River fishing suits Tithof and Hardebeck as they win Bassmaster High School Series event on Saginaw Bay
June 9, 2024
River fishing suits Tithof and Hardebeck as they win Bassmaster High School Series event on Saginaw Bay
BAY CITY, Mich. — The big waters might have been off-limits due to weather Sunday for the Strike King Bassmaster High School Series at Saginaw Bay, but Carson Tithof and Maverick Hardebeck had no problem catching a big limit in the confines of the Saginaw River and clinching the tournament title.
Tithof and Hardebeck, fishing as part of Grand Haven Bassmasters (Mich.) Fishing Team, caught five bass totaling 17 pounds, 4 ounces, giving them an 8-ounce edge over the field of 60 teams competing in the one-day derby in northeast Michigan.
The duo won $1,006 cash for placing first at Saginaw. The boys also qualified for the Strike King Bassmaster High School National Championship, which is scheduled for Aug. 1-3 at Chickamauga Lake in Dayton, Tenn.
The Saginaw system might be in their home state, but Tithof and Hardebeck have only fished it once before. Still, they were completely confident river fishing on Sunday — something they do several times a week on the Grand River back home in western Michigan.
“It’s pretty much exactly the same,” Tithof said. “We didn’t plan on going into the bay at all, so that being off-limits didn’t affect us. We knew we wanted to fish in the river because it’s what we’re used to doing.”
The boys’ day started strong, with a limit of bass in the livewell within 30 minutes of their first cast. They culled a few times over the next few hours, but by 10 a.m., their bite was done. Luckily, they already had enough weight to be atop the leaderboard by that time.
“It really was a grind for a while,” Tithof said. “And it was hard to fish in the wind, as hard as it was blowing.”
The victors threw white swim jigs on about 90% of their casts. They looked for breaks in current, typically near logs and other floating structure, where a mix of largemouth and smallmouth bass were stacked.
“We mixed in a beaver (creature bait), too,” Hardebeck said.
The combination was just what they’d have done on the Grand River, and the similarities paid dividends. They weighed three largemouth and two smallmouth, with one of the smallies (4-10) winning Big Bass of the Tournament honors.
The High School National Championship berth is the first for both Tithof, 17, and Hardebeck, 15. They previously competed in the Bassmaster Junior Nationals a couple of seasons ago.
A whopping 44 of 60 competing teams caught limits. Behind Tithof and Hardebeck, top tandems included second place, Landon Gabby and Kolby Baker, Marion (Ill.) High School Bass Fishing Team, 16-12; third, Olevir Johnson and Allen Moore, Oldham County (Ky.) High School Bass Team, 16-10; fourth, Oliver Neumann and Wyatt Feiguy, Zimmerman Thunder (Minn.) Bass Team, 16-3; and fifth, Michael Harris and Kayden Waller, Mt. Juliet (Tenn.) Fishing Team, 15-7.
The derby was the last of the 2024 Strike King Bassmaster High School regular season, with tournaments previously held at Clarks Hill Reservoir in Georgia, Douglas Lake in Tennessee and Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Texas.
Go Great Lakes Bay hosted this week’s events.
2024 Bassmaster High School Series Title Sponsor: Strike King
2024 Bassmaster High School Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2024 Bassmaster High School 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 High School Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
2024 Bassmaster High School 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 High School Series at Saginaw Bay 6/9-6/9
Saginaw Bay, Bay City, MI.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Club/School Pts
1. Carson Tithof - Maverick Hardebeck Grand Haven Lakeshore Middle Sch 0
Day 1: 5 17-04 Total: 5 17-04
2. Landon Gabby - Kolby Baker Marion High School Bass Fishing 0
Day 1: 5 16-12 Total: 5 16-12
3. Olevir Johnson - Allen Moore Oldham Co High School Bass Team 0
Day 1: 5 16-10 Total: 5 16-10
4. Oliver Neumann - Wyatt Feiguy Zimmerman Thunder - MN 0
Day 1: 5 16-03 Total: 5 16-03
5. Michael Harris - Kayden Waller Mt Juliet Fishing Team 0
Day 1: 5 15-07 Total: 5 15-07
6. Tanner Russell - Daniel Lowhorn Mt. Juliet High School - TN 0
Day 1: 5 15-06 Total: 5 15-06
7. Nate Helmreich - Luke Farminer Freeland Bass Fishing 0
Day 1: 5 15-02 Total: 5 15-02
8. Carter Pjesky - JD McBroom Off the Hook Bassmasters - IL 0
Day 1: 5 14-15 Total: 5 14-15
9. Easton Drennon - Cole Petroff Mt Juliet Fishing Team 0
Day 1: 5 14-12 Total: 5 14-12
10. Harrison Hobbs - Cade Speligene Music City Bass 0
Day 1: 5 14-10 Total: 5 14-10
11. Brayden Tisdale - Reece Kilian Emerald Coast Youth Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 5 14-03 Total: 5 14-03
12. Kaden Dorman - Owen Nepple Iowa Youth Fishing League High S 0
Day 1: 5 13-04 Total: 5 13-04
13. Rylan Hamlin - Luke Hendrick Jackson High School Bass Fishing 0
Day 1: 5 12-14 Total: 5 12-14
14. Brayden Vallie - Carson Vallie Fruitport High School - MI 0
Day 1: 5 12-12 Total: 5 12-12
15. Zach Knight - Luke Malik Gallatin High School 0
Day 1: 5 12-07 Total: 5 12-07
16. Elijah Ambrose - Jarren Crowder Hs Potomac River Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 5 12-06 Total: 5 12-06
17. Max Himmel - Connor Hebert Catholic High School Fishing 0
Day 1: 5 12-02 Total: 5 12-02
18. Brody Brinson - Greer Gammon Mt Juliet Fishing Team 0
Day 1: 5 11-13 Total: 5 11-13
19. Jesse Lancaster - Fisher Lancaster Triangle Bass Club 0
Day 1: 5 11-11 Total: 5 11-11
19. Derek Davis - Evan Wood Mt Pleasant High School Bass Tea 0
Day 1: 5 11-11 Total: 5 11-11
21. Hollis Rose - Grant Arnold Jefferson County Patriot Anglers 0
Day 1: 5 11-10 Total: 5 11-10
22. Parker Hill - Wesson Vint Track And Channel Youth 0
Day 1: 5 11-07 Total: 5 11-07
22. Sam Volbert - Brody Alderman Music City Bass 0
Day 1: 5 11-07 Total: 5 11-07
24. Daniel Ruhe - Michael Duvall Black Swamp High School Fishing 0
Day 1: 5 10-15 Total: 5 10-15
25. Andrew Terry - Carson Bryant Dchs Fishing Team 0
Day 1: 5 10-13 Total: 5 10-13
26. Luke Childs - David Stockard Music City Bass 0
Day 1: 5 10-10 Total: 5 10-10
27. Grant Nore - Marshall Nesheim Iowa Youth Fishing League High S 0
Day 1: 5 10-09 Total: 5 10-09
28. Jaxson Pierce - Tucker Larrance Jefferson County Patriot Anglers 0
Day 1: 5 10-06 Total: 5 10-06
29. Presley Lannom - Trevor Sanford Mt. Juliet High School - TN 0
Day 1: 5 10-03 Total: 5 10-03
30. Brooks Putnam - Daylin Doak Mt. Juliet High School - TN 0
Day 1: 5 10-02 Total: 5 10-02
30. Trey Richardson III - Reid Luckett Free State Bass 0
Day 1: 5 10-02 Total: 5 10-02
30. Luke Somerville - Leeand Fox Gaylord High School Bass Angler 0
Day 1: 5 10-02 Total: 5 10-02
33. Ryan Kahut - Cole Stead Brighton High School 0
Day 1: 5 10-01 Total: 5 10-01
34. Hayden Barnett - Camdyn Cranfill Kingston High School - TN 0
Day 1: 5 09-08 Total: 5 09-08
35. Porter Morrison - Brayden Morgan Catholic High School Fishing 0
Day 1: 5 09-07 Total: 5 09-07
36. Tyler Gentry - Abe Sledge Loudon Bass Club 0
Day 1: 5 09-06 Total: 5 09-06
37. Annie Lassiter - Crew Morrone Warren Co High School Pioneer An 0
Day 1: 5 09-04 Total: 5 09-04
38. Jacob Burkhead - Carter Berry Benton Panther Fishing Team 0
Day 1: 5 09-02 Total: 5 09-02
38. Joseph Elliott - Avry Morehouse Anchor Bay - MI 0
Day 1: 5 09-02 Total: 5 09-02
40. Luke Barriger - Drew Lafave Meridian Early College High Scho 0
Day 1: 5 09-00 Total: 5 09-00
40. Camden Randall - James Roop Mt Pleasant High School Bass Tea 0
Day 1: 5 09-00 Total: 5 09-00
40. Danil Williams - Chance Knight Mt Juliet Fishing Team 0
Day 1: 5 09-00 Total: 5 09-00
43. Wyatt Carr - Jamie Neel Reeths-Puffer High School 0
Day 1: 5 08-12 Total: 5 08-12
44. Colten Dickerson - Tyler Baumann Zeeland Fishhawx 0
Day 1: 4 08-08 Total: 4 08-08
45. Kaleb Page - Coffee County High School - TN 0
Day 1: 5 08-01 Total: 5 08-01
46. Charles Dawson - Wyatt Dawson Creekwood Hs Redhawks Fishing 0
Day 1: 3 06-09 Total: 3 06-09
47. Quinn Barbee - Oliver Lewis St. Pius X Catholic School - IN 0
Day 1: 3 06-06 Total: 3 06-06
48. Nathaniel Terbush - Dima Griffiths Dexter High School 0
Day 1: 3 05-11 Total: 3 05-11
49. Kaleb Allmon - Dallas Brewster Loudon Bass Club 0
Day 1: 3 05-08 Total: 3 05-08
50. Lainie Holbert - Sarah Swindle Riverside High School Bass Fishi 0
Day 1: 3 05-05 Total: 3 05-05
51. Banks Barber - Aaron Morrison Polk County High School 0
Day 1: 2 05-02 Total: 2 05-02
52. Connor Mcnally - Lillian Moss Clare Hs Fishing Team 0
Day 1: 2 03-10 Total: 2 03-10
53. Nicholas Sabisch - Adin Drake Clare Hs Fishing Team 0
Day 1: 2 03-09 Total: 2 03-09
54. Jackson Dowdle - Mcdowell High School Bass Fishin 0
Day 1: 2 03-05 Total: 2 03-05
55. Brodie Craft - Joseph Fisher IV Summerfield Bulldogs 0
Day 1: 1 03-04 Total: 1 03-04
56. Jeffrey Mansfield - Garrett Schultz Howell High School 0
Day 1: 2 03-03 Total: 2 03-03
57. Connor Wallace - Brendan Scripps Howell High School 0
Day 1: 1 01-10 Total: 1 01-10
58. Chase Aaron - Beckham Matt White Lake Lakeland 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
58. Hayden Persyn - Carter Persyn Freeland 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
58. Easton Waite - Mason Johnston Clare Hs Fishing Team 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
------------------------------
BIG BASS OF TOURN
Carson Tithof Grand Haven, MI 04-10 $0.00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 44 251 581-15
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44 251 581-15
History Made at Toyota Series at California Delta Presented by Suzuki Marine
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Menifee’s Melton Earns Pro Victory, Moreno Tops Co-anglers as Female Anglers Finish 1-2 for First Time in History
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| OAKLEY, Calif. (June 9, 2024) – Pro Cristian Melton closed out his first professional win the same way he punctuated a dominant season in the Western Division Presented by Tackle Warehouse — with style.
Melton, who led after Day 2 of the Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats event on the California Delta, which was presented by Suzuki Marine, weighed in 20 pounds, 13 ounces on the final day to put an exclamation point on his victory. The biggest bag of Day 3, that brought his total to 61-7, putting him 4-15 clear of runner-up Christian Ostrander. Not only did Melton pocket $22,866 for the win, he added another $5,000 as the winner of the Fishing Clash Angler of the Year award for the Western Division. That title, too, he claimed in convincing fashion after finishing fifth at the season-opener on Clear Lake and second on Lake Havasu prior to his triumph at the Delta. “It’s crazy,” Melton said. “It’s going to take me probably two days for it to really soak in. I’m just going to be like, oh my gosh, that just happened.” Melton arrived at the Delta solely focused on securing the AOY title. And even as well as he performed during the first two days, with each of the second- through fourth-place anglers entering the event also making the Top 25 cut, he had some work to do Friday before he could turn his attention to hoisting his first trophy. It took him about 10 minutes to assuage those concerns. Returning to the area where he’d caught most of his 22-pound Day 2 bag, on about his fifth cast, Melton hooked up with a Delta giant. The bass weighed 8-12 — the biggest caught by any angler during the event. Once it entered the net, Melton knew he had one victory wrapped up and was well on his way to a second. “Me and my co-angler, Deanna (Moreno), we were just ecstatic,” Melton said. “I was like, well, that’s my AOY fish.” Staying in that area, Melton filled his limit by 7:30 a.m. After running around for a few hours and catching “one here and one there,” he returned to the honey hole and upgraded a couple more times, all but sealing a second victory. Melton described the spot as a slack-water pocket in the central San Joaquin River. Protected from the current and the wind, it featured cleaner water and healthier vegetation than most of the surrounding areas. As a result, while there was a lot of fishless water in the massive system this week, the spot was “teeming with life,” producing regardless of the tide. “Clean water is a big thing,” Melton said. “Clean, healthy grass, just a clean ecosystem. Not like blown-out stuff that’s getting new water every day. Just more protected from the elements, whether it be the wind, the current, just anything, stuff pushing into it all the time. And these fish somehow find it, and they just load up.” Melton believes the area held bass in all three phases of the spawn. He sight-fished a few off beds, but “90 percent” of his keepers (including the 8-12) ate a wacky-rigged 5-inch Yamamoto Senko. “It was just a mixture of what I believe is prespawn, spawn and postspawn (bass), because there were bluegill beds, and then right next to it was bass beds, and then there was postspawners off the bank, and I was watching fish funnel in these areas,” Melton explained. The top 10 pros on the California Delta finished: 1st: Cristian Melton, Menifee, Calif., 15 bass, 61-7, $22,866 Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com. Fernandes earned Thursday’s $500 Berkley Big Bass Award with a largemouth bass weighing 8 pounds, 2 ounces. Pro Mark Cobey of Woodland, California, earned the $500 Berkley Big Bass Award on Friday with a 7-pound, 7-ounce bass.
History was also made, Friday, in the Strike King Co-angler division. Although females have won previously in the Toyota Series, this event marked the first time in MLF history that female anglers finished in both first and second place, Deanna Moreno of Salida, California, brought a limit of bass to the scale totaling 13 pounds, 1 ounce to the scales on Day 3 of the event on the California Delta, slamming the door on her first career win in the Strike King co-angler division. Her three-day total of 40-15 topped runner-up Rachel Uribe of San Diego, California, by 4-5 in the event, which was presented by Suzuki Marine. For the victory, she earned a Phoenix Boats prize package worth $33,500. Moreno, who had fished 17 previous Toyota Series events as a co-angler, traveling alongside her husband to compete in the Western Division Presented by Tackle Warehouse, described celebrating her breakthrough win with Mike (who finished 23rd on the boater side) as “a rush.” “I just couldn’t believe it,” she said. “Without his support, I wouldn’t be where I am as a fisherman today. He’s taught me everything. I know he’s been hard on me, but I know why he’s been hard on me. He’s my biggest supporter.” The result wasn’t only cause for celebration for the Moreno family. Deanna’s victory made history. She became the third woman in MLF/FLW history to win a Toyota Series event and the first since 2001, when Renee Hensley won the co-angler competition at the Toyota Series Championship on Pickwick Lake. “That’s an honor,” Deanna said. “Not that I want to be separated from males, because we’re all fishermen. But it’s an honor to do it as a female.” At least on paper, Moreno made the win look easy. Filling out a limit all three days, she sat in second after Day 1 with 15-0, then climbed into the lead with 12-14 on Day 2. Her 40-15 total would have landed a top-20 finish on the pro side. But Moreno said it took plenty of patience and a few key adjustments to generate the winning bites, as she caught most of her weight on different baits each day. On Day 1, she didn’t catch a keeper during the first half of the day, but she stayed calm, reminding herself that the outgoing tide should improve the bite. Indeed, fishing alongside Jon Strelic, she boated five keepers within a span of minutes from the same spot. Then, she culled in a big way with a 6-2 lunker. All of her Day 1 fish ate an M.M. III-colored Roboworm Straight Tail Worm on a drop-shot “All of a sudden, in probably a 10-foot stretch, it was like one right after another on a drop-shot,” Moreno said. “Got my five, and then I was like, OK, they’re all schooled up, what is going on here? And I just kept throwing out there, and all of a sudden, I caught that 6-2.” Moreno once again started slow on Day 2. This time, as the tide fell, she switched to a walking topwater, which produced the majority of her weight. Mercifully, given that she was “super nervous” after sleeping on the lead, she didn’t have to wait nearly as long for the action to pick up on Day 3. Fishing alongside pro winner Cristian Melton, Moreno used a wacky-rigged Yamamoto Senko to fill her limit by 7:30 a.m. “I had four little ones and then a nice one, and I was like, OK, I’ve got all day to upgrade here,” she said. “It did calm the nerves a little bit.” Around noon, Moreno upgraded in style. Just as the boat containing MLF photographer John Zeolla found her and Melton, she boated her biggest fish of the day. “You know how some people don’t like the camera boat around them?” Moreno said with a laugh. “Well, when the camera boat came around like noon, I caught a 3.8 on a Senko right in front of the camera boat. So, that was pretty cool. I really feel the camera boat is lucky.” Moreno insisted that she never wants to be treated differently than another co-angler because of her gender. Like any other tournament winner, her triumph on the Delta was memorable because of the work that went into it, the puzzle pieces clicking together, the thrill of fighting and landing big bass. “We’re just out there, we enjoy this sport; it’s a passion,” she said. “I wish I could bottle up that feeling of the 6-pounder, the 5-pounder. It’s just great. It’s awesome. There’s nothing like it.” But Moreno also recognizes the gravity of her and Uribe’s performances. Her message to other women who might see her with a trophy and want to give tournament fishing a try: “Get out there and fish.” “Don’t be intimidated by it,” she said. “The guys that are out there, they help you, they support you. It’s just like fishing with your friends. I really feel like if women just go out there, you start doing it, you get confident, just work through it, you’ll do it.” The top 10 Strike King co-anglers on the California Delta finished: 1st: Deanna Moreno, Salida, Calif., 15 bass, 40-15, Phoenix 518 Pro boat w/115-hp Mercury outboard Strike King Co-angler Firuz Gizatullin of Discovery Bay, California, earned the $150 Berkley Big Bass on Thursday with a 7-pound, 13-ounce bass, while Friday’s Day 2 $150 co-angler award went to Jonathan Green of San Pablo, California, who brought a 6-pound, 9-ounce bass to the scale. The Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats at the California Delta Presented by Suzuki Marine was hosted by the City of Oakley. It was the third and final regular-season tournament for the Toyota Series Western Division. The next event for Western Division anglers will be the Toyota Series Championship at Wheeler Lake, Nov. 7-9 in Huntsville, Alabama. 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 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, REDCON1, 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 to Host Celebration for Local Fans with Championship Trophy Ceremony at Colonial Waterfront Park in Edenton
WHAT:
On Sunday, Major League Fishing (MLF) will host a Celebration Event for MLF fans of all ages, inviting fans to come out and celebrate with the final 10 professional anglers from the Bass Pro Tour as they crown the champion of the U.S. Air Force Stage Five on Chowan River Presented by WIX Filters.
WHEN:
Sunday, June 9
1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – MLF Bass Pro Tour Watch Party & Kids Fishing Derby
4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Trophy Ceremony & Champion Celebration
WHERE:
Colonial Waterfront Park
510 S. Broad St.
Edenton, N.C.
NOTES:
The FREE, family-friendly event will be fun for fishing fans of all ages. 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 Bass Pro Tour anglers will be returning from their competition day on the water and available to meet and greet fans, sign autographs, take selfies and talk about their day on the Chowan River.
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.
Bassmaster Elite Series event at Wheeler Lake could offer perfect ledge-fishing opportunities
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DECATUR, Ala. — The 
Texas Team Trail Releases 2025 Schedule
The Texas Team Trail has announced their 2025 Schedule and anticipated payout. Full details are below:
Burrill and Simpson brave rough Saginaw Bay for Bassmaster College Series win
Burrill and Simpson brave rough Saginaw Bay for Bassmaster College Series win
BAY CITY, Mich. — There was a moment on Friday, as 6-foot waves tossed their bass boat around Saginaw Bay like a cork in a maelstrom, that Branden Burrill and Jack Simpson stared at one another, silently asking, “What the heck are we doing?”
The answer? They were winning the Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Saginaw Bay presented by Bass Pro Shops.
High winds prevented anglers from venturing into open water on Day 1, but the wind died down just enough on Friday to squelch the small-craft warning for the inner part of Saginaw Bay — a sprawling 1,143-square-mile bass factory in coastal northeast Michigan.
And when tournament officials said the bay was in play on the final day of the derby, nothing was going to keep Burrill and Simpson from chasing bedding smallmouth some 30 miles into the bay in hopes of a tournament title.
The 23-year-old seniors from Western Michigan University did win the final Bassmaster College Series regular-season event of 2024 with a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 35 pounds, 2 ounces. That earned the duo a $4,938 cash prize for their school’s bass program — part of a $16,400 total purse up for grabs among the Top 10 teams competing this week.
It also secured them a spot in the Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops when it’s held Aug. 22-24 on Lake Hartwell in South Carolina. A total of 20 teams competing this week grabbed berths in the championship.
“It was extremely nasty out there,” Burrill said. “It took us two hours to get out (by the Charity Islands) and it was as rough a ride as I’ve ever had on the water.”
B.A.S.S. officials had to make Saginaw Bay off limits on Thursday, with the chance of consistently high winds and rough seas too great a threat. That forced each of the 196 competing tandems to fish in the sheltered Saginaw River, away from the worst of the wind.
Fishing pressure there was, in a word, tough.
“You saw 10 boats anywhere you looked,” Simpson said.
There was a similar crowd atop the Day 1 leaderboard, with 13 different duos within 2 pounds of Burrill and Simpson’s 16-pound bag.
Mother Nature was a bit more cooperative on Friday, but the waves on Saginaw Bay (which opens into Lake Huron) were anything but tame.
And despite the odyssey, the duo only had four smallmouth in the boat when they had to leave around noon. Granted, their weight was in the 17-pound range, but it was a last-minute largemouth, back in the Saginaw River, that provided the extra weight they needed to win.
“We only had five bites today, and all four of the smallmouth were 4-pounders that came off a bed we marked during practice,” Simpson said. “We had well over 40 fish marked on beds in our area, but we couldn’t see them. The water was dirty. Waves were crashing into the boat. It was crazy out there.”
Burrill and Simpson chose their lures wisely in the gale-force winds — opting for a Beast Coast O.W. Sniper Jig in the green pumpkin color and a series of drop shots. The kicker largemouth on Friday came on the same Beast Coast jig.
“I was using a big casting rod because of the wind,” Simpson said. “It was disheartening at times, all that work, and to only get five bites? We’re fortunate. We almost didn’t make it back in time. We ran in really shallow water, through reeds, and just skipped our way back across the bay to the river.
“But this is an amazing feeling, to battle against these conditions and win the tournament.”
Elliot Wielgopolski and Aaron Jagdfeld of Adrian College, weighed a 19-4 limit on Day 2 and finished second overall with 10 bass for 32-9. They won $2,963 for their bass team, and like the winners, they too went for broke and ventured deep into Saginaw Bay on Friday.
“The waves were really big,” Wielgopolski said. “It was a long run. It probably took us about two hours to get out there to the (Charity) Islands, but it paid off. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
All of the Adrian duo’s Friday fish were bedding smallies caught on drop shots.
Brendin Simich and Benjamin Travis of Auburn University, placed third with 31-15 overall ($2,304). The University of Montevallo’s Easton Fothergill and Nick Dumke, last year’s Bassmaster College Series Team of the Year, caught 20-6 on Day 2, which was the biggest bag of the derby. They finished fourth overall at Saginaw with 31-10 and won $1,975 for Montevallo.
They added an additional $200 to their winnings on Friday after catching a 5-2 smallmouth, the heaviest of the tournament.
The week’s events will conclude Sunday when the Strike King Bassmaster High School Series and Bassmaster Junior Series are scheduled to compete on the Saginaw system. Both events will begin at 5:30 a.m. ET, with the Juniors weighing in at 1:30 p.m. ET and the prep anglers taking the stage at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Go Great Lakes Bay is hosting this week’s tournaments.
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
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2024 Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Saginaw Bay presented by Bass Pro Shops 6/6-6/7
Saginaw Bay, Bay City, MI.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Club/School Pts
1. Branden Burrill - Jack Simpson Western Michigan University Bass 250
Day 1: 5 16-00 Day 2: 5 19-02 Total: 10 35-02
2. Elliot Wielgopolski - Aaron Jagdfeld Adrian College 249
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 5 19-04 Total: 10 32-09
3. Brendin Simich - Benjamin Travis Auburn University 248
Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 5 17-14 Total: 10 31-15
4. Easton Fothergill - Nick Dumke University of Montevallo 247
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 5 20-06 Total: 10 31-10
5. Trevor Young - Maxwell Schweikert Grand Valley State University 246
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 5 17-02 Total: 10 31-09
6. Bryson O' Steen - Seth Jones Florida Gateway College Fishing 245
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 15-14 Total: 10 30-09
7. Logan Greeno - Matthew Nichols University of Nebraska - Lincoln 244
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 16-11 Total: 10 30-04
8. Ryan Olsen - Delaney Platt Southwestern Michigan College 243
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 15-07 Total: 10 30-02
9. Hayden Short - Kentucky Christian University 242
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 16-08 Total: 10 29-06
10. Hank Sturm - Matt Amosby Adrian College 241
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 14-10 Total: 10 29-05
11. Storm Cline - Gabe Fishlock Carson-Newman University 240
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 15-15 Total: 10 29-00
12. Blake Bullock - John Mark Berry Blue Mountain Christian Universi 239
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 14-11 Total: 10 28-15
13. Adrian Urso - Corbin Templon Murray State University 238
Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 5 13-10 Total: 10 28-09
14. Chase Rogers - Kaleb Butts University of South Carolina - U 237
Day 1: 5 08-15 Day 2: 5 19-07 Total: 10 28-06
15. Harmon Marien - Maxwell Trotter McKendree University 236
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 4 16-04 Total: 9 28-04
16. Carter Nutt - Dylan Nutt University of North Alabama 235
Day 1: 5 11-12 Day 2: 5 16-06 Total: 10 28-02
17. Ty Mundhenke - Matthew Welcher Auburn University 234
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 16-07 Total: 10 28-01
18. Kai Barnett - Parker Welch McKendree University 233
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 5 14-01 Total: 10 28-01
19. Brendan Vinton - Jacob Vanscoik Catawba Valley Community College 232
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 16-05 Total: 10 27-15
20. Jack Stephens - Jason Qualich McKendree University 231
Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 5 12-09 Total: 10 27-15
21. Brooks Parker - Hudson Choquette University of Montevallo 230
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 14-08 Total: 10 27-12
22. Chris Baker - Elijah Kelley Kentucky Christian University 229
Day 1: 5 10-14 Day 2: 5 16-11 Total: 10 27-09
23. Dylan Akins - Chase Carey Emmanuel College 228
Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 5 13-06 Total: 10 27-07
24. Drake Heath - Evan Ludlow 227
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 16-09 Total: 10 27-04
25. Logan East - Conner Giles Bryan College 226
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 15-01 Total: 10 27-01
26. Spencer Grooms - Nathan Preston Auburn University 225
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 5 14-13 Total: 10 27-01
27. Blake Milligan - Carson Maddux Auburn University 224
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 14-09 Total: 10 27-00
28. Hunter Petrovic - Kaiya Ziga Southwestern Michigan College 223
Day 1: 5 13-12 Day 2: 5 13-04 Total: 10 27-00
29. Michael Witherup - Tucker Cory University of Montevallo 222
Day 1: 5 10-03 Day 2: 5 16-10 Total: 10 26-13
30. Caden Pearson - Nathan Kallstrand Wabash Valley College 221
Day 1: 5 14-08 Day 2: 5 12-05 Total: 10 26-13
31. Braden Cox - Joel Berelsman Ohio State University 220
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 5 15-13 Total: 10 26-09
32. Joe Lutz - Jake Monti UNC - Charlotte 219
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 5 15-05 Total: 10 26-08
33. Logan Evans - Brock Catlett Campbellsville University 218
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 5 14-06 Total: 10 26-08
34. Kobe Thompson - Cole Carr Adrian College 217
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 15-13 Total: 10 26-06
35. Spencer Knight - Colton Cybulski Ohio State University 216
Day 1: 5 11-12 Day 2: 5 14-10 Total: 10 26-06
36. Hunter Sandschafer - Blake Beckmann Wabash Valley College 215
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 14-07 Total: 10 26-06
37. Chandler Pruett - Blue Mountain Christian Universi 214
Day 1: 5 13-03 Day 2: 5 13-03 Total: 10 26-06
38. Broxson Daigle - Sid Wallace Texas A&M University - Aggie Ang 213
Day 1: 5 13-03 Day 2: 5 13-00 Total: 10 26-03
39. James Willoughby - Phillip Herring University of Montevallo 212
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 13-10 Total: 10 26-01
40. Brock Blazier - Colby Joseph Campbellsville University 211
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 12-13 Total: 10 26-01
41. Brady Metzger - Mason Bohland Purdue University 210
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 14-07 Total: 10 26-00
42. Reece Keeney - Brantley Anders Kentucky Christian University 209
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 13-07 Total: 10 26-00
43. Kyle Zainitzer - Brock Vogel University of North Alabama 208
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 12-07 Total: 10 25-14
44. Luke Rokavec - Evan Waggener Campbellsville University 207
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 14-05 Total: 10 25-11
45. Turner Hart - Summer Dees Bryan College 206
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 5 13-01 Total: 10 25-11
46. Nicholas Feczko - Nicholas Jones 205
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 5 14-02 Total: 10 25-10
47. Luke Davis - Chance Schwartz University of Montevallo 204
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 5 13-13 Total: 10 25-10
48. Ty Reynolds - Mark Bixler Murray State University 203
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 5 14-05 Total: 10 25-09
49. Dylan May - Carson Palmer Carson-Newman University 202
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 12-13 Total: 10 25-05
50. Kyle Knoll - Evan Conn Auburn University 201
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 13-09 Total: 10 25-02
51. Cameron Dials - Blayner Leeman Kentucky Christian University 200
Day 1: 5 13-03 Day 2: 5 11-15 Total: 10 25-02
52. Cameron Smith - Thomas Phillips Ohio State University 199
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 5 14-04 Total: 10 25-01
53. Tucker Dottley - Jordan Hampton Bethel University 198
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 11-10 Total: 10 25-00
54. Christian Turner - Aaron Mcgill Coastal Carolina University 197
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 15-01 Total: 10 24-14
55. Lane Stephens - Ethan Fields McKendree University 196
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 5 13-13 Total: 10 24-14
56. Lucas Thornton - Nathan Reynolds University of North Alabama 195
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 5 11-09 Total: 10 24-14
57. Jarrett Prunty - Chase Fleenor Western Kentucky University 194
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 13-04 Total: 10 24-13
58. Nate Triplett - Holden Johnson University of North Alabama 193
Day 1: 5 12-05 Day 2: 5 12-08 Total: 10 24-13
59. Allen Powe - Jonathan Combs Campbellsville University 192
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 11-08 Total: 10 24-12
60. Luke Dardeen - Connor Becker Wabash Valley College 191
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 11-14 Total: 10 24-12
61. Jack Hay - Eli Jaime Southwestern Michigan College 190
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 12-12 Total: 10 24-12
62. Colby Carrier - Justin Frey Bethel University 189
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 11-03 Total: 10 24-10
63. Connor Westerman - Michael Mcnulty West Virginia University 188
Day 1: 5 11-12 Day 2: 5 12-14 Total: 10 24-10
64. Payton Sodervick - Adam Troyer Indiana University 187
Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 5 14-05 Total: 10 24-09
65. Jacob Swanson - Zack Cooper University of Montevallo 186
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 3 11-09 Total: 8 24-09
66. Hunter Palmer - Eli Stevenson Bryan College 185
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 11-11 Total: 10 24-09
67. Casey Cornelius - Zion Dunaway Purdue University 184
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 5 13-03 Total: 10 24-06
68. Dalton Phelps - Gannon Stork Wabash Valley College 183
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 5 13-07 Total: 10 24-04
69. Chris Fallon - Hagan Marlin University of Montevallo 182
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 11-11 Total: 10 24-04
70. Tomas Matual - Colton Hill McKendree University 181
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 14-06 Total: 10 24-03
71. Mitchell Dean - Zachary Nolan Georgia College 180
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 5 11-07 Total: 10 24-02
72. Owen Januszewski - Mitch Straffon Adrian College 179
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 11-03 Total: 10 24-01
73. Dustin Weinberg - Sawyer Brady Blue Mountain Christian Universi 178
Day 1: 5 12-13 Day 2: 5 11-03 Total: 10 24-00
74. Chase Loftus - University of Iowa 177
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 5 12-08 Total: 10 24-00
75. Carson Tucker - Kade MacDonald University of Wisconsin - Whitew 176
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 12-06 Total: 10 23-15
76. Hunter Barrow - Caleb Dugger King University 175
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 13-05 Total: 10 23-14
76. Logan Plueger - Charlie Wright University of Montevallo 175
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 13-05 Total: 10 23-14
78. Tyler Madden - Colton Odom Auburn University 173
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 5 13-01 Total: 10 23-14
79. Henry Vincent - Mathias Dahline Adrian College 172
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 5 12-14 Total: 10 23-14
80. Andrew Oswalt - Evan Mabrey University of Montevallo 171
Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 5 13-08 Total: 10 23-13
81. Alex Strunk - Joshua Morrison Bowling Green State University 170
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 5 11-02 Total: 10 23-13
82. Wyatt Pearman - Ridge Rutledge Campbellsville University 169
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 12-03 Total: 10 23-13
83. Billy Erdakos - Davis Klimczak Southwestern Michigan College 168
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 5 11-11 Total: 10 23-13
84. Jack Alexander - Nick Pemberton University of Montevallo 167
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 10-02 Total: 10 23-12
85. Andrew Jones - Tyler Malone Southern Union State Community C 166
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 5 12-10 Total: 10 23-12
86. Owen Wheeler - Caleb Neu Bethel University 165
