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Toro and Major League Fishing Announce Sponsorship Agreement

Toro Named Exclusive Lawn Mower Provider of Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour, Title Sponsor of Bass Pro Tour Stage One at Sam Rayburn Reservoir

TULSA, Okla. (Feb. 16, 2021) – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, and Toro, a leading worldwide provider of innovative solutions for the outdoor environment, announced today a sponsorship agreement that will showcase the Toro brand to millions of outdoor and fishing enthusiasts. The tremendous marketing benefits offered by MLF in digital assets, social media and connections with the top anglers in the world make the organization a perfect fit for Toro, now the exclusive lawn mower provider of the MLF Bass Pro Tour.

“We are pleased that another major non-endemic brand has tapped into the sport of professional bass fishing,” said Jim Wilburn, MLF President and CEO. “Our MLF fans and anglers have shown tremendous loyalty to our sponsors’ products, and we are confident that Toro will find this partnership extremely beneficial. Toro is a great brand, and we’re excited that they’ve chosen the Bass Pro Tour to showcase their products.”

Toro has been named the title sponsor of the Bass Pro Tour Stage One event at Sam Rayburn Reservoir and will sponsor the “Toro Cut Line” – a television feature segment that will showcase anglers that are on the elimination bubble at each event. Toro will also receive exclusive exposure across numerous MLF media platforms, including its many tournaments and activation opportunities, website and MLF social media outlets.

“The partnership with Major League Fishing and Toro is a natural fit,” said Greg Janey, Toro VP of Residential and Landscape Contractor Businesses. “We’re avid fishing fans – and so are our customers. We’re thrilled to partner with Major League Fishing and two outstanding anglers in Jeff and Brent for the 2021 season.”

Bass Pro Tour anglers Jeff Sprague of Point, Texas, and Brent Chapman of Lake Quivira, Kansas, have been selected to represent Toro as brand ambassadors while competing across the country on the 2021 Bass Pro Tour. Sprague has finished in the top 5 of the ultra-competitive Angler of the Year race in each of the last two seasons, while Chapman finished the 2020 season ranked No. 12 and will look to build on his more than $2.2 million in career earnings.

“When I represent a major sponsor, it needs to be a company that I believe in and can really endorse wholeheartedly,” Sprague said. “I am honored to represent Toro in 2021. The company has been around for more than 100 years and they are known for upholding the highest of standards throughout their product line. That is extremely important to me, and I know this will be a successful partnership. I am extremely excited to get the 2021 Bass Pro Tour season underway.”

Along the same lines, Chapman said, "Having the support of a great sponsor like Toro is amazing and extremely valuable while I’m competing on the Bass Pro Tour. Now that we live on 20 acres and have a big beautiful lawn to mow, it’s great to have my Z Master 4000 from Toro to make the job fun and easy. The comfort of MyRIDE suspension and the great cut I get from the Turbo Force deck allows me to save time and get back to working on tackle and prepare for competition. Last year was a phenomenal season, and I’m looking forward to carrying that momentum for Toro right into 2021."

For more information about MLF, their tournaments and sponsors, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. To learn more about Toro, visit Toro.com.

by AnglersChannel

Bassmaster Elite At Sabine River Rescheduled For August

February 16, 2021

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River, originally scheduled for April 8-11, has been moved to the designated Elite Series make-up date Aug. 19-22.

Previous Elite events in Orange, Texas have drawn record-breaking crowds — in three previous visits, the crowds totaled more than 96,000; however, regional mandates currently in place would dramatically reduce the number of fans permitted on-site.

“Our priority is keeping everyone safe, the anglers, staff, community and all of the fans who want to attend this exciting event,” said Orange County Judge John Gothia. “We’re happy to be able to work with B.A.S.S. on rescheduling due to ongoing COVID safety concerns. Previous tournaments have brought Orange County waterways to the forefront in the fishing world, and we look forward to welcoming the Elite Series and its fans back to Orange, Texas later in the year.”

B.A.S.S. has emphasized over the past year that the organization is dedicated to ensuring both competition and fan activities are held in a safe and responsible manner and is working closely with local hosts and authorities to monitor each state’s mandates on crowd sizes and public spaces.

As the dates shift to August, when temperatures at this fishery on the Texas/Louisiana border are likely to soar, fish care will also be a major priority.

“In these hot, late-summer tournaments it is incumbent on the anglers and our team to be at the very top of our game to protect the fish,” said B.A.S.S. National Conservation Director Gene Gilliland. “Our goal is for all of these fish to be returned to the waters so that they can be caught again by other passionate bass anglers.”

Another Texas tournament, the Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork scheduled for April 22-25, is being hosted in Quitman, which is not currently experiencing the same local conditions restricting the size of outdoor gatherings.

by AnglersChannel

Major League Fishing Launches MLF SHOP – New Online Merchandise Store

TULSA, Okla. (Feb. 16, 2021) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today the launch of a new, improved MLF SHOP , a new online store featuring authentic merchandise from professional bass fishing’s premier tournament organization. MLF’s e-commerce site went live Monday and is located at the recently re-vamped MajorLeagueFishing.com. The shop is an extension of the MLF brand identity, featuring the highest quality fishing and casual apparel with pricing at or below standard retail price. In addition, MLF members will receive a permanent 25% discount on every order at the MLF SHOP.

The launch of the MLF SHOP is based on a multi-phase approach heading into the start of the 2021 bass-fishing season. The first phase is focused on the new retail e-commerce and providing customers with a streamlined website and improved shopping experience. The next phase will highlight new designs, apparel, and swag. The final phase will emphasize site enhancements and showcase new angler products.

“We worked with a talented group of designers who have a passion for the outdoors,” said Michael Mulone, MLF Senior Director of Events & Partnerships. “The quality, along with the on-trend creative designs have brought the shop to a new level. We appreciate our fans and anglers and want to give them plenty of opportunities to wear MLF gear, on and off the water.

“Keeping the pricing competitive and putting in a hefty discount for members was one of our first decisions when revamping the online store,” Mulone continued.

Consumers of MLF’s official online store have access to a full catalog of men’s, women’s and youth apparel, headwear, accessories, and collections. New gear, including compelling, creative designs will be added throughout the year.

For complete details and updated information on the new MLF SHOP visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

by AnglersChannel

Skeeter Extends Long-Standing Partnership With Bassmaster Tournament Trail

February 16, 2021

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Skeeter, a world-class manufacturer of high-performance boats, has signed a multi-year deal to continue as an Official Premier Boat Sponsor of the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk and the prestigious Bassmaster Tournament Trail through 2024.

“There is simply no better way for Skeeter to reach enthusiastic anglers and fans of fishing at all levels than through the Bassmaster events,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin. “Skeeter has a long heritage of helping anglers build memories on the water, and we’re thrilled to continue working with Skeeter on initiatives designed to reach new anglers and help fans experience the beauty of America’s waterways.”

Skeeter, which has been a B.A.S.S. sponsor since 2008, will be a Premier Sponsor for the Bassmaster Classic, Bassmaster Elite Series, Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens Series, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bassmaster Team Championship and the grass-roots TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation regional and championship tournaments.

“B.A.S.S. and Skeeter have a long history together and we’re excited to continue our relationship with an organization that shares our passion for fishing and boating,” said Jeff Stone, Senior Vice President, Skeeter Boats. “B.A.S.S. has a way of generating enthusiasm for competitive fishing that stands above the rest of the industry. We look forward to watching our Skeeter pros compete during the next four years, and we also look forward to introducing new boaters and anglers to the sport through our B.A.S.S. sponsorship.”

As a Premier Sponsor, Skeeter will be highlighted during Bassmaster LIVE, which is streamed on Bassmaster.com and broadcast Saturday and Sunday mornings on the FOX Sports platforms, and enjoy exposure in Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times magazines and across various social media platforms as well as showcasing their boats at live events, including the well-attended Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo.

During the 2021 season, 19 Elite Series pros will be depending on the reliability of their Skeeter boat, including two-time 2020 winner Brandon Palaniuk and rookie Pat Schlapper, who double-qualified for the 2021 Elite Series via the Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens and as TNT B.A.S.S. Nation Champion.

“I have run Skeeter boats since 2004,” said Schlapper. “Layout, drivability and reliability are all key factors for me. Skeeter has them all. Another huge bonus is their Real Money program. I won an extra $15,000 in Skeeter contingency money last year alone. I couldn't be more excited to be running a Skeeter FXR21 for another season.”

by AnglersChannel

University of North Florida Wins Abu Garcia College Fishing Tournament on the Harris Chain of Lakes

Duo Sets New All-Time Single-Day Record with Heaviest Five-Fish Weight in MLF College Fishing History

LEESBURG, Fla. (Feb. 15, 2021) – The University of North Florida’s Nicholas Oldham of Jacksonville, Florida and Jacob Sanders of Julington Creek, Florida, took the win on Friday at the Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI at Harris Chain of Lakes . The victory earned the University of North Florida bass club $2,000 and qualified the duo to compete in the 2021 College Fishing National Championship.

Their limit of 31 pounds, 11 ounces, set a new all-time single-day record with the heaviest five-fish weight in College Fishing history. The record was previously set in 2009 on Falcon Lake by the Tarleton State University team of John Anderson and Tanner Morgan, with a limit of 29 pounds, 13 ounces.

TOP 10 RESULTS*

RANK	COLLEGE NAME	ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN	BASS	WEIGHT	AWARD
1^st	University of North Florida	Nicholas Oldham of Jacksonville, Fla. Jacob Sanders of Julington Creek, Fla.	5	31-11	$2,000
2^nd	University of South Carolina	Andre Eaton of Naples, Fla. Trevor Topken of Warwick, N.Y.	5	30-1	$1,000
3^rd	Lander University	Kaleb Brown of Greenwood, S.C. Caleb Sheldon of Lexington, S.C.	5	27-4	$500
4^th	Auburn University	Connor Jacob of Peoria, Ill.	5	26-14	$500
5^th	Auburn University	Cam Busby of Huntsville, Ala. Ty Mundhenke of Chatham, Ill.	5	21-6	$500
6^th	Emmanuel College	Brooks Anderson of Marietta, Ga. Parker Guy of Ocilla. Ga.	5	21-0
7^th	University of South Carolina	Jackson Denny of Myrtle Beach, S.C. Colton Parrott of Simpsonville, S.C.	5	20-14
8^th	Emmanuel College	Cole Holloway of Madison, Ga. Taylor McMullen of Oxford, Ga.	5	20-9
9^th	University of West Alabama	Tyler Elmore of Demopolis, Ala. Nathan Williams of Linden, Ala.	5	19-14
10^th	University of Montevallo	Brenton Godwin of Stapelton, Ala. Hunter Odom of Chunchula, Ala.	5	19-13

*Top 10 teams advance to the 2021 College Fishing National Championship

Complete results for the entire field can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

2021 QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES

EVENT	DATE	LOCATION	HOST
Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI at Lake Guntersville	April 23	Guntersville, Ala.	Marshall County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI National Championship presented by Lowrance at Grand Lake	Mar. 3-5	Grove, Okla.	Grove Convention and Tourism Bureau & City of Grove

The event was the first of three qualifying tournaments for Southeastern Conference anglers and was hosted by Visit Lake County, Florida.

Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI teams compete in regular-season qualifying tournaments in one of five conferences – Central, Northern, Southern, Southeastern and Western. The top ten teams from each division’s three regular-season tournaments and the top 20 teams from the annual Abu Garcia College Fishing Open advance to the following year’s Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI National Championship.

For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI on MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook , Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

by AnglersChannel

Okeechobee High School Wins U.S. Army High School Fishing Open at Harris Chain of Lakes

LEESBURG, Fla. (Feb. 15, 2021) – The Okeechobee High School duo of Tyler Scott and Zack Zainitzer, both of Palm City, Florida, won the U.S. Army High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing Open at the Harris Chain of Lakes on Saturday in Leesburg, Florida. The event was hosted by Visit Lake County, Florida and the victory advanced the winning team to the 2021 U.S. Army High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing National Championship.

TOP 10 RESULTS

RANK	SCHOOL/CLUB NAME/CITY	ANGLER NAME	BASS	WEIGHT
1^st	Okeechobee High School*	Tyler Scott Zack Zainitzer	5	23-3
2^nd	Southern Boone High School*	Isaac Jacober Nathan Vandelicht	5	19-5
3^rd	Marion County Bass Masters*	Claude Loftin Tyson Verkaik	5	17-8
4^th	Oneida Lake Bassmasters Club	Christian Misciagna Owen Niles	3	17-2
5^th	Harmony High School	Grant Jackson Grady Johnson	5	17-1
6^th	Umatilla High School	Hayden Mooney Owen Vanzant	5	15-1
7^th	Hidden Lake Big Bass Club	Dalton Defelice Elijah Meyers	5	15-0
8^th	Central Florida Youth Anglers	Bryce Balentine Carson Russell	5	14-8
9^th	Mulberry Bassmasters Club	Andrew Ready Garrett Thomas	5	13-11
10^th	Detroit Lakes High School	Anthony Bender Noah Besser	5	13-3

*National Championship Qualifier. The top 10% of teams advance to the 2021 U.S. Army High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing National Championship

Complete results from the event can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

2021 UPCOMING QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES

EVENT	DATE	LOCATION	HOST
U.S. Army High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing Table Rock Lake Open	Mar. 27	Branson, Mo.	Explore Branson
2021 U.S. Army High School Fishing National Championship & World Finals	Jun. 30 – Jul. 3	Lake Hartwell, Anderson, S.C.	Anderson Convention & Visitors Bureau

The first 25 high school teams that enter each U.S. Army High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing tournament will receive a free Favorite Fishing package, including one Favorite Fishing casting rod and reel, one Favorite Fishing spinning rod and reel, six packs of Googan Baits and two Favorite Fishing hats, a total package value of $230. Most tournaments will also be hosted by a Bass Pro Tour angler or Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit angler, giving high school students the chance to meet the sport’s top pros. As an added bonus, the winning team at each tournament will receive a guided fishing trip with their pro angler host.

U.S. Army High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing tournaments are free, two-person (team) events for students in grades 7-12 and are open to any MLF and Student Angler Federation-affiliated high school club. The top 10 percent of teams at each Open event along with the TBF High School Fishing state championships will advance to the 2021 U.S. Army High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing National Championship. The U.S. Army High School Fishing national champions will each receive a $5,000 college scholarship to the school of their choice.

In addition to the U.S. Army High School Fishing National Championship, all High School Fishing anglers nationwide automatically qualify for the world’s largest open high school bass tournament, the 2021 High School Fishing World Finals, held in conjunction with the National Championship. More than $2.8 million in scholarships and prizes were offered at the 2020 World Finals.
Full schedules and the latest announcements, photos and articles are available at HighSchoolFishing.org and MajorLeagueFishing.com.

by AnglersChannel

Epting Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League on Lake Murray

Boiling Springs’ Pennell Wins Strike King Co-Angler Division

PROSPERITY, S.C. (Feb. 15, 2021) – Boater Chris Epting of Chapin of South Carolina won the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine at Lake Murray in Prosperity, South Carolina, earning $6,509 for his victory.

TOP 10 RESULTS

RANK	BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN	BASS	WEIGHT	AWARD
1^st	Chris Epting of Chapin, S.C.	5	24-06	$6,509
2^nd	Cody Hoyle of Rutherfordton, N.C.	5	23-0	$2,555
3^rd	Ross Burns of Columbia, S.C.	5	20-2	$1,336
4^th	Jeremiah Jensen of Columbia, S.C.	5	19-7	$935
5^th	Christopher Marshall of Forest City, N.C.	5	18-15	$802
6^th	Andy Wicker of Pomaria, S.C.	5	18-4	$735
7^th	Ronald W. Catoe, Jr. of Lugoff, S.C.	5	17-15	$668
8^th	Michael Stephens of Gastonia, N.C.	5	17-2	$601
9^th	Justin Hadden of Leesville, S.C.	5	16-14	$535
10^th	Ronnie Wilson of Grover, N.C.	5	16-11	$468

RANK	STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN	BASS	WEIGHT	AWARD
1^st	Thomas Pennell, III of Boiling Springs, S.C.	5	18-9	$2,005
2^nd	Brennan Gunther of Mount Pleasant, S.C.	5	14-3	$1,002
3^rd	Michael Campbell of Pineville, S.C.	5	13-1	$668
4^th	Rodney Tapp of Inman, S.C.	5	12-13	$434
4^th	Andrew Starnes of Chapin, S.C.	5	12-13	$434
6^th	Bill Hawkins of Piedmont, S.C.	3	11-11	$568
7^th	Zahreed McClinton of Fort Bragg, N.C.	4	10-10	$334
8^th	Richie Dixon of Camden, S.C.	4	10-7	$301
9^th	Lonnie Drusch of Sumter, S.C.	3	10-0	$267
10^th	Brian Bultman of Aiken, S.C.	3	9-10	$234

A complete list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

CONTINGENCY AWARDS

AWARD	NAME	CONTINGENCY	PAYOUT
Boater Berkley Big Bass	Cody Hoyle of Rutherfordton, N.C.	8-pound, 12-ounce bass	$550
Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass	Markice Johnson of Thomson, Ga.	7-pound bass	$275
Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus	Chris Epting of Chapin, S.C.	Eligible Phoenix Boat*	$2,500

* Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.

WINNING BAITS

ANGLER	BAIT	COLOR
Boater	Did Not Divulge	Did Not Divulge
Strike King Co-Angler	Square Bait	Did Not Divulge

2021 QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES

EVENT	DATE	LOCATION	HOST
South Carolina Division – Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship	Oct. 21-23	St. Johns River, Palatka, Fla.	Putnam County Tourist Development Council
Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American	June 3-5	Douglas Lake, Dandridge, Tenn.	Jefferson County Department of Tourism

The 2021 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine is 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, will advance to one of six Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championships. Boaters will compete for a $60,000 prize package, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while Strike King co-anglers will fish for a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard.

The top six finishers in each regional will then qualify for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.

The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the Toyota Series, the pathway to the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.

For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

by AnglersChannel

McCay Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League on Lake Lanier

Blue Ridge’s Pack Wins Strike King Co-Angler Division

GAINESVILLE, Ga. (Feb. 15, 2021) – Boater J.R. McCay of Robertstown, Georgia, won the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine at Lake Lanier presented by Googan Baits in Gainesville, Georgia. McCay earned $6,000 for his victory at the event, which was hosted by the Gainesville Convention & Visitors Bureau.

TOP 10 RESULTS

RANK	BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN	BASS	WEIGHT	AWARD
1^st	J.R. McCay of Robertstown, Ga.	5	18-11	$6,000
2^nd	Brad Stalnaker of Eatonton, Ga.	5	17-0	$3,000
3^rd	Carter Koza of Marietta, Ga.	5	16-13	$2,000
4^th	Kim Carver of Milledgeville, Ga.	5	16-6	$1,400
5^th	Joe Eubanks of Marietta, Ga.	5	16-1	$1,200
6^th	Randy Dover of Buford, Ga.	5	15-8	$1,100
7^th	Jason Densmore of Dawsonville, Ga.	5	15-2	$1,000
8^th	Michael Conley of Bainbridge, Ga.	5	15-0	$900
8^th	Chris Williams of Kennesaw, Ga.	5	14-10	$800
10^th	Jody Holland of Clermont, Ga.	5	14-9	$665
10^th	Jeff Hendricks of Hull, Ga.	5	14-9	$665

RANK	STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN	BASS	WEIGHT	AWARD
1^st	Jerrit Pack of Blue Ridge, Ga.	5	17-4	$3,500
2^nd	Justin Nalley of Fayetteville, Ga.	5	13-8	$1,500
3^rd	Steve Hall of Mableton, Ga.	5	12-6	$1,000
4^th	Wayne Hancock of Cumming, Ga.	5	12-5	$700
5^th	Joshua Little of Cartersville, Ga.	5	12-2	$600
6^th	Tyler Campbell of Martin, Ga.	5	11-13	$550
7^th	Bobby Rogers of Acworth, Ga.	5	11-12	$475
7^th	Dustin Elrod of Jasper, Ga.	5	11-12	$475
9^th	Jonathon Schooler of Lula, Ga.	5	11-6	$400
10^th	Timothy Logan of Jasper, Ga.	5	11-2	$350

Full results from the event can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

CONTINGENCY AWARDS

AWARD	NAME	CONTINGENCY	PAYOUT
Boater Berkley Big Bass	Lamontie Walters of Warner Robins, Ga.	6-pound, 5-ounce bass	$1,000
Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass	Jerrit Pack of Blue Ridge, Ga.	6-pound, 4-ounce bass	$500
Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus	Jayme Rampey of Liberty, S.C.	Eligible Phoenix Boat*	$500

WINNING BAITS

ANGLER	BAITS	COLOR
Boater	Spot Sticker Swimbait with a ¾-ounce swimbait head	Not Disclosed
Strike King Co-Angler	Unnamed Crankbait	Not Disclosed

2021 QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES

EVENT	DATE	LOCATION	HOST
Bulldog Division – Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship	Oct. 21-23	St. Johns River, Palatka, Fla.	Putnam County Tourist Development Council
Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American	June 3-5	Douglas Lake, Dandridge, Tenn.	Jefferson County Department of Tourism

The top six finishers in each regional will then qualify for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.

by AnglersChannel

Palmer Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League on Lake Guntersville

Tennessee’s Roye Wins Strike King Co-Angler Division

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. (Feb. 15, 2021) – Boater Freddy Palmer of Estill Springs, Tennesssee, won the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine at Lake Guntersville in Scottsboro, Alabama. Palmer earned $7,000 for his victory at the event, which was hosted by the Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce.

TOP 10 RESULTS

RANK	BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN	BASS	WEIGHT	AWARD
1^st	Freddy Palmer of Estill Springs, Tenn.	5	21-6	$7,000
2^nd	Hunter Eubanks of Inman, S.C.	5	20-2	$3,000
3^rd	Michael Lowry of Soddy-Daisy, Tenn.	5	19-12	$2,000
4^th	William Merrick of Mount Juliet, Tenn.	5	19-4	$1,900
5^th	Roger Chisenall of Flat Rock, Ala.	5	19-1	$1,200
6^th	Greg Lamb of Birchwood, Tenn.	5	18-15	$2,100
7^th	Tyler Pendergrass of Cullman, Ala.	5	18-7	$1,000
8^th	Andrew Clayton of Westpoint, Tenn.	5	17-15	$850
8^th	Tracy Robinson of Gadsden, Ala.	5	17-15	$850
10^th	Heath Gilmore of Meridian, Miss.	5	17-8	$700

RANK	STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN	BASS	WEIGHT	AWARD
1^st	James Roye of Altamont, Tenn.	5	15-14	$3,000
2^nd	Brian Koch of Hixson, Tenn.	5	15-1	$1,500
3^rd	Matt Marcel of Tullahoma, Tenn.	5	14-11	$1,000
4^th	Philip Moore of Batesville, Miss.	4	14-5	$700
5^th	T.J. Anderson of Sumter, S.C.	5	14-2	$600
6^th	Raymond Hanlon of Chattanooga, Tenn.	4	13-13	$550
7^th	Rich Frey of Owens Cross Roads, Ala.	5	13-7	$500
8^th	Ron Creasy of Florence, Ala.	5	13-6	$425
8^th	Robert Moore of Mobile, Ala.	5	13-6	$425
10^th	Michael Roush of Mobile, Ala.	5	13-2	$350

Full results from the event can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

CONTINGENCY AWARDS

AWARD	NAME	CONTINGENCY	PAYOUT
Boater Berkley Big Bass	Greg Lamb of Birchwood, Tenn.	7-pound, 8-ounce bass	$1,000
Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass	Johnny Hancox of West Union, S.C.	4-pound, 12-ounce bass	$497
Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus	William Merrick of Mount Juliet, Tenn.	Eligible Phoenix Boat*	$500

WINNING BAITS

ANGLER	BAITS	COLOR
Boater	- Umbrella rig - Jig - Swimbait	N/A
Strike King Co-Angler	- Strike King Bitsy Bug	Not Disclosed

2021 QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES

EVENT	DATE	LOCATION	HOST
Choo Choo Division – Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship	Oct. 21-23	St. Johns River, Palatka, Fla.	Putnam County Tourist Development Council
Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American	June 3-5	Douglas Lake, Dandridge, Tenn.	Jefferson County Department of Tourism

The top six finishers in each regional will then qualify for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.

by AnglersChannel

"New" in Name Only

Vance McCullough - AnglersChannel.com

Photo Courtesy of BASS

Bass afficionados know who Bryan New is. Contrary to his name, New has been around the tournament scene, steadily building his career first as a co-angler, then last year as the Bassmaster Opens Angler of the Year. But given his win at the St Johns River in his first-ever Bassmaster Elite Series tournament, now the whole fishing world knows New’s name.

“A week and a half ago I didn’t have a title sponsor,” shared New behind the Bassmaster stage as he waited to weigh-in on Championship Sunday. “I have no idea what is about to happen,” he continued, voice trembling, knowing that he had a strong shot at winning.

When emcee Dave Mercer called the weight - 26 pounds, 11 ounces - Knew went nuts. So did the delighted, rain-soaked crowd gathered beside the river in Palatka, Florida.

Minutes later it became apparent that New had taken his first Big Blue Trophy in as many attempts, a feat only accomplished by Derek Remitz in his debut 14 years ago.

Starting the day in 6^th place New consistently upgraded his weight until he had overcome the more than 5-pound deficit he began with, turning it into a 9-pound, 9-ounce margin of victory.

His total weight was 79-07.

A few main river shell bar bass ate a lipless plug and kept New in contention throughout the week, but his heavyweight beatdown took place in the pads that lined a creek south of Lake George. He pitched a Texas-rigged stick worm to unseen bass that were spawning or thinking about it. Most of his best action came from scattered or isolated pads where he figures increased sunlight made those areas more attractive than shaded waters beneath thicker stands of pads.

