: 5 18-07
17. Daniel Schroeder - Jacob Autry Murray State University 234
Day 1: 5 18-06 Total: 5 18-06
18. Quade Lobo - Nick Owens Adrian College 233
Day 1: 5 18-04 Total: 5 18-04
18. Chase Milholen - Koltyn Harbin Bethel University 233
Day 1: 5 18-04 Total: 5 18-04
20. Elliot Wielgopolski - Aaron Jagdfeld Adrian College 231
Day 1: 5 18-03 Total: 5 18-03
21. Hayden Marbut - Auburn University 230
Day 1: 5 17-12 Total: 5 17-12
22. Henry Vincent - Tommy Parker Adrian College 229
Day 1: 5 17-12 Total: 5 17-12
23. Benjamin Travis - Brendin Simich Auburn University 228
Day 1: 5 17-11 Total: 5 17-11
23. Carson Tucker - Kade MacDonald University of Wisconsin - Whitew 228
Day 1: 5 17-11 Total: 5 17-11
25. Sam Moll - Will Burch Murray State University 226
Day 1: 5 17-09 Total: 5 17-09
25. Hank Sturm - Matt Amosby Adrian College 226
Day 1: 5 17-09 Total: 5 17-09
27. Lucas Washburn - Braylon Eggerding Adrian College 224
Day 1: 5 17-07 Total: 5 17-07
28. Tyler Finley - Christopher Kistler University of North Alabama 223
Day 1: 5 17-01 Total: 5 17-01
28. Tyler Leachman - Mark Bixler Murray State University 223
Day 1: 5 17-01 Total: 5 17-01
30. Jerry Brumbaugh Jr. - Brady Pinwar Adrian College 221
Day 1: 5 17-00 Total: 5 17-00
31. Kai Barnett - Parker Welch McKendree University 220
Day 1: 5 16-14 Total: 5 16-14
31. Carter Nutt - Dylan Nutt University of North Alabama 220
Day 1: 5 16-14 Total: 5 16-14
33. Logan Plueger - Charlie Wright University of Montevallo 218
Day 1: 5 16-13 Total: 5 16-13
33. Peyton Rose - Brogan Gregg Wabash Valley College 218
Day 1: 5 16-13 Total: 5 16-13
35. Tyler Eggers - Dustin Swafford Catawba Valley Community College 216
Day 1: 5 16-11 Total: 5 16-11
36. Hayden Fry - Vance Roberts McKendree University 215
Day 1: 5 16-11 Total: 5 16-11
37. Austin Marley - Jack Richardson Georgia Southern University 214
Day 1: 5 16-10 Total: 5 16-10
38. Cameron Smith - Thomas Phillips Ohio State University 213
Day 1: 5 16-10 Total: 5 16-10
39. Luke Davis - Chance Schwartz University of Montevallo 212
Day 1: 5 16-09 Total: 5 16-09
39. Nick Seitz - Paxton Giem Adrian College 212
Day 1: 5 16-09 Total: 5 16-09
41. Cy Lambert - Austin King University of North Alabama 210
Day 1: 5 16-08 Total: 5 16-08
42. Ryan Olsen - Delaney Platt Southwestern Michigan College 209
Day 1: 5 16-07 Total: 5 16-07
43. Blayner Leeman - Cameron Dials Kentucky Christian University 208
Day 1: 5 16-06 Total: 5 16-06
44. Lake Norsworthy - Calup Williams Blue Mountain Christian Universi 207
Day 1: 5 16-05 Total: 5 16-05
45. Brody Robison - Colton White University of Montevallo 206
Day 1: 5 16-05 Total: 5 16-05
46. Kyle Hopping - Colsyn Head McKendree University 205
Day 1: 5 16-04 Total: 5 16-04
47. Jonah Potts - Connor Lacy Murray State University 204
Day 1: 5 15-15 Total: 5 15-15
48. Max Heaton - Brooks Anderson Emmanuel College 203
Day 1: 5 15-13 Total: 5 15-13
49. Dawson Burton - Ethan Burnette Kentucky Christian University 202
Day 1: 5 15-12 Total: 5 15-12
49. Owen Januszewski - Mitch Straffon Adrian College 202
Day 1: 5 15-12 Total: 5 15-12
49. Brady Metzger - Mason Bohland Purdue University 202
Day 1: 5 15-12 Total: 5 15-12
52. Wyatt Pearman - Ridge Rutledge Campbellsville University 199
Day 1: 5 15-10 Total: 5 15-10
53. Harrison Terry - Zachary Bowen Bethel University 198
Day 1: 5 15-09 Total: 5 15-09
54. Jonathon Garbacz - Owen Moss University of North Georgia 197
Day 1: 5 15-08 Total: 5 15-08
55. Chandler Pruett - Wes Bailey Blue Mountain Christian Universi 196
Day 1: 5 15-07 Total: 5 15-07
56. Zane Roberts - Elijah McDonald University of North Alabama 195
Day 1: 5 15-06 Total: 5 15-06
56. Harlan Thomas - Jack Thompson Murray State University 195
Day 1: 5 15-06 Total: 5 15-06
58. Hunter Petrovic - Kaiya Ziga Southwestern Michigan College 193
Day 1: 5 15-05 Total: 5 15-05
58. Ethan Tedder - Hunter Brewer University of North Alabama 193
Day 1: 5 15-05 Total: 5 15-05
60. Reece Keeney - Brantley Anders Kentucky Christian University 191
Day 1: 5 15-04 Total: 5 15-04
61. Chris Baker - Elijah Kelley Kentucky Christian University 190
Day 1: 5 15-02 Total: 5 15-02
61. Brennan Berglund - Neal Braddy University of Montevallo 190
Day 1: 5 15-02 Total: 5 15-02
61. James Willoughby - Phillip Herring University of Montevallo 190
Day 1: 5 15-02 Total: 5 15-02
64. Jarrett Prunty - Chase Fleenor Western Kentucky University 187
Day 1: 5 14-15 Total: 5 14-15
64. Jake Thornbury - Lane Pohlman Campbellsville University 187
Day 1: 5 14-15 Total: 5 14-15
66. Dylan Levin - Dalton DeFelice Southwestern Michigan College 185
Day 1: 5 14-14 Total: 5 14-14
67. Will Gordon - Murray State University 184
Day 1: 5 14-13 Total: 5 14-13
67. Payton Sodervick - Adam Troyer Indiana University 184
Day 1: 5 14-13 Total: 5 14-13
69. Riley Lawson - Joe Bob Burchett Kentucky Christian University 182
Day 1: 5 14-12 Total: 5 14-12
70. Connor Westerman - Michael Mcnulty West Virginia University 181
Day 1: 5 14-11 Total: 5 14-11
71. Jordan Bezold - Joe Bezold Nku Bassmasters Club 180
Day 1: 5 14-10 Total: 5 14-10
72. Hagan Marlin - Chris Fallon University of Montevallo 179
Day 1: 5 14-08 Total: 5 14-08
72. Levi Seagraves - Scooter Ligon Jr Emmanuel College 179
Day 1: 5 14-08 Total: 5 14-08
74. Hunter Shelton - Colten Drawdy Bethel University 177
Day 1: 5 14-06 Total: 5 14-06
74. Jack Stephens - Jason Qualich McKendree University 177
Day 1: 5 14-06 Total: 5 14-06
76. Harmon Marien - Maxwell Trotter McKendree University 175
Day 1: 5 14-05 Total: 5 14-05
77. Tyler Altizer - Landon Lawson King University 174
Day 1: 5 14-03 Total: 5 14-03
77. Jacob Swanson - Zack Cooper University of Montevallo 174
Day 1: 5 14-03 Total: 5 14-03
79. Joseph Woods - Anthony Cicero IV Bethel University 172
Day 1: 5 14-03 Total: 5 14-03
80. Tomas Matual - Colton Hill McKendree University 171
Day 1: 5 14-02 Total: 5 14-02
81. TJ McKenzie - Will Wester Emmanuel College 170
Day 1: 5 13-12 Total: 5 13-12
82. Tucker Dottley - Jordan Hampton Bethel University 169
Day 1: 5 13-11 Total: 5 13-11
83. Dalton Phelps - Gannon Stork Wabash Valley College 168
Day 1: 5 13-09 Total: 5 13-09
83. Nathan Preston - Reece Tremaglio Auburn University 168
Day 1: 5 13-09 Total: 5 13-09
85. Jack Mcillwain - Jake Krauth University of North Alabama 166
Day 1: 5 13-08 Total: 5 13-08
86. Cole Hadlock - Braiden Koerber Murray State University 165
Day 1: 5 13-07 Total: 5 13-07
86. Andrew Jones - Tyler Malone Southern Union State Community C 165
Day 1: 5 13-07 Total: 5 13-07
88. Joe Lutz - Jake Monti UNC - Charlotte 163
Day 1: 5 13-06 Total: 5 13-06
88. Max Pierlott - Mike Pierlott UNC - Charlotte 163
Day 1: 5 13-06 Total: 5 13-06
90. Nick Redlin - Ben Redlin University of Wisconsin - Platte 161
Day 1: 5 13-05 Total: 5 13-05
91. Kaleb Brown - Cole Moulton Lander University 160
Day 1: 5 13-03 Total: 5 13-03
91. Luke Dardeen - Connor Becker Wabash Valley College 160
Day 1: 5 13-03 Total: 5 13-03
93. Andrew Oswalt - Evan Mabrey University of Montevallo 158
Day 1: 5 13-01 Total: 5 13-01
94. Carson Calvert - Austin Thomas University of North Alabama 157
Day 1: 5 13-01 Total: 5 13-01
95. Nick Shoffner - Drake Page UNC - Charlotte 156
Day 1: 5 12-15 Total: 5 12-15
96. Brock Blazier - Colby Joseph Campbellsville University 155
Day 1: 5 12-14 Total: 5 12-14
96. Logan East - Conner Giles Bryan College 155
Day 1: 5 12-14 Total: 5 12-14
98. Kobe Thompson - Cole Carr Adrian College 153
Day 1: 5 12-11 Total: 5 12-11
99. Bryson Hatcher - Matthew Dopp Bryan College 152
Day 1: 5 12-10 Total: 5 12-10
99. Karsten Raney - Ben Sadler Campbellsville University 152
Day 1: 5 12-10 Total: 5 12-10
101. Jackson Holbert - Joshua Hayes University of North Alabama 150
Day 1: 5 12-09 Total: 5 12-09
101. Caden Pearson - Nathan Kallstrand Wabash Valley College 150
Day 1: 5 12-09 Total: 5 12-09
103. Jake Peck - Carty Shoen Auburn University 148
Day 1: 4 12-09 Total: 4 12-09
104. Will Hart - Logan Fisher Emmanuel College 147
Day 1: 5 12-08 Total: 5 12-08
105. Carter Smith - Sam Ausbrooks Wabash Valley College 146
Day 1: 4 12-08 Total: 4 12-08
106. Emily Freeman - Charly Hutson Murray State University 145
Day 1: 5 12-07 Total: 5 12-07
107. Zach Pocos - Tucker Siminak McKendree University 144
Day 1: 5 12-06 Total: 5 12-06
107. Kyle Smith - Aaron Mills Kentucky Christian University 144
Day 1: 5 12-06 Total: 5 12-06
109. Wes Newman Jr. - Holden Zinda Liberty University 142
Day 1: 5 12-04 Total: 5 12-04
110. Jake Kimbrough - Tyler Hill Blue Mountain Christian Universi 141
Day 1: 5 12-04 Total: 5 12-04
111. Jack Carroll - Joseph Senn Bethel University 140
Day 1: 5 12-03 Total: 5 12-03
111. Max Newkirk - Makenzie Shelton Murray State University 140
Day 1: 5 12-03 Total: 5 12-03
111. Hunter Palmer - Eli Stevenson Bryan College 140
Day 1: 5 12-03 Total: 5 12-03
114. Jackson Smith - Sawyer Williams Bethel University 137
Day 1: 5 12-03 Total: 5 12-03
115. Nick Pemberton - Will Holloway University of Montevallo 136
Day 1: 5 12-01 Total: 5 12-01
115. Dustin Weinberg - Sawyer Brady Blue Mountain Christian Universi 136
Day 1: 5 12-01 Total: 5 12-01
117. Gus Dietrich - Jack Wilson University of Alabama 134
Day 1: 5 12-00 Total: 5 12-00
118. Jonathan Yazdi - James Yuska Indiana University 133
Day 1: 5 11-15 Total: 5 11-15
119. Hunter Sandschafer - Blake Beckmann Wabash Valley College 132
Day 1: 5 11-13 Total: 5 11-13
120. Harrison McCall - Cameron Yates Lander University 131
Day 1: 5 11-13 Total: 5 11-13
121. Nate Triplett - Holden Johnson University of North Alabama 130
Day 1: 5 11-12 Total: 5 11-12
122. William Vickery - Hunter Starling Georgia Southern University 129
Day 1: 5 11-12 Total: 5 11-12
123. Dylan Bush - Tyler Hudson Western Kentucky University 128
Day 1: 5 11-11 Total: 5 11-11
123. Branson Campbell - Hayden Short Kentucky Christian University 128
Day 1: 5 11-11 Total: 5 11-11
123. Colton Odom - Tyler Madden Auburn University 128
Day 1: 5 11-11 Total: 5 11-11
123. Ethan Vue - Christian Vue UNC - Charlotte 128
Day 1: 5 11-11 Total: 5 11-11
127. TJ Davis - Dillan Mcglothern Webber International University 124
Day 1: 5 11-09 Total: 5 11-09
127. Tristen Dubbs - Parker Wilburn Grace College 124
Day 1: 5 11-09 Total: 5 11-09
127. Allen Powe - Jonathan Combs Campbellsville University 124
Day 1: 5 11-09 Total: 5 11-09
127. Evan Sutton - Grant Olsen McKendree University 124
Day 1: 5 11-09 Total: 5 11-09
131. Peyton Harris - Dalton Head University of Montevallo 120
Day 1: 5 11-07 Total: 5 11-07
131. Turner Hart - Summer Dees Bryan College 120
Day 1: 5 11-07 Total: 5 11-07
131. Jake Hope - Alex Nesmith Murray State University 120
Day 1: 5 11-07 Total: 5 11-07
134. Bryce Dimauro - Tripp Berlinsky Bryan College 117
Day 1: 5 11-04 Total: 5 11-04
134. Chase Loftus - University of Iowa 117
Day 1: 5 11-04 Total: 5 11-04
136. Ben Brockwell - Will Rooker Kentucky Christian University 115
Day 1: 5 11-02 Total: 5 11-02
137. Evan Barker - Corey Yarish Campbellsville University 114
Day 1: 5 11-01 Total: 5 11-01
138. Braden Cox - Joel Berelsman Ohio State University 113
Day 1: 4 11-01 Total: 4 11-01
139. Carson Winn - Grady Mcclendon University of North Alabama 112
Day 1: 5 11-00 Total: 5 11-00
140. Tyler Cory - Scott Sledge University of Montevallo 111
Day 1: 5 10-14 Total: 5 10-14
141. William Brogan - Cole Bubenzer Indiana University 110
Day 1: 5 10-12 Total: 5 10-12
142. Jake Brown - Walker Brown University of North Alabama 109
Day 1: 5 10-03 Total: 5 10-03
143. Caleb Bridges - Jonathan Fann Bryan College 108
Day 1: 4 10-02 Total: 4 10-02
144. Gavyn Rapp - Ephraim Cretsinger Adrian College 107
Day 1: 5 09-15 Total: 5 09-15
145. Spencer Grooms - Kyle Knoll Auburn University 106
Day 1: 5 09-13 Total: 5 09-13
146. Dylan Thomson - Trey Marco King University 105
Day 1: 5 09-12 Total: 5 09-12
147. Campbell Coyle - Tanner Davis University of Kentucky 104
Day 1: 4 09-12 Total: 4 09-12
148. Jadon Spencer - Chase Martin Catawba Valley Community College 103
Day 1: 5 09-10 Total: 5 09-10
149. Mitch Johnson - Jonathan Fitch Kentucky Christian University 102
Day 1: 4 09-09 Total: 4 09-09
150. William Henry - Hunter Heckman Purdue University 101
Day 1: 5 09-08 Total: 5 09-08
151. Dade Vincent - Murray State University 100
Day 1: 4 09-06 Total: 4 09-06
152. Dawson Woerner - Wyatt Cash Purdue University 99
Day 1: 4 09-04 Total: 4 09-04
153. Casey Cornelius - Zion Dunaway Purdue University 98
Day 1: 4 09-02 Total: 4 09-02
154. Aidan Kolb - Tanner Brockman Murray State University 97
Day 1: 4 08-13 Total: 4 08-13
155. Drew Bradstreet - Florida Gateway College 96
Day 1: 4 08-07 Total: 4 08-07
156. Nickolas Illobre - Bethel University 95
Day 1: 4 08-01 Total: 4 08-01
157. Brooks Parker - Hudson Choquette University of Montevallo 94
Day 1: 5 07-15 Total: 5 07-15
158. Lucas Thornton - Lucas Snyder University of North Alabama 93
Day 1: 3 07-15 Total: 3 07-15
159. Hayden Pirman - Luke Chaddock West Virginia University 92
Day 1: 3 07-14 Total: 3 07-14
160. Nick Harenda - Nick Mallmann Conto University of Wisconsin-Whitewat 91
Day 1: 4 07-11 Total: 4 07-11
160. Gavin Sheffer - Liberty University 91
Day 1: 4 07-11 Total: 4 07-11
162. Braden Thompson - Mason Gross Wabash Valley College 89
Day 1: 2 07-11 Total: 2 07-11
163. Tyler Dubois - Grayden Scibilia Bethel University 0
Day 1: 3 07-10 Total: 3 07-10
164. River Blanton - Brock Catlett Campbellsville University 87
Day 1: 4 07-08 Total: 4 07-08
165. Cole Berry - Braci Ault Purdue University 86
Day 1: 3 07-07 Total: 3 07-07
166. Easton Lindus - Seth Jenkins Emmanuel College 85
Day 1: 3 07-06 Total: 3 07-06