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 5 13-05 Total: 10 23-11
87. Derek Rodriguez Jr. - Dalton Mollenkopf Adrian College 164
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 11-07 Total: 10 23-10
88. Joseph Woods - Anthony Cicero IV Bethel University 163
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 12-04 Total: 10 23-09
89. Kyle Hopping - Colsyn Head McKendree University 162
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 5 13-01 Total: 10 23-07
90. Max Pierlott - Mike Pierlott UNC - Charlotte 161
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 12-02 Total: 10 23-07
91. Cy Lambert - Austin King University of North Alabama 160
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 11-09 Total: 10 23-07
92. Robie Vines Jr - Catawba Valley Community College 159
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 11-15 Total: 10 23-05
93. Chris McGregor - Preston Kolisek University of North Alabama 158
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 5 11-08 Total: 10 23-05
94. Dylan Thomson - Trey Marco King University 157
Day 1: 4 09-05 Day 2: 5 13-14 Total: 9 23-03
95. Jordan Bezold - Joe Bezold Nku Bassmasters Club 156
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 09-11 Total: 10 23-01
96. Colin Chavers - Preston Barnett Southern Union State Community C 155
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 4 08-04 Total: 9 22-14
97. Tristen Dubbs - Alan Ter Molen Grace College 154
Day 1: 5 10-01 Day 2: 5 12-13 Total: 10 22-14
98. Ben Brockwell - Will Rooker Kentucky Christian University 153
Day 1: 5 12-12 Day 2: 5 10-02 Total: 10 22-14
99. Sam Moll - Will Burch Murray State University 152
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 5 11-09 Total: 10 22-12
100. Evan Sutton - Grant Olsen McKendree University 151
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 11-07 Total: 10 22-12
101. Jake Kimbrough - Tyler Hill Blue Mountain Christian Universi 150
Day 1: 5 12-12 Day 2: 5 09-14 Total: 10 22-10
102. JD Sewell - Joshua Sonnier Lamar State College Orange 149
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 5 11-08 Total: 10 22-10
103. Jacob Highley - William Copley Kentucky Christian University 148
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 11-04 Total: 10 22-09
104. Hunter Russell - Benny Blank Wabash Valley College 147
Day 1: 5 10-03 Day 2: 5 12-04 Total: 10 22-07
105. Avery Merrow - Mason Stidwill Southwestern Michigan College 146
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 5 11-06 Total: 10 22-07
105. Logan Ware - Jack Romatz Southwestern Michigan College 146
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 11-01 Total: 10 22-07
107. Nick Shoffner - Drake Page UNC - Charlotte 144
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 5 12-04 Total: 10 22-06
108. Colin Oldfield - Nick Fashho Southwestern Michigan College 143
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 5 10-05 Total: 10 22-06
109. Andrew Howell - Jordan Pennington University of Montevallo 142
Day 1: 5 10-14 Day 2: 5 11-05 Total: 10 22-03
109. Nick Seitz - Paxton Giem Adrian College 142
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 10-14 Total: 10 22-03
111. Hayden Fry - Vance Roberts McKendree University 140
Day 1: 5 09-14 Day 2: 5 12-04 Total: 10 22-02
112. Harrison Terry - Zachary Bowen Bethel University 139
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 10-05 Total: 10 22-00
113. Will Hart - Logan Fisher Emmanuel College 138
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 5 09-13 Total: 10 21-14
114. Brandon Berry - River Eubanks University of Montevallo 137
Day 1: 5 10-15 Day 2: 5 10-15 Total: 10 21-14
115. Hunter Kellogg - Jack Moran Ohio State University 136
Day 1: 5 08-10 Day 2: 5 13-02 Total: 10 21-12
116. Jackson Holbert - Joshua Hayes University of North Alabama 135
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 4 09-11 Total: 9 21-12
117. Jackson Smith - Sawyer Williams Bethel University 134
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 5 11-12 Total: 10 21-12
118. Ryan Foster - Will Hornsby McKendree University 133
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 5 10-10 Total: 10 21-12
119. TJ McKenzie - Will Wester Emmanuel College 132
Day 1: 5 10-08 Day 2: 5 11-03 Total: 10 21-11
120. Gavyn Rapp - Ephraim Cretsinger Adrian College 131
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 10-01 Total: 10 21-07
121. Jeffrey Jones - Coleman Bingham Bethel University 130
Day 1: 5 08-05 Day 2: 5 13-00 Total: 10 21-05
122. Dylan Fogarty - Hunter Fillmore Bethel University 129
Day 1: 5 09-05 Day 2: 4 11-15 Total: 9 21-04
123. Braden Thompson - Wabash Valley College 128
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 11-06 Total: 10 21-03
124. William Henry - David Kaczur Purdue University 127
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 10-08 Total: 10 21-03
125. John Goffinett - Eric Biesiada Bowling Green State Fishing Club 126
Day 1: 5 09-07 Day 2: 5 11-09 Total: 10 21-00
126. Jake Thornbury - Lane Pohlman Campbellsville University 125
Day 1: 5 09-10 Day 2: 5 11-06 Total: 10 21-00
127. Kyle Smith - Aaron Mills Kentucky Christian University 124
Day 1: 5 09-04 Day 2: 5 11-11 Total: 10 20-15
128. Camden Lewis - TJ Edwards Jr Blue Mountain Christian Universi 123
Day 1: 5 08-06 Day 2: 5 12-07 Total: 10 20-13
129. Levi Seagraves - Scooter Ligon Jr Emmanuel College 122
Day 1: 5 09-04 Day 2: 5 11-09 Total: 10 20-13
130. Brody Wilson - Cole Bedard NC State University 121
Day 1: 5 09-08 Day 2: 5 11-05 Total: 10 20-13
131. Luke Caylor - Joe Gollmer Indiana University 120
Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 5 10-07 Total: 10 20-12
132. Cole Hadlock - Braiden Koerber Murray State University 119
Day 1: 5 09-08 Day 2: 5 11-00 Total: 10 20-08
133. Jadon Spencer - Chase Martin Catawba Valley Community College 118
Day 1: 5 09-00 Day 2: 5 11-07 Total: 10 20-07
134. Ethan Tedder - Carson Winn University of North Alabama 117
Day 1: 5 08-03 Day 2: 5 12-03 Total: 10 20-06
135. Campbell Coyle - Tanner Davis University of Kentucky 116
Day 1: 5 10-01 Day 2: 5 10-05 Total: 10 20-06
136. Caleb Brady - Joseph Catania Grand Valley State University 115
Day 1: 4 07-13 Day 2: 5 12-08 Total: 9 20-05
137. Connor Lynch - Andrew Contat Grand Valley State University 114
Day 1: 5 10-01 Day 2: 5 10-03 Total: 10 20-04
138. Peyton Rose - Brogan Gregg Wabash Valley College 113
Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 5 09-14 Total: 10 20-03
139. Chan Barber II - Ben Hutchins NC State University 112
Day 1: 5 09-09 Day 2: 5 10-09 Total: 10 20-02
140. David Alan Stith - Jase Smith Jr. Georgia College 111
Day 1: 5 09-06 Day 2: 5 10-11 Total: 10 20-01
141. Joseph Senn - Bethel University 110
Day 1: 5 09-03 Day 2: 5 10-12 Total: 10 19-15
142. Hayden O'Barr - Cooper Gilroy University of Alabama 109
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 09-03 Total: 10 19-14
143. Conner Pickens - Dalton DeFelice Southwestern Michigan College 108
Day 1: 5 09-14 Day 2: 5 10-00 Total: 10 19-14
144. Lucas Washburn - Braylon Eggerding Adrian College 107
Day 1: 5 09-00 Day 2: 5 10-13 Total: 10 19-13
145. Carter Smith - Sam Ausbrooks Wabash Valley College 106
Day 1: 5 09-04 Day 2: 5 10-09 Total: 10 19-13
146. Karsten Raney - Ben Sadler Campbellsville University 105
Day 1: 5 09-14 Day 2: 5 09-14 Total: 10 19-12
147. Tyler Eggers - Dustin Swafford Catawba Valley Community College 104
Day 1: 5 08-10 Day 2: 5 10-15 Total: 10 19-09
148. Riley Lawson - Joe Bob Burchett Kentucky Christian University 103
Day 1: 5 09-14 Day 2: 5 09-09 Total: 10 19-07
149. Daniel Schroeder - Jacob Autry Murray State University 102
Day 1: 5 08-03 Day 2: 5 11-03 Total: 10 19-06
150. Collin Barnett - Sander Ludeman Minnesota State University - Man 101
Day 1: 5 09-07 Day 2: 5 09-15 Total: 10 19-06
151. Merrick Diaz - Cade Hayford Campbellsville University 100
Day 1: 5 09-12 Day 2: 5 09-09 Total: 10 19-05
152. Carter Doren - Brett Hill Campbellsville University 99
Day 1: 3 05-07 Day 2: 5 13-07 Total: 8 18-14
153. Dawson Woerner - Wyatt Cash Purdue University 98
Day 1: 5 10-03 Day 2: 5 08-08 Total: 10 18-11
154. William Vickery - Hunter Starling Georgia Southern University 97
Day 1: 5 06-09 Day 2: 5 11-13 Total: 10 18-06
155. Carson Aarup - Matt Peine UNC - Charlotte 96
Day 1: 5 09-03 Day 2: 5 09-02 Total: 10 18-05
156. Victor Alford - Tanner Herndon Bryan College 95
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 3 06-03 Total: 8 18-04
157. Cole Berry - Braci Ault Purdue University 94
Day 1: 4 07-13 Day 2: 5 09-14 Total: 9 17-11
158. Gus Dietrich - Jack Wilson University of Alabama 93
Day 1: 3 05-08 Day 2: 5 10-10 Total: 8 16-02
159. Hunter Shelton - Colten Drawdy Bethel University 92
Day 1: 1 02-07 Day 2: 5 13-06 Total: 6 15-13
160. Jerry Brumbaugh Jr. - Brady Pinwar Adrian College 91
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 1 03-12 Total: 6 15-13
161. Bryson Hatcher - Matthew Dopp Bryan College 90
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 3 05-00 Total: 8 15-12
162. Sam Harvey - Jordan Brewer Auburn University 89
Day 1: 5 13-14 Day 2: 1 01-13 Total: 6 15-11
163. Ethan Vue - Christian Vue UNC - Charlotte 88
Day 1: 4 07-11 Day 2: 4 07-10 Total: 8 15-05
164. Robert Richbourg - Cal Austin Catawba Valley Community College 87
Day 1: 5 10-14 Day 2: 2 04-01 Total: 7 14-15
165. Max Phillpotts - GRAHAM SHIFFERD Grand Valley State University 86
Day 1: 3 05-08 Day 2: 5 09-06 Total: 8 14-14
166. Dylan Reid - Jaxson Smoak Georgia Southern University 85
Day 1: 5 08-05 Day 2: 3 06-07 Total: 8 14-12
167. Jacob Newton - Zachary Lubben Grand Valley State University 84
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 2 04-08 Total: 7 14-08
168. Bryce Dimauro - Tripp Berlinsky Bryan College 83
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 14-04
169. William Brogan - Cole Bubenzer Indiana University 82
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 13-14 Total: 5 13-14
170. Bennett Slinkard - Matthew Parrish Auburn University 81
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 2 02-01 Total: 7 13-08
171. Tyler Altizer - Landon Lawson King University 80
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 13-04
172. Ryan Daugherty - Brantley Barrentine Campbellsville University 79
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 12-15 Total: 5 12-15
173. Peyton Harris - Dalton Head University of Montevallo 78
Day 1: 5 12-13 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 12-13
174. Jaxson Freeman - Connor Hall McKendree University 77
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 12-08
174. Brayden Ruckman - Zachary Helton Carson-Newman University 77
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 12-08
176. Brody Robison - Colton White University of Montevallo 75
Day 1: 5 12-05 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 12-05
177. Luke Willis - Brandon Wingo University of South Carolina 74
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 11-11
178. Easton Lindus - Seth Jenkins Emmanuel College 73
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 11-10
179. Dawson Burton - Ethan Burnette Kentucky Christian University 72
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 11-09 Total: 5 11-09
179. Lucas Toliver - Jacob Wilkie Western Michigan University Bass 72
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 11-09
181. Zachary Wolfe - Carson-Newman University 70
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 11-07 Total: 5 11-07
182. Mitch Johnson - Jonathan Fitch Kentucky Christian University 69
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 11-04
183. Cole Taylor - Clay Taylor Lander University 68
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 10-10
184. Sam Hoesley - Malcolm Patton Auburn University 67
Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 10-05
185. Lucas Bowers - Fisher Rodgers University of South Carolina 66
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 10-02
186. Jacob Butts - Mark Kershaw-Klara University of South Carolina - U 65
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 10-00
187. Grant Meisenhelter - Levi Kohl Murray State University 64
Day 1: 5 09-14 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 09-14
188. Zach Pocos - Tucker Siminak McKendree University 63
Day 1: 5 09-09 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 09-09
189. Jake Peck - Carty Shoen Auburn University 62
Day 1: 5 09-07 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 09-07
190. Hayden Marbut - Auburn University 61
Day 1: 5 09-06 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 09-06
191. Daniel Weber - Mitchell Mccotter Bass Fishing Team At Virginia Te 60
Day 1: 5 09-05 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 09-05
192. Kyle Ashe - Bobby Beck JR University at Buffalo 59
Day 1: 5 09-02 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 09-02
193. Jake Buzin - Finn Maher University of South Carolina 58
Day 1: 5 08-09 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 08-09
194. Nick Staub - Sam Schmitz University of North Alabama 57
Day 1: 5 07-09 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 07-09
195. Brennan Berglund - University of Montevallo 56
Day 1: 5 07-08 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 07-08
196. William Gully - Chapman Horsley Southern Union State Community C 55
Day 1: 2 03-15 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 03-15
------------------------------
BIG BASS OF TOURN
Easton Fothergill Grand Rapids , MN 05-02 $0.00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 183 943 2130-12
2 158 830 2105-00
------------------------------
341 1773 4235-12
Matt Becker Wins Group B Qualifying Round at U.S. Air Force Stage Five at Chowan River
Tennessee pro catches two-day total of 62-6 to win Group B Qualifying Round, field of 20 set for Saturday’s Knockout Round
EDENTON, N.C. (June 7, 2024) – The Knockout Round field is set at the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour U.S. Air Force Stage Five at the Chowan River Presented by WIX Filters, and it's a clash of old-school and new-school fishing styles in eastern North Carolina.
It's still too early to tell which approach will produce victory, but reigning Fishing Clash Angler of the Year Matt Becker of Ten Mile, Tennessee, who entered Friday in second place, used the latter to top Group B with a two-day total of 62 pounds, 6 ounces. Alongside Group A winner Dustin Connell of Clanton, Alabama , Becker will lead the 20-angler field out of Pembroke Creek Park to start tomorrow's Knockout Round.
Jacob Wheeler of Harrison, Tennessee, the Day 1 leader for Group B, admitted that he planned to use the second day of qualifying to search for more water. He tallied four bass for 7-15, falling to fourth place. But where it counts will be the last two days of this event, and Wheeler is still one of the heavy favorites to win for a third time this season. Drew Gill of Mount Carmel, Illinois , (59-3) and Zack Birge of Blanchard, Oklahoma, (55-14) finished between Becker and Wheeler in second and third, respectively.
The fishing continues to be solid, and big bass are still being caught, including a tournament-best 8-3 Berkley Big Bass caught by Alton Jones, Sr., of Lorena, Texas, Friday. That lunker helped push him into Saturday’s Knockout Round, showing how crucial those big bites could be in determining a winner this week.
While there’s been some variance day to day, 30 pounds looks like it could be the key mark to qualify for Sunday’s Championship Round, with a handful of anglers putting that on SCORETRACKER® every day. Becker has now done it two days in a row, adding a day's best 31-8 to 30-14 from his group's opening day of fishing.
"Today went well and better than expected because I fished almost all new water," he said. "I only fished one spot today that I did the first day. I spent most of the day expanding and looking for new water."
Becker experienced a slow start to the event, boating just one scorable bass during his first morning of competition.
"I only had one fish at 12:30 p.m. the first day, and then I started putting the clues together," he said. "I had all the puzzle pieces from practice but only started figuring out where they go that afternoon. I got a bite doing it and then ran that the rest of the day and then all day today. It was like a light bulb went off in my head."
While not willing to disclose the details of his pattern, Becker did share that he was able to duplicate his success in several areas Friday, many of which are holding groups of fish.
"Every spot I caught fish on had multiples there," he said. "I feel good about that, because I now have a lot of those little spots to hit. It's hard to tell how many of those will bite, because I would catch one and then leave to look for new areas today."
After catching 30 pounds or more both days, Becker feels that will be the mark needed to advance after weights zero overnight but cautions that it could be much higher.
"I feel like 30 pounds will be good enough to advance, but they are starting to catch them pretty well," he said. "The thing is, though, many of these guys haven't put their foot on the gas yet. I could have pressed a little harder today and caught a few more, but there was no sense in doing that today."
A Bass Pro Tour rookie, Gill continued his stellar run to begin his career at the top level, showing he can catch them on a variety of fisheries. He opened the week on the Chowan with 28-7 and added 30-12 Friday, which surprised him after his practice.
"I did not expect to catch that because practice was mediocre at best," he said. "I knew a deal that was working but didn't know what made it different. The tournament is where I started to refine it. Now, I've refined it so much that I don't know if I have enough water left to fish."
Gill isn't looking too far ahead but knows he will need more areas to have a shot to win.
"I'm feeling upbeat — that would be a good word for it," he said. "I wasn't expecting even to make it, so I'm ecstatic to get to the Knockout Round."
Still, while Gill is grateful, he knows he has work to do if he hopes to advance one more time and contend for the win on Sunday.
"I feel like I can catch 25 pounds again; if I do that, I'll let the chips fall where they may," he said. "In the best-case scenario, I can do that and then look for more areas if I can advance. It will take at least 45 or 55 to win that last day, and I know I'm not on the fish to do that right now."
The top 10 pros from Group B that now advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round on Chowan River are:
1st: Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Tenn., 23 bass, 62-6
2nd: Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., 28 bass, 59-3
3rd: Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., 23 bass, 55-14
4th: Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., 22 bass, 55-4
5th: Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., 19 bass, 53-11
6th: Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla., 22 bass, 52-15
7th: Alton Jones, Lorena, Texas, 16 bass, 51-0
8th: Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J., 23 bass, 50-12
9th: Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., 21 bass, 45-2
10th: Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala., 18 bass, 39-2
Eliminated from competition are:
11th: Skeet Reese, Auburn, Calif., 18 bass, 38-3
12th: Ron Nelson, Berrien Springs, Mich., 16 bass, 37-3
13th: Andy Montgomery, Blacksburg, S. C., 16 bass, 35-13
14th: Cliff Crochet, Pierre Part, La., 12 bass, 34-3
15th: Andy Morgan, Dayton, Tenn., 14 bass, 30-4
16th: Keith Carson, DeBary, Fla., 16 bass, 29-14
17th: Brandon Coulter, Knoxville, Tenn., 11 bass, 29-9
18th: Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas, 14 bass, 29-7
19th: Edwin Evers, Talala, Okla., 12 bass, 28-6
20th: Fletcher Shryock, Guntersville, Ala., eight bass, 26-7
21st: Marshall Robinson, Landrum, S.C., eight bass, 26-1
22nd: Matt Lee, Cullman, Ala., 10 bass, 26-1
23rd: Casey Ashley, Donalds, S.C., 14 bass, 25-7
24th: Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, 11 bass, 25-0
25th: David Walker, Huntingdon, Tenn., nine bass, 24-12
26th: Justin Cooper, Zwolle, La., 12 bass, 24-10
27th: Grae Buck, Green Lane, Penn., 10 bass, 23-11
28th: Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, 11 bass, 22-11
29th: Gerald Spohrer, Gonzales, La., eight bass, 20-15
30th: Shin Fukae, Osaka, Japan, nine bass, 20-5
31st: Takahiro Omori, Tokyo, Japan, eight bass, 18-4
32nd: Jacopo Gallelli, Florence, Italy, seven bass, 15-15
33rd: Ryan Salzman, Huntsville, Ala., eight bass, 14-15
34th: Brent Chapman, Lake Quivira, Kan., six bass, 11-7
35th: Britt Myers, Lake Wylie, S.C., five bass, 11-5
36th: Jared Lintner, Covington, Ga., five bass, 9-15
37th: Josh Bertrand, Queen Creek, Ariz., four bass, 8-0
38th: Joshua Weaver, Macon, Ga., three bass, 7-7
39th: Dean Rojas, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., one bass, 2-6
A complete list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 235 scorable bass weighing 565 pounds, 5 ounces, caught by 37 pros Friday, which included one 8-pounder, one 6-pounder, seven 5-pounders, 13 4-pounders and 20 3-pounders.
Wheeler is still the man to beat for yet another Fishing Clash Angler of the Year title, but he can't afford to slip at all. Eight of the Top 10 anglers in the points standings coming into this event are fishing in tomorrow's Knockout Round. And with just two events remaining after this one, every day on the water matters. The action the rest of the week will help shape the race as it rounds into the stretch run.
Alton Jones, Sr., of Lorena, Texas, earned Friday’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award with an 8-pound, 3-ounce largemouth bass that he caught on a drop-shot rig during Period 3. 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 Town of Edenton, the Chowan County Tourism Development Authority and Harbor Towns Cruises, showcases 78 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 39 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. Now that each two-day Qualifying Round is complete, the anglers that finished 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.
Anglers will launch at 7:30 a.m. ET each day from Pembroke Creek Park, located at 716 W. Queen Street in Edenton. Each day’s General Tire Takeout will be held at the park, 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 .
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. ET. MLFNOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.
On Saturday and Sunday, June 8-9, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF welcomes fans of all ages to visit Colonial Waterfront Park, located at 510 S. Broad St. in Edenton, 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 U.S. Air Force Stage Five at Chowan River Presented by WIX Filters 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 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.
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.
Television coverage of the U.S. Air Force Stage Five at Chowan River Presented by WIX Filters Knockout Round will air as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Oct. 26 on Discovery, with the Championship Round premiering on Nov. 2. 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, REDCON1, Star brite, Suzuki, Toyota, WIX Filters 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.
Dustin Connell Earns Group A Qualifying Round Win at U.S. Air Force Stage Five at Chowan River
Reigning REDCREST Champion boats two-day total of 74-5 to win Group A Qualifying Round, Top 10 pros advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round
EDENTON, N.C. (June 6, 2024) – Windy conditions on the Chowan River enabled the trailering policy Thursday at the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour U.S. Air Force Stage Five at the Chowan River Presented by WIX Filters, but the blustery weather couldn’t stop the anglers from catching piles of bass. It certainly didn’t slow down Mercury pro Dustin Connell of Clanton, Alabama, (who had every intention of spending his second day on the water “practicing”), as he sacked up another 14 bass for 26 pounds, 13 ounces on the day. His two-day total was 74-5, over 20 pounds ahead of General Tire pro Alton Jones Jr. of Waco, Texas, with 53-06 for the Qualifying Round.
As with all elimination days on the Bass Pro Tour, there was plenty of drama on SCORETRACKER® as anglers made clutch catches while jockeying for position. The improved fishing also helped, as many anglers posted big numbers and made runs toward the top. Two anglers with more than 30 pounds, Justin Lucas of Guntersville, Alabama, and Gary Klein of Mingus, Texas , jumped into the Top 10 and will advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round.
The fishing appears to be improving on the Chowan River and connected waters or the anglers are just putting the puzzle pieces together better. Either way, things are looking good for a stellar finish to this event.
The top 10 anglers advancing from Group A will now have an off day from competition Friday, while the 39 anglers competing in Group B will complete their two-day Qualifying Round. The top 10 anglers from each group 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 the Championship Round. In Sunday’s final day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.
Dustin Connell’s Day 3 total was the fifth best on the day, made even more impressive by the fact that he was actively searching for new areas. Nothing he had previously fished was part of his plan on Thursday.
“I really like this place,” he said. “I went practicing all day and didn’t intend to reel them in like that. The Chowan River has a lot of fish, and I feel like I’m figuring this place out. I ran new stuff all day and maybe added 25 percent more to what I’d already found.”
Even catching a solid weight, Connell doesn’t regret leaning on them the way he did.
“I didn't catch a lot of big ones – a few 2s and only one over 3 pounds,” he said.
Connell surmised that this fishery is about being in the right areas and that there are big congregations of fish in small areas, mixed in between voids of any activity.
“You can fish for a mile and not catch a fish and then get into one little stretch and it’s like ‘Oh, here they are,’” he said. “This place is area-based and finding those key little areas with the groups of fish is important. I feel really good about what I’ve found and how it will hold up for the rest of the tournament.”
Both Klein and Lucas were safely within the cut to get paid, but each wanted more. They both got it done and will advance to the Knockout Round, with Klein jumping from 16th to eighth and Lucas vaulting from 13th to fourth to end the day.
They were the only two anglers to eclipse the 30-pound mark. Lucas did it with a strong final frame and Klein did most of his damage during Period 2.
“The day started off good and then I went through a long dead period where I basically learned a lot of bad stretches,” Lucas said. “This afternoon, the bite was on fire, and I hope to build off of that. The whole key here is getting on the right rotation because so many of us are fishing the same stretches. Not every area has fish, but if you hit a good one, you can get right quickly.”
Klein’s 30-pound total exceeded his expectations, and while he felt safe at the end of Period 2, the cutline got a little too close for comfort.
“I thought based on my practice and first day that 18 pounds would be a very good day for me,” he said. “I was surprised catching 30 today, but also encouraged. I was 10 pounds ahead of the cut at the end of the second period and thought there was no way I wouldn’t make it, and I was sort of lollygagging. Then, it got to within 4 pounds of me and I lost two nice ones before I finally got another one. That’s the intensity of this format; you have to fish clean with flawless execution to compete against these guys.”
The top 10 pros from Group A that now advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round on Chowan River are:
1st: Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 33 bass, 74-5
2nd: Alton Jones Jr., Waco, Texas, 22 bass, 53-6
3rd: Mark Daniels Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., 18 bass, 51-7
4th: Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., 19 bass, 47-14
5th: Stephen Browning, Hot Springs, Ark., 21 bass, 47-2
6th: Fred Roumbanis, Russellville, Ark., 20 bass, 44-15
7th: Martin Villa, Charlottesville, Va., 20 bass, 44-14
8th: Gary Klein, Mingus, Texas, 17 bass, 44-1
9th: Dylan Hays, Hot Springs, Ark., 18 bass, 43-12
10th: John Hunter, Shelbyville, Ky., 19 bass, 42-3
Eliminated from competition are:
11th: Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn., 16 bass, 38-4
12th: Luke Clausen, Spokane, Wash., 16 bass, 36-6
13th: Nick LeBrun, Bossier, La., 15 bass, 36-5
14th: Jacob Wall, New Hope, Ala., 19 bass, 36-2
15th: David Dudley, Lynchburg, Va., 18 bass, 35-10
16th: Bryan Thrift, Shelby, N.C., 16 bass, 35-9
17th: Chris Lane, Guntersville, Ala., 15 bass, 35-0
18th: James Elam, Tulsa, Okla., 13 bass, 34-0
19th: Anthony Gagliardi, Prosperity, S.C., 13 bass, 33-5
20th: Mark Davis, Mount Ida, Ark., 13 bass, 31-9
21st: Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark., 15 bass, 31-0
22nd: Nick Hatfield, Greeneville, Tenn., 11 bass, 29-4
23rd: Colby Schrumpf, Highland, Ill., 15 bass, 27-11
24th: Terry Scroggins, San Mateo, Fla., nine bass, 24-11
25th: Jeremy Lawyer, Sarcoxie, Mo., 10 bass, 24-11
26th: Marty Robinson, Lyman, S.C., 11 bass, 23-6
27th: John Murray, Spring City, Tenn., nine bass, 20-8
28th: Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark., eight bass, 17-11
29th: Bradley Roy, Lancaster, Ky., seven bass, 17-9
30th: Randy Howell, Guntersville, Ala., six bass, 17-0
31st: Greg Vinson, Wetumpka, Ala., six bass, 16-11
32nd: Jonathon VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., seven bass, 16-5
33rd: Kelly Jordon, Flint, Texas, seven bass, 15-13
34th: Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., seven bass, 13-9
35th: Boyd Duckett, Guntersville, Ala., seven bass, 13-6
36th: Jason Vance, Battle Ground, Ind., five bass, 9-11
37th: Matthew Stefan, Junction City, Wis., two bass, 4-4
38th: Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala., two bass, 3-12
39th: Dave Lefebre, Erie, Penn., two bass, 3-3
A complete list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 264 scorable bass weighing 627 pounds even, caught by 37 pros Thursday, which included one 7-pounder, one 6-pounder, seven 5-pounders, eight 4-pounders and 35 3-pounders.
Jacob Wheeler of Harrison, Tennessee, is still in the driver’s seat for another Fishing Clash Angler of the Year title, but the anglers right behind him won’t make it easy. Alton Jones, Jr. finished the day in second place and punched his ticket to the Knockout Round along with Connell, who came into the event in third place in the points race.
Toyota pro Terry Scroggins of San Mateo, Florida, earned Thursday’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award with a 7-pound, 2-ounce largemouth bass that he caught on a shaky head during Period 2. 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 Town of Edenton, the Chowan County Tourism Development Authority and Harbor Towns Cruises, showcases 78 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.
Anglers will launch at 7:30 a.m. ET each day from Pembroke Creek Park, located at 716 W. Queen Street in Edenton. Due to forecasted high winds, MLF has enacted the MLF Trailering Policy for Friday, June 7, meaning pros can trailer their boats and drive them to any ramp on the fishery closer to where they plan to start fishing. Pros taking advantage of the MLF Trailering Policy will leave Pembroke Creek Park at 7 a.m. ET and will begin fishing at 8 a.m. ET (Lines In) with the full field.
Each day’s General Tire Takeout will be held at the park, 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.
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. ET. MLFNOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.
On Saturday and Sunday, June 8-9, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF welcomes fans of all ages to visit Colonial Waterfront Park, located at 510 S. Broad St. in Edenton, 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 U.S. Air Force Stage Five at Chowan River Presented by WIX Filters 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 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.
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.
Television coverage of the U.S. Air Force Stage Five at Chowan River Presented by WIX Filters Knockout Round will air as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Oct. 26 on Discovery, with the Championship Round premiering on Nov. 2. 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, REDCON1, Star brite, Suzuki, Toyota, WIX Filters 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.
Burrill and Simpson maximize river to take lead in Bassmaster College Series event at Saginaw Bay
BAY CITY, Mich. — A small-craft advisory didn’t keep Branden Burrill and Jack Simpson from catching quality bass on Day 1 of the Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Saginaw Bay presented by Bass Pro Shops.
High winds required tournament officials to keep the 196 competing teams confined to the Saginaw River, cutting off access to fertile Saginaw Bay which is considered one of the best fisheries in the country to catch a mixed bag of big bass.
Burrill and Simpson of the Western Michigan University Bass Club didn’t blink when Mother Nature tossed a curveball on Thursday, though. They seized the Day 1 lead with a five-bass total of 16 pounds, giving them a slight lead of 10 ounces over the rest of the field in the final Bassmaster College Series tournament of the 2024 regular season.
Thirteen other teams are within 2 pounds of the lead, making this a wide-open affair heading into the second and final day of competition on Friday.
Burrill and Simpson, both 23-year-old seniors at Western Michigan University, planned to make a long run into Saginaw Bay and make hay with the spawning smallmouth bite. But when they got a text before takeoff that all boats would have to stay in the river on Thursday, they (like most others, presumably) had to scramble.
“We’re both from Michigan, and we’ve fished the bay a good bit before,” Burrill said. “But we didn’t know anything about the river. We’d never fished it before.”
“We had an elaborate game plan for the bay ... but we had to scrounge up a game plan at the very last minute,” Simpson said. “We started looking at the map, waiting in line this morning. We talked about a couple areas that might be productive, considering where the wind was blowing from.”
The leaders said the biggest change, fishing in the Saginaw River rather than the expansive bay, was fishing pressure.
“It didn’t matter how far you went, you could see 10 boats,” Simpson said. “You were always fishing behind someone. But there are largemouth everywhere in the river and we adapted to the pressure.”
Burrill and Simpson weighed five largemouth, using a mixture of frogs and jigs in shallow water to catch their best bass. The leaders had a 4-5, tying them with Carson Tucker and Kade MacDonald of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for the lead in the race for the $200 Big Bass of the Tournament award.
“The bite got much better for us about 1 p.m. when the wind really kicked up,” Burrill said. “It was ideal conditions for largemouth, really.”
Even with their Day 1 success in the Saginaw River, Burrill and Simpson said there’s no doubt where they’ll head Friday if they’re able.
“If the bay is open, we’re making the run no matter what,” Burrill said. “That’s where the winning fish are. We put ourselves in a really good position today. But I think it could be hard to duplicate it if we’re in the river again tomorrow.”
Simpson said the rough conditions on Saginaw Bay shouldn’t affect the smallmouth bite they think can lead them to victory.
“Where they are in the spawn right now, with the aggression and being territorial, I’d be more than happy to be able to go after those bedding smallmouth tomorrow,” he said.
Jack Stephens and Jason Qualich, of McKendree University, are in second place with a 15-6 limit. Murray State University’s Adrian Urso and Cobin Templon are third with 14-15. A trio of teams are tied with a 14-11 limit after Day 1.
The Top 10 teams here will split a cash purse of $16,400 for their school bass fishing programs, with the winning duo earning a $4,938 first prize.
The Top 20 teams from Saginaw will advance to the Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops, to be held Aug. 22-24 on Lake Hartwell in South Carolina.
The tournament at Saginaw resumes Friday at 5:30 a.m. ET. Weigh-in will begin at 2:30 p.m. ET.
On Sunday, anglers in both the Strike King Bassmaster High School Series and Bassmaster Junior Series are scheduled to compete on the Saginaw system.
Go Great Lakes Bay is hosting the week’s events.