Greg Hackney pitched around super shallow cypress tress in Lake George to place runner-up with 69-14 on the week.

Seth Feider caught at least some of his fish in the big river’s numerous canals. He placed 3^rd with 69-06.

Budding star Patrick Walters spent the tournament in Rodman Reservoir where he fished a little deeper than many of the sight-fishers who didn’t fare as well in Rodman. His 68-13 total was good for 4^th place.

Mark Menendez returned to Elite Series action following a medical hiatus. It was a good week for him. Qualifying for the final round in 10^th place, Menendez climbed to 5^th by fishing among shallow cypress trees on Crescent Lake.

by AnglersChannel

MLF to Delay REDCREST start by One Day due to inclement weather.

FLINT, Texas (Feb. 15, 2021) – Major League Fishing announced today that the dates for REDCREST 2021 presented by Old Wisconsin Sausage, the Bass Pro Tour Championship, has been delayed one day due to inclement weather in the region. The championship event, scheduled to start on Sunday, Feb. 21, has been postponed one day to allow for safer travel conditions. The tournament will now take place Monday through Friday, Feb. 22-26, on Lake Palestine in Flint. The practice day for the anglers will now be on Sunday, Feb. 21.

“The safety of our anglers and their families, our staff, our sponsors and our fans are priority number one,” said Michael Mulone, MLF Senior Director of Events & Partnerships. “With the tough weather conditions that a large part of our country is currently facing, we made the decision to postpone the start of the event by one day to allow everyone an extra day to safely travel to the event. The competition will start on Monday and we look forward to a very successful championship tournament.”

All 40 Anglers will compete on Days 1 (Monday) and 2 (Tuesday) of the event. After two days of competition, the field is cut to just the top 20 based on two-day total cumulative weight. The remaining 20 anglers are split into two groups – 10 compete on Day 3 (Wednesday) and 10 compete on Day 4 (Thursday). The top five anglers from each group based on total single-day weight will advance to the sixth and final day of competition (Friday), where weights are zeroed and the angler that catches the highest total weight on the final day will be crowned the REDCREST 2021 champion.

Due to COVID-19 protocols, attendance at the tournament is limited to competing anglers, essential staff and media covering the event. Fans are encouraged to follow the event online through the MLF NOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The MLF NOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee, Marty Stone and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action on all five days of competition from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MLF NOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com. and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.

For complete details and updated information on REDCREST 2021, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube .

by AnglersChannel

Skeet Reese Brings Home the Win at Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit on Lake Okeechobee

CLEWISTON, Fla. (Feb. 14, 2021) – General Tire pro Skeet Reese of Auburn, California, already had a stacked resume when he crossed the stage on Sunday at the Major League Fishing Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, 13 Fishing Stop 1 – Lake Okeechobee in Clewiston, Florida. With 10 career victories, a 2007 Elite Series Angler of the Year title and a 2009 Bassmaster Classic championship, Reese is one of the top 5 tournament money-winners of all-time with more than $3.4 million in earnings. Reese added another monumental victory to the Major League Fishing (MLF) record books and is bringing a $100,000 check and a big trophy back home to California.

The win brought the 2019 merger of FLW (now known as the MLF BIG5) and MLF full circle and was a moment that marked the significance of the unity that now exists between the blended MLF family.

Reese weighed a five-bass limit on Sunday totaling a whopping 27 pounds, 9 ounces, to win by a 7-pound, 9-ounce margin over fellow Bass Pro Tour angler Chris Lane of Guntersville, Alabama. Lane weighed in five bass for 20 pounds, 1 ounce, including an 8-pound, 13-ounce giant, which carried him to a second place finish on the final day of competition.

“This feels really good,” said an emotional Reese. “I’ve had some tough fishing the last few years and to be able to come back and win; it is recognition that my new mindset and hard work paid off. Everybody who fishes tournaments does it to win and to be able to do it against this level of competition, with this big of a field – it’s priceless.”

Reese said he mixed up his approach each day and alternated between two key lures for the win, a 6″ Berkley PowerBait The General and an unnamed green-pumpkin-colored vibrating jig with a Berkley PowerBait The Deal in the Skeet’s green money-color serving as the trailer.

“The first day, I focused on the isolated clumps of reeds that were a little deeper,” said Reese. “I targeted water that was four feet deep because all of the shallower stuff was getting so much pressure. I stayed out a little further from the bank on the isolated pencil reeds and caught a few good ones the second day by pitching The General on a 5/O hook with a ¼-ounce weight on 25-pound-test Berkley Trilene 100% fluorocarbon.”

On the second day, Reese said he opted to stay solely off the bank and was able to catch a 21-pound bag that included the day’s biggest bass, an 8-pound, 8-ounce giant.
The final two days offered vastly different weather conditions, with wind speeds picking up throughout the lake. Reese said this caused him to make a change to the vibrating jig and helped him seal the win.

“It got too windy and made it hard to flip and pitch The General,” Reese said. “I also think it moved some of those fish out a little deeper. On the final day, it seemed like every big female was set up out in the open.”

Reese said the area had cleaner water and he felt it offered him the best chance to get multiple bites.

“I maximized what little I had and fished it all four days,” he continued. “I was trying to be in an area and get as many bites as I could. I never thought I was on the winning fish this week. I’m a believer that everything happens for a reason.”

The top 10 pros on Lake Okeechobee finished:

1^st:       Skeet Reese, Auburn, Calif., 20 bass, 82-14, $100,000
2^nd:      Chris Lane, Guntersville, Ala., 20 bass, 75-5, $30,000
3^rd:       Jim Neece, Jr., Bristol, Tenn., 20 bass, 74-2, $25,000
4^th:       Dicky Newberry, Houston, Texas, 20 bass, 72-12, $20,000
5^th:       Bill McDonald, Greenwood, Ind., 20 bass, 71-0, $19,000
6^th:       Miles Burghoff, Soddy-Daisy, Tenn., 20 bass, 70-11, $18,200
7^th:       Pete Ponds, Madison, Miss., 20 bass, 66-7, $17,000
8^th:       Ryan Salzman, Huntsville, Ala., 20 bass, 64-3, $16,000
9^th:       Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, 20 bass, 63-14, $15,000
10^th:     Anthony Gagliardi, Prosperity, S.C., 20 bass, 63-2, $14,000

For a full list of results visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.The four top performers from Sunday’s Pro Circuit event who will receive invitations to compete at the Bass Pro Tour Toro Stage One presented by Power-Pole at Sam Rayburn, March 21-26, in Jasper Texas, are Jim Neece, Jr. of Bristol, Tennessee, Dicky Newberry of Houston, Texas, Bill McDonald of Greenwood, Ind iana, and Miles Burghoff of Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee.

Overall, there were 50 bass weighing 173 pounds, 5 ounces caught by the final 10 pros on Sunday. All 10 weighed in a five-bass limit.

The Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, 13 Fishing Stop 1 – Lake Okeechobee’s two-hour action-packed television show will premiere on the Outdoor Channel on Sunday, July 11 from 7 to 9 a.m. ET and re-air on the Sportsman Channel this fall.

The Major League Fishing Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, 13 Fishing Stop 1 – Lake Okeechobee was hosted by the Hendry County Tourism Development Council and Roland & Mary Ann Martin’s Marina & Resort. The next event for Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit anglers will be the Major League Fishing Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit presented by Bad Boy Mowers, Covercraft Stop 2 – Smith Lake , Mar. 11-14, in Cullman, Alabama. The tournament will be hosted by the Cullman Area Local Organizing Committee.

In Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit competition, the full field of 163 anglers competed in the two-day opening round on Thursday and Friday. The top 50 pros based on their two-day cumulative weight advanced to fish on Saturday. Only the top 10 pros continued competition on Sunday, with the winner determined by the heaviest accumulated weight from the four days of competition.

Throughout the season, anglers are also vying for valuable points in hopes of qualifying for the 2021 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit TITLE presented by Mercury, the Pro Circuit Championship, where they will compete for up to $235,000. The 2021 TITLE will be on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wisconsin on Aug. 17-22, and is hosted by Explore La Crosse.

For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit presented by Bad Boy Mowers on the MLF BIG5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

by AnglersChannel

New Notches Victory In Bassmaster Elite Series Debut At St. Johns River

Bryan New, of Belmont, N.C., has won the 2021 AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River with a four-day total of 79 pounds, 7 ounces.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.

February 14, 2021

PALATKA, Fla. — Bryan New launched his rookie season in blockbuster form by topping a stout field of well-established finalists and winning the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River with a four-day total of 79 pounds, 7 ounces.

Starting Championship Sunday in sixth place, New trailed Day 3 leader and rising star Patrick Walters by 5-7. Saving his best for last, New posted the event’s second-heaviest bag, 26-4, and edged Elite veteran Greg Hackney by a margin of 9-9. For his efforts, New earned $101,000.

New caught most of his fish out of lily pads, but he found a few keepers over main-river shellbars about halfway between Palatka and Dunn’s Creek, which connects to Crescent Lake. Targeting bars in about 5 to 7 feet, he fished a Berkley Warpig lipless crankbait in the bleeding shiner color with a slow yo-yoing technique.

“That wasn’t a winning-fish deal, but without those fish, I don’t win this tournament,” New said.

The pads that produced the bulk of his weight were located at the lower end of Lake George. Fishing 5-inch black and blue Zoom Zlinky worms Texas-rigged on a 5/0 Berkley Fusion hook with a 1/8- and 1/4-ounce weights, New said he focused on isolated pads.

“I fished dense pads too, but I definitely liked the sparse pads for multiple reasons,” he said. “First, on an isolated target, it’s easier to pick out where the fish are sitting and they have more light penetration. That’s important for the spawning fish I was targeting.”

The key, New said, was a meticulous presentation that maximized every aspect of his target area.

“You don’t just have one target on each cast; sometimes you’ll have 10 targets on each cast,” he said. “You can feel the sweet spots. You can feel a little rough patch on the bottom where there’s a bed or you can feel the hard spot of the root. Sometimes, you can even feel a little depression.

“I’ve always heard that slow and steady wins the race,” New said. “That’s not always my style, but I can do it.”

New caught good numbers the first three days. Day 1, which was shortened by a three-hour fog delay, yielded 12 pounds and put him in 22nd place. The second day, he added 20-3 and rose to ninth before securing his Championship Sunday berth with a Day 3 limit of 21 pounds, which pushed him up to sixth.

Following the Day 3 weigh-in, New said he’d approach Championship Sunday focused on getting the big bites. On Sunday, he caught four in the 5-pound class and another over 4.

New qualified for the Elites by winning the Falcon Rods Bassmaster Opens Angler of the Year title, an accomplishment that began with a win at his first 2020 tournament — the Basspro.com Bassmaster Eastern Open on Florida’s Kissimmee Chain.

Before the St. Johns event began, New stated that his 2021 goals included winning Bassmaster Angler of the Year — not only Rookie of the Year — and winning the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk, which is set for June 11-13 on Lake Ray Roberts.

New summarized his Elite debut: “I have a pretty good start!”

Hackney committed his tournament to fishing cypress trees on Lake George’s east side. He caught 12-7 on Day 1 and placed 19th and then rose to third on Day 2 by adding 22-10. He’d improve to second on Day 3 and held that final position with weights of 23-6 and 11-7.

Returning to the Elites after a two-year break, the Gonzales, La., pro caught all of his fish on a junebug-colored Strike King Rage Bug rigged on a 5/0 Hack Attack Flipping hook with a 1/4-ounce Tour Grade Tungsten weight.

“There’s not any cover left in the lake (2017’s Hurricane Irma killed the eelgrass) and this was one of the few areas that had enough depth and enough protection from the elements for those lake fish to spawn on.

“There’s only a handful of docks and cypress trees in the lake and I spent one whole day in practice fishing all the way around (Lake George). I knew this was the area of the lake where the biggest population of fish lived and I knew where they used to spawn. I just looked for anything that was close by.”

Seth Feider of New Market, Minn., finished third with 69-6. He turned in daily weights of 8-3, 18-8, 25-8 and 17-3.

Derek Hudnall of Denham Springs, La., and Brandon Palaniuk of Rathdrum, Idaho, split the event’s Phoenix Boats Big Bass award of $1,000 for their 9-pound, 8-ounce fish. Hudnall won $1,000 for the big bass of Day 1, while Palaniuk claimed the Day 2 award. Wes Logan of Springville, Ala., won the Day 3 award with his 8-8 and New won the Day 4 award with his 5-14.

2020 Bassmaster Classic champion Hank Cherry of Lincolnton, N.C., took home $3,000 for being the highest-placing entrant in the Toyota Bonus Bucks program, and Cliff Prince of Palatka, Fla., earned $2,000 for being the second-highest placing entrant.

2021 AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River 2/11-2/14
St. Johns River, Palatka, FL
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 4

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$

1. Bryan New Day 1: 5 12-00 2. Greg Hackney Day 1: 5 12-07 3. Seth Feider Day 1: 5 08-03 4. Patrick Walters Day 1: 5 13-03 5. Mark Menendez Day 1: 5 16-02 6. Hank Cherry Jr Day 1: 3 12-14 7. Cliff Prince Day 1: 5 17-12 8. Bryan Schmitt Day 1: 5 15-08 9. Derek Hudnall Day 1: 5 22-05 10. Gary Clouse Day 1: 5 25-12 Belmont, NC 20 79-07 100 $101,000.00
Day 2: 5 20-03 Day 3: 5 21-00 Day 4: 5 26-04
Gonzales, LA 20 69-14 99 $35,000.00
Day 2: 5 22-10 Day 3: 5 23-06 Day 4: 5 11-07
New Market, MN 20 69-06 98 $30,000.00
Day 2: 5 18-08 Day 3: 5 25-08 Day 4: 5 17-03
Summerville, SC 20 68-13 97 $25,000.00
Day 2: 5 19-00 Day 3: 5 26-07 Day 4: 5 10-03
Paducah, KY 20 67-05 96 $20,000.00
Day 2: 5 17-05 Day 3: 5 17-08 Day 4: 5 16-06
Lincolnton, NC 18 66-05 95 $19,000.00
Day 2: 5 17-01 Day 3: 5 23-07 Day 4: 5 12-15
Palatka, FL 20 66-02 94 $18,000.00
Day 2: 5 14-12 Day 3: 5 21-01 Day 4: 5 12-09
Deale, MD 20 64-08 93 $17,000.00
Day 2: 5 15-08 Day 3: 5 21-11 Day 4: 5 11-13
Denham Springs, LA 20 63-03 92 $17,500.00
Day 2: 5 16-00 Day 3: 5 15-04 Day 4: 5 09-10
Winchester, TN 14 54-01 91 $15,000.00
Day 2: 5 19-05 Day 3: 2 06-04 Day 4: 2 02-12

by AnglersChannel

MLF Shifts Dates of Toyota Series Central Opener

Originally Scheduled for Feb. 16-18, Toyota Series Central Opener moves to Feb. 17-19

GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. (Feb. 14, 2021) – Major League Fishing, the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced today that due to inclement weather in the region, the organization will shift the dates for the Toyota Series presented by A.R.E. at Lake Guntersville presented by Googan Baits . The Central division presented by Neat Companies’ season kickoff was originally scheduled Tuesday through Thursday, Feb. 16-18, but has been postponed one day to allow for safer travel conditions. The tournament will now take place Wednesday through Friday, Feb. 17-19, in Guntersville, Alabama.

Anglers will take off daily at 6:30 a.m. CT from Lake Guntersville State Park in Guntersville. Weigh-ins will also be held at the park and will begin at 2:30 p.m. Attendance is limited to competing anglers and essential staff only. Fans are encouraged to follow the event online through the “MLF Live” weigh-in broadcasts and daily coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The 2021 Toyota Series presented by A.R.E. consists of six divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern, Southwestern and Western – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International division. Anglers who fish all three qualifiers in any of the eight divisions and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series presented by A.R.E. Championship for a shot at winning $235,000 cash, including a $35,000 Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus for qualified anglers. The winning Strike King co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard.

The 2021 Toyota Series Championship presented by A.R.E. will be held Oct. 28-30 on Pickwick Lake in Counce, Tennessee, and is hosted by the Hardin County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

by AnglersChannel

Tennessee’s Neece Reclaims Lead at Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit on Lake Okeechobee

CLEWISTON, Fla. (Feb. 13, 2021) – The final day of the Major League Fishing Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, 13 Fishing Stop 1 – Lake Okeechobee in Clewiston, Florida, is gearing up for an intense day of competition on Sunday. The top 10 includes a former FLW Cup champion, a 24-year veteran with 59 top-10 finishes and a standout Abu Garcia College Fishing angler, fishing the Pro Circuit during his sophomore year at Bethel University. Joined by MLF Bass Pro Tour pros Skeet Reese and Chris Lane, the top 10 is a conglomerate of fierce competitors, all with their eye on the championship trophy and the top prize of up to $135,000.

Tennessee rookie Jim Neece, Jr., who led the tournament on Day One, brought a limit of 18 pounds, 2 ounces to the scale on Saturday, moving back into the lead after dropping to 3^rd place on Day Two. Neece’s three-day total of 56 pounds, 11 ounces gives him a slim 10-ounce advantage over pro Miles Burghoff of Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, who dropped to 2^nd place with a limit worth 13 pounds, 2 ounces, for a three-day total of 56 pounds, 1 ounce.

Bass Pro Tour angler Skeet Reese of Auburn, California, (55-5), and pros Bill McDonald of Greenwood, Indiana, (55-4) and Chris Lane of Guntersville, Alabama, (55-4) round out the top five.

Pro Cole Floyd of Leesburg, Ohio, made a jump from 15^th place into 8^th, while pro Ryan Salzman of Huntsville, Alabama , made a dramatic leap from 49^th, into the 10^th and final qualifying spot.

Neece said catching a 7-pound kicker early helped him get the day started in the right direction.

“That 7-pounder was the first bite of the day,” said Neece. “About an hour later, I lost one that was even bigger – it straightened out my hook.”

He said the fish he needs to win are in his area, north of King’s Bar, and he plans to go back again to vie for the win on Sunday.

“I’ve been in the same place all week, but have had to switch baits to get bites,” Neece said. “The first two days, I mainly fished a Zoom Ultra Vibe Speed Worm and a frog, but they just weren’t biting them as well today.”

Due to the changing weather, Neece said he decided to fish a vibrating jig Saturday, which helped him put together his limit.

“I had to switch it up because of all of the wind in my area,” he said. “Today, the [vibrating jig] was the key.”

The top 10 pros after Day Three on Lake Okeechobee are:

1^st:       Jim Neece, Jr., Bristol, Tenn., 15 bass, 56-11
2^nd:      Miles Burghoff, Soddy-Daisy, Tenn., 15 bass, 56-1
3^rd:       Skeet Reese, Auburn, Calif., 15 bass, 55-5
4^th:       Bill McDonald, Greenwood, Ind., 15 bass, 55-4
5^th:       Chris Lane, Guntersville, Ala., 15 bass, 55-4
6^th:       Dicky Newberry, Houston, Texas, 15 bass, 53-6
7^th:       Pete Ponds, Madison, Miss., 15 bass, 50-15
8^th:       Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, 15 bass, 49-15
9^th:       Anthony Gagliardi, Prosperity, S.C., 15 bass, 49-13
10^th:     Ryan Salzman, Huntsville, Ala., 15 bass, 48-7

Anglers finishing 11^th through 20^th are:

11^th:     Rusty Salewske, Alpine, Calif., 15 bass, 46-11, $11,000
12^th:     Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla., 15 bass, 46-9, $11,000
13^th:     Brandon McMillan, Clewiston, Fla., 15 bass, 46-8, $11,000
14^th:     Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., 14 bass, 46-0, $11,000
15^th:     Kurt Mitchell, Milford, Del., 15 bass, 46-0, $11,000
16^th:     Jason Vance, Battle Ground, Ind., 15 bass, 45-5, $11,000
17^th:     Mike Surman, Boca Raton, Fla., 15 bass, 44-13, $11,000
18^th:     Robert Nakatomi, Sacramento, Calif., 15 bass, 44-1, $11,000
19^th:     Dylan Hays, Hot Springs, Ark., 15 bass, 43-4, $11,000
20^th:     Clabion Johns, Social Circle, Ga., 15 bass, 43-1, $11,000

For a full list of results visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Overall, there were 238 bass weighing 603 pounds, 5 ounces caught by 50 pros on Saturday, which included 42 five-bass limits.

The Major League Fishing Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, 13 Fishing Stop 1 – Lake Okeechobee is hosted by the Hendry County Tourism Development Council and Roland & Mary Ann Martin’s Marina & Resort.

In Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit competition, the full field of 162 anglers competed in the two-day opening round on Thursday and Friday. The field was cut to 50 anglers on Saturday. Now, the top 10 pros based on their three-day cumulative weight advance to Sunday where the winner will be determined by the heaviest accumulated weight from all four days of competition.

Anglers will take off at 7:30 a.m. ET on Sunday from Roland and Mary Ann Martin’s Marina and Resort, located at 920 E. Del Monte Ave. in Clewiston. Weigh-in will also be held at the marina on Sunday at 3 p.m. Attendance is limited to competing anglers, family, essential staff and media covering the event. Fans are encouraged to follow the action online through the MLF NOW! live stream and coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com .

The Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, 13 Fishing Stop 1 – Lake Okeechobee will feature live on-the-water coverage and a two-hour action-packed television show that will premiere on the Outdoor Channel on Sunday, July 11 from 7 to 9 a.m. ET and re-air on the Sportsman Channel this fall. Weigh-in will be streamed and fans can catch live on-the-water action all day Sunday, Feb. 14 on MLF NOW! beginning at 8 a.m. ET at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

by AnglersChannel

With Run To Rodman, Walters Takes Lead At Bassmaster Elite On St. Johns River

Patrick Walters, of Summerville, S.C., is leading after Day 3 of the 2021 AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River with a three-day total of 58 pounds, 10 ounces.

Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.

February 13, 2021

PALATKA, Fla. — For three days, the question lingered: would Rodman Reservoir play a significant role in the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River. Today, Patrick Walters of Summerville, S.C., erased any doubt with a five-bass limit of 26 pounds, 7 ounces that gave him the lead with a three-day total of 58-10.

Walters enters Championship Sunday with a 3-ounce lead over Greg Hackney of Gonzales, La.

“Rodman didn’t play two years ago, and it didn’t play last year because (it was in a drawdown). So, I thought it has to be good this year,” Walters said. “I flipped a coin on it and it worked.

“The biggest thing is the time constraint. We need enough time to fish and to come back.”

Located south of Palatka, Rodman is technically upriver, as the St. Johns flows south to north. Covering about 9,500 acres, the reservoir offers an abundance of standing timber and stumps as well as various bank vegetation and floating mats. Anglers access Rodman through a canal and lock west of the river.

With the St. Johns fishery still suffering from massive eelgrass loss suffered during Hurricane Irma in 2017, anglers have been spending more time exploring tributaries and connected lakes. Today, stumps and pads produced all of Walters’ fish.

While Rodman’s timber was reminiscent of Walters’ dominant Lake Fork victory at the 2020 Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest benefitting Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Walters said this week he’s found the bass are in a different stage now.

“I’m using my electronics and I’m catching some fish jerking, but they’re setting up differently,” he said. “These fish are starting to spawn and I’m catching them in transition.

“In practice, they were in the standing timber, but they transitioned up shallow to about 5 feet.”

Walters was not alone in Rodman, but he’s put together the most successful performance. After placing 15th on Day 1 with 13-3, he improved to 10th with a Day 2 limit of 19-0. Today’s bag of 26-7 was the event’s largest catch.

Walters said he executed on his day’s game plan, but he had to chuckle when relating the tale of incidentally finding himself in a productive stretch.

“I was fishing a little stump field and I said ‘I’m going to fish to that little grass mat over there and then I’m going to leave,” Walters explained. “That mat was maybe 100 yards away and as I’m fishing to it, I keep looking up and thinking ‘How have I not made it to that mat?’

“Turns out it was floating and I probably caught eight fish while I was trying to reach it. I just kept working to it and it kept drifting away.”

Walters caught most of his bass on a mix of jerkbaits, which he rotated based on sky conditions and water clarity. He also caught keepers on a Zoom Zlinky and a Fluke Stick. For the plastics, he used Texas-rigging and Neko-rigging techniques.

“I thought I was going to catch them pretty quick this morning with that cloud cover because, in practice, they bit when it was cloudy and rainy; but I started super slow,” Walters said. “Once that sun started peeking out around 10:30, I started catching them.

“The biggest fish I caught was the last spot I hit in Rodman — five minutes before the lock closed. I wanted to hit this stump yesterday, but I would have been late for the lock. So I said, ‘Just save it for (Day 3).’ On my first cast, I caught my 7-pounder on a jerkbait.”

Hackney caught 12-7 on Day 1 to place 19th, then climbed to third on Day 2 with 22-10. On Saturday, he turned in his best effort — a limit of 23-6 — and tallied 58-7.

Hackney committed the majority of his day to a 1/2-mile stretch of cypress shoreline on the east side of Lake George. This habitat, he said, filled the void left by the eelgrass decline.

“Those fish don’t have the stuff they used to have, so that was the next best thing,” he said. “I knew if they lived in the area, that’s where they’d have to spawn.”

Amid the vast cypress habitat, Hackney targeted high spots where bass were most likely to bed. He caught all of his fish on a Strike King Rage Bug (junebug color), Texas rigged on a 5/0 Hack Attack flipping hook and a 1/4-ounce Tour Grade tungsten sinker.

“I was using 25-pound fluorocarbon because I wanted some stretch,” Hackney said. “That water was so shallow, sometimes, you can rip the bait out of their mouth with braid.”

Derek Hudnall of Denham Springs, La., is in third place with 53-9. He placed second on Day 1 with 22-5 and held that spot with a second-round limit of 16-0. Hudnall added 15-4 Saturday.

