Fish Tip Friday - Drew Gill DOUBLE Edition
We got the chance to spend a day on the water with AC Insider, Drew Gill, and boy did we learn some things! Drew loaded us up with Fishin' Tips, but THIS one is pretty epic. Check out this Big Bait / Big Bass Fish TIp Friday...Drew Gill style!
Palaniuk Adapts and Adjusts on Day 1 at Lake Hartwell
Courtesy Dynamic Sponsorships / Photo: Bassmaster
The thing about springtime bass fishing on Lake Hartwell is that it changes faster than a wind shift on a bluff wall. Just ask Team Toyota pro Brandon Palaniuk, who rolled into Day 1 of the Whataburger Bassmaster Elite at lake Hartwell with a bed fish in mind and found nothing but clear water and empty promises.
“I started on a bed fish this morning and she was gone when I got there,” Palaniuk said at weigh-in, a wry smile breaking beneath his ball cap. “I’ve never seen a lake where they spawn and disappear so fast. At 5:30 p.m. last night they were rolling and rubbing, and then she was just gone this morning.”
Still, the seasoned Idaho native and two-time Angler of the Year didn’t panic. Palaniuk did what he’s made a career of doing: he adjusted on the fly.
With a veteran's poise and a deep tacklebox of techniques, Palaniuk put together a mixed-bag limit of three largemouth and two spotted bass. His fish came from just about everywhere—and everything.
“I caught ‘em in a foot of water to 20 feet of water,” he said. “It really was a combination of things. The fish are in every possible stage on Hartwell right now.”
That’s the nature of Lake Hartwell in April. Prespawn, spawn and postspawn fish can all be found in the same stretch of shoreline if you look close enough. The Elite field is forced to stay nimble and perhaps nobody in the game embodies versatility more than Palaniuk.
Over a career spanning more than a decade, Palaniuk has banked millions in tournament winnings. But his reputation goes beyond the stats. Whether he’s skipping docks, watching forward-facing sonar or pulling smallmouth from current breaks, his style is rooted in intuition, adaptability and a quiet confidence that comes from years of grinding it out on the nation’s top waters.
Day 1 at Hartwell was no different.
“I’ve been doing a mix of sight fishing and forward-facing sonar fishing,” Palaniuk explained. “I don’t think one style of fishing is going to dominate this tournament. You’re going to have to show your versatility.”
The 2025 Elite schedule has already featured a wide range of fisheries—from river systems to deep reservoirs—and Hartwell is another puzzle to piece together. This week’s conditions are typical of spring in the Southeast: warm mornings, scattered clouds and pop-up thunderstorms that build heat and tension both on the water and in the weigh-in line.
“The weather won’t really change much for me,” Palaniuk said. “I think we might have a little more sun tomorrow which should make it better. Just afternoon thunderstorms that can pop up out of nowhere. It’s up to me to adapt to the changing conditions and I’m totally prepared to do so.”
It’s not just the fishing that keeps Palaniuk grounded—it’s his family. That’s been the mission since day one.
“I’ve got my family here with me,” he said. “If I couldn’t have my family here with me, I don’t think the career would even be worth it. I always had it in my mind as I was coming up before I started my career, that I wanted to have a good enough career to where my family could travel with me. That has always been part of the plan.”
That plan has led him from a backseat co-angler to an Elite Series mainstay, to a father and husband, all while maintaining his status as one of the most consistent and respected anglers on tour.
His career arc is the kind young anglers dream of—starting on the Federation Nation trail, making a splash at the 2011 Bassmaster Classic and steadily building a legacy not with flashy finishes, but with workmanlike performances and unshakable resilience.
Despite a modest practice, Palaniuk made the most of Day 1, though he admits his weight may not stack up to the leaderboard.
“My practice was not great,” he said. “I was pretty happy with my weight today… until I saw the other weights. Then I figured I probably didn’t do as well as originally thought. But this lake has ‘em and I can’t wait to get out there on Friday.”
That kind of response says a lot about Palaniuk.
Never rattled. Never content. Always fishing forward.
As for the rest of the field, the bite was mixed. Some pros leaned on offshore spotted bass using live sonar, while others targeted isolated bedding fish tucked into wind-protected pockets. Palaniuk, as always, straddled the line between patterns—sight fishing when he could see and scanning when he couldn’t.
“I’m around a few other anglers but nobody’s close enough to mess me up and vice versa,” he said. “Hartwell is a place that when you stop your boat, if you’re within a few feet of the bank, you’re around the bass. I don’t feel like there’s one section of the lake that’s better than the rest. It’s a lot of running around but they sure do live here.”
It’s that kind of lake; one where persistence pays off and the difference between a decent day and a game-changer is often one cast, one adjustment, one instinctive twitch of a rod tip.
Palaniuk has built a career on instincts and there’s every reason to believe his adjustments on Day 2 will lead to something special. And on Hartwell, he’s right in the mix.
Early kicker buoys Howell’s lead in Bassmaster Elite at Lake Hartwell
April 24, 2025
ANDERSON, S.C. — Randy Howell did not know how his day would start, but he definitely knew where it would start.
Capitalizing on a key practice discovery, the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series pro from Guntersville, Ala., made the most of his early plan and laid the foundation for a five-bass limit of 21 pounds, 11 ounces that leads Day 1 of the Whataburger Bassmaster Elite at Lake Hartwell.
Heading into Friday’s second round of competition, the 2014 Bassmaster Classic champion leads Japanese sensation Kyoya Fujita by 1-2. Howell anchored his leading bag with a 7-pound, 15-ounce largemouth.
“I found that big fish on a bed in practice and shook her off on a green pumpkin purple/green Senko — I had my hook point cut off,” Howell said. “This morning, I lined up on it with my GPS and caught her on my first cast.
“A big fish on any lake in this game is huge, but man, 6-pounders are usually (considered) big here. So, to catch a (nearly) 8-pounder here — definitely, God is blessing me.”
Howell said his strong start has put a much-needed gust of wind in his sails.
“I really needed a good tournament,” Howell said. “I had two 57th places back to back (Pasquotank River and Lake Okeechobee) and I started with a bomb in the first Elite event (St. Johns River), so I have to climb my way out of a hole.
“Today was the first day that I just had that smooth momentum; everything went right.”
Howell said that surge of confidence fueled what would turn out to be a stellar day.
“After that big fish, the rest of the day got better because I already had that fish as a kicker,” Howell said. “This was one of the days you dream about.”
After boating his big bed fish, Howell caught the 1 1/4-pound male. From there, he moved to the main lake and filled his limit by throwing a Livingston Walking Boss for bass that were schooling on the blueback herring spawn.
“I had a decent limit, so that gave me the ability to relax, take my time and just fish slow,” he said. “I just went around the bedding areas and caught cruising fish and bed fish on that same color Senko. I culled out everything but that big fish.”
Noting that he’ll likely continue the same game plan on Day 2, Howell said the first round exceeded his expectations.
“My goal today was to catch 20 pounds, and I caught 21-11,” Howell said. “That was the biggest bag I’ve ever caught on Hartwell. I’ve had some good Classics here in the past.
“This is the first time I’ve been back here in a while. I love this lake and I’m looking forward to getting back out there and keeping it rolling.”
Hailing from Yamanashi, Japan, Fujita is in second place with 20-9. The versatile angler caught his quality shallow and his quantity in deeper water.
“I fished the bank for cruising largemouth and I fished offshore for spotted bass,” Fujita said. “I caught (several) spotted bass on a jighead minnow with a Jackall Drift Fry and a Deps Sakamata Shad.
“I caught two big largemouth — 6-pounder and 4 1/2 — on a Jackall Vividus Gill swimbait. I was fishing the swimbait slow."
Forecasting his second-day’s game plan, Fujita said: “Tomorrow, I’ll try to catch big spots. Today, I caught 3- and 3 1/2-pound spotted bass, so I’ll try to catch bigger ones (on Day 2).”
Paul Marks of Cumming, Ga., is in third place with 19-7. His day was comprised of alternating sessions of shallow and deep patterns.
“I could go offshore and fish the main lake for herring-spawn fish and it was pretty much nonstop,” Marks said. “Once I got a good bag, I went and bed fished and caught a big one that I’d found yesterday (in practice).
“After that, I went back out and culled three times. I finished my day bed fishing. I found a couple of big ones that I couldn’t get to bite. We’ll see if they’ll bite tomorrow.”
Marks said his opening-round limit was comprised of two bed fish and three that he caught while targeting the herring spawn.
Howell is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 7-15.
Jay Przekurat of Plover, Wis., leads the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings with 369 points. Lee Livesay of Longview, Texas, is in second place with 344 points, followed by Will Davis Jr of Sylacauga, Ala., with 343, Shane Lehew of Catawba, N.C., with 334, and Bill Lowen of Brookville, Ind., with 331.
Marks leads the Dakota Lithium Elite Series Rookie of the Year standings with 282 points.
Friday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. ET at Green Pond Landing. The weigh-in will be held at the Landing at 3 p.m.
Bassmaster LIVE coverage of the 2025 Whataburger Bassmaster Elite at Lake Hartwell will be available on Bassmaster.com on Day 2 starting at 8 a.m. ET and ending at 3 p.m. and will also be on Roku Sports from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Semifinal Saturday and Championship Sunday action can be seen on FS1 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. before moving to Bassmaster.com in the afternoon.
Visit Anderson is hosting this tournament.
2025 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Progressive, Toyota
2025 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Triton Boats, VMC, Yokohama
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 256-424-2390, cgay@bassmaster.
2025 Whataburger Bassmaster Elite at Lake Hartwell 4/24-4/27
Lake Hartwell, Anderson SC.
Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 5 21-11 104 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-11
2. Kyoya Fujita Yamanashi CA JAPAN 5 20-09 103
Day 1: 5 20-09
3. Paul Marks Cumming, GA 5 19-07 102
Day 1: 5 19-07
4. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 5 18-15 101
Day 1: 5 18-15
4. Jay Przekurat Plover, WI 5 18-15 101
Day 1: 5 18-15
6. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 5 18-12 99
Day 1: 5 18-12
6. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 5 18-12 99
Day 1: 5 18-12
6. Wesley Gore Clanton, AL 5 18-12 99
Day 1: 5 18-12
9. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 5 18-11 96
Day 1: 5 18-11
10. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 5 18-03 95
Day 1: 5 18-03
11. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 5 17-15 94
Day 1: 5 17-15
12. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 5 17-14 93
Day 1: 5 17-14
12. Jordan Lee Cullman, AL 5 17-14 93
Day 1: 5 17-14
14. Patrick Walters Eutawville, SC 5 17-11 91
Day 1: 5 17-11
15. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 5 17-10 90
Day 1: 5 17-10
15. Trey McKinney Carbondale, IL 5 17-10 90
Day 1: 5 17-10
17. Easton Fothergill Grand Rapids , MN 5 17-06 88
Day 1: 5 17-06
18. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 5 17-05 87
Day 1: 5 17-05
19. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 5 17-02 86
Day 1: 5 17-02
20. John Cox Debary, FL 5 17-00 85
Day 1: 5 17-00
21. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 5 16-14 84
Day 1: 5 16-14
22. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 5 16-11 83
Day 1: 5 16-11
23. Cody Meyer Eagle, ID 5 16-05 82
Day 1: 5 16-05
24. Tucker Smith Birmingham, AL 5 16-04 81
Day 1: 5 16-04
25. Cole Sands Johnson City, TN 5 16-03 80
Day 1: 5 16-03
26. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 5 16-03 79
Day 1: 5 16-03
27. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 5 16-02 78
Day 1: 5 16-02
28. Bryan New Leesville, SC 5 16-00 77
Day 1: 5 16-00
29. Kyle Patrick Cooperstown, NY 5 15-14 76
Day 1: 5 15-14
30. Cory Johnston Otonabee CANADA 5 15-13 75
Day 1: 5 15-13
30. Emil Wagner Marietta, GA 5 15-13 75
Day 1: 5 15-13
32. Will Davis Jr Sylacauga, AL 5 15-12 73
Day 1: 5 15-12
33. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 5 15-11 72
Day 1: 5 15-11
34. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 5 15-10 71
Day 1: 5 15-10
34. JT Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 5 15-10 71
Day 1: 5 15-10
36. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 5 15-09 69
Day 1: 5 15-09
37. Kyle Norsetter Cottage Grove, WI 5 15-08 68
Day 1: 5 15-08
38. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 5 15-07 67
Day 1: 5 15-07
38. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 5 15-07 67
Day 1: 5 15-07
40. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 5 14-15 65
Day 1: 5 14-15
40. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 5 14-15 65
Day 1: 5 14-15
40. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 5 14-15 65
Day 1: 5 14-15
43. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 5 14-13 62
Day 1: 5 14-13
44. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 5 14-12 61
Day 1: 5 14-12
45. Taku Ito Dalton GA JAPAN 5 14-11 60
Day 1: 5 14-11
45. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 5 14-11 60
Day 1: 5 14-11
47. Logan Parks Auburn, AL 5 14-09 58
Day 1: 5 14-09
48. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 5 14-08 57
Day 1: 5 14-08
49. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 5 14-07 56
Day 1: 5 14-07
49. Buddy Gross Chattanooga, TN 5 14-07 56
Day 1: 5 14-07
51. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 5 14-06 54
Day 1: 5 14-06
52. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 5 14-05 53
Day 1: 5 14-05
52. Timothy Dube Nashua , NH 5 14-05 53
Day 1: 5 14-05
54. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 5 14-04 51
Day 1: 5 14-04
55. Evan Kung Pickering Ontario CANAD 5 14-03 50
Day 1: 5 14-03
55. Andrew Loberg Guntersville, AL 5 14-03 50
Day 1: 5 14-03
57. Jason Christie Dry Creek, OK 5 14-02 48
Day 1: 5 14-02
58. Ben Milliken Omaha, NE 5 14-01 47
Day 1: 5 14-01
58. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 5 14-01 47
Day 1: 5 14-01
58. Kyle Welcher Valley, AL 5 14-01 47
Day 1: 5 14-01
61. Wes Logan Springville, AL 5 14-00 44
Day 1: 5 14-00
62. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 5 13-15 43
Day 1: 5 13-15
62. Robert Gee Knoxville, TN 5 13-15 43
Day 1: 5 13-15
64. Beau Browning Hot Springs National Pa 5 13-10 41
Day 1: 5 13-10
64. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 5 13-10 41
Day 1: 5 13-10
66. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 5 13-09 39
Day 1: 5 13-09
67. Dakota Ebare Brookeland, TX 5 13-08 38
Day 1: 5 13-08
67. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 13-08 38
Day 1: 5 13-08
69. Matty Wong Honolulu, HI 5 13-07 36
Day 1: 5 13-07
70. Cooper Gallant Bowmanville Ontario CAN 5 13-05 35
Day 1: 5 13-05
70. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TN AUSTRALIA 5 13-05 35
Day 1: 5 13-05
72. Jeff Gustafson Kenora, ON Ontario CANA 5 13-04 33
Day 1: 5 13-04
73. Jonathan Kelley Old Forge, PA 5 13-03 32
Day 1: 5 13-03
74. Seth Feider Elko New Market, MN 5 13-02 31
Day 1: 5 13-02
74. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 5 13-02 31
Day 1: 5 13-02
76. Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 5 13-01 29
Day 1: 5 13-01
77. Kenta Kimura Osaka OK JAPAN 5 13-00 28
Day 1: 5 13-00
78. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 5 12-15 27
Day 1: 5 12-15
78. Logan Latuso Gonzales, LA 5 12-15 27
Day 1: 5 12-15
80. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 5 12-13 25
Day 1: 5 12-13
81. John Garrett Union City, TN 5 12-09 24
Day 1: 5 12-09
82. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 5 12-08 23
Day 1: 5 12-08
83. Bob Downey Detroit Lakes, MN 5 12-05 22
Day 1: 5 12-05
84. Cliff Pace Ovett, MS 5 12-03 21
Day 1: 5 12-03
85. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 5 12-02 20
Day 1: 5 12-02
86. Cody Huff Ava, MO 5 12-00 19
Day 1: 5 12-00
86. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 12-00 19
Day 1: 5 12-00
88. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 5 11-15 17
Day 1: 5 11-15
89. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 11-14 16
Day 1: 5 11-14
90. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 5 11-13 15
Day 1: 5 11-13
91. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 5 11-06 14
Day 1: 5 11-06
92. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 5 11-05 13
Day 1: 5 11-05
93. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 11-05 12
Day 1: 5 11-05
94. Tyler Williams Belgrade, ME 5 11-01 11
Day 1: 5 11-01
95. Blake Capps Muskogee, OK 5 11-01 10
Day 1: 5 11-01
96. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 5 10-13 9
Day 1: 5 10-13
97. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 5 10-10 8
Day 1: 5 10-10
98. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 5 10-02 7
Day 1: 5 10-02
99. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 10-00 6
Day 1: 5 10-00
100. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 5 09-14 5
Day 1: 5 09-14
101. Chris Zaldain Boyd, TX 5 09-12 4
Day 1: 5 09-12
102. Jake Whitaker Hendersonville, NC 5 09-10 3
Day 1: 5 09-10
------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 07-15 $1,000.00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 102 510 1489-15
------------------------------
102 510 1489-15
Prespawn bites carry Brztowski to the lead at James River
April 24, 2025
RICHMOND, Va. — With the combination of a good tide sequence and prespawn largemouth, Erik Brztowski took the Day 2 lead at the Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at James River presented by Lowrance with a two-day total of 36 pounds, 9 ounces.