2024 Bassmaster College Series Title Sponsor: Strike King
2024 Bassmaster College Series Presenting Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops
2024 Bassmaster College Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
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2024 Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Saginaw Bay presented by Bass Pro Shops 6/6-6/7
Saginaw Bay, Bay City, MI.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Club/School Pts
1. Branden Burrill - Jack Simpson Western Michigan University Bass 250
Day 1: 5 16-00 Total: 5 16-00
2. Jack Stephens - Jason Qualich McKendree University 249
Day 1: 5 15-06 Total: 5 15-06
3. Adrian Urso - Corbin Templon Murray State University 248
Day 1: 5 14-15 Total: 5 14-15
4. Bryson O' Steen - Seth Jones Florida Gateway College Fishing 247
Day 1: 5 14-11 Total: 5 14-11
4. Ryan Olsen - Delaney Platt Southwestern Michigan College 247
Day 1: 5 14-11 Total: 5 14-11
4. Hank Sturm - Matt Amosby Adrian College 247
Day 1: 5 14-11 Total: 5 14-11
7. Colin Chavers - Preston Barnett Southern Union State Community C 244
Day 1: 5 14-10 Total: 5 14-10
8. Caden Pearson - Nathan Kallstrand Wabash Valley College 243
Day 1: 5 14-08 Total: 5 14-08
9. Trevor Young - Maxwell Schweikert Grand Valley State University 242
Day 1: 5 14-07 Total: 5 14-07
10. Blake Bullock - John Mark Berry Blue Mountain Christian Universi 241
Day 1: 5 14-04 Total: 5 14-04
10. Bryce Dimauro - Tripp Berlinsky Bryan College 241
Day 1: 5 14-04 Total: 5 14-04
12. Dylan Akins - Chase Carey Emmanuel College 239
Day 1: 5 14-01 Total: 5 14-01
12. Brendin Simich - Benjamin Travis Auburn University 239
Day 1: 5 14-01 Total: 5 14-01
14. Kai Barnett - Parker Welch McKendree University 237
Day 1: 5 14-00 Total: 5 14-00
15. Sam Harvey - Jordan Brewer Auburn University 236
Day 1: 5 13-14 Total: 5 13-14
16. Hunter Petrovic - Kaiya Ziga Southwestern Michigan College 235
Day 1: 5 13-12 Total: 5 13-12
17. Jack Alexander - Nick Pemberton University of Montevallo 234
Day 1: 5 13-10 Total: 5 13-10
18. Logan Greeno - Matthew Nichols University of Nebraska - Lincoln 233
Day 1: 5 13-09 Total: 5 13-09
19. Colby Carrier - Justin Frey Bethel University 232
Day 1: 5 13-07 Total: 5 13-07
19. Kyle Zainitzer - Brock Vogel University of North Alabama 232
Day 1: 5 13-07 Total: 5 13-07
21. Jordan Bezold - Joe Bezold Nku Bassmasters Club 230
Day 1: 5 13-06 Total: 5 13-06
21. Tucker Dottley - Jordan Hampton Bethel University 230
Day 1: 5 13-06 Total: 5 13-06
23. Lucas Thornton - Nathan Reynolds University of North Alabama 228
Day 1: 5 13-05 Total: 5 13-05
23. Elliot Wielgopolski - Aaron Jagdfeld Adrian College 228
Day 1: 5 13-05 Total: 5 13-05
25. Tyler Altizer - Landon Lawson King University 226
Day 1: 5 13-04 Total: 5 13-04
25. Brock Blazier - Colby Joseph Campbellsville University 226
Day 1: 5 13-04 Total: 5 13-04
25. Brooks Parker - Hudson Choquette University of Montevallo 226
Day 1: 5 13-04 Total: 5 13-04
28. Allen Powe - Jonathan Combs Campbellsville University 223
Day 1: 5 13-04 Total: 5 13-04
29. Broxson Daigle - Sid Wallace Texas A&M University - Aggie Ang 222
Day 1: 5 13-03 Total: 5 13-03
29. Cameron Dials - Blayner Leeman Kentucky Christian University 222
Day 1: 5 13-03 Total: 5 13-03
29. Chandler Pruett - Blue Mountain Christian Universi 222
Day 1: 5 13-03 Total: 5 13-03
32. Storm Cline - Gabe Fishlock Carson-Newman University 219
Day 1: 5 13-01 Total: 5 13-01
33. Jacob Swanson - Zack Cooper University of Montevallo 218
Day 1: 5 13-00 Total: 5 13-00
34. Owen Januszewski - Mitch Straffon Adrian College 217
Day 1: 5 12-14 Total: 5 12-14
34. Hunter Palmer - Eli Stevenson Bryan College 217
Day 1: 5 12-14 Total: 5 12-14
34. Hayden Short - Kentucky Christian University 217
Day 1: 5 12-14 Total: 5 12-14
37. Luke Dardeen - Connor Becker Wabash Valley College 214
Day 1: 5 12-14 Total: 5 12-14
38. Peyton Harris - Dalton Head University of Montevallo 213
Day 1: 5 12-13 Total: 5 12-13
38. Dustin Weinberg - Sawyer Brady Blue Mountain Christian Universi 213
Day 1: 5 12-13 Total: 5 12-13
40. Ben Brockwell - Will Rooker Kentucky Christian University 211
Day 1: 5 12-12 Total: 5 12-12
40. Jake Kimbrough - Tyler Hill Blue Mountain Christian Universi 211
Day 1: 5 12-12 Total: 5 12-12
42. Mitchell Dean - Zachary Nolan Georgia College 209
Day 1: 5 12-11 Total: 5 12-11
42. Alex Strunk - Joshua Morrison Bowling Green State University 209
Day 1: 5 12-11 Total: 5 12-11
44. Turner Hart - Summer Dees Bryan College 207
Day 1: 5 12-10 Total: 5 12-10
45. Chris Fallon - Hagan Marlin University of Montevallo 206
Day 1: 5 12-09 Total: 5 12-09
45. Reece Keeney - Brantley Anders Kentucky Christian University 206
Day 1: 5 12-09 Total: 5 12-09
47. Jaxson Freeman - Connor Hall McKendree University 204
Day 1: 5 12-08 Total: 5 12-08
47. Dylan May - Carson Palmer Carson-Newman University 204
Day 1: 5 12-08 Total: 5 12-08
47. Brayden Ruckman - Zachary Helton Carson-Newman University 204
Day 1: 5 12-08 Total: 5 12-08
50. Blake Milligan - Carson Maddux Auburn University 201
Day 1: 5 12-07 Total: 5 12-07
50. James Willoughby - Phillip Herring University of Montevallo 201
Day 1: 5 12-07 Total: 5 12-07
52. Brody Robison - Colton White University of Montevallo 199
Day 1: 5 12-05 Total: 5 12-05
52. Nate Triplett - Holden Johnson University of North Alabama 199
Day 1: 5 12-05 Total: 5 12-05
54. Spencer Grooms - Nathan Preston Auburn University 197
Day 1: 5 12-04 Total: 5 12-04
55. Derek Rodriguez Jr. - Dalton Mollenkopf Adrian College 196
Day 1: 5 12-03 Total: 5 12-03
56. Billy Erdakos - Davis Klimczak Southwestern Michigan College 195
Day 1: 5 12-02 Total: 5 12-02
56. Logan Evans - Brock Catlett Campbellsville University 195
Day 1: 5 12-02 Total: 5 12-02
58. Victor Alford - Tanner Herndon Bryan College 193
Day 1: 5 12-01 Total: 5 12-01
58. Jerry Brumbaugh Jr. - Brady Pinwar Adrian College 193
Day 1: 5 12-01 Total: 5 12-01
58. Will Hart - Logan Fisher Emmanuel College 193
Day 1: 5 12-01 Total: 5 12-01
58. Jackson Holbert - Joshua Hayes University of North Alabama 193
Day 1: 5 12-01 Total: 5 12-01
58. Colin Oldfield - Nick Fashho Southwestern Michigan College 193
Day 1: 5 12-01 Total: 5 12-01
63. Logan East - Conner Giles Bryan College 188
Day 1: 5 12-00 Total: 5 12-00
63. Jack Hay - Eli Jaime Southwestern Michigan College 188
Day 1: 5 12-00 Total: 5 12-00
65. Harmon Marien - Maxwell Trotter McKendree University 186
Day 1: 5 12-00 Total: 5 12-00
66. Hunter Sandschafer - Blake Beckmann Wabash Valley College 185
Day 1: 5 11-15 Total: 5 11-15
67. Cy Lambert - Austin King University of North Alabama 184
Day 1: 5 11-14 Total: 5 11-14
68. Luke Davis - Chance Schwartz University of Montevallo 183
Day 1: 5 11-13 Total: 5 11-13
68. Chris McGregor - Preston Kolisek University of North Alabama 183
Day 1: 5 11-13 Total: 5 11-13
70. Spencer Knight - Colton Cybulski Ohio State University 181
Day 1: 5 11-12 Total: 5 11-12
70. Carter Nutt - Dylan Nutt University of North Alabama 181
Day 1: 5 11-12 Total: 5 11-12
70. Connor Westerman - Michael Mcnulty West Virginia University 181
Day 1: 5 11-12 Total: 5 11-12
73. Harrison Terry - Zachary Bowen Bethel University 178
Day 1: 5 11-11 Total: 5 11-11
73. Luke Willis - Brandon Wingo University of South Carolina 178
Day 1: 5 11-11 Total: 5 11-11
75. Easton Lindus - Seth Jenkins Emmanuel College 176
Day 1: 5 11-10 Total: 5 11-10
75. Ty Mundhenke - Matthew Welcher Auburn University 176
Day 1: 5 11-10 Total: 5 11-10
75. Wyatt Pearman - Ridge Rutledge Campbellsville University 176
Day 1: 5 11-10 Total: 5 11-10
75. Brendan Vinton - Jacob Vanscoik Catawba Valley Community College 176
Day 1: 5 11-10 Total: 5 11-10
79. Kyle Knoll - Evan Conn Auburn University 172
Day 1: 5 11-09 Total: 5 11-09
79. Brady Metzger - Mason Bohland Purdue University 172
Day 1: 5 11-09 Total: 5 11-09
79. Jarrett Prunty - Chase Fleenor Western Kentucky University 172
Day 1: 5 11-09 Total: 5 11-09
79. Lucas Toliver - Jacob Wilkie Western Michigan University Bass 172
Day 1: 5 11-09 Total: 5 11-09
79. Carson Tucker - Kade MacDonald University of Wisconsin - Whitew 172
Day 1: 5 11-09 Total: 5 11-09
84. Nicholas Feczko - Nicholas Jones 167
Day 1: 5 11-08 Total: 5 11-08
84. Chase Loftus - University of Iowa 167
Day 1: 5 11-08 Total: 5 11-08
86. Bennett Slinkard - Matthew Parrish Auburn University 165
Day 1: 5 11-07 Total: 5 11-07
87. Gavyn Rapp - Ephraim Cretsinger Adrian College 164
Day 1: 5 11-06 Total: 5 11-06
87. Robie Vines Jr - Catawba Valley Community College 164
Day 1: 5 11-06 Total: 5 11-06
87. Logan Ware - Jack Romatz Southwestern Michigan College 164
Day 1: 5 11-06 Total: 5 11-06
90. Luke Rokavec - Evan Waggener Campbellsville University 161
Day 1: 5 11-06 Total: 5 11-06
91. Jacob Highley - William Copley Kentucky Christian University 160
Day 1: 5 11-05 Total: 5 11-05
91. Max Pierlott - Mike Pierlott UNC - Charlotte 160
Day 1: 5 11-05 Total: 5 11-05
91. Nick Seitz - Paxton Giem Adrian College 160
Day 1: 5 11-05 Total: 5 11-05
91. Evan Sutton - Grant Olsen McKendree University 160
Day 1: 5 11-05 Total: 5 11-05
91. Joseph Woods - Anthony Cicero IV Bethel University 160
Day 1: 5 11-05 Total: 5 11-05
96. Easton Fothergill - Nick Dumke University of Montevallo 155
Day 1: 5 11-04 Total: 5 11-04
96. Mitch Johnson - Jonathan Fitch Kentucky Christian University 155
Day 1: 5 11-04 Total: 5 11-04
96. Ty Reynolds - Mark Bixler Murray State University 155
Day 1: 5 11-04 Total: 5 11-04
99. Casey Cornelius - Zion Dunaway Purdue University 152
Day 1: 5 11-03 Total: 5 11-03
99. Joe Lutz - Jake Monti UNC - Charlotte 152
Day 1: 5 11-03 Total: 5 11-03
99. Sam Moll - Will Burch Murray State University 152
Day 1: 5 11-03 Total: 5 11-03
102. Ryan Foster - Will Hornsby McKendree University 149
Day 1: 5 11-02 Total: 5 11-02
102. Andrew Jones - Tyler Malone Southern Union State Community C 149
Day 1: 5 11-02 Total: 5 11-02
102. JD Sewell - Joshua Sonnier Lamar State College Orange 149
Day 1: 5 11-02 Total: 5 11-02
105. Avery Merrow - Mason Stidwill Southwestern Michigan College 146
Day 1: 5 11-01 Total: 5 11-01
105. Lane Stephens - Ethan Fields McKendree University 146
Day 1: 5 11-01 Total: 5 11-01
107. Henry Vincent - Mathias Dahline Adrian College 144
Day 1: 5 11-00 Total: 5 11-00
108. Brandon Berry - River Eubanks University of Montevallo 143
Day 1: 5 10-15 Total: 5 10-15
109. Chris Baker - Elijah Kelley Kentucky Christian University 142
Day 1: 5 10-14 Total: 5 10-14
109. Andrew Howell - Jordan Pennington University of Montevallo 142
Day 1: 5 10-14 Total: 5 10-14
109. Robert Richbourg - Cal Austin Catawba Valley Community College 142
Day 1: 5 10-14 Total: 5 10-14
112. Tyler Madden - Colton Odom Auburn University 139
Day 1: 5 10-13 Total: 5 10-13
112. Dalton Phelps - Gannon Stork Wabash Valley College 139
Day 1: 5 10-13 Total: 5 10-13
112. Cameron Smith - Thomas Phillips Ohio State University 139
Day 1: 5 10-13 Total: 5 10-13
115. Braden Cox - Joel Berelsman Ohio State University 136
Day 1: 5 10-12 Total: 5 10-12
115. Bryson Hatcher - Matthew Dopp Bryan College 136
Day 1: 5 10-12 Total: 5 10-12
117. Drake Heath - Evan Ludlow 134
Day 1: 5 10-11 Total: 5 10-11
117. William Henry - David Kaczur Purdue University 134
Day 1: 5 10-11 Total: 5 10-11
119. Hayden O'Barr - Cooper Gilroy University of Alabama 132
Day 1: 5 10-11 Total: 5 10-11
120. Cole Taylor - Clay Taylor Lander University 131
Day 1: 5 10-10 Total: 5 10-10
121. Hunter Barrow - Caleb Dugger King University 130
Day 1: 5 10-09 Total: 5 10-09
121. Logan Plueger - Charlie Wright University of Montevallo 130
Day 1: 5 10-09 Total: 5 10-09
121. Kobe Thompson - Cole Carr Adrian College 130
Day 1: 5 10-09 Total: 5 10-09
124. TJ McKenzie - Will Wester Emmanuel College 127
Day 1: 5 10-08 Total: 5 10-08
125. Kyle Hopping - Colsyn Head McKendree University 126
Day 1: 5 10-06 Total: 5 10-06
125. Owen Wheeler - Caleb Neu Bethel University 126
Day 1: 5 10-06 Total: 5 10-06
127. Luke Caylor - Joe Gollmer Indiana University 124
Day 1: 5 10-05 Total: 5 10-05
127. Sam Hoesley - Malcolm Patton Auburn University 124
Day 1: 5 10-05 Total: 5 10-05
127. Andrew Oswalt - Evan Mabrey University of Montevallo 124
Day 1: 5 10-05 Total: 5 10-05
127. Peyton Rose - Brogan Gregg Wabash Valley College 124
Day 1: 5 10-05 Total: 5 10-05
131. Payton Sodervick - Adam Troyer Indiana University 120
Day 1: 5 10-04 Total: 5 10-04
132. Hunter Russell - Benny Blank Wabash Valley College 119
Day 1: 5 10-03 Total: 5 10-03
132. Michael Witherup - Tucker Cory University of Montevallo 119
Day 1: 5 10-03 Total: 5 10-03
132. Dawson Woerner - Wyatt Cash Purdue University 119
Day 1: 5 10-03 Total: 5 10-03
135. Nick Shoffner - Drake Page UNC - Charlotte 116
Day 1: 5 10-02 Total: 5 10-02
136. Lucas Bowers - Fisher Rodgers University of South Carolina 115
Day 1: 5 10-02 Total: 5 10-02
137. Campbell Coyle - Tanner Davis University of Kentucky 114
Day 1: 5 10-01 Total: 5 10-01
137. Tristen Dubbs - Alan Ter Molen Grace College 114
Day 1: 5 10-01 Total: 5 10-01
137. Connor Lynch - Andrew Contat Grand Valley State University 114
Day 1: 5 10-01 Total: 5 10-01
140. Jacob Butts - Mark Kershaw-Klara University of South Carolina - U 111
Day 1: 5 10-00 Total: 5 10-00
140. Jacob Newton - Zachary Lubben Grand Valley State University 111
Day 1: 5 10-00 Total: 5 10-00
142. Jackson Smith - Sawyer Williams Bethel University 109
Day 1: 5 10-00 Total: 5 10-00
143. Hayden Fry - Vance Roberts McKendree University 108
Day 1: 5 09-14 Total: 5 09-14
143. Riley Lawson - Joe Bob Burchett Kentucky Christian University 108
Day 1: 5 09-14 Total: 5 09-14
143. Grant Meisenhelter - Levi Kohl Murray State University 108
Day 1: 5 09-14 Total: 5 09-14
143. Conner Pickens - Dalton DeFelice Southwestern Michigan College 108
Day 1: 5 09-14 Total: 5 09-14
143. Karsten Raney - Ben Sadler Campbellsville University 108
Day 1: 5 09-14 Total: 5 09-14
148. Tomas Matual - Colton Hill McKendree University 103
Day 1: 5 09-13 Total: 5 09-13
148. Braden Thompson - Wabash Valley College 103
Day 1: 5 09-13 Total: 5 09-13
148. Christian Turner - Aaron Mcgill Coastal Carolina University 103
Day 1: 5 09-13 Total: 5 09-13
151. Merrick Diaz - Cade Hayford Campbellsville University 100
Day 1: 5 09-12 Total: 5 09-12
152. Jake Thornbury - Lane Pohlman Campbellsville University 99
Day 1: 5 09-10 Total: 5 09-10
153. Chan Barber II - Ben Hutchins NC State University 98
Day 1: 5 09-09 Total: 5 09-09
153. Zach Pocos - Tucker Siminak McKendree University 98
Day 1: 5 09-09 Total: 5 09-09
155. Brody Wilson - Cole Bedard NC State University 96
Day 1: 5 09-08 Total: 5 09-08
156. Cole Hadlock - Braiden Koerber Murray State University 95
Day 1: 5 09-08 Total: 5 09-08
157. John Goffinett - Eric Biesiada Bowling Green State Fishing Club 94
Day 1: 5 09-07 Total: 5 09-07
157. Jake Peck - Carty Shoen Auburn University 94
Day 1: 5 09-07 Total: 5 09-07
159. Collin Barnett - Sander Ludeman Minnesota State University - Man 92
Day 1: 5 09-07 Total: 5 09-07
160. Hayden Marbut - Auburn University 91
Day 1: 5 09-06 Total: 5 09-06
160. David Alan Stith - Jase Smith Jr. Georgia College 91
Day 1: 5 09-06 Total: 5 09-06
162. Dylan Fogarty - Hunter Fillmore Bethel University 89
Day 1: 5 09-05 Total: 5 09-05
162. Daniel Weber - Mitchell Mccotter Bass Fishing Team At Virginia Te 89
Day 1: 5 09-05 Total: 5 09-05
164. Dylan Thomson - Trey Marco King University 87
Day 1: 4 09-05 Total: 4 09-05
165. Levi Seagraves - Scooter Ligon Jr Emmanuel College 86
Day 1: 5 09-04 Total: 5 09-04
165. Carter Smith - Sam Ausbrooks Wabash Valley College 86
Day 1: 5 09-04 Total: 5 09-04
165. Kyle Smith - Aaron Mills Kentucky Christian University 86
Day 1: 5 09-04 Total: 5 09-04
168. Carson Aarup - Matt Peine UNC - Charlotte 83
Day 1: 5 09-03 Total: 5 09-03
168. Joseph Senn - Bethel University 83
Day 1: 5 09-03 Total: 5 09-03
170. Kyle Ashe - Bobby Beck JR University at Buffalo 81
Day 1: 5 09-02 Total: 5 09-02
171. Jadon Spencer - Chase Martin Catawba Valley Community College 80
Day 1: 5 09-00 Total: 5 09-00
172. Lucas Washburn - Braylon Eggerding Adrian College 79
Day 1: 5 09-00 Total: 5 09-00
173. Chase Rogers - Kaleb Butts University of South Carolina - U 78
Day 1: 5 08-15 Total: 5 08-15
174. Tyler Eggers - Dustin Swafford Catawba Valley Community College 77
Day 1: 5 08-10 Total: 5 08-10
174. Hunter Kellogg - Jack Moran Ohio State University 77
Day 1: 5 08-10 Total: 5 08-10
176. Jake Buzin - Finn Maher University of South Carolina 75
Day 1: 5 08-09 Total: 5 08-09
177. Camden Lewis - TJ Edwards Jr Blue Mountain Christian Universi 74
Day 1: 5 08-06 Total: 5 08-06
178. Jeffrey Jones - Coleman Bingham Bethel University 73
Day 1: 5 08-05 Total: 5 08-05
178. Dylan Reid - Jaxson Smoak Georgia Southern University 73
Day 1: 5 08-05 Total: 5 08-05
180. Daniel Schroeder - Jacob Autry Murray State University 71
Day 1: 5 08-03 Total: 5 08-03
180. Ethan Tedder - Carson Winn University of North Alabama 71
Day 1: 5 08-03 Total: 5 08-03
182. Cole Berry - Braci Ault Purdue University 69
Day 1: 4 07-13 Total: 4 07-13
182. Caleb Brady - Joseph Catania Grand Valley State University 69
Day 1: 4 07-13 Total: 4 07-13
184. Ethan Vue - Christian Vue UNC - Charlotte 67
Day 1: 4 07-11 Total: 4 07-11
185. Nick Staub - Sam Schmitz University of North Alabama 66
Day 1: 5 07-09 Total: 5 07-09
186. Brennan Berglund - University of Montevallo 65
Day 1: 5 07-08 Total: 5 07-08
187. William Vickery - Hunter Starling Georgia Southern University 64
Day 1: 5 06-09 Total: 5 06-09
188. Gus Dietrich - Jack Wilson University of Alabama 63
Day 1: 3 05-08 Total: 3 05-08
189. Max Phillpotts - GRAHAM SHIFFERD Grand Valley State University 62
Day 1: 3 05-08 Total: 3 05-08
190. Carter Doren - Brett Hill Campbellsville University 61
Day 1: 3 05-07 Total: 3 05-07
191. William Gully - Chapman Horsley Southern Union State Community C 60
Day 1: 2 03-15 Total: 2 03-15
192. Hunter Shelton - Colten Drawdy Bethel University 59
Day 1: 1 02-07 Total: 1 02-07
193. William Brogan - Cole Bubenzer Indiana University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
193. Dawson Burton - Ethan Burnette Kentucky Christian University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
193. Ryan Daugherty - Brantley Barrentine Campbellsville University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
193. Zachary Wolfe - Carson-Newman University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 183 943 2130-12
------------------------------
183 943 2130-12
Wheeler Cruises to Group B Lead at MLF Bass Pro Tour U.S. Air Force Stage Five
Two-Time Bass Pro Tour Angler of the Year leads Group B by 16 pounds, 7 ounces after Day 1, Group A to wrap up two-day Qualifying Round Thursday
EDENTON, N.C. (June 5, 2024) – It was more of the same for Group B at the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour U.S. Air Force Stage Five at the Chowan River Presented by WIX Filters , with plenty of bass caught and beautiful scenery to enjoy. Also the same, Jacob Wheeler of Harrison, Tennessee, took a commanding lead after one day of fishing with 18 bass for 47 pounds, 5 ounces.
Wheeler, who’s already won twice this season, has proved he doesn’t have a specific type of fishery on which he shines; in reality, it’s anywhere bass swim. He’s a threat to win any tournament, any time. The Chowan River was a mystery to nearly everyone in the field before this week, and Wheeler appears to have figured it out fairly quickly.
He was in command most of the day and has a lead of more than 16 pounds over reigning Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) Matt Becker of Ten Mile, Tennessee , who tallied 13 bass for 30-14 to finish the day in second. Becker’s day included a 6-7 catch in the second period, which stood as the Berkley Big Bass until Marshall Robinson’s 7-5 midway through the third period.
The six-day tournament, hosted by the Town of Edenton , the Chowan County Tourism Development Authority and Harbor Towns Cruises, showcases 78 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.
Like his friend and roommate Dustin Connell yesterday, Wheeler easily outpaced the field after one day of Group B competition. The two have a friendly rivalry, and each has won twice this year. Both look like solid favorites to add to that winning resume. For the record, Connell led his group by 16-5 and Wheeler by 16-7, but where it matters will be how the rest of the week unfolds.
With a solid cushion over the field, Wheeler has one plan for Friday when he returns to the Chowan River.
“Practicing. That’s what I’ll be doing Friday,” Wheeler said. “My goal for today was to catch as much as possible and give myself a cushion, and I think I did that. The cut weight is a little more than half of what I had today, which takes some of the pressure off. I can come back out Friday, have fun, and I shouldn’t have to worry about catching too many of them. It feels good.”
One of the best in the sport at playing the strategy game, Wheeler is already looking ahead to the Knockout and Championship Rounds.
“Weather is going to be a huge factor in a place this big,” he said. “The wind will dictate where you can fish; if it’s calm, you can fish it all. That will be part of my plan for Friday as I look for new areas for the different wind directions.”
Wheeler did visit the Chowan River before it went off-limits, and some of that helped, but he’s looking for more recent data as he seeks yet another Bass Pro Tour win.
“I came down before it went off limits for a day and a quarter and mainly just ran around,” he said. “I covered a few hundred miles and liked what I saw, but I still didn’t know what to expect this week. Much of what I saw then and even what I found in practice becomes irrelevant because these events are so long from when we start practice to the final day. Having a cushion over the cut and a chance to look (around) Friday is a huge deal because it’s the most up-to-date information possible.”
Unwilling to give up much of the goods this early in the event, Wheeler did share that he’s fishing a large area rather than just one spot. Also, his primary technique seems to be working for both numbers and quality of fish.
“It’s a big zone of 25 or 30 miles that I’m fishing, and I feel like I can catch a lot of fish doing what I’m doing,” he said. “This event will be all about those bigger bites and won’t be won catching big numbers of 1-8 and 1-9 bass. You’ll need some mid-grade fish between 4 and 6 pounds to win. I feel good about today because I had three over 4 pounds today.”
The 39 anglers in Group B will now have an off day from competition Thursday, while the 39 anglers competing in Group A will wrap up their two-day Qualifying Round. Group B will finish their Qualifying Round on Friday.
The top 20 pros in Group B after Day 1 on Chowan River are:
1st: Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., 18 bass, 47-5
2nd: Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Tenn., 13 bass, 30-14
3rd: Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., 14 bass, 28-7
4th: Alton Jones, Lorena, Texas, 10 bass, 28-5
5th: Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J., 13 bass, 27-4
6th: Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., 12 bass, 27-0
7th: Andy Montgomery, Blacksburg, S.C., 12 bass, 26-3
8th: Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., 11 bass, 26-3
9th: Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla., 11 bass, 25-8
10th: Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., eight bass, 24-11
11th: Skeet Reese, Auburn, Calif., 10 bass, 20-0
12th: Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala., eight bass, 19-3
13th: Justin Cooper, Zwolle, La., nine bass, 17-13
14th: Brandon Coulter, Knoxville, Tenn., seven bass, 17-1
15th: Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas, nine bass, 16-14
16th: Casey Ashley, Donalds, S.C., nine bass, 16-11
17th: Fletcher Shryock, Guntersville, Ala., five bass, 16-10
18th: Marshall Robinson, Landrum, S.C., five bass, 16-6
19th: Takahiro Omori, Tokyo, Japan, seven bass, 16-6
20th: Ron Nelson, Berrien Springs, Mich., seven bass, 16-0
A complete list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 266 scorable bass weighing 618 pounds, 8 ounces caught by 37 pros Thursday, which included one 7-pounder, two 6-pounders, four 5-pounders, 10 4-pounders and 31 3-pounders.
Wheeler had a solid 23-point lead in the Fishing Clash Angler of the Year race heading into this event and can widen the gap even further. His closest pursuers also had strong starts to the event, so the rest of this tournament will be critical and help shape the race with just two events remaining after this week.
Alton Jones, Jr. of Waco, Texas, was second in the points behind Wheeler and finished in seventh after one day of fishing in Group A. Connell was just behind Jones and led his group yesterday, and Bass Pro Tour Rookie Drew Gill of Mount Carmel, Illinois, was behind Connell and finished up in third today. It’s still too early to tell, but the top anglers who have done well all season have come to play this week in Edenton.
Rookie Marshall Robinson of Landrum, South Carolina, earned the $1,000 Berkley Big Bass award after a 7-pound, 5-ounce largemouth bit his drop-shot rig in Period 3. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day, and another $3,000 bonus to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass of the tournament.
The 39 Anglers in Group A compete in their two-day Qualifying Round on Tuesday and Thursday – the 39 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.
Anglers will launch at 7:30 a.m. ET each day from Pembroke Creek Park, located at 716 W. Queen Street in Edenton. Due to forecasted high winds, MLF has enacted the MLF Trailering Policy for Thursday, June 6, meaning pros can trailer their boats and drive them to any ramp on the fishery closer to where they plan to start fishing. Pros taking advantage of the MLF Trailering Policy will leave Pembroke Creek Park at 7 a.m. ET and will begin fishing at 8 a.m. ET (Lines In) with the full field.
Each day’s General Tire Takeout will be held at the park, 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 .
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. ET. MLFNOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.
On Saturday and Sunday, June 8-9, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF welcomes fans of all ages to visit Colonial Waterfront Park, located at 510 S. Broad St. in Edenton, 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 U.S. Air Force Stage Five at Chowan River Presented by WIX Filters 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 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.
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.
Television coverage of the U.S. Air Force Stage Five at Chowan River Presented by WIX Filters Knockout Round will air as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Oct. 26 on Discovery, with the Championship Round premiering on Nov. 2. 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, REDCON1, Star brite, Suzuki, Toyota, U.S. Air Force and WIX Filters.
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.
Membership Has Its Privileges
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2024 & 2023 Bassmaster Classic Champs Hamner & Gustafson Talk About the NPAA |
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Forestville, WI (June 4, 2024) – Ask any serious angler about the National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) and you still might get some head-scratching, despite the fact that top finishers in the last two Bassmaster Classics – and the past two champions – are members of the organization. What is the NPAA? The NPAA organization helps tournament anglers, guides, charter captains, fishing industry folks, and other aspiring anglers turn their “Passion into Profession.” The NPAA also provides resources, conferences, networking opportunities, and frequent member-only media content that helps members grow in their careers to exemplify NPAA’s core tenets of determination, commitment to the sport, focus on professionalism, and ethics. Lastly – in this world of rampant inflation – NPAA members have access to discounts on key fishing/marine manufacturers’ products, with or without official sponsorship. The cost of membership starts at a mere $50 a year for Student Anglers, with Pro Members shelling out just $100 annually. The money you can potentially save on fishing necessities is worth the price alone. Why wouldn’t you join? |
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Justin Hamner, 2024 Bassmaster Classic Champ On His Recent Win and NPAA Former cement worker and landscaper, Justin Hamner, paid his dues—literally—the hard way to become the 2024 Bassmaster Classic Champ. The Tuscaloosa, Alabama native obviously knows how to catch fish, and says his recent onboarding with NPAA will be invaluable for furthering his career and giving him the knowledge needed to turn his passion into a profession. “I was sleeping in a tent and eating peanut butter sandwiches to make ends meet and follow my dream. Fishing professionally isn’t cheap. Amounts to about $65,000 to $70,000 a year in expenses and sponsors don’t cover everything. I’ve been paying out of pocket, too, and cutting grass and working concrete made it hard, but the NPAA helped me learn how to work with sponsors, plus a whole lot more about making this thing a business,” says Hamner. “Rookie—‘big eyes’ I call him—Kyle Patrick, told me I had to join NPAA and was really excited about the organization. I took his advice and it really helped a lot. For me, the biggest thing is NPAA helps you build relationships with industry people. And NPAA really has your back in everything fishing. My big thing is what they’re doing with state and federal government, too. I’m a big conservation guy. I wish I had known about NPAA sooner,” continues Hamner. Back to relationships, Hamner has support from American Baitworks (Halo Rods, Net Bait, BaitFuel); The Bait Tank; Yo-Zuri; and runs a Falcon boat with Yamaha outboard. |
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Gussy Reflects on Hamner’s Classic win and Rasmussen’s Runner Up Finish “It’s great to see that 1st and 2nd place at the Classic this year are fellow NPAA guys,” says 2023 Bassmaster Classic Champion, Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson. “We all believe in what the group is doing. As far as winning, for Hamner, it’s going to be life changing. It’s the tournament you want to win in this sport.” “And for Adam Rasmussen, to come out of nowhere and make a great run at it was impressive. It just goes to show the talent that is out there in the Opens. I’m sure we’ll see Adam fishing the Elite Series sooner or later.” |
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Image courtesy of B.A.S.S. |
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Gussy Talks Membership Privileges Gussy says the first thing prospective members need to consider is just how hard NPAA staff works to offer real-world resources to aspiring tournament anglers, guides, and other serious fishing enthusiasts. “Pat Neu, our NPAA President, works his tail off, and we all appreciate that. The whole crew does,” states Gussy. “They do a lot to help organization members turn their passions into a sustainable job in fishing.” Gustafson was 40 when he won the 2023 Bassmaster Classic, and had made friends with many fishing industry folks since beginning to fish as a youth, but he says NPAA was crucial in not only strengthening ties to others making a living fishing, but also introducing him to new industry contacts, many of which have become close friends. “As far as the NPAA network goes, you get access to a vast network of people in the fishing community all in one place, which is great, from the advice of other pros to contacts with potential sponsors. And, as far as the fishing companies go, membership gets you some good deals on just about every bit of equipment you could ever need. If there’s something that you’re looking to get a deal on, you can probably find it on that NPAA sponsor list,” continues Gussy. Gussy is emphatic that emerging anglers fishing on high school and college teams need to look closely at the NPAA to develop their future careers in the sport. “NPAA gives you access to years and years of experience that can get you on the right track. Personally, I’ve been able to ask a lot of successful anglers’ questions through my ties to NPAA, without these ties I might not have known how to contact and interact with the right people. That’s invaluable to young anglers.” Lastly, Gussy says the NPAA is good about sending out relevant, important information through newsletters he “actually reads” – and from an educational standpoint he says “you get access to a lot of great content.” |
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Rasmussen On NPAA-Driven Success A fishing guide since high school, 2nd Place Classic finisher this year, Adam Rasmussen, knew early on he wanted to make a living in the fishing industry, working as both a guide and charter captain, as well as tournament walleye fishing early in his career. Today Adam continues to guide and chase his cream of fishing the Elites by competing in the Bassmaster EQ Series. Regarding his second-place finish, he says he was biting his fingernails, hoping for the pole position. Still, he’s happy for Hamner winning the event. “Justin was nervous as we sat and waited ‘til the end to weigh in. He rode to my boat and said, ‘I gotta know, what did you get today?’ I told him what I had, and we both knew how it was going to go down at the end. Neither one of us could handle the stress of waiting.” 2024 Bassmaster Classic champ, Justin Hamner, interjects (and laughs): “All I could think of when Adam told me what he caught was ‘Please don’t let this guy be a liar. I knew I had about six pounds on him, so I was good.” Rasmussen continues: “I really wish it was me up there, but when it’s your time, it’s your time. Obviously, it was Justin’s time. Now I patiently wait for my time.” With regards to the impact NPAA has had on his career, Rasmussen concludes: “The NPAA has been there with its network of people who’ve helped me along the way. That’s what it’s there for—to help anglers. It’s amazing that it happened to me in such a short period of time—qualifying to fish a Classic. I received a lot of good advice from some of the top anglers in the country through the NPAA and I gained access to a lot of other information. The NPAA can also help aspiring or veteran guides or tournament anglers be successful.” |
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Image courtesy of B.A.S.S. |
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NPAA Director on Recent NPAA Top Finishes “We couldn’t be prouder that Gussy took top honors in the 2023 Classic; and that 2024 Classic Winner, Justin Hamner, has now joined our ranks; add to that five of the other top 12 2024 Classic finishers are all NPAA members,” stated NPAA President, Pat Neu. “This says a lot about our organization and our member-anglers who are reaching the top of their strong game because they’ve learned how to treat angling as a business. Just what are the odds that among 60- to 70,000 tournament anglers in this country who would have loved to fish the 2024 Bassmaster Classic, seven NPAA members qualified and four finished in the Top 10 – now 5 with Justin Hamner joining our ranks,” continued Neu. “This is just an example of how NPAA member anglers take angling seriously; this success gives us great motivation to continue to grow the organization and its resources to assist other aspiring professional anglers meet their goals on and off the water. Any angler serious about creating a career out of their passion for angling should look at the successes of our members and take a step toward solidifying their success as an angling professional by joining NPAA today!” concludes Neu. |
Ain’t Over Til It’s Over
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Whitewater Fishing’s new Wool Fingerless Glove and Knit Logo Beanie poised to handle any spring weather surprises. |
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MUSKEGON, Mich. (April 30, 2024) – Northern anglers hope we’ve turned the corner weather-wise. Southern freshwater anglers and saltwater sticks look forward to that last chilly predawn at the boat landing or dock. But, as history reminds us, a devious May cold front is never out of the question. To that, Whitewater Fishing offers its new Wool Fingerless Glove and Knit Logo Beanie. |
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If you’ve never fished in fingerless gloves, now’s your chance, and starting with the best out there. The principal premise is maintaining dexterity in your fingertips without sacrificing warmth, as the body of the Wool Fingerless Glove acts like a furnace, delivering heat throughout your hand. Crafted from a blend of lambswool, nylon, and spandex, the Wool Fingerless Glove tenders a soft and durable feel, maintaining their shape even during extended periods on the water as well as wet. And another upside of lambswool is its capacity to maintain warmth even when saturated. |
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Cleverly, Whitewater also added silicone grip to the palm. Confidently grasp your rod and reels, paddle, or thermos of coffee while wearing the Wool Fingerless Glove. Again, even when wet. Lambswool is naturally antimicrobial, too. An especially poignant feature for those of us who catch loads of fish. Ahem… |
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Wool Fingerless Glove FEATURES:
MSRP $29.99 |
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Whitewater’s new Knit Logo Beanie is made of superior quality knit fabric, providing exceptional warmth and durability. The Knit Logo Beanie is also tailored for a snug and comfortable fit to ensure it stays in place even during active fishing sessions. You’ll be pleased with its full coverage, too, generously extending over your head and ears. Knit Logo Beanie FEATURES:
MSRP $19.99 |
How To Care For & Treat Your Fishing Rain Gear
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Given Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Restrictions, Apparel Designer and Big Waters Angler Shares Info for Added Resilience & Longevity |
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MUSKEGON, Mich. (June 5, 2024) – With importation regulations changing over the past few years concerning the forever chemicals (like fluorocarbons) commonly used in DWR treatment of outdoor rain apparel—additional, after-purchase rain gear treatment may be required if you’re an angler who braves Mother Nature’s worst. Longtime apparel designer and big waters angler, Aaron Ambur of Whitewater Fishing, notes: “The last waterproof treatment manufacturers were able to use was rated C6 but now that has been reduced to C0. This has made waterproofing fishing rain gear a bit more difficult but we’ve figured out a solution – and I recommend some additional care instructions for anglers like guides and pros who are in the most inclement conditions on a repeated basis.” The reduction in or elimination of what were commonly used chemicals has made DWR treatment less effective. Plus, regular use and exposure to bug repellants, sunscreen, and other products can reduce the efficacy of standard DWR water repellency. “If you think about rainwear and the barriers of defense, the very first defense is your DWR treatment, which prevents water from entering the fabric of the garment. Prior to the change in regulations, the better your DWR, the better your first line of protection was because it reduced the time it took materials to wet out,” continues Ambur. |
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Even though rain garments are laminated and taped from the inside, new regulations have reduced the amount of rain protection companies are allowed to offer. The reality is, this has affected all outdoors enthusiasts’ ability to stay dry. Years ago, anglers, hunters, and campers would spray leather boots and other items with Camp Dry and other products available for additional waterproofing. Given the recent change in regulations, this kind of treatment may also be required to create and extra level of DWR beyond what manufacturers are legally allowed to provide. While Whitewater has gone the route of providing cutting-edge waterproof garment characteristics, the company still advocates using something like Granger’s or a wax treatment to provide additional water protection if you are repeatedly fishing big water or exposed to the harshest of elements when fishing, hunting, or camping. Whitewater will soon be offering Granger’s products for rain wear treatments. “Whitewater apparel is super dry from the get-go, but I do recommend that serious anglers treat it occasionally. Aftermarket treatment will help reinforce that first layer of defense. Like Granger’s Performance Repel Plus (DWR Spray). Furthermore, if anglers are going to launder their rain garments, I would advocate that they use something like Granger’s 2-in-1 Wash + Repel that will re-waterproof your jacket and bibs,” continues Ambur. |
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Rain Gear Storage It’s always a good idea to hang up your rain jacket and bibs when not in use, using a damp cloth to wipe any fish slime, bait waste, or blood from the apparel. It’s also a good idea to dry off the apparel to prevent any mold or mildew from building up—which can also be done by hanging it up to air dry. The other thing, even if you’re not exposed to rain, your body is always perspiring, so you’re contributing moisture to your garment from the inside. That makes hanging the apparel up to air dry even more important. And when transporting, it’s best to ensure the gear is totally dry, whether using a tote or bag. Storing rain gear in a boat doesn’t generally work out that well, as hatches inevitably leak, and rain gear gets wet and develops mold and mildew. If storing in a boat, make sure it’s in a waterproof bag. |
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Parting Words The cold reality is apparel manufacturers’ hands are tied when it comes to absolute waterproofing. While Whitewater is on the leading edge of new, environmentally-friendly waterproofing and DWR treatment, it’s also a good idea to treat and care for your rain gear in the ways stated above. And anglers aren’t the only ones who need to observe added care and treatment of their apparel. Hunters, skiers, snowboarders, campers, big water boaters, etc. have all seen changes in rain gear technology over the past decade or so. While it’s inevitably good for the environment and everyone else, it does require that the user play his or her part, too, to ensure the efficacy and longevity of their purchased garments, no matter the manufacturer. All apparel designers are in the same boat, so to speak. |
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Nominations now open for 2024 class of Bassmaster High School All-Americans
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Dustin Connell Rockets to Early Lead at Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour U.S. Air Force Stage Five
Reigning REDCREST Champion weighs in 47 pounds, 8 ounces to lead after Day 1 for Group A – Group B begins competition Wednesday
EDENTON, N.C. (June 4, 2024) – Like the rest of the Bass Pro Tour field, Rapala pro Dustin Connell of Clanton, Alabama, arrived at the Chowan River with no idea what to expect during the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour U.S. Air Force Stage Five at the Chowan River Presented by WIX Filters . Turns out, as is the case just about everywhere, he didn’t need much time to find a healthy population of bass in the coastal river.