Returning to a spawning area near Astor (south of Lake George) where he’d fished the previous two days, Hudnall fared well by skipping a wacky-rigged Missile Baits 48 into gaps amid shoreline vegetation. On Friday and Saturday, he lost several key fish that were clearly in bed-guarding mode.

“When they’re spawning, they’re not eating; they’re protecting, so they don’t typically get it really deep,” Hudnall said. “I spent about two hours in my main area and caught a 6-pounder on my first cast and then a couple of little ones.

“It became obvious that this area was gone. I started running new water and filled out my limit in the river while I was running back.”

Hudnall and Brandon Palaniuk of Rathdrum, Idaho, are tied for the lead in the race for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors at 9-8 each.

The Top 10 remaining anglers will take off at 7 a.m. ET from Palatka City Docks. The weigh-in will be held at the Palatka Riverfront Park at 3 p.m. The winner will earn $100,000 and one of the coveted blue trophies awarded to every Elite Series winner.

FS1 will broadcast live from the tournament beginning at 8 a.m. Coverage of the event can be streamed on Bassmaster.com and the FOX Sports digital platforms.

2021 AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River 2/11-2/14
St. Johns River, Palatka, FL
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 3

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$

1. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 15 58-10 100
Day 1: 5 13-03 Day 2: 5 19-00 Day 3: 5 26-07
2. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 15 58-07 99
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 22-10 Day 3: 5 23-06
3. Derek Hudnall Denham Springs, LA 15 53-09 98 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-05 Day 2: 5 16-00 Day 3: 5 15-04
4. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 15 53-09 97
Day 1: 5 17-12 Day 2: 5 14-12 Day 3: 5 21-01
5. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 13 53-06 96
Day 1: 3 12-14 Day 2: 5 17-01 Day 3: 5 23-07
6. Bryan New Belmont, NC 15 53-03 95
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 20-03 Day 3: 5 21-00
7. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 15 52-11 94
Day 1: 5 15-08 Day 2: 5 15-08 Day 3: 5 21-11
8. Seth Feider New Market, MN 15 52-03 93
Day 1: 5 08-03 Day 2: 5 18-08 Day 3: 5 25-08
9. Gary Clouse Winchester, TN 12 51-05 92
Day 1: 5 25-12 Day 2: 5 19-05 Day 3: 2 06-04
10. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 15 50-15 91
Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 17-05 Day 3: 5 17-08
11. Mike Huff Corbin, KY 15 50-14 90 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 19-14 Day 3: 5 18-08
12. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 13 50-04 89 $10,000.00
Day 1: 3 07-05 Day 2: 5 21-12 Day 3: 5 21-03
13. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 15 50-02 88 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 17-03 Day 3: 5 16-06
14. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 14 49-15 87 $11,000.00
Day 1: 4 07-04 Day 2: 5 18-00 Day 3: 5 24-11
15. Wes Logan Springville, AL 15 49-06 86 $11,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 5 21-02 Day 3: 5 17-14
16. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 15 48-11 85 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 16-09 Day 3: 5 18-14
17. Cory Johnston Cavan CANADA 15 48-07 84 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-15 Day 2: 5 14-00 Day 3: 5 16-08
18. Joshua Stracner Vandiver, AL 15 47-14 83 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 14-15 Day 3: 5 16-13
19. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 15 47-13 82 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 09-08 Day 2: 5 17-04 Day 3: 5 21-01
20. Clent Davis Montevallo, AL 15 47-08 81 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 06-04 Day 2: 5 21-05 Day 3: 5 19-15
21. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TN AUSTRALIA 15 43-10 80 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 11-10 Day 3: 5 13-14
22. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 12 43-06 79 $10,000.00
Day 1: 2 03-06 Day 2: 5 23-08 Day 3: 5 16-08
23. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 15 43-06 78 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 5 19-00 Day 3: 5 13-05
24. Jeff Gustafson Keewatin Ontario CANADA 15 42-12 77 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 09-14 Day 2: 5 19-10 Day 3: 5 13-04
25. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 15 42-06 76 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 16-00 Day 3: 5 13-15
26. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 15 42-00 75 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-08 Day 2: 5 16-14 Day 3: 5 14-10
27. Drew Benton Blakely, GA 15 41-08 74 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 09-08 Day 2: 5 18-05 Day 3: 5 13-11
28. Buddy Gross Chickamauga, GA 15 41-05 73 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 5 17-00 Day 3: 5 08-00
29. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 15 41-05 72 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 13-11 Day 3: 5 16-00
30. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 13 41-01 71 $10,000.00
Day 1: 3 07-00 Day 2: 5 17-01 Day 3: 5 17-00
31. Randy Pierson Oakdale, CA 14 41-00 70 $10,000.00
Day 1: 4 11-10 Day 2: 5 11-04 Day 3: 5 18-02
32. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 15 40-08 69 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 07-08 Day 2: 5 16-15 Day 3: 5 16-01
33. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 14 40-01 68 $10,000.00
Day 1: 4 11-11 Day 2: 5 13-11 Day 3: 5 14-11
34. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 15 39-13 67 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 11-09 Day 3: 5 15-14
35. Bill Weidler Helena, AL 15 39-08 66 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 15-03 Day 3: 5 09-08
36. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 13 38-08 65 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 5 12-02 Day 3: 3 12-06
37. John Cox Debary, FL 13 38-07 64 $10,000.00
Day 1: 3 07-01 Day 2: 5 15-07 Day 3: 5 15-15
38. Darold Gleason Many, LA 15 37-08 63 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 10-13 Day 3: 5 15-02
39. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 15 37-03 62 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 12-11 Day 3: 5 12-00
40. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 13 36-13 61 $10,000.00
Day 1: 3 06-02 Day 2: 5 19-13 Day 3: 5 10-14
41. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 15 36-12 60 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 06-12 Day 2: 5 16-04 Day 3: 5 13-12
42. Quentin Cappo Prairieville, LA 15 35-04 59 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 08-07 Day 2: 5 17-04 Day 3: 5 09-09
43. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 15 35-02 58 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 14-05 Day 3: 5 11-00
44. Rob Digh Denver, NC 15 34-01 57 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 08-14 Day 2: 5 15-08 Day 3: 5 09-11
45. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 13 34-00 56 $10,000.00
Day 1: 3 05-09 Day 2: 5 17-01 Day 3: 5 11-06
46. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 15 33-12 55 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 5 12-06 Day 3: 5 10-02
47. Kyle Welcher Opelika, AL 15 32-11 54 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 5 12-12 Day 3: 5 09-08
48. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 14 32-04 53 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 12-04 Day 3: 4 08-10
49. Kenta Kimura Osaka JAPAN 10 32-01 52 $10,000.00
Day 1: 3 05-02 Day 2: 5 20-04 Day 3: 2 06-11
50. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 10 22-09 51 $5,000.00
Day 1: 5 08-04 Day 2: 5 14-05 Day 3: 0 00-00

by AnglersChannel

Lester: St. Johns is Constantly Changing

Courtesy of Luke Stoner - Dynamic Sponsorships

The St. Johns River has been a staple of the Bassmaster Elite Series schedule the past decade, but history can seemingly haunt you on this iconic Florida fishery. Just ask Brandon Lester, who has an impressive resume when competing on this body of water, but swears he has never caught fish in the same area in any of his five trips to Palatka.

Due to factors such as weather, disappearing aquatic vegetation, and water quality Lester believes it’s best to have a short memory when he launches his boat on the St. Johns.

“Every single year we fish here this place is different,” Lester said. “I used to focus exclusively on eel grass when we came here and posted some good finishes doing so. The last two years I’ve caught my fish on more traditional river fishing pieces of hard cover like docks, seas walls, and even wood.”

The Elites have started their season on the St. Johns the past two years and the first day of competition has proved less than desirable for the Team Toyota pro. In 2020 Lester bounced back with a 20-pound five fish limit on day two after a dismal first day. Yesterday Lester rallied with a similar result after bringing nearly 22-pounds of feisty Florida largemouth to the scales.

Throughout his career Lester has proven to be incredibly consistent, so his day one struggles on the St. Johns the past two years has been a bit perplexing to Bassmaster fans and Lester alike. When I asked him why he thinks that’s been the case, the even-keeled Tennesee pro answered with, “change.”

“This place not only changes year to year, but day to day,” Lester explained. “You might find the mother load one day in practice only to find they are gone the next morning. It can be frustrating, but that’s part of the game. One thing that hasn’t changed for me on the St. Johns is it seems I have to fish at a snails pace to really catch them.”

That logic was on full display yesterday when Lester milked one little area for one of the biggest bags of fish of the day. Using a wacky-rigged soft plastic on a #2 Mustad TitanX Neko Hook Lester fished slow and in return moved up the leaderboard fast, entering today in 21^st place.

During the brief fog delay before competition began this morning Lester was all smiles. The weather forecast in Tennessee is currently calling for snow as opposed to the 70-degree weather Elite pros are expecting today. While he is eager to get home to his wife Kimberly and daughters Shiloh and Leann, Lester admitted he isn’t excited to drive his Tundra north out of this Florida weather.

by AnglersChannel

Tennessee’s Burghoff Takes Lead at Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit on Lake Okeechobee

CLEWISTON, Fla. (Feb. 12, 2021) – Pro Miles Burghoff of Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, caught five bass weighing 16 pounds, 13 ounces Friday to take control of the leaderboard after Day Two of the Major League Fishing Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, 13 Fishing Stop 1 – Lake Okeechobee in Clewiston, Florida. Burghoff's two-day total of 10 bass weighing 42 pounds, 15 ounces moved him up into the top spot heading into Day Three after starting the day in second place. The four-day competition, hosted by the Hendry County Tourism Development Council and Roland & Mary Ann Martin's Marina & Resort, features a field of 162 bass fishing professionals from around the world competing for a top cash award of up to $135,000.

MLF Bass Pro Tour pro, Skeet Reese of Auburn, California, jumped from 16^th place into 2^nd, with a five-bass-limit weighing 21 pounds, 9 ounces, for a two-day total of 39 pounds, 5 ounces – just 3-pounds, 10-ounces behind Burghoff.

“It all changed today, and the pressure in my area was incredibly strong,” said Burghoff. “There were 25 boats in that spot and I was within a pitch or two from at least one other boat for the entire day.”

Burghoff said with the amount of pressure being a factor, he tried to find something fresh and target things other anglers may have overlooked.

“I had to switch it up to get bites,” he said. “I was still flipping and pitching, but looked for places others weren’t hitting and tried to find little stretches with less traffic.”

He said his plan for tomorrow is to join the crowd again because he believes there are enough fish in that area to get another solid limit.

“There are still some big females in there so I am going out with the same plan in the morning,” said Burghoff. “I’m sticking with that area until I’m told otherwise by the fish.”

The top 20 pros after Day Two on Lake Okeechobee are:

1^st:       Miles Burghoff, Soddy-Daisy, Tenn., five bass, 42-15
2^nd:      Skeet Reese, Auburn, Calif., five bass, 39-5
3^rd:       Jim Neece, Jr., Bristol, Tenn., five bass, 38-9
4^th:       Dicky Newberry, Houston, Texas, five bass, 38-0
5^th:       Bill McDonald, Greenwood, Ind., five bass, 37-8
6^th:       Anthony Gagliardi, Prosperity, S.C., five bass, 37-6
7^th:       Pete Ponds, Madison, Miss., five bass, 36-12
8^th:       Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., five bass, 36-7
9^th:       Chris Lane, Guntersville, Ala., five bass, 35-8
10^th:     Kurt Mitchell, Milford, Del., five bass, 35-3
11^th:     Mike Surman, Boca Raton, Fla., five bass, 34-11
12^th:     Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla., five bass, 34-9
13^th:     Jamie Horton, Centerville, Ala., five bass, 33-13
14^th:     Jason Vance, Battle Ground, Ind. five bass, 32-12
15^th:     Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, five bass, 32-6
16^th:     Dylan Hays, Hot Springs, Ark., five bass, 32-1
17^th:     Rusty Salewske, Alpine, Calif., five bass, 31-9
18^th:     Matt Reed, Madisonville, Texas, five bass, 31-6
19^th:     Jim Tutt, Longview, Texas, five bass, 31-4
20^th:     Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., five bass, 31-4

For a full list of results and to see the top 50 anglers that will continue to Day Three, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.Reese won the day’s $500 Berkley Big Bass award, bringing a largemouth weighing 8 pounds, 8 ounces to the scale.

Overall, there were 741 bass weighing 1,773 pounds, 2 ounces caught by 162 pros on Thursday, which included 131 five-bass limits.

In Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit competition, the full field of 162 anglers competed in the two-day opening round on Thursday and Friday. Now, the top 50 pros based on their two-day cumulative weight advance to Saturday. Only the top 10 pros continue competition on Sunday, with the winner determined by the heaviest accumulated weight from the four days of competition.

Anglers will take off at 7:30 a.m. ET Saturday and Sunday from Roland and Mary Ann Martin’s Marina and Resort, located at 920 E. Del Monte Ave. in Clewiston. Weigh-ins will also be held at the marina daily at 3 p.m. Attendance is limited to competing anglers, family, essential staff and media covering the event. Fans are encouraged to follow the action online through the MLF NOW! live stream and coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, 13 Fishing Stop 1 – Lake Okeechobee will feature live on-the-water coverage and a two-hour action-packed television show that will premiere on the Outdoor Channel on Sunday, July 11 from 7 to 9 a.m. ET and re-air on the Sportsman Channel this fall. Weigh-ins will be streamed daily and fans can catch live on-the-water action all day Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 13-14 on MLF NOW! beginning at 8 a.m. ET at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

by AnglersChannel

Clouse Maintains Lead At Bassmaster Elite Series Event On The St. Johns River

Gary Clouse, of Winchester, Tenn., is leading after Day 2 of the 2021 AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River with a two-day total of 45 pounds, 1 ounce.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
February 12, 2021

PALATKA, Fla. — Despite having longer to fish on Friday, Gary Clouse found fewer big bites than he did during Thursday’s fog-shortened first round.

Nevertheless, the Tennessee angler sacked up a five-bass limit of 19 pounds, 5 ounces and held on to his lead in the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at the St. Johns River with a two-day total of 45-1.

Clouse is making a nearly two-hour run south of Palatka, so Thursday’s fog delay, which postponed the scheduled 7 a.m. takeoff until 10:15, left him with about an hour of actual fishing time. Despite the limitation, he led the day with a limit of 25-12 — the tournament’s heaviest catch so far.

On Friday, Clouse seemed to have a hard time replicating his opening results, which he called the most amazing day of fishing he’s ever experienced.

“It was a struggle today, but I’ll take it,” Clouse said. “Yesterday, I caught everything in an hour; today it took me four hours to get what I had. I think I’m wearing my area out; I hope there are some more coming in.

“Yesterday was one of those days you dream about as a fisherman. Everything just worked. Today, I didn’t fish as well; I think I was a little amped up early. I don’t feel like I presented my baits as well, and I moved around too fast.”

Clouse is targeting small patches of reeds scattered across a supershallow flat. Some of the bass were relating to the cover, while others positioned around the perimeter.

“I caught my first big one out away from it and I caught my second big one close to it; I think they’re just roaming around back there,” Clouse said. “I really haven’t seen any fish on a bed. I’ve seen some beds, but it’s hard to tell what’s going on because I have to stay way back and there’s so many other fish — tilapia, carp — back there.

“I can’t say that I’m bed fishing. They’re just in there roaming around and possibly trying to bed.”

Clouse used a 1/4-ounce swim jig and a 1/4-ounce ChatterBait, both with Yamamoto Zako trailers, to cover water and find fish. He didn’t end up weighing anything on the reaction baits, but they helped him locate active areas where a Texas-rigged Zoom Magnum Ultravibe Speed Worm earned the bites.

Around 1 p.m., with a limit of approximately 15-4, Clouse switched from braided line to fluorocarbon. Within minutes, he caught a 6-2 that culled out a 1 1/2-pounder (all weights estimated per BassTrakk).

The warming trend that arrived Wednesday has prompted good numbers of big bass to move into spawning zones like the one Clouse has been fishing. However, after two days of stable weather, Saturday’s forecast for wind and rain will likely change the playing field.

This won’t necessarily kill the bite. But shallow, exposed areas like Clouse's will likely get blown out at some point. He’s hopeful he can squeeze another day of productivity and secure a Top 10 spot for Championship Sunday.

“If I have to try something different, I’m in trouble,” Clouse said. “I tried for three days in practice and that’s all I have.”

Derek Hudnall of Denham Springs, La., remains in second place with 38-5. Sticking with the same game plan that yielded 22-5 on Day 1, he added 16-0 Friday.

Hudnall has been targeting spawning fish tucked into gaps in shoreline cover by skipping a wacky-rigged Missile Baits 48 worm in the bruiser flash and junebug colors with 15-pound braided line facilitating precise presentations.

Today, after missing several big-fish opportunities, Hudnall made a key adjustment.

“I had a handful of big ones that had the bait for just a second and would just pull off immediately,” he said. “It was really hard to get that bait in their mouth, but around midday, I downsized my hook from a Size 1 Gamakatsu G-Finesse Weedless Stinger Hook, to a Size 2.

“It’s not (significantly) smaller but can make a difference. When I made that adjustment, I started hooking up with more of those fish. They’re locked on beds right now, so they’re not eating; they’re 100% protecting.”

Greg Hackney of Gonzales, La., is in third place with 35-1. Clearly benefiting from a full fishing day, Hackney gained 13 spots by adding 22-10 to his Day-1 weight of 12-7.

“Today, I just got to fish a lot slower,” Hackney said. “I just fished over those fish yesterday. I knew they were there yesterday, but I just couldn’t slow down enough to catch them, because I knew I had to catch five so I fished a little quicker.

“Today, I fished the same 300-yard stretch, and it took me all day. I seined it, and I’m going to go back there tomorrow. I knew better than to leave because I’d see them every now and then.”

Hackney said his spot is a protected shoreline with a mix of wood cover and shallow vegetation — an ideal spawning scenario. He caught all of his fish by flipping a Strike King Rage Craw.

Hudnall is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 9-8.

The Top 50 remaining anglers will take off Saturday from Palatka City Docks at 7 a.m. ET. Saturday’s weigh-in will be held at Palatka Riverfront Park at 3 p.m., with only the Top 10 anglers advancing to Championship Sunday.

FS1 will broadcast live from the tournament beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Coverage of the event can be streamed on Bassmaster.com and the FOX Sports digital platforms.
The AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River is being hosted by the Putnam County Tourist Development Council and Putnam County Chamber of Commerce.

AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River Video Highlights (For media use. Please credit B.A.S.S.)

Media Contact: Emily Harley, B.A.S.S. Communications Manager, 205-313-0945, [email protected]

2021 AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River 2/11-2/14
St. Johns River, Palatka, FL.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 2

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$

1. Gary Clouse Winchester, TN 10 45-01 100
Day 1: 5 25-12 Day 2: 5 19-05
2. Derek Hudnall Denham Springs, LA 10 38-05 99 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-05 Day 2: 5 16-00
3. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 10 35-01 98
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 22-10
4. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 10 33-12 97
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 17-03
5. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 10 33-07 96
Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 17-05
6. Buddy Gross Chickamauga, GA 10 33-05 95
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 5 17-00
7. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 10 32-08 94
Day 1: 5 17-12 Day 2: 5 14-12
8. Mike Huff Corbin, KY 10 32-06 93
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 19-14
9. Bryan New Belmont, NC 10 32-03 92
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 20-03
10. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 10 32-03 91
Day 1: 5 13-03 Day 2: 5 19-00
11. Cory Johnston Cavan CANADA 10 31-15 90
Day 1: 5 17-15 Day 2: 5 14-00
12. Wes Logan Springville, AL 10 31-08 89 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 5 21-02
13. Joshua Stracner Vandiver, AL 10 31-01 88
Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 14-15
14. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 10 31-00 87
Day 1: 5 15-08 Day 2: 5 15-08
15. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 10 30-01 86
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 5 19-00
16. Bill Weidler Helena, AL 10 30-00 85
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 15-03
17. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 8 29-15 84
Day 1: 3 12-14 Day 2: 5 17-01
18. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 10 29-13 83
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 16-09
19. Carl Jocumsen Queensland AUSTRALIA 10 29-12 82
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 11-10
20. Jeff Gustafson Keewatin Ontario CANADA 10 29-08 81
Day 1: 5 09-14 Day 2: 5 19-10
21. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 8 29-01 80
Day 1: 3 07-05 Day 2: 5 21-12
22. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 10 28-07 79
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 16-00
23. Drew Benton Blakely, GA 10 27-13 78
Day 1: 5 09-08 Day 2: 5 18-05
24. Clent Davis Montevallo, AL 10 27-09 77
Day 1: 5 06-04 Day 2: 5 21-05
25. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 10 27-06 76
Day 1: 5 10-08 Day 2: 5 16-14
26. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 7 26-14 75
Day 1: 2 03-06 Day 2: 5 23-08
27. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 10 26-12 74
Day 1: 5 09-08 Day 2: 5 17-04
28. Seth Feider New Market, MN 10 26-11 73
Day 1: 5 08-03 Day 2: 5 18-08
29. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 10 26-02 72
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 5 12-02
30. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 8 25-15 71
Day 1: 3 06-02 Day 2: 5 19-13
31. Quentin Cappo Prairieville, LA 10 25-11 70
Day 1: 5 08-07 Day 2: 5 17-04
32. Kenta Kimura Osaka JAPAN 8 25-06 69
Day 1: 3 05-02 Day 2: 5 20-04
33. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 9 25-06 68
Day 1: 4 11-11 Day 2: 5 13-11
34. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 10 25-05 67
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 13-11
35. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 9 25-04 66
Day 1: 4 07-04 Day 2: 5 18-00
36. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 10 25-03 65
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 12-11
37. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 10 24-07 64
Day 1: 5 07-08 Day 2: 5 16-15
38. Rob Digh Denver, NC 10 24-06 63
Day 1: 5 08-14 Day 2: 5 15-08
39. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 10 24-02 62
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 14-05
40. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 8 24-01 61
Day 1: 3 07-00 Day 2: 5 17-01
41. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 10 23-15 60
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 11-09
42. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 10 23-10 59
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 5 12-06
43. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 10 23-10 58
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 12-04
44. Kyle Welcher Opelika, AL 10 23-03 57
Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 5 12-12
45. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 10 23-00 56
Day 1: 5 06-12 Day 2: 5 16-04
46. Randy Pierson Oakdale, CA 9 22-14 55
Day 1: 4 11-10 Day 2: 5 11-04
47. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 8 22-10 54
Day 1: 3 05-09 Day 2: 5 17-01
48. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 10 22-09 53
Day 1: 5 08-04 Day 2: 5 14-05
49. John Cox Debary, FL 8 22-08 52
Day 1: 3 07-01 Day 2: 5 15-07
50. Darold Gleason Many, LA 10 22-06 51
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 10-13
51. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 10 22-01 50 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 07-07
52. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 8 21-11 49 $2,500.00
Day 1: 3 06-05 Day 2: 5 15-06
53. Robbie Latuso Gonzales, LA 7 20-15 48 $2,500.00
Day 1: 2 03-03 Day 2: 5 17-12
54. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 8 20-12 47 $2,500.00
Day 1: 3 05-01 Day 2: 5 15-11
55. Clark Wendlandt Leander, TX 10 20-06 46 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 09-11
56. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 9 20-04 45 $2,500.00
Day 1: 4 06-10 Day 2: 5 13-10
57. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 9 20-01 44 $2,500.00
Day 1: 4 06-01 Day 2: 5 14-00
58. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 10 19-11 43 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 08-11 Day 2: 5 11-00
59. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 10 19-09 42 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 08-03
59. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 10 19-09 42 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 08-03 Day 2: 5 11-06
61. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 8 19-08 40 $2,500.00
Day 1: 3 11-10 Day 2: 5 07-14
62. Tyler Carriere Youngsville, LA 10 19-08 39 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 09-08 Day 2: 5 10-00
63. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 9 19-06 38 $2,500.00
Day 1: 4 06-04 Day 2: 5 13-02
64. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 10 19-06 37 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 08-14 Day 2: 5 10-08
65. Koby Kreiger Alva, FL 8 19-04 36 $2,500.00
Day 1: 3 08-14 Day 2: 5 10-06
66. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 8 18-12 35 $2,500.00
Day 1: 4 06-00 Day 2: 4 12-12
67. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 7 18-11 34 $2,500.00
Day 1: 2 03-04 Day 2: 5 15-07
68. Kyle Monti Okeechobee, FL 10 18-10 33 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 08-09 Day 2: 5 10-01
69. Frank Talley Temple, TX 10 18-00 32 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 5 06-03
70. Chad Morgenthaler Reeds Spring, MO 10 17-13 31 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 06-15 Day 2: 5 10-14
71. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 9 17-04 30 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 4 05-15
72. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 8 16-06 29 $2,500.00
Day 1: 3 10-04 Day 2: 5 06-02
73. Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 8 15-14 28 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 08-07 Day 2: 3 07-07
74. Taku Ito Chiba JAPAN 8 15-09 27 $2,500.00
Day 1: 3 05-08 Day 2: 5 10-01
75. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 8 15-08 26 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 3 03-14
76. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 7 15-05 25
Day 1: 3 06-14 Day 2: 4 08-07
77. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 10 15-04 24
Day 1: 5 07-01 Day 2: 5 08-03
78. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 6 15-03 23
Day 1: 1 02-01 Day 2: 5 13-02
79. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 6 14-06 22
Day 1: 1 01-02 Day 2: 5 13-04
80. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 5 14-02 21
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 14-02
81. Chris Groh Spring Grove, IL 7 13-09 20
Day 1: 3 05-09 Day 2: 4 08-00
82. Skylar Hamilton Dandridge, TN 8 13-08 19
Day 1: 3 04-05 Day 2: 5 09-03
83. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 8 13-06 18
Day 1: 3 05-05 Day 2: 5 08-01
84. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 6 13-00 17
Day 1: 1 02-02 Day 2: 5 10-14
85. Jay Yelas Lincoln City, OR 5 13-00 16
Day 1: 4 09-15 Day 2: 1 03-01
86. Randy Sullivan Breckenridge, TX 6 12-13 15
Day 1: 2 04-00 Day 2: 4 08-13
87. Bob Downey Hudson, WI 8 12-11 14
Day 1: 5 08-05 Day 2: 3 04-06
88. Rick Morris Lake Gaston, VA 7 12-09 13
Day 1: 2 04-01 Day 2: 5 08-08
89. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 7 11-07 12
Day 1: 2 03-01 Day 2: 5 08-06
90. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 6 10-01 11
Day 1: 1 02-11 Day 2: 5 07-06
91. Jake Whitaker Fairview, NC 4 09-00 10
Day 1: 1 01-01 Day 2: 3 07-15
92. Destin DeMarion Grove City, PA 4 07-09 9
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 4 07-09
93. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 4 07-01 8
Day 1: 1 03-00 Day 2: 3 04-01
94. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 2 05-10 7
Day 1: 1 02-10 Day 2: 1 03-00
95. Cody Hollen Beaverton, OR 4 05-09 6
Day 1: 3 04-02 Day 2: 1 01-07
96. Dale Hightower Mannford, OK 3 05-07 5
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 05-07
97. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR 3 05-05 4
Day 1: 1 00-15 Day 2: 2 04-06
98. Brett Preuett Monroe, LA 2 02-15 3
Day 1: 2 02-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
99. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Derek Hudnall Denham Springs, LA 09-08 $1,000.00
2 Wes Logan Springville, AL 08-08 $1,000.00

by AnglersChannel

U.S. Army Signs as Title Sponsor of MLF High School Fishing

First 25 Teams to Enter Each Tournament Receives Favorite Fishing Package Valued at Over $230, Winners Earn Fishing Trip with Top Pros

TULSA, Okla. (Feb. 11, 2021) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today that the U.S. Army, the largest military branch in the United States with more than 700,000 soldiers – has signed on as the title sponsor for the 2021 season of MLF High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing.