167. Briggs Alavezos - Solomon Glenn University of Montevallo 84
Day 1: 3 07-03 Total: 3 07-03
167. Billy Erdakos - Davis Klimczak Southwestern Michigan College 84
Day 1: 3 07-03 Total: 3 07-03
169. Coleman Self - David Gummow Bethel University 82
Day 1: 3 07-02 Total: 3 07-02
170. Cal Austin - Robert Richbourg Catawba Valley Community College 81
Day 1: 3 06-15 Total: 3 06-15
171. Bryson Dotson - Kobi May Bryan College 80
Day 1: 4 06-08 Total: 4 06-08
172. Jacob Highley - William Copley Kentucky Christian University 79
Day 1: 3 06-08 Total: 3 06-08
173. Kyle Zainitzer - Brock Vogel University of North Alabama 78
Day 1: 3 06-08 Total: 3 06-08
174. Chris McGregor - Preston Kolisek University of North Alabama 77
Day 1: 3 06-07 Total: 3 06-07
175. Tanner Herndon - Bryan College 76
Day 1: 2 05-14 Total: 2 05-14
176. Josh Richardson - Logan Greeno 75
Day 1: 3 05-08 Total: 3 05-08
176. Jaxson Smoak - Dylan Reid Georgia Southern University 75
Day 1: 3 05-08 Total: 3 05-08
178. Colin Chavers - Aiden Macks Southern Union State Community C 73
Day 1: 2 05-06 Total: 2 05-06
179. Garrett Ring - Peyton Sorrow University of Montevallo 72
Day 1: 3 05-03 Total: 3 05-03
180. Sam Harvey - Jordan Brewer Auburn University 71
Day 1: 1 05-03 Total: 1 05-03
181. Jacob Butts - Mark Kershaw-Klara University of South Carolina - U 70
Day 1: 2 05-02 Total: 2 05-02
182. Thomas Smith - Kaleb Butts University of South Carolina - U 69
Day 1: 2 05-01 Total: 2 05-01
183. Owen Wheeler - Caleb Neu Bethel University 68
Day 1: 2 05-00 Total: 2 05-00
184. Butler Cochran - Bryce Evans University of South Carolina 67
Day 1: 2 05-00 Total: 2 05-00
185. Carter Doren - Brett Hill Campbellsville University 66
Day 1: 2 04-11 Total: 2 04-11
186. Ryan Thomas - Nathaniel Harper University of Pikeville 65
Day 1: 2 04-08 Total: 2 04-08
187. Hunter Barrow - Caleb Dugger King University 64
Day 1: 2 04-06 Total: 2 04-06
188. Ryan Foster - Will Hornsby McKendree University 63
Day 1: 2 04-00 Total: 2 04-00
189. Kolby Clark - Rees Williams University of North Alabama 62
Day 1: 2 03-11 Total: 2 03-11
190. Gage Starks - Anthony Ethridge Murray State University 61
Day 1: 2 03-10 Total: 2 03-10
191. Luke Caylor - Joe Gollmer Indiana University 60
Day 1: 2 03-05 Total: 2 03-05
192. Hampton Shull - Lander University 59
Day 1: 1 02-15 Total: 1 02-15
193. William Travis - Caleb Griffin Bryan College 58
Day 1: 1 02-08 Total: 1 02-08
194. Nick Staub - Sam Schmitz University of North Alabama 57
Day 1: 1 02-05 Total: 1 02-05
195. Carson Aarup - Matt Peine UNC - Charlotte 56
Day 1: 1 02-01 Total: 1 02-01
195. Brendan Vinton - Jacob Vanscoik Catawba Valley Community College 56
Day 1: 1 02-01 Total: 1 02-01
197. Sam Hoesley - Malcolm Patton Auburn University 54
Day 1: 1 01-12 Total: 1 01-12
198. Jaxson Freeman - Connor Hall McKendree University 53
Day 1: 1 01-08 Total: 1 01-08
199. Clayton Cruze - Murray State University 52
Day 1: 4 00-00 Total: 4 00-00
200. Victor Alford - Christian Misciagna Bryan College 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
200. Kyle Ashe - Bobby Beck JR University at Buffalo 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
200. Blake Bullock - John Mark Berry Blue Mountain Christian Universi 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
200. Lynn Chitwood - Trevor Moore Virginia Tech 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
200. Ryan Daugherty - Brantley Barrentine Campbellsville University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
200. Owen Day - Morehead State University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
200. Allen Everett - Matthew Tomolonis Murray State University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
200. Alex Geroulis - Harrison Bomba Indiana University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
200. Gavin Grossman - Nicholas Jones Indiana University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
200. William Gully - Preston Barnett Southern Union State Community C 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
200. Jeffrey Jones - Coleman Bingham Bethel University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
200. Camden Lewis - TJ Edwards Jr Blue Mountain Christian Universi 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
200. Aaron Mcgill - Coastal Carolina University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
200. Blake Milligan - Carson Maddux Auburn University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
200. Kevin Palmer - Sydney Rice Pellissippi State Community Coll 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
200. Ty Reynolds - Murray State University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
200. Alan Ter Molen - Luke Rosebrook Grace College 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 145 874 2454-06
------------------------------
145 874 2454-06
Scroggins makes St. Johns predictions
Team Toyota’s Terry “Big Show” Scroggins competes on Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Tour these days. So, obviously he won’t be an entrant this week in the Bassmaster Elite Series on his home waters of the St. Johns River, but who better to ask what fans can expect to see than Scroggins, a guy who has lived here for 40 years, notched three Top 10 Bassmaster finishes on this famed fishery, and still fishes here constantly when he’s not on the road?
Water levels are the wildcard
“The same 40-60 mph South winds that caused the Bassmaster Elite Series to be postponed at the Harris Chain last Thursday blew through here, and when that happens, it blows the water out of this tidal river in a big way. It’s still low, and that leaves the lily pads high and dry, and that’s the only vegetation we really have left here,” explains Scroggins.
Scroggins says the forecast for light winds this week, coupled with natural tide flow will help restore water levels to normal, but not to the point an angler can count on swimming a jig in lily pads to win. There simply won’t be enough of them available to carry an angler through four days of competition.
Mix it up. No single pattern will win.
“There’s a lot going on right now. Sure, there will be guys using forward-facing sonar in Rodman Reservoir that will do well. The creek channels and stump-filled flats on Rodman play well to that. There will also be guys who get a Top 10 here targeting the shad spawn around Crescent Lake, plus, off-shore shell beds will be a player, and they’ll even be some spawners weighed-in. But the guy who wins will have to do a little bit of all that,” Scroggins confidently predicts.
18-a-day to do well
Scroggins predicts an angler who can average 18 pounds each day will make a Top 10. He says a 30-pound mega limit like Rick Clunn’s iconic 31-pound Saturday catch here in 2016 is still very possible, but seldom does that happen, and when it does, it’s often complimented by more realistic 15-pound limit the day prior or the day after.
Lures that’ll play
“Again, I think the water levels will get back to normal enough for a swim jig to be a popular choice this week, and so will a spinnerbait, but of course, don’t leave your front-looker sonar minnows in the truck either,” grins the always comical Scroggins.
Comical, but confident. There’s simply no better bass fishing wisdom with more tournament earnings from this Northwest Florida fishery than “Big Show” the past 20 years. He got the nickname around here for a reason, you know.
A Team Effort...the AC Insider Story
By Danny Blandford ~ AC Insider
Over the past year or two, fans of fishing have seen lots of changes, with certainly more to come. From the brands that support the industry, to the leagues and formats, to the anglers themselves, we're seeing big shifts in the fishing biz. Our readers and followers may have noticed a few changes in style and feel around Anglerschannel.com and our social properties as well. Today we wanted to give some credit where credit is due.
Our “world” of bass fishing here at Anglers Channel encompasses everything from the highest level professional events, to grass roots events that feed our industry with aspiring tournament anglers. That landscape is broad: multiple events, multiple leagues, and a variety of platforms to reach the consumer all make it a bit complex for a two-man band, like me and Vance McCullough. We knew we needed a full team of passionate folks to aggregate meaningful and timely content in the same way we’ve succeeded in aggregating news over the years.
The rapidly-evolving social landscape required a young perspective who knew it well and a vested interest in staying ahead of the curve…fortunately I already “knew a guy” who was doing some impressive things in the space. Bringing in a personal friend and colleague, Jeffery Johnson, made a noticeable impact starting on Day 1. We won’t bore you with his impressive social gains for the brand, but we know several thousand folks are being introduced to Anglers Channel on a daily basis…which I guess deserves a Fist Bump Emoji…or something like that.
As the platform grew, we needed more relevant content from events. Our AC Insider, Vance McCullough, also “knew a guy” who was doing some impressive things in that space too. He actually didn’t need any introduction to me, I was already a fan myself. I’d been following Ricky Bodsford’s work since the BassEast days, and I frequently checked in on his Bass365 platform regardless of what job title I had over the past twenty years.
Bass365 is a fitting title for his group because that’s exactly what they are, Bass Fishing 365 days a year. Bodsford will never boast on his own work, but I will! He’s been at more take offs, weigh-ins, and industry functions than most of us can imagine as an "embedded" reporter, and he has both passion AND talent. Enough talent to feed his own growing client list and platform, as well as coordinating with our team to make sure we're getting the onsite event content we need for our audience and partners. Our collaboration is already produced eye-popping results, and its only April. We're all looking forward to watching this transformative season unfold and delivering all things bass fishing as they unfold.
In addition to media, I also wanted an AC Insider who was a true participant in the sport…someone dealing with entry fees, travel schedules, sponsors, and everything that goes into life as a “touring pro”, and I wanted someone with fresh eyes, and preferably not yet jaded by the toll that the lifestyle can take on a person. A chance meeting at Green Pond Landing on Lake Hartwell during the Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship sparked something for me.
I had the opportunity to meet Drew Gill during a battery swap, and let’s just say my Spidey Senses told me there was something there. We scheduled an episode of the AC Insider podcast, and within a day of posting it, I picked up the phone and partnered with Drew. Luckily, I got it done prior to his first cast on the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour; before the invitation for that matter. Drew has blasted out of the gate, and if you don’t know of him yet, you will!
I recently had another stroke of good fortune, when our AC Travel Insiders at Half Past First Cast passed along what seemed like a simple enough email. It was from Pete Robbins and went something like, “I was introduced to Brady Harp through a mutual friend of ours, Dave Mansue. I thought he might be a good fit for Anglers Channel.” A recommendation from Pete and Dave, and a quick web search was all it took and I said, “Yep, I’d love to meet him and talk!” A quick chat, and once again my Sidey Senses went into overdrive.
Brady’s pedigree and story is an awesome one that I’m excited to share. Brady’s passion for fishing started with drowning red worms with his dad in the neighborhood pond and catching bluegill. Somewhere along the way he picked up a plastic worm and caught his first bass, and at that point he was hooked. He was a quarterback for his middle school football team, yet he always found himself longing for practice to hurry up and get over so he could head to the pond for the rest of the afternoon. Seeing his passion and thirst for knowledge, which his parents couldn’t seem to quench, they signed him up for Kurt Dove’s Pro Bass Youth Camp in the 6th grade! Brady loved it so much, he went every year from the 6th through 12th grade, AND came back as an instructor once he aged out of the program.
According to Brady, “I genuinely attribute so much of my love of bass fishing to Kurt, Dave Mansue, and even Denny Brauer. Having mentors like these men in the Pro Bass Youth Camp actually changed my life, and I can’t thank them enough.”
Brady put down the football and spent as much time as he could fishing, ultimately finding himself on the Spain Park High School Fishing Team, setting his sights on college fishing with Auburn University after graduation. He hit the ground running at Auburn, volunteering for roles in the club as Secretary, followed by Chaplain, and ultimately finishing his college career as President of the Auburn University Bass Fishing Team
Ironically, Brady doesn’t want to be a touring pro, he just wants to stay connected to the industry and the sport that has helped shape him. He has grown up with some of the hottest young anglers in the space. They all started their journey together as teammates, classmates, and most importantly, friends.