Connell, already a winner at Stage One on Toledo Bend and REDCREST on Lay Lake this year, boated 19 scorable bass totaling 47 pounds, 8 ounces during the first day of qualifying. That gives him a 16-pound, 5-ounce cushion over Mark Daniels Jr. of Tuskegee, Alabama , atop the leaderboard in Group A. Behind Connell, the standings are much more tightly bunched, with second through fifth place separated by 3-11.
Overall, the debut day of national tournament competition on the Chowan River yielded plenty of scorable bass – 24 of the 39 anglers in Group A totaled at least 10 pounds – plus a few big ones. Six largemouth over 5 pounds hit the scales, headlined by pro Martin Villa’s 7-7, which earned him the $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Bonus.
The six-day tournament, hosted by the Town of Edenton , the Chowan County Tourism Development Authority and Harbor Towns Cruises, 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 39 anglers in Group A will now have an off day from competition Wednesday, while the 39 anglers competing in Group B will begin their first day of competition. Group A will resume competition on Thursday.
While Connell had never visited the Chowan River prior to official practice for Stage Five, he entered Tuesday with a lofty goal: stack enough weight on SCORETRACKER® that he could devote the second day of qualifying entirely to practice.
Mission accomplished.
With more than 30 pounds of cushion over 10th place, Connell’s spot in the Knockout Round should be secure. That’s key for two reasons: Every additional chance to scout new water on the vast, cover-rich Chowan River is especially valuable given the field’s lack of history on the fishery, and the wind is forecast to blow hard out of the southwest on Thursday. With wind being the primary driver of current and water level on the Albemarle Sound tributary, that could drop the water and change the bite.
“I really wanted to catch them good today just because I know that we’ve got a lot of wind coming in on Thursday, on our (Group A’s) second day,” Connell explained. “And I didn’t want to put myself in a bind on Thursday trying to fight the wind. It may blow right down the chute. The wind tide changes a lot of things. So that was what I really wanted to do today is just go ahead and make this cut and be done with it.”
While the Chowan doesn’t have a strong natural current, Connell used the moving-water knowledge he honed growing up on the Coosa River in Alabama to identify a few likely locations during practice based on the wind current. It didn’t take long for those areas to produce Tuesday, as Connell landed five scorable bass for 12-11 in the first hour.
“I love fishing current, so I understand what current does to fish; I know how they act,” Connell said. “Coming here, I’ve never seen the place before. I had three days of practice, and I just kind of found me an area that I liked and then I just went from there.”
As the day progressed, Connell successfully expanded his pattern elsewhere. His most frenetic flurry came shortly after noon, when he added 11-7 to his total with five bass in just 13 minutes. By the end of the day, he had returned to practice mode, running new water.
While Connell didn’t want to reveal any details about how he’s catching his fish, he did say he’s optimistic he can continue to replicate his success in more areas. Don’t expect SCORETRACKER® to reflect that when he returns to the water Thursday, though.
“I don’t plan on catching any,” Connell said. “I’m just going to go practice and see what I can muster up.”
Overall, Connell likes what he’s seen from the Chowan River during its first few days hosting a field of touring pros.
“This place is incredible,” he said. “It’s full of bass, and it’s a very unique place just because of the salt content and the way these fish move. They’ll eat crabs, they’ll eat shad, it just depends on what section of the river you’re in. But it’s a very, very healthy fishery.”
The top 20 pros in Group A after Day 1 on Chowan River are:
1st: Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 19 bass, 47-8
2nd: Mark Daniels Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., 12 bass, 31-3
3rd: Martin Villa, Charlottesville, Va., 13 bass, 29-14
4th: Stephen Browning, Hot Springs, Ark., 13 bass, 28-12
5th: Dylan Hays, Hot Springs, Ark., 12 bass, 27-8
6th: Fred Roumbanis, Russellville, Ark., 12 bass, 25-2
7th: Alton Jones Jr., Waco, Texas, nine bass, 24-7
8th: John Hunter, Shelbyville, Ky., 11 bass, 23-9
9th: James Elam, Tulsa, Okla., seven bass, 17-9
10th: Mark Davis, Mount Ida, Ark., eight bass, 17-7
11th: Nick LeBrun, Bossier City, La., seven bass, 17-6
12th: Marty Robinson, Lyman, S.C., seven bass, 16-2
13th: Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., six bass, 14-12
14th: Bryan Thrift, Shelby, N.C., seven bass, 14-12
15th: Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn., seven bass, 14-1
16th: Gary Klein, Mingus, Texas, six bass, 14-1
17th: Jacob Wall, New Hope, Ala., seven bass, 13-14
18th: Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark., six bass, 13-6
19th: Chris Lane, Guntersville, Ala., six bass, 13-2
20th: Colby Schrumpf, Highland, Ill., eight bass, 13-2
A complete list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 242 scorable bass weighing 547 pounds, 10 ounces caught by 38 pros Thursday, which included one 7-pounder, one 6-pounder, four 5-pounders, 10 4-pounders and 20 3-pounders.
One of the few things Connell hasn’t accomplished during his Major League Fishing career is claiming an Angler of the Year crown. Arriving at the Chowan River in third place of this year’s Fishing Clash Angler of the Year race , he looks like he’ll have a legitimate shot down the stretch.
Connell entered Stage Five 25.5 points behind leader Jacob Wheeler and 13.5 behind Alton Jones Jr. While Wheeler is competing in Group B this week, Jones is also positioned to make the Knockout Round, although he still has a bit of work to do Thursday to secure his spot among the Top 10. Jones finished the day in seventh place with 24-7.
Martin Villa of Charlottesville, Virginia, earned Tuesday’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award after a 7-pound, 7-ounce largemouth bit his wacky rig in Period 1. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day, and another $3,000 bonus to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass of the tournament.
The 39 Anglers in Group A compete in their two-day Qualifying Round on Tuesday and Thursday – the 39 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.
Anglers will launch at 7:30 a.m. ET each day from Pembroke Creek Park, located at 716 W. Queen Street in Edenton. Each day’s General Tire Takeout will be held at the park, 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.
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. ET. MLFNOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.
On Saturday and Sunday, June 8-9, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF welcomes fans of all ages to visit Colonial Waterfront Park, located at 510 S. Broad St. in Edenton, 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 U.S. Air Force Stage Five at Chowan River Presented by WIX Filters 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 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.
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.
Television coverage of the U.S. Air Force Stage Five at Lake Eufaula Presented by WIX Filters Knockout Round will air as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Oct. 26 on Discovery, with the Championship Round premiering on Nov. 2. 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, REDCON1, Star brite, Suzuki, Toyota, U.S. Air Force and WIX Filters.
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.
Annual Toyota Bonus Bucks Owners Event Heads to Hartwell
Anderson, SC (June 4, 2024) -- For the first time ever, the 13 th annual Toyota Bonus Bucks Owners Tournament will take place October 26-27, 2024, at Lake Hartwell. Home to four recent Bassmaster Classics, the sprawling reservoir is located among the pine tree-laden hills of South Carolina near the heart of where many Toyota Bonus Bucks members call home.
This exciting weekend will feature a no-entry fee team tournament, gift bags for participants, a meet & greet with Team Toyota Pro Anglers and more. The winning team will take home the top prize of $5,000 with the top 31 teams taking home cash prizes.
“It’s hard to believe that in the previous 12 years of this event we’ve never made it to iconic Lake Hartwell, but we are very excited to finally call it home to the 13 th annual Toyota Bonus Bucks Owners Tournament,” said Steve Appelbaum, national manager, sponsorship integration, Toyota Motor North America. “The event is sure to be a special weekend with our treasured Toyota owners and manufacturing plant employees.”
The tournament kicks-off Saturday afternoon at Green Pond Landing where Team Toyota pro anglers will be on hand to greet guests. B.A.S.S. tournament staff will conduct the tournament including angler registration, where participants will receive a generous amount of free gear and a complimentary dinner.
Neil Paul, Visit Anderson Executive Tourism Director, and avid fishing fan, shares in the excitement for the upcoming event saying, “We are over the top excited to be hosting the Toyota Bonus Bucks Owners Tournament at Green Pond Landing, Lake Hartwell, and Anderson County. The leadership of Anderson County has provided us with some of the best facilities in America and the resources to be able to host major events such as this. This tournament has been on our radar for several years now and we are preparing to treat this event as we would the Bassmaster Classic.”
Tournament eligibility is contingent on meeting two requirements: at least one of the two team members must be currently registered in the Toyota Bonus Bucks Program, and the eligible team member must own or lease a 2020 or newer Toyota Tundra, Tacoma, Sequoia or 4Runner.
The deadline to register is October 18, 2024. For more details and to get signed-up, please visit https://ownersevent.toyotatrucksbonusbucks.com. If you have questions, or need assistance, contact the Toyota Bonus Bucks Headquarters via email: [email protected].
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM), creator of the Prius hybrid and the Mirai fuel cell vehicle, is committed to building vehicles for the way people live through our Toyota and Lexus brands, and directly employs more than 63,000 people in North America (more than 49,000 in the U.S.). Over the past 65 years, Toyota has assembled nearly 47 million cars and trucks in North America at the company’s 12 manufacturing plants. By 2025, the company’s 13 th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.
Through our more than 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly 1,500 in the U.S.), Toyota sold more than 2.6 million cars and trucks (more than 2.2 million in the U.S.) in 2023, of which more than one quarter were electrified vehicles (full battery, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell).
CONTACT:
Alan McGuckin / Dynamic Sponsorships
Email: [email protected]
After a half-century on this earth, I have a new fishing obsession – the shoal bass
By Vance McCullough - AC Insider
In the opening scene of the classic film Gladiator a Roman soldier declares, “People should know when they’re conquered.”
It’s doubtful that any ancient Romans ever met a shoal bass, but anglers around Rome, Georgia sure have. And, as with the barbarian horde dispatched by Maximus and crew in the movie, the shoalie has a ton of fight in him. This fish just doesn’t know when to quit.
And the fighting isn’t over once you bring the shoalie to hand, especially if you’re in a kayak tournament and have to take a picture of said fish lying still on a measuring board. They’re harder to photograph than a two-year-old. Even more so for the smallest fish. Why would you photograph an 8-inch fish? More on that later but just know that it’s like trying to grasp a wet bar of soap that has muscles.
Even catching a small shoal bass is fun and the type of scenery in which they swim is beautifully rugged, making for a great overall experience.
Credit given where due, I have to thank Drew Gregory for my introduction to – and now addiction to – the shoal bass.
Gregory has won everything an angler can win on the bass tournament side of the kayak fishing world, a scene that has become more electronic, more insulated from the beauty and
mystery that called most of us to fish from kayaks in the first place.
He’s established a new tournament trail for those who pursue bass from paddlecraft, pedalcraft and even motorized ‘yaks from deep offshore ledges in lakes to the shallowest confines of the skinniest feeder creeks. It’s an open-minded approach appropriately named the Kayak Adventure Series.
‘Choose your own adventure’ promises the KAS with tournaments staged on diverse waters across the country and across the calendar. The first event, Shoaliepalooza, was based out of
Thomaston and put half of Middle Georgia in play. While largemouth and spotted bass counted too, the idea was to celebrate a regional favorite, little known outside the state – the
shoal bass.
I decided to participate in the spirit of the event and fish in a way foreign to me for a fish I’d never met rather than seek the familiar largemouth in nearby lakes. A little research revealed that shoal bass will eat anything largemouth will. A swim jig seemed like a good place to start. It was. I soon caught a few modest sized shoalies. I wish I’d turned to topwaters sooner. I now believe they often attract the biggest shoal bass as I know they do largemouth, as well as saltwater species such as snook and many other sportfish.
Some things are just universal.
That said, Aaron Griffith won this event with 102.25 inches of shoal bass and caught every one of them on a black trick worm Texas-rigged on a 1/8oz. bullet weight. By the way, Aaron has a great video on his Instagram page, Aarons_outdoor, where he demonstrates how hard it is to simply snap a picture of these rowdy fish.
I finished middle of the pack in Shoaliepalooza but it lit a fire in me. I wanted a rematch with this fish that had teased me, allowed me to catch a couple of 5-fish limits but nothing big.
I felt the strength in these fish that spend a lifetime fighting swift currents. Their scientific name, after all, is Micropterus cataractae – ‘fish of the waterfall’. They were placed by God’s hand along the Fall Line in Georgia - an area of geologic change where the piedmont region gives way to the coastal plains. Abruptly. This rapid loss of elevation causes rapid water movement which has scrubbed numerous ledges of soft substrate and left rocky cataracts and swirling white water where the shoal bass is uniquely fit to thrive.
An outfall of Gregory’s free-thinking mindset that spawned the Kayak Adventure Series to start with was the introduction of the Microbag Challenge, an optional side pot that counts an angler’s 5 smallest fish. This, literally, little contest sponsored by Z-Man features a minimum length of 5 inches. Maximum scoreable size is just below the minimum length for the overall tournament. The slam dunk would be a 25-inch total. Now, imagine trying to hold a small shoalie in place while taking the required picture to document the catch. They slipped through my fingers, all five fingers, numerous times while trying to do so. I had four fish in my Microbag. I lost what would have been my limit fish four other times. They’re harder to get a hook into at that size and once hooked they jump more than bigger fish do. I later learned that I, along with every other contestant but one, was disqualified from the Microbag competition because we were expected to photograph these spastic fish with, at most, a single finger to hold them in place, preferably no touching. It’s a special rule put in place so that we don’t obscure too much of the diminutive trophy from view of the judges, but c’mon Drew – REALLY?
I love Drew Gregory, but we might have to arm wrestle over changing that rule in the future. Maybe we can duct tape the little firecrackers to the board or something.
At any size, shoal bass are strong. River bassin’ is a breath of fresh air from the claustrophobic confines of overbuilt, overstuffed modern fishing kayaks. Less is more when it comes to gear. Travel light. Move fast. Wade fishing is the norm, as it’s often the only practical way to target the best stretches of shoal bass habitat. Just a man pitting his wits and skills against a river and the hidden bounty that swims in it. This is how it has always been; always should be, in my humble opinion.
It’s easy to imagine a Cherokee spear fishing from the same boulder I now stand on, water bulging against it momentarily before rolling around and flowing ceaseless to the sea in a cycle that continues to this day, forming a bridge over the never-ending flow of time, connecting us not just to a place, but to those who once enjoyed it as we do now. During your time on the water, you can score best with a simplified approach.
Crawfish are a staple in the diet of river fish; therefore, jigs work well. Texas-rigged soft plastic craws do too. People commonly throw noisy topwaters and crankbaits, even jerkbaits where depths allow. The aggressive shoal bass is not extremely picky so choose freely from your tackle box. Casting accuracy can be helpful as shoal bass tend to tuck into tight spots that provide tiny current breaks. If your cast lands off the mark they will often come get it anyway, as long as they can see it. You can always toss a lure upstream and let it ride the
current, tumble over the rocks and swirl in the eddy below like a wounded critter would naturally do.
As for their primary range, shoal bass can be found throughout the Flint River from its source, a culvert at the airport in Atlanta, down to Lake Seminole on the Florida border. The Chattahoochee has a few in the mid-to-upper sections. Numerous dams along that river have kept the shoal bass populations from expanding much. The world record, at 8lbs, 12oz, came from Florida’s Apalachicola River years ago, but the populations there and in the nearby Chipola River have fallen off in recent years. It is estimated that 90% of the shoal bass now reside in Georgia.
They prefer main river, current-swept habitat and are seldom found in smaller creeks. They were introduced into the Ocmulgee in 1975 and have established themselves well from below the Lloyd Shoals Dam that impounds Lake Jackson all the way down to the river’s confluence with the Oconee where the two merge to form the Altamaha that carries the waters to the Atlantic Ocean.
The most consistent shoal bass action is centered around Georgia’s Fall Line which runs roughly from Columbus, through Macon and on to Augusta. One of the hardest things for me to get my head around was that shoal bass actually spawn in the fastest, most turbulent water they can find. Most sunfish nest in calm, undisturbed areas and then feed in heavy current. But M. cataractae plays out its whole life in the roiled rivulets among the topographic feature for which it is named. That’s commitment.
It rivals the commitment shown by those who chase this bass, who take pride in sharing a region with it, some of whom seem to identify with it on a deep level. Few animals engender such pride in such a tightly defined region as the shoal bass does.
I understand it now.
While Shoaliepalooza was fun but not profitable for me, it served as my introduction to the species and the magnificent environment it dragged me into. I might have caught 15 fish,
including a handful of Alabama spotted bass. My biggest shoal bass was 14 inches. Not bad, but I knew there was more to this fish than I had encountered.
Fast forward two weeks. My wife and I were celebrating 30 years of marriage. If I did one thing right in my entire life, I married well. Christy loves camping. And she’s an enabler of my fishing habit. She will catch a few now and then herself, but on this trip she slept in each morning and let me attack the little rapids visible from the balcony of our small cabin along Georgia’s Ocmulgee River.
The first morning I used a plastic craw and only caught a couple of small fish. The next morning, I tossed a topwater crawler, specially painted in a redwing blackbird pattern by my good friend Daniel Winkles of DW Lures, and before I even waded into the cool clear flow a shoalie erupted with prejudice on my hapless plug as it careened over the lip of a tiny waterfall. The scene was spectacular. She dug like a redfish and swam in wide circles, flashing those gorgeous tiger stripes and golden back as I made multiple attempts to grab her. She pulled my digital scale to 3.08 pounds and measured from the tip of my middle finger to the crook of my elbow. She was the first of three nice shoalies to greet me that final morning of the trip.
I totally get it now, this fascination with the strikingly beautiful fish and her naughty attitude. And I can’t wait to go back. Best news is, the peak season for river fishing is just around the
corner. This is a summertime fishery that will delight vacationing families and anglers who want to steal a couple hours from the schedule while others sleep in.
So far this year the rivers of Middle Georgia have maintained a good level for accessing and wade-fishing them. The water has been beautiful with just a light stain and excellent visibility down to at least three or four feet in the areas of the Flint and Ocmulgee rivers that I have fished. In other words, I could see the bottom practically everywhere. As for lures, anything that works on largemouth will catch a shoalie, but I prefer topwater lures for obvious reasons, including the fact that they will swim above the rocky snags where shoal bass tend to hang out.
A basic rule of wade fishing in rivers is to work your way upstream so the water carries away the silt you stir, and you won’t muddy up the stretch you’re trying to fish. This also helps you to better see the sometimes slippery, rock-strewn bottom where you may need all the help you can get to find solid footing to start with.
Of course, safety is of great importance. Wear a life jacket and if possible, have a friend tag along. At the very least, file a float plan with somebody or let them know where you plan to be. Those cascading stretches of river can be dangerous. But they are beautiful and so is the unique fishery they hide beneath their swirling, falling waters.
Planning your shoal bass adventure: if you plan to fish the Flint River, you’d be hard pressed to find a better place to stay than at Sprewell Bluff State Park, 10 miles west of Thomaston, about an hour south of Atlanta.
You can rent a small, air-conditioned cabin for $95/night or bring your tent or RV for $45. You’ll share a bathhouse with other campers, even if in a cabin, but that’s the only drawback in this idyllic setting. Perched atop a high ridge, the park straddles 568 acres of wilderness and offers hiking trails, swimming, paddling, and of course, fishing. There’s a trading post and gift shop open from 9 AM-to-5 PM daily. A gorgeous overlook greets you as you enter the park and the wild, beautiful Flint River rolls around the base of the bluff.
Book your stay at ReserveAmerica.com.
Nearby Thomaston, GA has everything you could need, including some cool restaurants and bars and even a classic old theater – the Ritz. A little closer by is the River Bend restaurant with a sweeping view of the Flint and a classic southern menu. There’s also a Dollar General, a gas station and the Sunnyside Café about 10 minutes away in Sunset Village (as it’s called on the map, although the locals call the little dot on Hwy 74 “Sunnyside”).
Flint River Outdoors Center, 4429 Woodland Rd, Thomaston, GA, 706-647-2633, is a great source of information about the river, its current level, etc. They also offer tent camping, and a few RV sites.
The coolest thing about Flint River Outdoors Center is their shuttle service that runs between, among other places, Sprewell Bluff and their own ramp. You can rent one of their kayaks or
bring your own and have them shuttle you back upriver when you’re done floating and fishing.
As for the Ocmulgee, the tiny town of Juliette, GA, population 290, is a great place to base camp. My wife and I stayed at Towaliga River Retreat in a small cabin (complete with a private bath, thank you very much) for about $125/night. Plan to grill or eat out as the kitchenette only has a small microwave and minifridge. There’s a charcoal grill and fire ring at each cabin. Dining is plentiful in Forsythe, 10 miles west, or in Macon, about 20 miles south. There are also tent and RV spaces available at this well shaded stretch of riverbank that has a 1.6-mile hiking trail and is very near many other world-class hiking and mountain biking trails.
There is plenty to do besides fishing. The one-street town of Juliette is actually a ghost town, rebuilt for the filming of the movie Fried Green Tomatoes in the early 1990’s. The buildings are still set up and open for visitors, many of whom come to dine at the Whistle Stop Café which, I can attest, serves some of the finest southern cuisine you’ll ever eat including, of course, fried green tomatoes. Be advised, the café and other attractions along the street are open from 11 AM-to-4 PM only, and most of them only from Thursday through Sunday.
There’s a low head dam, the Juliette Dam, built to divert water to the still-standing Juliette Mill, a 4-story building that, when built in 1927 was the world's largest stone wheel grist mill, turning a million bushels of corn per year into the popular Juliette brand grits. It later housed a motorcycle museum. It’s now vacant but posted, but it makes a cool backdrop for fishing photos.
Above the dam is a waterfront park and boat ramp where you can access miles of slack water on the Ocmulgee and get a good look at the old mill.
WARNING: low head dams are dangerous, please stay well clear when below or above one. They can suck you into a ‘washing machine’ effect so strong that your life jacket won’t be able to keep you afloat. Kayak angling expert Jeff Little has an excellent video about this on his Youtube channel - The Little Stuff - if you’d like to research further.
For current information about the Ocmulgee River near Juliette, call or stop by Juliette Bait and Tackle at 12392 State Road 87 in Juliette, GA, phone number 478-262-1015. They can even hook you up with a guided rafting trip for trophy shoal bass.
Scott Suggs Out at Bass Pro Tour U.S. Air Force Stage Five at Chowan River Presented by WIX Filters
WHAT:
Bass Pro Tour competitor Scott Suggs of Alexander, Arkansas, has withdrawn from this week’s U.S. Air Force Stage Five at the Chowan River Presented by WIX Filters due to a medical issue.
WHEN:
Tuesday-Sunday, June 4-9
Takeoff: 7:30 a.m. ET
General Tire Takeout: 4 p.m. ET
WHERE:
Pembroke Creek Park, 716 W. Queen St., Edenton, N.C.
NOTES:
Major League Fishing (MLF) and the Bass Pro Tour, are visiting Edenton, North Carolina, and the Chowan River this week, June 4-9, for the fifth regular-season event of the 2024 Bass Pro Tour season – the U.S. Air Force Stage Five at the Chowan River Presented by WIX Filters.
The six-day tournament, hosted by the Town of Edenton, the Chowan County Tourism Development Authority and Harbor Towns Cruises, will feature a field of 78 professional anglers 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.
The 39 Anglers in Group A will compete in their two-day Qualifying Round on Tuesday and Thursday – the 39 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.
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 13 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.
Scroggins is at home with firetiger on the Chowan
By Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
Team Toyota’s Terry “Big Show” Scroggins has embraced the newest sonar technology with solid performances to show for it recently. However, he’s also not afraid to fall back on time-proven classics like firetiger colored Bomber 2A crankbaits and Storm Chug Bugs, both of which he says could be in his starting line-up at this week’s MLF Bass Pro Tour event on North Carolina’s Chowan River.
“Not many of us are familiar with the Chowan, but it reminds me a lot of my home waters of the St. Johns River. It’s an old tidal river with a lot of shallow water targets to throw at, and old baits like the firetiger 2A Bomber and Chug Bug are perfect for that situation,” says Scroggins.
Scroggins says there’s just something magical about the color firetiger anytime he’s fishing in Florida, Georgia or The Carolinas, and Bass Fishing Hall of Fame biologist and avid angler, Gene Gilliland agrees.
“I believe a Texan named Floyd Mabry is credited with developing that iconic color around 1975, and I agree with Scroggins that a firetiger Bomber is a ‘must have’ in most any angler’s tackle box. I don’t go anywhere without a firetiger Bomber 6A,” smiles Gilliland, who grew-up in Gainesville, Texas, where Bomber’s roots run deep.
Scroggins has lived on the St. Johns River for 45 years and has fished it frequently throughout that time. Frankly, he’s a living legend there, and he remembers discovering the goodness of the firetiger 2A Bomber in the 1990s. Its subtle size, combined with its highly buoyant ability to back out of snags around everything from sunken barges to laydown trees, is what makes it so effective.
“It’s kind of a like a squarebill, which we all know is a super lure, but it’s a little more subtle, and runs a little shallower than most squarebills. All I know for sure is that sucker catches ‘em,” grins Scroggins.
When asked why the Storm Chug Bug could be productive on the Chowan, his answer doesn’t differ much from his take on the 2A. “Because it catches fish! It’s a unique lure in that it’s sort of like a subtle popper, but also walks like a Zara Spook. So, you get the best of both worlds with a Chug Bug, and I swear the orange belly on the firetiger version gets more bites than other colors in the Southeast,” says Scroggins.
So, while the Chowan River may not be super familiar to Scroggins, it feels like home. He’s very much looking forward to competing on the blackwater river, not far from the Atlantic Ocean, and you can bet they’ll be plenty of orange bellies rigged on his Mud Hole custom rods.
Georgia Boater Paul Marks Jr. Wins 41st annual Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American
Savannah River Division boater takes home All-American Championship title and top payout of $120,000
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. (May 31, 2024) – Tallying 38 pounds, 6 ounces over three days, Paul Marks Jr. of Cumming, Georgia, dominated the 41st annual Major League Fishing (MLF) Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) All-American Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Cherokee. Topping 12 pounds for the third day in a row with a Day 3 limit that weighed 12-5, Marks won by more than 4 pounds over runner up Matt O’Connell of Brooks, Georgia, and earned $120,000 for his efforts, including the lucrative $20,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus. Additionally, he qualified for the Toyota Series Championship this fall on Wheeler Lake and REDCREST 2025 on Lake Guntersville.
While he’s only 23, Marks’ star has burned bright for several years. This marks his fifth win with MLF since 2019, which includes stats from high school, and could serve as the launchpad for yet another prolific tournament fishing career.
On the water, Marks is an assassin, laser focused on the task at hand and deadly with the tools of the modern angler. His father, Paul Marks Sr., has fished at a high level as well and seen his son’s potential take shape over the years.
“He’s been fishing most all his life, going in the boat with me before he could get around good – crawling around in the boat,” said Marks Sr. “He’s always had a passion for it, always.”
Starting his son in team tournaments at home on Lake Lanier, Marks Sr. thinks early success helped turn Marks Jr. into the budding superstar that he is.
“I competed, and a lot of my friends did – when your kid grows up around that excitement, I think they tend to take a liking to it,” the elder Marks said. “He kind of fell into it. In high school, he made nationals as a freshman. He just got more and more of a passion for it. He’s been very fortunate, from when he started in high school to fishing local tournaments with me and being on the winning side of it. That puts more gas in your motor.
“People like to fish, but to go to this level, you have to have a passion for it, a little more depth involved,” Marks Sr. continued. “He does just like to fish, but he likes to win. He’s not much on talking, but he’s very focused when it comes to fishing.”
As focused as Marks is, he let loose a little bit on stage. When Chris Jones called the final weight, a smile peeked out after a flurry of fist pumps, the young angler recognizing that he did something special.
“I don’t know what the feeling is that I have right now from winning,” Marks Jr. said. “I think my heart might explode. It’s not really set in yet – I don’t think I’ll sleep for a couple weeks.”
Weighing all smallmouth, Marks was able to stay steady when basically nobody else could. For whatever reason, Cherokee was brutally tough on the field this week.
“I was fishing points that pointed into the current or the wind,” he said. “I caught some really nice ones the first day of practice – I think I had 15 or 16 pounds. The rest of practice, I just drove around and looked for the same stuff. I ran stuff I knew the first day of the tournament and did alright. The second day, I ran almost all new water – places I’d marked.”
Not fishing super deep, Marks used a lot of the lake and seemed to understand the fish well.
“I was focusing around 15 foot, maybe deeper, maybe shallower,” he said. “I was using Lowrance SideScan, the 3-in-1 transducer, to pretty much just mark rocks. It was all sizes; some of them were the size of trucks, some of them were the size of a basketball, they just had to be in the right spot. Legit spots that I thought I might actually fish, I probably marked 150. A lot of them were a little too deep – I think (the fish) are still shallower, it’s been coolish the last few weeks.”
Fishing over the rocks with finesse gear, Marks used a 3.8-inch Zoom Z-Swim on a 3/8- or 1/4-ounce Greenfish Tackle Bad Little Shad Swimbait Head. He threw it on a 7-foot, medium-light Shimano Poison Ultima with a Shimano Vanquish 3000, 10-pound Seaguar Smackdown braid and a 12-pound Seaguar Tatsu leader.
Marks presented his bait about 2 or 3 feet above the rocks and let the fish come to it.
“They’ll come get it,” he said. “The water isn’t real clear, but the smallmouth can see or maybe feel it coming – they’ll haul ass to get it from a long ways. I’d say 80 percent of the time, I didn’t see them. I’d throw out there and they’d come eat it. That’s why I think I did a little better, too – I wasn’t just looking for fish. There are so many fish out there; I was ignoring all the fish I saw and throwing at structure.”
After three days of catching Tennessee smallmouth better than anyone else in the field, Marks convincingly earned one of the most sought-after titles in bass fishing – he’s the 2024 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American Champion.
The Top 10 boaters at the 2024 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American on Cherokee Lake finished:
1st: Paul Marks Jr., Cumming, Ga., 15 bass, 38-6, $120,000 (includes $20,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus)
2nd: Matt O’Connell, Brooks, Ga., 15 bass, 34-1, $20,000
3rd: Dillon Falardeau, Hixson, Tenn., 15 bass, 33-3, $15,000
4th: Buddy Benson, Dahlonega, Ga., 15 bass, 31-9, $21,000 (includes $7,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus)
5th: Lucas Murphy, West Columbia, S.C., 14 bass, 31-8, $18,000 (includes $5,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus)
6th: Brett Carnright, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 15 bass, 30-15, $14,000 (includes $2,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus)
7th: Jason Barnes, Concord, N.C., 13 bass, 30-5, $12,000 (includes $1,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus)
8th: Mike Feldermann, Galena, Ill., 13 bass, 28-5, $10,000
9th: Ian Leybas, McAlester, Okla., 12 bass, 26-2, $9,000
10th: Pete Saele, New Lenox, Ill., nine bass, 20-8, $8,000
A full list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 41 bass weighing 90 pounds, 13 ounces caught by 9 of the final 10 boaters Friday. Six of the final 10 boaters caught a five-bass limit.
The highest-finishing boater from each Regional Championship (including the Wild Card) at the All-American also now advance to the Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning $235,000.
The eight boaters that finished highest from their region earned an automatic qualification in to the 2024 Toyota Series Championship Presented by Phoenix Boats on Wheeler Lake are:
Ian Leybas, McAlester, Okla.
Brett Carnright, Plattsburgh, N.Y.
Dillon Falardeau, Hixson, Tenn.
Paul Marks Jr., Cumming, Ga.
Mike Feldermann, Galena, Ill.
Matt O’Connell, Brooks, Ga.
Pete Saele, New Lenox, Ill.
Buddy Benson, Dahlonega, Ga.