With multiple scholarship and advancement opportunities and a partnership with The Bass Federation (TBF) – including the opportunity to compete for more than $3 million in scholarships and prizes at the High School Fishing National Championship and World Finals – MLF High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing is an excellent introduction to tournament bass fishing for teenage anglers.

“This partnership will allow the U.S. Army to connect with today’s outdoor enthusiasts across the United States,” said Sgt. 1st Class Andrew M. Benedict, Army Outdoor Team Leader. “We will share our experiences in the Army and demonstrate that you can serve your country while still pursuing your passions in the woods or on the water.

“We will also highlight how the U.S. Army assists soldiers in continuing the pursuit of their passions through programs such as Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) and others, where soldiers can rent equipment or book hunting expeditions around the world.”

“We are thrilled to welcome the U.S. Army and their Army Outdoors Team to our fishing family,” said Jim Wilburn, MLF President and CEO. “The U.S. Army’s diverse range of individual soldiers with unique backgrounds and heart-felt passions creates a seamless connection with the youth of today. We are excited to explore this partnership throughout the 2021 season and to continue to invest in our students across the nation.”

U.S. Army High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing tournaments are two-person (team) events for students in grades 7-12 and are open to any SAF-affiliated high school team in the United States. The top 10-percent of each High School Open, TBF State Championship and TBF Challenge tournament held prior to June 14, 2021, will advance to the 2021 U.S. Army High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing National Championship, held in conjunction with the High School Fishing World Finals June 30-July 3 on Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina. Launched by TBF in 2010, the World Final is the world’s largest open high school bass tournament, where student anglers compete for more than $3 million in scholarships and prizes.

For more information about MLF, their tournaments and sponsors, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. To learn more about the U.S. Army, visit GoArmy.com or follow Army Outdoor social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the U.S. Army High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing on the MLF BIG5 social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

by AnglersChannel

AC Rookie Podcast - Time to Shine

On this weeks Rookie Podcast Jason checks in with MLF Big 5 Pro Circuit Rookie Trevor Fitzgerald. TF has been in this game in multiple facets for a long time and now its his time to play with the boys and show them how its done.

by AnglersChannel

Mercury Introduces the 7.6L V12 600hp Verado

Mercury Marine introduces the all‑new V12 600hp Verado engine — redefining outboard performance

FOND DU LAC, Wis. (Feb. 11, 2021) — Mercury Marine^®, a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), today introduced the new 7.6‑liter V12 600hp Verado^® outboard engine. With this launch, Mercury continues to transform the high‑horsepower outboard market, providing its most powerful and capable outboard, which includes several industry‑first features for a wide variety of applications.

“With boats continuing to grow bigger and performance expectations continuing to rise, boaters have been asking for a better, more capable high‑horsepower solution to meet their needs. The V12 Verado outboard is Mercury’s answer,” said Chris Drees, Mercury Marine president. “Using our advanced engineering and design capabilities, we completely redefined outboard performance. The V12 Verado outboard delivers boaters unrivaled freedom, luxury and power to pursue their passions on the water. This is a remarkable engine that will change the future of boating.”

Groundbreaking product innovations include the following:

The world’s first V12 outboard, the 600hp Verado engine features a naturally aspirated, large‑displacement, quad‑cam powerhead that generates impressive torque to get heavy boats out of the hole and on plane quickly, and to accelerate up to rated speed rapidly.
The industry’s first two‑speed automatic transmission for an outboard optimizes engine rpm according to workload, facilitating powerful acceleration and highly efficient performance at cruise.
The industry’s first steerable gearcase on an outboard pivots independently underwater while the engine’s powerhead remains in a space‑saving fixed position. This provides more room for multi‑engine configurations and a wider steering angle for agile handling. With help from contra‑rotating propellers, it also has better “bite” in the water for docking and other close‑quarters maneuvering.
Several enhanced Mercury technologies work in conjunction to enable the V12 Verado outboard to deliver exceptional fuel economy and range.

“The V12 Verado outboard delivers everything boaters want and more in a high-horsepower outboard. This engine makes boats easy to maneuver near the dock and provides superior handling at all speeds. It’s incredibly fuel efficient, so boaters can go farther and stay out longer. It’s so smooth and quiet that you can have a conversation while the engines are running. It’s durable, reliable and easy to maintain. There’s nothing else like the V12 Verado outboard in the marketplace today,” Drees said.

The development of the V12 Verado outboard is a product of Mercury’s continued commitment to investing in R&D and manufacturing expansion, which includes more than $1.5 billion of investment since 2008.

“We’ve dedicated substantial investments and years of effort toward enhancing our ability to turn highly creative ideas into practical, functional and dependable solutions,” said Tim Reid, Mercury Marine vice president of development and engineering. “That work has positioned us well to anticipate and respond to shifts in the marketplace. We listened carefully to boaters’ needs and wishes, and we created new product capabilities aimed at exceeding their highest expectations.”

The Mercury Marine V12 Verado outboard will be available this spring. For more information, visit mercurymarine.com/v12.

For more information on the V12 Verado outboard’s features and benefits, see the Innovations and Advancements document.

See the V12 Verado product‑launch video on the Mercury Marine Facebook page.

by AnglersChannel

Gleason trades Sumrall ham for hooks

Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships

Bassmaster Elite Series rookie Darold Gleason is a combination of mature fishing talent, a big heart, hard work, and endlessly hilarious one-liners. In the 15 years I’ve known him, I’ve never seen him in a sour mood.

In fact, if you need a little boost for your spirit, or inspiration for what a great relationship should look like, put yourself in the presence of Darold and wife Randi, who has earned 10 pink Cadillacs as a Mary Kay cosmetics consultant.

But when Gleason found himself in need of Gamakatsu flipping hooks prior to the start of Day 2 on the St. Johns, he phoned close friend and fellow Elite Series pro Caleb Sumrall -- and started bartering with ham.

Not just any ham. This is ham from their home state of Louisiana from highly famous Grayson’s BBQ, where people reserve their smoked hams a year in advance of the holiday season.

Randi got this morning’s particular pork from Aunt Bonnie who used to live in Louisiana, but now lives in South Florida, and has Grayson’s hams shipped to her. She traveled five hours to the Elite Series this week to cheer on Darold, and thought she’d bring them a taste of home.

Randi paired the ham slices with off-the-block extra sharp cheddar slices, and tucked them into a warm croissant, then transported them to morning blast off in tinfoil.

Gleason, who has caught 10 bass over 10 pounds from his home waters of Toledo Bend, ate three of the morning treats quickly, but held back the fourth for Sumrall in exchange for flippin hooks.

Sumrall, who is built like an outside linebacker, thought it was a more than fair deal. He met Gleason when he was still working in the oil field supply yard, and the two were making their way upward through the Cajun State’s highly competitive amateur bass fishing ranks.

Sumrall had a really tough day Thursday, but Gleason, who is focused on catching spawning fish, sits solidly in 29^th place heading into Friday’s competition.

Surely both will have a good Friday. It seems impossible not to when fueled by great friendship, sharp flippin’ hooks, and a belly full of homemade Grayson’s ham and sharp cheddar breakfast croissants.

by AnglersChannel

Clouse Makes Long Run To Take Lead At Bassmaster Elite On St. Johns River

Gary Clouse, of Winchester, Tenn., is leading after Day 1 of the 2021 AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River with 25 pounds, 12 ounces.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
February 11, 2021

PALATKA, Fla. — Gary Clouse knew what he had to do, and he was determined that not even a three-hour fog delay was going to stop him.

It was a good call for the Tennessee pro who caught a five-bass limit that weighed 25 pounds, 12 ounces Thursday to lead Day 1 of the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at the St. Johns River.

After dense fog created hazardous navigational conditions, B.A.S.S. delayed Thursday’s scheduled 7 a.m. takeoff until 10:15.

Taking off in the 69th position in a field of 99 boats, Clouse had plenty of time to contemplate his game plan, which involved making what he called a long run.

“I was fishing bedding areas and bed fish too; it was a little of both,” Clouse said. “I feel like the fish are coming to me because I went into this area in practice and I had a couple of bites, but I had no idea it was going to be loaded like that.”

With this week’s new moon plus a warming trend that started Wednesday, the stage was set for a textbook spawning movement. Clouse said he believed his distant spot offered him the best opportunity, but he admits he had to ignore his mental question marks.

“I had all kinds of doubts while I was running,” he said. “I thought maybe I should just pull over here and try to catch one. That crossed my mind — like I shouldn’t make this run.

“It was a huge gamble. The smarter money would have been to stay close and get a couple fish and hopefully get a long day tomorrow. But I just decided to go for it and I’m glad I did.”

Clouse was understandably guarded with his tactical details, but he said he caught his fish on a mix of moving baits and reaction baits. Targeting bass that were moving up to spawn, he had only six bites, but they were mostly quality fish.

“It really didn’t matter what you threw,” Clouse said. “You just had to get around one.”

The smallest bass in Clouse’s bag was a 2-pounder. According to BassTrakk, between 1:51 and 2:37, he caught three in the 5-pound class and one about 4 pounds.

“I had a really unbelievable day; things just went right,” he said. “It was just my day. There wasn’t anything magical about it. Everything lined up for me.

“I may have burned up everything I had. I could zero tomorrow probably easier than catching 25 pounds. We’ll see what happens.”

Derek Hudnall of Baton Rouge, La., is in second place with 22-5. Making a long run south, Hudnall focused on areas with gaps and openings in shoreline vegetation where spawning fish would likely position themselves out of sight.

“I’m not looking at these fish,” Hudnall said. “It’s extremely shallow, and anywhere those fish can get to the bank, that’s where they’re moving up and spawning.

“If you have available cover, like an overhanging limb, and the fish can get to the bank, that’s where the fish are going to spawn. This area has some great big ones in it, and when those fish move up, I can pinpoint where those fish are going to be.”

Hudnall caught all of his bass on a wacky-rigged Missile Baits 48 worm in the bruiser flash and junebug colors. Fishing his bait on 15-pound braided line was essential for making long skips into the cover to avoid spooking the fish.

Australian pro Carl Jocumsen is in third place with 18-2. Running about an hour south of takeoff was a risky call for him as well, but Jocumsen said practice allowed him to dial in an area with the right mix of habitat and conditions.

“I fished from one end of (tournament waters) to the other, and I felt like that was the area where it was going to happen,” he said. “I started to see better water temperature, more life and fish.

“I targeted anywhere I thought they were going to spawn and anywhere I thought no one else was casting. I wasn’t looking at them, I’m just fishing where I think they are and I think that’s helping me run into some fresh fish.”

Jocumsen caught his bass on a Texas-rigged X Zone Lures Deception Worm in the plum color.

Hudnall is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 9-8.

Friday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. ET from Palatka City Docks. The weigh-in will be held at Palatka Riverfront Park at 3 p.m.

After Friday’s round, only the Top 50 anglers will advance to Saturday’s semifinals. The Top 10 remaining pros will fish Championship Sunday with a chance at the $100,000 first-place prize.

Live coverage of the event can be streamed on Bassmaster.com and the FOX Sports digital platforms. FS1 will also broadcast live from the tournament beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
The AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River is being hosted by the Putnam County Tourist Development Council and Putnam County Chamber of Commerce.

2021 AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River 2/11-2/14
St. Johns River, Palatka, FL.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$

1. Gary Clouse Winchester, TN 5 25-12 100
Day 1: 5 25-12
2. Derek Hudnall Denham Springs, LA 5 22-05 99 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-05
3. Carl Jocumsen Queensland AUSTRALIA 5 18-02 98
Day 1: 5 18-02
4. Cory Johnston Cavan CANADA 5 17-15 97
Day 1: 5 17-15
5. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 5 17-12 96
Day 1: 5 17-12
6. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 5 16-09 95
Day 1: 5 16-09
7. Buddy Gross Chickamauga, GA 5 16-05 94
Day 1: 5 16-05
8. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 16-02 93
Day 1: 5 16-02
8. Joshua Stracner Vandiver, AL 5 16-02 93
Day 1: 5 16-02
10. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 5 15-08 91
Day 1: 5 15-08
11. Bill Weidler Helena, AL 5 14-13 90
Day 1: 5 14-13
12. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 5 14-10 89
Day 1: 5 14-10
13. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 5 14-00 88
Day 1: 5 14-00
14. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 5 13-04 87
Day 1: 5 13-04
15. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 5 13-03 86
Day 1: 5 13-03
16. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 3 12-14 85
Day 1: 3 12-14
17. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 5 12-08 84
Day 1: 5 12-08
17. Mike Huff Corbin, KY 5 12-08 84
Day 1: 5 12-08
19. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 12-07 82
Day 1: 5 12-07
19. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 5 12-07 82
Day 1: 5 12-07
21. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 5 12-06 80
Day 1: 5 12-06
22. Bryan New Belmont, NC 5 12-00 79
Day 1: 5 12-00
23. Frank Talley Temple, TX 5 11-13 78
Day 1: 5 11-13
24. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 4 11-11 77
Day 1: 4 11-11
25. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 5 11-10 76
Day 1: 5 11-10
25. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 5 11-10 76
Day 1: 5 11-10
27. Randy Pierson Oakdale, CA 4 11-10 74
Day 1: 4 11-10
28. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 3 11-10 73
Day 1: 3 11-10
29. Darold Gleason Many, LA 5 11-09 72
Day 1: 5 11-09
30. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 5 11-06 71
Day 1: 5 11-06
30. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 5 11-06 71
Day 1: 5 11-06
32. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 5 11-05 69
Day 1: 5 11-05
33. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 5 11-04 68
Day 1: 5 11-04
34. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 5 11-01 67
Day 1: 5 11-01
35. Clark Wendlandt Leander, TX 5 10-11 66
Day 1: 5 10-11
36. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 5 10-08 65
Day 1: 5 10-08
37. Kyle Welcher Opelika, AL 5 10-07 64
Day 1: 5 10-07
38. Wes Logan Springville, AL 5 10-06 63
Day 1: 5 10-06
39. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 3 10-04 62
Day 1: 3 10-04
40. Jay Yelas Lincoln City, OR 4 09-15 61
Day 1: 4 09-15
41. Jeff Gustafson Keewatin Ontario CANADA 5 09-14 60
Day 1: 5 09-14
42. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 5 09-13 59
Day 1: 5 09-13
43. Drew Benton Blakely, GA 5 09-08 58
Day 1: 5 09-08
43. Tyler Carriere Youngsville, LA 5 09-08 58
Day 1: 5 09-08
43. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 5 09-08 58
Day 1: 5 09-08
46. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 5 08-14 55
Day 1: 5 08-14
47. Rob Digh Denver, NC 5 08-14 54
Day 1: 5 08-14
48. Koby Kreiger Alva, FL 3 08-14 53
Day 1: 3 08-14
49. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 5 08-11 52
Day 1: 5 08-11
50. Kyle Monti Okeechobee, FL 5 08-09 51
Day 1: 5 08-09
51. Quentin Cappo Prairieville, LA 5 08-07 50
Day 1: 5 08-07
51. Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 5 08-07 50
Day 1: 5 08-07
53. Bob Downey Hudson, WI 5 08-05 48
Day 1: 5 08-05
54. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 5 08-04 47
Day 1: 5 08-04
55. Seth Feider New Market, MN 5 08-03 46
Day 1: 5 08-03
55. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 5 08-03 46
Day 1: 5 08-03
57. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 5 07-08 44
Day 1: 5 07-08
58. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 3 07-05 43
Day 1: 3 07-05
59. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 4 07-04 42
Day 1: 4 07-04
60. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 5 07-01 41
Day 1: 5 07-01
61. John Cox Debary, FL 3 07-01 40
Day 1: 3 07-01
62. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 3 07-00 39
Day 1: 3 07-00
63. Chad Morgenthaler Reeds Spring, MO 5 06-15 38
Day 1: 5 06-15
64. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 3 06-14 37
Day 1: 3 06-14
65. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 5 06-12 36
Day 1: 5 06-12
66. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 4 06-10 35
Day 1: 4 06-10
67. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 3 06-05 34
Day 1: 3 06-05
68. Clent Davis Montevallo, AL 5 06-04 33
Day 1: 5 06-04
69. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 4 06-04 32
Day 1: 4 06-04
70. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 3 06-02 31
Day 1: 3 06-02
71. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 4 06-01 30
Day 1: 4 06-01
72. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 4 06-00 29
Day 1: 4 06-00
73. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 3 05-09 28
Day 1: 3 05-09
73. Chris Groh Spring Grove, IL 3 05-09 28
Day 1: 3 05-09
75. Taku Ito Chiba JAPAN 3 05-08 26
Day 1: 3 05-08
76. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 3 05-05 25
Day 1: 3 05-05
77. Kenta Kimura Osaka JAPAN 3 05-02 24
Day 1: 3 05-02
78. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 3 05-01 23
Day 1: 3 05-01
79. Skylar Hamilton Dandridge, TN 3 04-05 22
Day 1: 3 04-05
80. Cody Hollen Beaverton, OR 3 04-02 21
Day 1: 3 04-02
81. Rick Morris Lake Gaston, VA 2 04-01 20
Day 1: 2 04-01
82. Randy Sullivan Breckenridge, TX 2 04-00 19
Day 1: 2 04-00
83. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 2 03-06 18
Day 1: 2 03-06
84. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 2 03-04 17
Day 1: 2 03-04
85. Robbie Latuso Gonzales, LA 2 03-03 16
Day 1: 2 03-03
86. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 2 03-01 15
Day 1: 2 03-01
87. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 1 03-00 14
Day 1: 1 03-00
88. Brett Preuett Monroe, LA 2 02-15 13
Day 1: 2 02-15
89. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 1 02-11 12
Day 1: 1 02-11
90. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 1 02-10 11
Day 1: 1 02-10
91. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 1 02-02 10
Day 1: 1 02-02
92. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 1 02-01 9
Day 1: 1 02-01
93. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 1 01-02 8
Day 1: 1 01-02
94. Jake Whitaker Fairview, NC 1 01-01 7
Day 1: 1 01-01
95. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR 1 00-15 6
Day 1: 1 00-15
96. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
96. Destin DeMarion Grove City, PA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
96. Dale Hightower Mannford, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
96. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Derek Hudnall Denham Springs, LA 09-08 $1,000.00

by AnglersChannel

Tennessee Rookie Neece Leads Day One of Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Season Opener on Lake Okeechobee

CLEWISTON, Fla. (Feb. 11, 2021) – Bass fishing professionals from around the world began their four-day competition for a top award of up to $135,000 at the Major League Fishing Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, 13 Fishing Stop 1 – Lake Okeechobee on Thursday. Rookie pro Jim Neece, Jr. of Bristol, Tennessee, weighed a five-bass limit totaling 27 pounds even, to take the early lead after Day One. Neece holds a 14-ounce lead over pro Miles Burghoff of Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, who caught five bass weighing 26-2, good for second place.

“I got to my spot on the north end of the lake and had no idea what it was going to be like until I pulled up on it,” said Neece. “I quickly caught a solid bass and then four more between 9:30 and 10 (a.m.), but only had about 12 pounds.”

Neece said about an hour later the fish really turned on.

“I just kept throwing moving baits and about noon the big ones started to hit. I caught 15 keepers and ended the day with two 7-pound bass and three more smaller ones.”

Neece said his plan is to go back to the same spot tomorrow and hope his luck holds.

“Practice went okay, but with two days of practice you can’t really sit and catch them, so you just try to get bit and hope for the best when you come back,” he said. “I didn’t realize 27 pounds of fish were in that area, so who knows what will happen tomorrow. That’s all I got – it’s either going to hold up or it’s not.”

The top 10 pros after Day One on Lake Okeechobee are:

            1^st:       Jim Neece, Jr., Bristol, Tenn., five bass, 27-0
2^nd:      Miles Burghoff, Soddy-Daisy, Tenn., five bass, 26-2
3^rd:       Anthony Gagliardi, Prosperity, S.C., five bass, 24-0
4^th:       Jamie Horton, Centerville, Ala., five bass, 22-6
5^th:       Tyler Stewart, West Monroe, La., five bass, 21-11
6^th:       Clabion Johns, Social Circle, Ga., five bass, 20-12
6^th:       Dicky Newberry, Houston, Texas, five bass, 20-12
8^th:       Tim Frederick, Leesburg, Fla., five bass, 20-5
8^th:       Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., five bass, 20-5
10^th:     Mike Surman, Boca Raton, Fla., five bass, 20-1

For a full list of results visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.Horton won the day’s $500 Berkley Big Bass award in the pro division, bringing a largemouth weighing 8 pounds, 6 ounces to the scale.

Overall, there were 749 bass weighing 1,954 pounds, 13 ounces caught by 162 pros on Thursday, which included 129 five-bass limits.

In Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit competition, the full field of 163 anglers compete in the two-day opening round on Thursday and Friday. The top 50 pros based on their two-day cumulative weight advance to Saturday. Only the top 10 pros continue competition on Sunday, with the winner determined by the heaviest accumulated weight from the four days of competition.

Anglers will take off at 7:30 a.m. ET Friday through Sunday from Roland and Mary Ann Martin’s Marina and Resort, located at 920 E. Del Monte Ave. in Clewiston. Weigh-ins will also be held at the marina daily at 3 p.m. Attendance is limited to competing anglers, family, essential staff and media covering the event. Fans are encouraged to follow the action online through the MLF NOW! live stream and coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com .

The Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, 13 Fishing Stop 1 – Lake Okeechobee will feature live on-the-water coverage and a two-hour action-packed television show that will premiere on the Outdoor Channel on Sunday, July 11 from 7 to 9 a.m. ET and re-air on the Sportsman Channel this fall. Weigh-ins will be streamed daily and fans can catch live on-the-water action all day Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 13-14 on MLF NOW! beginning at 8 a.m. ET at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

by AnglersChannel

Major League Fishing Postpones Two Phoenix Bass Fishing League Events Scheduled for Saturday

Cowboy Division event at Toledo Bend Reservoir and Arkie Division event at Lake Ouachita to Be Rescheduled Due to Inclement Weather

TULSA, Okla. (Feb. 11, 2021) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today that two Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine events scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021, have been canceled due to inclement weather. The Cowboy Division event at Toledo Bend Reservoir in Zwolle, Louisiana, and the Arkie Division event at Lake Ouachita in Mount Ida, Arkansas, will both be rescheduled at a later date.

The Phoenix Bass Fishing League Bulldog Division event at Lake Lanier, South Carolina Division event at Lake Murray and Choo Choo Division event at Lake Guntersville will proceed as scheduled.

Angler registrations for the postponed event will automatically be carried over to the rescheduled events. For questions, call the MLF BIG5 customer service department at (270)-252-1000.

by AnglersChannel

B.A.S.S. Moves College Season-Opener To Lake Hartwell

February 11, 2021

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Carhartt Bassmaster College Series at Lake Norman presented by Bass Pro Shops, originally scheduled for March 5-6 in Cornelius, N.C., will instead move 145 miles down I-85 to South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell, B.A.S.S. officials announced today.

“While disappointing to move the tournament, we understand the current climate of the pandemic in Mecklenburg County and the timing of this event,” said Travis Dancy, Director of Sales at Visit Lake Norman. “We look forward to welcoming some of the best collegiate anglers in 2022 on Lake Norman and continuing our long-standing relationship in hosting B.A.S.S. events.”

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper recently extended a variety of measures designed to curb the spread of COVID-19, including restricting outdoor gatherings to no more than 25 participants. While that order is set to expire February 28, officials did not want to risk a last-minute cancellation should the restrictions be extended once more.