Landing in second on Day 1 with 17-12, the 22-year-old caught 18-13, the tournament’s biggest bag so far, on Day 2 to vault into the top spot. He holds a 3-7 advantage over Alabama’s Connor Jacob and Virginia’s Ryan Lachniet who are tied for second with 33-2.
After missing the chance to qualify for the 2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship at Upper Mississippi River presented by Lowrance at the first Qualifier at Pickwick, Brztowski is in prime position to punch his ticket to La Crosse, Wis., for the October event.
“It will be a cool experience (to lead the field),” he said. "I just need to catch some bass tomorrow. I’m grateful for the opportunity. I can’t take it for granted because it is hard to lead a big tournament like this.”
The James River continued to produce limits of bass on Day 2 of the three-day tournament, but the big ones the eastern tidal fishery are known for have still been hard to come by. A 20-pound stringer has yet to hit the scales, but with a better tide cycle, competitors got closer to that mark on Thursday.
Thus far, Brztowski has targeted shallow-water largemouth that have been in all stages of the spawn with one particular type of hard cover producing better than others. A mix of four baits have produced his better bites.
Although he caught bass in all stages again today, he fished two areas where prespawners are moving up, and those areas produced his best bites on Day 2.
“Since we are around the spawn, I’m fishing mostly hard cover and a little bit of grass depending on the tide,” he explained. “I’m fishing slower. I caught a couple bass today that were fat and cooler. So maybe there are some new ones moving up.”
The Illinois boater landed a 3-pounder when he arrived at his starting spot, but with an unfavorable tide at that point, Brztowski moved on to an area he fished in practice and landed his first 4-pound prespawner.
“That settled me down,” he said. “The tide changed a little. Our high tide was the same time, but in some of the creek the water was lower to start with.”
Once he filled out his limit, he moved to another area and made several important culls with bass he also believed to be prespawners.
“That is pretty helpful for me tomorrow,” Brztowski said. “I’m just running around and moving based on how I feel. Just like at home, I’m fishing with my gut.”
From there, he made several more moves that resulted in upgrades, and towards the end of the day he landed another 4-pounder in a spot the tide was hitting to his liking.
Jacob, meanwhile, is trying to qualify for his second-straight Nation Championship. The Auburn University grad has spent his entire tournament in a gravel pit off the Appomattox River catching spawning and postspawn largemouth with his forward-facing sonar. He followed up his 15-12 Day 1 limit with 17-6 on Day 2.
A jerkbait has been a primary player for the postspawners while a flipping bait has landed the spawners. He has also utilized a Megabass Magdraft swimbait.
“It worked well yesterday. I caught half bed fish and half postspawners. Most of them were 3-pounders,” the 2025 Classic qualifier said. “Today was the opposite. I had four decent ones and a great big one, a 6-pounder I caught at the end of the day.”
Jacob was fishing for a spawner when the 6-pounder and another bass close to the same size swam up to the same spot as the bass he was fishing for.
“I couldn’t get the one to bite,” he explained. “Out of nowhere, two blobs pulled up on the hard spot. I thought they were carp. But I casted at them and one looked up at the jerkbait. I twitched it, and the one came up and ate it. It pulled me in a tree, but I was able to get it out and land it.”
Lachniet, who rooms with Jacob during St. Croix Bassmaster Opens as well as this tournament, has been consistent this week, landing bags of 16-6 and 16-12 to put himself in contention for a Nation Championship berth.
A Virginia native, Lachniet made a long run downriver and landed his entire bag within 30 minutes of fishing. Two spots a short distance from each other produced all of his bass. Two baits have triggered the most strikes this week.
“I didn’t really know what to do after that because I didn’t want to run my other good stuff and waste a bunch of fish,” the Campbellsville University angler said. “I looked for a big bite and never really found what I was looking for.”
As a frequent fisher, Lachniet said he is surprised the better-quality bass haven’t shown up as frequently this week.
“I would have thought the weights would have been a lot higher than this. I figured it would take 20 pounds a day to win, maybe 21. I think they are further ahead than I expected. It seems like every bass I catch is postspawn.”
Austin Burton of North Prince George, Va., took over Big Bass of the Tournament honors with a 6-13 largemouth he landed on Day 2.
Jim D’Ambra from Hanover, Mass., leads the nonboater division with a two-day total weighing 23-9. Connecticut’s Gary Belanger is second with 21-13 and Massachusetts resident David Tsao is third with 17-15.
The Top 20 anglers from each division will launch from Osborne Park beginning at 6:30 a.m. on Friday and return for weigh-in at 2:30 p.m. The Top 13 boaters and nonboaters will claim their spot in the 2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship at Upper Mississippi River presented by Lowrance scheduled for Oct. 22-24.
Richmond Region Tourism and Visit Henrico County are hosting the event.
2025 Bassmaster Nation Series Title Sponsor: Mercury
2025 Bassmaster Nation Series Presenting Sponsor: Lowrance
2025 Bassmaster Nation Series Platinum Sponsors: Progressive, Toyota
2025 Bassmaster Nation Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster Nation Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Triton Boats, VMC, Yokohama
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 205-313-0945, cgay@bassmaster.
2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at James River presented by Lowrance 4/23-4/25
James River, Richmond VA.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Erik Brztowski Lemont, IL 10 36-09 0
Day 1: 5 17-12 Day 2: 5 18-13
2. Connor Jacob Peoria, IL 10 33-02 0
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 5 17-06
3. Ryan Lachniet Gum Spring, VA 10 33-02 0
Day 1: 5 16-06 Day 2: 5 16-12
4. Harmon Marien Eagle River, WI 10 32-07 0
Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 5 16-00
5. Brian LaClair Denton, MD 10 30-12 0
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 5 15-09
6. Brian Post Janesville, WI 10 30-10 0
Day 1: 5 17-14 Day 2: 5 12-12
7. Austin Burton North Prince George, VA 10 30-08 0
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 16-15
8. John Conway Jr Henrico, VA 10 30-08 0
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 5 14-12
9. Cody Bertrand Dyer, IN 10 30-06 0
Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 5 15-00
10. Ricky Fulk Shenandoah, VA 10 30-04 0
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 5 15-13
11. John Smith Elkview, WV 10 29-09 0
Day 1: 5 16-00 Day 2: 5 13-09
12. Nick Poe Goodview, VA 10 29-06 0
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 16-02
13. KC Choosakul Cameron, NC 10 29-02 0
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 5 18-06
14. Jeremy Radford Huntly, VA 10 28-03 0
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 5 15-15
15. John Lewis Centreville, VA 10 28-03 0
Day 1: 5 15-10 Day 2: 5 12-09
16. Tj Milton Chester, VA 10 28-02 0
Day 1: 5 15-11 Day 2: 5 12-07
17. Brody Luckey Lynchburg, VA 10 27-04 0
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 12-00
18. Whitney Stephens Waverly, OH 10 27-02 0
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 13-14
19. Craig Morris Frankford, DE 10 26-12 0
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 14-03
20. Greg Alexander Hebron, MD 10 26-09 0
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 5 15-05
21. Amos Dixon Camden Wyoming, DE 10 26-08 0 $590.00
Day 1: 5 15-08 Day 2: 5 11-00
22. Richard Owen Bracey, VA 10 26-06 0 $590.00
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 12-04
23. Craig Owens Roanoke Rapids, NC 10 26-04 0 $590.00
Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 5 09-01
24. Raymond Jones III Mocksville, NC 10 26-03 0 $590.00
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 12-15
25. Will Smith Moncks Corner, SC 10 26-02 0 $590.00
Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 5 09-11
26. Mike Morris Dover, DE 10 26-02 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 13-03 Day 2: 5 12-15
27. Tim Byers Gasburg, VA 10 25-08 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 12-05 Day 2: 5 13-03
28. Paul Haggenmiller New Durham, NH 10 25-08 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 12-13 Day 2: 5 12-11
29. Mike Reilly Hammonton, NJ 10 25-04 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 15-15 Day 2: 5 09-05
30. Mark Moran Weston, WV 10 25-04 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 5 14-07
31. Bryan Hulsey Troy, MO 10 25-01 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 5 14-04
32. RJ Ricci Jr Cranston, RI 10 24-14 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 12-05
33. Joshua Smith Coventry, RI 10 24-13 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 11-03
34. Brian O'Connell Ridge Spring, SC 10 24-09 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 5 10-12
35. Ed Powell Sandyville, WV 10 24-08 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 10-02
36. Gregory Dick Chesapeake, VA 10 24-08 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 12-14
37. Randy Baran Millstone Township, NJ 10 24-05 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 10-15
38. Chris Jones Conway, SC 10 23-15 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 10-06
39. Mike Caul South Prince George, VA 10 23-15 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 5 11-04
40. Austin Moore Washburn, IL 10 23-14 0 $543.00
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 12-05
41. Joe Grafeman Camdenton, MO 10 23-13 0
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 5 11-03
42. Brian Brown Sandusky, OH 10 23-13 0
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 11-15
43. Christopher Napier Virginia Beach, VA 10 23-11 0
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 13-00
44. Ray Tweedy Appomattox, VA 10 23-10 0
Day 1: 5 08-10 Day 2: 5 15-00
45. Timothy Garrison Jefferson, SC 9 23-10 0
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 4 10-11
46. Samuel Pollock Hampton, VA 10 23-09 0
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 5 10-15
47. Louis Monetti Brielle, NJ 10 23-07 0
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 10-01
48. Bryant Copley Altavista, VA 10 23-05 0
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 08-10
49. Jeff Salmon Mechanicsville, VA 10 23-01 0
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 5 13-01
50. John Engler Vinton, IA 10 23-01 0
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 5 10-13
51. Bryan Finch Belton, TX 10 22-15 0
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 5 11-08
52. Jeremy Sadowski Voluntown, CT 10 22-14 0
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 10-14
53. Tyler Thompson Easley, SC 10 22-10 0
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 10-12
54. Randy Elliott Severn, MD 10 22-06 0
Day 1: 5 07-14 Day 2: 5 14-08
55. Andrew Sams Easton, MD 10 22-06 0
Day 1: 5 10-08 Day 2: 5 11-14
56. Mike Shears Powhatan, VA 10 22-04 0
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 5 10-00
57. Richard Knoll Pittsburgh, PA 10 22-01 0
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 09-08
58. Chris Johnson Farmington, AR 10 22-00 0
Day 1: 5 09-11 Day 2: 5 12-05
59. Derek Jones Chicago, IL 10 21-15 0
Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 5 11-11
60. Tyler Conde Chepachet, RI 10 21-09 0
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 09-10
61. John Christopher II Clarksburg, WV 10 21-08 0
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 5 10-12
62. Michael Baldwin Jr South Chesterfield, VA 10 21-07 0
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 09-13
63. John Erickson Sicklerville, NJ 10 21-03 0
Day 1: 5 09-03 Day 2: 5 12-00
64. Greg Scythes Marysville, OH 10 20-12 0
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 5 09-09
65. Matt Szczoczarz Cumberland, RI 10 20-10 0
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 08-07
66. Mark Hogan Milford, DE 10 20-09 0
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 5 08-12
67. Joe McClosky Swanton, MD 10 20-09 0
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 5 09-09
68. Fabian Rodriguez Ocean City, MD 10 20-06 0
Day 1: 5 11-12 Day 2: 5 08-10
69. Thomas Hughes Midlothian, NY 10 20-05 0
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 5 08-13
70. Ryan West Hartsville, SC 10 20-04 0
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 5 08-07
71. Lyle Atkins Culloden, WV 10 20-00 0
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 08-00
71. Gary Pope Jr Georgetown, SC 10 20-00 0
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 08-00
73. Matthew McCarthy East Liberty, OH 10 20-00 0
Day 1: 5 09-06 Day 2: 5 10-10
74. Josh Ashley Lovingston, VA 10 19-15 0
Day 1: 5 08-11 Day 2: 5 11-04
75. Sidney Ryan Bracey, VA 10 19-12 0
Day 1: 5 09-02 Day 2: 5 10-10
76. Jacob Marcantonio Moosup, CT 10 19-11 0
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 09-00
77. Tanner Visco Antioch, IL 10 19-10 0
Day 1: 5 08-07 Day 2: 5 11-03
78. Cavin Young Sr Prince George, VA 10 19-08 0