After starting Day 1 in eighth place, Justin Parchman of Oologah, Oklahoma, won the Strike King Co-angler Division Friday with a three-day total of 10 bass weighing 21 pounds, 1 ounce to earn the top prize package of $50,000. Co-angler Caleb Welch of Bolivar, Missouri, finished runner up with a three-day total of nine bass weighing 19 pounds, 12 ounces, good for $10,000.
The Top 10 Strike King co-anglers at the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American on Cherokee Lake finished:
1st: Justin Parchman, Oologah, Okla., 10 bass, 21-1, $50,000
2nd: Caleb Welch, Bolivar, Mo., nine bass, 19-12, $10,000
3rd: Rodney Tapp, Inman, S.C., nine bass, 17-11, $6,000
4th: Justin McGaha, Knoxville, Tenn., seven bass, 16-7, $5,000
5th: Jody Jones, Harvey, Ark., seven bass, 16-4, $4,500
6th: Tyler Nekolny, Coral Springs, Fla., seven bass, 15-11, $4,000
7th: Ashley Klaus, Thomson, Ga., seven bass, 15-4, $3,500
8th: Randy Paquette, Sarasota, Fla., seven bass, 15-3, $3,000
9th: Terry Laverack, Martin, S.D., seven bass, 13-8, $2,500
10th: Pop Catalin, Cookeville, Tenn., five bass, 12-1, $2,000
Overall, there were 12 bass weighing 25 pounds, 6 ounces caught by 7 Strike King co-anglers on Friday. The catch included zero five-bass limits.
The highest-finishing Strike King co-angler from each Regional Championship (including the Wild Card) at the All-American also now advance to the Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning $33,500.
The eight Strike King Co-anglers that finished highest from their region and earned an automatic qualification at the 2024 Toyota Series Championship Presented by Phoenix Boats on Wheeler Lake are:
Caleb Welch, Bolivar, Mo.
Stacy Metz, Staley, N.C.
Stephen Vick, Dandridge, Tenn.
Tyler Nekolny, Coral Springs, Fla.
Justin Parchman, Oologah, Okla.
Rodney Tapp, Inman, S.C.
Terry Laverack, Martin, S.D.
Justin McGaha, Knoxville, Tenn.
The three-day Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American presented by T-H Marine on Cherokee Lake was hosted by Visit Jefferson County TN. The event featured the nation’s best weekend grassroots anglers competing for a top prize of up to $120,000 – and an automatic qualification into REDCREST 2025, MLF’s most prestigious event – and a top prize of $50,000 for the winning Strike King co-angler.
Television coverage of the 2024 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American will premiere November 16 on CBS Sports. The full television air schedule can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The full field of 49 boaters and 49 Strike King co-anglers competed on Days 1 (Wednesday) and 2 (Thursday) of the event. After two days of competition, the field was cut to just the top 10 boaters and co-anglers based on two-day total cumulative weight, and the final 10 anglers competed on Championship Friday. The boater and co-angler that caught the heaviest three-day total weight earned the title of the 41st Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American Champions.
The 2023 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine was a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, advanced to one of six Regional Championships where they competed to finish in the top six, which then advanced them to compete in the Phoenix Bass Fishing League 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, REDCON1, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters 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.
AFTCO announces 2024 B.A.S.S. conservation grant recipients
SANTA ANA, Calif. — AFTCO upholds its longstanding commitment to conservation by awarding six Conservation Grants to B.A.S.S. Nation Clubs in 2024. This year's total contribution of $25,000 will be distributed among six recipients. Since the program's inception in 2018, AFTCO has contributed over $145,000 to support these initiatives. For 2024, the six recipients that have been selected to receive grants are:
1. Banner Creek Aquatic Vegetation Restoration Project with Leavenworth Bass Club
2. East Tennessee Lake Improvement Project with Tennessee B.A.S.S. Nation c/o Meigs County High School
3. Lake Brownwood Fish Habitat Enhancements with Texas B.A.S.S. Nation
4. Oregon B.A.S.S. Nation Reservoir Enhancement Project with Oregon B.A.S.S. Nation
5. Tennessee Statewide Habitat Project with Tennessee B.A.S.S Nation
6. Georgia B.A.S.S. Nation Fish Care with Georgia B.A.S.S. Nation
The goals of these programs include enhancing aquatic habitats across various reservoirs and lakes, restoring native vegetation, improving fish habitats, increasing angler education, and promoting collaborative conservation efforts. Coordinated locally, these programs couldn’t be done without the collaborative efforts of B.A.S.S. Nation chapters, governmental fishing agencies, local businesses, and the invaluable support of volunteers and youth organizations.
“These grants are a great example of the efforts our B.A.S.S. Nation clubs are putting forth to enhance the fishing in their local lakes and reservoirs,” said Gene Gilliland, B.A.S.S. Conservation Director. “Our state chapters are blessed to be associated with a company like AFTCO that takes conservation to heart. That continued commitment to the B.A.S.S. Nation and to the fishery resources that our sport depends on is unmatched.”
Led by the Leavenworth Bass Club, the goal of the first project is to establish native aquatic vegetation along three miles of the currently barren shoreline at Banner Creek Reservoir in Holton, Kansas. This will be achieved by building a greenhouse at Perry State Park where plants will be propagated and transplanted back into the reservoir from 2024 to 2026. The greenhouse can produce nearly 3,000 plants per year. Monitoring will be conducted through presence-absence surveys, bathymetric mapping, and snorkel assessments to track the spread and survival of the vegetation until 2031. Youth anglers will assist with transplantation, and a Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) biologist will educate local high school students on the importance of native aquatic plants.
The second project will provide new habitat for bass in an aging reservoir, Watts Bar Lake. Tennessee B.A.S.S. Nation, in collaboration with Meigs County High School and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), will construct artificial fish structures. These structures, built with the assistance of local high school bass clubs, college students, coaches, and angler volunteers, will provide vital habitat for bass during various life stages, addressing the degradation of the reservoir's existing habitat. The AFTCO grant will fund phase 2 of the project, focusing on completing the construction and deployment of these structures, with a goal of successful deployment by the end of 2024. Additionally, the project serves as an outreach initiative, engaging youth anglers and local fishing clubs in conservation efforts and promoting outdoor work through volunteer construction days.
The goal of the third project is to revitalize the structural fish habitat in Lake Brownwood, a major destination for tournament bass fishing in western Texas. The reservoir has a history of fluctuating water levels, and much of it is devoid of aquatic vegetation and woody habitat. Spearheaded by Texas B.A.S.S. Nation, this project involves installing natural and man-made fish habitat structures across three designated areas of the reservoir. This will restore the structural fish habitat that has been lost and improve fishing for all anglers. Along with the AFTCO grant, financial contributions and resources from partners such as the Brown County Water Improvement District, Brownwood Bass Club, Major League Fishing Black Bass Stewardship Group, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will support this project. TBN Youth Directors will engage youth, high school teams, participating adults, club members, and encourage other project partners and the local community to involve youth and families in this effort.
The fourth project, led by Oregon B.A.S.S. Nation, aims to improve low water habitat at Cottage Grove Reservoir through the implementation of Spider Blocks and Stake Blocks. The project plans to conduct this enhancement in phases over a 3-5 year period, placing 200 blocks annually, with 100 blocks designated for Cottage Grove Reservoir and 100 for Fern Ridge Reservoir to help with the reduced low water habitat. Additionally, the project emphasizes youth angler involvement by collaborating with local bass clubs to engage young participants in the construction and placement of the blocks.
For the fifth project, Tennessee B.A.S.S. Nation aims to enhance reservoir habitats across the state through angler education, habitat construction, and partnership development. Collaborating with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and various angler groups, the project targets multiple reservoirs in different regions of Tennessee, deploying a variety of artificial structures and recycled Christmas trees to improve fish habitats. The AFTCO grant will be used to fund the materials needed to construct fish attractors and habitat structures. The project also emphasizes the involvement of youth anglers, with hundreds of junior and high school teams participating in habitat construction and cleanup efforts, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.
The final grant recipient in 2024 is Georgia B.A.S.S. Nation. The goal of their project is to enhance current fish care techniques at their youth events, recognizing the growing popularity of youth fishing and the importance of preserving the bass population. With a solid system already in place, they aim to improve their weigh-in system by incorporating pure oxygen and advanced aeration methods to enhance fish care/release tanks, allowing for more recuperation time for the fish before release. With the AFTCO grant, they plan to invest in equipment such as oxygen gas cylinders, air blowers, and dissolved oxygen meters to optimize the fish care environment. Furthermore, this project will educate youth anglers on fish care practices and set an example by implementing the best possible weigh-in system, aiming to instill a sense of responsibility and care for the resource among young anglers.
“AFTCO has been fortunate to work with great partners at B.A.S.S. and all their passionate B.A.S.S. Nation state chapters,” said Matt Florentino, AFTCO Marketing Director. “Together we’ve been able to make a big impact to enhance these fisheries across the country and give back to both the resource and the angling community.”
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, 256-424-2390, cgay@bassmaster.
Georgia Boater Paul Marks Jr. Takes Lead into Final Day of Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American
Savannah River Division boater catches 13-pound, 6-ounce limit to take 2-pound, 10-ounce lead, final 10 boaters and co-anglers set for Championship Friday
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. (May 30, 2024) – Day 1 of the Major League Fishing (MLF) Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) All-American Presented by T-H Marine was tough, and Day 2 was even tougher. Limits are a big achievement on Lake Cherokee this week, and a 12-pound bag can rocket an angler up the leaderboard at an astonishing rate.
With the Day 1 leaders faltering, Paul Marks, Jr., of Cumming, Georgia, tallied 13 pounds, 6 ounces to jump up to a 26-1 total, which gives him an edge of more than 2 pounds over Dillon Falardeau of Hixson, Tennessee , who weighed 12-2 on Day 2 to bring his total to 23-7. While that’s a commanding lead mathematically for Marks, the way the lake is fishing probably won’t allow anyone to sleep easy.
The final 10 boaters and Strike King co-anglers are now set, and competition will resume tomorrow morning on Championship Friday. The three-day tournament, hosted by Visit Jefferson County TN, showcases the nation’s best weekend grassroots anglers, and awards the winning boater a top prize of up to $120,000 – and an automatic qualification into REDCREST 2025, MLF’s most prestigious event – and the winning Strike King co-angler a top prize of $50,000.
The winner of last year’s regional on Lake Eufaula and runner-up in the most recent Tackle Warehouse Invitationals stop, the 23-year-old Marks entered the event as one of the favorites. Sporting acres of screen on his rig and all the accompanying skills, the Georgia angler is again showing why he’s considered a top prospect.
Weighing exclusively smallmouth, Marks has relied on a Zoom Z-Swim in Tennessee shad, picking off smallmouth on various points all over the lake.
“I caught a few the first day — I had a really good bag the first day,” he said of practice. “The rest of practice, I pretty much drove around.”
Marks seems to know what he’s looking for, which is the presence of bass and particular structural features.
“It’s the way the islands are pointing, and the way the points are — from a contour standpoint and a current standpoint,” he said. “And, if there are stripers there, there’s no bass; if there’s bass, usually there are no stripers.”
Many local observers have expressed shock at how tough the fishing is, and Marks is surprised as well.
“I expected like 14 a day to do good, not whatever I’ve had,” he said. “I don’t think I’ve seen it this bad. I wasn’t liking it in practice, but now I’m liking it.”
He’d really like if things hold up for one more day.
“I’d probably cry,” Marks said about the prospect of winning the All-American. “It’s a staple. It’d definitely help kickstart a career for me.”
Sitting in second and within striking distance, Falardeau charged up the leaderboard from sixth on Day 2. A full-time guide and lodge owner at Lake Chickamauga, Falardeau is in hot pursuit of a fishing career after 10 years in the Army — so, winning the All-American would be perfect for him.
“I’ve got this one area I’ve found with a good population of fish, and I’m staying in that really small area — I don’t know if there’s enough for tomorrow,” he said. “But I do have one rock with 12, maybe 15 bass on it, and they’re all 3 pounds. I caught a 3-2 yesterday and a 3-4 today off it. Once you catch one, you can give it a couple hours, and they set back up, but I just can’t get another one off of it.”
Five off the magic rock would go a long way on Championship Friday. If Falardeau can pull it off, it’d probably be one of the first times the winning spot at the All-American was found in bed.
“The big thing on a lake like this with such a big drawdown is an app, Field Maps,” Falardeau explained. “I basically lay down in bed at night and find my spots when the lake is 30-foot low. The rock I’m fishing, I found last night laying in bed.”
Tomorrow, he knows what he’s going to do.
“Once I have my limit every day, I’ve been pulling the trolling motor and leaving and practicing,” he said. “I did that today, and it was a waste of 2 hours. I know where there’s a 16-pound bag, so I’m going to sit on it all day.”
With a little luck (or maybe a lot, considering the tough fishing), this could be a big week for Falardeau.
“[Winning the All-American] would be life-changing for me,” he said. “Being a full-time guide, leaving for a full week, I don’t get paid, and I’m scraping by. I love guiding, but this is what I want to do for a living. This is what I’ve always wanted to do for a living, and that would give me the boost to be able to go to the next level.”
The Top 10 boaters advancing to the final day of the All-American on Cherokee Lake are:
1st: Paul Marks Jr., Cumming, Ga., 10 bass, 26-1
2nd: Dillon Falardeau, Hixson, Tenn., 10 bass, 23-7
3rd: Lucas Murphy, West Columbia, S.C., 10 bass, 23-4
4th: Brett Carnright, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 10 bass, 20-12, $500
5th: Pete Saele, New Lenox, Ill., nine bass, 20-8
6th: Mike Feldermann, Galena, Ill., nine bass, 20-8
7th: Buddy Benson, Dahlonega, Ga., 10 bass, 20-2
8th: Matt O’Connell, Brooks, Ga., 10 bass, 20-1
9th: Jason Barnes, Concord, N.C., eight bass, 20-0
10th: Ian Leybas, McAlester, Okla., nine bass, 19-6
Finishing in 11th through 49th are:
11th: Eli Brumnett, Wagoner, Okla., 10 bass, 19-6, $3,000
12th: Bradley Enfinger, Donalsonville, Ga., nine bass, 18-1, $3,000
13th: Jacob Woods, Loudon, Tenn., eight bass, 17-2, $3,000
14th: Roger Fitzpatrick, Eldon, Mo., seven bass, 16-14, $3,000
15th: Jordan Hartman, Benton, Ky., eight bass, 16-6, $3,000
16th: Jake Lee, Powell, Tenn., seven bass, 15-11, $3,000
17th: Tyler Ivie, West Haven, Utah, six bass, 15-4, $3,000
18th: Thomas Rallo, Eldon, Mo., six bass, 15-4, $3,000
19th: Brian Wilson, Nancy, Ky., six bass, 15-3, $3,000
20th: Jackie Flack, Cullman, Ala., seven bass, 14-15, $3,000
21st: Andrew Shufelt, Peterborough, Ontario, seven bass, 14-1, $2,000
22nd: Jim Vitaro, Wooster, Ohio, seven bass, 13-15, $2,000
23rd: Scott Towry, Lawrenceburg, Tenn., six bass, 13-13, $2,000
24th: Kevin Brown, Hot Springs, Ark., seven bass, 13-11, $2,000
25th: Eldon Newcomb, Mt. Vernon, Ky., six bass, 13-9, $2,000
26th: Isaac Peavyhouse, Jamestown,Tenn., six bass, 13-8, $2,000
27th: Andy Newcomb, Camdenton, Mo., six bass, 12-8, $2,000
28th: Dan Shoraga, West Frankfort, Ill., five bass, 11-1, $2,000
29th: Donavan Carson, Bluff City, Tenn., six bass, 11-0, $2,000
30th: Michael McMahon, Hackettstown, N.J., five bass, 10-12, $2,000
31st: Evan Eldred, Goodrich, Mich., six bass, 10-9, $1,500
32nd: Jeff Clark, Van Buren, Ark., four bass, 10-5, $1,500
33rd: Vernelle Quinnie, Duncanville, Ala., five bass, 10-2, $1,500
34th: Michael Duarte, Baltimore, Md., five bass, 9-13, $1,500
35th: Christopher Wilder, Macon, Ga., five bass, 9-12, $1,500
36th: Josh Lee, Powell, Tenn., four bass, 8-15, $1,500
37th: Aspen Martin, White, Ga., four bass, 8-6, $1,500
38th: Jason Burroughs, Hodges, S.C., four bass, 7-14, $1,500
39th: Cody Mackie, McMinnville, Tenn., three bass, 7-12, $1,500
40th: Austin Lawson, Charleston, Ark., three bass, 6-11, $1,500
41st: Brandon Medlock, Lake Placid, Fla., two bass, 5-11, $1,500
42nd: Tyler Wilson, Brooklet, Ga., three bass, 5-6, $1,500
42nd: Aaron Yavorsky, Palm Harbor, Fla., three bass, 5-6, $1,500
44th: Cody Carl, Lake Lotawana, Mo., two bass, 5-5, $1,500
45th: Chris Baldwin, Lexington, N.C., one bass, 3-14, $1,500
46th: Randy Williams, New Richmond, Ohio, two bass, 3-8, $1,500
47th: Roger Pope, Statesville, N.C., one bass, 3-0, $1,500
48th: Rick Funk, Middleton, Idaho, zero bass, 0-0, $1,500
48th: Phil Smith, Orange, Texas, zero bass, 0-0, $1,500
A full list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 123 bass weighing 273 pounds, 2 ounces caught by 43 boaters Thursday. The catch included 10 five-bass limits.
Justin Parchman of Oologah, Oklahoma, brought a five-bass limit to the scale weighing 10-3 to lead the Strike King Co-angler Division at Cherokee Lake after Day 2, with a two-day total of eight bass for 17-7. Justin McGaha of Knoxville, Tennessee, sits second with 16-7, and Ashley Klaus of Thomson, Georgia, finished third with 15-4. With the weights correspondingly low on the co-angler side, Championship Friday is even less of a sure thing for the backseaters.
The Top 10 Strike King co-anglers advancing to the final day of competition at the All-American on Cherokee Lake are:
1st: Justin Parchman, Oologah, Okla., eight bass, 17-7
2nd: Justin McGaha, Knoxville, Tenn., seven bass, 16-7, $250
3rd: Ashley Klaus, Thomson, Ga., seven bass, 15-4
4th: Caleb Welch, Bolivar, Mo., seven bass, 14-8
5th: Randy Paquette, Sarasota, Fla., six bass, 13-6
6th: Tyler Nekolny, Coral Springs, Fla., six bass, 13-6
7th: Pop Catalin, Cookeville, Tenn., five bass, 12-1
8th: Jody Jones, Harvey, Ark., five bass, 11-14
9th: Terry Laverack, Martin, S.D., six bass, 11-12
10th: Rodney Tapp, Inman, S.C., six bass, 11-7
Finishing in 11th through 49th are:
11th: Brian Carroll, Glencoe, Ala., six bass, 11-7, $1,500
12th: Colby Elliott, Blairsville, Ga., six bass, 11-3, $1,500
13th: Stacy Metz, Staley, N.C., five bass, 10-3, $1,500
14th: Douglas Guidorzi, Fenton, Mo., five bass, 9-15, $1,500
15th: Matthew Strickland, Portsmouth, Ohio, five bass, 9-8, $1,500
16th: Stephen Vick, Dandridge, Tenn., five bass, 9-7, $1,500
17th: Zion Dunaway, Campbellsburg, Ind., three bass, 9-0, $1,500
18th: Philip James, Benton, Ark., four bass, 9-0, $1,500
19th: Dennis Blakely, Norwalk, Ohio, four bass, 8-11, $1,500
20th: Cody Stokes, Ooltewah, Tenn., four bass, 8-2, $1,500
21st: Larry Elliott, Enoree, S.C., four bass, 8-1, $1,000
22nd: Chase Fitzpatrick, Eldon, Mo., three bass, 6-10, $1,000
23rd: Thad Hewitt, Delaware, Okla., three bass, 6-4, $1,000
24th: Connor Kapp, Benton, Pa., three bass, 6-3, $1,000
25th: Marcus Mann, Benton, Ky., three bass, 6-2, $1,000
26th: William Thomas Cowart, Danielsville, Ga., three bass, 5-15, $1,000
27th: Jerry Vitiello, Wayne, N.J., two bass, 5-13, $1,000
28th: Kris McCarter, Pheba, Miss., two bass, 5-13, $1,000
29th: Darren Kelly, Wartburg, Tenn., two bass, 4-14, $1,000
30th: Bart Burford, Loose Creek, Mo., two bass, 4-9, $1,000
31st: Bill Hockaday, Nashville, Ark., two bass, 4-7, $750
32nd: Brian Rodriguez, Orlando, Fla., two bass, 3-14, $750
32nd: Jeff Moss, Oronogo, Mo., two bass, 3-14, $750
34th: Daniel Dobransky, Kuna, Idaho, two bass, 3-10, $750
35th: James Moore Jr., Lampasas, Texas, two bass, 3-8, $750
36th: Josh Kauffman, Marysville, Pa., one bass, 2-9, $750
37th: Jeremiah Toliver, Las Vegas, Nev., one bass, 2-8, $750
38th: Jonathan Ceaser, Maidens, Va., one bass, 2-5, $750
39th: Melvin Veasey, North Little Rock, Ark., one bass, 2-2, $750
40th: Peter Owen, Barnstead, N.H., one bass, 1-15, $750
41st: David Williams, Fredericksburg, Va., one bass, 1-14, $750
42nd: Lamar Oxford, Dale, Ind., one bass, 1-11, $750
43rd: Jeremy White, Dittmer, Mo., one bass, 1-11, $750
44th: Ross Turner, Kingston, Ga., zero bass, 0-0, $750
45th: Ryan Legg, Parma, Ohio, zero bass, 0-0, $750
46th: Terry Bucciarelli, Ypsilanti, Mich., zero bass, 0-0, $750
47th: Keith Westrick, Marietta, Ga., zero bass, 0-0, $750
48th: Luke Shrader, Monticello, Ky., zero bass, 0-0, $750
49th: Gary Huber II, Saint Charles, Mo., zero bass, 0-0, $750
Overall, there were 80 bass weighing 157 pounds, 9 ounces caught by 35 Strike King co-anglers on Thursday. The catch included four five-bass limits.
The final 10 boaters and Strike King co-anglers will launch Friday morning at 6:30 a.m. ET from the TVA Cherokee Dam Boat Launch, located at 2805 N. Highway 92 in Jefferson City. Friday’s weigh-in will be held at the boat launch and will begin at 2:30 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and weigh-in events and encouraged to follow the event’s online coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and Rob Newell will break down the extended action live on Championship Friday from 6:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET. MLFNOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.
The full field of 49 boaters and 49 Strike King co-anglers competed on Days 1 (Wednesday) and 2 (Thursday) of the event. Now, after two days of competition, the field is cut to just the top 10 boaters and co-anglers based on two-day total cumulative weight, and the final 10 anglers compete tomorrow on Championship Friday. The boater and co-angler that catch the heaviest three-day total weight will be crowned the 41st Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American Champions.
The 2023 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine was a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, advanced to one of six Regional Championships where they competed to finish in the top six, which then advanced them to compete in the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
Television coverage of the 2024 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American will premiere November 16 on CBS Sports. The full television air schedule can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
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, REDCON1, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters 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.
MLF Toyota Series Western Division Wraps Season with Upcoming Toyota Series at California Delta
OAKLEY, Calif. (May 30, 2024) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats is set to visit Oakley, California next week, June 5-7, for the third and final regular-season event of the 2024 Western Division Presented by Tackle Warehouse – the Toyota Series at the California Delta Presented by Suzuki Marine.
The three-day bass-fishing tournament, hosted by the City of Oakley, will feature a number of the west coast’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.
“This event is going to be very unique for a June tournament on the Delta,” said Elk Grove, California pro Ken Mah, who has nine top-10 finishes on the California Delta in MLF Toyota Series competition. “Typically, this time of the year the fish are predominantly postspawn, but I feel like the system is running behind and we’re still seeing a lot of prespawn fish being caught. So the weights are going to be a little bit better – slightly higher than we normally see in June.
“There are a lot of fish biting in the system,” Mah continued. “I think guys are going to be spread out. It’ll be typical Delta fishing – catch them however you want. We’ll see vibrating jigs, square-bills, flipping, pitching, punching, throwing frogs. For co-anglers, throwing a (Yamamoto) Senko and a drop-shot worm will be the deal.”
Mah said that in order for an angler to do well, they’re going to need to handle the tides.
“The key to doing well is going to be working the tides,” Mah said. “We have high tide early, and it’ll pretty much go out to a minus tide at the end of each day. So the angler that develops a pattern where they can catch them during high and low tide – it’ll be low tide during most of this tournament – is going to win.”
With the fish biting well, Mah said he expects weights to be better throughout the entire field.
“There was a local team tournament las weekend that took 25 (pounds) to win, which isn’t anything crazy on the Delta, but the thing that I was most impressed with was that even 21st place had 14.98 pounds,” Mah went on to say. “I could absolutely see someone winning with 65 pounds, but I think if a guy can catch 19 pounds a day for three days then I could see them being right there at the end with a chance to win.”
Anglers will launch at 6 a.m. PT each day from Big Break Marina, located at 100 Big Break Road in Oakley. Weigh-ins will also be held at the marina 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, REDCON1, 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.
Saginaw Bay ready to show out for Bassmaster College Series regular-season finale
May 30, 2024
Saginaw Bay ready to show out for Bassmaster College Series regular-season finale
BAY CITY, Mich. — The Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops will wrap up the regular season at Saginaw Bay — one of the most underrated fisheries in the country — and Michigan pro Bo Thomas believes conditions will be just right for big bags.
“It is the type of fishing that only a few people get to experience in their whole lives,” said Thomas, who fishes the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN. “That place is absolutely unreal. There are just so many bass. You can fish in the river, fish out in the lake or you can gamble and go fish for smallmouth. You can do anything you want there.”
Competitors will launch from Veterans Memorial Park in Bay City June 6-7 beginning at 5:30 a.m. ET and return for weigh-in at 2:30 p.m. This will be the last chance for anglers competing in the Legends Trail to earn a berth to the 2024 Strike King Bassmaster College Series National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops, which is scheduled for Aug. 22-24 on South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell.
Saginaw Bay has awed anglers since the College Series first visited there in 2021. Located on the southwest side of Lake Huron, Saginaw Bay and the Saginaw River hold impressive numbers and quality of both largemouth and smallmouth.
The beginning of June usually means smallmouth will be heading toward shallow water for the spawn, if they aren’t spawning already. A full moon will occur two days before the tournament starts, making that scenario more likely if the water temperatures are warm enough. The Charity Island region gets a lot of attention from anglers this time of year.
“Wind plays a big factor,” Thomas said. “If they do have a warming trend coming into the tournament, playing the wind is going to be key whether it is going to be a prespawn bite or spawn bite. If the wind blows in from Huron, it will blow in cold water and cool down the whole bay. The spawn won’t take place if that is the case.
“The smallmouth will be around boulders and rock on sand flats. Typically, this time of year, you won’t see them very deep.”
Thomas believes smallmouth will likely be the ticket to winning, if winds allow anglers to access the big waters. Traditional smallmouth techniques like fishing a drop shot, tube or a Ned rig will be productive in any scenario. But if a team finds prespawn smallmouth, a jighead minnow could come into play, too.
The largemouth, meanwhile, will be in a prespawn mode. The flats on the outer edges of the bay feature grassbeds and reed lines, allowing anglers to flip, frog and use a bladed jig to catch these bass. The Saginaw River also holds an impressive population of largemouth, and those bass will likely be in the creeks and cuts off the main river.
“Largemouth will play for most of the field,” Thomas said. “They will be back in the canals that you can get to on the west or east side of the lake. The south end can be really good too. They will be along grasslines and weed clumps. If you want to go shallow, you can punch mats and throw a frog up shallow.”
Following the College Series event, Saginaw Bay will play host to the Strike King Bassmaster High School Series and a concurrent Bassmaster Junior Series event on June 9.
Go Great Lakes Bay 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, 256-424-2390, cgay@bassmaster.
MLF Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats Set to Visit Potomac River for Northern Division Opener
MARBURY, Md. (May 30, 2024) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats is set to open the 2024 Northern Division with the first event of the season next week, June 5-7, in Marbury, Maryland – the Toyota Series at the Potomac River.
The three-day bass-fishing tournament, hosted by the Charles County Board of Commissioners, will feature a number of the west coast’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.
“This is going to be a really good tournament,” said Toyota Series pro Todd Langford of Great Falls, Virginia, who has eight career top-10 finishes and one victory on the Potomac River in MLF competition. “Guys are going to catch them everywhere. The fish are all postspawn, and they’re biting a little bit better than they were a few weeks ago.
“I don’t expect to see a ton of big fish – 5+ pounders – but numbers are good right now,” Langford continued. “There is more grass than ever. Maybe the big ones are just hiding better. But lately it’s been taking around 16 pounds a day to win some local tournaments, and in May that is a little bit off.”
Langford said that he doesn’t expect forward-facing sonar to play much of a role in this tournament, but that anglers will likely be catching them on a variety of baits, including frogs, swimbaits, ChatterBaits and (Yamamoto) Senkos.
“The fish a biting pretty good, and everything is going to work,” Langford said. “The key is going to be finding something to yourself. All of the creeks will be in play, and it’s going to be so important to find the little areas that people may have overlooked, so you’re only sharing the areas with a couple of guys as opposed to 40 others.”
Langford went on to predict that the winner would likely have a three-day total right around 50 pounds.
“It’s very tough to duplicate the big bags right now,” Langford said. “I expect the winner will have one big day – around 20 pounds, and then back it up with a couple of 15-pound days. Weights are going to be tight.”
Anglers will launch at 6 a.m. ET each day from Smallwood State Park, located at 2750 Sweden Point Road in Marbury. Weigh-ins will also be held at the park 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, REDCON1, 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.
Kentucky’s Wilson and Illinois’ Feldermann Tied at the Top after Day 1 of Phoenix All-American Presented by T-H Marine at Cherokee Lake
Great Lakes and Mountain Division anglers catch 12-pound, 15-ounce limit to tie for first and take early lead in the race for up to $120,000
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. (May 29, 2024) – The early going of the 41st annual Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) All-American Championship Presented by T-H Marine on Cherokee Lake has not been easy for the anglers. Rising water has the fish in a tricky mood, and most of the 49 boaters and Strike King co-anglers have struggled to figure them out.
On the boater side, more than half the field failed to weigh a limit on Day 1, and nobody cracked 13 pounds. Still, the cream always rises, and Brian Wilson of Nancy, Kentucky, and Mike Feldermann of Galena, Illinois , both boated 12 pounds, 15 ounces to tie for the lead. They are narrowly ahead of Tyler Ivie of West Haven, Utah, Paul Marks Jr of Cumming, Georgia, and Lucas Murphy of West Columbia, South Carolina, each of whom caught bags in the 12-pound range.
The three-day tournament, hosted by Visit Jefferson County TN, showcases the nation’s best weekend grassroots anglers, and awards the winning boater a top prize of up to $120,000 – and an automatic qualification into REDCREST 2025, MLF’s most prestigious event – and the winning Strike King co-angler a top prize of $50,000.
If there’s a common thread among the early leaders, it’s that experience is paying off. Though Feldermann had never been to Cherokee Lake before pre-practice, the Mississippi River legend has pretty much seen it all during 171 tournaments and 12 wins (the most recent coming in April) across FLW and MLF competition. So, as usual, Feldermann went out, fished hard and came back with five.
“It seems like every tournament is a little different,” he said. “Some tournaments, when you do really good in practice, you seem to get a little more nervous throughout the day. But, when you know it’s a grind, you just settle in and let the chips fall. The other thing is, I’ve been fishing tournaments since 1989 — you could call it seasoned.”
Today, the seasoned angler got away from the tech wizards pestering the smallies mid-lake.
“I went up the river, and I had one rod on the deck, and I just flipped the whole day,” he said. “I fished about a 10-mile section. I was catching them off isolated bushes in practice, and I waypointed them and ran them today and threw at a few new spots.”
Flipping for fish that have nearly infinite cover options, Feldermann didn’t get many bites, but he covered enough water and made enough presentations to fill out his limit.
“I snapped the big one off today and just caught five keepers,” he said. “Pretty basic — just running and gunning, hitting pockets and points and different bushes.”
Competing in his 199th tournament with MLF, Wilson’s old Kentucky home is less than 100 miles from Cherokee. Though he doesn’t fish the lake a lot, he’s got plenty of experience on similar highland impoundments and knows his way around the conditions the field is facing this week.
“I keep expecting some of the fish to show up in the bushes, and I did catch almost a 4-pounder flipping, but for some reason, they’re not jumping up there,” he said. “It may take ‘em a little while to get there. But, usually when the water comes up really fast, I try to concentrate on steeper banks.”
Steep banks and being in the right zone put Wilson in the mix early.
“I didn’t have a very good practice, but I got a couple bites in an area of the lake,” Wilson said. “Normally, when I have a practice like that, I just hunker down and work it real good. It worked for me today and enabled me to go chasing the smallmouth.”
Running a combo pattern, Wilson started the day looking for a limit before striking out in search of the smallmouth Cherokee is best known for.
“The largemouth, I’m concentrating on steeper banks, and I’ve got a little deal to try to get them to trigger, because they’re not wanting to bite very much,” he explained. “I went smallmouthin’ late in the day after the wind got up, throwing a swimbait.”
Despite his experience with similar conditions, Wilson did not expect the fishing to be as tough as it was.
“It surprised me; I thought 15 to 17 pounds would be leading,” he added. “I don’t think someone can catch that all three days, but I really expected to see a bag like that, especially late in the day when I saw the bigger smallmouth were biting. It’s surprising to be tied for the lead, but I’ll take it.”
While Feldermann is no stranger to the winner’s circle, Wilson has earned over $97,000 in his career with MLF at just about every non-pro level imaginable but never actually hoisted a trophy. This would be a good week for the first one.
“This is my third All-American, and I’ve never won an FLW or MLF tournament,” he said. “I’ve had some seconds, and some top fives, but I’ve never got the W. It would be nice for my first one to be this, but we’ll see.”
The Top 20 boaters after Day 1 of the All-American on Cherokee Lake are:
1st: Brian Wilson, Nancy, Ky., five bass, 12-15
1st: Mike Feldermann, Galena, Ill., five bass, 12-15
3rd: Tyler Ivie, West Haven, Utah, five bass, 12-13
4th: Paul Marks Jr., Cumming, Ga., five bass, 12-11
5th: Lucas Murphy, West Columbia, S.C., five bass, 12-9
6th: Dillon Falardeau, Hixson, Tenn., five bass, 11-5
7th: Jordan Hartman, Benton, Ky., five bass, 10-14
8th: Brett Carnright, Plattsburgh, N.Y., five bass, 10-13
9th: Jason Barnes, Concord, N.C., four bass, 10-10
10th: Matt O’Connell, Brooks, Ga., five bass, 10-5
11th: Andy Newcomb, Camdenton, Mo., five bass, 10-0
12th: Eldon Newcomb, Mt. Vernon, Ky., five bass, 9-14
13th: Bradley Enfinger, Donalsonville, Ga., five bass, 9-13
14th: Christopher Wilder, Macon, Ga., five bass, 9-12
15th: Jacob Woods, Loudon, Tenn., four bass, 9-10
16th: Jackie Flack, Cullman, Ala., four bass, 9-9
17th: Buddy Benson, Dahlonega, Ga., five bass, 9-7
18th: Eli Brumnett, Wagoner, Okla., five bass, 9-6
19th: Jake Lee, Powell, Tenn., four bass, 9-3
19th: Donavan Carson, Bluff City, Tenn., five bass, 9-3
A full list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 164 bass weighing 355 pounds, 4 ounces caught by 45 boaters Wednesday. The catch included 16 five-bass limits.
Pop Catalin of Cookeville, Tennessee, leads the Strike King Co-angler Division at Cherokee Lake after Day 1 with a five-bass limit weighing 12 pounds, 1 ounce — a massive bag considering the grueling circumstances. Catalin will begin Day 2 of competition on Thursday with a 1-pound, 4-ounce advantage over second-place co-angler Caleb Welch of Boliver, Missouri, who weighed in five bass totaling 10 pounds, 13 ounces on the opening day.