“It is disappointing any time you have to move a tournament, but it is especially important when college anglers are taking time away from their studies to compete that we respect that time,” said College Series Senior Manager Hank Weldon. “B.A.S.S. has emphasized over the past year that we will heed each state’s mandates on crowd sizes and public spaces to ensure both competition and fan activities can resume safely.

“We are thankful to our friends at Visit Anderson to be able to move the event to the always popular Lake Hartwell and maintain the original competition dates.”

Hartwell has hosted three previous Bassmaster Classics and six major B.A.S.S. events as well as a number of B.A.S.S. Nation, college and high school tournaments. Plus, the lake has consistently been ranked as one of the country’s Top 100 Best Bass Lakes in Bassmaster Magazine’s annual rankings, making the coveted list four times since 2015.

At this time no changes are planned for the Basspro.com Bassmaster Southern Open at Lake Norman currently scheduled to take place Sept. 23-25.

B.A.S.S. is pursuing options with the local host to offer a 2022 tournament on Lake Norman.

by AnglersChannel

Yelas and Zaldain preview Elite Series on St. Johns

Jay Yelas and Chris Zaldain talk treasured memories, new puppies, lures, and make their weight predictions prior to the start of the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River.

Q: What is your favorite memory from the many times the Bassmaster Elite Series has visited Palatka’s St. Johns River?

Yelas: Seeing Rick Clunn win two Elites here in 2016 and 2019 over the age of 70.

Zaldain: My rookie year, getting an invite to dinner at Terry Scroggins’ house down the road, and looking around to realize I was sharing a meal on the eve of my first Elite Series tournament with Kevin VanDam and about a dozen more guys who were my bass fishing heroes.

Q: What will be the biggest challenge this week?

Yelas: Catching enough big ones, because 3-pounders don’t lead to wins on the St. Johns.

Zaldain: Keeping an open mind to ignore a lot of what happened on colder practice days. Temps are going to get way warmer during the tournament, and throw a lot of what we learned in practice right out the window.

Q: As a brand-new season begins, what was the highlight of your off-season?

Yelas: Having family together for Christmas at our home in Lincoln City, Oregon.

Zaldain: Getting a new Belgian Malinois puppy.

Q: Name four lures fans can expect to see used a lot this week?

Yelas: Flipping a punch rig, Texas rigged worm, lipless crankbait, and a Carolina rig

Zaldain: Soft plastic stick worm, flipping a Texas rig, a swim jig, and a topwater prop bait.

Q: How much weight will you need to average each day to get a Top 10?

Yelas: 15 pounds

Zaldain: 15+ pounds

by AnglersChannel

Swindle’s 3 Overlooked Tools for Florida Success

When most fishermen think of Florida bass fishing, they imagine endless aquatic vegetation, heavy braided line, big weights, and giant warm-water dependent largemouth. Two-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year Gerald Swindle admits he envisions similar scenes when dreaming of Florida, but 26 years as a professional angler has educated G-Man on the nuances of fishing in the sunshine state.

Through the School of Hard Knocks Swindle has learned there are lots of overlooked tools in an angler’s toolbox that can help lead to success when fishing a body of water like the St. Johns River; the playing field this week for the start of the 2021 Elite Series season.

The Team Toyota pro offered three items that he leans on and always makes his starting line-up when he sees a Florida tournament on the schedule.

A Jack Plate

Bass fishing in Florida is typically synonymous with shallow water, which is why the first item on Swindle’s list is a jack plate for his outboard motor. Swindle uses a TH Marine Atlas Hydraulic Jack Plate, and it allows him to raise or lower his motor depending on where he runs his Phoenix boat.

“A jack plate might not sound as sexy as high end electronics or a new fancy trolling motor, but they’ll save you when running shallow water,” Swindle said. “I spend lots of time idling the shallows in Florida and my hydraulic jack plate helps keep sand and mud out of my water pump. When running (fast) on pad through shallow water, a jack plate can mean the difference between a functioning and a destroyed lower unit.”

Quality pair of sunglasses

A quality pair of polarized sunglasses is another tool Swindle depends on when fishing anywhere in the country around the spawn, especially in Florida. Not only do sunglasses help him see fish and spawning beds, but they also allow G-man to clearly see holes, clumps or irregularities in underwater grass patches.

“I swear by Costas and wear the Reefton with a Sunrise lens, but there are lots of good options available,” Swindle offered. “A quality pair of shades is genuinely worth the investment if you plan to come down to Florida to fish. Being able to see six extra inches might mean the difference between seeing a 10-pound behemoth on bed or missing her altogether. Don’t skimp and get you some!”

Prop style topwater

Swindle’s last pick is a lure he feels doesn’t get the attention it deserves. A prop style topwater, similar to the iconic Devil’s Horse made famous years ago on the St. Johns and surrounding fisheries, is his third item.

Nowadays Swindle prefers the Rapala X-Rap 11 and believes the subtle action of this style of topwater is key when targeting Florida bass in super skinny water.

“My buddy Big Show (Terry Scroggins) showed me this lure over ten years ago and called it the ‘River Donkey’. When I asked why that name he said ‘cause it’ll kick your you-know-what on this river,” Swindle laughed. “You hardly ever hear about a bait like this anywhere in the country except when we come down to Florida. They’ll bite it other places, but not like they’ll eat it here. You can’t overlook it.”

Swindle will have these three tools and many more working to the best of their abilities today for the first day of Elite Series competition in hopes of bringing a big bag of fish back to the Palatka City Boat Dock.

by AnglersChannel

Lake Palestine Readies for Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2021 Presented by Old Wisconsin Sausage

Bass Pro Tour Championship to Showcase Top 40 Anglers Competing on Lake Palestine for $300,000 Top Prize

FLINT, Texas (Feb. 10, 2021) – Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2021 presented by Old Wisconsin Sausage is set to visit Lake Palestine and the Flint, Texas area next week, Feb. 21-25, to crown the newest Bass Pro Tour champion. The five-day tournament, shot for television broadcast on CBS, the Discovery Channel and the Outdoor Channel, will showcase the top 40 Bass Pro Tour anglers from the 2020 season competing for the prestigious REDCREST Championship and the top prize of $300,000.

The Old Wisconsin Sausage Company, a premier provider of premium hand-crafted naturally smoked meat snacks, have signed on as the presenting sponsor of REDCREST 2021. Additional details of the sponsorship agreement will be forthcoming.

Originally scheduled to be held at Oklahoma’s Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, MLF officials agreed to shift REDCREST 2021 to Texas’ Lake Palestine in mid-December after the cancellation of the Outdoor Sports Expo that had been scheduled to be held in conjunction with the event in Tulsa. The 18-mile long Texas reservoir is known for its tremendous bass-fishing and the numerous 10-plus-pound largemouth that live throughout the lake and will provide the perfect venue for the best bass fishermen in the world to crown their champion.

“This event is going to be a lot of fun. Big championships where the top pros in the world can bring their different strong suits to the table and play them are special events,” said Bass Pro Tour superstar Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Michigan , who will be competing in his first career REDCREST championship. “Everyone will be able to fish their strengths here. The crankers can crank, the flippers can flip, the swimbaiters can reel their offerings in and around anything they want. The lake has got everything a guy could want to fish, too, with the exception of offshore hydrilla and milfoil. But there’s plenty of shoreline vegetation that looks good for vibrating jigs and pitching.

“Not many people nationally have heard of Lake Palestine, but they’re going to know about it soon,” VanDam continued. “There are no big ramp facilities where big tournaments can put in, so it usually stays under the radar from the big circuits. Tournament history there is scarce, and that fact alone gets me pumped. Palestine has a lot of quality bass in it. They live there — we’re not fishing for unicorns on this one. If we get good weather, this thing could be epic.”

Tennessee pro Ott DeFoe is another competitor that is extremely excited about his return to the Lone Star State.

“I’ve never fished on Lake Palestine, but from what I’ve researched it looks like an excellent fishery,” DeFoe told MLF reporter Dave Landahl. “I’ve always loved fishing in Texas. My first FLW Tour (now Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit) event was on Lake Travis, I finished in the Top 10. I had a Top 10 at the Classic on Lake Conroe, I won the Bass Pro Tour event on Lake Fork and Lake Athens, and have cashed a lot of checks in that state over the years. I do well there, I’m always consistent. There’s a lot to get excited about when you fish for bass in Texas.”

All 40 Anglers will compete on Days 1 (Sunday) and 2 (Monday) of the event. After two days of competition, the field is cut to just the top 20 based on two-day total cumulative weight. The remaining 20 anglers are split into two groups – 10 compete on Day 3 (Tuesday) and 10 compete on Day 4 (Wednesday). The top five anglers from each group based on total single-day weight will advance to the sixth and final day of competition, where weights are zeroed and the angler that catches the highest total weight on the final day will be crowned the REDCREST 2021 champion.

Attendance is limited to competing anglers, essential staff and media covering the event only. Fans are encouraged to follow the event online through the MLF NOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com

The 2020 Bass Pro Tour featured a field of 80 of the top professional anglers in the world competing in a COVID-shortened five regular-season tournaments around the country. The top 40 anglers in the Angler of the Year (AOY) standings after the five events qualified to compete in Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2021 presented by Old Wisconsin Sausage.

The MLF NOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee, Marty Stone and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action on all five days of competition from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MLF NOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com. and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.

Television coverage of the Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2021 presented by Old Wisconsin Sausage will be showcased across two two-hour episodes, premiering at 7 a.m. ET, July 3 on the Discovery Channel. A one-hour special episode of MLF Inside the REDCREST will premiere at 2 p.m. ET, Sunday, July 18 on CBS. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on the Discovery Channel, with additional re-airings on the Outdoor Channel and the Sportsman Channel. Each two-hour long reality-based episode goes in-depth to break down each day of competition.

by AnglersChannel

MATT ROBERTSON BECOMES THE FIRST MEMBER OF THE UGLY STIK PRO STAFF

Long known as a rod that’s always ready for a good time on the water, Ugly Stik Carbon rods are ready to compete at one of the highest levels of professional bass fishing.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Feb. 10, 2021) — Already the choice of anglers everywhere who just want to have fun regardless of what’s biting, Ugly Stik is taking its legacy for durability and accessibility to the 2021 Bassmaster Elite Series with the addition of Matt Robertson as the brand’s first pro staff member.

The self-proclaimed “working man” said he feels right at home being the first pro to represent the brand known for being tough as nails and ideal for any angler.

“I’m a regular guy working my way from the bottom to the top, and I did it using the working man’s gear. To be the first Ugly Stik Pro, to represent all the working people out there and be on the Bassmaster Elite Series using the working man’s rod, it’s an honor,” Robertson said. “After the excitement that Ugly Stik has brought me and millions of anglers, I’m here to prove that an Ugly Stik can not only be your first rod, it can be your last, too.”

For the Bassmaster Elite Series, Robertson will be fishing with the Ugly Stik Carbon, which debuted in 2019 and quickly gained the attention of bass anglers with its lightweight sensitivity and the legendary toughness that have become synonymous with Ugly Stik. The 2021 Bassmaster Elite Series kicks off Feb. 11 on Florida’s St. Johns River.

To learn more about Ugly Stik and the Carbon series, visit www.uglystik.com.

by AnglersChannel

AC Insider Podcast - "Z-Train Coming Atcha!"

This weeks Chris & the Boys have a HUGE Show coming' at you. First off Al McCulloch from the NPFL gives us a State of the Union Address with less than 30 days from their first event. Then all hell breaks loose as "Z-Train" Rolls into the show and things get interesting!

by AnglersChannel

4 Lures Lester says will star at St. Johns Elite Series

Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships

Perhaps the coolest thing about asking Brandon Lester to share four lures with fans he thinks will be major players on the St. Johns River is that he currently has no soft plastic or crankbait sponsor. So, what you’re getting here is unbiased authenticity in its purest form.

Plus, Lester has fished several Bassmaster Elite Series events on this famed Northeast Florida river, including leading after Day 1 of the 2016 Elite Series event, thanks to a 9-pounder he caught from a bed. Thus, his opinions are not only authentic, but dripping with experience too.

“The biggest key in this event is how much warm weather we get the next three days in order to push the water temps from where they’re currently at in the low 60s, up to around 68-degrees,” says Lester. “If it warms that much, we’ll see a huge wave of largemouth get shallow to spawn. So, I’m choosing the following four lures with hopes of that being the case.”

Rapala X Rap Prop – This bait is really similar to the famous old Devil’s Horse topwater prop lure bass are famous for eating in Florida around the spawn. Its magic resides in the fact you can float it directly over a spawning bed with a long pause between rips, and big fish simply can’t stand not to rise up and smash it.

3/8-ounce swim jig with a Zoom Z Craw trailer – This is a great lure for covering a lot of water like one might do with a Chatterbait or spinnerbait. Lester plans to swim it around everything from laydown trees to lily pads on the St. Johns.

1.5-ounce Texas rigged punch bait – If Florida had a mascot for a bass fishing lure, this might very well be it. It’s designed to “punch” through the thousands of acres of floating matted pennywort to get the fast attention of largemouth laying just beneath in a couple feet of water. Lester uses a Mustad tungsten weight, a stout 4/0 Mustad straight-shank hook and a Berkley MaxScent Creature Hawg.

Soft stick bait – Lester theorizes that since the St. Johns unfortunately lost a great deal of its once famous eel grass, a lot of bass are now forced to spawn on lily pad stems. And a slender stick bait like Berkley’s “The General” is perfect for pitching around the pads.

While millions of Bassmaster fans freeze around the country in frigid temps, Elite Series pros like Team Toyota’s Brandon Lester are anticipating the 78-degree temps forecasted for Palatka, Florida the next three days will bring an absolute heat wave to the weigh-in scales.

by AnglersChannel

AFTCO Expands Sponsorship Of Bassmaster Events

February 10, 2021

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — After serving as title sponsor for the Elite Series season-opener and as a conservation partner for two years, AFTCO is expanding its partnership with B.A.S.S. The brand, renowned for its performance fishing clothing and precision tackle, will now serve as a Supporting Sponsor for the Bassmaster Tournament Trail and outfit all staff and marshals for these events.

“We are proud to partner with AFTCO on what is sure to be an exciting 2021 season across every level of competition,” said Bruce Akin, B.A.S.S. CEO. “Both brands have a long history focused on both conservation and growing the sport of bass fishing, and our enthusiastic fans are the perfect audience for AFTCO to promote their gear and clothing. Their generous support is also allowing us to enrich our already popular Elite Series Marshal program and lake cleanup efforts.”

As a Supporting Sponsor for the Bassmaster Elite Series, Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens Series, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bassmaster Team Championship and the grass-roots TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation regional and championship tournaments, AFTCO will enjoy exposure in Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times magazines and across various social media platforms as well as on the award-winning show Bassmaster LIVE.

“The entire AFTCO Team is extremely excited to expand our partnership with B.A.S.S. for the 2021 season,” said Matt Florentino, Marketing Director. “As a Supporting Sponsor for B.A.S.S. we have the unique opportunity to outfit all marshals and B.A.S.S. staff for the season. You have seen the AFTCO Pro Team reap the benefits of our gear in all weather conditions, and now the marshals and B.A.S.S. staff will get to do the same both on the water and behind the scenes.”

Marshals join different Elite anglers to spend two to three days on the water. Marshals are not allowed to fish, but they are encouraged to take photos, send blog posts to Bassmaster.com and serve as an extra set of eyes for B.A.S.S. tournament officials, making sure all rules are observed. Additionally, marshals operate the digital BassTrakk scoring system that enables fans to follow the action in real-time. New for the 2021 season, AFTCO will be rewarding marshals with a shirt, hat, sun mask, gift card and other items with a total value of $100, plus a 20% off coupon for future purchases.

When the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite Series at St. Johns River launches on Feb. 11, the field will feature 19 members of the AFTCO Pro Team. Highlighting the AFTCO-aligned anglers are Hank Cherry, who won the 2020 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk, and Frank Talley, who claimed his first Elite Series victory last year on Lake Guntersville.

by AnglersChannel

Sumrall: Florida in February all about Forecast

There is something buzzing in the air in Palatka, Florida besides the fog. You can feel the excitement and nerves of Bassmaster Elite Series competitors as they prepare to kick off the 2021 season tomorrow with the start of the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite on the St. Johns River.

Fourth year Elite Series pro Caleb Sumrall is ready to get the season underway and is excited to tackle the vast and beautiful St. Johns River. This is Sumrall’s third trip to Palatka, but as much as this river might look like his native Louisiana waters, the Yamaha pro is quick to tell you this place doesn’t exactly fish like home.

One thing Sumrall has learned about Florida in February is just how much weather factors into a four-day Elite Series tournament. “Weather” has definitely been a buzzword today, just as it has been for every St. Johns River event. A warming trend has settled in to northeast Florida this week and has anglers hopeful for what is to come.

“Based on the 5-day forecast, I truly believe some giant Florida bass will flood the shallows to spawn during our derby,” Sumrall suspected. “But it’s so hard to predict where or when that will happen on a fishery like this. You hope you’re the guy who lands on them in the tournament, but you never really know this time of year in Florida.”

Sumrall’s experience on the St. Johns has shown that the giant bass this fishery is famous for do not just pull up all over the river to perform their spawning ritual. There might be miles of dead water in between productive spots. And with 101 of the best bass anglers in the world all looking for similar types of areas, this massive body of water could fish very small.

The potential for rainy or stormy conditions doesn’t concern Sumrall too much, as he is not planning to focus on sight fishing solely during this event. He’ll be primarily fishing for bass he believes to be spawning, but not necessarily looking at them. Overcast conditions could very well play into his favor if it affects anglers hoping to use their eyes to find and catch fish.

Sumrall trusts his Carhartt rain suit to keep him comfortable no matter the conditions and doesn’t believe the wet weather will affect fish too negatively. One weather factor that does worry Sumrall is the chance of fog. As of 10:30am on Wednesday the fog still hadn’t lifted and anglers are expecting similar conditions tomorrow morning.

“The dense fog we’ve had the past two mornings definitely has me nervous,” Sumrall said. “You hate to have a fog delay and lose time in any tournament, but I really need every minute possible with the way the St. Johns is fishing this week.”

There is no doubt the weather will be a major player for Elite Series anglers this week, but it’s also something they cannot control. Instead of spending his time worrying, Sumrall is focusing on variables he can control and intends to start his 2021 Elite Series campaign off on the right foot.

by AnglersChannel

Minn Kota® Pro Team Members Prepare for 2021 Elite Series Season with New Raptor™ Shallow Water Anchors

RACINE, Wis. (February 9, 2021) – Bassmaster Elite Series contenders are wrapping up final off-season preparations in advance of the start of the 2021 season, the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite on Florida’s St. Johns River. Minn Kota^® pro team members begin the 2021 schedule with renewed hopes and the latest technology rigged and ready to put them on the fish and keep them there throughout the season. Minn Kota’s new Raptor^™ shallow-water anchors are one of the new additions mounted to the stern of several Elite Series boats to provide the most advanced and reliable anchoring technology available to date.

Minn Kota pros that will be taking advantage of the new Raptor shallow water anchors this upcoming season include Brandon Palaniuk, Seth Feider, Chris Zaldain, Keith Combs, Matt Herren, Greg DiPalma, Lee Livesay, Carl Jocumsen, Bill Lowen, Brad Whatley, Garrett Paquette, Chad Pipkens, Bob Downey, Chris Groh, Ray Hanselman, Wes Logan, as well as Major League Fishing pros Kevin VanDam, and Bryan Thrift.

The 2021 Elite Series schedule is stacked with shallow water fisheries like the St. Johns and Sabine River systems, meaning shallow water boat control will be a big part of the game plan.

With new features that allow anglers to maintain boat control in the harshest conditions, the Raptor has improved on the legendary boat positioning system available from Minn Kota. Active Anchoring^™ and Auto-Bottom Mode^™ are two new technologies that add to the toolbox of any angler in rough conditions. Both constantly monitor bottom hardness and boat movement to maintain stability and control in any conditions.

"At first look it was hard not be seriously impressed by the new Minn Kota Raptor – just the sleek look alone was awesome, but once we put them to use you could see and feel the quality difference,” Jocumsen said.

“You can tell they put every detail possible into the build and they stack up. Quiet, powerful and they’ve reinforced every single bolt, bushing and pivot area to create the most rock-solid anchor I’ve ever seen. They really are unmatched,” adds Jocumsen.

Raptor is engineered to stand up to the harshest conditions, giving anglers the ability to confidently hold their boat securely in place in more fishing situations than ever before. Simply stated, Raptor is designed with durability in every detail:

Active Anchoring – continuously monitors anchor hold and adjusts automatically to changing conditions
Auto-Bottom Mode – senses bottom hardness to ensure the right amount of force is delivered for a more secure hold every time
Retraction Force – ensures spike removal in all bottom types
Multiple Control Options – features Wireless Remote, Foot Switch, i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link Remote, Mobile App or the ability to control right from the Humminbird^® fish finder
Wide profile and heavy-duty pivot points – help to reduce wear and maintain longer stability
Unique pump design – keeps Raptor holding tightly when stowed, eliminating the need for special covers or bungee cords to keep your anchor secure while running or trailering
Extruded aluminum mounting bracket – adds strength while reducing weight and dramatically simplifies installation

“The Minn Kota Raptor is your smarter, heavy-duty, anchoring system. Technology such as the Active Anchoring takes all the guess work out of whether or not you’re locked down,” says Brandon Palanuik.

Between Auto-Bottom Mode and Raptor’s increased retraction force, anglers will never have to worry about their anchors overdriving or getting stuck in the thick mud and silt of the St. John’s River. As the Elite Series switches gears and heads to the Tennessee River with harder bottom and heavy current, Active Anchoring is going to be vital in keeping boats positioned.

Minn Kota’s new Raptor shallow-water anchor is available in 8- and 10-foot lengths as well as a variety of options and colors. Raptor models can be purchased from authorized Minn Kota retailers starting at $1,499.99. Minn Kota’s shallow-water anchors are backed by a comprehensive 5-year warranty plus a lifetime warranty on the spike for years of reliability anglers can count on.

For more information on the new Raptor shallow-water anchor, visit MinnKotaMotors.com/Raptor.

by AnglersChannel

Yamaha Signs Multi-Year Deal To Sponsor Bassmaster Tournament Trail

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. and Yamaha have inked a new agreement expanding their longstanding partnership for four more years. Yamaha’s sponsorship of the Bassmaster Tournament Trail and iconic Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk will continue through 2024 as an Official Premier Engine Sponsor.

“We’re thrilled to continue working alongside the team at Yamaha to support boaters at all levels,” said Bruce Akin, B.A.S.S. CEO. “As we reach new audiences and outdoor enthusiasts, it is great to have a partner like Yamaha, who is dedicated to helping anglers get incredible performance out of their equipment as well as active in vital conservation missions that benefit everyone who loves spending time on the water. The expansion of our partnership proves that, together, Yamaha and B.A.S.S. are committed to ensuring a bright future for sportfishing.”

Yamaha will be a Premier Sponsor for the Bassmaster Classic, Bassmaster Elite Series, Basspro.comBassmaster Opens Series, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bassmaster Team Championship and the grass-roots TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation regional and championship tournaments.

“Yamaha is excited to continue our Premier sponsorship with Bassmaster through 2024,” said Yamaha Marine Business Unit President Ben Speciale. “Bassmaster is the pinnacle of bass fishing in the United States, but they’re not sitting still. The team at B.A.S.S. has impressed us in recent years with flexibility in the face of challenges and their efforts to bring newcomers into the sport of bass fishing. We feel secure knowing we will be working with them on current and new initiatives.”

As a tournament trail sponsor, Yamaha will enjoy exposure to enthusiastic fans of sportfishing and B.A.S.S. members at live events, where they routinely offer demo rides on some of the country’s most incredible fisheries. Additionally, Yamaha will be featured in Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times magazines, on the Bassmaster LIVE show broadcast on FS1 and streamed on Bassmaster.com and the FOX Sports digital platforms and across various social media platforms while their exciting Power Pay contingency program will be highlighted on BassTrakk and Bassmaster.com.

For the 2021 season, 32 Elite Series anglers will be powered by Yamaha. According to Yamaha pro Clark Wendlandt, who won the 2020 Bassmaster Angler of the Year title, “I run my Yamaha for a few reasons: reliability, great fuel efficiency and outstanding customer service. If you want to compete against the best, you’ve got to have the best companies in your corner.”

Beyond partnering at the tournament level, B.A.S.S. and Yamaha also work together to promote sustainability and natural resource conservation through the Yamaha Rightwaters program, which champions environmental stewardship and supports marine habitat restoration, invasive species control and scientific research.

“Yamaha's Rightwaters sustainability initiative advocates and educates to protect our aquatic resources,” explained Gene Gilliland, B.A.S.S. Conservation Director. “As a B.A.S.S. Conservation partner, their mission aligns perfectly with our agenda to maintain public boating and fishing access, support scientific fishery management, improve fish habitat, fight invasive species and educate anglers about proper fish care.”

by AnglersChannel

Eastanollee’s Morrow Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League on Lake Keowee

Gainesville’s South Wins Strike King Co-Angler Division

SENECA, S.C. (Feb. 8, 2021) – Boater Troy Morrow of Eastanollee, Georgia, won the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine at Lake Keowee presented by Googan Baits in Seneca, South Carolina. Morrow earned $7,011 for his victory at the event, which was hosted by Visit Oconee.