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 5 09-02
79. Don Gregg Jr Powhatan, VA 10 19-06 0
Day 1: 5 07-02 Day 2: 5 12-04
80. Craig Townsend Westampton, NJ 10 19-05 0
Day 1: 5 08-12 Day 2: 5 10-09
81. Mark Burgess Norton, MA 10 19-01 0
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 08-08
82. Ben Dalton Bracey, VA 10 18-14 0
Day 1: 5 08-12 Day 2: 5 10-02
83. Randy Gillespie Sanford, NC 10 18-09 0
Day 1: 5 07-08 Day 2: 5 11-01
84. Michael Shay Cheshire, CT 10 18-03 0
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 5 07-09
85. Tim Davis Mascot, TN 10 17-15 0
Day 1: 5 08-07 Day 2: 5 09-08
86. Kevin Postalwait Ripley, WV 9 17-11 0
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 4 05-07
87. Brian Trieschman Ellicott City, MD 10 17-07 0
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 04-06
88. Brian Gunn Savannah, GA 10 17-07 0
Day 1: 5 09-12 Day 2: 5 07-11
89. Greg Del Russo Hopatcong, NJ 10 17-07 0
Day 1: 5 08-03 Day 2: 5 09-04
90. Dana Brown Buckhannon, WV 10 17-04 0
Day 1: 5 08-00 Day 2: 5 09-04
91. Jeff Meade Spotsylvania, VA 8 16-14 0
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 3 05-07
92. Tony Keller Charleston, WV 10 16-13 0
Day 1: 5 06-10 Day 2: 5 10-03
93. Jared Leicht Millville, NJ 10 16-13 0
Day 1: 5 06-12 Day 2: 5 10-01
94. Colton Sowers Bentleyville, PA 10 16-11 0
Day 1: 5 09-01 Day 2: 5 07-10
95. Paul Smith Jr Spotsylvania, VA 6 16-04 0
Day 1: 4 08-06 Day 2: 2 07-14
96. John Serge Philadelphia, PA 8 15-08 0
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 3 04-04
97. Trevor Sharrett Boiling Springs, SC 10 15-08 0
Day 1: 5 07-09 Day 2: 5 07-15
98. Neal Wisinski Stevens Point, WI 10 14-15 0
Day 1: 5 07-05 Day 2: 5 07-10
99. Alex Legg Milford, DE 8 14-13 0
Day 1: 3 05-07 Day 2: 5 09-06
100. Paul Tabisz Clarkston, MI 8 14-11 0
Day 1: 3 06-06 Day 2: 5 08-05
101. Jason Carpenter Castle Pines, CO 9 14-00 0
Day 1: 5 07-09 Day 2: 4 06-07
102. Mark Ochkie California, PA 7 13-14 0
Day 1: 3 05-05 Day 2: 4 08-09
103. Kevin Barnosky Watertown, CT 9 13-14 0
Day 1: 5 08-00 Day 2: 4 05-14
104. Fred Serge Lambertville, NJ 6 13-09 0
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 1 01-11
105. Mike Toney Blacksburg, VA 7 13-05 0
Day 1: 5 09-01 Day 2: 2 04-04
106. Andrew Hunter Williamston, SC 7 13-04 0
Day 1: 2 03-06 Day 2: 5 09-14
107. Tim Mitchem Smithfield, VA 9 12-14 0
Day 1: 5 06-15 Day 2: 4 05-15
108. Greg Miller Gaffney, SC 8 11-13 0
Day 1: 3 04-10 Day 2: 5 07-03
109. Kyle Goltz Cornell, WI 5 11-07 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 11-07
110. Richard Hartman Bracey, VA 8 11-06 0
Day 1: 3 04-15 Day 2: 5 06-07
111. Chris Washinger Chambersburg, PA 5 11-03 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 11-03
112. Jon Jezierski Clinton Twsp, MI 6 11-01 0
Day 1: 2 02-11 Day 2: 4 08-06
113. Jeffrey Davis Wendell, NC 5 11-00 0
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
114. Nick Mandes North Stonington, CT 7 09-03 0
Day 1: 5 06-12 Day 2: 2 02-07
115. Jon Mitchell Wendell, NC 5 09-00 0
Day 1: 2 02-10 Day 2: 3 06-06
116. Bob Akin Carver, MA 5 09-00 0
Day 1: 2 02-14 Day 2: 3 06-02
117. Jim Fields Camden, DE 3 07-13 0
Day 1: 1 02-10 Day 2: 2 05-03
118. Troy Coney Owego, NY 4 06-03 0
Day 1: 4 06-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
119. Tom Hill Nicholasville, KY 3 05-05 0
Day 1: 3 05-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
120. Larry Witt Evington, VA 1 05-01 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 05-01
121. Kevin Collins Morristown, NJ 2 03-06 0
Day 1: 2 03-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
122. Jim Sampson Emporia, VA 3 03-01 0
Day 1: 3 03-01 Day 2: 0 00-00
123. Eric Whaley II Pittsgrove, NJ 2 02-15 0
Day 1: 2 02-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
124. Chris Donavant Yorktown, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
124. Ethan Stant Dover, DE 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 104 562 1291-13
2 100 550 1235-03
------------------------------
204 1112 2527-00
2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at James River presented by Lowrance 4/23-4/25
James River, Richmond VA.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Jim D'Ambra Hanover, MA 6 23-09 0
Day 1: 3 13-13 Day 2: 3 09-12
2. Gary Belanger Plainville, CT 6 21-13 0
Day 1: 3 13-13 Day 2: 3 08-00
3. David Tsao Newburyport, MA 6 17-15 0
Day 1: 3 08-05 Day 2: 3 09-10
4. Craig Ferguson Emporia, VA 6 17-07 0
Day 1: 3 09-00 Day 2: 3 08-07
5. David Roddy Inman, SC 6 16-11 0
Day 1: 3 10-08 Day 2: 3 06-03
6. Joshua Hall Palmyra, VA 6 16-07 0
Day 1: 3 08-13 Day 2: 3 07-10
7. Nathan Minnix Goodview, VA 6 16-01 0
Day 1: 3 04-13 Day 2: 3 11-04
8. Steven Conde Chepachet, RI 6 15-10 0
Day 1: 3 09-06 Day 2: 3 06-04
9. Ernest Weathersby Leominster, MA 6 15-04 0
Day 1: 3 04-15 Day 2: 3 10-05
10. Emil Rostello Jr Wayne, NJ 6 15-01 0
Day 1: 3 05-10 Day 2: 3 09-07
11. Bill Roberts Jr Williamsburg, VA 6 14-13 0
Day 1: 3 08-00 Day 2: 3 06-13
12. Guiseppe Andreoli Coventry, RI 6 14-10 0
Day 1: 3 10-10 Day 2: 3 04-00
13. John Sirichman Monogahela, PA 6 14-09 0
Day 1: 3 07-09 Day 2: 3 07-00
14. Adam Richardson Littleton, NC 6 14-07 0
Day 1: 3 05-12 Day 2: 3 08-11
15. Anthony Paschall Cumberland, VA 6 14-01 0
Day 1: 3 06-15 Day 2: 3 07-02
16. Finn Erickson Sicklerville, NJ 6 13-13 0
Day 1: 3 06-11 Day 2: 3 07-02
17. Jeremy Willis Fountain Inn, SC 6 13-11 0
Day 1: 3 07-10 Day 2: 3 06-01
18. Chris Merritt Chester , VA 6 13-07 0
Day 1: 3 07-13 Day 2: 3 05-10
19. Blake Rogers Florence, SC 6 13-05 0
Day 1: 3 07-04 Day 2: 3 06-01
20. Brian Adams Clayton, NC 6 13-04 0
Day 1: 3 07-01 Day 2: 3 06-03
21. Marty McClanahan Poca, WV 6 13-02 0 $215.00
Day 1: 3 04-10 Day 2: 3 08-08
22. John Lacouture Burrillville, RI 6 13-00 0 $215.00
Day 1: 3 08-03 Day 2: 3 04-13
23. Vincent Luisi Vineland, NJ 6 12-15 0 $215.00
Day 1: 3 09-10 Day 2: 3 03-05
24. Timothy Elliott Chester, VA 6 12-15 0 $215.00
Day 1: 3 05-11 Day 2: 3 07-04
25. Rob Ross Hopedale, MA 5 12-14 0 $215.00
Day 1: 3 06-13 Day 2: 2 06-01
26. Joshua Torres Port Tobacco, MD 6 12-11 0 $215.00
Day 1: 3 06-12 Day 2: 3 05-15
27. Thomas Bates Appomattox, VA 6 12-10 0 $215.00
Day 1: 3 05-01 Day 2: 3 07-09
28. Scott Shrewsbury Rocky Mount, NC 6 12-09 0 $215.00
Day 1: 3 05-11 Day 2: 3 06-14
29. Joseph Kinsley Parkersburg, WV 6 12-08 0 $215.00
Day 1: 3 08-02 Day 2: 3 04-06
30. Zach Queeney Atco, NJ 6 12-04 0 $215.00
Day 1: 3 06-14 Day 2: 3 05-06
31. Rickey Wood Jr Conway, SC 6 11-15 0
Day 1: 3 07-10 Day 2: 3 04-05
32. Donald Quonce Pulaski, NY 6 11-13 0
Day 1: 3 08-06 Day 2: 3 03-07
33. Jeffrey Graiff Vineland, NJ 3 11-12 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 11-12
34. Danny Williams Forest, VA 6 11-09 0
Day 1: 3 07-01 Day 2: 3 04-08
35. Andrew Dick Wilmington, DE 4 11-07 0
Day 1: 3 09-05 Day 2: 1 02-02
36. Mike Hildenbrandt Virginia Beach, VA 6 11-04 0
Day 1: 3 05-13 Day 2: 3 05-07
37. Ken Lawhon Hartsville, SC 6 10-09 0
Day 1: 3 04-14 Day 2: 3 05-11
38. Mark Westrick Hastings, PA 6 10-07 0
Day 1: 3 05-07 Day 2: 3 05-00
39. Kevin Seymour Central Square , NY 5 10-06 0
Day 1: 2 02-03 Day 2: 3 08-03
40. Jonathan Shores Charles City, VA 6 10-04 0
Day 1: 3 04-07 Day 2: 3 05-13
41. Gary Melson Louisville, KY 6 10-02 0
Day 1: 3 05-04 Day 2: 3 04-14
42. Matthew Cosby Chesterfield, VA 5 10-00 0
Day 1: 3 06-10 Day 2: 2 03-06
43. Greg Marshall Paris, KY 3 09-15 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 09-15
44. Scott Breichner Hagerstown, MD 6 09-12 0
Day 1: 3 05-02 Day 2: 3 04-10
45. Jim Kline Hagerstown, MD 5 09-11 0
Day 1: 3 06-08 Day 2: 2 03-03
46. Noah Jones Conway, SC 6 09-10 0
Day 1: 3 04-13 Day 2: 3 04-13
47. George Georgopoulos Belmont, NC 5 09-09 0
Day 1: 2 03-03 Day 2: 3 06-06
48. Brian Bruce Locust Grove, VA 5 09-08 0
Day 1: 2 04-07 Day 2: 3 05-01
49. Brian Ebert Forest City, NC 6 09-07 0
Day 1: 3 04-08 Day 2: 3 04-15
50. Jay Summons Malden, MA 5 09-05 0
Day 1: 3 06-10 Day 2: 2 02-11
51. Cedric Davis Jr Hopkins, SC 6 09-03 0
Day 1: 3 04-15 Day 2: 3 04-04
52. Roland Burton North Prince George, VA 5 08-15 0
Day 1: 2 03-11 Day 2: 3 05-04
53. Sam Chhoeun Berkley, MA 6 08-15 0
Day 1: 3 04-12 Day 2: 3 04-03
54. Joe Sodora Garfield, NJ 6 08-13 0
Day 1: 3 04-14 Day 2: 3 03-15
55. Ethan Monk Mountain Rest, SC 6 08-11 0
Day 1: 3 03-13 Day 2: 3 04-14
56. John Hritsko Northern Cambria, PA 5 08-10 0
Day 1: 2 02-07 Day 2: 3 06-03
57. Frank Daniels Dover, DE 3 08-06 0
Day 1: 3 08-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
58. Stephen Sanders West Palm Beach , FL 5 08-05 0
Day 1: 3 06-02 Day 2: 2 02-03
59. Roger Castillo Goode, VA 6 08-02 0
Day 1: 3 08-02 Day 2: 3 00-00
60. Ricardo Cruz New York, NY 5 07-15 0
Day 1: 2 03-15 Day 2: 3 04-00
61. Matt Champion Scottsville, NY 5 07-10 0
Day 1: 3 05-10 Day 2: 2 02-00
62. Tom Perkins Glen Burnie, MD 4 07-10 0
Day 1: 1 02-04 Day 2: 3 05-06
63. Brandon Regnault Providence, RI 5 07-09 0
Day 1: 2 02-06 Day 2: 3 05-03
64. John Taylor Jr Charleston, WV 5 06-15 0
Day 1: 2 02-14 Day 2: 3 04-01
65. Dave Reed Westminster, MD 4 06-11 0
Day 1: 1 01-08 Day 2: 3 05-03
66. Mike Morris Hubert, NC 5 06-10 0
Day 1: 3 04-07 Day 2: 2 02-03
67. Kendry Jerez Paterson, NJ 4 06-02 0
Day 1: 1 00-12 Day 2: 3 05-06
68. Darryl Hunt Haddonfield, NJ 4 06-00 0
Day 1: 3 04-13 Day 2: 1 01-03
69. Michael Griffiths Cherry Tree, PA 3 05-14 0
Day 1: 3 05-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Robert Mccoy Mount Airy, MD 6 05-13 0
Day 1: 3 00-00 Day 2: 3 05-13
71. Brian Penney Haverhill, MA 3 05-04 0
Day 1: 1 01-03 Day 2: 2 04-01
72. Ray Rios Lafayette , NJ 4 05-03 0
Day 1: 1 01-04 Day 2: 3 03-15
73. Devon Kitson Montclair , NJ 3 04-10 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 04-10
74. Rob Wells Kitty Hawk, NC 3 04-06 0
Day 1: 3 04-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
75. Jerald Conley Franklinville, NJ 3 04-00 0
Day 1: 2 02-09 Day 2: 1 01-07
76. Dave Haas Sewell, NJ 3 03-14 0
Day 1: 3 03-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
77. Tanner Smith Sellers, SC 3 03-14 0
Day 1: 3 03-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
78. Michael Briggs N Providence, RI 1 03-12 0
Day 1: 1 03-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 60 204 436-06
2 61 202 403-01
------------------------------
121 406 839-07
Arey Eyes Familiar Waters with Open Mind Ahead of Lake Hartwell Bassmaster Elite Event
Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships
As the Bassmaster Elite Series rolls into Lake Hartwell, a fishery steeped in both Southern charm and national fishing lore, Team Toyota pro Matt Arey finds himself at the intersection of familiarity and unpredictability. A veteran angler with nearly two decades of professional experience, Arey brings a wealth of knowledge to this blueback herring-fueled powerhouse of a lake—but he admits, this one's going to be tricky.
“Well, I don’t really know how to say how this tournament is going to go,” Arey said with a chuckle that held a hint of respect for what lies ahead. “It’s going to be another forward-facing sonar event for sure. I caught some nice fish throughout my practice and if you’re not utilizing the technology, you’re not going to catch them like everyone else will.”
Arey, a North Carolina native, is no stranger to these waters. He estimates he’s fished the lake “20 times or so” which makes sense given it’s just a few hours from his Shelby home. From FLW Tour showdowns to early career regional events, Arey has seen Hartwell in every mood—but this time, he’s facing a dynamic, sonar-dominated bite that’s changing by the hour.
“There are a lot of herring spawning and the technology is going to be totally dominant in this tournament,” he said. “You’re going to need to have a limit of 3 1/2-pounders to have a chance at winning. There’s no doubt in my mind.”
The game within the game
For anglers unfamiliar with Hartwell's unique forage base, the blueback herring spawn is one of the most exciting—and frustrating—patterns in bass fishing. It’s a game of timing, speed and precision. Bass roam in wolfpacks, often schooling near points, docks and clay banks. They’re aggressive one minute and ghosted the next, making the already cerebral challenge of professional bass fishing even more daunting.
Arey understands the stakes. With a blend of largemouth and spotted bass in play and a wide temperature window—he noted water temps ranging from 68 to 74 degrees—the fish are scattered in different phases of the spawn.
“I think the fish will be in a few different stages; mainly late spawn and early post-spawn,” he explained. “There will be several different patterns in play.”
That kind of versatility suits Arey well. Known for his technical prowess and analytical approach, he’s not a one-dimensional angler. Whether it’s targeting brush piles with a worm for largemouth or chasing nomadic spotted bass, he’s got the chops to pivot on the fly. But he’s also honest about the role luck and timing will play this week.
“On a scale of one through 10 maybe I’d rank this practice at a seven,” Arey said. “I had one good day, one so-so day and one bad day. I covered a lot of water but the weather coming in this weekend is going to change a lot of things.”
Indeed, a looming low-pressure system and forecasted thunderstorms could throw a wrench in everyone's game plan. Arey, who had success during slick-calm, bluebird conditions in practice, knows that stability is critical when chasing herring eaters.
“These herring fish become really unpredictable when a weather front moves through,” he added. “I’ll be focusing on the herring spawn for sure but I’m honestly not sure how it’s going to play out.”