The Top 20 Strike King co-anglers after Day 1 of the All-American on Cherokee Lake are:
1st: Pop Catalin, Cookeville, Tenn., five bass, 12-1
2nd: Caleb Welch, Bolivar, Mo., five bass, 10-13
3rd: Terry Laverack, Martin, S.D., five bass, 9-12
4th: Matthew Strickland, Portsmouth, Ohio, five bass, 9-8
5th: Tyler Nekolny, Coral Springs, Fla., four bass, 7-13
6th: Jody Jones, Harvey, Ark., three bass, 7-8
7th: Justin McGaha, Knoxville, Tenn., three bass, 7-7
8th: Justin Parchman, Oologah, Okla., three bass, 7-4
8th: Stephen Vick, Dandridge, Tenn., four bass, 7-4
10th: Brian Carroll, Glencoe, Ala., four bass, 7-2
11th: Dennis Blakely, Norwalk, Ohio, three bass, 6-10
12th: Zion Dunaway, Campbellsburg, Ind., two bass, 6-5
13th: Marcus Mann, Benton, Ky., three bass, 6-2
14th: Colby Elliott, Blairsville, Ga., three bass, 6-1
15th: Jerry Vitiello, Wayne, N.J., two bass, 5-13
16th: Larry Elliott, Enoree, S.C., three bass, 5-12
17th: Philip James, Benton, Ark., two bass, 4-13
18th: Cody Stokes, Ooltewah, Tenn., two bass, 4-4
19th: Ashley Klaus, Thomson, Ga., two bass, 4-1
20th: Kris McCarter, Pheba, Miss., one bass, 4-0
Overall, there were 80 bass weighing 172 pounds, 11 ounces caught by 34 Strike King co-anglers on Wednesday. The catch included 4 five-bass limits.
Anglers will launch Thursday and Friday at 6:30 a.m. ET from the TVA Cherokee Dam Boat Launch, located at 2805 N. Highway 92 in Jefferson City. Weigh-in will be held each day at the boat launch and will begin at 2:30 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and weigh-in events and encouraged to follow the event’s online coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and Rob Newell will break down the extended action live on Championship Friday from 6:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET. MLFNOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.
The full field of 49 boaters and 49 Strike King co-anglers compete on Days 1 (Wednesday) and 2 (Thursday) of the event. After two days of competition, the field is cut to just the top 10 boaters and co-anglers, based on two-day total cumulative weight, and the final 10 anglers compete on Championship Friday. The boater and co-angler that catch the heaviest three-day total weight will be crowned the 41st Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American Champions.
The 2023 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine was a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, advanced to one of six Regional Championships where they competed to finish in the top six, which then advanced them to compete in the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
Television coverage of the 2024 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American will premiere November 16 on CBS Sports. The full television air schedule can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
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, REDCON1, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters 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.
Travel Tuesday - Why Your Pro Staff Needs a Getaway
By Pete Robbins - Half Past First Cast
Pro Staff Directors, Marketing Managers and Tackle Company Moguls, I’m talking to you:
As a longtime member of the fishing media as well as a consultant to several successful fishing lodges, I think that I’m uniquely situated to tell you why you need to bring your pro staff together at a fishing lodge – with or without media. I’ve been to a number of these events and have observed others carefully. I’ve seen some that worked, others that failed, and I’ve heard both the positive and negative feedback from all parties involved. Done properly, one of these gatherings can jumpstart your media campaigns and build brand knowledge and loyalty that a paycheck alone does not provide.
Here are my reasons:
Some Pro-Staffers are Tough to Corral – It’s not limited to veterans, or rookies, or those with young children, but I hear from pro-staff managers all the time about sponsored anglers who seem to shirk every possible get together, or somehow cut short their appearances at boat shows and the like. Some of those guys may be great when they actually show up. If you go to a remote lodge in Mexico, Alaska or some location that they cannot easily drive away from, you have them “trapped.” If it’s a place where the service, food and fishing are great, they may even enjoy it. Once they’re on site, you have their complete attention for a predetermined amount of time.
Product Testing – Several years ago, Hanna booked a group from Daiwa, including engineers from Japan, a videographer, and top pros Brent Ehrler and Ish Monroe, for a trip to El Salto. Their purpose was to go through some prospective products and evaluate them in great detail. What do you need in order to do that? Not just an opportunity to sequester your staff, but also a place where they’re going to get lots of bites from hard-fighting fish in situations that’ll stress rods and reels. Watching them every day at lunchtime filling out forms and discussing minutiae, I could tell they got their money’s worth.
Product Knowledge – If you’re going to give your staffers a chance to try about-to-be-introduced products and to gain the knowledge to describe them accurately, again, you need to do two things: (1) Describe accurately what makes the products different than the last generation and better than the competition; and (2) Put them in a place where they can truly test them out. The former can be done over drinks (I’ve also seen it done in a classroom setting) and the latter needs to be done on a place where bites are plentiful.
Media Awareness – For the same reasons given above, you need to be able to explain to the media why your new products are relevant. Face it, the flood of press releases and pre-ICAST promotional materials all blend into each other. By putting the gear in the hands of the people who will write about it, you can answer both on-the-record and off-the-record questions. Be sure that you give them something to take home, both the gear itself and some sort of swag. If they fly in, offer to ship it to their home to make sure it gets there.
Media Relationships – Even if you don’t have a specific product to introduce, by allowing media to get to know your pros better, it means they’re more likely to call them for help. The first media event I attended was organized by Pete Gluszek and held at Lake Cobbosseecontee, Maine in 2007. I might never have met some of those pros but for spending time in the boat with them there, and I’ve maintained great working relationships with several of them over the past 14 years.
Media Production – If you need content for YouTube, your website, or other social media channels, a trip to a place that’s loaded with fish allows you to gather enough for a year in a single week.
A Note on Cost -- Obviously these trips can get expensive in a hurry, often prohibitively so. Going longer distances likely increases your costs, although it decreases the chances that your pros or media will “escape.” One way to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses is to engage in a tradeout with the lodge. They may need rods or lures or electronics to get them through the year, and you can establish a dollar-for-dollar trade of gear for trips. That serves the added bonus of putting your gear in the hands of people with disposable income to spend on fishing trips – which could boost sales. Another way to reduce your cost is to combine efforts with other companies who are under the same umbrella but not direct competitors. For example, there are rep groups who deal with SPRO, Gamakatsu and AFTCO who’ve managed to engage in a “three for the price of one” effort.
And Advice for the Lodges and Outfitters:
Give Out Merchandise – Even if it’s a tackle company or clothing company running the show, your lodge or outfitting service should distribute swag to writers and anglers – hats, shirts, etc. With the former group, they might end up writing about your location specifically (or at least mentioning it) and with the latter group you never know when your logo will show up on TV, in a magazine or on the web.
Use Photos in Your Advertising – With the anglers’ and the sponsoring company’s permission, your operation can gain additional traction by showcasing pics of fishing “influencers” holding up big fish at your property. Grosse Savanne is one of our favorite US locations, and they’ve benefitted greatly by their association with pros like Bill Lowen and television stars like Mark Zona.
A Few Additional Notes:
Need Not Be a Formal Fishing Lodge – One of the best media events I’ve attended was a Shimano/G.Loomis get-together in Lower Alabama in 2014. They rented a large house at a residential country club and brought in a chef to cater to us. None of us had ever heard of the place, but it had an incredible several hundred acre private lake (electric motor only) that clearly hadn’t received much intelligent fishing pressure. It was loaded with giants – our group caught several double digits despite unusually adverse weather. In fact, a freak ice storm shut down the Pensacola airport and the highway to it, and most of us were “stranded in paradise” for a few extra days.
Need Not Be Your Primary Species – Obviously, if you’re a tackle company focused primarily on bass fishing, the lion’s share of your media efforts need to focus on bass (duh). That doesn’t mean that you can’t send some of your staffers off in search of other targets. A flipping stick that can tame 40 pound redfish or 150 pound yellowfin tuna will likely hold up during tournament competition.
One of the most productive trips I’ve taken was when Keith Combs and I went to Alaska (a state which has no viable bass fishery) in the summer of 2019. While we weren’t able to promote his sponsors directly, the “fish out of water” angle enabled me to get him much more press than I would have on a bass fishing trip – including exposure in Texas Monthly, a fly fishing publication and a saltwater publication, along with the usual bass outlets.
If you’d like more FREE advice on how to arrange a proper pro staff outing or media gathering, hit me up by email any time and we can flesh out your needs and the solutions to your specific situation.
Chowan River Set to Host MLF Bass Pro Tour U.S. Air Force Stage Five Presented by WIX Filters
EDENTON, N.C. (May 28, 2024) – Major League Fishing (MLF) and the Bass Pro Tour, showcasing the top anglers in the sport of professional bass fishing, are set to visit Edenton, North Carolina, and the Chowan River next week, June 4-9, for the fifth regular-season event of the 2024 Bass Pro Tour season – the U.S. Air Force Stage Five at the Chowan River Presented by WIX Filters.
The six-day tournament, hosted by the Town of Edenton, the Chowan County Tourism Development Authority and Harbor Towns Cruises, will feature a field of 79 professional anglers, including Ott DeFoe, back-to-back Angler of the Year (AOY) Jacob Wheeler , reigning two-time REDCREST Champion Dustin Connell and the 2023 REDCREST Champion. North Carolina’s own Bryan Thrift. 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.
"Visit Edenton is proud to collaborate with Major League Fishing to bring the Bass Pro Tour to our charming historic town," said Visit Edenton Tourism Director Erienne Mizell. "This partnership underscores our commitment to outdoor recreation and showcases Edenton's coastal beauty. Together, we aim to create an unforgettable event that highlights our community's appeal and stimulates local economic growth."
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.
Pro David Dudley of Lynchburg, Virginia, has had a home near the Chowan River for the past 20 years and said he’s looking forward to a great event.
“The Chowan River is a healthy fishery and has everything in it,” explained Dudley. “It’s a cover-heavy river system, so guys can flip grass, throw around matted duckweed and flip and pitch around cypress trees. There’s a lot of hard cover and a lot of grass.”
While storms and rainy conditions are currently being forecast during the competition, Dudley said that anglers should really pay attention to the wind direction each day and how that will affect the fishery.
“The river fluctuates with the wind, much like a tidal system, and wind direction will play a big role in how high or low the water level gets in the river,” said Dudley. “A hard southwest wind will blow the water out of the sound and lower the water level significantly.”
Dudley said he expects to see topwater baits, frogs, ChatterBaits and flipping to be key throughout the event.
“I think we’ll see fish in every stage of the spawn and there will be a lot of power fishing in this event – not much forward-facing sonar in play,” said Dudley. “I think most of the fish will be caught in 3 foot of water or less. Fishing in a foot of water will be considered deep.”
While the minimum weight requirement is only 1 pound, 8 ounces, Dudley said he expects to see some big fish caught during the event.
“The Chowan River is a great fishery, with some big bass in it,” said Dudley. “I think we’ll see a 7-pounder win the Berkley Big Bass each day and it will probably take 12 scorable bass per day to advance to the next round.”
Anglers will launch at 7:30 a.m. ET each day from Pembroke Creek Park, located at 716 W. Queen Street in Edenton. Each day’s General Tire Takeout will be held at the park, 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, June 8-9, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF welcomes fans of all ages to visit Colonial Waterfront Park, located at 510 S. Broad St. in Edenton, 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 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 40 Anglers in Group A compete in their two-day Qualifying Round on Tuesday and Thursday – the 39 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. ET. MLFNOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.
Television coverage of the U.S. Air Force Stage Five at Lake Eufaula Presented by WIX Filters Knockout Round will air as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Oct. 26 on Discovery, with the Championship Round premiering on Nov. 2. 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, REDCON1, Star brite, Suzuki, Toyota, U.S. Air Force and WIX Filters.
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.
It's Tournament Week for the Minn Kota & Humminbird Owners Tournament!
Minn Kota and Humminbird are hosting their second annual Owners Tournament at Pickwick Landing State Park from May 30th to June 1st, 2024. The event is open exclusively to amateur anglers and features over $180,000 in guaranteed prizes and payouts. Key Tournament Details:
- Total Payouts: Over $180,000 in guaranteed prizes and payouts.
- Grand Prize: $50,000 for the largest bass of the tournament.
- Hourly Payouts: $63,525 in total, with ten places paid each hour for all three days. Over $30,000 in Draw Prizes as well.
- 1st: $1,000, 2nd: $500, 3rd: $300, 4th: $250, 5th: $225, 6th: $200, 7th: $175, 8th: $150, 9th: $125, 10th: $100.
- Entry Fee: $275 for three days, $175 for two days, $125 for a single day, per angler.
- Eligibility: Boat captains must own a Minn Kota or Humminbird product. Co-anglers without these products can participate.
- Format: Individual competition with a big bass format and hourly payouts.
- Early Entry Prize: Abu Garcia Veritas 7’0” Medium Heavy Rod for the first 250 two or three-day online entrants.
- Location: Pickwick Landing State Park, Tennessee.
The Minn Kota and Humminbird Owners Tournament offers a unique format with multiple cash payouts each day during the hourly weigh-ins, totaling 210 hourly cash payouts across the event. This format provides amateur anglers of all skill levels with opportunities to win.
For more information on the tournament and to register, visit www.minnkotaowners.com.
Twin Brother Tandem Dylan & Carter Nutt from 3rd Ranked University of North Alabama Take National Championship
FLORENCE, AL (May 24, 2024) – The scales are closed, prizes have been awarded, and a new national champion has been crowned for the 2024 season. The Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops wrapped up today and when the scales closed Dylan & Carter Nutt from the 3rd ranked University of North Alabama won the event with a two-day total of 52.36 pounds.
Lucas Bowers & Fisher Rodgers from the University of South Carolina made a second day charge and finished in 2nd, and Nathan Reynolds & Banks Shaw, also from UNA, take 3rd place.
Click here to view the final tournament standings.
On Day 1 of tournament competition, Dylan & Carter Nutt weighed in a five bass limit for 27.80 pounds, including the big bass of the day weighing in at 7.87 pounds. On Day 2 of tournament competition, with winds, rain and storms battering the region due to a storm that popped up mid-morning in the Florence, Alabama area, the twin brothers steadily put together a strong limit that weighed in at 24.56 pounds. That five bass limit on Day 2 also included the Overall Big Bass of the tournament, tipping the scales at 8.20 pounds. For the tournament victory, the anglers earned $5,000, as well as several contingency awards to include $1,000 ACA logo contingency, $500 T-H Marine Atlas Awards, a Power-Pole for Overall Big Bass, and 2,500 points towards the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia.
Finishing the event in 2nd, with 43.74 pounds, are Lucas Bowers & Fisher Rodgers from the University of South Carolina. The two anglers were in 10th place after Day 1. On the final day of tournament competition, they weighed in 24.62 pounds to climb 8 places. For their 2nd place finish, Bowers & Rodgers earned $2,500.
Rounding out the Top 3 are Nathan Reynolds & Banks Shaw, with a two-day total weight of 42.72 pounds. They also represented the 3rd ranked University of North Alabama. Reynolds & Shaw were in 13th place after Day 1 with 18.61 pounds, but thanks to a five fish limit weighing 24.11 pounds on Day 2, the duo was able to climb into 3rd overall in the final tournament standings. Reynolds & Shaw won $1,500, as well as claimed the $2,000 top prize for being the highest-finishing Yamaha Power Pay eligible team.
The Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops is the final event of the 2023-24 season for the Association of Collegiate Anglers on the Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series. This week’s tournament was also the final ACA event to count towards the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia. In the coming days, the ACA will provide detailed write-ups on the event and contingencies awarded, publish a new episode of the Rapala #WeAreCollegiateBass Podcast, as well as update the points for college fishing’s only all-encompassing National Rankings system.
The ACA would like to send a special thanks to Bass Pro Shops, the presenting sponsor of this National Championship tournament, as well as all of the series partners that support these college anglers. Another “thank you” goes to Visit the Shoals for their hospitality and help hosting this event in Florence, AL. The host city once again rolled out the red carpet to the anglers, coaches, and college fishing fans.
Fish Tip Friday - Bass Nation Angler Spotlight - Nick Trim
By Vance McCullough - AC Insider
Nick Trim, Local Hammer, National Tour Hopeful
A lot of anglers talk about versatility, but the most successful pros have something they can hang their hat on; something they do better than most, especially when conditions favor that approach. Nick Trim knows what he’s good at.
“Two of my four BFL wins have been during the spawn,” said Trim. “I really have the spawn dialed-in, as far as smallmouth go, and both of these tournaments fell during the spawn. Outside the spawn I don’t have as much success, but in both of these tournaments I got to do what I love to do and that’s catch spawning smallmouth.”
‘Both of these tournaments’ would be the recent MLF Bass Fishing League event that Trim won with a weight of over 20 pounds and, earlier in May, the B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier that he led all 3 days before sealing the victory by a margin of nearly 6 pounds. In addition to their similar timing, both events took place on the upper Mississippi River where the Galesville, Wisconsin angler is a force to be reckoned with, especially in the spring of the year.
But it’s not just the fish that Trim has a mastery over.
An early adopter of technology, Trim has been picking the pockets of fellow competitors by catching hard-to-see spawners for a long time. “I started doing this about 4 years ago, 5 years ago. I was the only one doing it – I know that for a fact – doing it all with my Humminbird Mega 360.” Lately Trim has added Garmin LiveScope to his arsenal. “Since LiveScope came out I’ve been able to really dial it in. Between the 360 and the LiveScope I can tell you when the fish picks up my bait without even feeling it bite.”
Sometimes, one plus one equals more than a simple doubling of values. In Trim’s case, the combination of two types of electronics has improved his game exponentially. “With 360 you can see them in the bed, but with LiveScope you can see how she reacts to your bait, when she bites it. And I can tell how big the fish is. With 360 I could never tell how big the fish was, so I wasn’t as efficient because I had to catch all of them. Now I can pick and choose which fish I’m going to catch with the LiveScope, just like I was looking at them with my eyes.”
While the technology is available to all, not all anglers have taken the time to master it. Trim knows how to get the most from his units and that, he says, has made all the difference.
“I know a lot of guys around here that have it but just don’t know what they’re doing. They maybe think they do, but if they did, I wouldn’t be winning. I think it’s time,” said Trim of his secret ingredient to the winning formula. “I was one of the first to learn it. There will be guys catching on. I’m going to enjoy it as long as I can, but I know guys are coming and they’re gonna be way better at it than I am, but I’ve been doing it consistently for so long. I’ve put in hours and hours and hours on it and did nothing else for four seasons, so I know if fish are on beds, I have perfected the ability to catch them.
“And I also think a lot of guys don’t have dual technology. I wouldn’t be comfortable without one or the other. My 360 and my LiveScope are both key players.”
Trim also knows what he’s not good at.
“I’ve fished against Tristan McCormick, for instance. Tristan is known for LiveScoping. That’s what he does, but me going out in 40 feet of water and doing what he does, I’m no good at it. I’m terrible at it. I proved that at Ouachita, but you put me in 3-to-5 feet of dirty water where you can’t see fish and give me Perspective Mode, I can do it.”
Trim is no stranger to high level competition. He placed in the Top 5 at a MLF Invitational last year on the upper Mississippi. He laughs now about being stuck in a lock with the other four top finishers including Jared Lintner, Steve Lopez, Tom Monsoor and eventual winner Matt Stefan. “We all thought we were going to get locked out and not weigh our fish. We all made it back with about two minutes to spare.”
Trim hopes to continue rubbing shoulders with Tour level pros as he tries to qualify for the Bassmaster Elite series via the Opens EQ. “We’re four derbies in on that one and I think I’m sitting in 78th. It’s got to be the hardest circuit you could put yourself through. I enjoy the heck out of it. It’s been so much fun but they’re going to start the northern swing here after we get done at Eufaula, toward the end of June, and hopefully I can climb the ladder, but hopefully the B.A.S.S. Nation National Championship goes my way and I don’t have to worry about it.”
As do most anglers, Trim works a regular job when not fishing tournaments and the company he works with is also his title sponsor, River Valley Remodelers. Other sponsors include “Motor Socks. Local company here that makes neoprene covers for your trolling motor, rigging tubes and Power-Poles, stuff like that, keeps everything looking nice and fancy and neat. Blaises Repair, TLC Therapy, T&T Tackle, Power-Pole, Mercury, Pheonix – they’re all a huge part of what I do. The Opens are an expensive venture, and I couldn’t do it without support from any of these.”
Dylan & Carter Nutt From 3rd Ranked University of North Alabama Take the Day 1 Lead at the Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship
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Lee Leads Wire-to-Wire to Win MLF General Tire Heavy Hitters 2024 Presented by Bass Pro Shops on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
Alabama pro earns third MLF Bass Pro Tour win on fishery and earns $100,000 top prize, Kevin VanDam catches 7-12 largemouth to win $100,000 Big Bass award
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (May 23, 2024) – The first time Abu Garcia pro Jordan Lee of Cullman, Alabama, ever tasted tournament victory, competing on Lake Guntersville at age 17, he earned the win throwing a topwater frog. Ever since, he’s continued to hone his skills with his favorite technique, waiting for a chance to show them off on the national stage.
When he finally got the chance at General Tire Heavy Hitters Presented by Bass Pro Shops on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Lee made sure to take advantage.
Lee caught each of his seven scorable bass during Thursday’s Championship Round and nearly all his weight throughout the event walking a Berkley Swamp Lord over matted hydrilla on Lake Toho. His 27-pound, 14-ounce final-day total proved just enough to clinch a second Heavy Hitters championship belt.
Lee entered this week as the clear favorite thanks to his two prior wins on the Kissimmee Chain in Bass Pro Tour competition, including the inaugural Heavy Hitters event in June 2020. And for much of the event, he made it look easy. He led Group B through both days of qualifying, stacking more than 60 pounds on SCORETRACKER® during a Day 1 he called “insane,” then won the Knockout Round.
Come Championship Thursday, though, his fish proved far less cooperative. Whether due to five days of fishing pressure, the variable minimum weight increasing to 3 pounds or the calm, blue-sky conditions that greeted the Top 10, the entire field had to grind for bites, Lee included. It took him two hours to book his first scorable bass.
But, leaning on the hundreds of hours he’s spent frogging mats on Guntersville through the years, the Alabama native eventually figured out which tricks to try to generate just enough bites. He crawled his frog painfully slowly, especially when he knew he was around active fish. He also doctored one frog, removing the silicone strand legs and replacing them with super-glued jig rattles, saying the added noise helps attract bass through the thicker slop.
Most important was knowing where to look amid a sea of hydrilla. Lee learned during practice that he could get more bites through bigger mats than small, matted clumps. From there, he covered water to identify which areas were better than others, using the extra practice time he earned during the Qualifying Round to expand his list of waypoints. That proved vital, as Lee said certain mats stopped producing during the course of the event due to fishing pressure and boat traffic.
“They had to be hollow underneath, … and where you had that kind of cheese,” Lee explained. “They weren’t way out on the outside where there was isolated clumps. I was looking for the bigger mats in areas where they just looked fresh almost, and I was looking for blowholes, where fish come up, blowing through the mat.
“It’s Guntersville 101. I do this every fall since I was 16, the exact fishing that I did this week. It was no different. The grass was the same, and it was just awesome because of how identical it fishes to there.”
Lee used beefed-up tackle to throw his Swamp Lords, which he believes was key. He primarily wielded a Jordan Lee signature series 7-6 heavy rod from Abu Garcia — designed to be a flipping stick — instead of his usual, 7-3 frog rod. He also turned to a 7-9 punching rod in the thickest mats, spooling both with 50-pound Berkley X5 braid. The heavier rods gave him more power to winch bass out of the thick grass.
“I didn’t want to mess up the mats,” Lee said. “That’s kind of what I’ve learned about going in and getting them, you ruin a place, and then you’ve got to drag them out. You can catch a fish right there in the same hole that you’ve caught one before, and that happened a ton this week where you’d find them just packed in out of the same spot.”
Lee bounced from spot to spot Thursday morning before landing on a mat that produced a three-fish flurry in the final half four of Period 1, giving him the lead. He extended his advantage with two more scorable bass around noon.
Then, his bite went dormant. Lee went more than two hours without adding to his total. During that time, several anglers crept within one scorable bass of his lead, and Poche eventually passed him with a little more than 90 minutes left in the competition day.
Lee didn’t panic, though. He returned to one of the mats he’d fished early in the morning. While he didn’t get any bites there initially, he’d noticed that it didn’t show signs of fishing pressure. The decision proved to be worth $100,000.
“I thought there was some fish around there,” Lee said. “I had some bites throughout the week right there. But I just decided that was really my only other place I thought wasn’t getting a lot of fishing pressure.”
While Lee lifting a trophy (or, in this case, a belt) has become a common sight at the highest level of tournament fishing, he’ll remember this win for how he pulled it off.
“I’m really just blown away how good it was to me this week, catching them one of my favorite ways, fishing this heavy hydrilla,” Lee said. “I grew up fishing like this. I was really comfortable when I found this bite. And it was just a special bite. It got tougher as the week went on, but I stayed patient, and man, it was just awesome.”
The top 10 pros at the General Tire Heavy Hitters 2024 Presented by Bass Pro Shops on the Kissimmee Chain finished:
1st: Jordan Lee, Cullman, Ala., seven bass, 27-14, $110,000
2nd: Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala., five bass, 23-10, $25,000
3rd: Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Tenn., five bass, 19-4, $20,000
4th: Kevin VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., four bass, 18-14, $118,000
5th: Brandon Coulter, Knoxville, Tenn., three bass, 12-5, $20,000
6th: Bryan Thrift, Shelby, N.C., two bass, 8-7, $44,500
7th: Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, two bass, 8-1, $13,500
8th: Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., one bass, 7-0, $17,500
9th: Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas, two bass, 6-12, $11,000
10th: Alton Jones, Jr., Waco, Texas, zero bass, 0-0, $8,000
Full results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 31 scorable bass weighing 132 pounds, 3 ounces caught by the final 10 pros in Thursday’s Championship Round. A bass had to weigh at least 3 pounds to be deemed scorable in the Championship Round.
The six-day General Tire Heavy Hitters Presented by Bass Pro Shops at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes was hosted by Experience Kissimmee and showcased the top 30 pros that qualified via the Bass Pro Tour competing in a no-entry fee tournament for massive daily Big Bass Bonuses and a payout of $100,000 to the winner.
The 15 Anglers in Group A competed in their two-day qualifying round on Saturday and Monday – the 15 anglers in Group B on Sunday and Tuesday. After each two-day qualifying round was complete, the top eight anglers from both groups advanced to Wednesday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round weights were zeroed, and the remaining 16 anglers competed to finish in the top 10 to advance to the Championship Round. In Thursday’s final-day Championship Round, weights were zeroed, and the highest one-day total won the top prize of $100,000.
Television coverage of the General Tire Heavy Hitters 2024 Presented by Bass Pro Shops will be showcased across six two-hour episodes, premiering at 7 a.m. ET, Aug. 10 and running each Saturday through Sept. 14 on Discovery. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on the Outdoor Channel.
Proud sponsors of General Tire Heavy Hitters 2024 Presented by Bass Pro Shops at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes include: Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Barbasol, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, Fishing Clash, General Tire, Kubota, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak Fishing, NITRO, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, REDCON1, Star brite, Toyota, U.S. Air Force and YETI.
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.
Jordan Lee Leads Final 10 into Knockout Round, Thrift Banks $30K Big Bass Award at MLF General Tire Heavy Hitters
Lee earns Knockout Round win by 7-13, Thrift boats 7-pound, 11-ounce largemouth to win $30K Knockout Round Big Bass Award, Final 10 anglers set for Thursday’s Championship Round
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (May 22, 2023) – The two anglers who dominated their respective groups during the Qualifying Round at General Tire Heavy Hitters Presented by Bass Pro Shops picked up right where they left off during Wednesday’s Knockout Round.
Abu Garcia pro Jordan Lee of Cullman, Alabama, led the way with 49 pounds, 14 ounces. Trading the top spot with him throughout the day was pro Brandon Coulter of Knoxville, Tennessee, who wound up right behind him with 42-1. California pro Brent Ehrler , the only angler to find a consistent bite during a grueling third period, finished third with 40-2, while Bryan Thrift’s 7-11 won him $30,000 as the Berkley Big Bass.
While it’s not often that the same bite in the same areas holds up throughout an entire Bass Pro Tour event, it sure looks like Thursday’s Championship Round is shaping up to be a slugfest between Coulter and Lee, both of whom have done their damage in matted hydrilla in Lake Toho with Berkley Swamp Lord frogs. The two anglers have been the most dialed in since competition began on the Kissimmee Chain, and both secured their spots in the Top 10 during the first period Wednesday before laying off their best water.
There will be no holding back during the Championship Round, when not only will $100,000 and the title belt be on the line for the tournament winner, but another $100,000 will be up for grabs for the angler who catches the biggest bass. Watch the action from 7:45 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. ET on the MLFNOW! live stream at MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV app.
Link to Hi-Res Photo of Knockout Round Winner Jordan Lee
Link to Hi-Res Photo of Bryan Thrift’s $30,000 Big Bass Winner
Link to Photo Gallery of Knockout Round Highlights
Link to Video of Fish-Catch Highlights from Knockout Round of Heavy Hitters on the Kissimmee Chain
No surprise, Lee started the Knockout Round in the area that produced the bulk of his 63-4 total from his first day of qualifying – still the best day any angler has put together all week. However, he found “the grass had changed, so the fishing kind of changed with it.”
That forced Lee to adjust his location a bit. He didn’t land his first scorable bass until almost an hour after lines in. But once he relocated a school, the beatdown was on.
During a two-hour window that included a 15-minute period break, Lee stacked 12 scorable bass totaling 33-4 onto SCORETRACKER®, more than enough to cement his place among the Top 10.
“It was awesome,” he said. “I didn’t really know how many fish I could catch after a couple days of fishing, but I think it went really good.”
The key for Lee was covering water quickly to find sweet spots within the vast expanse of hydrilla. He explained that most of the bass seem to be congregated within small zones, the locations of which have changed a bit during the event due to grass growth and fishing pressure.
“It’s not a lot of big, giant mats with just fish everywhere,” he said. “It’s more like you find them, and they’re schooled up in one spot, and that’s where I’m catching them.”
Around 11 a.m., realizing his spot in the Championship Round was secure, Lee eased off the gas and shifted his focus to finding new hotspots and trying to catch the biggest bass of the day. He said he succeeded in the former and nearly in the latter, boating a 7-3 lunker midway through the third period.
Lee also saved a few areas that he’s discovered during the event for the Championship Round. His plan is to run from spot to spot until he finds one with a population that he thinks can earn him a second Heavy Hitters belt and a third BPT win on the Kissimmee Chain.
“I bounced around a lot,” he said, “and that’s what I’m going to do tomorrow is bounce around and try to find the area that’s most productive.”
One variable Lee and the rest of the Championship Round field will have to contend with is a boosted variable minimum weight. In a wrinkle unique to Heavy Hitters, bass will have to weigh at least 3 pounds to count toward anglers’ totals. As a result, Lee thinks the winning strategy will center less around finding numbers of fish and more on generating a handful of the right bites. Landing those bigger bites – far from a given when fishing a frog among thick mats – will also be pivotal.
“I still think you’re going to have to catch six or seven, at least – maybe a few more – to get the win, and some big ones, some of those 6- and 7-pounders,” Lee said. “You’ve always got to have your best day on the last day to win.”
The top 10 pros from the Knockout Round that advance to Thursday’s Championship Round on the Kissimmee Chain are:
1st: Jordan Lee, Cullman, Ala., 16 bass, 49-14
2nd: Brandon Coulter, Knoxville, Tenn., 13 bass, 42-1
3rd: Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., 13 bass, 40-13
4th: Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Tenn., seven bass, 25-4
5th: Kevin VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., five bass, 21-15
6th: Alton Jones, Jr., Waco, Texas, five bass, 20-13
7th: Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, seven bass, 20-10
8th: Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas, seven bass, 20-9
9th: Bryan Thrift, Shelby, N.C., four bass, 16-6
10th: Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala., four bass, 13-2
Eliminated from competition after the Knockout Round on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes are:
11th: Marty Robinson, Lyman, S.C., four bass, 12-12
12th: Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas, five bass, 12-9
13th: Ryan Salzman, Huntsville, Ala., five bass, 12-7
14th: Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., four bass, 12-4
15th: Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark., three bass, 11-4
16th: Takahiro Omori, Tokyo, Japan, two bass, 4-6
Full results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 104 bass weighing 337 pounds, 1 ounce caught by the 16 pros on Wednesday, which included three 7-pounders, two 6-pounders and two 5-pounders caught from the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.
Berkley Big Bass Bonus Award Winners:
Group A Day 1: Ryan Salzman, Huntsville, Ala. (9-3), $10,000
Group B Day 1: Jordan Lee, Cullman, Ala. (7-14), $10,000
Group A Day 2: Brandon Coulter, Knoxville, Tenn. & Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif. (7-10), $10,000
Group B Day 2: Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark. (7-9), $10,000
Knockout Round: Bryan Thrift, Shelby, N.C. (7-11), $30,000
Championship Round: TBD, $100,000
The General Tire Heavy Hitters at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Presented by Bass Pro Shops 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. A bass must meet the 2-pound minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable in the Qualifying and Knockout Rounds, but for the final day Championship Round a bass must weigh at least 3 pounds to be deemed scorable.
The 15 Anglers in Group A competed in their two-day qualifying round on Saturday and Monday – the 15 anglers in Group B on Sunday and Tuesday. After each two-day qualifying round was complete, the top eight anglers from both groups advanced to Wednesday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round weights were zeroed, and the remaining 16 anglers competed to finish in the top 10 to advance to the Championship Round. In Thursday’s final-day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.
The final 10 anglers will launch Thursday at 7:30 a.m. ET from Big Toho Marina located at 69 Lakeview Drive in Kissimmee. The General Tire Takeout will be held at the park, 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.
To qualify for General Tire Heavy Hitters, the weight of an angler’s single-largest bass from each event of the seven 2023 Bass Pro Tour events was recorded. The 30 anglers with the heaviest total from those seven bass qualified to compete in this event.
The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action on Championship Thursday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET. MLFNOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app, and Rumble.
Television coverage of the General Tire Heavy Hitters 2024 Presented by Bass Pro Shops will be showcased across six two-hour episodes, premiering at 7 a.m. ET, Aug. 10 and running each Saturday through Sept. 14 on Discovery. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on the Outdoor Channel.
Proud sponsors of General Tire Heavy Hitters Presented by Bass Pro Shops include: Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Barbasol, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, Fishing Clash, General Tire, Kubota, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak Fishing, NITRO, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, REDCON1, Star brite, Toyota, U.S. Air Force and YETI.
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.
MLF Pros Visit Osceola County High School Anglers Fishing Club to Talk About Boater Safety
| KISSIMMEE, Fla. (May 22, 2024) – Four of the professional anglers competing at General Tire Heavy Hitters 2024 Presented by Bass Pro Shops at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes in central Florida visited with some local young Osceola anglers this week to talk about staying safe while on the water.
Major League Fishing (MLF) pros Ott DeFoe, Edwin Evers, Andy Montgomery and Britt Myers took some time Monday evening to meet with student anglers from the Osceola High School Anglers Fishing Club at their bi-weekly club meeting to talk about boater safety – particularly the importance of selecting and always wearing the right personal floatation devices (PFD) every time they are on the water. The MLF pros compete across the country, but DeFoe said he enjoys stops like this to remind young anglers about the importance of safety, on or off the water. “No one ever thinks they’re going to be in an accident,” DeFoe said. “It often happens when you least expect it. We want to make sure to remind all of these young anglers that it can happen to anyone, no matter how experienced they are. Wearing your life jacket is one of the most simple things that you can do to greatly improve your safety on the water. I wear my Onyx PFD absolutely every time I crank up my big outboard.” Montgomery, who had the student anglers cracking up with his stories of testing out ‘improper’ life jackets, said he wanted to remind the Osceola teens to make sure they had the right life jackets for the right situation. “It’s important to wear the correct life jackets – not some of those ‘belly jackets’ that make you float upside down – you can’t breathe out of your toes,” Montgomery joked. “Whether you’re using an automatic-inflatable life vest or a full life jacket, always make sure to check they are in good condition and appropriate for your activity on the water.” |
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| Lamar Chisholm, founder of the Osceola County High School Anglers Fishing team, said that the student anglers were very receptive of the pro anglers and their advice.