In our interview, I likened him to Clark Kent…he’s an accountant during business hours, but he’s a bass fishing fanatic as soon as he’s covered his “day job”.
He added, “I chose a job that I could do effectively as a remote worker and part of that was so that I could travel and fish…not day in and day out like a pro, but the flexibility was VERY important to me. I love fishing the Alabama Bass Trail with my dad, and as a matter of the fact I’m on my way to the lake to get in a little practice for an upcoming event.”
Harp went on to add, “At the end of the day, I want to be involved in this industry on the media side, whether it be writing, videography, or some combination of both…I want to help keep telling the kind of stories that have meant so much to me.”
Brady will start applying some of his passion as an AC Insider by bringing us special interest pieces on those young men and women, the “Young Guns” who will be taking the reins from some of us “old dogs” and we’re thinking he can even teach us a few tricks along the way.
On a recent AC Insider Podcast, co-host Vance McCullough casually dropped some knowledge that resonated with me. We were talking about the future of our sport and V added this, “The only way to live eternally is to pour what we’ve learned into the younger generation in hopes that it matters enough for them to do the same for someone else later in their life …”
On the topic of the podcast, we’ll be pulling the AC Insider “Crew” together for a special AC Insider Podcast and we hope you'll join us for the "Meet and Greet". It'll take a bit to coordinate it all.
Drew’s been busy with the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour AND the Tacklewarehouse Invitationals. Ricky and his crew have been tied up making magic with both Major League Fishing AND the Bassmaster Elite Series, sometimes both at the same time.
In the meantime, Vance and I will make sure it all keeps humming along! We hope you’ll tune in to hear the sum of all our parts; between the “young guns” and the “old dogs”, we make a pretty good team!
The rest of 2024 will be an exciting year both on and off the water and our team of AC Insiders will be bringing it to you as it happens. Our combination of news, event coverage, and special interest pieces will make sure Anglers Channel is your Number One resource for tournament bass fishing!
Join us and give us follow:
McKinney's Tundra smells like Bonus Bucks
The dozen Little Tree auto fresheners 19-year-old bass fishing phenom Trey McKinney has hanging from the rearview mirror of his Toyota Tundra makes it obvious he likes the inside of his cab to smell good.
“I mean look, let’s be honest, I kind of live out of this Tundra, and that sometimes includes wet rain suits and scented lures, so the Little Trees are kind of a buffer to offset all those bad odors, and rather than throw the old ones away, I just keep collecting them,” grins the highly approachable Illinois pro.
His decision to buy a Toyota Tundra and sign-up for the Toyota Bonus Bucks contingency program also has him collecting additional cash when he’s the highest placing Toyota owner in sanctioned tournaments like the Bassmaster Opens and Elite Series.
“I bought this Tundra because of the Bonus Bucks you can win, and because I was tired of my diesel breaking down. That’s a fact. And as a duck hunter, I’ve pulled two or three guys out of the mud with it too,” he grins.
McKinney used a wide variety of lures to finish 6 th at the Harris Chain of Lakes, from an old school Chug Bug to a big glide bait, but when it comes to favorite scents of Little Trees, he chooses Leather and Black Ice.
Whatever the scent of Little Tree, there’s no doubt he may very well have the best smelling Tundra on tour. And there’s nothing stinky about winning Toyota Bonus Bucks either when you tow with a 2020 or newer Toyota tow vehicle and get registered like Trey did at https://www.toyotatrucksbonusbucks.com/.
Local Volunteers Join MLF Pros and Fisheries Management Division to Deploy Artificial Fish Habitat into Center Hill Reservoir
BYRDSTOWN, Tenn. (April 16, 2024) – Although Center Hill Reservoir is already a hot spot for largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, the surrounding community should be on the lookout for even more places to catch bass in the near future.
MLF Bass Pro Tour anglers Alton Jones, Alton Jones Jr, Brent Chapman , Cliff Crochet, Kelly Jordon, Mark Rose and Nick LeBrun joined the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA), Dekalb County High School Bass Fishing Team, Tyler Anderson of TylersReelFishing and MLF Fishing Management Director Steven Bardin at Tennessee’s Center Hill Reservoir last week during PowerStop Brakes Stage Three at Dale Hollow Lake Presented by Mercury to complete a Minn Kota Habitat Restoration Project supported by Humminbird.
This team of volunteers built 20 40-inch MossBack Fish Habitat Conservation Cubes, which were deployed in pairs in locations in Indian and Holmes creeks. The GPS locations were recorded on the TWRA habitat barge’s Humminbird Helix 10 and will be available in the coming weeks on the TWRA website. Each cube was weighted down using cinder block anchors supplied by the Dayton Lowes Home Improvement Store No. 2866.
Photos from the Minn Kota Habitat Restoration Project on Center Hill Reservoir
Throughout 2024, Minn Kota and the Major League Fishing Fisheries Management Division will continue to improve habitat on fisheries using the Bass Recovery Zone model near popular tournament destinations.
The next Minn Kota Habitat Restoration Project supported by Humminbird will take place in Eufaula Oklahoma, in conjunction with the MLF Bass Pro Tour MillerTech Stage Four.
For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the MLF Fisheries Management Division, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com/
About MLF Fisheries Management Division
Major League Fishing’s Fisheries Management Division is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through Research, Education, Fisheries Enhancement and Fish Care. Under the leadership of MLF, in collaboration with Hall of Fame bass angler Gary Klein and renowned fisheries biologist Steven Bardin, the Fisheries Management Division provides opportunities to engage in initiatives that extend the life of the sport of bass fishing. These initiatives include targeted research programs, providing fans, anglers and youth with access to educational materials that help them become better stewards of our fisheries resources, and collaborating with local and state agencies to improve habitat essential for bass to thrive. From maximizing the health of an individual fish post-catch to stocking juvenile fish into waterbodies, the MLF Fisheries Management Division is committed to the health of our bass populations.
Eight Reasons You Should Join Us in Panama in January 2025
By Pete Robbins - Half Past First Cast
When we first visited Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge in April 2021 – thanks to the insistence of our friend Elliott Stark and after some discussions with Captain Shane Jarvis – we assumed it was going to be a “one and done” adventure. By the time we left, we knew we were coming back later that year. It was that life-changing.
We’ve now been a total of three times, and we’re heading back for Round Four in May. That trip is full, so we added another one just under eight months later, in early January of 2025. The goal is to never have a repeat of 2023, when we didn’t go at all. Hell, if I could just figure out a way to spend a couple of months down there each year I’d do just about whatever I could to make it happen.
You may never have considered this type of trip, but if you like to fish (for anything), if you like adventure, and you like beautiful places, I’m encouraging you to consider it. It’s that good. Here are some of my top reasons:
- Remoteness and Accessibility Combined – It’s easy to get to Panama City, with many direct flights from all over the US, and then to the town of David, but once you’re on Isla Parida (where the lodge is located) it feels like Gilligan and the Skipper should be around every corner. You have all of the creature comforts you need, including A/C, a loaded bar, and internet, but it’s not like you’re at some corporate resort or big town, with tourists everywhere. It’s relaxing and intimate and a great way to get away from any other stresses you have in your life.
- Variety is the Spice of Life – The trip is not inexpensive, but I consider it a value proposition. Many of us have been on bargain charters, where you spend a fair amount to putter around and come back to the marina at the first possible opportunity. This is not that. Instead, the captains work their balls off to put you on fish and keep you on fish. More importantly, it’s not just a marlin trip or a tuna trip or an inshore trip. It’s all of those things in one.
- Fewer Conflicts – For most of you, January is a dog crap time of year. The heart of deer season is over, you don’t have any fishing tournaments, and the weather is miserable at home. The holidays are over, but rather than sinking into a funk, it pays to keep the merriment going and there’s no better way to do that than by getting out of dodge.
- Accessible to all Experience Levels – As we proved, you don’t need to be an experienced offshore angler to get a lot out of this trip. We caught numerous species every time, including some true giants, without knowing what the hell we were doing. Nevertheless, Capt. Shane hosts luminaries from the saltwater world all the time. They can go anywhere but that’s where they choose to spend their time and money because it offers so much in terms of opportunity for serious anglers.
- First Class Gear Across the Board – Remember that awful bargain charter I mentioned above. They had old rods from the 80s and reels spooled up with Original Blue Stren monofilament that’s older than that. Well, if you’re a gear snob, SFPIL is for you. Shane and his captains have all top-flight equipment, perfectly suited to each species and presentation, and they take meticulous care of it all.
- Make a Meat Run – The food is exceptional on the island, but even better – you can take sushi-grade yellowfin fillets home with you. Bring a cooler (or buy one there) and they have a commercial-grade vacuum sealer and freezer that’ll get you situated. We’re just about out of tuna, which is an important (but comparatively minor) reason we need to get back there asap.
- Our No-Assholes Rule – If you’re worried about fishing and traveling with people you don’t know, put that aside. We’ve met some of our best friends in the world – people from vastly different walks of life than our own – through these trips. We endeavor to keep everyone present, level, and recognizing that the best way for each person to have a good time is for everyone to have a good time.
- You Don’t Even Need a Partner – Many people would like to go on these trips, but don’t have a partner or friends to join them, which makes the price as a single angler prohibitive. We do the dirty work of putting the group together, you fish with new people each day, and you end up paying what you’d pay if you went with your three best friends. So many of the unexpected partners have turned into long-term fishing buddies, it makes s extremely happy.
If this listicle alone doesn’t convince you, I’m happy to put you in touch with any of the people who’ve traveled to SPFIL with us in the past. I don’t know anyone who thinks the trip was anything less than exceptional. Just shoot me an email and I’ll send you a list. Ask them and I think you’ll be convinced.
I know that January seems like a long time away, but this gives you time to plan, time to save (if necessary), time to hit the gym (to winch in giant fish), and time to build up some anticipation for what I promise will be amazing.
[NOTE: We’ve already filled 12 spots, but there’s a fourth boat available, so we have room for up to four more anglers, in singles, pairs or one quartet. Don’t hesitate to join us!]
Midday kicker seals Garrett’s wire-to-wire win in Bassmaster Elite at Harris Chain
April 15, 2024
Midday kicker seals Garrett’s wire-to-wire win in Bassmaster Elite at Harris Chain
LEESBURG, Fla. — Sometimes, you close the door.
Other times, you slam it shut.
John Garrett did the latter and tallied a four-day total of 84 pounds, 5 ounces to claim his first Bassmaster win with a wire-to-wire victory at the Lowrance Bassmaster Elite at Harris Chain of Lakes.
The rookie from Union City, Tenn., endured a final-round emotional roller coaster that started with unexpected bonuses, followed by a desert of disappointment. Thankfully, the ride ended with a fist-pumping, “Let’s go!” kinda moment that sent a blue trophy to Garrett’s mantle and a $103,000 top prize to his bank account.
“I used to watch the Bassmaster Elites on the weekends with my grandad (former St. Croix Bassmaster Opens co-angler Johnnie Garrett),” said a clearly emotional Garrett. “It was a hard choice whether to watch the Elite weigh-in or go fishing all weekend.
“I never thought that I would be on this stage, let alone win one of these trophies. The Lord had His hand above me all this week.”
After taking the lead with a Day 1 limit of 24-2 — the event’s heaviest bag — Garrett added limits of 19-13, 19-3 and 21-3. Garrett edged rookie JT Thompkins of Myrtle Beach, S.C., by 10-9. This is only the 14th time in Elite Series history a competitor has recorded a double-digit winning margin.
The only angler to break 20 pounds twice, Garrett is the second rookie to win an Elite event this season. Fellow rookie, sixth-place finisher Trey McKinney of Carbondale, Ill., won the year’s second event at Lake Fork.
Lamenting a lean practice that left him with minimal options, Garrett devoted the majority of his tournament to a 75-yard stretch of shellbar on Lake Carlton’s northwest side. With quality bass rubbing fins with tilapia and catfish, he methodically worked up and down the hard-bottom zone in hopes of triggering bites.
Garrett caught his bass on a Strike King 5XD, a deep-diving crankbait, a Strike King 1.5 squarebill, a white hair jig and a Carolina-rigged Strike King Ocho.
Earlier in the week, Garrett said he settled into this pattern largely because he had nothing else going. Having grown up on the Tennessee River, Garrett is very familiar with fishing bars, so committing to a familiar pattern helped keep his head in the game.
“During the off day (Thursday’s scheduled start was postponed by extreme weather), something told me to take a chance on this tournament,” Garrett said. “I was about to go to Lake Griffin and play it safe. But I heard this little voice in my head that said, ‘Go for those big ones.’
“Since I made that decision, the Lord was with me all week. Whether it was a bait change or location change, I could not do anything wrong.”
Each day, Garrett started on what he called a “limit spot,” where he would put five keepers in livewell to settle his nerves before proceeding to his big-fish spot. The first three days, he ended up culling all of those small bass, but Day 4 delivered 3 1/4- and 4-pound surprises that put him ahead of schedule when he transitioned to his big-fish spot.
Unbeknownst to Garrett, Thompkins was craftily mounting the heartbreak campaign, by picking off solid fish with a Clutch Boss glidebait. Notably, Garrett finished second to Thompkins in the 2023 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Elite Qualifiers standings.
Fortunately for Garrett, his school of big fish saved the best for last. Leading Thompkins by about 1 1/2 pounds (according to BassTrakk’s unofficial standings), Garrett overcame a temporary impediment and connected with his biggest catch of the tournament — a 7-4 that effectively put the event out of reach.
“I’d been waiting all week for that fish,” Garrett said. “My shellbar had gotten overrun by gar, but I scanned around for about 30 minutes and relocated the school. When I caught that big fish, I didn’t necessarily think I had won, but I knew I had a good chance.”
Garrett would make one more cull about 20 minutes later. Confident he had done all he could likely do, he headed in early to ensure no complications could doom his efforts.
Thompkins kept himself in the hunt all week. Starting with a Day 1 limit of 19-11, he tied Mississippi pro Brock Mosley for eighth place. Adding 17-1 in the second round moved him up to fourth.
With a third-round limit of 19-13, Thompkins improved his position to second before a Championship Monday bag of 17-3 settled him in the No. 2 spot with a tournament total of 73-12.
“I gave it everything I had and that’s all I can ask for,” Thompkins said. “I just tried to get my bait in front of as many fish as I could. I’m pleased with what I have.”
Thompkins split his time between lake Dora and Beauclair. He said he found the most promising conditions in those two lakes.
KJ Queen of Catawba, N.C., placed third with 72 pounds. His daily weights were 19-0, 15-7, 18-15 and 18-10.
Queen spent his tournament in a small canal off Lake Harris where he targeted a mix of cypress trees and lily pads. He amassed his weight by catching postspawn “floaters” — recuperating fish holding high in the water column — and late spawners.
Queen caught his fish on a wacky-rigged Zoom Zlinky and a Queen Tackle Tungsten Switchblade (bladed jig).