The battle for mid-lake
With Lake Hartwell’s vast acreage and maze of creeks, points and off-the-wall structure, one would think anglers could spread out. But make no mistake, the mid-lake zone is going to look like rush-hour traffic.
“The mid-lake area will get the most attention for sure,” Arey said. “I’ll probably try to avoid the crowds, to be honest. I know the lake really well but it’s not always a blessing when you know the lake too well. So it’s important that I keep an open mind during this event.”
That sentiment speaks volumes. In a tournament scene increasingly dominated by technology and tight timing windows, Arey’s wisdom is a reminder that success isn’t just about knowing where to fish—it’s knowing when to adapt.
Eyes on the prize… and family
Arey’s consistency over the years is well-documented. With multiple top 10 finishes in his six years on the Bassmaster Elites, his name is always one to watch when the bite is tough and the pressure is high. But this week he has his sights set on something bigger than points or prize money.
“If you gave me 70 pounds of fish after four days, I’d sit at the house and be happy as could be,” he said with a smile. “About 68 to 70 pounds will win this tournament in my opinion. The winning combination will be a mix of spotted bass and largemouth.”
And perhaps more meaningful than anything on the water, Arey will have his most important supporters in attendance.
“Because we’re so close to our home, my family will be here Friday for the weigh-in,” he said. “It means everything to me and seeing their faces and having them around is the best thing I could possibly imagine. There is nothing better. They are my whole world.”
Greg Hackney Claims NPFL Victory - Gear Breakdown
Lawrence Locks up Toyota Bonus Bucks at REDCREST
Jake Lawrence’s fifth-place finish in Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2025 on Lake Guntersville locked up an additional $10,000 payout from Toyota Bonus Bucks. The Paris, Tennessee pro was the highest finishing angler towing his boat with a 2021 or newer Toyota tow vehicle and added to his impressive pile of winnings from Toyota’s popular program.
The Bass Pro Tour rookie employed a multi-faceted approach on Lake Guntersville to propel himself up the Scoretracker, including a strong forward-facing sonar pattern for roaming and bedding bass that he couldn’t see with the naked eye during his one allotted FFS period. He bookended his ‘scope period each day with a swim jig and weedless single swimbait in hand, power fishing Guntersville’s iconic grass flats.
Well known as an expert with FFS and the latest technology, Lawrence continues to prove he is far more than an electronics guru.
“I’m 34 years old and grew up fishing without FFS,” Lawrence said, reminding would-be cynics. “I remember the first GPS I used in the boat, it was handheld, and I used it to fish offshore on Kentucky Lake. Honestly, it didn’t work nearly as well as triangulating visual clues on the bank… I can always fall back on the way I grew up fishing and I love that our hybrid format showcases that.”
Lawrence has been busy, fishing the Toyota Series-Central division on top of his BPT schedule. He’s logged three top ten finishes in just five events and thousands of miles on the road so far in 2025. We caught up with the red-hot pro to pick his brain with a few questions around his time spent on the highway driving to and from bass tournaments.
Q – Tournament fishermen are basically part time truck drivers, what is one tip you can give for a better road trip?
Lawrence – “Pack your own snacks. I try to pack halfway healthy stuff like nuts, jerky, trail mix and maybe a bag of candy or two. Packing your own snacks saves you money and time on the road, but the key is to pack them somewhere out of view or easy reach in your truck. That way you aren’t grabbing a fistful every mile.”
Q – What is your favorite gas or service station to stop during tournament travel?
Lawrence – “I’m a sucker for a Casey’s gas station. Anytime I see a Casey’s that I can easily whip the truck and boat into, they get my business. It’s that dang pizza – it’s so good!”
Q – What are three things you are listening to in your Tundra on the way to the lake?
Lawrence – “1. I save my music for practice… I always have my EarPods in during practice, usually listening to classic rock but it’s across the board with me. You never know what I might be listening to.
- I try to schedule all my phone calls for long drives. I use that windshield time to catch up on sponsor calls, talk to old friends, and family.
- I listen (not watch, that would be dangerous) to LIVE tournament coverage that’s on a lake I’m interested in. Whether it’s an old show on the fishery I am driving towards and have a tournament on, or it’s just a lake I plan to fish in the next few weeks. I use the live show like a podcast. These shows really are a great educational tool. In eight hours of coverage there are always a few useful nuggets of information.”
Q – You won the $10,000 Toyota Bonus Bucks reward at REDCREST… what are you going to spend that money on?
Lawrence – “It’s funny you ask that,” Lawrence chuckled. “Leading into REDCREST my beautiful wife and I had been debating redoing the landscaping in our front yard. She wanted to go all out, while I didn’t know how I felt about all that.
“Well, she came with me to the REDCREST anglers meeting, where we saw the $10K Bonus Bucks check from Toyota. I looked at my wife and promised her if I won that Bonus Bucks money, she could have her new landscaping. I’m happy to report our front yard is in the process of a makeover right now. New shrubs, flower beds, rocks, it’s the whole shebang. Happy wife, happy life!”
Wisconsin’s Brian Post takes advantage of hot bite to lead Day 1 of B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier
April 23, 2025
RICHMOND, Va. — Normally a good practice doesn’t result in a good tournament for Brian Post, but that was not the case on Day 1 at the Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at James River presented by Lowrance.
The Janesville, Wis., pro landed a limit weighing 17 pounds, 14 ounces to take the Day 1 lead in eastern Virginia, two ounces better than second place Erik Brztowski and 11 ounces better than third place Craig Owens.
Anglers enjoyed sunny and warm conditions on the first day of the three-day tournament, which had the bass biting, although not the size some expected from the normally prolific tidal fishery. Over 100 limits hit the scales on the boater side on Wednesday for a total of 1,306-2, but no angler approached the 20-pound threshold.
As a Wisconsin native, Post knows just how good the Upper Mississippi River can fish in October. So, his goal this week is to punch his ticket to the 2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Lowrance scheduled for Oct. 22-24 on Pools, 7, 8 and 9.
“I’m from Wisconsin and I am trying to get to La Crosse at the end of the year,” he said. “My travel partner for the Opens made it through the Eufaula Oklahoma regional, and I’m just trying to get there with him. Top 13 is the goal.”
Post has fished the James River twice as a St. Croix Bassmaster Opens pro, finishing 8th in the April 2023 event. Instead of chasing the tide, he treated it as a normal river in that event and those same concepts played today.
“I did the same thing this year. I actually had a really good practice,” he said. “I had a plan today. I ran to a spot today and never started the motor again. Except for one, I think I burned that place to the ground.
With bass in all three stages of the spawn, Post stayed close to takeoff and focused on the bass locked on the bed. While he couldn’t get his first couple of bedding fish to bite at dead low tide, the bite turned on as the tide flowed back into the river and Post landed a limit within an hour span.
“I only lost one good one today and a half hour later I caught it,” he said.
He landed them all with two baits.
“All of my bass came off bed today,” Post said. “But you do have all three stages (happening). I have seen a few prespawners and some fry in different areas. (In my area), I saw some fresh bucks, so I don’t know if another wave is moving up.”
Post only burned five gallons of gas on Day 1 but intends on making a longer run on Day 2 to target more prespawn and postspawn largemouth.
“These are, run here and make 10 casts, run there and make 10 casts,” Post said. “They are more one- and two-bite places, but they are the right kind. When it clicked in practice, it was pretty easy. Some of it is hidey hole stuff, some of it is stuff I found on the trolling motor and it looked right.”
He does have one female located that would not lock on the bed he intends to catch tomorrow.
“The male is locked on, and she is gigantic,” Post said. “I don’t know which one of them pulled my plastic off the first time. She is fresh, but not locked on. She would come up and hang out with him for a while and then back off for almost 20 minutes. I got her marked and I’m going to make a couple stops on her tomorrow.”
Brztowski, a 22-year-old from Lemont, Ill., fished the James River as a co-angler in that last Open as well and is now trying to punch his ticket to the Nation Championship on the famed fishery. He landed a limit weighing 17-12 to land in second.
“I was changing with the bass today,” he said. “My third fish was a 5-pounder. I just made good decisions. It was a good time.”
Using four different baits, Brztowski is fishing all three stages of the spawn. With an incoming tide, Brztowski made a stop at an area he found in practice and landed a quick limit before moving to his primary areas.
While he saw bigger fish in practice, he learned a lot today as he caught each one. He anticipates Day 2 will be a little tougher but expects there will still be good ones around his areas.
“I caught plenty of fish today,” he said. “I know there are still plenty of fish out there. I just have to play the tide right and fish some new areas.”
New Jersey boater Mike Reilly landed the Big Bass of the Day, a 5-14 largemouth.
Connecticut’s Gary Belanger and Jim D’Ambra from Massachusetts are tied for the nonboater lead, each with a three-bass limit weighing 13-13. Belanger anchored his bag with a 7-9 largemouth, the Big Bass of the Day. Rhode Island’s Guiseppe Andreoli is third with 10-10.
The full field of 125 anglers will takeoff from Osborne Park tomorrow beginning at 6:30 a.m. ET and return for weigh-in at 2:30 p.m. The Top 20 boaters and nonboaters after Day 2 will advance to Friday’s final round and the Top 13 from each division at the conclusion of the tournament will advance to B.A.S.S. Nation Championship.
Richmond Region Tourism and Visit Henrico County are hosting the event.
2025 Bassmaster Nation Series Title Sponsor: Mercury
2025 Bassmaster Nation Series Presenting Sponsor: Lowrance
2025 Bassmaster Nation Series Platinum Sponsors: Progressive, Toyota
2025 Bassmaster Nation Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster Nation Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Triton Boats, VMC, Yokohama
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 205-313-0945, cgay@bassmaster.
2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at James River presented by Lowrance 4/23-4/25
James River, Richmond VA.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Brian Post Janesville, WI 5 17-14 0
Day 1: 5 17-14
2. Erik Brztowski Lemont, IL 5 17-12 0
Day 1: 5 17-12
3. Craig Owens Roanoke Rapids, NC 5 17-03 0
Day 1: 5 17-03
4. Harmon Marien Eagle River, WI 5 16-07 0
Day 1: 5 16-07
4. Will Smith Moncks Corner, SC 5 16-07 0
Day 1: 5 16-07
6. Ryan Lachniet Gum Spring, VA 5 16-06 0
Day 1: 5 16-06
7. John Smith Elkview, WV 5 16-00 0
Day 1: 5 16-00
8. Mike Reilly Hammonton, NJ 5 15-15 0
Day 1: 5 15-15
9. John Conway Jr Henrico, VA 5 15-12 0
Day 1: 5 15-12
9. Connor Jacob Peoria, IL 5 15-12 0
Day 1: 5 15-12
11. Tj Milton Chester, VA 5 15-11 0
Day 1: 5 15-11
12. John Lewis Centreville, VA 5 15-10 0
Day 1: 5 15-10
13. Amos Dixon Camden Wyoming, DE 5 15-08 0
Day 1: 5 15-08
14. Cody Bertrand Dyer, IN 5 15-06 0
Day 1: 5 15-06
15. Brody Luckey Lynchburg, VA 5 15-04 0
Day 1: 5 15-04
16. Brian LaClair Denton, MD 5 15-03 0
Day 1: 5 15-03
17. Bryant Copley Altavista, VA 5 14-11 0
Day 1: 5 14-11
18. Ricky Fulk Shenandoah, VA 5 14-07 0
Day 1: 5 14-07
19. Ed Powell Sandyville, WV 5 14-06 0
Day 1: 5 14-06
20. Kyle Goltz Cornell, WI 5 14-05 0
Day 1: 5 14-05
21. Richard Owen Bracey, VA 5 14-02 0
Day 1: 5 14-02
22. Brian O'Connell Ridge Spring, SC 5 13-13 0
Day 1: 5 13-13
23. Joshua Smith Coventry, RI 5 13-10 0
Day 1: 5 13-10
24. Austin Burton North Prince George, VA 5 13-09 0
Day 1: 5 13-09
24. Chris Jones Conway, SC 5 13-09 0
Day 1: 5 13-09
26. Randy Baran Millstone Township, NJ 5 13-06 0
Day 1: 5 13-06
26. Louis Monetti Brielle, NJ 5 13-06 0
Day 1: 5 13-06
28. Raymond Jones III Mocksville, NC 5 13-04 0
Day 1: 5 13-04
28. Nick Poe Goodview, VA 5 13-04 0
Day 1: 5 13-04
28. Whitney Stephens Waverly, OH 5 13-04 0
Day 1: 5 13-04
31. Mike Morris Dover, DE 5 13-03 0
Day 1: 5 13-03
32. Brian Trieschman Ellicott City, MD 5 13-01 0
Day 1: 5 13-01
33. Timothy Garrison Jefferson, SC 5 12-15 0
Day 1: 5 12-15
34. Paul Haggenmiller New Durham, NH 5 12-13 0
Day 1: 5 12-13
35. Mike Caul South Prince George, VA 5 12-11 0
Day 1: 5 12-11
36. Joe Grafeman Camdenton, MO 5 12-10 0
Day 1: 5 12-10
36. Samuel Pollock Hampton, VA 5 12-10 0
Day 1: 5 12-10
38. Richard Knoll Pittsburgh, PA 5 12-09 0
Day 1: 5 12-09
38. Craig Morris Frankford, DE 5 12-09 0
Day 1: 5 12-09
38. RJ Ricci Jr Cranston, RI 5 12-09 0
Day 1: 5 12-09
41. Tim Byers Gasburg, VA 5 12-05 0
Day 1: 5 12-05
42. Kevin Postalwait Ripley, WV 5 12-04 0
Day 1: 5 12-04
42. Jeremy Radford Huntly, VA 5 12-04 0
Day 1: 5 12-04
42. Mike Shears Powhatan, VA 5 12-04 0
Day 1: 5 12-04
45. John Engler Vinton, IA 5 12-04 0
Day 1: 5 12-04
46. Matt Szczoczarz Cumberland, RI 5 12-03 0
Day 1: 5 12-03
47. Lyle Atkins Culloden, WV 5 12-00 0
Day 1: 5 12-00
47. Gary Pope Jr Georgetown, SC 5 12-00 0
Day 1: 5 12-00
47. Jeremy Sadowski Voluntown, CT 5 12-00 0
Day 1: 5 12-00
50. Tyler Conde Chepachet, RI 5 11-15 0
Day 1: 5 11-15
51. Brian Brown Sandusky, OH 5 11-14 0
Day 1: 5 11-14
51. Tyler Thompson Easley, SC 5 11-14 0
Day 1: 5 11-14
53. Fred Serge Lambertville, NJ 5 11-14 0
Day 1: 5 11-14
54. Mark Hogan Milford, DE 5 11-13 0
Day 1: 5 11-13
54. Ryan West Hartsville, SC 5 11-13 0
Day 1: 5 11-13
56. Fabian Rodriguez Ocean City, MD 5 11-12 0
Day 1: 5 11-12
57. Michael Baldwin Jr South Chesterfield, VA 5 11-10 0
Day 1: 5 11-10
57. Gregory Dick Chesapeake, VA 5 11-10 0
Day 1: 5 11-10
59. Austin Moore Washburn, IL 5 11-09 0
Day 1: 5 11-09
60. Thomas Hughes Midlothian, NY 5 11-08 0
Day 1: 5 11-08
61. Bryan Finch Belton, TX 5 11-07 0
Day 1: 5 11-07
61. Jeff Meade Spotsylvania, VA 5 11-07 0
Day 1: 5 11-07
63. John Serge Philadelphia, PA 5 11-04 0
Day 1: 5 11-04
64. Greg Alexander Hebron, MD 5 11-04 0
Day 1: 5 11-04
65. Greg Scythes Marysville, OH 5 11-03 0
Day 1: 5 11-03
66. Jeffrey Davis Wendell, NC 5 11-00 0
Day 1: 5 11-00
66. Joe McClosky Swanton, MD 5 11-00 0
Day 1: 5 11-00
68. Bryan Hulsey Troy, MO 5 10-13 0
Day 1: 5 10-13
68. Mark Moran Weston, WV 5 10-13 0
Day 1: 5 10-13
70. KC Choosakul Cameron, NC 5 10-12 0
Day 1: 5 10-12
70. John Christopher II Clarksburg, WV 5 10-12 0
Day 1: 5 10-12
72. Jacob Marcantonio Moosup, CT 5 10-11 0
Day 1: 5 10-11
72. Christopher Napier Virginia Beach, VA 5 10-11 0
Day 1: 5 10-11
74. Michael Shay Cheshire, CT 5 10-10 0
Day 1: 5 10-10
75. Mark Burgess Norton, MA 5 10-09 0
Day 1: 5 10-09
76. Andrew Sams Easton, MD 5 10-08 0
Day 1: 5 10-08
77. Cavin Young Sr Prince George, VA 5 10-06 0
Day 1: 5 10-06
78. Derek Jones Chicago, IL 5 10-04 0
Day 1: 5 10-04
79. Jeff Salmon Mechanicsville, VA 5 10-00 0