“The kids had a great time hearing from the pros, and everyone was super appreciative of the new Onyx PFDs, goodie bags and pizzas that the anglers brought with them,” Chisholm said. After the presentation, the Osceola anglers were treated to a pizza party, life jackets and goodie bags donated by MLF and MLF’s Exclusive Life Jacket sponsor, Onyx. Many MLF anglers wear Onyx’s automatic inflatable life jackets, and the same personal flotation device (PFD) is also the required game-day safety wear for MLF camera crews and officials throughout all competitions, including the General Tire Heavy Hitters event this week. The MLF event was held in conjunction with National Safe Boating Week. National Safe Boating Week (May 18-24) is the official launch of the 2024 Safe Boating Campaign. The yearlong campaign promotes the value of voluntary, consistent life jacket wear by recreational boaters. U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in four out of every five recreational boating fatalities in 2022, and that 75 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets. More photos from the event can be found HERE. For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and General Tire Heavy Hitters 2024 Presented by Bass Pro Shops at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, 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 |
Annual Wolfson Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament raises more than $385,400 for Terry Heart Institute
Three-day tournament and boat drawing have raised more than $7 million for Wolfson Children’s patients since 1989. Jacksonville, Florida, May 22, 2024 – Last week, more than 1,000 anglers from across Florida and the Southeast took to the St. Johns River for the 35th annual Wolfson Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament. The tournament, which takes place in Palatka, Fla., has grown to become one of the largest bass fishing tournaments in the state since it began in 1989.
The three-day event featured different competitions each day, with the main tournament on Saturday, May 18. Parker Stalvey of Green Cove Springs, Fla., and Syler Prince of Palatka, Fla., won first place overall with a five-fish aggregate weight of 27.79 lbs.
The duo is no stranger to the annual tournament. Stalvey has competed for several years and finished in 10th place last year. Prince took home first place in the Lads & Lasses competition in 2023 and first place in the VIP & Friends event two years ago.
Second place went to the father-son team of Joe and Joey Cotromano of Yulee, Fla., with a total weight of 23.61 lbs. Third place went to Terry Mullis of Ocala, Fla., and Miranda Crews of Charlton, Ga. The father-daughter team had a total weight of 23.52 lbs.
During the VIP & Friends Tournament on Friday, May 17, Thomas Boney of Fruit Cove, Fla., and Tyler DeRuiter of St. Johns, Fla., took home first place with a five-fish aggregate weight of 23.60 lbs. Derek Daniels of Macclenny, Fla., and Michael Johnson of Raiford, Fla., came in second place with an overall weight of 22.77 lbs., and Tim Mann and Troy Ray of Jacksonville, Fla., came in third with an overall weight of 21.35 lbs.
The first-place winners of Thursday’s Lads and Lasses Tournament were Brian and Michelle Sousa of St. Augustine, Fla., with a five-fish aggregate weight of 25.25 lbs., followed by Chris and Nikki Cercy of Middleburg, Fla., in second place with an overall weight of 20.42 lbs. Camren Teuton and Ryleigh Hansford of Palatka, Fla., placed third with an overall weight of 20.23 lbs.
Winners took home more than $48,000 in cash prizes.
Reeling in hope
The 2024 Bass Tournament raised more than $385,000 in sponsorships and donations for the C. Herman and Mary Virginia Terry Heart Institute at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. All proceeds help to fund life-saving cardiology and heart surgery equipment and state-of-the-art technology.
In 1989, the Plant Facilities Department at Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville organized and launched the tournament to help fund capital improvements and new technology. The event has raised more than $7 million for Wolfson Children’s and the patients treated there.
“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to every angler and member of the community who joined the tournament or secured a ticket for our annual boat drawing. It’s because of their support that Wolfson Children’s can continue its mission of providing world-class care close to home,” said Allegra C. Jaros, MBA, president of Wolfson Children’s Hospital. “Together, we’re making a difference in the lives of children and families across Northeast Florida and beyond.”
While the anglers may have put away their rods and reels, there is still time to support the cause through the annual bass boat drawing. For a suggested donation of $20, anyone can enter a drawing for a chance to win a 21’ 2024 Bullet Boat model 21XRS with a trailer, courtesy of Bullet Boats, valued at $97,000 (Mercury motor to be included).
Like the tournament, all proceeds from the boat drawing benefit the Terry Heart Institute. Ticket sales close Friday, May 31, at noon, and the winner will be announced on Saturday, June 1. Tickets can be purchased online at wolfsonbasstournament.com.
"For 35 years, thousands of anglers, volunteers, sponsors, the City of Palatka, and many others have united for one important cause, supporting Wolfson Children’s Hospital and its patients," said Sam Dean, tournament co-chair and Baptist Health System Director of Plant Facilities. "This tournament wouldn't be possible without their support, and we are grateful for their recognition of the event's impact year after year."
Top sponsors for the 2024 tournament included:
- Title Sponsors: Miller Electric Company and W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractor, Inc.
- Grand Sponsor: Facility Automation Solutions
- Ambassador Sponsors: Baston-Cook Construction, Fickling Construction, Inc., Perry-McCall Construction, Inc. and Smith Brothers Plastering Company, Inc.
The 36th annual Wolfson Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament is scheduled for May 15-17, 2025. Early bird registration for the Saturday tournament is now open online until Saturday, June 8, 2024, at noon.
Jordan Lee Coasts to Qualifying Round Win, Rose Wins $10K Big Bass Award at MLF General Tire Heavy Hitters
Wednesday’s Knockout Round field set as eight anglers advancing from Group B
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (May 21, 2023) – Despite locking up a spot in the Knockout Round of General Tire Heavy Hitters 2024 at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Presented by Bass Pro Shops during his first day on the water, pro Jordan Lee of Guntersville, Alabama, used every minute of the second qualifying day for Group B to his advantage.
Lee hauled his biggest bass of Tuesday, a 6-pound, 7-ounce specimen, over the gunwale just seconds before the end of competition. The buzzer-beater anchored his tally of 19-6 on six scorable bass, which was more than enough to maintain his spot atop the standings. His two-day total of 82-10 topped legendary pro Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Michigan – competing in his final event – by 21-11.
While Lee and the other anglers who started the day near the top of SCORETRACKER® spent much of the day in what he called “search mode,” pro Mark Rose of Wynne, Arkansas, provided the most entertaining action. Rose, who started the day in 14th place, blasted 37-13 on seven bass, including a 7-9, which earned him $10,000 as the day’s biggest catch.
Like Brandon Coulter a day prior, Lee’s objective Tuesday wasn’t to catch as much weight as he could. Instead, he used the day to prepare for Wednesday’s Knockout Round with a little bit of offense and a little bit of defense.
Lee spent much of the day exploring new water, looking for more schools of bass living in the matted hydrilla on Lake Toho. He’s optimistic he found a few spots that could produce if the bite falters in his Day 1 area, including the one that produced his 6-pounder just before lines out.
“I had three bites here in about five minutes,” Lee said of the spot. “So, maybe I’ll have a little something up here to myself. I don’t really know. It looks good, but we’ll see tomorrow.”
Lee will hope he never has to turn to the backup plan. He did his best to make sure the zone that produced the bulk of his 63-4 on Sunday — a mark no other angler eclipsed across two days of qualifying combined — can carry him through the rest of the tournament, chasing off at least one other angler who stumbled upon the spot.
While Lee almost certainly will have company there tomorrow, he’s all-in on his frog bite, throwing a Berkley Swamp Lord on his signature 7-6, heavy Jordan Lee casting rod from Abu Garcia. The 2020 Heavy Hitters champion told MLFNOW! viewers that he’s been waiting for a tournament that could be won frogging mats like he does during the fall on Lake Guntersville in his home state of Alabama. Given that he and Coulter both used the technique to lead their respective groups through qualifying, this looks like his chance.
“I feel like tomorrow is going to be fun,” he said. “I’ve got some areas I feel like I can put the trolling motor down and (Power-Pole) down and frog, and that’s what we’re going to do. I feel like you can get right in a hurry, for sure.”
The top eight pros from Qualifying Group B that now advance to Wednesday’s Knockout Round on the Kissimmee Chain are:
1st: Jordan Lee, Cullman, Ala., 24 bass, 82-10
2nd: Kevin VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., 20 bass, 60-15
3rd: Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, 20 bass, 56-2
4th: Takahiro Omori, Tokyo, Japan, 17 bass, 55-15
5th: Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., 15 bass, 45-15
6th: Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark., nine bass, 42-7
7th: Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala., 13 bass, 36-1
8th: Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas, 11 bass, 33-9
Group B anglers finishing the event in 9th through 15th place are:
9th: Andy Montgomery, Blacksburg, S.C., nine bass, 31-15
10th: Randall Tharp, Port St. Joe, Fla., 10 bass, 28-8
11th: Chris Lane, Guntersville, Ala., eight bass, 26-2
12th: Dylan Hays, Hot Springs, Ark., seven bass, 22-10
13th: Britt Myers, Lake Wylie, S.C., eight bass, 21-9
14th: Anthony Gagliardi, Prosperity, S.C., seven bass, 21-3
15th: Gerald Spohrer, Gonzales, La., six bass, 17-7
Full results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 78 bass weighing 252 pounds, 2 ounces caught by the 15 pros on Tuesday, which included one 7-pounder, three 6-pounders and four 5-pounders caught from the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.
The General Tire Heavy Hitters at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Presented by Bass Pro Shops 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. A bass must meet the 2-pound minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable in the Qualifying and Knockout Rounds, but for the final day Championship Round a bass must weigh at least 3 pounds to be deemed scorable.
The 15 Anglers in Group A competed in their two-day qualifying round on Saturday and Monday – the 15 anglers in Group B on Sunday and Tuesday. Now that each two-day qualifying round is complete, the top eight anglers from both groups advance to Wednesday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round weights are zeroed, and the remaining 16 anglers compete to finish in the top 10 to advance to the Championship Round. In Thursday’s final-day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.
In addition to the tournament, Big Bass Bonuses are awarded in each round of competition with payouts of $10,000, $30,000 and $100,000 awarded to the single biggest fish in the Group A and B Qualifying, Knockout and Championship rounds.
Anglers will launch each day of competition at 7:30 a.m. ET from Big Toho Marina located at 69 Lakeview Drive in Kissimmee. Each day’s General Tire Takeout will be held at the park, 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.
To qualify for General Tire Heavy Hitters, the weight of an angler’s single-largest bass from each event of the seven 2023 Bass Pro Tour events was recorded. The 30 anglers with the heaviest total from those seven bass qualified to compete in this event.
The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live on all six days of competition from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET. MLFNOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app, and Rumble.
Television coverage of the General Tire Heavy Hitters 2024 Presented by Bass Pro Shops will be showcased across six two-hour episodes, premiering at 7 a.m. ET, Aug. 10 and running each Saturday through Sept. 14 on Discovery. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on the Outdoor Channel.
Proud sponsors of General Tire Heavy Hitters Presented by Bass Pro Shops include: Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Barbasol, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, Fishing Clash, General Tire, Kubota, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak Fishing, NITRO, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, REDCON1, Star brite, Toyota, U.S. Air Force and YETI.
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.
Full Field Set to Compete in the Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops
FLORENCE, AL (May 21, 2024) - This week, the Association of Collegiate Anglers will host its final event of the 2023-24 season on the Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series. The 2024 Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops is the 19th edition of college fishing’s longest-running National Championship event. Set to be contested at Pickwick Lake in Florence, AL on May 23-24, 2024, the Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops will feature a field of 400 of the top collegiate anglers competing in this no-entry-fee, nationally televised, triple points event which will feature media coverage on a variety of streaming platforms, live coverage, social media promotions and is nationally televised on several networks.
The full field of 200 teams will compete for two days in hopes of claiming the National Championship title, along with over $30,000 in prizes and contingencies, as well as triple points to count towards the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia.
Official practice continues today, with the final day of official practice and Angler & Sponsor Banquet occurring on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday will be official competition days, with weigh-in and takeoff happening at McFarland Park in Florence, AL. Live weigh-in will be streamed each afternoon on the ACA website. Official weigh-in will begin at 2:00 PM (CT) on both Day 1 and Day 2.
Lake and weather conditions are setting up for a summertime slugfest out on these two Tennessee River fisheries. A mix of sunshine and clouds will greet the anglers during official practice, with high temperatures holding steady in the upper 80’s. Bass will be spread out across a variety of areas on both fisheries, and it will be exciting to see how anglers go about catching their fish. Read a complete lake preview at this link.
The total payout for the Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops exceeds $30,000 in prizes and contingencies. The no-entry-fee event will pay out the Top 40 places in the final standings, numerous exact places, and a Power-Pole to the Overall Big Bass. View the complete prize list here.
The Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops will be the final ACA event to count towards the 2023-24 Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia. School bass fishing clubs and teams will be eligible to earn triple points this week. First place will receive 2,500 points, and schools will be eligible to earn points for their three highest-finishing teams inside of the Top 150 of the final tournament standings.
24 of the Top 25 teams are registered to compete at Pickwick Lake this week. For teams that have three high finishes, there is potential for them to earn approximately 7,000 points. Given that the standings are stacked so tightly now, there will be an opportunity for teams to make major moves in the rankings.
Live coverage for the event continues with the Live Blog through the conclusion of Official Practice tomorrow. The live blog will also be active during both days of tournament competition. As mentioned above, live weigh-in will be streamed on the ACA website both afternoons. Also, follow along with ACA social media channels for additional coverage and content. Follow this link to keep up with all things regarding the Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops.
Whataburger brings bold flavors to Wheeler Lake with fourth-consecutive Elite Series sponsorship
May 21, 2024
Whataburger brings bold flavors to Wheeler Lake with fourth-consecutive Elite Series sponsorship
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — For the fourth consecutive year, Whataburger, the beloved burger chain known for bold flavors and fresh ingredients served up just like you like it, has signed on as a Bassmaster Elite Series tournament title sponsor. The 2024 Whataburger
“At Whataburger, we’re all about creating memorable moments, and that’s exactly what we’ve been able to do with the Bassmaster Elite tournament over the last four years,” said Whataburger Director of Sponsorships Jeff Altman. “Wheeler Lake is a prime location for these anglers and their families and fishing fans from all over to enjoy a day at the lake and celebrate afterwards at their nearest Whataburger. It's truly a special experience we're proud to be a part of.”
The last B.A.S.S. event to be held on Wheeler Lake was the May 2023 St. Croix Bassmaster Open presented by SEVIIN, where Wisconsin pro Adam Rasmussen won with 54 pounds, 15 ounces. Wheeler is the second-largest lake on the Tennessee River in northern Alabama and stretches 60 miles from Guntersville Dam to Wheeler Dam near Rogersville. Stumpy flats and creek channels are popular areas to find bass midlake, while the lower end features steep banks and long points.
Whataburger locations in nearby Decatur, Athens, Florence and Huntsville will keep anglers and fans fueled up on their way to the free, family-friendly Elite Series Outdoors Expo at Ingalls Harbor in Decatur, held in conjunction with the Elite Series event. The Outdoors Expo will bring together fishing and Whataburger fans alike to learn about exciting new menu items and play games to win prizes at the Whataburger tent.
“We’re very excited Whataburger is serving as title sponsor for the Bassmaster Elite at Wheeler Lake,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. “The Wheeler Lake event is always a very popular stop for tournament anglers. North Alabama is bass fishing country, and we look forward to welcoming fishing fans from the area. The Whataburger partnership is a great fit for everyone, and we always enjoy their on-site presence where they share the Whataburger experience and promote North Alabama’s Whataburger locations.”
Live coverage of all four days of the Whataburger Bassmaster Elite at Wheeler Lake starts Thursday, June 13 on Bassmaster.com. The tournament will air on FS1 on Saturday, and, for the first time, coverage of an Elite Series event will be available on FOX on Sunday. For more information, visit Bassmaster.com.
About Whataburger
Whataburger serves up Goodness 24/7. Our original recipes are made to order, just like you like it, and we pride ourselves on extraordinary hospitality and meaningful connections in our communities. That’s what’s led fans to Whataburger since Harmon Dobson served our first customer in 1950. Headquartered in San Antonio, we’ve stayed close to our roots while building sales of more than $3 billion annually across our 15-state footprint and over 1,000 restaurants. Even with our exceptional menu, we know that people make the difference at Whataburger. That’s why we’re among QSR Magazine's Best Brands to Work For in 2023 and consistently win culture excellence awards, including Top Workplaces 2023. Want to become part of our orange spirit? Apply to become a Family Member (what we call our employees) at Whataburger.com/careers. Just hungry for a great meal? Download our app on iOS or Android to order ahead. Shop Whataburger-branded merchandise and selected sauces, including our famous Fancy and Spicy Ketchup, at Whatastore.com and find Whataburger original-recipe products in grocery stores. See our press kit for a list of locations, fun facts, milestones and other company information.
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.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series scored by TourneyX, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors.
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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 205-313-0945, [email protected]
Grandma was a Bass’n Gal, Grandpa was a Bassmaster
By Alan McGuckin for Vexus Boats
If anybody has the right to say bass fishing is in their blood, it’s Texas angler Cory Rambo.
Raised on Lake Sam Rayburn, the tackle store owner and highly accomplished tournament angler now cuts across East Texas waves in a smooth-riding Vexus® VX20 from Jorgensen Marine; however, his first boat was a far smaller vessel his grandfather, pro angler Bill Gregory, helped him acquire through the young Rambo’s grass mowing efforts.
“My grandma, Eudora, competed in Bass’n Gals events. Grandpa was a member of the famous Piney Woods Bass Club, and he also competed in Ray Scott’s early Bassmaster events, so bass fishing was just a way of life for me as a kid,” reflects Rambo.
Now age 47, Cory Rambo’s life moves at a much faster pace than it did on the shores of Sam Rayburn in the 1980s. He works two jobs: one as the owner of the highly successful Rambo Outdoors tackle store in Orange, Texas, and the other as a hospitality liaison for Richard Construction. Both jobs allow him to utilize his gift for connecting with folks to make their lives a little more fun.
“Being an independent tackle store owner is not easy in a world full of huge retailers, but we’ve been super successful since we opened seven years ago because we work hard to stay on top of what the fish are biting in this area. And we make sure we have an unmatched selection of tackle and lures to connect our customers to the fish, whether they’re headed to Rayburn, Toledo, the Sabine River, or the Gulf of Mexico,” says Rambo.
Some of the secret sauce in Rambo’s retail success is the fact he hires highly knowledgeable college anglers from nearby Lamar State. They’re young, passionate, and super educated on hot lure trends. Couple that youthful energy with Rambo’s in-depth knowledge gained from years of on-the-water experience, and it quickly becomes a formula that’s hard to rival.
In a region of America that's home to so many hard-core anglers, Rambo and longtime partner Rusty Clark have won 19 boats and 17 Angler of the Year titles, including four Bass Champs AOY titles, their latest coming just last year. If you know anything about bass fishing on the Texas-Louisiana border, you know that’s a wildly impressive resume.
“Rusty’s about ten years older than me. I’ll admit that I’m the lightning rod, and thank heavens, he’s the ground wire. It’s a relationship that works on the water extremely well,” grins Rambo.
An angler of Rambo’s caliber can choose to run just about any brand of boat that floats, so why does he run a Vexus?
“In one word—trust. I know I can trust people like Randy Hopper and Keith Daffron, who lead the Vexus brand in Flippin, Arkansas. These guys are lifetime boat builders, and in my opinion, their commitment to building an innovative boat that’s both strong and performance-driven is simply the best in the business,” says Rambo.
That’s a serious statement from a highly successful human who says with a smile, “My job is to make people happy.”
To learn more about the VX20 fiberglass rig that Rambo loves and the complete offering of Vexus® Boats please visit vexusboats.com.
Coulter Wins Group A Qualifying Round, Splits Big Bass Award with Ehrler at MLF General Tire Heavy Hitters on the Kissimmee Chain
Knoxville, Tennessee angler leads top eight anglers advancing from Group A, 15 anglers in Group B set to wrap Qualifying Round Tuesday
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (May 20, 2024) – Knoxville, Tennessee, pro Brandon Coulter didn’t need to catch a bass during the second day of qualifying for Group A at General Tire Heavy Hitters Presented by Bass Pro Shops . The 39-pound, 3-ounce total Coulter racked up on Day 1 on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes had him safe to qualify for Wednesday’s Knockout Round before he ever made a cast based on final results from Monday.
So, Coulter focused on finding new water where bass would bite his frog, pocketing some extra cash via the daily Berkley Big Bass Bonus along the way. Check and check.
Coulter added 24-1 to his tally on five scorable bass, bringing his two-day total to 63-4. That won Group A by 11-12 over pro Ryan Salzman of Huntsville, Alabama. The highlight of his day was a 7-10 lunker that ate his Berkley Swamp Lord during the first period. The beast tied Coulter with Redlands, California, pro Brent Ehrler for the daily big bass award. The two will split the $10,000 prize as a result.
While Coulter accomplished what he set out to achieve Monday and led his group through qualifying for just the second time during his Bass Pro Tour career, the Tennessee native admitted to battling some frustration.
After he caught more than 60 bass Saturday (all on a topwater frog), Coulter likened the second day of qualifying to doing his chores as a kid while his friends played outside. He knew he needed to lay off those fish in hopes he can return to his best spot after weights zero for the Knockout Round. But passing up the hot frog bite, especially as a few competitors stacked up weight in his Day 1 spot, tested his willpower.
“Today was a work day for me, meaning I had to expand my area; I couldn’t go just catch,” Coulter said. “I hear other guys catching them, and I know they’re on the juice, and I know I can just go catch them on a frog, and it’s like, no, you’ve got to work today.
“I wanted to catch them. That's what we do; we’re fishermen. And I also know that a frog bite like this is so volatile that it can stop any day. Water comes up, we get a big rain, so many things can happen. Bluegill, they’re small right now, they gain a little bit of weight, and they swim to the bottom. There’s so many things that can happen that can ruin it, so while it’s going on, you’re like, I want to get some of that.”
Still, Coulter’s day wasn’t without its share of excitement. He caught more than half his weight from two bass about 20 minutes apart.
First, while exploring to see how far away from his Day 1 spot he could find fish, Coulter boated the 7-10. Afterward, he ran to a completely new area of matted hydrilla in Lake Toho. Within minutes, a 7-6 inhaled his Swamp Lord.
“I just ran around, I found some grass, idled around it, and literally the first grass mat I pull up to, I catch a 7-something,” he said.
That was one of four new spots where Coulter found populations of bass Monday. While he doesn’t think any is as productive as his starting spot, he knows the reconnaissance could pay off if that area gets overcrowded during the Knockout or Championship Rounds.
“I probably expanded to four different little areas – none of them as good as what I had, but places I think I can go catch a bass,” Coulter explained. “The Knockout Round can come down to that if there’s five guys in that juice area and all of a sudden it’s getting beat up and you have to go find one here and one there, and I think I got a few places.”
Ultimately, restraining himself from returning to his “juice area” only made Coulter more eager to get back on the water Wednesday. Even though there will almost certainly be other anglers jostling over the zone, he feels confident it can continue to produce.
“I know what I’m going to do,” he said. “There’s no debating what I’m going to do, where I’m going to go. I feel very confident in my setup, what I’ve got going on. I know what I’m looking for.”
The top eight pros from Qualifying Group A that now advance to Wednesday’s Knockout Round on the Kissimmee Chain are:
1st: Brandon Coulter, Knoxville, Tenn., 17 bass, 63-4
2nd: Ryan Salzman, Huntsville, Ala., 13 bass, 51-8
3rd: Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Tenn., 15 bass, 48-12
4th: Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas, 15 bass, 47-14
5th: Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., 13 bass, 45-3
6th: Marty Robinson, Lyman, S.C., 11 bass, 40-0
7th: Bryan Thrift, Shelby, N.C., 12 bass, 35-9
8th: Alton Jones, Jr., Waco, Texas, 10 bass, 33-2
Finishing the event in 9th through 15th place are:
9th: David Dudley, Lynchburg, Va., nine bass, 28-6
10th: Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala., nine bass, 28-1
11th: Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., six bass, 26-7
12th: Edwin Evers, Talala, Okla., eight bass, 25-12
13th: Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., seven bass, 21-5
14th: Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J., seven bass, 20-4
15th: Scott Suggs, Alexander, Ark., six bass, 17-5
Full results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 87 bass weighing 293 pounds, 6 ounces caught by the 15 pros on Monday, which included three 7-pounders, one 6-pounder and seven 5-pounders caught from the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.
The General Tire Heavy Hitters at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Presented by Bass Pro Shops 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. A bass must meet the 2-pound minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable in the Qualifying and Knockout Rounds, but for the final day Championship Round a bass must weigh at least 3 pounds to be deemed scorable.
The 15 Anglers in Group A competed in their two-day qualifying round on Saturday and Monday – the 15 anglers in Group B on Sunday and Tuesday. After each two-day qualifying round is complete, the top eight anglers from both groups advance to Wednesday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round weights are zeroed, and the remaining 16 anglers compete to finish in the top 10 to advance to the Championship Round. In Thursday’s final-day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.
In addition to the tournament, Big Bass Bonuses are awarded in each round of competition with payouts of $10,000, $30,000 and $100,000 awarded to the single biggest fish in the Group A and B Qualifying, Knockout and Championship rounds.
Anglers will launch each day at 7:30 a.m. ET from Big Toho Marina located at 69 Lakeview Drive in Kissimmee. Each day’s General Tire Takeout will be held at the park, 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.
To qualify for General Tire Heavy Hitters, the weight of an angler’s single-largest bass from each event of the seven 2023 Bass Pro Tour events was recorded. The 30 anglers with the heaviest total from those seven bass qualified to compete in this event.
The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live on all six days of competition from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET. MLFNOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app, and Rumble.
Television coverage of the General Tire Heavy Hitters 2024 Presented by Bass Pro Shops will be showcased across six two-hour episodes, premiering at 7 a.m. ET, Aug. 10 and running each Saturday through Sept. 14 on Discovery. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on the Outdoor Channel.
Proud sponsors of General Tire Heavy Hitters Presented by Bass Pro Shops include: Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Barbasol, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, Fishing Clash, General Tire, Kubota, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak Fishing, NITRO, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, REDCON1, Star brite, Toyota, U.S. Air Force and YETI.
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.
Wieda Gets the Win at Home at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Ohio River-Tanners Creek
Ohio’s Sykes Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division
LAWRENCEBURG, Ind. (May 20, 2024) – Boater Sean Wieda of Alexandria, Kentucky, caught a five-bass limit weighing 9 pounds, 4 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on the Ohio River at Tanners Creek . The tournament was the first event of the season for the BFL Buckeye Division. Wieda earned $4,279 for his victory.
For Wieda, this was a big “finally” moment – winning a BFL event on his home waters.
“I’ve been fishing here for 25 years, and I’ve come close to winning a bunch,” he said. “I’ve got several seconds and thirds. Springtime is my favorite time of year. The water was up, and the fish were spawning. The biggest key for me was I was fishing for spawners that you couldn’t see. A lot of people try to catch the ones up on the bank, and what I do is try to find where the males are and back off in front of them in like 2 or 3 feet of water, which is deep water for the river.”
Wieda calls the technique “blind sight-fishing.” He says often the females will be out a hair deeper, just out of sight. Making repeated casts out in front of visible beds and understanding how to trigger bites are keys to Wieda’s approach.
“Most of my fish were caught on a soft plastic I call the Wieda Bug that I make,” he said, “and my biggest fish was caught on an Ark Z-Series (Z-Alpha) square-bill.
“The (fish I caught on the) square bill was a spawner also,” Wieda added. “Sometimes you can get them to react to something like that. That fish was 2 to 3 feet off the bank, and I couldn’t see her or anything, but I saw the male up there and I ran the crankbait through there four or five times.”
When fishing the soft plastic, Wieda used a 7-foot, 6-inch Ark Randall Tharp Series rod with the Ark Gravity 8 reel.
Wieda, who owns Wieda’s Marine, a Phoenix Boats dealership, also offered a sincere thanks to his support team.
“Thanks to my crew at Wieda’s Marine,” he said. “Not only do they take care of customers all over the United States, but they take really good care of me and allow me to get out there and fish. I’ve been fishing them (BFLs) for years. It was good to finally win here. I’ve had some other wins, but I’ve never won there on my home water, so that was pretty special. I’m excited.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Sean Wieda, Alexandria, Ky., five bass, 9-4, $4,279
2nd: Nick Leonard, Amelia, Ohio, five bass, 8-7, $2,140
3rd: Mark Dove, North Vernon, Ind., five bass, 8-3, $1,212
3rd: Kevin Spivey, Hamilton, Ohio, three bass, 8-3, $1,817
5th: Jason Steele, Hamilton, Ohio, five bass, 7-12, $856
6th: Michael Nesbitt, St. Paris, Ohio, five bass, 7-9, $749
6th: Roger Hahn, Fairfield, Ohio, five bass, 7-9, $1,049
8th: Chad McCarty, Tipp City, Ohio, five bass, 7-7, $642
9th: Chris Martinkovic, Hamilton, Ohio, five bass, 7-2, $571
10th: William (Bill) Spivey, Middletown, Ohio, five bass, 7-0, $499
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Kevin Spivey of Hamilton, Ohio, caught a bass that weighed 3 pounds, 8 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $605.
Ryan Sykes of Fairfield, Ohio, won the Strike King co-angler division and $2,140 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 6 pounds, 7 ounces.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Ryan Sykes, Fairfield, Ohio, five bass, 6-7, $2,140
2nd: Landen Wisener, Russells Point, Ohio, four bass, 5-8, $1,070
3rd: Brian Blinn, Troy, Ohio, three bass, 5-7, $712
4th: Aaron Napier, Franklin, Ohio, four bass, 4-15, $499
5th: James Jeffers III, Athens, Ohio, four bass, 4-10, $510
5th: Douglas Shope, Arcanum, Ohio, four bass, 4-10, $410
7th: Jesse Foster, Franklin, Ohio, four bass, 4-7, $357
8th: Andrew Worrall, Burlington, Ky., four bass, 4-6, $321
9th: Rob Webber, Elyria, Ohio, three bass, 4-5, $285
10th: Brent Jones, Okeana, Ohio, three bass, 4-4, $250
Chad McQueen of Fairfield, Ohio, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $302, catching a bass that weighed in at 3 pounds, 4 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
The next event for BFL Buckeye Division anglers will be held June 8, at Mosquito Lake in Cortland, Ohio. 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 Kerr Lake in Henderson, North 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, REDCON1, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters 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.
VanDam’s Favorite Lure for Florida
By Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
It was a 19-hour drive in his Toyota Tundra from Kalamazoo to the highly familiar waters of Florida’s Kissimmee Chain, but Kevin VanDam is feeling very much at home this week as he takes a tiny break from his pro tournament retirement to sit in second place after Day 1 of the MLF General Tire Heavy Hitters event, a special stand-alone event he qualified for last season.
“I’ve probably competed in about 30 events in Florida throughout my pro career. I’ve always enjoyed this state because the lakes are expansive and full of so much vegetation,” says VanDam.
He actually notched one of his 29 mind-boggling career victories on Kissimmee’s Lake Toho in March of 2008 by ripping a Red Eye Shad from the submerged vegetation he treasures, and the submerged salad was certainly in play during Sunday’s opening round of competition when a Strike King Thunder Cricket vibrating jig helped him land 13 bass totaling 40 pounds to sit second behind Jordan Lee.
However, when asked to name his all time favorite lure over thirty years of fishing in Florida, “KVD” chose a swim jig.
“It doesn’t matter where you go in Florida, from Okeechobee to the St. Johns River and the Kissimmee and Harris Chains in between, a swim jig has proven to be my all-time best lure for covering a ton of water and catching above average sized fish in this state,” says VanDam.
Sure, a soft stick bait like a Senko or Strike King Ocho catches thousands of Florida bass each year, but VanDam says it’s the snag-free speed and efficiency a swim jig offers that makes him call it his all-time favorite lure for Florida.
White, along with black-blue, are the two swim jig colors he leans on most, with green pumpkin sunfish serving as a back-up option. If he’s trying to keep the jig super shallow around lily pads or Kissimmee grass, he uses a lighter 1/4 -ounce, but if he wants it to hunt slightly deeper over submerged eel grass, he’ll tie on a 3/8 ounce.
A Strike King Rage Craw matched to the color of the jig skirt is always his trailer. He spools up with 50-pound braid, on a somewhat speedy 7.5:1 Lew’s reel and 7’ 4” medium-heavy action rod.
“I can’t say a swim jig will be my primary lure this week on Kissimmee, but you can bet I’ll have a couple ready to go on the front deck. It’s truly a lure that works in every season of the year in Florida. I’m definitely going to miss competing in Florida now that I’m retried. This state’s been special to me,” concludes VanDam.
It sure would be wildly special if “The GOAT” found a way to win this – his final ever pro level event – in a state that’s been as much a treasure to his unparalleled career as the swim jigs he’s often counted on to carry the load in the Sunshine State.
Pennsylvania’s Gray Earns First Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Potomac River
New Jersey’s Kevin Jones Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division
MARBURY, Md. (May 20, 2024) – Boater Daniel Gray of Butler, Pennsylvania, caught a five-bass limit weighing 17 pounds, 5 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on the Potomac River . Hosted by the Charles County Board of Commissioners, the tournament was the first event of the season for the BFL Northeast Division. Gray earned $10,926, including the lucrative $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus, for his victory.
Prior to the tournament, Gray checked the “usual spawning areas” and determined that this phase of the spawn was pretty well finished.
“Usually they go in shallower to spawn where the grass is a little bit more sporadic,” he said. “But as soon as they pull out of there, there’s so much grass this year, it’s so thick, that they just start dispersing through that, and it’s hard to find them.”
It’s also hard to catch them. Topwater and flipping can pull big fish out of thick grass, but Gray had a different strategy.
“I had to find some areas where the grass wasn’t totally topped out yet. That and some hard cover,” he said.
He was able to locate a couple such areas in practice. The key was being able to work a moving bait over the top of the grass.
“My main thing was a square-bill crankbait,” Gray said. “That’s what I fished all the grass and some of the hard cover with. And I did some flipping with a (Zoom) Speed Craw and threw a drop-shot.
“The square bill I was throwing over the grass. I was feathering it through, and I had to hold my rod high. It was just kind of a feel thing. I tried to tick the top of the grass so it wasn’t burying into it.”
Gray used a Strike King KVD 1.5 square-bill. Popping it off the tops of the grass helped trigger reaction bites.
“(Another key was) knowing when to get to the grass when the current was moving,” Gray added. “When it died off I ran and did other things. I ran up into a creek and fished where there was still a little bit of current – just staying in some moving water.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Daniel Gray, Butler, Pa., five bass, 17-5, $10,926 (includes $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
2nd: Christopher Sanno, Landisburg, Pa., five bass, 16-14, $1,963
3rd: Robert Grike, Dumfries, Va., five bass, 16-10, $1,309
4th: Brian Mullaney, Ijamsville, Md., five bass, 15-14, $850
4th: Zachary Borger, Brodheadsville, Pa., five bass, 15-14, $1,380
6th: Doug Jenkins, Saint Leonard, Md., five bass, 15-11, $720
7th: Gary Marean, Manassas, Md., five bass, 15-8, $654
8th: John Baranik, Earleville, Md., five bass, 15-5, $589
9th: Rick Anderson, Dover, Pa., five bass, 14-15, $523
10th: Ryan Bauman, Reading, Pa., five bass, 14-13, $458
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Zachary Borger of Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania, caught a bass that weighed 6 pounds, 12 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $530.