“I kept the same thing going every day and then I got into a little area that had a lot of big fish,” Queen said. “I was catching some off bed and some cruising down the bank. It’s a fun way to catch them.”
Garrett won the $1,000 Phoenix Boats Big Bass award for Day 4 with his 7-4. He also won the $2,000 Rapala CrushCity Monster Bag Award.
Jacob Powroznik of North Prince George, Va., won the $2,000 Phoenix Boats Big Bass award for his 10-8.
Chris Zaldain of Fort Worth, Texas, won the $1,000 BassTrakk contingency award.
Trey McKinney of Carbondale, Ill., won the $1,000 award for leading the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year race with 293 points. Tyler Williams of Belgrade, Maine, is in second with 285, followed Jordan Lee of Cullman, Ala., with 283, reigning Bassmaster Classic Champion Justin Hamner of Northport, Ala., with 269, and Thompkins of Myrtle Beach, S.C., with 267.
McKinney and Williams also lead the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Rookie of the Year standings.
Illinois pro McKinney also took home an additional $4,000 for being the highest-placing entrant in the Toyota Bonus Bucks program, while Jason Christie of Dry Creek, Okla., earned $2,000 for being the second-highest placing entrant.
As part of the Yamaha Power Pay program, Garrett earned an additional $4,000 while Thompkins claimed an additional $1,500 for being the second-highest placing entrant.
This event was hosted by the Greater Orlando Sports Commission.
2024 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2024 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2024 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
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 500,000-member 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.
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2024 Lowrance Bassmaster Elite at Harris Chain 4/12-4/15
Harris Chain Of Lakes, Leesburg FL.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 4
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. John Garrett Union City, TN 20 84-05 103 $103,000.00
Day 1: 5 24-02 Day 2: 5 19-13 Day 3: 5 19-03 Day 4: 5 21-03
2. JT Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 20 73-12 102 $35,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-11 Day 2: 5 17-01 Day 3: 5 19-13 Day 4: 5 17-03
3. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 20 72-00 101 $30,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-00 Day 2: 5 15-07 Day 3: 5 18-15 Day 4: 5 18-10
4. Tyler Williams Belgrade, ME 20 66-03 100 $25,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-02 Day 2: 5 17-09 Day 3: 5 16-14 Day 4: 5 14-10
5. Jordan Lee Cullman, AL 20 66-00 99 $20,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-06 Day 2: 5 09-04 Day 3: 5 17-10 Day 4: 5 17-12
6. Trey McKinney Carbondale, IL 20 65-07 98 $20,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-14 Day 2: 5 17-02 Day 3: 5 15-02 Day 4: 5 15-05
7. Joseph Webster Hamilton, AL 20 61-07 97 $18,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-15 Day 2: 5 10-15 Day 3: 5 16-00 Day 4: 5 13-09
8. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 20 60-11 96 $17,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 5 20-09 Day 3: 5 12-05 Day 4: 5 10-10
9. Jason Christie Dry Creek, OK 20 60-10 95 $16,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 18-07 Day 3: 5 17-15 Day 4: 5 09-14
10. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 19 56-00 94 $15,500.00
Day 1: 5 22-00 Day 2: 5 16-13 Day 3: 5 11-04 Day 4: 4 05-15
------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 07-14 $500.00
1 Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 07-14 $500.00
2 Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 08-07 $1,000.00
3 Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA10-08 $1,000.00
4 John Garrett Union City, TN 07-04 $1,000.00
------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA10-08 $2,000.00
CRUSHCITY MONSTER BAG
John Garrett Union City, TN 24-02 $2,000.00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 95 499 1248-05
2 97 499 1168-05
3 47 247 609-04
4 9 49 144-11
------------------------------
248 1294 3170-09
South Carolina’s Tidwell Targets the Spawn to Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Hartwell
Wilson, of Easley, S.C., Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division
LAVONIA, Ga. (April 15, 2024) – Boater Brian Tidwell of Seneca, South Carolina, caught a five-bass limit weighing 20 pounds even Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Hartwell. Hosted by the City of Lavonia, the tournament was the third event of the season for the BFL Savannah River Division. Tidwell earned $3,684 for his victory.
For Tidwell, the winning strategy revolved around the spawn and … the spawn. That’s the bass spawn and the blueback herring spawn.
“I just tried to look for spawning bass and also points that had the herring spawning on them,” he said. “I started out on some herring spawn points, and it was kind of slow. I went to the bank and caught one of the spawners that I’d located from the day before (during pre-fish). And I kind of leap-frogged back and forth between the herring spawn points and spawning fish and culled up throughout the day.”
Tidwell said he caught eight or nine keepers. He might’ve caught more fish had one giant bass not eluded him for so long. Tidwell caught a 6-pounder – the day’s Berkley Big Bass – off a bed, and saw another fish that was even bigger hanging with it.
“I probably worked on it (the bigger fish) for four hours,” he said, but he never could get that fish to bite.
Tidwell’s keepers came on a watermelon red Zoom Brush Hog when he was sight-fishing and a three-wire Alabama rig when he was targeting bass feeding on blueback herring. A final key, he said, was to search for overlooked points where the herring were spawning, which helped him avoid some of the fishing pressure.
Also, he credited the support and encouragement he received from his co-angler, Orion Hunt, for helping him to stay focused and positive throughout the day.
“That’s what it takes to win one of these things is somebody who’s positive and encouraging,” Tidwell said. “It was a neat day.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Brian Tidwell, Seneca, S.C., five bass, 20-0, $3,684
2nd: Tucker Smith, Birmingham, Ala., five bass, 17-3, $1,644
3rd: Paul Marks Jr., Cumming, Ga., five bass, 16-1, $1,097
4th: Derek Lehtonen, Woodruff, S.C., five bass, 15-6, $1,267 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
5th: Buddy Benson, Dahlonega, Ga., five bass, 15-4, $658
6th: Chris Blair, Newnan, Ga., five bass, 15-3, $603
7th: Sammy Moody, Piedmont, S.C., five bass, 14-14, $548
8th: Kyle Brown, Easley, S.C., five bass, 14-12, $493
9th: Kyle Ricker, Greenville, S.C., five bass, 14-9, $438
10th: Justin Raines, Easley, S.C., five bass, 14-3, $684
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Tidwell caught a bass that weighed 6 pounds and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $395.
Chris Wilson of Easley, South Carolina, won the Strike King co-angler division and $1,841 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 15 pounds, 4 ounces.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Chris Wilson, Easley, S.C., five bass, 15-4, $1,841
2nd: Trey Paul, Anderson, S.C., five bass, 13-0, $822
3rd: Andy Burgess, Greenville, S.C., five bass, 12-9, $549
4th: Russell Woodson, Jonesville, S.C., five bass, 11-14, $384
5th: Lee Foster, Summerton, S.C., five bass, 11-10, $329
6th: Brock Martin, Cross Hill, S.C., five bass, 11-0, $301
7th: David Allen, Mableton, Ga., five bass, 10-11, $274
8th: Mark Johnson, Appling, Ga., five bass, 10-9, $247
9th: Harold Addison II, Columbia, S.C., five bass, 10-6, $469
10th: Mark Black, La France, S.C., five bass, 10-3, $192
Wilson also earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $197, catching a bass that weighed in at 4 pounds, 4 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
After three events, Joe Anders of Easley, South Carolina, leads the Fishing Clash Savannah River Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 713 points, while Chris Wilson of Easley, South Carolina, leads the Fishing Clash Savannah River Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 719 points.
The next event for BFL Savannah River Division anglers will be held June 15, at Clarks Hill in Appling, Georgia. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 3-5 BFL Regional tournament on Pickwick Lake in Counce, Tennessee. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.
The 2024 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 Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League 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 Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network 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 17 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.
Townsville’s Purcell Throws Spinnerbait to Post First Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Kerr Lake
Timberlake’s Hinger Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division
HENDERSON, N.C. (April 15, 2024) – Boater Tyler Purcell of Townsville, North Carolina, caught a five-bass limit weighing 16 pounds, 11 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Kerr Lake . Hosted by the Vance County Tourism Development Authority, the tournament was the second event of the season for the BFL North Carolina Division. Purcell earned $3,545 for his victory.
Purcell made the weather work to his advantage for the win at Kerr.
“I think most of them are prespawn,” he said. “It (the winning pattern) was pretty much running windy points, throwing a spinnerbait.
“(The key was) just being in the wind as much as you can take it. The more wind the better.”
While Kerr has spotted bass and largemouth, Purcell weighed all largemouths for his victory. He said he enjoyed a consistent bite and culled several times throughout the day. Two key midday fish really sealed his victory.
“At around 12 o’clock, I was heading up the lake,” Purcell recalled. “The waves were so bad at the dam I ended up turning around. I had a decent limit. I hit a point and caught a 3 1/2-pounder on a Jackall DoooN spinnerbait. After that, I sat down and tied on a big swimbait, and I told my co-angler if I get a bite, it’s gonna be a good one. And, literally, first cast, I had a 4-plus-pounder bite.
“I want to thank my dad and the Good Lord for a blessed day.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Tyler Purcell, Townsville, N.C., five bass, 16-11, $3,545
2nd: Michael Wilson, Burnsville, N.C., five bass, 16-7, $2,273 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
3rd: David G. Williams, Newton, N.C., 16-0, $1,181
4th: Shawn Hammack, Gasburg, Va., five bass, 15-9, $1,272
5th: Bradford Beavers, Summerville, S.C., five bass, 15-7, $709
6th: Scott Hamrick, Denver, N.C., five bass, 15-2, $650
7th: Tyler Trent, Nathalie, Va., five bass, 14-8, $591
8th: Bryson Peed, Clarksville, Va., five bass, 13-14, $532
9th: David Wright, Lexington, N.C., five bass, 13-12, $473
10th: Lucas Murphy, West Columbia, S.C., five bass, 13-8, $414
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Shawn Hammack of Gasburg, Virginia, caught a bass that weighed 6 pounds, 6 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $445.
Jason Hinger of Timberlake, North Carolina, won the Strike King co-angler division and $2,323 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 13 pounds, 7 ounces.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Jason Hinger, Timberlake, N.C., five bass, 13-7, $2,323
2nd: Alex Moss, Lambsburg, Va., five bass, 12-4, $886
3rd: Tony Toombs, Drakes Branch, Va., five bass, 12-2, $591
4th: Russell Nicewander, Bluefield, W.Va., five bass, 12-1, $414
5th: Dale Surrett, Midland, N.C., four bass, 11-6, $355
6th: Christopher Davis, Roanoke Rapids, N.C., four bass, 11-1, $547
7th: Travis Ruff, Connelly Springs, N.C., five bass, 10-7, $295
8th: Hunter Alexander, China Grove, N.C., five bass, 10-3, $266
9th: Chad Cleckner, Spring Lake, N.C., five bass, 10-1, $236
10th: Lemar Shore, Raleigh, N.C., four bass, 9-11, $207
Christopher Davis of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $222, catching a bass that weighed in at 5 pounds, 3 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
After two events, David Williams of Newton, North Carolina, leads the Fishing Clash North Carolina Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 485 points, while Hunter Alexander of China Grove, North Carolina, leads the Fishing Clash North Carolina Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 490 points.
The next event for BFL North Carolina Division anglers will be held May 4, at Kerr Lake in Henderson, North Carolina. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 10-12 BFL Regional tournament on Santee Cooper Lakes in Clarendon County, South Carolina. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.
The 2024 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 Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League 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 Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network 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 17 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.
West Virginia’s Davidson Posts Fourth Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Cumberland
Crouch, of Jamestown, Tenn., Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division
MONTICELLO, Ky. (April 15, 2024) – Boater Ryan Davidson of Branchland, West Virginia, caught a five-bass limit weighing 17 pounds, 13 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Cumberland . The tournament was the third event of the season for the BFL Mountain Division. Davidson earned $11,066, including the lucrative $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus, for his victory.
Spawning smallmouths, keen eyesight and perspective mode on Garmin LiveScope were the keys to Davidson’s victory at Cumberland.
It started in practice, when Davidson hunted for rock transitions where he suspected smallmouths would be spawning.
“It’s all rock, but it’s not all the same rock,” he said of Cumberland’s shoreline. “There are transitions where we go from chunk rock to pea gravel or bluff rock to chunk rock. Or any of those transition places; something that’s different. You kind of target those areas and maybe 50 yards to either side of one of those transitions. That’s your high-percentage stuff.”
Once in the right areas, Davidson said the bass were typically too deep to sight-fish. So during practice, he blind-casted, trying to get fish to show themselves on his bait. Once he saw the fish chase or roll, he made a very detailed waypoint, so he’d know exactly where to look for the fish in the tournament.
On tournament Saturday, Davidson spent the first 90 minutes trying to catch a smallmouth with no luck.
“So I ran shallow and caught three 3-plus-pound largemouth,” he said. “After that, the sun got up and we had some wind, and it kind of brought everything back to life. It just kind of felt dead this morning.”
Only one of those largemouth bass (a 4-plus) made the trip to weigh-in. Davidson was able to cull out the rest with smallmouths using his LiveScope in perspective mode to scan the water on his waypoints, looking for movement from the bass he’d previously located on beds.
Davidson was careful to fish thoroughly on each spot, since there were typically clusters of spawning fish. But he was also playing a “numbers game” and making sure to cover water.
While Davidson was guarded about what he used to catch his fish, he did reveal that a Ned rig was in play. More importantly, the key to his win was rolling with the punches for what the day gave him.
“The smallmouth didn’t go in the morning, so I went largemouth fishing just to basically get some fish and get my day rolling and get a little momentum,” he said. “It’s also easier to fish if you’ve got something in the box.
“Things just went to course.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Ryan Davidson, Branchland, W.Va., five bass, 17-13, $11,066 (includes $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
2nd: Danny Abrams, Greens Fork, Ind., five bass, 17-2, $2,383
3rd: Ron Smith, Walton, Ky., five bass, 16-1, $1,256
4th: Lee Stephens, Columbia, Ky., five bass, 15-6, $879
5th: Bailey Gay, Union, Ky., five bass, 15-2, $753
6th: Joe Rucker, Nicholasville, Ky., five bass, 14-14, $690
7th: Isaac Peavyhouse, Jamestown, Tenn., five bass, 14-9, $753
8th: Tim Akers, Richmond, Ky., five bass, 14-6, $533
8th: Jordan Garrett, Jamestown, Tenn., five bass, 14-6, $533
10th: Talmadge Marcum, McKee, Ky., five bass, 14-4, $439
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Danny Abrams of Greens Fork, Indiana, caught a bass that weighed 5 pounds, 3 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $500.