Day 1: 5 10-00
80. Brian Gunn Savannah, GA 5 09-12 0
Day 1: 5 09-12
81. Chris Johnson Farmington, AR 5 09-11 0
Day 1: 5 09-11
82. Matthew McCarthy East Liberty, OH 5 09-06 0
Day 1: 5 09-06
83. John Erickson Sicklerville, NJ 5 09-03 0
Day 1: 5 09-03
84. Sidney Ryan Bracey, VA 5 09-02 0
Day 1: 5 09-02
85. Colton Sowers Bentleyville, PA 5 09-01 0
Day 1: 5 09-01
85. Mike Toney Blacksburg, VA 5 09-01 0
Day 1: 5 09-01
87. Ben Dalton Bracey, VA 5 08-12 0
Day 1: 5 08-12
87. Craig Townsend Westampton, NJ 5 08-12 0
Day 1: 5 08-12
89. Josh Ashley Lovingston, VA 5 08-11 0
Day 1: 5 08-11
90. Ray Tweedy Appomattox, VA 5 08-10 0
Day 1: 5 08-10
91. Tim Davis Mascot, TN 5 08-07 0
Day 1: 5 08-07
91. Tanner Visco Antioch, IL 5 08-07 0
Day 1: 5 08-07
93. Paul Smith Jr Spotsylvania, VA 4 08-06 0
Day 1: 4 08-06
94. Greg Del Russo Hopatcong, NJ 5 08-03 0
Day 1: 5 08-03
95. Kevin Barnosky Watertown, CT 5 08-00 0
Day 1: 5 08-00
95. Dana Brown Buckhannon, WV 5 08-00 0
Day 1: 5 08-00
97. Randy Elliott Severn, MD 5 07-14 0
Day 1: 5 07-14
98. Jason Carpenter Castle Pines, CO 5 07-09 0
Day 1: 5 07-09
98. Trevor Sharrett Boiling Springs, SC 5 07-09 0
Day 1: 5 07-09
100. Randy Gillespie Sanford, NC 5 07-08 0
Day 1: 5 07-08
101. Neal Wisinski Stevens Point, WI 5 07-05 0
Day 1: 5 07-05
102. Don Gregg Jr Powhatan, VA 5 07-02 0
Day 1: 5 07-02
103. Tim Mitchem Smithfield, VA 5 06-15 0
Day 1: 5 06-15
104. Jared Leicht Millville, NJ 5 06-12 0
Day 1: 5 06-12
105. Nick Mandes North Stonington, CT 5 06-12 0
Day 1: 5 06-12
106. Tony Keller Charleston, WV 5 06-10 0
Day 1: 5 06-10
107. Paul Tabisz Clarkston, MI 3 06-06 0
Day 1: 3 06-06
108. Troy Coney Owego, NY 4 06-03 0
Day 1: 4 06-03
109. Alex Legg Milford, DE 3 05-07 0
Day 1: 3 05-07
110. Tom Hill Nicholasville, KY 3 05-05 0
Day 1: 3 05-05
110. Mark Ochkie California, PA 3 05-05 0
Day 1: 3 05-05
112. Richard Hartman Bracey, VA 3 04-15 0
Day 1: 3 04-15
113. Greg Miller Gaffney, SC 3 04-10 0
Day 1: 3 04-10
114. Kevin Collins Morristown, NJ 2 03-06 0
Day 1: 2 03-06
114. Andrew Hunter Williamston, SC 2 03-06 0
Day 1: 2 03-06
116. Jim Sampson Emporia, VA 3 03-01 0
Day 1: 3 03-01
117. Eric Whaley II Pittsgrove, NJ 2 02-15 0
Day 1: 2 02-15
118. Bob Akin Carver, MA 2 02-14 0
Day 1: 2 02-14
119. Jon Jezierski Clinton Twsp, MI 2 02-11 0
Day 1: 2 02-11
120. Jon Mitchell Wendell, NC 2 02-10 0
Day 1: 2 02-10
121. Jim Fields Camden, DE 1 02-10 0
Day 1: 1 02-10
122. Chris Donavant Yorktown, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
122. Ethan Stant Dover, DE 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
122. Chris Washinger Chambersburg, PA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
122. Larry Witt Evington, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 105 567 1306-02
------------------------------
105 567 1306-02
MLF Set to Wrap Toyota Series Southwestern Division Next Week with Tournament at Oklahoma’s Lake Eufaula
EUFAULA, Okla. (April 22, 2025) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats is set to visit Eufaula, Oklahoma, next week May 1-3, for the third and final regular-season event of the 2025 season in the Toyota Series Southwestern division – the Toyota Series at Lake Eufaula.
The three-day bass tournament, hosted by Vision Eufaula, will showcase the region’s top bass-fishing boaters and co-anglers competing for a grand prize of up to $100,000 in the pro division and a new Phoenix 518 Pro boat with a 115-horsepower outboard motor plus $5,000 in the co-angler division.
With recent heavy rains flooding the system, anglers can expect a much different Lake Eufaula than in years past. For pro Eli Brumnett of Wagoner, Oklahoma – last year’s runner-up at this event – next week is all about redemption.
“We’ve had eight inches of rain this past week and we’re getting more next week,” Brumnett said. “The lake’s already four and a half feet up, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it hit five and a half or six by the time the tournament starts.”
With water in the bushes across the lake and spawning activity still underway, Brumnett expects a strong flipping bite to take center stage.
“Some of the fish are still on beds, but a lot of those big pre-spawners are hanging around that original bank line,” he explained. “That’s where a flipping pattern or even a spinnerbait could really shine. It’s gonna fish totally different than last year.”
In 2024, the lake was two feet lower, limiting the productive shallow areas.
“Last year, you really had to hunt for water in the bushes. This time, you’ll find it just about everywhere.”
Brumnett’s go-to baits for the event include a black and blue creature bait for flipping, a 6th Sense Divine Spinnerbait, and possibly a 6th Sense Crush squarebill if fish are positioned just outside of shallow cover.
“If the water levels stay consistent and don’t fluctuate too much, I think we’ll see some really solid weights,” he predicted. “You might see a couple 20-pound bags, but I think 16 to 18 pounds a day could win, and you’ll probably need at least 13 pounds a day to make the cut.”
Anglers will begin each day at 6:30 a.m. CT, launching from the Nichols Point Boat Ramp, located at 400 Lakeshore Drive in Eufaula. Weigh-ins will take place at the boat ramp, starting at 2:30 p.m. daily. Fans are invited to attend in person and can also stay connected by following the “MLF Live” weigh-in broadcasts and daily updates on MajorLeagueFishing.com.
In Toyota Series regular-season competition, payouts are based on the number of participants competing in the event, scaling up for every 20 boats over 160 and scaling down for every boat below 160. With a 160-boat field, pros fish for a top prize of up to $75,000, if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard (valued at $33,500). With a 260-boat field, pros fish for a top award of up to $100,000, if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Co-anglers compete for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard plus $5,000 cash.
The 2025 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats consists of five divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern and the Southwestern – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the five divisions or the Wild Card division and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning up to $235,000 and a qualification to REDCREST 2026. The winning co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard. The 2025 Toyota Series Championship will be held Nov. 6-8 on Grand Lake in Grove, Oklahoma, and is hosted by the City of Grove Convention & Tourism Bureau.
Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Toyota Series include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Toyota Series updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Plenty of opportunities will be available at Buggs Island College Series event
April 22, 2025
MECKLENBURG COUNTY, Va. — Teams competing in the Lunkers Trail of the Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops will visit Buggs Island, a new venue to the College Series, at one of the best times of the year according to St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN angler Jack Dice.
“It is an amazing tournament lake,” Dice said. “It doesn’t have the giants other places have, but there is the opportunity for anglers to fish their strengths and the opportunity for anglers to figure out something in practice and run with it. It is a very dynamic time of year. The bass will be doing a little bit of everything.”
Tournament days are scheduled for April 30 and May 1 with daily takeoffs and weigh-ins set to take place at Occoneechee State Park in Clarksville, Va. The top 10% of the field will clinch a spot in the 2025 Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops, and all teams will earn points toward the Team of the Year race.
The Strike King Bassmaster High School Series and Bassmaster Junior Series will compete on Buggs Island on May 4.
Straddling the border of North Carolina and Virginia, Buggs Island is the second of four reservoirs in the Roanoke River system and is the largest lake in the state of Virginia. B.A.S.S. returned to Buggs Island in 2023 for the first time in many years at an Open in early May that was won by Powell Kemp.
That Open could potentially resemble what the college anglers will face during this event, and it all has to do with water level. In 2023, a massive storm system came through the area just before the event, dumping enough rain to raise the lake levels well above full pool. As a result, plenty of wood cover became accessible to the bass, and anglers found themselves catching quality bass around the bank.
There may not be a major flood this year, but even just a little rise in the water levels will bring the bush bite into play, Dice said.
“Buggs Island is famous for bush flipping when the water gets right,” Dice explained. “You’re going to have plenty of fish still wanting to spawn, and the postspawn bass will be guarding fry in those bushes too. And that is all dependent on the water level.”
Dice anticipates much of the lake will be in play for this tournament, from where the Dan and Roanoke rivers converge on the northeast side down to the dam and Nutbush Creek. Nutbush Creek, Dice said, acts as almost a different lake than the rest of Buggs Island.
Largemouth will be the species in play for this event, and those bass will be in the middle of their spawning cycle. Some will be prespawn, some will be spawning and some will be postspawn, Dice said. The beginning of May is also the time of year the shad spawn starts to ramp up.
“If I was an angler going into it, the biggest thing would be watching the temperature trends,” Dice said. “When we had the Open, there was a shad spawn happening and I took advantage of that.”
There is also a solid offshore bite on Buggs Island, and teams should be able to use their graphs to find stumps and fish points.
A Yamamoto Senko would be a top choice for Dice if he were fishing the tournament. Flipping baits like a Yamamoto Flappin’ Hog and a beaver-style bait will also be key for anglers focusing on the bushes. Spinnerbaits will also factor if the shad start spawning.
Mecklenburg County, Virginia, is hosting the tournament.
2025 Bassmaster College Series Title Sponsor: Strike King
2025 Bassmaster College Series Presenting Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops
2025 Bassmaster College Series Platinum Sponsor: Progressive, Toyota
2025 Bassmaster College Series Premier Sponsors: Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
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About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
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Vexus anglers help build better boats through tournament fellowship
The iconic Brush Hog is more than just a soft plastic lure among a group of highly accomplished tournament anglers from The Ozarks. It’s actually the nickname they’ve jokingly pinned on their traveling buddy Mark Patterson, given his love of the famous creature bait.
The retired aircraft salesman pitches it religiously around boat docks on a 3/0 hook with great success, but his greatest accomplishment to date was spawning two good men in Ryan, a veteran sales leader for Vexus Boats, and his brother Brandon, another great weekend stick, and a fulltime sales guy for Midwest Roofing.
The Pattersons comprise about one third of a fellowship-rich group of hard-core bass anglers who travel together on the Ozark Mountain Team Trail. They book VRBOs and grill Kansas raised beef after a long day on the water, while strategizing how to catch a fat limit on derby day, of course.
Ultimately, they make Vexus Boats more fishermen-friendly through their own on-the-water experiences.
“I can tell you with confidence our boats have the greatest co-angler rod storage system, landing net storage, and bump board storage in the business, directly as a result of this group’s input at OMTT tournaments,” says Vexus co-founder Keith Daffron.
“You don’t identify short-comings in a fishing boat by sitting in a corporate office. Instead, you discover them when you’re bouncing over cruiser waves on Lake of the Ozarks trying to get back to weigh-in,” he emphasizes.
But by no means are tournament weekends at famous fisheries like Bull Shoals, Table Rock and Grand Lake all about the marine business for Daffron. Instead, it’s much the opposite. Just ask the group’s most accomplished team, Buck Comstock and Greg Blair, two regional Ozark legends.
“We fish to have fun and being a part of this group makes sure the fun never goes away,” says Comstock, a physical education teacher. Retired police officer, Shawn Williams supplies reinforcement to the fun factor Comstock speaks of, being tagged the group’s sports psychologist, ever present to make sure nobody loses perspective.
While the level of competition is fierce among the roughly 100 boats who enter, friendship among this group of four or five successful teams is the cornerstone.
“When this crew started traveling together to places like Grand and Lake of the Ozarks we started functioning more as one unit than individual teams,” says Daffron, who is often the camp cook.
“Fellowship like this is what makes the world go around. The phone calls we share on the ride home after weigh-in are priceless. Everybody is excited for one another to do well, no matter how you and your teammate performed. It’s a sportsmanship thing that should never be lost in bass fishing,” he concludes emphatically.
First place is $5,000, and Vexus owners who win an OMTT event are eligible for an additional $5,000 in REV Rewards bonus money, plus a unique trophy Vexus belt buckle. But ask any one of the men you see pictured and they’ll tell you that while first place is always the clear objective, the friendships, laughter, good eats, and memories far outweigh the trophies and paychecks.
Chattanooga Set for MLF Bass Pro Tour O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 4 Presented by OPTIMA Batteries
66 Anglers to Compete for $150,000 Top Prize on Lake Chickamauga and Nickajack Lake, Follow the Competition Live All Four Days at MajorLeagueFishing.com
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (April 22, 2025) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour continues its 2025 season next week, May 1-4, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 4 at Lake Chickamauga and Nickajack Lake Presented by OPTIMA Batteries.
Hosted by Chattanooga, Tennessee and Fish Tennessee, the four-day tournament – which begins on Chickamauga before transitioning to Nickajack for the Knockout and Championship Rounds – will feature 66 of the world’s top professional anglers competing for a $150,000 top prize, crucial points in the Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) race and coveted qualification spots for the Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2026.
"Our community is proud to host the MLF Bass Pro Tour Stage 4 event on the incredible waters of Lake Chickamauga and Nickajack Lake,” said Brant Donlon, Sports Sales Director for Chattanooga Tourism Co. “Home to some of the best fishing in the Southeast, we’re excited to once again showcase our vibrant destination to the angling world."
The star-studded field will feature top pros and local fan favorites, including previous Lake Chickamauga champion and Dayton, Tennessee local, Andy Morgan, reigning Fishing Clash AOY and Harrison, Tennessee local, Jacob Wheeler and REDCREST 2025 Champion Dustin Connell. Also competing are Tennessee pros Matt Becker, Brandon Coulter, Ott DeFoe, Nick Hatfield, Jake Lawrence , Michael Neal, Wesley Strader and David Walker, each looking to leverage their home-state experience on the fisheries.