TOP 10 RESULTS

RANK	BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN	BASS	WEIGHT	AWARD
1^st	Troy Morrow of Eastanollee, Ga.	5	15-2	$7,011
2^nd	Bo Price of Seneca, S.C.	5	13-14	$3,006
3^rd	Todd Goade of White Pine, Tenn.	5	13-7	$2,001
4^th	Randy Dover of Buford, Ga.	5	13-6	$1,403
5^th	Jared Pelfrey of Westminster, S.C.	5	12-12	$1,202
6^th	Chris Nelson of Social Circle, Ga.	5	12-3	$1,102
7^th	Andy Burgess of Greenville, S.C.	5	11-15	$1,502
8^th	Hunter Eubanks of Inman, S.C.	5	11-14	$852
8^th	Jody Holland of Clermont, Ga.	5	11-14	$852
10^th	Jayme Rampey of Liberty, S.C.	5	11-13	$701

RANK	STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN	BASS	WEIGHT	AWARD
1^st	James South of Gainesville, Ga.	5	11-9	$3,006
2^nd	Johnny Hancox of West Union, S.C.	4	9-6	$2,000
3^rd	Chris Coleman of Ware Shoals, S.C.	5	9-4	$1,008
4^th	Kyle Rogers of Cleveland, Ga.	5	7-13	$701
5^th	Corey Veal of Royston, Ga.	5	7-11	$576
5^th	Stewart Uldrick of Anderson, S.C.	5	7-11	$576
7^th	Shane Swann of Mars Hill, N.C.	5	7-5	$476
7^th	Kyle Davis of Liberty, S.C.	5	7-5	$476
9^th	Lee Montgomery of Duncan, S.C.	4	6-7	$401
10^th	Trey Paul of Anderson, S.C.	4	6-6	$319
10^th	Jimmy Plakas of Greenville, S.C.	3	6-6	$319
10^th	Caleb Roberson of Travelers Rest, S.C.	5	6-6	$319

Full results from the event can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.CONTINGENCY AWARDS

AWARD	NAME	CONTINGENCY	PAYOUT
Boater Berkley Big Bass	Shane Peck of Gainesville, Ga.	4-pound, 9-ounce bass	$995
Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass	Johnny Hancox of West Union, S.C.	4-pound, 12-ounce bass	$497
Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus	Andy Burgess of Greenville, S.C.	Eligible Phoenix Boat*	$500

WINNING BAITS

ANGLER	BAITS	COLOR
Boater	- 3/8-ounce Outkast Tackle Swimbait Jig Head with a Zoom Boot Tail Fluke Swimbait	Not Disclosed
Strike King Co-Angler	- ½-ounce Unnamed Swimbait Jig Head with a Keitech Swing Impact FAT Swimbait - Shaky-Head Rig	Not Disclosed

2021 QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES

EVENT	DATE	LOCATION	HOST
Savannah River Division – Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship	Oct. 14-16	Lake Murray, Columbia, S.C.	Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board
Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American	June 3-5	Douglas Lake, Dandridge, Tenn.	Jefferson County Department of Tourism

by AnglersChannel

Big O could be a Big Mess

Courtesy of Vance McCullough

This week’s MLFLW Pro Circuit season-opener on Lake Okeechobee is presented by 13 Fishing but it should probably be presented by a rainwear company. The anglers might get wetter than the fish. If the weatherman can be believed, we’re in for bucket loads of rain as partly cloudy practice days lead to heavy storms by Friday and the weekend. Anglers who make Sunday’s final cut will be rewarded with a sharp drop in temperatures, accompanied by a rising barometer that could completely change the bite all across the massive lake.

Wind is everything on Okeechobee and it will come mainly from the south throughout the event before circling the compass overnight to blow from the north on Sunday. High temps will hover in the mid 80’s all week except on Sunday which should be 10-to-15 degrees cooler.

But then, meteorologists and baseball players are the only people who can strike out seventy-five percent of the time and remain employed.

At any rate, the weather will factor into this event. Good news is, Lake Okeechobee offers 730 square miles for the pros to spread out on, right? Not really. The giant lake always fishes small and this year will be no different. The two hot areas this winter have been South Bay and the same Harney Pond area that produced 97 out of every 100 tournament-caught bass last year (fact checkers say this statistic is disputed, which means it’s probably true, but you get the point). Those areas are across the lake from each other, separated by twenty-several miles but both within easy striking distance of Clewiston, the host city. Observation Shoal is said to be producing limits of schooling bass as are a few spots along the lake’s reliable western littoral zone.

The lake level is right at 15.5 feet – at least two-and-a-half feet higher than it was in the Februarys of 2020 and 2019 - and the Corps has been holding it steady for the past few weeks. Stability is a plus for fish and anglers. The higher levels will put additional areas in play, especially if fish want to push back into the reeds.

According to locals, a lot of bucks have fanned beds and big females are staged up nearby. Cloudy weather makes sight fishing difficult. Pelting rain would dimple the surface and make it impossible. Pitching blind to suspected bedding locations will be a popular ploy.

The first rule of fishing is to be around fish. A few crafty anglers will take advantage during the cloudy practice days, don their Sunrise Silver lenses and visually locate stretches of bottom covered in the telltale white ovals that indicate bass are spawning there. The fish won’t leave even though they are impossible to see under rainy conditions. Big bass will be with them, or very nearby, throughout the event.

For now, the best action seems to be along the outside edges of the reeds where stacks of bass in varying sizes tend to accumulate this time of year. Jigs produce big bass in such places but those looking for steady catches of quality fish may choose Texas-rigged soft stick baits.

Chatterbaits could show out this week, as could Hildebrandt spinnerbaits such as the Blade and the Tin Roller, designed specifically for Florida’s clear, grassy lakes. We could see another strong ‘Trap bite as we did on Toho last week when Bryan Schmitt left the competition in his wake by mining a single strip of grass with a SPRO Aruku Shad 75.

Shiner-fishing guides are putting clients on dozens of bass up to 4 pounds, but giants are harder to come by.

Some clients have used artificial lures to good effect. The topwater bite lacks consistency right now but when it’s on, well check out this report from last week by Byron Stout who does a stellar job of covering the Southwest Florida fishing scene:

“Illinois angler John Schuessler spurned the wild shiners and put 20 bass to 4 pounds in the boat casting fake baits with Capt. George Mro of Roland Martin’s Marina & Resort in Clewiston. They fished the North Shore area between the Harney Pond Canal and Dyess’s Ditch, starting with a pumpkin/blue Gambler stick worm that produced early. The guide then found a “fast and furious” schooling bass bite by targeting scattered cattail clumps and eelgrass in depths of three to five feet, where a silver Zara Spook did the damage.”

Here's to wishing all the Pro Circuit anglers the best of luck in finding some ‘fast and furious’ action and doing some major ‘damage’ on Okeechobee this week!

by AnglersChannel

Bernhard & Price win $20,000 after topping 191 teams at Lake Travis with 18.75 lbs.

Place

WILLIAM BERNHARD
LEANDER , TX

DARYL PRICE
ROUND ROCK , TX

8.59

18.75

$20000.00

KEVIN DAVIS
LAGO VISTA , TX

JIM HARCROW
MCKINNEY , TX

9.02

16.70

$4500.00 + $500.00 Big Bass

JASON OLIVO
KYLE , TX

JOEY RODRIGUEZ
KYLE , TX

16.41

$3500.00

JAMES SEYMOUR
OGLESBY , TX

TONY MCBRIDE
WEST , TX

15.32

$2000.00

LEE BENTON
BURNET , TX

CODY SMITH
NEW BRAUNFELS , TX

15.08

$3900 with Skeeter Bonus Cash

JJ LARSON
LEANDER , TX

JASON LARSON
LEANDER , TX

14.87

$2300 with Skeeter Bonus Cash

WESTON BROWN
HOUSTON , TX

DAVID DOONAN
CALDWELL , TX

14.80

$1200.00

MALCOLM MIDDLEBROOK
ROUND ROCK , TX

KLINT KRHOVJAK
TOOL , TX

6.32

13.97

$1100.00

KEITH HONEYCUTT
TEMPLE , TX

SAM JONES
ROGERS , TX

13.71

$4550 with James Wood Motors Bonus

DAVID SHUSTER
GEORGETOWN , TX

CHARLES GERHART
SALADO , TX

13.66

$1040.00

BYRON ALBRECHT
WACO , TX

MICHAEL JOHNSON
CRAWFORD , TX

13.49

$1030.00

BRANDON HOUSTON
GEORGETOWN , TX

JAMIE SLAYDEN
AUSTIN , TX

6.91

13.08

$1020.00

BRYAN SEALE
SAN ANGELO , TX

JOSHUA SEALE
SAN ANGELO , TX

12.86

$1010.00

DALE READ
LEANDER , TX

JIM SUNVISON
PFLUGERVILLE , TX

12.84

$1000.00

BRENNAN FERTIG
BELLVILLE , TX

JAMES BEAUCHAMP
SUNRISE BEACH , TX

12.62

$1000.00

JUSTYN PARRISH
LAGO VISTA , TX

LUCAS LARSON
HUTTO , TX

12.53

$1000.00

DENTON COOPER
SMITHVILLE , TX

DANIEL HARRIS
SMITHVILLE , TX

6.07

12.44

$1000.00

LINO GUTIERREZ
COTTONWOOD WOOD SHORES , TX

RUBEN RIBERA
MARBLE FALLS , TX

12.43

$1000.00

BRANDON JONES
FAIR OAKS , TX

THOMAS WEIMER
CEDAR PARK , TX

12.29

$1000.00

BRINTON HASKINS
NEW BRAUNFELS , TX

MICHAEL ATKINS
NEW BRAUNFELS , TX

12.01

$950.00

LANCE DILLARD
LLANO , TX

BLAKE DILLARD
LLANO , TX

11.72

$850.00

STEVEN KIRKWOOD
ROUND ROCK , TX

KEN WILKINS
ROUND ROCK , TX

11.58

$850.00

GARRETT GILL
TEMPLE , TX

ROBERT GILL
BELTON , TX

11.41

$1300 with Skeeter Bonus Cash

RAY TOMASITS
LEANDER , TX

CARY LAUDADIO
AUSTIN , TX

11.39

$800.00

COREY MARTENSON
AUSTIN , TX

JOHN WEBBER
FREDERICKSBURG , TX

11.28

$800.00

HUNTER AMIDON
AUSTIN , TX

TANNER PATTESON
AUSTIN , TX

11.08

KELLY NORRIS
LIBERTY HILL , TX

KEVIN THRESS
LEANDER , TX

11.00

$250 Skeeter Dealer Bonus Even Weight

DAVID LINDLEY
SUNRISE BEACH , TX

JUSTIN PRISOCK
ROBINSON , TX

10.90

BRIAN MATER
AUSTIN , TX

PHILLIP WARREN
AUSTIN , TX

10.84

LEE LEONARD
MARTINDALE , TX

SCOTT BRONDER
FALLS CITY , TX

10.63

JASON MURPHREE
BLANCO , TX

KORBIS BUCHANAN
BOERNE , TX

10.50

STEVE MAGNELIA
AUSTIN , TX

MICHAEL TENNANT
PFLUGERVILLE , TX

10.49

DEVIN GIBSON
GONZALES , TX

ROBERT PRESCOTT
SEGUIN , TX

10.49

MATTHEW HATHAWAY
LULING , TX

MICHAEL GLYNN
BOERNE , TX

10.42

TOM GUIDRY
NEW BRAUNFELS , TX

DUSTIN ISBELL
KINGSLAND , TX

10.34

JAMES DISLER
LEANDER , TX

DAVID DISLER
CONROE , TX

10.15

DAVID UNDERWOOD
WACO , TX

CHARLES SIMMONS
WACO , TX

10.06

JEFF ANDERSON
AUSTIN , TX

FRANKLIN WIGET
BUDA , TX

10.06

DAVID ZACHGO
COLLEGE STATION , TX

MICHAEL ZACHGO
BOERNE , TX

10.04

BLAINE BUTLER
CEDAR PARK , TX

HANK GRAVES
LAGO VISTA , TX

9.97

GARY WEIMER
LEANDER , TX

JEREMIAH WAFFORD
CEDAR PARK , TX

9.97

MICKEY SANDERS
SPICEWOOD , TX

ANDREW WHITEHEAD
PFLUGERVILLE , TX

9.93

CHAD KALLINA
LAGO VISTA , TX

ERIC JOHNSON
BUDA , TX

9.84

DAVID REID
CANYON LAKE , TX

JUSTIN WOJCIK
NEW BRAUNFELS , TX

9.82

ZACH BROWN
GEORGETOWN , TX

MIKE RICHARDSON
THORNDALE , TX

9.71

JEFFREY JONES
SAN ANTONIO , TX

DANIEL JANDREY
SAN ANTONIO , TX

9.70

PAUL MIGAS
AUSTIN , TX

SEAN EVANS
KILLEEN , TX

9.69

GARY JOHNSON
BELTON , TX

DON SCHUETZE
TEMPLE , TX

9.64

GENE FUESSEL
AUSTIN , TX

GERALD MUELLER JR
HUTTO , TX

9.62

JOHN KAPALDO
BUDA , TX

JEFF EPLING
AUSTIN , TX

9.59

JAY STIDHAM
CHINA SPRING , TX

CHARLIE GANTENBEIN
TEMPLE , TX

9.58

TREY GROCE
DRIPPING SPRINGS , TX

CHARLES WHITED
SAN MARCOS , TX

9.55

JAMES CANTWELL
KINGSLAND , TX

KELLEY MAULDIN
COPPELL , TX

9.46

LOWELL BENNETT
HEWITT , TX

CHARLES REAGAN
THORNTON , TX

9.44

DON GORDON
AUSTIN , TX

DAVID MAULDIN
LEANDER , TX

9.44

BUBBA WAMPLER
BERTRAM , TX

LARRY SMITH
LAMPASAS , TX

9.36

MATT CANNON
TROY , TX

JARED SIEGLER
BELTON , TX

9.32

DONNIE ONEAL
LIBERTY HILL , TX

MICHAEL ZIBERT
GARDEN RIDGE , TX

9.21

JACK MEREDITH
BELTON , TX

STEVEN BREAZEALE
TEMPLE , TX

9.04

GERALD POBORIL
TEMPLE , TX

JACK POWE
KEMPNER , TX

8.80

WENDELL RAMSEY SR
SAN ANGELO , TX

WENDELL RAMSEY JR
PFLUGERVILLE , TX

8.69

STAN KAMINSKI
CEDAR PARK , TX

CODY BAILEY
JONESTOWN , TX

8.66

DEAN ALEXANDER
CEDAR PARK , TX

THOMAS MARTENS
CEDAR PARK , TX

8.48

DANIEL BARNES
BELTON , TX

TANNER BARNES
BELTON , TX

8.15

BRYAN COTTER
CEDAR PARK , TX

BILL GUZMAN
AUSTIN , TX

8.12

JAMES STANLEY
SAN ANTONIO , TX

ANTHONY SKOUBY
CIBOLO , TX

8.07

JOSHUA RHODES
SAN ANTONIO , TX

DAVY CRANDAL
HONDO , TX

8.01

DOBIE NEW
GEORGETOWN , TX

NICKALES CASTLEBERRY
GEORGETOWN , TX

8.00

CHRIS CLEMENTS
ROUND ROCK , TX

CHRIS WOEHL
CEDAR PARK , TX

7.94

KYLE MAREK
LAGO VISTA , TX

DYLAN LOOZE
LEANDER , TX

7.81

ROGER SARAIBA
LIBERTY HILL , TX

COREY SOIREZ
LIBERTY HILL , TX

7.72

JOSH LASSETER
BUCHANAN DAM , TX

ROBERT MILLER
DRIPPING SPRINGS , TX

7.54

BILLY BREWER
HEWITT , TX

L J CASTILLO
WACO , TX

7.34

ALLEN SHELTON
FARMERS BRANCH , TX

BRAD DRAKE
IRVING , TX

7.28

MICHAEL GRIMES
GEORGETOWN , TX

TRAVIS OWEN
GEORGETOWN , TX

7.22

STEPHEN COOKSEY
BULLARD , TX

TROY SLAUGHTER
TRINIDAD , TX

7.22

ROBERT BROWN
ROUND ROCK , TX

CHARLES PURSELL
AUSTIN , TX

7.16

TERRY KIRCUS
BURNET , TX

JASON BUCHANAN
BURNET , TX

7.15

SHAWN MARKGRAF
BURNET , TX

BRIAN BOOKER
LEANDER , TX

7.05

NICK LEFEBVRE
ROUND ROCK , TX

DAVE MANGELSDORF
GEORGETOWN , TX

7.03

RYAN CRAWFORD
GATESVILLE , TX

JARAD GOHLKE
GATESVILLE , TX

6.98

ED WHALEY
MONTGOMERY , TX

DAREN SEBEK
TEMPLE , TX

6.93

LEVAR JENKINS
AUSTIN , TX

DWAYNE KINLEY
AUSTIN , TX

6.88

PHILLIP MASSOLETTI
BURNET , TX

NOEL LOWE
BURNET , TX

6.81

DAVID CHILES
WACO , TX

KYLE ROWE
WACO , TX

6.71

FRED CATES SR
ROCKDALE , TX

KC CARLTON
LIBERTY HILL , TX

6.63

NICHOLAS LONCAR
AUSTIN , TX

MATT SCOTT
CEDAR PARK , TX

6.54

LEE BEUERSHAUSEN
MARBLE FALLS , TX

RANDY GROUNDS
HORSESHOE BAY , TX

6.45

LON SHIPE
LEAGUE CITY , TX

FARREN MOUNTS
PRESCOTT , AZ

6.13

RONALD SISK
RIO VISTA , TX

TAYLOR HUFFERD
JOSHUA , TX

6.00

DON PEARSON
CEDAR PARK , TX

JUSTIN KING
BRYAN , TX

5.94

JIMMY WILLOUGBY
TEMPLE , TX

COLTON HILL
TEMPLE , TX

5.84

ANDER MEINE
AUSTIN , TX

JORDAN FELKNER
LAMPASAS , TX

5.80

DEREK ANDERSEN
GEORGETOWN , TX

BILL KIMBERLY
JARRELL , TX

5.48

GARY WAFFORD
CEDAR PARK , TX

GREG WAFFORD
CEDAR PARK , TX

5.42

TRENT ERXLEBEN
ROUND ROCK , TX

DERON MUELLER
ROUND ROCK , TX

5.31

RONNIE CHARANZA
BROWNWOOD , TX

WESLEY FLETCHER
BROWNWOOD , TX

5.19

TOM WILKINSON
LEANDER , TX

GUO XIPING
LEANDER , TX

5.06

DAVID WENCIL
BUCHANAN DAM , TX

JEFF WHITEHEAD
SLATON , TX

5.06

100

MATT HILL
JONESTOWN , TX

BARRY MOTT
LIBERTY HILL , TX

4.86

101

JAMES SCOGIN
AUSTIN , TX

ROLAND LOERA
AUSTIN , TX

4.85

102

LANCE SHELLEY
EDINBURG , TX

PARRISH SHELLEY
NEW BRAUNFELS , TX

4.78

103

GREG MIRANDA
BROWNWOOD , TX

ROGER SOTO
BROWNWOOD , TX

4.74

104

RICH RAYNOR
ROUND ROCK , TX

HOLLY RAYNOR
ROUND ROCK , TX

4.56

105

MATTHEW PURYEAR
LAKEWAY , TX

WILLIE PIPKIN
DRIPPING SPRINGS , TX

4.43

106

CARY DECUIR
ROUND ROCK , TX

RANDALL FRY
ROUND ROCK , TX

4.31

107

STERLING MARTIN
COMFORT , TX

COURTNEY BEHREND
COMFORT , TX

4.23

108

MARK DOREMUS
EARLY , TX

TIM MANLEY
BROWNWOOD , TX

3.82

109

RONNY MAYNARD
GEORGETOWN , TX

ERIC CRUMLEY
LEANDER , TX

3.77

110

TAYLOR DARDEN
LOMETA , TX

JOEY WYNN
EARLY , TX

3.38

111

CHARLES MEREDITH JR
FLORENCE , TX

DALTON MULLINS
KILLEEN , TX

3.28

112

JARED TALBERT
CHINA SPRING , TX

JESSE RAWLS
CHINASPRING , TX

3.01

113

DANIEL GIBSON
LEANDER , TX

LEANN BENNETT
CEDAR PARK , TX

2.94

114

RICK NEELY
BURNET , TX

PAUL NEELY
BURNETT , TX

2.93

115

PATRICK ANDERSON
BUDA , TX

DOUG HAMILTON
LAKEWAY , TX

1.71

116

STEVE PITCOX
KINGSLAND , TX

BRANDI PITCOX
KINGSLAND , TX

1.69

117

JOEY KIRKLAND
SAN ANTONIO , TX

1.60

118

BRENT SMITH
BERTRAM , TX

WILLIAM FESLER
LAMPASAS , TX

0.00

118

RANDY HIBLER
MARBLE FALLS , TX

RANDALL CHRISTIAN
TOW , TX

0.00

118

BRIAN BUSTILLOZ
BELTON , TX

CODY RANDOLPH
TEMPLE , TX

0.00

118

DAVID HESSKEW
BLANCO , TX

VICTOR STEPHENS
LEANDER , TX

0.00

118

KENNETH FAIRLY
LOCKHART , TX

RUSTY REEDY
SPRING BRANCH , TX

0.00

118

KYLER ROBERTS
FLORENCE , TX

AUSTIN JALASEK
KEMPNER , TX

0.00

118

CODY BRISTOW
BERTRAM , TX

BEAU BRISTOW
BURNET , TX

0.00

118

JASON RANFT
NEW BRAUNSFELS , TX

DARRYL RANFT
SEQUIN , TX

0.00

118

CHRIS STUDINGER
KYLE , TX

BOBBY ACOSTA
SAN MARCOS , TX

0.00

118

WESLEY BAXLEY
CYPRESS , TX

AUSTIN WOODDELL
CYPRESS , TX

0.00

118

MICHAEL WALDROP
AUSTIN , TX

JARRED SANDERS
AUSTIN , TX

0.00

118

KENNETH WITEK
SAN ANTONIO , TX

JASPER HUNTER
JARRELL , TX

0.00

118

TOMMY MORENO
SAN SABA , TX

TROY LOWERY
BROWNWOOD , TX

0.00

118

ROBERT MIKES
SHINER , TX

MICHAEL DANFORD
YOAKUM , TX

0.00

118

BRETT ORLICH
LEANDER , TX

TIMOTHY STACK
AUSTIN , TX

0.00

118

TIM BOYES
LEAGUE CITY , TX

HOLLY BOYES
LEAGUE CITY , TX

0.00

118

ADAM CLARK
DRIPPING SPRINGS , TX

RICK CLARK
TERRELL , TX

0.00

118

DOUG BLANKENSHIP
MAY , TX

TIMOTHY HARRELL
BROWNWOOD , TX

0.00

118

TROY BOLDWYN
BUDA , TX

SCOTT MCDANIEL
STONEWALL , LA

0.00

118

KEN SMITH
RICHARDSON , TX

JIM JONES

0.00

118

JOHN SYER
LAGO VISTA , TX

MIKE GUIDRY
LAGO VISTA , TX

0.00

118

BRYAN ANDRAS
CYPRESS , TX

CORNEL ANDRAS
CYPRESS , TX

0.00

118

COLT DIETZ
AUSTIN , TX

JOHN WARDEN
DRIPPING SPRINGS , TX

0.00

118

TONY FERDINANDO
SPICEWOOD , TX

MATT COOPER
SMITHVILLE , TX

0.00

118

TYLER FRY
SPICEWOOD , TX

HANK FRY
SPICEWOOD , TX

0.00

118

KARL GOEHRING
ROUND TOP , TX

ROBERT BECK
CARMINE , TX

0.00

118

JOHNNY HOMANN
KYLE , TX

JAY HESS
LOCKHART , TX

0.00

Early Entry Winners Amphibia SunGlasses

118

DALE HUGHES
SAN ANGELO , TX

BARRY STUARD
CANYON LAKE , TX

0.00

118

NATHAN GRAEF
LA VERNIA , TX

LANDEN GRAEF
LA VERNIA , TX

0.00

118

WAYNE ORENDER JR
PFLUGERVILLE , TX

TOM NILSSEN
NEW BRAUNFELS , TX

0.00

118

DAMON ROSS
GEORGETOWN , TX

DYLAN ROSS
GEORGETOWN , TX

0.00

118

MICHAEL SIERRA
SAN ANTONIO , TX

KEVIN JACKSON
PLEASANTON , TX

0.00

118

RICKY PIERCE
THORNDALE , TX

RHETT PIERCE
THORNDALE , TX

0.00

118

ROY STEGER
BELTON , TX

CHET SUTTON
SALADO , TX

0.00

118

CLAYTON SMITH
KILLEEN , TX

ALFRED PEMBERTON JR
KILLEEN , TX

0.00

118

MIKE STANFORD
MIDLAND , TX

BRADY STANFORD
MIDLAND , TX

0.00

118

CHAD MITCHELL
SAN ANTONIO , TX

ROCHELLE MITCHELL
SAN ANTONIO , TX

0.00

118

CHANS MARTIN
COMFORT , TX

BRODY MARTIN
COMFORT , TX

0.00

118

CRAIG MIRANDA
BROWNWOOD , TX

BRANDON LOFSTROM
BRADY , TX

0.00

118

JUSTIN KETCHUM
LEANDER , TX

SEAN CLAMPITT
ROUND ROCK , TX

0.00

118

CHARLES HICE
BURNET , TX

CHRISTOPHER STANLEY
MARBLE FALLS , TX

0.00

118

ROBERT KESSLER
SPRING , TX

RUSSELL KESSLER
LA VERNIA , TX

0.00

118

BRAD KEENER
AUSTIN , TX

ROB GLIDEWELL
AUSTIN , TX

0.00

118

JAMES HESTER
SALADO , TX

JAMES HESTER
KILLEN , TX

0.00

118

BRANDON BRAY
MARBLE FALLS , TX

JOE BRAY
MARBLE FALLS , TX

0.00

118

MATTHEW SCOGIN
MONTGOMERY , TX

LUCAS SCOGIN
MONTGOMERY , TX

0.00

118

ANTHONY GOODSON
DRIFTWOOD , TX

NOAH GOODSON
DRIFTWOOD , TX

0.00

118

NICK BOATRIGHT
LIBERTY HILL , TX

CHARLES SMITH
BUDA , TX

0.00

118

JASON KILLION
MIDLAND , TX

0.00

118

CODY MILLER
GEORGETOWN , TX

CRAIG MILLER
BANGS , TX

0.00

118

BLAKE ARAPIS
BURNET , TX

CHARLES WILSON JR
BRIGGS , TX

0.00

118

ALLEN MORROW
HASKELL , TX

0.00

118

BRANDON BLAYLOCK
BROWNWOOD , TX

ADAM MIRANDA
BROWNWOOD , TX

0.00

118

SCOTT ROSS
GEORGETOWN , TX

BRYON CHAPMAN
LEANDER , TX

0.00

118

STEVE THIEL
AUSTIN , TX

BILL CRIDDLE
LEANDER , TX

0.00

118

RICHIE LAND
LIBERTY HILL , TX

NATE LABAY
LIBERTY HILL , TX

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118

AUSTIN QUIET
AUSTIN , TX

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118

BLAYNE THOMPSON
LIBERY HILL , TX

DAKOTA NORDGREN
LEANDER , TX

0.00

118

GERY TRUITT
KERENS , TX

RICHARD MIRANDA
SAN ANTONIO , TX

0.00

118

CHRISTOPHER SABINA
AUSTIN , TX

ROBERT SABINA
SAN ANTONIO , TX

0.00

118

TERRY STEVENS
HUTTO , TX

JASON HARPER
MONTGOMERY , TX

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118

JUSTIN WOMACK
MIDLAND , TX

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118

JOHNNY ZUNKER
NEW BRAUNSFELS , TX

WADE MEHAFFEY
NEW BRAUNFELS , TX

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118

KEVIN UNGER
SMITHVILLE , TX

TIM GOETZ
SMITHVILLE , TX

0.00

118

JACK WILLIAMS
PFLUGERVILLE , TX

JASON CHARTOUNI
ROUND ROCK , TX

0.00

118

DARRELL WUENSCHE
THRALL , TX

0.00

118

MIKE PICKWELL
DRIPPING SPRINGS , TX

0.00

118

TOM GRIDLEY
WIMBERLEY , TX

SCOTT MEADS
KILLEEN , TX

0.00

118

RYAN WARREN
GATESVILLE , TX

JASON DERRICK
VALLEY MILLS , TX

0.00

118

JAKE KENNAMER
AUSTIN , TX

TOMMY POWERS
LAGO VISTA , TX

0.00

118

CHRISTOPHER SULLIVAN
EARLY , TX

ROBBIE DUDLEY
BROWNWOOD , TX

0.00

118

JAY JOHNSON
AUSTIN , TX

EASTON JOHNSON
AUSTIN , TX

0.00

118

STEPHEN MALINA
AUSTIN , TX

TRAVIS PROFFITT
SAN SABA , TX

0.00

118

TOMMY POWERS SR
LAGO VISTA , TX

GEOFFREY HOOD
LAGO VISTA , TX

0.00

by AnglersChannel

STRIKE KING KICKS OFF BIG BASS CHALLENGE EVENTS AT SAM RAYBURN

Lexington, S.C.–February 8, 2021–Since the announcement this past December, weekend and tournament anglers around the country have been chomping at the bit to see what the new “big bass format” tournament series from Strike King is all about. This past Sunday, February 7thmarked the very first event of the series which took place at Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Jasper, TX. Good weather, good fishing and good prizes made for a funopening weekend at one of the hottest bass fisheries in the country.