James Crouch of Jamestown, Tennessee, won the Strike King co-angler division and $2,259 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 13 pounds even.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Wayne Crouch, Jamestown, Tenn., five bass, 13-0, $2,259
2nd: Jonathan Gregory, Somerset, Ky., five bass, 12-12, $1,171
3rd: Johnny Poston, Hilham, Tenn., five bass, 11-13, $619
4th: Jerry Wittmer, Shepherdsville, Ky., four bass, 9-0, $434
5th: Timothy Ernst, Winchester, Ky., five bass, 8-4, $372
6th: Levi Allgeier, Bardstown, Ky., five bass, 8-1, $325
6th: Eugene Lowe, Huntsville, Tenn., four bass, 8-1, $325
8th: David Carey, Harrodsburg, Ky., four bass, 8-0, $413
8th: Luke Shrader, Monticello, Ky., three bass, 8-0, $413
10th: Nathan Nester, Cookeville, Tenn., three bass, 7-11, $217
Jonathan Gregory of Somerset, Kentucky, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $242, catching a bass that weighed in at 4 pounds, 3 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
After three events, Bailey Gay of Union, Kentucky, leads the Fishing Clash Mountain Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 725 points, while Luke Shrader of Monticello, Kentucky, leads the Fishing Clash Mountain Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 719 points.
The next event for BFL Mountain Division anglers will be held June 22, at Barren River Lake in Scottsville, Kentucky. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 3-5 BFL Regional tournament on Pickwick Lake in Counce, Tennessee. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.
The 2024 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 Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League 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 Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network 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 17 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.
Muncie’s Gregory Norris Earns First Career Victory at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Patoka
Bremen’s Malcom Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division
BIRDSEYE, Ind. (April 15, 2024) – Boater Gregory Norris of Muncie, Indiana, caught a five-bass limit weighing 19 pounds, 5 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Patoka . The tournament was the first event of the season for the BFL Hoosier Division. Norris earned $6,582, including the lucrative $2,500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus, for his victory.
A lab manager for a wastewater treatment plant, Norris wasn’t sure he’d even fish the tournament due to some mechanical issues. However, everything just seemed to line up.
Norris had his boat at Brownie’s Marine, who put in some extra time to get him up and running. His brother, Jonny Norris, also fished the tournament and finished 15th, and he helped convince Greg to take a shot. Before the tournament, Jonny offered to cover the entry fees for any co-angler who’d link up with him to ensure his spot. Jonny’s linked co-angler was Cory Malcom, who wound up being Greg’s co-angler partner, and coincidentally, Malcom went on to win the Strike King co-angler division in Greg’s boat.
On top of that, Greg and Jonny had some extra “help” in this one.
“We lost my dad a couple months ago and weren’t thinking we were going to fish this year,” Greg said. “We decided to ‘just fish one.’ I think my dad pulled some strings for us.”
Whatever got them to the tournament, for the Norris brothers, it was all about execution – good or bad – come tournament day. Jonny lost a couple key fish that cost him his shot at the win. For Greg, things just went right.
“I didn’t get to practice or anything, so I actually started next to my brother, who practiced a little bit,” Greg said. “I watched him catch a couple 5-pounders in the morning, and my co-angler caught one close to 5 behind me. We got out of there and just started covering bank. After a few hours, I caught one on a spinnerbait and one on a crankbait, and it started blowing so we started chasing wind.”
That’s when they slid out deeper to target windy banks in 12 to 20 feet of water with a swimbait.
“The last 30 minutes he (Malcom) caught one more and I caught my fifth fish, and then I had a decent cull,” Greg said. “We tried to fish something similar and saw a little patch of grass, and we caught three fish off it to finish the day.”
Greg’s limit included a big 5-pound smallmouth. The remaining four in his limit were all largemouth.
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Gregory Norris, Muncie, Ind., five bass, 19-5, $6,582 (includes $2,500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
2nd: James Whitaker, Cincinnati, Ohio, five bass, 17-9, $2,041
3rd: Bryce Kalen, Greenwood, Ind., five bass, 17-0, $1,487
4th: Jason Roberts, Bargersville, Ind., four bass, 16-12, $952
5th: Blake Cross, Coatesville, Ind., five bass, 16-5, $816
6th: Caleb Carnes, Guston, Ky., five bass, 16-2, $748
7th: John Melton, Corydon, Ind., five bass, 15-14, $680
8th: Jerry Koller, Paragon, Ind., four bass, 15-12, $1,172
9th: Brian Funkhouser, Bloomington, Ind., five bass, 14-1, $544
10th: Dave Tinsman, Losantville, Ind., four bass, 12-14, $476
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Jerry Koller of Paragon, Indiana, caught a bass that weighed 6 pounds, 2 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $560.
Cory Malcom of Bremen, Indiana, won the Strike King co-angler division and $2,041 Saturday, after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 12 pounds, 13 ounces.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Cory Malcom, Bremen, Ind., three bass, 12-13, $2,041
2nd: Christopher Lemon, Martinsville, Ind., four bass, 12-10, $1,021
3rd: Paul Eckert, Jasper, Ind., three bass, 11-2, $683
4th: Ryan Zwick, Oxford, Ohio, three bass, 10-5, $626
5th: John Chaney, Evansville, Ind., three bass, 9-15, $408
6th: Ryan Cannon, Indianapolis, Ind., three bass, 9-6, $374
7th: Kyler Mason, Bedford, Ind., three bass, 8-15, $340
8th: Greg Roberts, Columbus, Ind., two bass, 8-11, $306
9th: Adam Lohr, Boonville, Ind., three bass, 8-5, $272
10th: Andy Vance, Danville, Ind., two bass, 8-1, $338
Dylan Everett of Columbus, Indiana, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $280, catching a bass that weighed in at 5 pounds, 9 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
The next event for BFL Hoosier Division anglers will be held May 11, at Ohio River-Rocky Point in Cannelton, Indiana. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 10-12 BFL Regional tournament on the Mississippi River Pools 13-17 in Quad Cities, Illinois. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.
The 2024 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 Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League 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 Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network 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 17 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.
Section’s Atkins Posts Second Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Guntersville
Boaz’s Ramsey Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division
SCOTTSBORO, Ala. (April 15, 2024) – Boater Jason Atkins of Section, Alabama, caught a five-bass limit weighing 22 pounds, 13 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Guntersville . Hosted by the Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce, the tournament was the third event of the season for the BFL Choo Choo Division. Atkins earned $11,601, including the lucrative $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus, for his victory.
A part-time Guntersville guide and a steel mill worker, Atkins knows the lake well. His experience paid off with him making the right moves to counter a somewhat tough bite.
“It was very slow,” he said. “They didn’t move any water. So it was a very tough bite. You could tell by the weights. This morning (Saturday) we started just fishing real slow, and it just turned out it worked out for us.”
Atkins said the bass are transitioning to spawn, and he located some quality fish on beds prior to the tournament. However, he wasn’t able to get there to sight-fish for them before other anglers. Instead, he caught his fish on four prespawn and spawning flats using a shad-colored swim jig fished on a steady retrieve. The deepest bass came out of about 6 feet. The rest were shallower.
“It was a very slow bite,” he added. “I just had to slow way down.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Jason Atkins, Section, Ala., five bass, 22-13, $11,601 (includes $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
2nd: Dillon Falardeau, Hixson, Tenn., five bass, 18-9, $2,023
3rd: Mel Kennedy, Hiawassee, Ga., five bass, 18-2, $1,348
4th: Steve Lopez, Oconomowoc, Wis., five bass, 17-9, $944
5th: Danny Hall, Ellijay, Ga., five bass, 17-8, $809
6th: Fisher Anaya, Eva, Ala., five bass, 17-6, $742
7th: Jeff Knight, Cleveland, Tenn., five bass, 16-14, $674
8th: Tanner Hadden, Appling, Ga., five bass, 16-6, $573
8th: Ben Yarbrough, Athens, Ala., five bass, 16-6, $573
10th: Tim Thornbury, Red Bank, Tenn., five bass, 15-12, $472
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Atkins caught a bass that weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $555.
James Ramsey of Boaz, Alabama, won the Strike King co-angler division and $2,023 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 17 pounds, 6 ounces.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: James Ramsey, Boaz, Ala., five bass, 17-6, $2,023
2nd: Rodney Stewart, Decatur, Ala., five bass, 15-14, $1,011
3rd: Todd McBride, Huntsville, Ala., five bass, 14-10, $674
4th: Joshua Green, Cartersville, Ga., three bass, 14-4, $472
5th: Alex Roberts, Franklin, Tenn., four bass, 13-14, $405
6th: Logan Jones, Knoxville, Tenn., five bass, 13-7, $471
7th: Scott Sexton, Corryton, Tenn., five bass, 12-11, $337
8th: Shunsuke Miyashima, Chattanooga, Tenn., five bass, 12-10, $303
9th: Richard Bailey, Florence, Ala., four bass, 12-5, $270
10th: Cason Sanchez, Fayetteville, Tenn., five bass, 12-1, $236
Michael Matlock of Olivehill, Tennessee, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $277, catching a bass that weighed in at 5 pounds, 7 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
After three events, Fisher Anaya of Eva, Alabama, leads the Fishing Clash Choo Choo Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 742 points, while Todd Mowery of Madison, Alabama, leads the Fishing Clash Choo Choo Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 715 points.
The next event for BFL Choo Choo Division anglers will be held July 13, at Neely Henry Lake in Gadsden, Alabama. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 17-19 BFL Regional tournament on Clarks Hill Lake in Appling, Georgia. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.
The 2024 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 Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League 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 Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network 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 17 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.
Isaacs targets docks to win Bassmaster Kayak Series event at Possum Kingdom
April 15, 2024
Isaacs targets docks to win Bassmaster Kayak Series event at Possum Kingdom
GRAFORD, Texas — Jason Isaacs hates fishing docks. But during the Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series at Possum Kingdom powered by TourneyX, Isaacs decided to target his least favorite piece of structure and it paid off in a big way.
With a five-bass limit measuring 101.25 inches, the angler from Columbus, Ohio, claimed the victory on Possum Kingdom, earning the first-place prize of $10,000 in the weather-shortened event. Missouri’s Brandon Prince finished second with 96.75 inches and Mississippi’s Clint Pippen was third with 95.25.
“Once I caught that last 21-incher, I thought I had a shot here,” he said. “Then I was worried sick because half the field may not have had service and put their fish in yet. Some people sandbag and wait until the standings are turned off.”
Isaacs had never been to Possum Kingdom prior to this week, and after having “the worst practice of my life,” he did not anticipate catching a single bass on Day 1.
Heavy winds and the threat of severe weather forced a Saturday cancellation, which allowed him to make an adjustment to his game plan and follow a lead from his father Tim.
“I decided I was going to put in and fish where my dad was fishing, so I was fishing around him. There were probably 55 docks in the area I fished and I pounded those docks,” Isaacs said. “He only caught two bass in this area in practice, but that’s what we went with during the tournament.”
Isaacs pitched a 5-inch Z-Man FattyZ on a 1/8-ounce shaky head to the walkways of floating docks, catching mostly postspawn largemouth. The majority of the bass he caught were in about 6 feet of stained water.
“I fished a number of ways between the docks,” Isaacs said. “If there was 3 or 4 feet of water I would throw a spinnerbait, just trying to pick a fish up in between and there was nothing. I threw the shaky head on some big rocks, and there was nothing. They were all on the walkways of the docks.”
One particular dock yielded three of his bigger bass.
“I casted to the same spot three times because I knew there were fish there,” he explained. “The third cast I caught a 19, and then the fifth cast I caught a 21.75 and the sixth cast I caught a 21. All on the same dock post. It was insane.”
His biggest bass of the day was a 23.25 behemoth largemouth, which weighed in at over 9 pounds on his personal scale.
“I thought it was a catfish,” Isaacs said. “I set the hook and it just started digging. It just kept digging and digging and swam all the way around the boat. I was playing with it thinking it was a catfish and then it came up beside me and I was like, ‘Oh my god.’”
Prince, meanwhile, caught a mix of pre- and postspawn largemouth that were staging in standing timber leading into a spawning area. With the base of the timber in 15 to 20 feet of water, Prince used his forward-facing sonar to locate bass suspended in 10 to 12 feet of water under the branches.
“My last day of practice I switched ends of the lake and found some cruisers around standing timber. I pulled out a little with my LiveScope and found some bigger bass in the trees,” he said. “So today, I found those bass still sitting on the trees and threw everything I could at them.”
In practice, he used a glidebait to coax the bass out to see the size. When the tournament began, he could only get the bass to eat a weightless wacky rig.
“I caught all three of my 20-inchers in a 20-minute stretch,” he said. “It was pretty wild.”
All of his bass came in the first couple hours of the day, and with about four hours to go, Prince stumbled onto a spawning female he estimated to be close to 9-pounds. He spent the rest of the day trying to catch that bass, but came up just short.
“She was a giant,” Prince said. “She kept making smaller and smaller circles and I knew she would eventually lock on. With 30 minutes left, she started nosing down on my bait. Then with 5 minutes left, she picked it up and took off with it. I set the hook and she took the bait. She never had the hook in her mouth.
“I knew it was probably going to take that fish to win it.”
Pippen fished around shallow grass and brush around dirty water in one of the more popular areas of Possum Kingdom to claim his third-place finish.
“I found the fish I fished for today on Monday. The rest of practice I never found anything else. I came back today and they were still there,” Pippen said. “My first fish came 10 minutes into the day and I don’t think I caught anything after 10 a.m. I caught them quickly and then it slowed down.”
His top bait was a Snag Proof Zoo Pop, a newer frog-style popping bait. Pippen caught mostly postspawners, but his biggest bite of the day (a 22.75) was a largemouth he believed was likely still on bed.
“A lot of the schools of fry were in that grass and I think that's what was holding a lot of those bass in there,” he said.
New Mexico’s Matt Ramey caught a 24.25-inch largemouth, claiming Big Bass of the Tournament honors and a $500 prize.
The final results from the Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series at Possum Kingdom powered by TourneyX can be found here.
The Possum Kingdom Chamber of Commerce hosted the tournament.
2024 Bassmaster Kayak Series Title Sponsor: Yamaha Rightwaters2024 Bassmaster Kayak Series Partner: MotorGuide, YakGear2024 Bassmaster Kayak Series Angler of the Year Sponsor: Dakota Lithium
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Fothergill & Dumke from 2nd Ranked Montevallo Win the Hartwell Slam
Anderson, SC (April 14, 2024) – Tournament competition is complete for the first Association of Collegiate Anglers event on the 2024 Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series. A full field of close to 500 anglers competed on Lake Hartwell in Anderson, SC, in hopes of catching a limit of bass that could help propel them into the Top 20 to earn a prize payout, or even win the no-entry-fee event that paid out over $20,000 in prizes and contingencies.
Easton Fothergill & Nicholas Dumke from 2nd ranked University of Montevallo win the Hartwell Slam with a total weight of 34.48 pounds. Following Day 1 of tournament competition, the duo was in 4th place out of the 220 boat field. On the final day, Dumke & Fothergill weighed 15.92 pounds to take home top honors. The victory pays out over $3,500 in prizes and contingencies, as well as 1,750 points to count towards the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia.
View the final tournament standings.
Finishing the event in 2nd are Ryan Lachniet & Tavin Hodgens from 3rd ranked Campbellsville University. Sitting in 20th after Day 1, Lachniet & Hodgens weighed in 16.51 pounds on the final day to jump 18 places. Entering this event ranked 3rd, Campbellsville finishes the Hartwell Slam with two teams in the Top 12. Those could prove to be valuable points as the team from Kentucky looks to have its highest-ever end of year ranking during the 2023-24 campaign.