The tournament will feature the MLF catch, weigh, immediate-release format, in which anglers catch as much weight as they can each day, while also feeling the pressure and intensity of the SCORETRACKER® leaderboard. The tournament is being filmed for broadcast later this year on Discovery.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Tour Stage 4 to our beautiful corner of Tennessee,” said Dennis Tumlin, Chief Customer Officer at Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “With world-class fisheries like Lake Chickamauga – a Bill Dance Signature Lake – and the scenic waters of Nickajack Lake – part of the Fish Tennessee program – Tennessee offers an unforgettable experience for both professional anglers and fans alike. We can’t wait for our outstanding lakes and community to be showcased to audiences across the country.”
The Bass Pro Tour last visited Lake Chickamauga in 2021, when Kalamazoo, Michigan’s Kevin VanDam added another major victory to his impressive record, with Wheeler finishing close behind in second. Prior to that, in 2019, Morgan ran away with a Bass Pro Tour win on Lake Chickamauga, boating 80 pounds of bass on Championship Sunday to distance himself from the final-day field by nearly 20 pounds and take home the top prize of $100,000.
While Wheeler hasn’t taken home a Bass Pro Tour win on Lake Chickamauga or Nickajack Lake, the Tennessee resident and long-time Chickamauga standout said he is excited about the unique challenges and opportunities that await on both Chickamauga and Nickajack Lakes, and the potential for producing trophy-sized bass.
"What’s really cool about going to Chickamauga this time of year is there’s always a chance for a double-digit fish," Wheeler said. "We’ve seen some 11- and 12-pounders caught in practice already this year on social media. It’s a transitional time, so there’ll be fish in all phases – spawning, post-spawn, maybe even some pre-spawners."
With fish spread across various patterns, Wheeler believes anglers will have the freedom to fish the entire lake without being confined to specific zones.
"In a five-fish format, you usually have to fish certain zones to target the bigger fish, but with our format and a smaller field, guys can spread out and fish the whole lake. You could advance from anywhere," he added.
Shallow-water tactics are expected to play a major role, although Wheeler is quick to point out the unpredictability of dominant patterns this time of year.
"I don’t necessarily know what the dominant pattern’s going to be. I really feel like this tournament is going to have a lot of different looks. Everyone won’t be doing the same thing," Wheeler said. "It’s just that time of year – you’ve got to fish by the seat of your pants and figure it out as you go."
When the field shifts to Nickajack Lake for the final rounds, Wheeler believes the game will change considerably. Describing Nickajack as a "mini-Lake Guntersville," he emphasized its mix of smallmouth, spotted bass and largemouth, along with significant grass cover.
"Chickamauga gets a lot of press, but Nickajack could be a hidden gem next week," Wheeler said. "It’s got a different look and fishes very differently. I don’t think you’ll be able to take a pattern from Chickamauga and just expect it to work on Nickajack."
With three days of practice split between two lakes, Wheeler said strategy will play a major role.
"Some guys will spend all their time on Chickamauga, while others will try to get a leg up on Nickajack. There’s a lot of strategy, and that’s what makes these split events fun – it challenges us as anglers to adapt quickly."
As for predictions, Wheeler expects it to take 50 pounds of bass to make the Knockout Round cut from Chickamauga, while advancing from the Knockout to the Championship Round on Nickajack Lake could require upwards of 100 pounds.
Anglers will launch at 7:15 a.m. ET Thursday and Friday from Chester Frost Park, located at 2277 Gold Point Circle N. in Hixson, Tennessee. The takeout Thursday and Friday will be held at the same location beginning at 3:45 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, anglers will launch at 7:15 a.m. ET from the Tennessee Riverpark, located at 4301 Amnicola Highway in Chattanooga. The takeout Saturday and Sunday will be held at the same location, beginning at 3:45 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
On Friday, May 2, MLF fans are invited to a Meet & Greet featuring MLF pros Brandon Coulter, Fred Roumbanis and Terry Scroggins from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cigars International Superstore, located at 495 Camp Jordan Parkway in East Ridge, Tennessee. Attending fans must be 21 or older to enter the store.
On Saturday and Sunday, May 3-4, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF welcomes fans of all ages to visit Ross’s Landing at 201 Riverfront Parkway for the MLF Fan Experience & Watch Party. Fans can watch the pros live on the MLFNOW! big screen, enjoy free food, enter to win hourly giveaways, listen to live music and cheer on their favorite pros. The first 50 kids 14 and under will receive a free Abu Garcia rod and reel each day. The event also includes a meet and greet with Paw Patrol's Skye and Marshall, a youth fishing derby presented by Hardee’s and a casting contest. The Bass Pro Tour anglers will be on hand both days to meet and greet fans, sign autographs and take selfies.
The O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 4 at Lake Chickamauga and Nickajack Lake Presented by OPTIMA Batteries will feature anglers competing with a 2-pound minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. The MLF Fisheries Management Division determines minimum weights for each body of water that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.
The 2025 Bass Pro Tour features a field of 66 of the top professional anglers in the world, competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual Heavy Hitters all-star event and the REDCREST 2026 championship.
The full field of anglers will compete in the two-day Qualifying Round on Thursday and Friday on Lake Chickamauga. After the two-day Qualifying Round is complete, the pro with the heaviest two-day total will advance directly to Sunday’s Championship Round on Nickajack Lake. Anglers that finish 2nd through 20th will advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round on Nickajack Lake. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed, and the remaining anglers compete to finish in the top nine to advance to Sunday’s Championship Round. In the final-day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $150,000.
The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live on all four days of competition from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. MLFNOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com , the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app and Rumble.
Television coverage of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 4 at Lake Chickamauga and Nickajack Lake Presented by OPTIMA Batteries will premiere as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Oct. 11 on Discovery, with the Championship Round premiering on Saturday, Oct. 18. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on Outdoor Channel.
Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Bass Pro Tour include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, Bass Force, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, E3 Sport Apparel, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Lowrance, Mercury, MillerTech, Mossy Oak Fishing, NITRO, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Power-Pole, Rapala, Star brite, Suzuki and Toyota.
For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Bass Pro Tour, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Combs Claims $1,500 with Yamaha Power Pay at Pasquotank
Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships / Photos: Bassmaster
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Keith Combs didn’t leave the Pasquotank River with a trophy, but he did leave with a hard-earned $1,500 Yamaha Power Pay check and a big reminder about trusting his instincts. Combs was the second highest finishing Power Pay angler behind Easton Fothergill for this event, highlighting the fact there are multiple opportunities to win through Yamaha’s popular contingency program. The Texas native leaned on simplicity, top-tier equipment and a traditional flipping bite to grind out a fifth-place finish that paid off.
“I was in the right stretch, right where the winner, Kyle Welcher fished and I was fishing trees as well,” Combs said. “I wasn’t too dialed into what was going on and didn’t get a bunch of bites in practice. It looked awesome in that area, but it took fishing during the tournament to really see what the potential could be.”
The week on the Pasquotank was a grind for most of the 103-angler field and Combs’ performance quietly underscored just how critical one big bite can be and how confidence in a simple plan can turn a rough practice into a profitable tournament.
Combs is known for his power-fishing roots and his deepwater prowess, especially on lakes like Falcon, Amistad and Sam Rayburn, where he’s stacked up giant limits and earned multiple trophies over the years. But on the tight, winding waters of the Pasquotank, his approach was refreshingly straightforward.
The most memorable moment of the tournament for Combs came on the first day, when he made what he called a “monster run.” With so many anglers hesitant to stretch their fuel tanks, Combs rolled the dice on a far-off area that had showed signs of life.
“The run was only about 40 miles one way, but the conditions and waves made it much longer than you’d think,” he said. “It took me about an hour and ten minutes each way and it was a no-brainer. I have great equipment, and I was totally prepared.”
That gamble nearly didn’t pay off until the very last minute.
“I allowed myself a little extra time because I know my Yamaha will crank every single time, so I could fish until the last minute,” Combs said. “On dang near my last cast, I caught an 8-pound, 2-ounce bass. That was huge for my event, but I wasn’t sold on that long run and pattern, so I decided to stay closer the rest of the tournament.”
The kicker bass helped anchor one of the heaviest bags of Day 1 and gave Combs enough of a buffer to fish more methodically the following days. While the rest of his tournament didn’t include another true giant, his consistency near Elizabeth City was enough to notch a top five finish.
Known for dissecting offshore structure with big crankbaits and ledge techniques, Combs has spent most of his career dominating on sprawling reservoirs. But in recent years, he’s shown more versatility, adapting to shallow, tough-fishing venues like the Sabine River, Neely Henry and now the Pasquotank River.
That willingness to adapt and trust in his gear showed in full on this stop.
“There’s no doubt about it, having confidence in your boat, motor and electronics makes those tough decisions a lot easier,” Combs said. “That Yamaha SHO never misses a beat. That gave me the freedom to make the run when I needed to and the peace of mind to fish right up until the last second.”
If you want to reap the rewards of Yamaha Power Pay like Keith Combs, you’re in luck, Power Pay supports over 550 tournaments and pays out to anglers of all levels. There are numerous bass, walleye, and saltwater tournaments eligible for payouts and it’s 100% free to register for. Sign up today or learn more at https://yamahapowerpay.com/overview.
Skeet Reese Announces Retirement from Competitive Fishing
2025 Bass Pro Tour to be Final season for Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Inductee
AUBURN, Calif. – April 22, 2025 –– Skeet Reese, 2024 Bass Fishing Hall of Fame inductee, A founder of Major League Fishing, the 2007 Bassmaster Angler of the Year and 2009 Bassmaster Classic Champion announces his retirement from competitive fishing at the end of the 2025 MLF Bass Pro Tour season.
While he is retiring from competition, he will remain actively involved in the industry. He plans to spend more time serving in an enhanced promotional capacity for his partners and to growing Reese Fishing, his new fishing rod brand.
His more than 40-year career began in the Western Pro circuits such as WON Bass and West Coast Bass, then turned to the Bassmaster Western Invitationals, where he qualified for the Bassmaster Tour and the Bassmaster Elite Series.
The announcement brings to a conclusion one of the most highly decorated competition careers in the history of professional bass fishing. He has competed in more than 300 professional events, claiming 12 career victories, 84 top 10 and 120 top 20 finishes. Appeared in 19 Bassmaster Classics, three Major League Fishing REDCREST championships, two Forrest Wood Cups and a Red Man All American. Altogether, Reese has posted more than $4 million in career earnings while casting.
Though his career as a competitor has certainly been Hall of Fame caliber, Reese’s influence in the promotional game has also been in a class above. Reese was the first angler to pioneer the use of a trademark color scheme with his Black and Yellow branding, and he made impacts early in his career with the use of personalized theme music and his dancing skills. The Auburn, California based pro was the first angler to see the potential of the Bassmaster Elite Series when it was announced in 2005 and was the first angler to sign up for the circuit.
In the business segment of the sport is where Reese has made his biggest impact. His efforts in branding career-long partners such as Lucky Craft, Lowrance and Mercury Outboards amongst other brands are significant factors in the brands’ successes throughout his career. The launch of his Skeet Reese rods in 2009 was further evidence of the pro’s influence as over the lifespan of the product line, hundreds of thousands of “yellow rods” were sold by retailers and in the hands of anglers worldwide.
Looking back at his career, Reese is struck with nostalgia and a grateful heart. “I only dreamed of being able to fish for a living as a young angler growing up in Northern California, and I never would have thought it could have turned out like this,” he said. “I have had partners along the way that have supported and believed in me that have become more like family than business partners; I would not have been able to stay in this career, let alone be successful without them.”
I am thankful to the leagues that have provided a platform for myself and my colleagues to build our brands in, and to the fans who tune in and attend the events we have competed in throughout the years,” said Reese. “To my family and friends that have been a big part of everything, I want to let you know how much you have been a part of my career and how fulfilling it is to have you a part of it. Finally, to Kim, Lea and Courtney, I would never have been able to chase this without your love and support, thank you and I love you so much.
“This has been a ride that I am grateful to have been on, I can’t express enough how humbled I am to have been a professional angler in this industry, and how thankful I am to have been able to do it for as long as I have. I will put the same effort into working for my partners and into building the best fishing rods you could ever put in your hands at Reese Fishing – from the depths of my heart, Thank You all!”
To hear more from Reese himself, see the video at: https://www.facebook.com/skeetreesefishing or https://www.instagram.com/skeetreesefishing/
About Reese Fishing
A product of more than 40 years of competitive and fishing industry excellence, Reese Fishing is the brainchild of Bass Fishing Hall of Fame inductee Skeet Reese. The Auburn, Calif. pro, being one of the most successful anglers in the fishing industry with over 40 years of experience, knows what real anglers want and need to be successful on the water. Built alongside his wife Kim and their daughters, the goal is to instill their commitment to quality and passion for the outdoors. The goal of Reese Fishing products is to help customers be inspired to explore what the outdoors has to offer; Reese Fishing strives for the best overall performance on the water.
For more information about Reese Fishing, or to order products, visit them online at http://reesefishing.com.
College Angler Buchmann Gets Second Win of the Season at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Kerr Lake
South Carolina’s Blanton Tops Co-Angler Division
HENDERSON, N.C. (April 21, 2025) – Boater Kaden Buchmann of Troutman, North Carolina, caught a five-bass limit weighing 17 pounds, 2 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Kerr Lake . The tournament, hosted by the Vance County Tourism Development Authority, was the second event of the season for the BFL Shenandoah Division. Buchmann earned $4,182 for his victory.
Buchmann is off to a roaring start this spring. He won the North Carolina Division tournament on Lake Norman on March 1, finished runner-up at Smith Mountain Lake in the Piedmont Division on March 30, finished second again in the North Carolina Division on April 12 at High Rock Lake and now has win No. 2 on the season with his victory at Kerr Lake.
“If you want me to put in into one word, it would be confidence,” said Buchmann, a junior business major at Lander University in Greenwood, South Carolina, when reflecting on his success. “Every time I’ve put my boat in the water this year, I’ve felt like I had a chance to win.
“I think it’s a combination of I’ve figured out how I like to fish, what I like to fish, and I feel like I’ve figured out the fish a little bit more than I previously have.”
This is only Buchmann’s second season fishing the BFLs, and really, it’s his first full season. Last year, he only entered one event, finishing third at Lake Norman in the North Carolina Division Super Tournament. His worst finish in a BFL event to date: 14th at the second stop of this year’s North Carolina Division at Lake Wylie.
Buchmann’s not the only Lander angler having success. His roommate, Andrew Blanton, won the Co-angler Division at Kerr Lake on Saturday – his second top-10 finish of the season.
As for the fishing at Kerr, Buchmann kept it pretty simple.
“This is my first week on the lake, pretty much,” he said. “I found a couple of stretches of bushes down the lake and kind of just soaked ’em.”
He figures the bass were starting to spawn. Though he never spotted any on beds, Buchmann said all the bass he caught were in spawning pockets. The aspiring professional angler caught his winning fish from as shallow as 6 inches of water and from some deeper bushes, with one coming on a jig and the rest on a wacky-rigged worm.