Kevin Jones of Mount Holly, New Jersey, won the Strike King co-angler division and $1,963 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 16 pounds, 5 ounces.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Kevin Jones, Mount Holly, N.J., five bass, 16-5, $1,963
2nd: Billy Micciulla, Toms River, N.J., five bass, 14-13, $981
3rd: Jesse Ketchum, Columbia, Md., five bass, 14-12, $655
4th: David Williams, Fredericksburg, Va., five bass, 13-14, $708
5th: Kade Wesner, Lancaster, Pa., five bass, 13-9, $393
6th: Andrew Hostler, Tyrone, Pa., five bass, 13-8, $360
7th: Keyshawn Bratcher, Altamonte Springs, Fla., five bass, 13-5, $327
8th: Patrick Stansbury, Westminster, Md., five bass, 12-15, $294
9th: Lenny Baird, Stafford, Va., five bass, 12-14, $262
10th: Christopher Dam, Staatsburg, N.Y., five bass, 12-11, $229
Nathan Routzahn of Myersville, Maryland, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $265, catching a bass that weighed in at 4 pounds, 9 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
The next event for BFL Northeast Division anglers will be held June 29, at Lake Oneida in Brewerton, New York. 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 Kerr Lake in Henderson, North 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, REDCON1, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters 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.
Trim Gets Win No. 4 at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at the Mississippi River in La Crosse
Minnesotan Luebben Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division
LA CROSSE, Wis. (May 20, 2024) – Boater Nick Trim of Galesville, Wisconsin, caught a five-bass limit weighing 20 pounds, 6 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wisconsin . Hosted by Explore La Crosse, the tournament was the second event of the season for the BFL Great Lakes Division. Trim earned $10,718, including the lucrative $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus, for his victory.
Trim is on a roll on the Mississippi River. Last weekend at the 2024 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier out of La Crosse, he threw down a three-day wire-to-wire win. Then he followed it up with the only 20-pound-plus stringer of the tournament to win the BFL.
“I pretty much just kept it rolling,” Trim said. “We put in at Pool 8. I ran up to Pool 7 and caught like 17 pounds, and then I locked down and ended up catching my three biggest fish in Pool 8 after 1 o’clock.”
Trim weighed in a limit of smallmouths that he caught off beds using Garmin LiveScope in perspective mode. He located beds in 3- to 5-foot-deep gravel areas out of the current on the main river or just off the main river.
Trim said the fish were actually in between spawning waves and catching 20-plus greatly outperformed his expectations.
“The problem was the water came up 3 feet, so all the sudden you can’t see them,” he said. “You can’t visually look at them. That’s where the LiveScope comes in. Both events were the same thing. Today (Saturday) it came down a little bit. The first fish I caught was the only good fish I caught in practice. It was a 4-2, and I could visually see it with my eyes. Every other fish I weighed in I caught looking at with my LiveScope.”
Trim caught his fish using a variety of common bed-fishing lures, including a drop-shot with a Keitech 2.8 Swing Impact FAT Swimbait, a Missile Baits D Bomb, a Yamamoto Senko and a Ned rig. His kicker fish was a 5-pounder, and after throwing “everything I had in the boat” at it, he finally caught it on the Senko.
“The 5-pounder was in an area on Pool 8 I haven’t ever really fished, but I was going along and I just saw this big fish swimming around on my graph,” he said. “It kind of settled in on this dark spot that I assumed was its bed, and I threw in there and caught her within 30 minutes.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Nick Trim, Galesville, Wis., five bass, 20-6, $10,718 (includes $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
2nd: Clayton Weber, West Salem, Wis., five bass, 19-5, $1,859
3rd: Mark Myers, Cedar Falls, Iowa, five bass, 19-1, $1,238
4th: Dan Mohn, Lansing, Iowa, five bass, 18-9, $1,292
5th: Jackson Perry, Onalaska, Wis., five bass, 18-7, $744
6th: Parker Kratochvill, Onalaska, Wis., five bass, 17-3, $682
7th: Greg Oppegard, West Saint Paul, Minn., five bass, 16-6, $1,105
8th: Aiden Denzer, La Crosse, Wis., five bass, 16-5, $527
8th: Kory Rose, Waterloo, Iowa, five bass, 16-5, $527
10th: Chris Aswegan, Tiffin, Iowa, five bass, 16-3, $434
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Greg Oppegard of West Saint Paul, Minnesota, caught a bass that weighed 5 pounds, 5 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $485.
Cade Luebben of West Concord, Minnesota, won the Strike King co-angler division and $1,859 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 15 pounds, 2 ounces.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Cade Luebben, West Concord, Minn., five bass, 15-2, $1,859
2nd: Chris Stelter, Chisago City, Minn., five bass, 14-7, $929
3rd: Brandon Troupe, Chicago, Ill., five bass, 13-9, $619
4th: Jason Olson, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., five bass, 13-7, $434
5th: Tim Himsl, Moline, Ill., five bass, 13-6, $372
6th: John Kimmes, Hastings, Minn., five bass, 13-1, $341
7th: Brian Billett, Elgin, Ill., five bass, 13-0, $310
8th: Hertz Skaer, Holmen, Wis., five bass, 12-15, $379
9th: Ryan Coon, LeClaire, Iowa, five bass, 12-14, $248
10th: Adam Boyce, Glenview, Ill., five bass, 12-13, $217
Gage Griffin of Lake Forest, Illinois, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $242, catching a bass that weighed in at 4 pounds, 9 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
After two events, Mark Myers of Cedar Falls, Iowa, leads the Fishing Clash Great Lakes Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 488 points, while Jason Olson of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, leads the Fishing Clash Great Lakes Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 495 points.
The next event for BFL Great Lakes Division anglers will be held June 15, at Wolf River Chain in Winneconne, Wisconsin. 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 Pools 13-17 of the Mississippi River 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, REDCON1, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters 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.
Whitewater Fishing adds new neutral color to its surging Lightweight Tech Hoodie collection
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Whitewater’s Lightweight Tech Hoodie delivers anglers a triple dose of technology to keeps anglers dry, protected from solar radiation, and smelling fresh. Our 100% polyester interlock fabric delivers supreme, next-to-skin comfort, while wicking perspiration to keep anglers comfy and dry. UPF 30 provides both UVA and UVB skin protection that effectively blocks over 96% of ultraviolet radiation. Finally, an antimicrobial treatment controls and prevents odors, including permastink that can infiltrate untreated polyester garments. |
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ABOUT WHITEWATER Whitewater performance fishing apparel gives anglers distinct advantages whenever Mother Nature’s unpredictability conspires to ruin angling adventures. Whether faced with wind, rain, snow, sun, or extreme temperatures, Whitewater apparel equips anglers with the ability and confidence to overcome the elements, so they apply their focus and energies on fighting fish, not the conditions. Whitewater is a brand by Nexus Outdoors, headquartered in Muskegon, Michigan, USA. Learn more and order at whitewaterfish.com. |
Siddiqi commits to offshore bite to score big Bassmaster Kayak Series win at Guntersville
May 19, 2024
Siddiqi commits to offshore bite to score big Bassmaster Kayak Series win at Guntersville
SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — By committing to an offshore area of Lake Guntersville, Eric Siddiqi claimed his second career Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series scored by TourneyX trophy with a two-day total of 189.5 inches, earning $11,500 in the process.
The Cincinnati, Ohio, angler landed 96.25 inches on Day 1 before adding 93.25 inches to his total on Day 2, enough to outlast South Carolina’s Barry Davis in second (187 inches) and Connecticut's Ryan Nye in third (186.75 inches).
“I love ledge fishing,” Siddiqi said. “So, I decided to go out and give that a shot. I caught some big ones out there in practice and had a couple spots.”
Siddiqi’s first Bassmaster victory came in 2022 when he won the National Championship on Richard B. Russell Lake on the South Carolina/Georgia border. This win at Guntersville, he said, means just as much.
“I was starting to feel like I forgot how to fish this year,” Siddiqi said. “My father passed away at the beginning of last year and the last year and a half has been tough for me. This is as big as (winning) the Championship for me.”
This week didn’t start particularly smoothly for Siddiqi. After installing a new Garmin LiveScope system to his kayak at Dugout Bait and Tackle in Georgia, Siddiqi’s truck experienced mechanical issues, delaying the start to his practice.
Once he did hit the water, however, he found two viable patterns he could fish, one offshore pattern and one shallow pattern. With Kentucky Lake ledge experience, Siddiqi elected to fish offshore and split time between two structural elements of a “community hole” on Lake Guntersville.
“The shallow spot I had, I’ve fished before in tournaments and I know there are big fish in there. But sometimes it is tough to get five of them especially if there is more than one other person in there with you,” he explained. “I was thinking about going there the morning of the first day and then moving, but the other spot was a 40-minute drive. I really didn’t make the final decision on where I wanted to fish until I got to the end of the road (on tournament morning) and needed to turn right or left.”
Each morning, Siddiqi started on a long point that was 3 feet deep on top with grass and eventually dropped into 30 feet of water. Once the point dropped to 6 feet or deeper, the point had a harder bottom that bass were relating to.
In the afternoons, he would move off the point to a subtle hump that started in 30 feet of water and rose to 28 feet. It also featured hard-bottom.
A Neko-rigged Berkley MaxScent Hit Worm with a heavier nail weight and a No. 1 VMC Redline hook was a key presentation in both areas.
“A lot of times I was having to dead stick it and I never really felt any of the bass bite, especially the big ones. Whenever I twitched or moved it nothing was happening,” he explained.
He caught just six bass each day, but the ones he landed were the right size.
On Day 1, Siddiqi saw fish schooling on the point. Most of them were white bass, but he was able to coax a couple of quality largemouth bass into biting his Neko rig, including a 20.25-inch lunker. He also got a key bite with a Megabass topwater bait.
“I couldn’t really get them to eat anything but that, but I wanted to have something with a good hookup ratio. I don’t throw it often, but it seemed like a good thing to throw,” he said.
Later in the day, he landed two more bass over 20 inches around the offshore hump.
“Day 2 followed a similar script, as Siddiqi opened his day by catching a 19-inch spotted bass, followed by several limit fillers. His one misstep came about midday, when he lost a bass that was well over 21 inches.
“I was reeling it and trying to keep up with it. When I got it to the boat, I went to net it and it came up and shook off. That one hurt for a long time. I was pretty sure that fish lost it for me.”
After a three-hour lull, Siddiqi landed a 22.25 largemouth before a giant patch of eelgrass covered up his casting lane.
Davis, meanwhile, landed in 19th with 90.25 inches on Day 1 before jumping into the runner-up position on Day 2 with a limit measuring 96.75 inches.
“It was a good time of year to have a Guntersville tournament,” he said. “I had a lot of bites. I fished some stuff I had never fished before. I actually did some offshore fishing, which isn’t me. I found bass everywhere I went.”
Two different bites played out for Davis. On Day 1, he launched from the Goose Pond area of Guntersville and focused on bream beds located close to shell as well as hydrilla beds. His bigger bites came in 6 to 7 feet of water. With clouds most of the day, Davis was able to catch the majority of his bass on a True South V Twin buzzbait with a 3.8 FIVE Bass Tackle paddletail swimbait trailer.
On Day 2, he decided to fish an offshore ditch where he lost a big one at the end of the first day and caught several bass to start the morning. The particular spot had a grass edge in 5 to 6 feet of water that then dropped off into 12 feet. Most of his bass were caught with a FIVE Bass Tackle football jig paired with a FIVE Bass Tackle Clutch Craw trailer.
“You would pull up some grass with the jig, but you could usually pull it loose from the hydrilla and that is when I got a lot of my bites,” he said.
Nye was consistent throughout the event, landing 92 inches on Day 1 before catching 94.75 inches on the final day. The majority of his time was spent in an area he found in practice he believed to hold a good population of bass. He used a Martins Custom Baits bladed jig and a wakebait.
Pennsylvania’s Alex Miller landed the Big Bass of the Tournament, a 22.50-inch largemouth he caught on the final day.
The Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce hosted the tournament.
A full list of results from the Yamama Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series at Lake Guntersville scored by TourneyX can be found here.
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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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 205-313-0945, cgay@bassmaster.
Corbishley Conquers Lake Hartwell
North Carolina angler Mike Corbishley wins stop number two of the NPFL season on Lake Hartwell with a three-day total of 44 pounds, 1 ounce, taking home the NPFL Shield and the $100,000 top prize.
With a three-day total weight of 44 pounds, 1 ounce, Mike Corbishley takes the victory at stop number two of the NPFL season at Lake Hartwell, hosted by Anderson County. Corbishley had his toughest day of the week with 12 pounds, 9 ounces on day one, added 17 pounds, 7 ounces on day two, and 14 pounds, 1 ounce on the final day to earn the NPFL shield and the $100,000 top prize. Embracing a run and gun style on Lake Hartwell for three days, Corbishley got stronger as the event went on and made hay when the sun was behind the clouds later this afternoon.
“It was fairly bright out there until 3 pm and I was exhausted from running around, sitting down, standing up, over and over,” he said. “When the storms rolled in, I caught a second wind and went hard in the paint. I had 9 pounds at that time, and culled up three times in the last couple hours.”
Corbishley fished a mix of herring patterns and brush piles throughout the event, but on the final day, he dedicated his efforts to his “best brush” and burned 40 gallons of gas running circles around Hartwell.
“I had a mix of piles,” he added. “On day one, I caught some on a herring pattern and some on brush/rock. On day two, it was mostly the piles. My practice was horrible; in the past, when I had a bad practice and could not get things going, I like to run and mark as much good stuff as I can and revisit it throughout the event with Lowrance Active Target 2, and it works out.”
When the action picked up in the afternoon, Corbishley’s first cull was a 3-pounder. On the very next pile, he hooked a 5-pound largemouth and lost it 10 feet from the boat. His hopes of finally getting it done diminished, but he stayed put and made two crucial culls before check-in.
“I thought I blew it; I thought that was how it was going to end and I was going to come up short again,” he added. “When I was in the weigh-in line, I weighed my fish; I knew what I had. When Big Al told me what I needed, I knew it was going to be super close. It was unbelievable to finally make it happen after being so close so many times.”
With the victory, Corbishley takes him the NPFL Shield and a cool $100,000 payday for his efforts. Now, what will he do with the money?
“It’s life-changing,” he concluded. “My wife and I have been talking about buying land to build a house and this will make it possible. I want to give a big shout-out to my wife and my sponsors, without them and their support, I would never be able to do this – I don’t know what to say. Lowrance, Mercury Marine, Victaulic, Power-Pole, Dirty Jigs, Nichols Lures, National Coatings and Supplies, Hatterasman, Bajio Sunglasses, 13 Fishing and Cashion Rods – thank you.”
Hunter Sales
After a tough start to his tournament with 9 pounds, 10 ounces on day one, Hunter Sales added 16 pounds, 9 ounces on day two and 17 pounds, 5 ounces on the final day to earn his first NPFL victory with a three-day total weight of 43 pounds, 8 ounces on Lake Hartwell.
Despite a tough day one, Sales made a huge comeback this week with some of the biggest bags of each of the final two days. Staying versatile and adapting as things changed was key to getting his event back on track.
“Any time you have a tough day, it’s easy to look back and think about things you could have done differently,” he said. “You just have to roll with it; god has a plan for everyone. I found a topwater bite late on day one and I wish I could have gotten on it sooner, but it was staying open to change that turned things around."
On day two, Sales fully expected to catch fish on top water, but after a few bites early, it faded and he had to make a change yet again.
“I threw a fluke on day one and it did not work, but later on day two, they got on it. Today, I caught almost everything on a fluke and weighed one fish on a Neko rig. Hartwell is one of those lakes you have to adapt and sometimes it seems like it's hour by hour.”
One of his best finishes in a tour-level tournament, Sales was disappointed by the second-place finish but is going to use it as fuel to get back to the top the rest of the season.
“It’s the best finish of my career, biggest payday and I am tickled to death,” he added. “Second stings, especially after my tough day one, but god takes care of his people, and he took care of me this week – I am blessed. I was almost not going to be able to fish this week but a lot of my sponsors stepped up to get me on the water – Yamaha Motors, Morristown Marine, Seaguar Line, SaltX, Thompson Truck Group, Z-Man, National Kennel Club, and more, the list goes on and on.”
Kyle Welcher
With a three-day total weight of 42 pounds, 9 ounces, Kyle Welcher finished the event on Lake Hartwell in third place. Welcher caught 16 pounds, 11 ounces on day one, had his toughest day on day two with 9 pounds, 10 ounces, and added 16 pounds, 2 ounces on the final day to wrap up an excellent week.
Knowing he needed a big bag to make up for his slip-up on day two, Welcher started his day ensuring he was going to get paid. With a double-digit limit, he set off to find something new, where he may find something to give him a chance at winning.
“I fished free today, running around and looking at new stuff,” he said. “If I did what I had done, I had no shot to win. I caught a 4.5-pound fish off a bed, and the rest of my fish came on traditional herring-type deals.”
While finishing in third place wraps up a solid week, Welcher had a mental blunder on day two that cost him the win this week.
“On day two, I tied on a hook for soft plastics, one I hate throwing, but I knew it worked out here. A lot of people had caught fish on it and I gave it a shot,” he added. “It cost me big – I lost three big fish on that before swapping hooks, but those bites were why I only had 9 pounds yesterday. That is fishing, I made a mental mistake.”
Will Harkins
Will Harkins caught a three-day total weight of 42 pounds, 4 ounces to finish stop number two of the NPFL season in fourth place. Despite a costly penalty on day two, where he had to release his limit of fish at the midpoint of the day, he salvaged his day with 9 pounds, 14 ounces. Harkins had a weight of 16 pounds, 4 ounces on day one and 16 pounds, 2 ounces on day three.
Richard Kee
Richard Kee started on day one with 14 pounds, 7 ounces, added 11 pounds, 7 ounces on day two, and 15 pounds, 15 ounces on day three to finish in the fifth-place spot with a total weight of 41 pounds, 13 ounces.
Rest of the Best:
Jason Burroughs 41-13
Trent Palmer 41-11
Drew Cook 41-9
John Cox 41-5
Bailey Gay 41-4
Lee Charges to Early Group B Lead at Major League Fishing’s General Tire Heavy Hitters on the Kissimmee Chain
2020 Heavy Hitters Champion catches 18 bass weighing 63 pounds, 4 ounces to lead Day 1 of Qualifying Round for Group B, 15 anglers in Group A to wrap their Qualifying Round Monday
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (May 19, 2023) – As he wrapped up practice for General Tire Heavy Hitters Presented by Bass Pro Shops, pro Jordan Lee of Guntersville, Alabama, felt confident. Believe it or not, despite his track record of success on national tours as a whole and on Florida’s Kissimmee Chain of Lakes in particular, Lee said that’s not common. The last time he remembers feeling that way entering an event was the last time Heavy Hitters took place on the Kissimmee Chain, an event he won in June of 2020.
But even Lee didn’t envision what unfolded Sunday.
On a Kissimmee Chain that has proven stingy for many of the 30 anglers in the field, Lee authored one of the most memorable days of his decorated career. He stacked 18 bass totaling 63 pounds, 4 ounces onto SCORETRACKER® during the opening day of qualifying for Group B, and he did it despite easing off the throttle for the third and final period. Lee, who had topped 50 pounds by the end of the second stanza, leads Kevin VanDam by 22-12.
As if that wasn’t enough, Lee also earned $10,000 in Berkley big bass cash for catching the biggest fish of the day, a 7-14 stud. Like most of his fish, the lunker ate a Berkley Swamp Lord frog in matted hydrilla in Lake Toho.
“What an awesome day on the water,” Lee said. “It really doesn’t get much better. I can’t remember the last time it was that much fun just as far as the strikes and getting bit.”
Lee’s track record on the Kissimmee Chain made him one of the favorites before he ever made a cast this week. He won the first ever Bass Pro Tour event in 2019 on the fishery as well as the aforementioned Heavy Hitters event.
But instead of leaning on the same staples that have won him $319,000 across three prior BPT events on the chain, Lee turned Sunday to a technique he’s honed fishing matted grass during the fall on Lake Guntersville in his home state of Alabama.
“It really reminded me of Guntersville,” Lee said. “It’s fishing just like it, and with all the grass out there, I just feel real comfortable doing it. We don’t really fish a lot of lakes with this much grass, and I feel like I’ve learned a lot over the years just fishing at home a lot in the fall. It kind of translates into fishing down here.”
While Florida lakes are synonymous with vegetation, the Kissimmee Chain isn’t typically regarded as a frogging hot spot, particularly at this time of year. However, a boom in hydrilla growth in Toho combined with low water levels have produced a swath of grass that is topped out but not too thick — the perfect environment for throwing a frog, as illustrated by the fact that Group A leader Brandon Coulter employed the same approach as Lee.
Lee stumbled upon the pattern on the second day of what had been a challenging practice.
“I was flipping in practice, and I was just fishing around,” he said. “I was struggling; I wasn’t getting bit. And I thought I saw some blowholes in the mat — that's what we call them, where the fish blow through the mat and make holes out there. But I was like, eh, I really don’t know. And I fired a frog out there, and one came up on it, another one came up on it, and another one came up on it. Then I started doing it and started getting bit like crazy.”
Lee’s frog of choice, the Swamp Lord, has been the biggest star of the first two MLFNOW! broadcasts. Lee noted that the bait’s larger profile and weight make it ideal for fishing through mats. He threw it on a 7-foot-6, heavy Jordan Lee rod from Abu Garcia paired with an 8.1:1 gear ratio Abu Garcia Revo STX reel spooled with 50-pound Berkley X5 braid.
“It’s a heavy frog and weighs down in the mat,” Lee said of the Swamp Lord. “When you’re fishing that hydrilla, it’s thick, and it’s hard for the fish to bust through, so if you’re throwing a real lightweight frog, you’re not going to get as many bites.”
The biggest of Lee’s bites came in the first hour of competition. While he said he didn’t think it would retain Berkley Big Bass honors all day, Lee was never particularly close to losing his grip on the $10,000 prize being handed out each day during the Qualifying Round. In fact, underscoring the dominance of his performance, Lee also caught the second-biggest bass of the day, a 6-13.
“I would have took absolutely nothing for an almost 8-pounder on a frog,” he said. “But I got paid for it. I got $10,000 for the biggest fish of the day, which, man, that’s awesome.
Given that no other anglers in Group B ventured into the grass mats, Lee remains confident that he can ride his frog bite all the way through Thursday’s Championship Round. He has a feeling he’ll have some more company as the tournament progresses, but his comfortable cushion over the cut line gives him an entire day to explore the mats in search of fresh groups of fish during Group B’s second day of qualifying on Tuesday.
“I’m pretty confident,” he said. “Normally, I wouldn’t be, but it just depends on the number of guys that kind of catch on. There wasn’t anybody today, but I know how it goes, it's pretty obvious. But, I feel confident it can win the tournament if I play my cards right and find the right schools of them.”
The standings for the 15 pros from Group B after Day 1 of the Qualifying Round on the Kissimmee Chain are:
1st: Jordan Lee, Cullman, Ala., 18 bass, 63-4
2nd: Kevin VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., 13 bass, 40-8
3rd: Takahiro Omori, Tokyo, Japan, 13 bass, 40-6
4th: Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., 11 bass, 32-13
5th: Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, 10 bass, 26-13
6th: Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas, eight bass, 24-9
7th: Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala., six bass, 18-9
8th: Anthony Gagliardi, Prosperity, S.C., five bass, 15-6
9th: Chris Lane, Guntersville, Ala., four bass, 14-3
10th: Britt Myers, Lake Wylie, S.C., five bass, 13-9
11th: Andy Montgomery, Blacksburg, S.C., three bass, 13-4
12th: Gerald Spohrer, Gonzales, La., four bass, 13-0
13th: Dylan Hays, Hot Springs, Ark., three bass, 7-6
14th: Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark., two bass, 4-10
15th: Randall Tharp, Port St. Joe, Fla., one bass, 2-10
Full results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 106 bass weighing 330 pounds, 14 ounces caught by the 15 pros on Sunday, which included one 7-pounder, one 6-pounder and six 5-pounders caught from the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.
The General Tire Heavy Hitters at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Presented by Bass Pro Shops 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. A bass must meet the 2-pound minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable in the Qualifying and Knockout Rounds, but for the final day Championship Round a bass must weigh at least 3 pounds to be deemed scorable.
The 15 Anglers in Group A compete in their two-day qualifying round on Saturday and Monday – the 15 anglers in Group B on Sunday and Tuesday. After each two-day qualifying round is complete, the top eight anglers from both groups advance to Wednesday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round weights are zeroed, and the remaining 16 anglers compete to finish in the top 10 to advance to the Championship Round. In Thursday’s final-day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.
In addition to the tournament, Big Bass Bonuses are awarded in each day of competition with payouts of $10,000, $30,000 and $100,000 awarded to the single biggest fish in the Qualifying, Knockout and Championship rounds.
Anglers will launch each day at 7:30 a.m. ET from Big Toho Marina located at 69 Lakeview Drive in Kissimmee. Each day’s General Tire Takeout will be held at the park, 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.
To qualify for General Tire Heavy Hitters, the weight of an angler’s single-largest bass from each event of the seven 2023 Bass Pro Tour events was recorded. The 30 anglers with the heaviest total from those seven bass qualified to compete in this event.
The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live on all six days of competition from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET. MLFNOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app, and Rumble.
Television coverage of the General Tire Heavy Hitters 2024 Presented by Bass Pro Shops will be showcased across six two-hour episodes, premiering at 7 a.m. ET, Aug. 10 and running each Saturday through Sept. 14 on Discovery. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on the Outdoor Channel.
Proud sponsors of General Tire Heavy Hitters Presented by Bass Pro Shops include: Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Barbasol, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, Fishing Clash, General Tire, Kubota, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak Fishing, NITRO, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, REDCON1, Star brite, Toyota, U.S. Air Force and YETI.
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.
Twin kickers lift Hamblin and Brown to Bassmaster High School Series win at Sam Rayburn
May 19, 2024
Twin kickers lift Hamblin and Brown to Bassmaster High School Series win at Sam Rayburn
JASPER, Texas — Typically, anglers strive for something unique en route to tournament success, but for Aiden Hamblin and Austin Brown, a shameless dose of redundancy delivered victory in the Strike King Bassmaster High School Series at Sam Rayburn Reservoir.
Sacking up a five-bass limit of 18 pounds, 2 ounces, the seniors representing the Pilot Point Bearcats Bass Team edged their nearest competitors, Ridge Mabile and Evan Aucoin of the Assumption Mustangs Bass Club by a margin of 2-1.
Earning the $2,214 team prize, Hamblin and Brown claimed their spot in the Strike King Bassmaster High School Series Championship scheduled for Chickamauga Lake, Aug. 1-3.
“This means the world to us,” Brown said. “We’ve been at this for four years and we’ve had some really close finishes, but we’ve never been able to secure the win.
“Especially on one of the greatest lakes in the country, to come out here in May — the best time to fish Rayburn — and win, that means a lot to us and our team.”
Hamblin said he and Brown stayed on the lake’s west side and fished coves in Caney Creek. They rotated through three main spots and targeted flooded bushes, trees and stumps.
“We fished another event on Rayburn in March and it was 6 feet low at that time,” Hamblin said. “We finished fifth in that event and we figured out what was going to be under water (when the lake rose), so that helped us.”
Noting that he and his partner caught all of their fish in 5 to 8 feet, Hamblin said they fished a Texas-rigged black/blue Strike King Rage Menace on a 3/0 Gamakatsu straight-shank hook with a pegged 3/16-ounce weight, wacky-rigged 5- and 6-inch Yum Dingers (black/blue and junebug, respectively) and a Spro Bronzeye Popping Frog.
The latter produced their best bites, including a pair of 5-pound, 7-ounce kickers. Brown said the bait’s color pattern — black body with chartreuse legs — played a key role in tempting big bites.
“The bluegill the bass were feeding on had bright (chartreuse) tips on their tails, so that frog imitated them really well — it stood out on top of the water,” Brown said. “You had to get it really shallow and in the shade and then you had to pop it really slow. They would pop it after the pause.”
As Hamblin explained, he and Brown would switch to the plastics in the less dense cover. The wacky rig ultimately out-performed the Texas rig.
“I was skipping the wacky rig under branches and popping it,” Hamblin said. “It was hit or miss. Sometimes, they’d hit it after I’d pop it. Sometimes, they’d hit it after a long pause.”
The winners had their limit by 7:30 a.m. and culled throughout the day until finishing their weight at 1:30 p.m. Brown caught the two 5-7s on the frog — one at 11 and the other at 1:30.
“The first 5-pounder that I caught, the reel wasn’t connected to the rod very well and when I set the hook, the reel exploded off the rod,” Brown said. “I had to hold the reel and fight the fish at the same time. It was (nearly) a catastrophic event.”
Amplifying the day’s drama, Brown said their second kicker was nearly identical to the first.
“The two 5-7s were on the same tree about 2 1/2 hours apart,” he said. “It was right at the end of the day and we were like, ‘Let’s just roll back to that tree where we caught that first big fish.’
“I cast the same frog and the strike was identical to our first big fish. That tree won it for us, for sure.”
Mabile and Aucoin finished second with 16-1.
Connor Crawford and Brody Beam of the Liberty County Anglers won the Phoenix Boats Big Bass award for their 6-12. Crawford and Beam finished 11th with 14-7.
The Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce and Jasper County hosted the event.
2024 Bassmaster High School Series Title Sponsor: Strike King
2024 Bassmaster High School Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2024 Bassmaster High School 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 High School Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
2024 Bassmaster High School 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.
Oklahoma Angler Chris Jones Wins MLF Toyota Series at Lake Eufaula
EUFAULA, Okla. (May 19, 2024) – An Oklahoma native with more success than just about anyone on the state’s largest lake, Chris Jones of Bokoshe, Oklahoma, leaned on his Lake Eufaula experience to find the out-of-the-way area that produced all his keepers during the Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats stop on the reservoir.
But it was keen observation and a clutch decision during the competition that ultimately allowed Jones to add a second Toyota Series trophy and another win on Eufaula to his collection.
Noticing that his biggest bites during the first two days had come on a BOOYAH Poppin’ Pad Crasher, Jones committed himself to throwing the frog Saturday morning. The decision paid off in the form of a 6-pound, 8-ounce kicker. The lunker anchored a 17-6 limit — the heaviest bag of the day and second-best all week — which vaulted him from second place after Days 1 and 2 to first. Jones’ three-day total of 46-7 topped Eli Brumnett of Wagoner, Oklahoma, by 2-11.
For the win, Jones earned $30,031 and a trip to the Toyota Series Championship on Wheeler Lake.
Minutes before catching the 6-8, Jones almost gave up on his frog bite. Dissecting flooded willow bushes on the south end of the lake, he had promised himself he would keep the Pad Crasher in his hands until at least 9 a.m.
At 8:57, he hadn’t yet gotten a bite. But he decided to hit one more stretch of bushes before changing tactics. His patience paid off with the biggest bass of the tournament.
“I was fixing to put (the frog) down, and I came around a point of willows and threw it underneath there and caught that big one,” Jones said. “And I knew I had a chance.”
After Day 1, Jones felt confident he was around the winning fish. Making a 33-mile run to the area where he also won a 2011 Phoenix Bass Fishing League event, Jones sacked up 17-0 on the opening day, which placed him in second.
A self-described member of the “muddy water mob,” he embraced the dirty water in that portion of the lake, which he believes is the reason he never saw another competitor. With falling water levels making the bite tough on Eufaula, having his fish to himself proved key.
“It was just past experience and knowing that area, and it set up right,” he said. “I really wanted to stay away from the area where they (Bass Pro Tour anglers) fished, and that was the clean areas. And I knew if I could get bit down there that I wouldn’t see another boat, and I didn’t see another boat for three days.”
Jones’ bite faltered a bit on Day 2. Enduring two long stretches without a bite, he weighed in just 12-1. He was able to fill out his limit flipping a junebug YUM Spine Craw and throwing a BOOYAH Mobster swim jig , but the quality he’d caught on Day 1 eluded him. That prompted him to dedicate himself to throwing the frog to start Day 3.
“I had several fish just come up and swipe at my swim jig, but whenever I’d get a frog bite, they’d inhale it,” he explained. “So, I was just committed to it. I knew if I could get around enough of them, that I could get the right bites on the frog.”
Jones caught the rest of his keepers Saturday flipping the Spine Craw. Added to his kicker, they proved enough to earn him a fifth MLF win with a throng of friends and family present to celebrate his coronation. His youngest son joined him on the stage at weigh-in, where he shouted out a litany of supporters in the audience. Having them on hand made this victory particularly sweet.
“It means the world to me,” Jones said. “You never know when the last one is going to be, so it’s kind of emotional.”
The top 10 pros on Lake Eufaula finished:
1st: Chris Jones, Bokoshe, Okla., 15 bass, 46-7, $30,031
2nd: Eli Brumnett, Wagoner, Okla., 15 bass, 43-12, $12,637 (includes $1,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus)
3rd: Jeff Lugar, Princeton, Texas, 15 bass, 42-1, $9,009
4th: Zane Parker, Kingwood, Texas, 15 bass, 40-13, $7,508
5th: Ty Faber, Pagosa Springs, Colorado, 15 bass, 40-4, $7,257
6th: Phillip Lunceford, Stigler, Okla., 15 bass, 39-14, $6,006
7th: Blake Schroeder, Whitehouse, Texas, 15 bass, 39-1, $5,255
8th: Levi Thibodaux, Thibodaux, La., 15 bass, 38-13, $4,505
9th: Lance Crawford, Broken Bow, Okla., 14 bass, 34-15, $3,754
10th: Charley Slaton, Valliant, Okla., 13 bass, 34-14, $3,003
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Pro Shonn Goodwin of Moore, Oklahoma, won the $500 Day 1 Berkley Big Bass award in the pro division Thursday with a bass weighing 6 pounds, 2 ounces. On Friday, pro Ty Faber of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, earned the $500 Berkley Big Bass prize after bringing a bass weighing 5 pounds, 2 ounces to the scale.
Brumnett 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.
Dillon Saffle of Eureka, Missouri, won the Strike King Co-angler Division Saturday with a three-day total of 13 bass weighing 28 pounds, 2 ounces. Saffle 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 Lake Eufaula finished:
1st: Dillon Saffle, Eureka, Mo., 13 bass, 28-2, Phoenix 518 Pro boat w/115-hp Mercury outboard
2nd: Scott Parsons, Rogers, Ark., 11 bass, 27-3, $3,843
3rd: Mike Cassanova, Frisco, Texas, 10 bass, 26-3, $3,074
4th: Joe Lee, Midlothian, Texas, 11 bass, 25-14, $2,690
5th: Leavitt Hamilton, Gonzales, La., 10 bass, 24-11, $2,456
6th: Brian Strickland, Yantis, Texas, nine bass, 22-3, $1,921
7th: Albert Rayborn, Hammond, La., nine bass, 21-5, $1,537
8th: Justin Overstreet, Brookeland, Texas, eight bass, 20-13, $1,345
9th: Tony Burnham, Lincoln, Neb., 10 bass, 19-13, $1,153
10th: Tommy Sikes, Como, Texas, nine bass, 19-4, $961
Dewey Larson of Fayetteville, Arkansas, was the Berkley Big Bass $150 award winner in the Strike King co-angler division Thursday, with a 7-pound, 3-ounce bass, while the Day 2 $150 award on Friday went to Dakotah Edwards of Talala, Oklahoma, with a 4-pound, 7-ounce bass.
With all three regular-season events in the Toyota Series Southwestern Division now complete, pro Cole Moore of Anacoco, Louisiana, was crowned the Fishing Clash Southwestern Division Angler of the Year (AOY) and earned the AOY payout of $5,000 with 755 points, while Justin Overstreet of Brookeland, Texas, is the Strike King Co-angler of the Year with 754 points and took home the $2,000 prize.
The Toyota Series at Lake Eufaula, hosted by Vision Eufaula, was the third and final regular-season event for the Toyota Series Southwestern Division. The next event for Toyota Series anglers will be the Toyota Series at Potomac River , June 5-7, in Marbury, Maryland. 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, REDCON1, 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 tournament 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.