Rounding out the Top 3 are Nick Owens & Quade Lobo from 14th ranked Adrian College. The anglers from Michigan were in 5th after Day 1. With a two-day total of 32.40 pounds, the Adrian College anglers finished in 3rd overall. Adrian College’s two highest-finishing teams placed 3rd and 9th. Sitting in 14th in college fishing’s only all-encompassing National Rankings system, these two Top 10 finishes could help Adrian College to make a major jump up in the standings.
The full field of anglers again found great success out on Lake Hartwell. Weather conditions mirrored those which anglers faced on Day 1, allowing them to lock in a pattern and target a lot of bites. The sheer amount of fish caught and weighed in by the field speaks to the quality of the fishery which Lake Hartwell is. All total, for the weekend, anglers weighed in almost 2,000 bass.
Stay tuned to the ACA website, and social media pages, for in-depth breakdowns, feature articles, and video footage of the Hartwell Slam. The ACA will update the points standings for the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia this upcoming week, to include complete analysis of the newest rankings.
The ACA would again like to thank the team at Visit Anderson for their assistance with the event this weekend, and helping to provide a phenomenal facility for the anglers to utilize.
Visit the ACA website for complete story.
Jacob Wheeler Clinches Eighth MLF Bass Pro Tour Win at PowerStop Brakes Stage Three at Dale Hollow Lake Presented by Mercury
Tennessee pro catches 39 bass totaling 116-6 on final day to earn top award of $100,000
BYRDSTOWN, Tenn. (April 14, 2024) – Before making a cast in the Championship Round at the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour PowerStop Brakes Stage Three Presented by Mercury, Jacob Wheeler of Harrison, Tennessee , knew he was about to send Dale Hollow Lake’s bass into a feeding frenzy. He even warned MLFNOW! viewers not to expect much commentary from him, as he planned to be too busy boating bass.
It took less than two minutes for Wheeler to make good on his promise with a 3-pound, 7-ounce largemouth. That sparked a bass barrage for the ages.
Wheeler followed that fish with another 3-pounder, then a 2-3 and a 2-8 — all in the first 10 minutes. In the opening hour, he stacked 14 scorable bass for 43 pounds, 3 ounces on SCORETRACKER®. By the end of the first period, he’d amassed 70-6, all but burying the other nine anglers on the water.
Wheeler would cruise to a 116-6 total on 39 scorable bass – more than 30 pounds clear of Michael Neal of Dayton, Tennessee, in second place. This marks the second victory of the season for Wheeler, who also took home the title at Stage Two on Santee Cooper . It also adds to his Bass Pro Tour-best win total, hoisting his eighth trophy since the inception of the league in 2019 and doing so on one of his favorite lakes in the country.
“This is like my lake; this is my home away from home,” the Harrison, Tennessee, native said of Dale Hollow. “My wife literally jokes that we should have moved to Dale Hollow, you like it so much, like giving me crap about it. And I just love it, man. ... First big, national tournament on the lake, to get that win, it means a lot.”
Wheeler sowed the seeds for his Sunday morning blitzkrieg days earlier. As noted above, he spends quite a bit of time fun-fishing on Dale Hollow, so he knew to check the area during practice — which he described as a flat, main-lake drain protected by an island cluster. The islands act like a funnel, concentrating baitfish, and the flatter topography serves as fruitful spawning territory, making it a bass magnet.
“Basically, you had a cut-through between an island, and there’s current flow that comes out of the Wolf (River) that goes through there,” Wheeler said. “So, water comes through there; there’s current flow that funnels through there. It’s a great prespawn, postspawn place for these fish to set up.
“It’s a shallow, flat drain. There’s not a lot of flat drains on Dale Hollow, and that place is like one of five main flat drains. And what I mean by that is they’re literally creek channels, but they’re flatter. There’s more room for the fish to spread out. There’s a lot of spawning habitat right there around that area."
Wheeler caught a handful of fish from the area during the two-day Qualifying Round. At that point, he saw a few small groups of bass roaming offshore. But, showcasing the strategic acumen that separates him from his touring peers, he spent as much time as possible during his first two days on the water in practice mode, scouting new areas and keeping tabs on where the fish were moving. When he saw baitfish, and thus bass, concentrating in windblown, offshore areas, he knew he needed to return to the spot.
“The wind blew on (Friday), and it tightened up, and there was literally groups of 100 bass schooled up,” Wheeler said. “It was absolutely insane. The wind congregated the bait in there, and they went crazy.”
Wheeler planned to start there during the Knockout Round. However, when he arrived Saturday morning, he found Drew Gill already in the area. Undeterred, Wheeler turned to Plan B, heading to a school of largemouth he figured could produce enough weight for him to make the Top 10, but likely not enough to win the Championship Round shootout. He caught more than 50 pounds out of that school in the opening period, keeping pace with Gill’s torrid start, then eventually nipped Gill by 3 pounds for the Knockout Round win.
With first pick of starting spots, Wheeler made a beeline for the pocket where he’d found Gill the day prior. Gill, by far his closest competition during the Knockout Round, fished within sight.
In the bass fishing version of a drag race, Wheeler proved that he could outduel the hottest young angler on tour at his own game, using forward-facing sonar and a yet-to-be-released Rapala CrushCity Mooch Minnow to catch bass at will. The highlight of his heater was a 5-pound largemouth that earned him an extra $1,000 as the day’s Berkley Big Bass. Gill stacked up 35-15 during the opening period — nothing to sneeze at but only about half of Wheeler’s weight.
Airtight efficiency, another Wheeler hallmark, was key to taking advantage of the calm, low-light morning conditions and amassing his gaudy weight early.
“I’m big on throwing heavier line for my leader,” he said. “I throw 10-pound fluorocarbon leader so I can really reel those fish in. If I’m throwing 8 or 6, I’m going to have to retie a lot. And so, I’m more about generating a lot of bites and doing it as fast as I possibly can and getting those fish to the boat. Also, I didn’t spend a lot of time on (MLFNOW!) explaining things early on because I knew how important that first period was. I just went straight to work, and I put my head down and I caught them as fast as I possibly could.”
As incredible as his opening flurry was, Wheeler truly separated himself from his nearest competition once the bite slowed. Neal started nearly as strong, racking up 56-7 in the opening stanza. At one point late in Period 1, he climbed within 6 pounds of Wheeler’s total.
But when the action ground to a halt for Neal (and just about everyone else), Wheeler steadily added to his total. He caught 10 scorable bass for 28-5 during the second period. While modest compared to his morning, that expanded his cushion beyond 30 pounds.
Wheeler pointed to his precise jighead selection as one reason he was able to generate bites even when the bass weren’t actively feeding. He kept an array of spinning rods on deck rigged with "a hodgepodge of heads” ranging from 1/8 to 5/8 ounce, opting for the lighter options to entice finnicky fish or heavier ones when he needed to get his bait in front of a group moving quickly.
“I slowly learned what was the right jighead weight for the right scenario,” he said. “Obviously, when they were moving really fast, I might throw a 1/2-ounce out there and get it to them. If there’s 50 of them there and I throw a 1/2-ounce, I get it to them; otherwise, if you throw a 1/4, you’re missing them. It’s all about efficiency. But then I might throw a 1/8 on a single fish that’s 10 feet down, because he’s not going to bite a 1/2 — it doesn’t have the best action.”
By the start of the third period, everyone else on the water knew they were fishing for second place. Wheeler spent the final few hours basking in his win, his wife, Alicia, among a flotilla of friends and supporters cheering him on from the water. His final tally marked not only the best single-day weight caught by any angler on Dale Hollow this week, but the biggest day all year in Bass Pro Tour competition.
Wheeler has grown accustomed to lifting Bass Pro Tour trophies. In addition to his eight wins, he’s now up to an absurd 31 Top 10s in 45 events, earning more than $1.6 million from Bass Pro Tour competition. And he’s showing no signs of slowing down — if anything, he’s accelerating. Since the start of the 2021 campaign, he’s racked up 24 Top 10s and six wins in 32 events. He's made all four Championship Rounds in 2024 and technically won back-to-back Bass Pro Tour regular-season events, with a sixth-place finish at REDCREST between his triumphs on Santee Cooper and Dale Hollow.
All that success hasn’t made him numb to winning, though. Instead, it’s taught him to appreciate the moment. Wheeler assured he’s not taking this one for granted.
“I told Dustin (Connell) this when we talked about it last night: When you’re on this streak of just winning, you don’t have the opportunity to really celebrate those moments,” he said. “You go, and then you go onto the next one, you think about the next one. You have about a 6-hour period where you’re celebrating, you’re pumped up, and you’re like, alright, what’s going on next? What are we going to do in Oklahoma? What’s going to happen at Eufaula? But this one, to me, is super, super meaningful.”
The top 10 pros from the PowerStop Brakes Stage Three at Dale Hollow Lake Presented by Mercury finished:
1st: Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., 39 bass, 116-6, $100,000
2nd: Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., 28 bass, 85-10, $45,000
3rd: Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark., 29 bass, 85-5, $38,000
4th: Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., 27 bass, 78-8, $32,000
5th: Alton Jones Jr., Waco, Texas, 23 bass, 74-0, $30,000
6th: Marshall Robinson, Landrum, S.C., 21 bass, 61-14, $26,000
7th: Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 20 bass, 60-14, $23,000
8th: Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., 13 bass, 38-4, $21,000
9th: Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala., 14 bass, 36-12, $19,000
10th: Alton Jones, Lorena, Texas, seven bass, 20-7, $16,000
A complete list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 221 scorable bass weighing 658 pounds even caught by the 10 pros Sunday, which included one 5-pounder, 14 4-pounders and 70 3-pounders.
Wheeler also won Championship Sunday’s Berkley Big Bass Award, with a largemouth totaling 5 pounds even in the first period. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day, and a $3,000 bonus to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass of the tournament. Gill earned the $3,000 Berkley Big Bass award for the overall largest bass of the event with his 5-pound, 12-ounce smallmouth that was weighed on Day 1 of competition.
Wheeler not only added to his prodigious trophy collection and winnings total at Dale Hollow; he padded his lead in the chase for another trophy and $100,000 payday. Wheeler now leads the season-long Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) race by 17 points.
Overcoming that deficit will be a tall task for his pursuers. Wheeler, who won AOY in 2021 and 2022 before finishing second in 2023, has been an exceptional closer in recent years, never finishing worse than 11th and notching three wins in stages four through seven across the last three seasons. Connell now sits second with 222 points, closely followed by Alton Jones Jr. (219) and Jesse Wiggins (218).
Fishing Clash, an interactive 3D fishing simulation game that’s played by more than 80 million people worldwide, is the official AOY sponsor of the Bass Pro Tour, Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, Toyota Series and Phoenix Bass Fishing League. You can download Fishing Clash for free in the App Store and on Google Play or log on to www.fishingclash.game for more information.
The PowerStop Brakes Stage Three at Dale Hollow Lake Presented by Mercury featured the MLF catch, weigh, immediate-release format, in which anglers caught as much weight as they could each day, while also feeling the pressure and intensity of the SCORETRACKER® leaderboard. The tournament featured anglers competing with a 2-pound minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. The MLF Fisheries Management Division determines minimum weights for each body of water that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.
The six-day tournament, hosted by the Byrdstown-Pickett County Chamber of Commerce & Bill Dance Signature Lakes, showcased 79 of the top professional anglers in the world, competing for a purse of $659,000, including a top payout of $100,000 and valuable Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) points in hopes of qualifying for the General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2025, the Bass Pro Tour championship.
Television coverage of the PowerStop Brakes Stage Three at Dale Hollow Lake Presented by Mercury Knockout Round will air as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Oct. 5 on Discovery, with the Championship Round premiering on Oct. 6. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on Outdoor Channel.
The Bass Pro Tour features a field of 79 of the top professional anglers in the world, competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and the REDCREST 2025 championship.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Bass Pro Tour include: Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Garmin, General Tire, Humminbird, Lowrance, Mercury, MillerTech, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak Fishing, NITRO, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, Rapala, StarBrite, Suzuki, Toyota and U.S. Air Force.
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 Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network 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 17 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.
Bait change keeps Garrett atop Bassmaster Elite Series event at Harris Chain of Lakes
April 14, 2024
Bait change keeps Garrett atop Bassmaster Elite Series event at Harris Chain of Lakes
LEESBURG, Fla. — Things got a little hairy for John Garrett, but that transitional period helped the Tennessee pro amass a five-bass limit of 19 pounds, 3 ounces and extend his lead at the Lowrance Bassmaster Elite at Harris Chain of Lakes.
In the best performance of his rookie season, Garrett took the Day 1 lead with a limit of 24-2 — the event’s heaviest bag — and held the top position with a second-round bag that went 19-13.
Heading into Championship Monday (the event’s scheduled start was delayed one day by Thursday’s severe weather) with a three-day total of 63-2, Garrett holds a margin of 6-9 over fellow rookie JT Thompkins of Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Facing the potential for a wire-to-wire Elite win, Garrett said: “I’m just going to try my best to sleep well tonight and fish calm tomorrow. Last night, I didn’t sleep very well and today, before I got my big bites, I started thinking, ‘Alright, something needs to happen.
“Tomorrow, I just really want to be calm, do my thing and fish hard. If it’s meant to happen, I’ll get those bites.”
Returning to Lake Carlton, where he has spent the majority of his time focusing on a 75-yard shellbar, Garrett followed his standing strategy of boxing an early limit and then hunting big bites.
The past two days, his window of opportunity has come later in the morning, but when the big fish he was watching on his forward-facing sonar refused to engage, Garrett made a game-changing adjustment.
“I went through my area while the fish were there at the right time with a crankbait; I only stuck one or two and never caught one,” Garrett said. “I left the fish alone for 45 minutes and I picked up a 5/8-ounce white hair jig, stayed way off of them and bomb cast it up there.
“It’s just something they hadn’t seen yet. They’ve seen it now because I wore out my welcome quickly. I got four good bites on it and caught three of them.”
The hair jig produced Garrett’s three best bass. He caught his other two limit fish on a deep-diving crankbait.
After a windy Day 2, Semifinal Sunday brought mostly flat conditions. Garrett said this created a challenging scenario that made it even tougher to wait out the big fish, which have been most active between approximately 11 and 1.
“It was super sunny and slick and they just were not biting (as well),” Garrett said. “I threw at more fish than I’ve seen all week.
“It’s pretty scary, because I’ll fish and fish and fish and never catch anything. It takes a lot of patience and trust.”
Earlier, Garrett had briefly yielded the top spot to Joseph Webster of Hamilton, Ala., who capitalized on the morning shad spawn for a quick limit of approximately 14 1/2 pounds. Once his big fish started chewing, Garrett put a 5-pounder in the boat at 10:47 a.m. and added a 4-11 about 10 minutes later.
From there, Garrett continued to pick off big bites and held off Thompkins’ persistent charge.