“It started quick because I lost a couple big ones,” Buchmann added. “But I caught a small limit right off the get-go. And I just kind of caught one every hour, hour and a half, two hours. I just had to weed through the males.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Kaden Buchmann, Troutman, N.C., five bass, 17-2, $4,182
2nd: Adam Lester, Huddleston, Va., five bass, 16-4, $2,291
3rd: Ben Dalton, Bracey, Va., five bass, 15-10, $1,362
4th: Raymond Jones III, Mocksville, N.C., five bass, 15-8, $952
5th: Daniel Weber, Fredericksburg, Va., five bass, 15-6, $816
6th: Jackson Pleasant, Four Oaks, N.C., five bass, 14-14, $748
7th: Tyler Trent, Nathalie, Va., five bass, 14-5, $680
8th: Wesley Cashwell, Roanoke Rapids, N.C., five bass, 14-1, $1,172
9th: Kelly Robinette, South Chesterfield, Va., five bass, 14-0, $1,044 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
10th: Michael Birr, Franklinton, N.C., five bass, 13-15, $476
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Wesley Cashwell of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina caught a bass that weighed 4 pounds, 10 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $560.
Andrew Blanton of Chesnee, South Carolina won the co-angler division and $2,041 Saturday, after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 10 pounds, 6 ounces.
The top 11 co-anglers finished:
1st: Andrew Blanton, Chesnee, S.C., three bass, 10-6, $2,041
2nd: Craig Wheeler, Avenue, Md., three bass, 8-15, $1,021
3rd: Richard Williams, Sutherland, Va., three bass, 8-8, $683
4th: Ryan Spivey, Fairfax, Va., three bass, 8-6, $476
5th: Lew Jenkins, Waldorf, Md., three bass, 8-3, $408
6th: David Rosenbaum, Leesburg, Va., three bass, 8-2, $637
6th: Douglas Washburn, Bracey, Va., three bass, 8-2, $357
8th: Nelson Bailey, Virginia Beach, Va., three bass, 8-1, $306
9th: Victor Cuevas, Supply, N.C., three bass, 7-14, $272
10th: Brent Allison, Littlestown, Pa., three bass, 7-13, $276
10th: James Wade, Loris, S.C., three bass, 7-13, $226
David Rosenbaum of Leesburg, Virginia, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $280, catching a bass that weighed in at 4 pounds, 9 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
After two events, Broderick Luckey of Lynchburg, Virginia, now leads the Fishing Clash Shenandoah Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 490 points, while Jason Hinger of Timberlake, North Carolina, leads the Fishing Clash Shenandoah Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 479 points.
The next event for BFL Shenandoah Division anglers will be held May 17, at the Potomac River out of Marbury, Maryland. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.
The top 60 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 3-4 BFL Regional tournament on the James River in Richmond, Virginia. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $20,000.
The 2025 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 134 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 60 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying tournament winners, will advance to one of 12 BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top three, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2025 BFL All-American will take place May 29-31, 2025, at Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is hosted by hosted by Visit Hot Springs and the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.
Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Li Time Batteries, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Bainbridge Set for MLF Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats at Lake Seminole
BAINBRIDGE, Ga. (April 21, 2025) –The Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats is set to visit Bainbridge, Georgia, this week, April 24-26, for the third and final regular-season event of the Southern division – the Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats at Lake Seminole.
The three-day tournament, hosted by Visit Bainbridge, will feature a roster of the region’s best bass-fishing boaters and co-anglers competing for a top prize of up to $100,000 in the pro division and a new Phoenix 518 Pro boat with a 115-horsepower outboard motor plus $5,000 in the co-angler division.
Matt O’Connell of Brooks, Georgia, who usually competes in the Toyota Series Central Division, said he has an eye on the upcoming tournament on Lake Seminole and is looking to throw his hat in the ring. The Georgia boater has racked up 17 top 10-finishes in MLF competition over the past two years and earned the Toyota Series Central Division’s Fishing Clash Angler of the Year honors in 2024.
“Lake Seminole should be fishing pretty good this time of year,” O’Connell said. “I expect it to be a mostly mid-spawn to post-spawn tournament. They tend to spawn a little early down in the southern portion of the state, but we had a colder winter, so my assumption is that they didn’t start really spawning until February. So, there are probably a lot of fish that are starting to pull back out deep, but there will also be a lot still in the spawning phase.”
O’Connell said patterns and baits will vary throughout the field, with Lake Seminole offering anglers the opportunity to fish their strengths.
“Two of the main staples will definitely be ChatterBaits and jerkbaits, but there’ll be Carolina rigs and bigger swimbaits come into play as well,” said O’Connell. “You’re going to see some scoping-style baits – minnows, things like that – play as well. There’s a lot of clear water and a lot of timber for guys to go scope around in Spring Creek and other areas like that, but you can also fish shallow and throw a topwater bait all day if you really want to, so it will be a mix of things.”
With the spawn coming to a close, O’Connell said he expects the weights to be slightly lower than they were earlier in the year but anticipates it will still take a hefty bag to advance to Championship Saturday.
“You’ll need at least one 25-pound bag, but I’d say if a guy has 36-38 pounds, they’ll have a shot at advancing in the top 25 to the final day,” said O’Connell. “I think it’s going to take a 70-pound three-day cumulative weight to win the event, but what will be interesting is seeing how the event will be won. It’s possible to win it shallow, but I’m assuming it will be won off the angler who has the best couple of post-spawn spots where they’re starting to group up.”
Anglers will begin each day at 7 a.m. ET, launching from the Earle May Boat Basin at 100 Boat Basin Circle in Bainbridge. Weigh-ins will take place at the same location, starting at 3 p.m. daily. Fans are invited to attend in person and can also stay connected by following the “MLF Live” weigh-in broadcasts and daily updates on MajorLeagueFishing.com.
In Toyota Series regular-season competition, payouts are based on the number of participants competing in the event, scaling up for every 20 boats over 160 and scaling down for every boat below 160. With a 160-boat field, pros fish for a top prize of up to $75,000, if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard (valued at $33,500). With a 260-boat field, pros fish for a top award of up to $100,000, if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard plus $5,000 cash.
The 2025 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats consists of five divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern and Southwestern – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the five divisions or the Wild Card division and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning up to $235,000 and a qualification to REDCREST 2026. The winning co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard. The 2025 Toyota Series Championship will be held Nov. 6-8 on Grand Lake in Grove, Oklahoma, and is hosted by the City of Grove Convention & Tourism Bureau.
Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Toyota Series include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Toyota Series updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Hackney Claims NPFL Victory at Lake Norman
After weigh-in on Day Two, Gonzales, Louisiana pro Greg Hackney predicted that the consistent weather would improve the bite across the board, and his forecast proved true. Catching his biggest bag of the week—17 pounds—on the final day, Hackney secured his first NPFL victory with a total weight of 47 pounds, 11 ounces.
Finishing in second, North Carolina angler KJ Queen began Day One with 15 pounds, 8 ounces, added 14 pounds on Day Two despite a big lost fish that hurt his chances at victory, and then delivered the second-largest bag of the event on Finale Friday with 17 pounds, 9 ounces. His total weight of 47 pounds, 1 ounce kept him just shy of Hackney’s lead.
Kyle Welcher overcame a slow Day One and came back strong with 19 pounds, 13 ounces on Day Two. However, a tougher Day Three weight of 12 pounds, 8 ounces, and a total weight of 45 pounds, 1 ounce, moved him to third. After his Bassmaster Elite win in North Carolina the week before, Welcher continues to build on his momentum.
Patrick Walters, who started and finished in fourth, earned 44 pounds, 13 ounces, securing another NPFL top-5 finish and a solid payday. Seth Ellis rounded out the top five with a total of 42 pounds, 14 ounces.
Kyle Welcher's 5-pound, 10-ounce largemouth on Day Two was the big bass of the event.
Largemouth Seal The Deal
Leading after Day One with 16 pounds, 6 ounces, Greg Hackney struggled to find largemouth on Day Two, finishing with a limit of spotted bass weighing 14 pounds, 5 ounces. But the largemouth returned in full force on the final day, and Hackney found his rhythm when it mattered most.
“I went to my spotted bass holes this morning to try and get a solid start, and the largemouth showed up again,” Hackney said. “I looked in the same area yesterday, which was a great day for sight fishing, and only saw one fish. Today was slow and steady—one good one here, one good one there—and I never got shaken up.”
By the time live coverage wrapped up at 1 PM, Hackney made his final cull—a four-pounder that sealed the deal. However, in his mind, it was a bass he fished for two hours, hooked several times, and nearly caught that he thought might cost him the victory.
“It was time-consuming, but I knew if I caught it, it would have won the event - so I stayed. I was sure she was going to cost me the event, but overall, I fished extremely well today. I had no anxiety at all, and when you catch that many fish, you know not having to grind for bites - it makes it easier.”
As the day progressed, Hackney had one of those “it’s your time” moments. While fighting one of his keeper largemouth to the boat, a massive spotted bass followed it in and almost made the ride to the weigh-in.
“It was 4 to 5 pounds, easily the best spot I’ve seen here,” Hackney said. “I touched it, and I thought I was going to be able to grab it. I almost had it. I got the largemouth in the boat, and at that point, I had one of those feelings like it was going to happen for me.”
Hackney’s efforts were focused below the main bridge, in the bottom third of Lake Norman. Using his Lowrance C-Map with 6-foot and less depth highlighted, he quickly found productive water where fish were spawning in the pockets and navigated Norman with no problem.
“Today, and this whole week even, I fished almost every dock, and I caught fish, but the best fish were between the docks, sitting on a piece of brush or a stump,” he added. “I burned the majority of my practice water on Day One, so I ran new water the last two days, and it was key to finding the same type of productive areas using the C-Map.”
His two-pronged attack included Strike King Finesse Worms—one 4” worm fished on a shaky head and one 6” worm rigged weedless. On Day One, the bass were relating more to the bottom, but as the water warmed, they moved higher in the water column, and the wacky rig presentation proved clutch.
“Our (Strike King) Green Pumpkin color is the most natural on the market, and the baits are more slender than other worms,” Hackney said. “I caught a bunch of fish on beds, and I got most of them on the first cast or the next cast back in. Those baits are the real deal.”
Queen Falls Just Short
When the event began, Catawba, North Carolina angler KJ Queen knew he would focus on spawning fish—and that’s exactly what he did. Falling just 11 ounces shy of victory, a few lost fish in a tight race made all the difference. Despite the disappointment, Queen considers the event a success.
“I fished in the mid-lake section and focused 100% on spawning fish,” he said. “On Day One, I caught some fish while strolling a Queen Tackle Jig Head with Zoom bait, weighing in three bass that day. After that, I locked in and everything else was sight fishing.”
Queen kept his approach simple, sticking to an area he believed had potential—and he was right. He executed a 1-2-3 punch with Zoom plastics, finishing with the Queen Tackle Jig in MR Craw color, almost to perfection.
“It couldn’t have been any simpler for me,” he said. “I kept my Lithium Pro Batteries working and covered a ton of water each day. I’m not going to lie, I’m disappointed about the big one I lost yesterday, which ended up costing me. It kind of sucks, but it is what it is. Overall, it was a great finish on my home waters.”
Welcher Falls to Third
With a major comeback on Day Two, jumping from 30th after Day One to the outright lead, Kyle Welcher was playing with house money on Finale Friday. Despite the lack of new fish moving into his primary area, it's hard to complain after the last couple of weeks.
“I mean, if you told me after practice I’d end up in third I would have been happy,” he said. “I had no history here at all, and regardless of where I went on the lake, I figured the chances of catching a big one were tough, so I settled into an area where I caught them good on Day One and focused on that.”
Day Three saw the same quality of bass, but not nearly as many. With big spawners, depending on how aggressive they were, having numerous chances at a big fish is always better. But today, there were fewer to choose from.
“I found a few good ones, but overall they were not as catchable as yesterday, and I didn’t catch the big ones I did see,” he said. “I just looked and threw the Rapala Crush City Bronco Bug at everything I could find. It was a great week.”
Top Ten:
- Greg Hackney – 47-11
- KJ Queen – 47-1
- Kyle Welcher – 45-1
- Patrick Walters – 44-13
- Seth Ellis – 42-14
- Drew Cook – 41-13
- Jason Burroughs – 41-10
- Tim Frederick – 39-15
- David Williams – 39-12
- JTodd Tucker – 39-3
Schroeder delivers last-minute shocker win with only four bass on Day 3 at Tombigbee River
April 18, 2025
COLUMBUS, Miss. — As the saying goes, it ain’t over ‘til it’s over, and Trey Schroeder was on the right end of that adage Friday after winning the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Tombigbee River presented by SEVIIN.
Schroeder, a 25-year-old resident of tiny Theodosia, Mo., mounted a come-from-behind win with 14 bass totaling 42 pounds, 12 ounces over the three-day tournament. That was just enough weight to edge veteran angler Stephen Browning who finished second with 42-4.
Just about everyone at Friday’s final weigh-in at East Bank Landing had already conceded the tournament to Browning, the Hot Springs, Ark., pro who’s in his 30th year fishing with B.A.S.S. and was looking for his first B.A.S.S. victory in a decade.
It seemed logical. After all, Browning was surging as the tournament progressed and he vaulted from seventh place and into the lead with a 15-10 limit on Day 3. Schroeder, meanwhile, only had four bass in his bag when he came to the stage. That largemouth quartet registered 12-6, however, which let him slip past Browning and to the top of the leaderboard.
The outcome surprised even Schroeder, who gasped when his final weight was announced. He shot his arms into the air in excitement before hoisting the winner’s trophy, and he still was in disbelief after the crowd had cleared out.
“I didn’t think there was any chance I had won,” he said.
BASSTrakk listed Schroeder with an 8-5 total on Friday when the weigh-in began, more than four pounds lighter than his actual catch. Though anglers are encouraged to use BASSTrakk throughout the day, they are not required to do so. But with many anglers and fans accustomed to following the action on BASSTrakk, they saw those numbers and assumed Browning had won.
Schroeder said he doesn’t weigh his fish until he catches his fifth bass.
“I get to five and then I weigh (the one) I’m culling first,” he said. “Then I get rid of my smallest one once I weigh the rest of them. It was my plan to do that today, too, but I never got that fifth keeper bite. I probably had seven or eight bites today … and only four keepers.”
Schroeder pocketed $34,502 cash for the win, part of a $229,090 purse split among the Top 45 of 155 anglers entered in the tournament. He also won a spot in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour when it’s held March 13-15 in Knoxville, Tenn., on the Tennessee River.
The former Strike King Bassmaster High School Series and Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops angler marveled at the prospect, something he’s dreamed of since co-founding his prep bass fishing team back in Missouri.
“I can’t believe it. Ever since starting that high school club, it’s just been the bug,” he said, his voice cracking with the emotion of the moment.
Schroeder said this tournament fished much like the areas he practiced in while competing for McKendree University in Illinois. In fact, he didn’t even venture onto the main river in the tournament, preferring to fish in nearby Columbus Lake the entire time.
“I didn’t burn a half tank of gas the whole week,” he said. “Finding a hard bottom was what gave me the confidence to stay in Columbus Lake … When I put my poles down and I could (sense them going into) gravel and sand, it started to feel right.
“So, when I put in, I went to the first piece of grass I saw, the water willow stuff,” he said. “The qualifiers we fished at McKendree were on 400-acre lakes and they fished like ponds. It was like that here … I felt at home.”
Schroeder used only two lures to bag his best bass.
“Thirteen of the 14 fish I weighed this week came on a (white) 6th Sense swim jig with a white Stroker Craw by 6th Sense on the back,” he said. “One of them came on the Clout, which is the Sixth Sense version of a Senko. I had some in the bottom of my boat and I threw it out there (on Thursday) and caught a 3-pounder.”
Browning, 58, finished third the last time B.A.S.S. fished on the Tombigbee River, way back in October 2004, and he was confident the 15-10 sack he caught Friday was enough to win the fifth B.A.S.S. event of his illustrious career. He said it was difficult finishing just shy of his goal to qualify for his 11th Bassmaster Classic.
“It’s just hard to swallow right now,” Browning said.