The eventkicked off Saturday at Ann’s Tackle in Jasper, TX where anglers had the opportunity to meet MLF Bass Pro Tour and Strike King Professional Angler Todd Faircloth, as well as Tyler Anderson of the @tylersreelfishing YouTube channel. Contestants and other local fishing fans took home gear from Lew’s and Strike King, in addition to many free samples and swag from Black Rifle Coffee Co. including hot brewed coffee, coffee grounds and chilled “RTD” Ready to Drink coffee in a can.

Tournament Sunday stayed exciting with a varietyof prizes being awarded each weigh period. In addition to paying out $7,500 cash throughout the course of the day for the five biggest bass weighed during each of four weigh periods, over 60 of the 115 registered anglers took home a prize for their efforts. With any keeper size bass weighed in being entered for a product prize, dozens of anglers of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels took home one or multiple prizes from Mammoth Coolers, Lucas Oil, Black Rifle Coffee Co., Lew’s and Strike King. With just a $75 entry fee and taking into account the fact that the first 100 registered anglers received a free Lew’s rod, one could argue this event provided a more generous return on investment than your typical bass tournament.

In the end, it was Jeff Grubbs Jr.’s 8.72lb bass caught first thing in the morning on a black and blue Strike King Thunder Cricketthat earned him the coveted “Total Boat Makeover Package” of $5,000 worth of product from Strike King and Lew’s. Jeff fished with his father Jeff Grubbs Sr. and together had an outstanding day of fishing, each of them weighing fish in multiple periods through the day and earning a generous assortment of prizes to go with their cash winnings.

Strike King& Lews’ own Tony Mehrlsaid, “We were extremely happy with our first Big Bass Challenge Event. Not only did we award some great prizes to folks who caught some big fish, but we kept everyone in the game with drawing prizes for anyone that weighed a fish –including those that were just “keeper size”. Hearing from multiple anglers that this was their first tournament they’ve ever entered tells us that the anglers appreciate and enjoy what we’re doing. Everyone had a great time, and that’s what this is all about.

”Strike King & Lew’s Field Activation Rep. and acting tournament director Mark Gintertwenton to add,“We want to thank our great partners at Mammoth Coolers and Lucas Oil for providingsome great prizes for the anglers, as well asBlack Rifle Coffee Co. being on site with prizes and samples to keep everyone hydrated and alert! We also couldn’t have done it without the help of the great team at the SETXHigh School Fishing Association. They were gracious enough to lend their services to the success of this event and we are lucky to have that organization as a partner.

”Safety and sanitation for the Sam Rayburn event and all future events is provided by Mammoth PPE Products.Anglers may register now for upcoming events athttps://www.strikeking.com/big-bass-challenge,where they will also find rule sheets and info sheets for each specific event.

The remaining 2021 Strike King Big Bass Challenge schedule is as follows:

Lake Murray –March 14, 2021Dreher Island State ParkProsperity, SC

California Delta –May 22, 2021Russo's MarinaBethel Island, CA

Table Rock Lake –June 5, 2021 Port of KimberlingKimberling City, MO

by AnglersChannel

Edwin Evers Wins 2021 MLF Lucas Oil Challenge Cup presented by B&W Trailer Hitches in Neenah, Wisc.

Oklahoma Superstar Nearly Laps the Field with 39+ pounds to Win Third Challenge Cup Title of Career

NEENAH, Wis. (Feb. 6, 2021) – Major League Fishing (MLF) pro Edwin Evers of Talala, Oklahoma, caught 18 bass totaling 39 pounds, 5 ounces, to win the Championship Round of the 2021 MLF Lucas Oil Challenge Cup presented by B&W Trailer Hitches in Neenah, Wisconsin, which premiered Saturday on the Outdoor Channel. It was the third MLF Challenge Cup title of Evers’ career, and pushed his career earnings to nearly $3.7 million.

“I am so incredibly excited right now,” Evers said in his post-game press conference. “I had a very tough season last year. It was really up and down for me and it was pretty frustrating. So, to start off the 2021 Cup season with a win is super special. And to win it on Lake Winnebago – this is such an awesome fishery. When we were riding to the lake and turned left out of the parking lot, my heart started beating out of my chest because I knew where we were going. I love this lake; it is super special to me.”

Period 1 of the Championship Round was dominated by Evers on the strength of a wacky-rigged 4-inch Berkley PowerBait MaxScent The General worm. All of his bites in the period came off of three docks near the main lake.

“It was a very specific pattern – it had to be docks that were on a point,” Evers said. “It had to have clean water, with a rocky bottom – not sand – and fairly clean with not a lot of grass around. And we talk about the 48 miles of shoreline and more than 23,000 acres of water… I fished every possible scenario where there would be a bass and I caught all of my fish off of just five docks. There might be one more dock out there, but I’m pretty sure those were the only five docks that worked with my pattern that day.”

Without either angler knowing, second-place finisher Mike McClelland also found those exact same three docks during Period 2 and they had reloaded. McClelland caught several key fish on a small spinnerbait and got to within 5 pounds of Evers, however the Oklahoma pro found two similar docks in the southern end of the competition zone and pulled away.

“I guess (Mike) McClelland also caught his fish off of those same docks, but unfortunately for him he was just behind me,” Evers said. “Everything I caught came on that Berkley General. I would have liked to catch them on a spinnerbait or with a vibrating jig, but it just wasn’t working for me. I learned early in the day I had to slow way down and just let that worm soak.”

Evers is now tied with two other anglers for the most Cup wins in MLF history with three – Kevin VanDam and Jacob Wheeler.

“I know I keep saying it, but just I’m super excited,” Evers went on to say. “You never know what tomorrow holds, so to win another one… I will never, ever, take one of these wins for granted. Period. These Cup events are so hard to win – they’re like a mini-championship. I am so fortunate and I’m looking forward to getting home to celebrate this win with my family.”

The final eight anglers at the 2021 Lucas Oil Challenge Cup presented by B&W Trailer Hitches in Neenah, Wisconsin finished:

1st: Edwin Evers of Talala, Okla., 18 bass, 39-5
2nd: Mike McClelland of Blue Eye, Mo., nine bass, 18-3
3rd: Jordan Lee of Cullman, Ala., four bass, 9-8
4th: Andy Morgan of Dayton, Tenn., four bass, 7-10
5th: Takahiro Omori of Tokyo, Japan, three bass, 6-8
6th: Michael Neal of Dayton, Tenn., three bass, 5-6
7th: Greg Hackney of Gonzales, La., two bass, 4-1
8th: Dustin Connell of Clanton, Ala., one bass, 1-4

Complete results along with photos from the event can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Lee caught the Berkley Big Bass of the day – a chunky 3-pound, 11-ounce largemouth during Period One.

Overall, there were 44 bass weighing 91 pounds, 13 ounces caught by the final eight pros during the Championship Round of competition on Lake Winnebago.

The 2021 Lucas Oil Challenge Cup presented by B&W Trailer Hitches was hosted by the Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau and premiered on the Outdoor Channel as six, two-hour original episodes each Saturday afternoon debuting on Jan. 2, 2021, and running through Feb. 6, 2021.

All six episodes of the event are available for viewing on the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) streaming app.

The event was shot over six days in mid-September in Neenah and featured 30 MLF pro anglers visiting Eastern Wisconsin to compete on four different fisheries across the region, including Lake Poygan and Winneconne, Lake Butte des Morts and Lake Winnebago. The fisheries were unknown to the anglers – they did not learn where they were competing until they arrived at the launch ramp each morning of competition.

by AnglersChannel

Florida Prepares for another BIG Week - Elite Series St. John's Preview

Courtesy of Vance McCullough

Just filled out my 5-man Fantasy Fishing roster at Bassmaster.com for the upcoming Elite Series season opener on Florida’s St Johns River. I picked Rick Clunn. Five times.

Not to jinx the man, but the weather forecast for the area during the competition dates of February 11^th through the 14^th calls for a steady breeze, overcast skies and a decent chance of rain every day. That should set up a strong ‘winding’ bite that will favor the types of lures Clunn used to become the oldest ever Elite Series champion with an impressive showing on the river in 2016 before breaking his own record on the same, but a very different St Johns River in 2019.

The river of lakes is now a different fishery than it was before Hurricane Irma scrubbed all the eel grass away in 2017. Eel grass has been the prime habitat for fish on the river since before William Bartram witnessed a Native American pull a bass from it on a “jig and a bob” – hook and line fishing – in the spring of 1774. Bartram estimated the bass would have weighed 30 pounds. A great explorer, Bartram likely would have made a terrible tourney director. But hey, maybe 30-pound bass were common on the river back then.

Thirty-pound limits hard to come by these days which makes Clunn’s 31-pound, 7-ounce sack on Day 3 of the 2016 tourney all the more impressive. To win that tournament on the ‘old’ St Johns he used a bladed jig/swimbait combo to pluck bass from eel grass along the east shore of Lake George for a 4-day total weight of 81-15. He then shifted techniques and location in 2019 to catch his fish on a Trickster spinnerbait and Gatortail worm around Drayton Island. His final round effort was worth 34-14. It pushed his 4-day total to 98-14. Clunn had figured out how to win on the ‘new’ St Johns River, proving his adaptability as well as his skill.

That new St Johns fishery revolves around thick stands of lily pads and scattered wood that litters its banks. The storms that striped the river of grass also pushed trees into the water. The resultant laydowns vie with old dock pilings, some still attached to platforms, for the attention of fish and fishermen.

Offshore bars can produce massive bags of bass but this time of year a single afternoon of warm weather can send them scurrying to the shallows in preparation for the spawn.

Sight fishing can be the ticket on this river in February but if clouds and rain materialize as expected during this derby that tactic will be difficult, at best, to execute. Even during the practice rounds considerable cloudiness and stormy skies will dominate. Bass are still spawning in protected canals as they tend to do in February, but anglers will have to pitch, sight unseen, to places where they imagine fish to be, an approach that’s less efficient but still effective.

Offbeat tactics could play well. Last year Paul Mueller ran north and flipped up the winning fish from beneath mats that clung to steep banks in deep creeks. In contrast to 2019 when Clunn scared the Century mark, Mueller’s win was very ‘2020’ in that it featured a canceled day, due to extreme weather. Mueller was the only angler to average more than 15 pounds per day.

Such is the fickle nature of the St Johns. Fishing fortunes rise and fall like the tide that feeds the slow, dark waterway.

Given the short supply of submerged grass, coupled with modern electronics and information available these days, if there is a clump of it somewhere, multiple anglers will find it, slicing the pie into ever

by AnglersChannel

Schmitt Wins Toyota Series Event on Lake Toho

Maryland Pro Earns Sixth Career Toyota Series Victory – Breaks Record for Most All-Time

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (Feb. 6, 2021) – Maryland pro Bryan Schmitt of Deale, Maryland, brought four bass to the scale Saturday weighing 18 pounds, 2 ounces – including a 9-pound, 2-ounce kicker – to win the Toyota Series presented by A.R.E. at Lake Toho Presented by Googan Baits . Schmitt weighed in 15 bass over three days of competition totaling 66 pounds, 10 ounces, besting second-place angler Mikey Keyso of North Port, Florida, by more than 8 pounds. For his victory, Schmitt earned the top payout of $51,500 in the first tournament of the 2021 Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. Southern Division.

The victory was the sixth career Toyota Series win of Schmitt’s career and moved him to No. 1 for the most Toyota Series wins all-time. Schmitt had been in a three-way tie with Randy Haynes (5) and Koby Kreiger (5), now tied for second-most.

“I am so blessed,” Schmitt said. “I am blessed to have grown up fishing the Potomac River where I had no choice but to learn all the intricacies of grass fishing if I wanted to compete. Those lessons have served me well over the years.”

This week the puzzle started with a long, narrow vein of grass that ran out across a vast flat of bare sand and shell in about 6 feet of water. The thin strip of hydrilla was about ¼ of a mile long and terminated into a huge and shallower grass bed in about 3 or 4 feet of water.

“The band of grass grew up about 2 or 3 feet off the bottom and it was clumpy the whole way.” Schmitt said. “When I first found it in practice, I knew fish had to relate to it in some way.”

On the first day of the tournament, Schmitt figured out exactly how they related to it.

“I graphed the entire length of that narrow strip several times and finally found the mother lode where the strip ran into the shallow grass flat,” he said. “There was like an intersection right there.”

His suspicions were confirmed when he began using his LiveScope to scan along the clumpy grass strip and saw big dots swimming everywhere. With that, he picked up SPRO Aruku Shad 75, in a color aptly named wild shiner, tied to 15-pound test P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon and the rest is history.

Schmitt guesses that he saw about 70 percent of the fish he caught on LiveScope before casting to them. On several occasions when he saw fish meander up close to the boat, he pitched the Aruku Shad to the fish, let sink, ripped it up and watch the fish annihilate it on his screen.

He also watched fish take a swipe at the rattle bait on the screen, but never touch it. When that happened, he would resort to a couple of back up lures, including a Missile Baits Quiver Worm (junebug) Neko-rigged on a Hayabusa Weedless Spin Muscle Wacky Hook. He also caught a few on his namesake ½-ounce swim jig called the Lil’ Schmitty (river special) trailed with a Missile Baits Shockwave (shrapnel).

“I caught a lot of big fish on that Aruku Shad this week,” Schmitt went on to say. “I put fresh Hayabusa trebles on it: a #4 on the back and #5 on the front. The very first fish I hooked this morning was that 9-pounder and she stayed pinned the whole way.”

The top 10 pros on Lake Toho finished:
1^st:       Bryan Schmitt of Deale, Md., 14 bass, 66-10, $51,500
2^nd:      Mikey Keyso of North Port, Fla., 15 bass, 58-8, $20,000
3^rd:       Bobby Bakewell of Orlando, Fla., 15 bass, 50-15, $14,250
4^th:       Steven Hatala of Harrison Township, Mich., 15 bass, 43-4, $12,250
5^th:       Eric Conant of Lakeland, Fla., 13 bass, 42-2, $11,250
6^th:       Trevor Fitzgerald of Belleview, Fla., 15 bass, 42-2, $9,125
7^th:       Eric Panzironi of Longwood, Fla., 15 bass, 38-11, $7,900
8^th:       Jared McMillan of Clewiston, Fla., 15 bass, 37-14, $7,900
9^th:       Samuel Whitmire of Babson Park, Fla., 11 bass, 35-6, $5,900
10^th:     Cole Hewett of Orange Park, Fla., 14 bass, 34-3, $4,500

A complete list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Whitmire won Thursday’s Berkley Big Bass Award after bringing a 11-pound, 11-ounce lunker to the scale. Friday’s Berkley Big Bass Award went to pro McMillan with a 9-pound, 13-ounce largemouth. Each angler won a bonus of $150.

McMillan took home and extra $1,000 as the highest finishing Phoenix MLF BIG5 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 BIG5 Bonus contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.

Jeffrey Baffa of Frankfort, Illinois, won the Strike King Co-angler Division Saturday with a three-day total of nine bass weighing 35 pounds, 15 ounces. Baffa took home the top prize package of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard motor.

The top 10 Strike King co-anglers on Lake Toho finished:
1^st:       Jeffrey Baffa of Frankfort, Ill., nine bass, 35-15, Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat w/115-hp outboard
2^nd:      Benton Peoples of Bardstown, Ky, 11 bass, 34-2, $6,125
3^rd:       Ricky Grant of Inverness, Fla., 11 bass, 32-3, $4,900
4^th:       Theron Asbery of Longwood, Fla., 10 bass, 30-9, $3,950
5^th:       Frank Kitchens Jr. of Blairsville, Ga., 12 bass, 28-11, $3,450
6^th:       Todd Classon of Camilla, Ga., nine bass, 27-15, $2,950
7^th:       Clinton Lacinak of Homosassa, Fla., 10 bass, 24-2, $2,450
8^th:       James Littich of Davidson, N.C., eight bass, 20-3, $1,975
9^th:       Troy Johnson Jr. of Carrabelle, Fla., five bass, 18-2, $1,590
10^th:     Joe Cifuentes of Clinton, Ark., six bass, 16-5, $1,350

The Toyota Series at Lake Toho was presented by Googan Baits and was hosted by Experience Kissimmee – Kissimmee Sports Commission. It was the first of three regular-season tournaments in 2021 for Southern Division anglers. The next event for Toyota Series anglers will take place on Feb. 16-18 – the Toyota Series at Lake Guntersville presented by Googan Baits in Guntersville, Alabama. For a complete schedule, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The 2021 Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. consists of six divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern, Southwestern and Western – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International division. Anglers who fish all three qualifiers in any of the eight divisions and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. Championship for a shot at winning $235,000 cash, including a $35,000 Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus for qualified anglers. The winning Strike King co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard.
The 2021 Toyota Series Championship Presented by A.R.E. will be held Oct. 28-30 on Pickwick Lake in Counce, Tennessee, and is hosted by the Hardin County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Toyota Series presented by A.R.E. on the MLF BIG5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

by AnglersChannel

Schmitt Takes 12-Pound Lead on Toho

Courtesy of Majorleaguefishing.com

FEBRUARY 5, 2021 • ROB NEWELL • TOYOTA SERIES

Florida fisheries are magical places to experience a once-in-a-lifetime day of fishing. Single-day five-bass limits in Florida come in eye-popping denominations: 20-, 25- and 30-pound catches are entirely possible on any given day. But anglers who can make those magical Florida catches happen two days in a row are a much rarer breed.

In two days at the Toyota Series presented by A.R.E. there have been a total of seven limits over 20 pounds weighed in. Only one person in the field owns two of those 20-plus bags: Bryan Schmitt of Deale, Maryland.

Schmitt weighed in 25 pounds, 9 ounces on day one and followed that up with 22 pounds, 15 ounces on day two for a two-day total of 48 pounds, 7 ounces. He now leads the first Toyota Series of the Southern Division on Lake Toho, presented by Googan Baits, by 12 pounds, 1 ounce.

Schmitt’s winning record in MLF competition on grass lakes is pretty impressive. Over the years Schmitt has proved that he truly understands the subtleties of grass fishing and, so far, his week on Toho has been no exception.

For the last two days, Schmitt has pulled nearly 50 pounds of bass from a ¼-mile-long vein of hydrilla that runs across a barren flat.

“It’s just a thin, narrow strip of grass out there in the middle of nowhere,” Schmitt details. “It runs out through a 6-foot flat of bare bottom; there is not a stitch of grass anywhere else around it. I know because I’ve looked all around the area for another strip or clump. The grass is only about 2 to 3 feet tall off the bottom.”

Schmitt found the hydrilla strip during practice, but it was fruitless.

“When I found it, I just knew it would be loaded with fish,” he says. “It’s one of the prettiest grass places I’ve ever found. But I never got a bite on it in practice.”

Bryan Schmitt is one of the world’s premier grass anglers.

Where Schmitt proves his chops as a grass guru is in his conviction that bass had to live in the grass strip.

“Yesterday, I ran all the way down to Kissimmee thinking about that spot I found in Toho,” he says. “As soon as I got my fifth keeper in Kissimmee, I couldn’t wait to run back to Toho and try the spot again – even though it didn’t produce a bite in practice.”

When he relocated the thin line of grass on Thursday afternoon, he finally tapped the potential he knew existed there, sacking up the 25-9 as fast as he could cast.

He returned this morning and again caught big bass in short order on a SPRO Aruku Shad 75.

Schmitt also admits that LiveScope is playing a major role in the fish he has been catching.

“It’s the dangdest thing I have ever seen,” he says. “I can literally see the bass swimming up and down this strip of grass. Most of the time I’m casting that Aruku Shad way out there and ripping it like normal. But on several occasions today, I could see a fish out there right next to the grass. And I would literally pitch that Aruku Shad out there to the fish, let it sink and then rip it up right in front of her, and she would smash it. It’s just crazy!

“Now, I also had some that I pitched to and they lunged at it on the screen, but they never bit it,” he adds. “So it’s not like you catch every one you see. But just to see fish swimming up and down that line gives me the confidence to keep casting and ripping that Aruku Shad.”

A lipless crankbait has been a key player for Bryan Schmitt.

Going into the final day, what worries Schmitt the most is that his bite completely disappeared by 9 a.m. this morning.

“Something happened,” he says. “I quit seeing fish on the LiveScope and I quit getting bites, just like that. I’m thinking that some of it was pressure, because a lot of people showed up in that spot after a couple of hours this morning. And they were poling down all up and down the grass line and stuff. So with only ten of us out there tomorrow, I’m hoping I’ve got it to myself again and the fish hang around longer.”

Top 10 Pros

1. Bryan Schmitt – 48 – 08 (10)

2. Mikey Keyso – 36 – 07 (10)

3. Eric Conant – 33 – 13 (9)

4. Bobby Bakewell – 32 – 04 (7)

5. Trevor Fitzgerald – 31 – 10 (10)

6. Eric Panzironi – 30 – 05 (10)

7. Samuel Whitmire – 29 – 09 (8)

8. Jared McMillan – 29 – 06 (10)

9. Steven Hatala – 29 – 00 (10)

10. Cole Hewett – 28 – 14 (10)

Complete Results

Baffa Still Leads Strike King Co-Angler Division

Jeffery Baffa continues to lead the co-angler division of the Toyota Series on Lake Toho, thanks in large part to the 24-pound, 11-ounce limit he caught on day one. He added 2 fish for 4 pounds, 6 ounces to his total today for a two-day total of 29 pounds, 1 ounce.

Top 10 Co-Anglers

1. Jeffery Baffa – 29 – 01 (7)

2. Ricky Grant – 28 – 01 (9)

3. Theron Asbery – 24 – 10 (7)

4. Benton Peoples – 21 – 07 (6)

5. Clinton Lacinak – 20 – 14 (8)

6. Frank Kitchens Jr. – 20 – 13 (8)

7. Troy Johnson Jr. – 18 – 02 (5)

8. James Littich – 18 – 00 (7)

9. Todd Classon – 16 – 13 (5)

10. Joe Cifuentes – 16 – 05 (6)

Complete Results

by AnglersChannel

Late Giant Lifts Smith To Victory At B.A.S.S. Nation Western Regional On Havasu

Taylor Smith, of Valleyford, Wash., has won the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Western Regional at Lake Havasu with a two-day total of 33 pounds, 15 ounces.

Photo by Brenden Kanies/B.A.S.S.

February 5, 2021

LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. — Taylor Smith caught only five bass on the final day of the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Western Regional at Lake Havasu, and it was the final bite that gave him the weight he needed to win the season-opener on the 2021 B.A.S.S. tournament schedule.