Looking ahead, Garrett said he’s sticking with his spot, if for no other reason than a lack of options.
“I don’t know if I’ll get another bite there tomorrow, but that’s about all I’ve got,” he said. “I’ll just pray that I have another decent day.”
After looking for a big glidebait bite all week, Thompkins got a chunky bass to eat his Clutch Boss Sunday and that 5-pounder helped him gain two notches to second place with 56-9. Thompkins has turned in daily limits of 19-11, 17-1 and 19-13.
“I said going into this event, ‘If I get one bite a day on a glidebait, I’ll win,’” Thompkins said. “This was the first day I’ve produced one on a glidebait. I’m looking at a ton of giants on (Garmin) LiveScope, but it’s too hard to get them to bite. They’re super smart, super educated.
“If I can get one or more of those bites tomorrow, I could step into dangerous territory and maybe take a run at the win.”
Fishing lakes Dora and Beauclair, Thompkins filled the rest of his limit with a jerkbait, a jig and a Neko rig.
KJ Queen of Catawba, N.C., placed third with 53-6. After posting limits of 19-0 and 15-7, Queen added a third-round bag that weighed 18-15.
Devoting his day to a small canal off Lake Harris, Queen fished a mix of cypress trees and lily pads. He saw plenty of bass, but the key to his success was targeting the right ones.
“I was looking for floaters; the fish that had spawned out and were cruising high in the water column,” Queen said. “I saw a lot of big, fat fish, but I could not get them to bite.
“Every time I saw a skinny one, I said, ‘There’s one that will bite.’ If it was fat, pretty and healthy, I couldn’t get them to bite.”
Queen caught his bass on a wacky-rigged Zoom Zlinky.
Jacob Powroznik of North Prince George, Va., is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with a monster 10-8 he landed Sunday.
Rookie Trey McKinney of Carbondale, Ill., leads the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year race with 293 points. Tyler Williams of Belgrade, Maine, is in second with 285, followed by Jordan Lee of Cullman, Ala., with 279, Justin Hamner of Northport, Ala., with 269, and JT Thompkins of Myrtle Beach, S.C., with 267.
McKinney and Williams also lead the race for Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Rookie of the Year.
Monday’s final takeoff, featuring the Top 10 remaining anglers, is scheduled for 7 a.m. ET at Venetian Gardens (Ski Beach). The weigh-in will be held at the Ski Beach at 3 p.m., with the winner receiving $100,000.
The event is being hosted by the Greater Orlando Sports Commission.
2024 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2024 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2024 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
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 500,000-member 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.
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Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 865-201-6458, cgay@bassmaster.
2024 Lowrance Bassmaster Elite at Harris Chain 4/12-4/15
Harris Chain Of Lakes, Leesburg FL.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. John Garrett Union City, TN 15 63-02 103
Day 1: 5 24-02 Day 2: 5 19-13 Day 3: 5 19-03
2. JT Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 15 56-09 102
Day 1: 5 19-11 Day 2: 5 17-01 Day 3: 5 19-13
3. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 15 53-06 101
Day 1: 5 19-00 Day 2: 5 15-07 Day 3: 5 18-15
4. Tyler Williams Belgrade, ME 15 51-09 100
Day 1: 5 17-02 Day 2: 5 17-09 Day 3: 5 16-14
5. Jason Christie Dry Creek, OK 15 50-12 99
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 18-07 Day 3: 5 17-15
6. Trey McKinney Carbondale, IL 15 50-02 98
Day 1: 5 17-14 Day 2: 5 17-02 Day 3: 5 15-02
7. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 15 50-01 97 $500.00
Day 1: 5 22-00 Day 2: 5 16-13 Day 3: 5 11-04
8. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 15 50-01 96
Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 5 20-09 Day 3: 5 12-05
9. Jordan Lee Cullman, AL 15 48-04 95
Day 1: 5 21-06 Day 2: 5 09-04 Day 3: 5 17-10
10. Joseph Webster Hamilton, AL 15 47-14 94
Day 1: 5 20-15 Day 2: 5 10-15 Day 3: 5 16-00
11. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 15 46-14 93 $11,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 5 14-01 Day 3: 5 21-05
12. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 15 45-14 92 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-13 Day 2: 5 11-02 Day 3: 5 12-15
13. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 15 45-08 91 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 13-06 Day 3: 5 19-02
14. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 15 45-07 90 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 5 16-07 Day 3: 5 15-11
15. John Cox Debary, FL 15 45-00 89 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-05 Day 2: 5 07-07 Day 3: 5 15-04
16. Kyle Norsetter Cottage Grove, WI 15 44-14 88 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 15-13 Day 3: 5 11-11
17. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 15 43-09 87 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-03 Day 2: 5 11-05 Day 3: 5 12-01
18. Kyle Patrick Cooperstown, NY 15 42-06 86 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 13-09 Day 3: 5 16-07
19. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 15 42-04 85 $11,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 19-07 Day 3: 5 10-06
20. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 15 42-04 84 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 15-12 Day 3: 5 13-07
21. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 15 41-01 83 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-11 Day 2: 5 13-00 Day 3: 5 08-06
22. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 15 40-09 82 $10,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-13 Day 2: 5 17-00 Day 3: 5 05-12
23. Cody Huff Ava, MO 15 40-07 81 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 5 09-14 Day 3: 5 13-06
24. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 15 40-04 80 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 5 17-01 Day 3: 5 08-07
25. Logan Latuso Gonzales, LA 15 40-04 79 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 13-00 Day 3: 5 12-07
26. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 15 40-03 78 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 14-10 Day 3: 5 12-11
27. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 15 39-12 77 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 15-09 Day 3: 5 09-15
28. Timothy Dube Nashua , NH 15 39-11 76 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 09-13 Day 3: 5 11-12
29. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 14 39-02 75 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 4 07-12 Day 3: 5 15-13
30. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 15 39-00 74 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 5 10-08 Day 3: 5 12-12
31. Mike Huff London, KY 15 38-08 73 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 5 10-01 Day 3: 5 12-14
32. Jeff Gustafson Kenora, ON Ontario CANA 15 38-01 72 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 14-03 Day 3: 5 09-09
33. Will Davis Jr Sylacauga, AL 15 37-00 71 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 5 17-12 Day 3: 5 08-13
34. Jake Whitaker Hendersonville, NC 15 36-15 70 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 14-09 Day 3: 5 08-01
35. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 15 36-11 69 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 09-11 Day 3: 5 12-03
36. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 15 36-06 68 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 5 15-10 Day 3: 5 09-12
37. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TN AUSTRALIA 14 35-15 67 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-08 Day 2: 5 13-05 Day 3: 4 12-02
38. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 15 35-12 66 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 14-02 Day 3: 5 11-13
39. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 15 35-01 65 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 5 15-00 Day 3: 5 08-15
40. Robert Gee Knoxville, TN 15 34-13 64 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-08 Day 2: 5 10-06 Day 3: 5 09-15
41. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 15 34-12 63 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 09-05 Day 2: 5 14-03 Day 3: 5 11-04
42. Koby Kreiger Alva, FL 15 34-10 62 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 06-09 Day 2: 5 19-14 Day 3: 5 08-03
43. Cory Johnston Otonabee CANADA 15 34-10 61 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 12-13 Day 3: 5 09-07
44. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 15 34-03 60 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 5 12-01 Day 3: 5 11-02
45. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 15 33-10 59 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-15 Day 2: 5 12-11 Day 3: 5 07-00
46. Clark Wendlandt Leander, TX 15 32-03 58 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 06-14 Day 2: 5 16-07 Day 3: 5 08-14
47. Todd Auten Clover, SC 15 32-03 57 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 5 12-07 Day 3: 5 07-01
48. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 14 30-05 56 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 11-03 Day 3: 4 05-00
49. Jonathan Kelley Old Forge, PA 14 30-02 55 $10,000.00
Day 1: 4 12-08 Day 2: 5 10-08 Day 3: 5 07-02
50. Wes Logan Springville, AL 14 29-08 54 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 5 08-04 Day 3: 4 05-07
------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 07-14 $500.00
1 Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 07-14 $500.00
2 Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 08-07 $1,000.00
3 Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA10-08 $1,000.00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 95 499 1248-05
2 97 499 1168-05
3 47 247 609-04
------------------------------
239 1245 3025-14
Missouri Angler Cole Breeden Wins MLF Toyota Series at Grand Lake
With an Abu Garcia College Fishing National Championship win to his credit on Grand, Breeden is no stranger to the lake or Ozark-style fisheries. This week, he dropped the trolling motor and was pretty much dialed from the get-go.
“Literally in practice, I put my trolling motor down on a good one,” he said. “It went well the whole time. I expected (fish) to be in that transition area, around spawning stuff, and I started there, and that’s where they were. I just went with it all week, and it was good the whole time.
“In practice, I had a ton of bites,” he added. “The first day of practice, I had 19 ½ pounds, and I shook off a lot of them, or, I tried to. Every day, I’d find a couple areas. In the tournament even, I found some new areas. It just seemed like it was rolling for me, and the stuff that looked right, was.”
Catching most of his fish on a Texas-rigged Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Creature Hawg, Breeden also applied a Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Hit Worm Magnum on a Neko rig. For his Texas rig, he used a 7-foot, 6-inch, heavy Abu Garcia Fantasista X paired with an Abu Garcia Zenon X, 17-pound Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon, a 4/0 hook and a ¼-ounce Picasso weight.
Roaming from the Horse Creek area as far down as Drowning and Duck creeks, Breeden ‘Scoped up nearly all of his fish fairly shallow, targeting a specific mix of features.
“It was similar everywhere I had fish,” he explained. “A little flatter bank, if it was a creek, the flatter side of the creek. Or, just a flat pocket close to the main lake. It was all pea gravel, or pea gravel that had tennis ball-sized rock mixed in. It was spawning areas, spawning flats or pockets. I’d catch them either on the way to the backs, or if it was a main lake pocket, I’d catch them in the back. The first day, I caught 22 pounds in the back of a couple pockets, but it was closer to deeper water. The stuff that was further from deep water, I’d catch them closer to the secondary points and stuff.
“Typically, they were on something,” he added. “There’s a lot of trash fish in Grand, it seems like every lake I go to with a lot of trash fish, fish always hold to something. I think on the chunkier rock, they will sit in the rock. But, on the pea gravel banks, you need a bigger rock, or a piece of metal, or a little brush, or a stump. Just something there that they’re holding to. I think they make beds next to that as well, I could tell some of them were spawning, because the fish would just be making little circles around a little spot.”
While most of his fish came from smaller pieces of cover, Breeden caught a few out of significant brush piles, with some as big as 9 feet tall holding fish. One brush fish stymied him on Day 2, and then escaped him and Strike King co-angler Matt Krekovich on Day 3.
“I went back to that fish I missed, and the wind was blowing on that stretch pretty good,” he said. “There was another brush pile just down the bank from it, and I pulled up, on the pile I saw her on, and she wasn’t there. About 2 minutes later, my co-angler in the back of the boat says ‘Oh I’ve got one.’ I look back, and about a 7-pounder jumps out of the water. He broke the hook on his jerkbait, it came off, and she was sitting on that brush pile just down the bank.”
Still, missed lunker aside, Breeden had a special week.
“It’s freakin’ awesome,” he said of the win. “It feels like so many times you’re not even close. Then, you have a week where it goes your way the whole time. I just caught big fish everywhere I went. When it’s going your way, it’s just going your way.”
The top 10 pros on Grand Lake finished:
1st: Cole Breeden, Lebanon, Mo., 15 bass, 62-15, $37,965
2nd: Jake Lawrence, Buchanan, Tenn., 15 bass, 56-5, $15,595 (includes $1,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus)
3rd: Jordan Hartman, Benton, Ky., 15 bass, 55-3, $11,299
4th: Jackson Ryley, Clinton, Ind., 15 bass, 54-15, $9,416
5th: Ethan Fields, Breese, Ill., 15 bass, 54-5, $8,475
6th: Matteo Turano, Puryear, Tenn., 15 bass, 53-14, $7,533
7th: Kyle Kitts, Joplin, Mo., 15 bass, 53-12, $6,591
8th: Jason Bonds, Lufkin, Texas, 15 bass, 53-7, $5,650
9th: Casey Scanlon, Eldon, Mo., 15 bass, 53-7, $4,708
10th: Tate Brumnett, Wagoner, Okla., 15 bass, 51-2, $3,766
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Pro Joshua Teply of Harrah, Oklahoma won the $500 Day 1 Berkley Big Bass award in the pro division Thursday with a bass weighing 7 pounds, 13 ounces. On Friday, pro Troy O’Rourke of Bentonville, Arkansas, earned the $500 Berkley Big Bass prize after bringing a bass weighing 6 pounds even to the scale.
Larence took home an extra $1,000 as the highest finishing Phoenix MLF Bonus member. Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $35,000 per event in each Toyota Series tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the Phoenix MLF Bonus contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.
Matt Krekovich of Granite City, Illinois, won the Strike King Co-angler Division Thursday with a three-day total of 15 bass weighing 49 pounds, 6 ounces. Krekovich took home the top prize package worth $33,500, including a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard motor.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers on Grand Lake finished:
1st: Matt Krekovich, Granite City, Ill., 15 bass, 49-6, Phoenix 518 Pro boat w/115-hp Mercury outboard
2nd: Fred Fielder, Fort Gibson, Okla., 14 bass, 39-14, $4,734
3rd: Oliver Siebert, Fenton, Mo., 15 bass, 39-10, $3,787
4th: Scott Parsons, Rogers, Ark., 15 bass, 37-9, $3,314
5th: Justin Layton, Kirbyville, Mo., 12 bass, 37-4, $2,990
6th: Todd Adamitis, Glen Carbon, Ill., 14 bass, 36-15, $2,367
7th: Terry Duffel, Cave Springs, Ark., 13 bass, 35-5, $1,894
8th: Dan Bowman, Osage Beach, Mo., 12 bass, 34-12, $$1,657
9th: Mark Talley, Grove, Okla., 12 bass, 34-0, $1,420
10th: Lee Roberts, Shattuck, Okla., 10 bass, 33-14, $1,184
Justin Layton of Kirbyville, Missouri, was the Berkley Big Bass $150 award winner in the Strike King co-angler division, Thursday, with a 6-pound, 5-ounce bass, while the Day 2 $150 award went to Mark King of Gurdon, Arkansas, with a 6-pound, 3-ounce bass.
With two regular-season events in the Toyota Series Plains Division now complete, pro Jake Lawrence of Buchanana, Tennessee, leads the Plains Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 519 points, while Todd Adamitis of Glen Carbon, Illinois, leads the Strike King Co-angler Division AOY race with 515 points.
The Toyota Series at Grand Lake, hosted by the City of Grove was the second of three regular-season events for the Toyota Series Plains Division. The next event for Toyota Series anglers will be the Toyota Series at Lake Chickamauga, May 2-4, in Dayton, Tennessee. For a complete schedule of events, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The 2024 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats consists of six divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern, Southwestern and the Western Division Presented by Tackle Warehouse – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the six divisions or the Wild Card division and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning up to $235,000 and a qualification to REDCREST 2025. The winning Strike King co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard. The 2024 Toyota Series Championship will be held Nov. 7-9 on Wheeler Lake in Huntsville, Alabama, and is hosted by the Huntsville Sports Commission.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Toyota Series include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, FX Custom Rods, General Tire, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak Fishing, Onyx, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Toyota Series, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Tackle Warehouse Invitational updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 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 Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network 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 17 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.
Hodge & Malley Take Home New Ranger Boat at TXTT on Lake Fork
YANTIS, TX (April 13, 2024) – Anglers left the dock at Caney Point Recreation Area to a beautiful Texas sunrise, all with the hopes off conquering Lake Fork, stop #3 of the 2024 Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s Texas Team Trail presented by Progressive. The day presented perfect conditions for fishing up shallow chasing spawning fish, and overall tournament conditions that anglers dream of each event. But when the dust settled and all numbers were calculated, the Lake Fork local team of Steve Hodge & Shawn Malley walked away the newest champions of TXTT. The team weighed in a Rapala “Crush City” bag worth 13-04, anchored by a very impressive over-slot-limit fish. For their victory, the team wins a 2024 Ranger Z-518 with 150hp Mercury motor, a new Garmin graph, Power-Pole Charge system, and Angler’s Advantage cash. In total, they team cashed in on $57, 978 in cash & prizes, plus valuable points toward the 2024 TXTT Championship in June on Toledo Bend where, if qualified, they will fish for over $100,000 in cash & prizes.
“We started off the day in an area where we found some fish spawning in a high spot. It was a tough start, because our first three fish we had to throw back [slot-limit]. We then moved around trying to locate a few other areas we knew fish would be bedding but either the fish were gone or were surrounded by boats,” said the winning team. “We then went back to our original starting spot and were able to catch the ‘over’ throwing a white fluke rigged on a EWG Gamakatsu hook. That gave us a lot of momentum, and luckily we just went looking for more fish ‘sight-fishing’ and were able to catch three other keepers.”
The team reported catching their last keeper around 1:30 in the afternoon. Hodge & Malley wanted to go on and thank their sponsors, local marine dealership, and all of their supporting friends and family.
Ranger Boat owners Lowell Bennett & Landen Bennett Finish Second, Plus Power-Pole Big Bass
“The big fish came on my son’s first cast of the morning, which made us both sick- but helped us relax knowing catching an over ‘slot’ would help us tremendously,” said Ranger Boats owner Lowell of the father-and-son team. “The rest of the day we just looked up shallow and fished for bedding fish”.
For second place, the team weighed in 12-14 and took home $5,928.00, which included Angler’s Advantage, the $300 Garmin Bonus (awarded to the highest finishing team with exclusively all Garmin electronics), and the Power-Pole Big Bass Award. The Power-Pole Big Bass was a 10-08 Lake Fork monster, and awarded the team a Power-Pole Pro Series II shallow water system.
“The big fish my son caught was on a spinnerbait. But the rest of our bites came on flipping a Strike King Menace onto beds. All of our rods are rigged up with Sunline Shooter Fluorocarbon Line.”
The team also wanted to give a shout-out to the family, especially Lowell’s wife, for allowing them to fish so many tournaments as father-and-son.
Rest of the Top-10
- 3rd: Thomas Martens & Dean Alexander: 9-04, $4,146.50
- 3rd: Cole Mitchell & Connor Theiler: 9-04, $2,386.50
- 5th: Jared West & Joe West: 9-01, $2,692.00
- 6th: Terry Peacock & Scott Dean: 8-14, $2,390.00
- 7th: Shane Howell & William Davis: 8-09, $1,699.00
- 8th: Nick Brown & Byron Chaves: 8-07, $1,585.00
- 9th: Michael Rollert & Gandy Stubblefield: 8-04, $1,437.00
- 10th: James Harrison & Kyle Swearingen: 8-03, $1,558.00
Full results can be found through the link here.
To register for the 2024 Texas Team Trail tournaments, please read the updated 2024 RULES and then follow this link to register today: https://outdoorteamworks.com/ trail/txtt/registration/ 2024 Texas Team Trail Schedule:
- February 17th - Brookeland, TX | Sam Rayburn Reservoir
- March 23rd - Brookeland, TX | Sam Rayburn Reservoir
- April 13th - Yantis, TX | Lake Fork
- May 4th - Corsicana, TX | Richland Chambers
- June 8-9th - Many, LA | Toledo Bend Reservoir - CHAMPIONSHIP
For more information about Texas Team Trail, including sponsor incentives, official tournament results and photos, visit TexasTeamTrail.com. Be sure to subscribe to the e-newsletter to receive all the up-to-date news and announcements.
About Texas Team Trail Texas Team Trail is a part of the Outdoor TeamWorks family of fishing tournaments. The OTW brand offers a wide range of fishing events from professional tournaments to grassroots fishing derbies. All events are supported by some of the top companies in the nation and include on-site activation and activities, as well as extensive media support. For additional live updates and information, follow TXTT on Facebook and Instagram.
Jacob Wheeler Leads Top Ten to Championship Round at PowerStop Brakes Stage Three at Dale Hollow Lake Presented by Mercury
Tennessee pro catches 25 bass weighing 79-13 to lead Knockout Round, final 10 anglers set for Championship Sunday in final-day shootout for top prize of $100,000
BYRDSTOWN, Tenn. (April 13, 2024) – Each of the 10 anglers who qualified for the Championship Round on Dale Hollow Lake will start Sunday morning with zero pounds, but it sure feels like two have separated from the rest of the pack in the chase for the trophy at the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour PowerStop Brakes Stage Three Presented by Mercury.
On a day during which many of the 20 anglers on the water struggled to generate consistent bites, two-time Angler of the Year (AOY) winner Jacob Wheeler of Harrison, Tennessee, and rookie Drew Gill of Mount Carmel, Illinois , seemingly stacked weight on SCORETRACKER® at will. While it took 31 pounds, 2 ounces on the day to earn a spot in the Top 10 and a berth to the Championship Round, both Wheeler and Gill surpassed that mark within the first 90 minutes. Each eclipsed 50 pounds in Period 1 before easing off the throttle, saving as many fish as possible for what’s looking like a final-day prize fight.
Wheeler ultimately finished atop the leaderboard with 25 scorable bass for 79-13. That put him 3-7 ahead of Gill, with a sizable gap to Alton Jones Jr. of Waco, Texas, in third place at 54-7.
Still, with several of the best anglers in the game at using forward-facing sonar to find and catch schools of bass (Jones Jr., Dustin Connell, Michael Neal, Spencer Shuffield) among the Top 10, the only sure thing entering Championship Sunday is that whoever prevails will have to earn it.
The final 10 anglers are now set, and competition resumes Sunday morning with the Championship Round. In the Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.
When Wheeler won his seventh Bass Pro Tour trophy at Stage Two on Santee Cooper, he quipped that he had to keep pace with Connell, his travel roommate and close friend who had won the prior event on Toledo Bend. So, after Connell prevailed again at last month’s REDCREST championship, there was some semi-serious speculation that Wheeler would have no choice but to win at Dale Hollow.
Suddenly, the possibility appears very real. While Wheeler is more focused on trying to add to his record BPT victory tally and consolidate his lead in the Fishing Clash Angler of the Year competition, he’d be happy to continue the trend.
“It would be cool, obviously,” he said. “(Connell) won the first one, I won the second one, he won the third one. It’d be nice to win this one, for sure. Right now, the house is undefeated.”
Usually an ironclad lock to make the Championship Round (he’s now up to an astounding 31 Top 10s in 45 career BPT events), Wheeler admitted that it took him a bit longer than he expected to figure out the bass on Dale Hollow this week, especially considering that he visits the lake regularly. He started competition fishing around the bank, but by Saturday morning, he’d realized that the offshore, forward-facing sonar pattern that has dominated tournament fishing all year would once again be the way to win.
“I really anticipated this tournament to be a shallow-water tournament,” he said. “It’s April, the trees are blooming. Now, this lake right here is well known for forward-facing sonar, and half my fish have come that way this week; the other half didn’t, I wasn’t looking at my screen. But I fully believe that it’ll be won doing that.”
That’s fine by Wheeler, who’s proven himself as effective as anyone with the technology. He started Saturday morning on an offshore school of largemouth. Using a jighead minnow, he put together a furious flurry that saw him boat 17 scorable bass totaling 53-13 in less than two hours.
“I thought it was going to take 50 pounds to probably make it, and I was able to catch that pretty quickly this morning,” Wheeler said. “And so, I was able to practice the rest of the day and look around and ultimately come up with a pretty solid game plan.”
Despite the fact that smallmouth accounted for the majority of the scorable bass caught by the field Saturday for the first time, 22 of Wheeler’s 25 fish were largemouth. That was by design.
“I was targeting largemouth for the most part,” Wheeler said. “I’ve spent a lot of time here in the wintertime, and I know the typical zones those bass live in.”
As good as Wheeler’s opening period was, he’s not committed to revisiting that spot to start Sunday’s action. In typical Wheeler fashion, once he amassed enough weight that he didn’t have to worry about the cut line, he spent the final five or so hours scouting new water. He found a few new areas that piqued his interest, and as the first boat to launch, he’ll have his pick of real estate on the 28,000-acre reservoir.
“I was able to eliminate a lot of stuff,” Wheeler said of his afternoon. “Now, I still have some stuff that I need to go look at. I found some stuff late; I realized what was transpiring late. So, I’m going to have to practice tomorrow as well.”
While he might practice in the sense that he’ll continue searching for the winning fish, there will be no easing off his efforts to catch them during the Championship Round. Wheeler believes it will take at least 100 pounds to claim the trophy, maybe more.
“I think 100 pounds will probably win,” Wheeler said. “I mean, it could take even as much as 120 or more. Heck, I don’t know. Obviously, a lot of guys put some pressure on their fish, but a lot of guys are sandbagging, too.”
The top 10 pros from Saturday’s Knockout Round that now advance to Sunday’s Championship Round on Dale Hollow Lake are:
1st: Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., 25 bass, 79-13
2nd: Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., 25 bass, 76-6
3rd: Alton Jones Jr., Waco, Texas, 17 bass, 54-7
4th: Marshall Robinson, Landrum, S.C., 17 bass, 49-6
5th: Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark., 18 bass, 49-0
6th: Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 16 bass, 43-15
7th: Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., 14 bass, 43-0
8th: Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., 14 bass, 39-3
9th: Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala., 11 bass, 31-9
10th: Alton Jones, Lorena, Texas, 11 bass, 31-2
Finishing in 11th through 20th place are:
11th: Shin Fukae, Osaka, Japan, seven bass, 26-5
12th: Britt Myers, Lake Wylie, S.C., eight bass, 26-2
13th: Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala., nine bass, 23-6
14th: David Dudley, Lynchburg, Va., eight bass, 23-3
15th: Grae Buck, Green Lane, Penn., six bass, 19-15
16th: Anthony Gagliardi, Prosperity, S.C., seven bass, 17-11
17th: Casey Ashley, Donalds, S.C., six bass, 15-14
18th: Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas, five bass, 12-5
19th: Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J., four bass, 12-1
20th: Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., four bass, 9-6
A complete list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 232 scorable bass weighing 684 pounds, 1 ounce caught by the 20 pros Saturday, which included two 5-pounders, 14 4-pounders and 91 3-pounders.
General Tire pro Britt Myers of Lake Wylie, South Carolina, caught a 5-pound, 3-ounce smallmouth on a jig in the first period to claim Saturday’s Berkley Big Bass Award. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day, and a $3,000 bonus to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass of the tournament.
The six-day tournament, hosted by the Byrdstown-Pickett County Chamber of Commerce & Bill Dance Signature Lakes, showcases 79 of the top professional anglers in the world, competing for a purse of $659,000, including a top payout of $100,000 and valuable Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) points in hopes of qualifying for the General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2025, the Bass Pro Tour championship.
The 40 Anglers in Group A competed in their two-day Qualifying Round on Tuesday and Thursday – the 39 anglers in Group B on Wednesday and Friday. After the two-day Qualifying Rounds were complete, the anglers that finished first through 10th from both groups advanced to Saturday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round, weights were zeroed, and the remaining 20 anglers competed to finish in the top 10 to advance to Sunday’s Championship Round. Tomorrow, in the final-day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.
The final 10 anglers competing in Sunday’s Championship Round will launch at 7:30 a.m. CT from Sunset Marina and Resort, located at 2040 Sunset Dock Road in Monroe. The General Tire Takeout will be held at the marina, beginning at 4 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the SCORETRACKER® leaderboard and event coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com .
The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live on Championship Sunday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT. MLFNOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.
On Sunday, April 14, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF welcomes fans of all ages to visit Sunset Marina and Resort for the MLF Watch Party, Kids Fishing Derby and Trophy Celebration. Fans can watch the pros live on the MLFNOW! big screen, enjoy free food, enter to win hourly giveaways and cheer on their favorite pros. The first 50 kids 14 and under will receive a free rod and reel from Pure Fishing. Additional fishing gear will be provided onsite for the fishing derby or kids can bring their own. The final 10 Championship Round Bass Pro Tour anglers will be on hand at the trophy celebration to meet and greet fans, sign autographs and take selfies.
Television coverage of the PowerStop Brakes Stage Three at Dale Hollow Lake Presented by Mercury Knockout Round will air as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Oct. 5 on Discovery, with the Championship Round premiering on Oct. 6. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on Outdoor Channel.
The PowerStop Brakes Stage Three at Dale Hollow Lake Presented by Mercury features the MLF catch, weigh, immediate-release format, in which anglers catch as much weight as they can each day, while also feeling the pressure and intensity of the SCORETRACKER® leaderboard. The tournament features anglers competing with a 2-pound minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. The MLF Fisheries Management Division determines minimum weights for each body of water that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.
The Bass Pro Tour features a field of 79 of the top professional anglers in the world, competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and the REDCREST 2025 championship.
Wheeler will have a chance to not only hoist his second trophy of the young season but further build his lead in the Fishing Clash Angler of the Year race, where the winner of the season-long competition will take home an additional $100,000 check. Wheeler, who won AOY in 2021 and 2022 before finishing second last year, entered Stage Three with a lead of seven points over Jesse Wiggins. Wiggins narrowly missed out on the Championship Round, finishing 13th, while reigning Angler of the Year Matt Becker failed to qualify for the Knockout Round after arriving at Dale Hollow in third place.
Fishing Clash, an interactive 3D fishing simulation game that’s played by more than 80 million people worldwide, is the official AOY sponsor of the Bass Pro Tour, Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, Toyota Series and Phoenix Bass Fishing League. You can download Fishing Clash for free in the App Store and on Google Play, or log on to www.fishingclash.game for more information.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Bass Pro Tour include: Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Garmin, General Tire, Humminbird, Lowrance, Mercury, MillerTech, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak Fishing, NITRO, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, Rapala, StarBrite, Suzuki, Toyota and U.S. Air Force.
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 Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network 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 17 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.