Smith hooked a 5-pound largemouth a few dozen yards from the Lake Havasu State Park weigh-in site with only 45 minutes of tournament time remaining on Friday. The catch rounded out his 15-pound, 13-ounce limit and added to his 18-2 limit on Day 1. Smith finished with a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 33-15.

The 35-year-old Valleyford, Wash., resident won $5,000 for topping the boater division. It was part of a $27,200 total purse split between the best of the 177 competitors this week on the 19,200-acre impoundment straddling the Arizona/California border.

Smith is no stranger to success in B.A.S.S. Nation events. He finished second in the Nation Championship at South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell in 2019, which qualified him for the 2020 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk held on Alabama’s Lake Guntersville.

Smith’s win at Lake Havasu qualified him for the 2021 Nation Championship, which will be held later this year at a location to be determined.

“I’m jacked,” he said. “It was such a fun time down here. I didn’t have very high expectations. My pre-fishing was terrible. So, I’m elated. To have another chance to fish for a berth in the Classic is unbelievable.”

Smith was in second place after Day 1 on Wednesday, trailing only California’s Matty Wong, who led with 18-8. That’s how standings remained Friday, as Thursday’s competition was canceled due to strong winds in the region. B.A.S.S. officials determined the full field would fish again on Friday, and Mother Nature cooperated with postcard-perfect weather — winds at a much tamer 10 mph, bluebird skies and temperatures in the low 70s.

Still, Smith struggled to find bites Friday. His luck changed with the 5-pounder he caught on a green pumpkin football-head jig outfitted with a blue trailer.

“I yelled so loud when I caught that fish, I’m surprised you didn’t hear me up here (at weigh-in),” Smith said of his big catch. “But other than that, it really was a grind out there today.

“A lot of people had fish follow a jerkbait or a spinnerbait (on Wednesday), but I think that just slowly went away. I couldn’t get any kind of reaction bite today.”

Smith believed Thursday’s turbulent conditions made the fishing tougher Friday.

“The wind yesterday changed things for me, so I feel lucky to catch what I did,” he said. “I didn’t think I had (as much weight as I did).”

Steve Lund, who was in fourth on Day 1, climbed to second overall with a two-day total of 32-2. The Glendale, Ariz., resident caught a 16-1 limit on Friday, which was the heaviest bag of the day. Wong finished third with 28-5.

Jake Morrison of Scottsdale, Ariz., caught six bass weighing 12-11 and won $2,500 for finishing first in the co-angler division. Tom Nokes of Riverton, Utah, led the Day 1 co-angler standings and finished second overall with 12-8. Hunter Loveless of American Fork, Utah, was third with 12-0.

The squad from Washington State handily won the team championship portion. Washington anglers caught 76 bass over two days for a total weight of 188-13, and the squad collected $5,600 with the win. Idaho finished second (62 bass, 140-1) and won $3,350, while Arizona (56 bass, 135-15) placed third and won $2,200.

Other states in team scoring included California, fourth, 132-6; Utah, fifth, 131-10; Oregon, sixth, 129-3; Montana, seventh, 128-3; Wyoming, eighth, 127-5; and Nevada, ninth, 126-1.

Jay Evans of Missoula, Mont., won the $500 Big Bass Award with a 6-pounder he caught Wednesday. Scooter Griffin of Hayden, Idaho, caught a 4-12 bass Friday to win the $250 top prize for big bass among co-anglers.

JJ Gibbs IV, who lives in Lake Havasu City, won the Garmin Tournament Rewards prize of $500. He finished fourth in the boater division with a two-day total of 26-3.

The leading angler and co-angler for each state team at the Western Regional qualified for the B.A.S.S. Nation Team Championship. Four other regionals will be held in 2021, including: April 21-23 at Milford Lake in Junction City, Kan.; April 28-30 at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, S.C.; June 23-25 at Lake Erie/Presque Isle Bay in Erie, Pa.; and Sept. 1-3 on the upper Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wis.

2021 TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Western Regional Lake Havasu 2/3-2/5
Lake Havasu, Lake Havasu City AZ.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$

1. Taylor Smith Valleyford, WA (WA) 10 33-15 0
2. Steve Lund Glendale, AZ (AZ) 10 32-02 0
3. Matthew Wong Culver City, CA (CA) 8 28-05 0
4. JJ Gibbs IV Lake Havasu City, AZ (A 10 26-03 0
5. Jay Evans Missoula, MT (MT) 8 25-07 0
6. Jason Crone Kalispell, MT (MT) 10 23-15 0
7. Ken Day Kennewick, WA (WA) 10 22-05 0
8. Ben Byrd Moab, UT (UT) 10 21-15 0
9. Jeremy Mckay Eugene, OR (OR) 8 21-14 0
10. Harrison Bertsch Rathdrum, ID (ID) 10 21-08 0
11. Clint Johanson Cle Elum, WA (WA) 8 21-05 0
12. Don Allphin Manila, UT (UT) 7 19-15 0
13. Timothy Wells Clovis, CA (CA) 6 19-14 0
14. William Naugle Lake Havasu City, AZ (N 9 19-04 0
15. Earl Wells Payette, ID (WY) 8 18-02 0
16. Bubba O'Neill Jr Evanston, WY (WY) 7 18-00 0
17. Josh Worth Grand Junction, CO (UT) 7 17-05 0
18. James Castillo West Richland, WA (WA) 9 17-03 0
19. Sean Andrachick Marion, MT (MT) 7 16-04 0
20. Chris Harvey Idaho Falls, ID (WY) 6 15-15 0
21. Mat Cole Hayden, ID (ID) 5 15-15 0
22. Justin Campbell Pasco, WA (WA) 7 15-06 0
23. Dick Watson Alta Loma, CA (NV) 6 15-02 0
24. Frank Scarla Amity, OR (OR) 7 14-09 0
25. Jason Virgil Hermiston, OR (OR) 6 14-02 0
26. Cody Steckel Las Vegas, NV (NV) 6 13-07 0
27. Kevin Wiggins Winterheaven, NV (NV) 6 13-05 0
28. Timmy Wells II Fresno, CA (CA) 7 13-05 0
29. Toby Robinson Henderson, NV (NV) 5 13-04 0
30. Benny Mello Wilder, ID (ID) 8 12-11 0
31. David Kromm Kennewick, WA (WA) 4 12-10 0
32. Jeffry Ball Pendleton, OR (OR) 6 12-09 0
33. Cole Schneider Rathdrum, ID (ID) 6 12-07 0
34. Jason Warren Pleasant Grove, UT (UT) 6 12-01 0
35. Mel Williams Kennewick, WA (WA) 5 11-06 0
36. Frankie Mueller Kingman, AZ (AZ) 5 11-02 0
37. Bruce Harris Oakdale, CA (CA) 4 11-01 0
38. Justin Hicks Gunnison, CO (UT) 5 10-13 0
39. Addam Gross Pendleton, OR (OR) 5 10-04 0
40. Cody Pierson Pocatello, ID (WY) 4 10-01 0
41. Scott Rich Ogden, UT (WY) 4 09-09 0
42. Kenneth Cleveland Bakersfield, CA (CA) 3 08-11 0
43. Cully Scroggins Longview, WA (WA) 2 08-10 0
44. Dane Lawrence Tillamook, OR (MT) 4 08-10 0
45. Clif Gallagher Saint George, UT (WY) 3 08-05 0
46. Zackery Shaff Richland, WA (WA) 4 08-05 0
47. Tim Johnston Plains, MT (MT) 4 08-03 0
48. Kevin Melford Camarillo, CA (CA) 4 08-03 0
49. Justin Soppe Middleton, ID (ID) 3 07-11 0
50. Brent James St George, UT (NV) 2 07-09 0
51. Zack Holwerda Maricopa, AZ (AZ) 3 07-08 0
52. Stephen Pike Las Vegas, NV (NV) 3 07-06 0
53. Cory Kerber Kerman, CA (CA) 3 07-05 0
54. Kalib Lund Glendale, AZ (AZ) 4 07-00 0
55. Josh Ragan Rathdrum, ID (ID) 3 06-13 0
56. David Bertsch Harrison, ID (ID) 3 06-13 0
57. Tony McCalmant Post Falls, ID (ID) 3 06-11 0
58. Brandon Morton San Tan Valley, AZ (AZ) 3 06-06 0
59. Karl Okerman Sandpoint, ID (MT) 3 06-02 0
60. Douglas Gaskill Las Vegas, NV (NV) 3 05-15 0
61. Kory Ray Lebanon, OR (OR) 4 05-12 0
62. Tyler Ivie Ogden, UT (UT) 2 05-11 0
63. Brian Kennemer Bakersfield, CA (CA) 2 05-09 0
64. Ray Huff Bakersfield, CA (CA) 3 05-04 0
65. Joe Cole Coalville, UT (WY) 2 05-01 0
66. Drew Forster Kalispell, MT (MT) 2 05-00 0
67. Chris Cook Gilbert, AZ (AZ) 2 04-15 0
68. Jonathan Schuyler Las Vegas, NV (NV) 2 04-05 0
69. Paul Morley Kaysville, UT (WY) 2 04-01 0
70. Jake Anderson Richland, WA (WA) 1 04-01 0
71. Brian Bolander Scottsdale, AZ (AZ) 2 03-07 0
72. Mike Rennie Pioche, NV (NV) 2 03-07 0
73. Jim Hawkes A.J., AZ (AZ) 1 03-05 0
74. Andrew Sayles Middleton, ID (WY) 2 03-00 0
75. Levi Ployhar Kalispell, MT (MT) 1 02-13 0
76. Marc Caldwell Rifle, CO (UT) 1 02-10 0
77. Bill Brown Grand Junction, CO (UT) 1 02-09 0
78. Reece Wells Clovis, CA (CA) 1 02-07 0
79. Kenny Carver Coeur D Alene, ID (ID) 1 02-06 0
79. Eric Inman West Jordan, UT (UT) 1 02-06 0
81. Kyle Quinnell Kalispell, MT (MT) 1 02-00 0
82. Billy Ricker Clinton, UT (UT) 1 01-15 0
83. Todd Herman Gilbert, AZ (AZ) 1 01-13 0
84. Cody King Island City, OR (OR) 1 01-11 0
85. Brett Bennett Kalispell, MT (MT) 1 01-10 0
86. Don Dethloff Jr Rathdrum, ID (ID) 1 01-09 0
87. David Mays Portland, OR (OR) 1 01-06 0
88. Ryan Sparks Beaverton, OR (OR) 0 00-00 0
88. Ron Wiseman Pendleton, OR (OR) 0 00-00 0

by AnglersChannel

Major League Fishing Wiley X Summit Cup Wraps Production on Lake Murray

Bass Fishing Event Completes Week-Long Television Shoot in Lake Murray Country with 30 Pro Anglers Competing to Win Prestigious Summit Cup Championship

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Feb. 5, 2021) – Major League Fishing (MLF) and 30 of the world’s best pro anglers wrapped production Friday at the MLF Wiley X Summit Cup presented by B&W Trailer Hitches event in Columbia, South Carolina. The event, hosted by the Capital City/Lake Murray Country and filmed entirely for television broadcast, was shot over six days this week and featured anglers competing for the prestigious Summit Cup championship.

Lake Murray has played host to numerous major bass-fishing championship events, including the 2008, 2014 and 2017 FLW Cup Championships, and a 2018 MLF Challenge Select event – won by pro Keith Poche (competing in this event). The Wiley X Summit Cup presented by B&W Trailer Hitches will mark just the second time that MLF has visited the “Jewel of South Carolina.”

“Lake Murray has become a world-class fishing destination for anglers of all ages, and we are proud to once again host Major League Fishing as they return for a second time,” said Miriam Atria, president and CEO of the Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board. “Time and time again, Lake Murray has delivered a competitive tournament experience for the anglers and showcased why it is one of the most productive bass fisheries in the world. We’re excited that Governor Henry McMaster was able to join us for the filming of the community segment showcasing Lake Murray Country to hundreds of thousands of outdoor recreational visitors.”

The six-episode, two-hour series features the professional anglers visiting Lake Murray to compete on different zones of Lake Murray on each day of competition. The anglers do not learn where they are competing until they arrive to the launch ramp each morning of competition, creating a reality-based television episode that showcases how the top anglers break down new and unfamiliar waters.

“A combination of the fast-paced MLF format and uncharted waters results in nerve-wracking competition for the anglers and creates incredible content for the viewer,” said Michael Mulone, Senior Director of Events and Partnerships for MLF. “Lake Murray is a fantastic fishery and once again the Lake Murray Country community truly rolled out the red carpet for us. It’s such a pleasure to come to a community that understands the positive impact MLF has on a destination’s economy. We look forward to returning later this year with the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and many more tournaments in the years to come.”

The 30 anglers competing in the Wiley X Summit Cup presented by B&W Trailer Hitches event are: Justin Atkins, Tommy Biffle, Brent Chapman, Luke Clausen, Dustin Connell, Brandon Coulter, Cliff Crochet, James Elam, Shin Fukae, Greg Hackney, Alton Jones Jr., Bobby Lane, Russ Lane, Jordan Lee, Mike McClelland, Andy Morgan, Ish Monroe, Takahiro Omori, Keith Poche, Jacob Powroznik, Skeet Reese, Marty Robinson, Bradley Roy, Fletcher Shryock, Gerald Spohrer, Jeff Sprague, Bryan Thrift, Jonathon VanDam, Kevin VanDam and Greg Vinson.

The MLF Wiley X Summit Cup presented by B&W Trailer Hitches, hosted by Capital City/Lake Murray Country, will air on the Outdoor Channel as six, two-hour original episodes each Saturday afternoon starting May 15, 2021, airing from 2 to 4 p.m. EDT. The full television schedule can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com/tv-schedule .

by AnglersChannel

Weather Will Be Key For Bassmaster Elite Series-Opener On The St. Johns River

The Bassmaster Elite Series will open its nine-event 2021 season on Florida's scenic St. Johns River Feb. 11-14.

Photo by Andy Crawford/B.A.S.S.

February 5, 2021

PALATKA, Fla. — John Cox wishes he could experience temporary amnesia during the upcoming AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at the St. Johns River. That’s because much of what the Florida pro has learned over the past two decades of fishing this big-fish factory will be of little relevance during this year’s season-opener.

Competition is set for Feb. 11-14 with daily takeoffs at 7 a.m. ET from Palatka City Docks and weigh-ins each day at 3 p.m. from Palatka Riverfront Park.

Long regarded as one of Florida’s top-tier fisheries, the St. Johns once boasted a vast acreage of swaying eelgrass that served as prime habitat for bass in all stages of the spawn. But the fishery lost nearly all of that grass during Hurricane Irma in 2017.

So now, anglers will face a vastly different fishery than the one that has produced winning weights upwards of 90 pounds at past Elite Series events.

“I wish I could forget everything from the past 20 years,” Cox said. “It’s hard to get out of my head what it looked like in the past with all the eelgrass.

“It’s almost to the point where I have to forget about all the sight fishing that used to go on. I just have to fish for those fish because I don’t think the clarity is like it was without the grass.”

Tournament boundaries stretch from Jacksonville’s Fuller Warren Bridge (Interstate-95), south to Highway 44 in Deland. Historically, much of the field during Elite events has dispersed throughout the 72-square-mile Lake George, located south of the tournament’s takeoff and weigh-in site in Palatka. Nearby Crescent Lake will also get its share of attention.

Even without eelgrass, more vegetation awaits the anglers south of Lake George in the form of lily pads, hyacinth and pennywort. Getting away from the crowds could pay off, but the lower region includes no-wake zones and (manatee) speed zones, which require a larger investment of time for anglers making the long trek.

North of Palatka’s Main Street Bridge, the river broadens and offers more docks, canals and creeks — the scenario in which Paul Mueller found last year’s winning fish during an event that was shortened to three days by inclement weather. Others, including fifth-place pro Jake Whitaker, fared well by tucking into protected canals and targeting docks and seawalls.

This year, anglers will also be allowed to lock into Rodman Reservoir, south of Palatka. Adding these waters will avail a wonderland of stump-strewn habitat rich with pad fields and random laydowns.

Throughout much of the St. Johns, offshore anglers will be looking for shellbars like the ones that nearly delivered the win for last year’s Day 1 leader, Kelley Jaye.

February is always a volatile month for Florida weather, so tournaments this month are usually a feast-or-famine affair. That said, if tournament week brings warm, stable conditions, a wave of spawning bass could turn the event into a barnburner.

“There’s been a cooler winter; it’s been spread out longer, so we’re a little behind,” Cox said. “So, all the fish could really come in, like 2019 when B.A.S.S. legend Rick Clunn claimed his 16th Bassmaster win with 98 pounds, 14 ounces.

“I’ve been fishing Lake Toho and the pond at my house and they’re a couple weeks (behind schedule). But it won’t take much for it to get back on track. We’ll have a little cooldown right before practice starts, so if there’s a warming trend during the whole tournament, it could be great.”

With lower water clarity curtailing traditional sight fishing, the tournament will see less precise bed-fishing strategies. Some anglers will still pursue spawners, but it’ll likely be a strategy of blind casting to promising areas with a mix of topwaters, light jigs and Texas-rigged plastics.

Depending on weather patterns, some may target prespawn staging fish. Swim jigs, bladed jigs, swimbaits, lipless baits and squarebills could come into play for that. Elsewhere, anglers will use flipping and punching techniques, suspending jerkbaits and wacky-rigged worms.

Last year’s event saw Mueller win his second Elite trophy with a three-day total of 47 pounds, 6 ounces. That’s an average of just under 16 pounds a day — far less than the nearly 25-pound average that Clunn had with a four-day winning total of 98-14 in 2019.

That’s Florida fishing; it varies year to year and, often, week to week during the first quarter. On the upside, the St. Johns is packed with quality fish, including a generous smattering of double-digit giants.

“I think if someone does stumble onto some eelgrass, they could win the tournament,” Cox said. “If we get the warming trend and we don’t get much wind, the winning weight could be in the 90s, and it could be a Century Club (100 pounds) tournament.”

David Fritts announced earlier this week that he is withdrawing from the event for medical reasons. Fritts, who was hospitalized briefly in January, hopes to return for the Bassmaster Elite at Tennessee River Feb. 25-28.

The full field of anglers will fish the first two days, with the Top 50 advancing to Semifinal Saturday. The Top 10 remaining anglers will fish Championship Sunday with a $100,000 prize on the line.

Live coverage for all four days of the event can be streamed on Bassmaster.com and the FOX Sports digital platforms. FS1 will also broadcast live from the tournament beginning at 8 a.m. ET on Saturday and Sunday.

by AnglersChannel

Bakewell Leads on Toho with 26-13

Courtesy of Major League Fishing

FEBRUARY 4, 2021 • ROB NEWELL • TOYOTA SERIES

What would it be like to enter your first tournament as a professional angler, go out on the first day, catch the biggest five-bass limit of your life, weigh it in and take the lead?

Well just ask Bobby Bakewell of Orlando, Fla. Because he did just that today. Fishing as a pro for the first time in the Toyota Series presented by A.R.E., Bakewell sacked up 26 pounds, 13 ounces to take the day-one lead at the Lake Toho event, which is presented by Googan Baits.

Complete Results

“I fished as a co-angler before but this is my first time fishing from the front,” Bakewell says. “And to catch the biggest bag of my life on this day! I got news for you: I’m on cloud 9 right now; I’m ecstatic.”

After several practice days of harsh northwest winds, Thursday brought bright, sunny and still conditions. Air temperatures dipped below the freezing mark and some boats had ice on them this morning.

Bakewell’s solution to the wind-churned lake was to fish stable offshore areas that did not get torched by the wind. He says he’s fishing the same offshore pattern, both above and below the Toho lock.

“The baits and pattern are identical; I’m just doing it in two different areas,” he says. “I’ve got a place in Toho where I can catch a limit fishing that way early, then I lock through and run way south to another spot like the Toho spot.”

Bakewell left Toho with about a 15-pound limit. When he got to his other area, he culled up with 8- and 6-pounders.

“After I caught those two, I left my primary areas alone and went shallow to look around,” Bakewell adds. “I did cull up once more flipping, then I called it a day.”

While 26-13 sounds like an incredible catch for the day, Bakewell still has his work cut out for him the next two days if he wants his dream day to turn into a dream week. Just behind him are some racehorses that hauled in several 20- to 26-pound bags, with more on the horizon considering the warming weather.

Top 10 Pros

1. Bobby Bakewell – 26 – 13 (5)

2. Eric Conant – 26 – 07 (5)

3. Bryan Schmitt – 25 – 09 (5)

4. Samuel Whitmire – 24 – 01 (5)

5. Zak Fadden – 20 – 09 (5)

6. Chad Schroeder – 18 – 10 (5)

7. Christian Greico – 18 – 08 (4)

8. Lance Oligschlaeger – 17 – 04 (5)

9. Joey Cifuentes – 17 – 01 (5)

10. Stephen Albertson – 16 – 09 (5)

Complete Results

Jeffery Baffa caught giants to take a commanding co-angler lead.

Baffa Leads Strike King Co-Angler Division

If you think Bakewell had a magical day on Lake Toho, wait for the tale of Jeffery Baffa, who hauled in 24-11 to take the lead in the co-angler division.

Baffa fished with day-one runner-up pro Eric Conant. Conant weighed in 26 pounds, 7 ounces and Baffa, fishing right behind him, compiled nearly 25 pounds of bass from the back of the boat. That’s over 50 pounds of bass out of one boat.

Baffa has fished MLF events dating back as far as 1996. And his catch today was the biggest of his fishing career.

“What a day, I’ll tell you,” says Baffa. “Every time either Eric [Conant] or I set the hook, we’d say ‘Get the net, it’s a big one!’ And they really were all big ones! It was crazy. We laughed and joked all day long having the time of our lives.”

“My dad passed away two and a half weeks ago,” Baffa adds. “And he was my biggest fan. I couldn’t help but think he was out there with us laughing it up, too, watching us catch those big ones. It was a very, very special day and I dedicate it to him.”

Top 10 Strike King Co-Anglers

1. Jeffery Baffa – 24 – 11 (5)

2. Ricky Grant – 20 – 03 (5)

3. Frank Kitchens Jr. – 15 – 07 (5)

4. James Littich – 15 – 06 (5)

5. Derek Kaalberg – 13 – 07 (2)

6. Kevin Clark – 12 – 08 (5)

7. John Brooks – 10 – 14 (5)

8. James Brooks – 10 – 09 (4)

9. Eric Wild – 9 – 14 (4)

10. Sam Fish – 9 – 11 (5)

Complete Results

by AnglersChannel

AC Rookie Podcast - "Changing Lane"

On this weeks Rookie Podcast, Chris Welcomes in MLF Pro Circuit Rookie Cal Lane to the show to talk about growing up in the shadow of his Father Chris Lane and his Uncle Bobby Lane and following in their footsteps.

by AnglersChannel

X2POWER ANNOUNCES 2021 BASS PRO STAFF

Former champions, major award winners poised to educate professional bass fishing fans on the advantages of premium batteries from X2Power.

HARTLAND, Wis. (February 4, 2021) — X2Power, the premium power source for the marine, car/light truck and motorsports markets, announces its bass pro staff for 2021. The pro staff, comprised of accomplished anglers with multiple championships and other accolades to their credit, is designed to highlight the competitive advantage enjoyed by anglers who run X2Power marine batteries in their tournament boats.

The 2021 X2Power bass pro staff includes anglers from MLF and the Bassmaster Elite Series, including former champions and major award winners. A truly international group, the pro staff is comprised of anglers from the United States, Canada and Australia who will run their tournament boats and tow vehicles with X2Power throughout the 2021 tournament season.

“Professional bass anglers demand a lot of their equipment, and X2Power marine batteries are built to provide the most worry-free solution for anglers who rely on modern electronics on their boat. What better place than the world’s highest levels of professional bass fishing to prove the performance and value of a premium battery like X2Power,” said Vice President of Product Development Shawn Budiac “We’re proud to be aligned with such accomplished anglers and we look forward to cheering on their successes in 2021 and beyond.”

Proudly made in the USA, X2Power Marine batteries are part of a line of premium power options that includes AGM batteries for cars/light trucks and emergency vehicles, as well as lithium batteries for powersports applications. X2Power marine batteries feature a pure-lead, dual-purpose design, which gives them both the high cranking power to start modern boat motors as well as the cycling capabilities necessary to run trolling motors, depth finders, side-imaging, radios, radar, lights, pumps, coolers and more. Backed by a 4-year, free-replacement warranty and available at more than 700 Batteries Plus Bulbs locations nationwide, X2Power’s AGM batteries are built to provide years of worry-free use for anglers and boaters.

2021 X2POWER BASS PRO STAFF
Justin Atkins — Bassmaster Elite Series
Hometown: Florence, Alabama
Instagram: @justinatkinsfishing
Former Forrest Wood Cup champion (2017) competing for the first year in the Bassmaster Elite Series.

Brent Ehrler — MLF
Hometown: Redlands, California
Instagram: @brentehrlerfishing
Former Forrest Wood Cup champion (2006), Bassmaster Elite Series Rookie of the Year with more than $2 million in career earnings.

Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson — Bassmaster Elite Series
Hometown: Keewatin, Canada
Instagram: @gussyoutdoors
Joined the Bassmaster Elite Series in 2019 and qualified for the Bassmaster Classic in 2020.

Carl Jocumsen – Bassmaster Elite Series
Hometown: Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
Instagram: @carl_jocumsen
First Australian to qualify for the Elite Series, logged his first Elite Series win in 2019.

Hunter Shryock — Bassmaster Elite Series
Hometown: Newcomerstown, Ohio
Instagram: @huntershryock496
Former motocross pro turned professional angler, joined the Elite Series in 2018 and qualified for the 2020 Bassmaster Classic.

by AnglersChannel

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