Rounding out the Top 10 anglers on Championship Friday are third, Michigan’s Bo Thomas, 41-10; fourth, Georgia’s Byron Kenney Jr, 41-0; fifth, Georgia’s John Duvall, 39-12; sixth, Alabama’s Matt Adams, 39-10; seventh, Pennsylvania’s Grae Buck, 39-2; eighth, Georgia’s Cody Stahl, 36-8; ninth, Alabama’s Russ Lane, 35-1; 10th Alabama’s Cody Nichols, 35-15.
Schroeder caught the Phoenix Boats Big Bass, as well — a 6-4 on Day 1 that earned him an additional $750 cash.
The derby on the Tombigbee River is the second Division I Bassmaster Open of the year, with the season opener held at Georgia’s Clarks Hill in January. Two more tournaments remain in the division (on the Upper Chesapeake Bay July 23-25 in Maryland and July 31-Aug. 2 on the St. Lawrence River in upstate New York.)
The Top 50 anglers in both the Division 1 and Division 2 Open standings will qualify for the Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers, which starts in September. The Top 10 anglers in that inaugural three-tournament competition will win spots in the 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series.
Visit Columbus, Mississippi hosted this week’s event.
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Title Sponsor: St. Croix
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Presenting Sponsor: SEVIIN
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Platinum Sponsors: Progressive, Toyota
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Triton Boats, VMC, Yokohama
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 205-313-0945, cgay@bassmaster.
2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Tombigbee River presented by SEVIIN 4/16-4/18
Tombigbee River, Columbus MS.
(BOATER) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Trey Schroeder Theodosia, MO 14 42-12 200 $35,252.00
Day 1: 5 16-04 Day 2: 5 14-02 Day 3: 4 12-06
2. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 15 42-04 199 $13,801.00
Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 5 16-05 Day 3: 5 15-10
3. Bo Thomas Edwardsburg, MI 15 41-10 198 $10,350.00
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 5 14-11 Day 3: 5 15-12
4. Byron Kenney Jr Monticello, GA 15 41-00 197 $9,660.00
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 13-01 Day 3: 5 14-05
5. John Duvall Madison, GA 15 39-12 196 $8,970.00
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 12-14 Day 3: 5 13-05
6. Matt Adams Guntersville, AL 15 39-10 195 $8,280.00
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 16-09 Day 3: 5 11-02
7. Grae Buck Green Lane, PA 15 39-02 194 $7,590.00
Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 5 13-04 Day 3: 5 10-08
8. Cody Stahl Barnsville, GA 15 36-08 193 $6,900.00
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 5 16-03 Day 3: 5 10-03
9. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 13 35-01 192 $6,900.00
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 11-05 Day 3: 3 06-02
10. Cody Nichols Fayette, AL 11 31-15 191 $6,900.00
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 12-03 Day 3: 1 05-02
------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Trey Schroeder Theodosia, MO 06-04 $750.00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 53 480 1073-12
2 60 474 1062-06
3 7 43 114-07
------------------------------
120 997 2250-09
Missouri’s Trey Schroeder slips into the lead at Tombigbee River
April 17, 2025
COLUMBUS, Miss. — Pundits and competitors alike predicted anglers would be tested in the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Tombigbee River presented by SEVIIN.
They weren’t wrong, with only 39 of 155 competing anglers averaging double-digit weights through Day 2 of the three-day derby.
Trey Schroeder, a 25-year-old from tiny Theodosia, Mo., has fared best on the Tombigbee River, with a two-day total of 10 bass for 30 pounds, 6 ounces. The former McKendree University angler entered Day 2 in second place with 16-4 and leaped into the lead Thursday with a limit that registered 14-2.
He struggled early Thursday, though, and at times doubted he’d manage a limit, much less lead the derby with only a day remaining.
“I rode around with four fish until almost noon today,” Schroeder said. “I was sweating. I was nervous … But luckily, we caught the fifth and that took a ton of pressure off. (I) made a couple good decisions after that, too.”
One of them involved pounding an area of clean water off the Tombigbee River that provided some of Thursday’s key bites.
“I have a spot that has a culvert in it,” he said. “The pond is clean but the river section of it is chocolate-milk dirty. When they opened the lock, it pulled some of that clean water out and it made a little pocket I could fish. When I pulled in today to check the spot, there was a fish on a bed in there. I skipped a Senko way up under a tree and a 3-pounder ate it. He jumped out of the water, into the tree and broke the limb off. I had to pull him over a grass mat to the boat. There’s just no reason I should have been able to catch that fish, but it worked out well.
“It really was just one of those days where things went well for me,” he added.
Schroeder said a warm Wednesday evening sparked a shad spawn on the areas he’s fishing, and he was able to take advantage of that on Day 2. He’s covering a lot of water and using traditional power-fishing techniques — not his usual game, he said.
“I consider myself one of the (LiveScope) guys, honestly,” he said, laughing. “I like to fish offshore and get in deep, clean water. But man, the past couple months or so, we’ve had so much rain at Bull Shoals where I live, I started homing in on power-fishing to get my confidence up. Then I power-fished (at the Open earlier this month) on Norfork Lake and I finished fourth there. It’s carried over here.”
Day 1 leader Russ Lane caught 11-5 on Thursday and is second now with 28-15. The 52-year-old veteran from Prattville, Ala., said boat traffic may have hindered his bite some on Thursday, but he’s confident he can catch enough weight to clinch the tournament title on Championship Friday.
“If that area quiets down and those fish get set up on those places I’m talking about, anything is possible,” Lane said. “And I have other options available if I need them.”
Lane competed in the last tournament B.A.S.S. held on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, way back in 2004. He said he circled this tournament on the schedule the moment it was released.
“A lot of the older guys were looking forward to this one,” he said. “It’s more of a conventional-type tournament, with a little less reliance on electronics. It’s exciting when we get to fish our strengths, too. I know I’m doing the right thing in the right area. I’ve just got to keep working hard, get a couple of the right bites.”
Rounding out the Top 10 anglers who made Thursday’s Phoenix Boats Cutline are third, Pennsylvania’s Grae Buck, 28-10; fourth, Alabama’s Matt Adams, 28-8; fifth, Alabama’s Cody Nichols, 26-13; sixth, Georgia’s Byron Kenney Jr, 26-11; seventh, Arkansas’ Stephen Browning, 26-10; eighth, Georgia’s John Duvall, 26-7; ninth, Georgia’s Cody Stahl, 26-5; and 10th, Michigan’s Bo Thomas, 25-14.
Browning was in the 2004 Open on Tenn-Tom, too, and he finished third in that tournament. The 58-year-old veteran said anyone can win in this return to the 234-mile man-made river connecting the Tennessee River with the confluence of the Black Warrior and Tombigbee rivers.
“I remember that tournament was tough, too,” he said. “In fact, I caught more weight in two days here this week than I did in three days back then, and I finished third in that one. So, it’s getting better for me. I’ll just keep throwing that Chatterbait and that squarebill like I do, and we’ll see what happens.”
The winner will earn a spot in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour when it’s held March 13-15 in Knoxville, Tenn., on the Tennessee River. First place also collects $34,502, part of a $229,090 total purse being split among the Top 45 anglers in the field.
The derby on the Tombigbee River is the second Division I Bassmaster Open of the year, with the season opener held at Georgia’s Clarks Hill in January. Two more tournaments remain in the division (on the Upper Chesapeake Bay July 23-25 in Maryland and July 31-Aug. 2 on the St. Lawrence River in upstate New York.)
The Top 50 anglers in both the Division 1 and Division 2 Open standings will qualify for the Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers, which starts in September. The Top 10 anglers in that inaugural three-tournament competition will win spots in the 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series.
Of the 155 competing anglers, only the Top 10 will compete for the tournament title on Friday. The Wednesday start is unique to this Open on Tenn-Tom with B.A.S.S. officials wanting to wrap the three-day event on a Friday, allowing angers time to return home for Easter Sunday.
Day 3 take-off of the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Tombigbee River presented by SEVIIN is scheduled for 6:15 a.m. CT Friday with weigh-in set for 2:15 p.m. CT, both from East Bank Landing.
Visit Columbus, Mississippi is hosting this week’s event.
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Title Sponsor: St. Croix
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Presenting Sponsor: SEVIIN
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Platinum Sponsors: Progressive, Toyota
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Triton Boats, VMC, Yokohama
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 205-313-0945, cgay@bassmaster.
2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Tombigbee River presented by SEVIIN 4/16-4/18
Tombigbee River, Columbus MS.
Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Trey Schroeder Theodosia, MO 10 30-06 200
Day 1: 5 16-04 Day 2: 5 14-02
2. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 10 28-15 199
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 11-05
3. Grae Buck Green Lane, PA 10 28-10 198
Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 5 13-04
4. Matt Adams Guntersville, AL 10 28-08 197
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 16-09
5. Cody Nichols Fayette, AL 10 26-13 196
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 12-03
6. Byron Kenney Jr Monticello, GA 10 26-11 195
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 13-01
7. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 10 26-10 194
Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 5 16-05
8. John Duvall Madison, GA 10 26-07 193
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 12-14
9. Cody Stahl Barnsville, GA 10 26-05 192
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 5 16-03
10. Bo Thomas Edwardsburg, MI 10 25-14 191
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 5 14-11
11. Cole Drummond Effingham, SC 10 25-06 190 $6,210.00
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 5 10-03
12. Jeffery Davis Steens, MS 10 24-15 189 $4,830.00
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 5 13-13
13. Mike McClelland Blue Eye, MO 10 24-09 188 $4,140.00
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 11-05
14. Chase Clarke Virginia Beach, VA 8 24-05 187 $3,450.00
Day 1: 3 13-07 Day 2: 5 10-14
15. Robert Johnson Jr. Maben, MS 10 24-05 186 $3,450.00
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 12-02
16. Brady Vernon Sterrett, AL 8 24-02 185 $3,450.00
Day 1: 3 07-10 Day 2: 5 16-08
17. Adam Rasmussen Sturgeon Bay, WI 10 23-11 184 $3,450.00
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 12-05
18. Laker Howell Guntersville, AL 9 23-10 183 $3,450.00
Day 1: 4 06-15 Day 2: 5 16-11
19. Kyle Weisenburger Columbus Grv, OH 10 23-10 182 $3,450.00
Day 1: 5 14-14 Day 2: 5 08-12
20. Ryan Lachniet Gum Spring, VA 10 23-06 181 $3,450.00
Day 1: 5 09-12 Day 2: 5 13-10
21. Connor Jacob Peoria, IL 9 23-04 180 $3,450.00
Day 1: 5 13-02 Day 2: 4 10-02
22. Jeff Oglesby Reform, AL 10 22-12 179 $3,450.00
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 5 12-06
23. Bobby Bakewell Orlando, FL 10 22-12 178 $3,450.00
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 5 10-15
24. Ryan Broughman Corapeake, NC 9 22-09 177 $3,450.00
Day 1: 4 07-15 Day 2: 5 14-10
25. Bryson Osteen Live Oak, FL 9 22-08 176 $3,450.00
Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 4 07-09
26. Tristan McCormick Bon Aqua, TN 9 22-07 175 $3,450.00
Day 1: 4 08-12 Day 2: 5 13-11
27. Clint Pegg Caledonia, MS 10 22-07 174 $3,450.00
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 5 09-02
28. Lucas Lindsay Auburn , AL 10 22-06 173 $3,450.00
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 5 11-12
29. Timmy Ming Louisville, MS 9 22-01 172 $3,450.00
Day 1: 4 08-11 Day 2: 5 13-06
30. Aaron Yavorsky Palm Harbor, FL 9 22-01 171 $3,450.00
Day 1: 4 09-08 Day 2: 5 12-09
31. Cody Ross Livingston, TX 10 21-11 170 $2,760.00
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 5 10-08
32. Randall Tharp Port St. Joe, FL 10 21-01 169 $2,760.00
Day 1: 5 09-02 Day 2: 5 11-15
33. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 10 20-14 168 $2,760.00
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 08-15
34. Barrett Saunders Hammond, LA 9 20-11 167 $2,760.00
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 4 08-11
35. Kyle Austin Ridgeville, SC 9 20-10 166 $2,760.00
Day 1: 4 07-10 Day 2: 5 13-00
36. Tyler Campbell Martin, GA 9 20-05 165 $2,760.00
Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 4 09-14
37. Tanner Hadden Appling, GA 7 20-00 164 $2,760.00
Day 1: 4 11-12 Day 2: 3 08-04
38. Sam Hanggi Knoxville, TN 9 20-00 163 $2,760.00
Day 1: 5 09-01 Day 2: 4 10-15
39. Matt Messer Warfield, KY 9 19-07 162 $2,760.00
Day 1: 4 09-09 Day 2: 5 09-14
40. Joshua Weaver Macon, GA 8 19-06 161 $2,760.00
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 3 07-12
41. Allen Brooks Canton, GA 10 19-05 160 $2,760.00
Day 1: 5 09-05 Day 2: 5 10-00
42. Brandon Coulter Knoxville, TN 10 19-02 159 $2,760.00
Day 1: 5 09-06 Day 2: 5 09-12
43. Micheal Stout Gallatin, TN 8 18-15 158 $2,760.00
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 3 06-09
44. Chris Blanchette Edisto Island, SC 10 18-14 157 $2,760.00
Day 1: 5 10-01 Day 2: 5 08-13
45. John Anderson Bay Springs, MS 9 18-04 156 $2,760.00
Day 1: 5 08-05 Day 2: 4 09-15
46. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 9 18-01 155
Day 1: 4 07-13 Day 2: 5 10-04
47. Cade Law Elmore, AL 6 18-01 154
Day 1: 2 09-06 Day 2: 4 08-11
48. Trey Swindle Cleveland, AL 7 17-12 153
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 2 03-12
49. Duke Nave Oxford, PA 7 17-11 152
Day 1: 5 11-12 Day 2: 2 05-15
50. Tyler Shawger Zanesville, OH 9 17-10 151
Day 1: 5 09-11 Day 2: 4 07-15
51. Casey Smith Victor, NY 8 17-05 150
Day 1: 3 06-02 Day 2: 5 11-03
52. Jonathan Dietz Corry, PA 8 17-03 149
Day 1: 4 08-13 Day 2: 4 08-06
53. Michael Neal Dayton, TN 9 17-01 148
Day 1: 4 09-02 Day 2: 5 07-15
54. Clay Madison Northport, AL 8 16-14 147
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 3 06-03
55. Parker Guy Appling, GA 8 16-12 146
Day 1: 3 05-02 Day 2: 5 11-10
56. Alec Morrison Peru, NY 10 16-07 145
Day 1: 5 07-11 Day 2: 5 08-12
57. Blaine Bunney Claremore, OK 8 16-05 144
Day 1: 3 04-05 Day 2: 5 12-00
58. Cliff Crochet Pierre Part, LA 8 16-04 143
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 3 06-02
59. John Goul Philadelphia, MS 7 16-03 142
Day 1: 3 06-00 Day 2: 4 10-03
60. Blake Bailey Petal, MS 7 16-02 141
Day 1: 3 06-04 Day 2: 4 09-14
61. Hayden Gaddis Dandridge, TN 6 16-01 140
Day 1: 2 04-07 Day 2: 4 11-10
62. Dillon Falardeau Hixson, TN 9 16-01 139
Day 1: 4 08-03 Day 2: 5 07-14
63. Tucker Shaw Millport, AL 7 16-00 138
Day 1: 4 07-03 Day 2: 3 08-13
64. Dylan Fogarty Mechanicsburg, PA 6 15-14 137
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 1 01-12
65. River Lee Diboll, TX 8 15-13 136
Day 1: 3 05-01 Day 2: 5 10-12
66. John Hunter Jr Shelbyville, KY 6 15-08 135
Day 1: 4 12-03 Day 2: 2 03-05
67. Drew Boggs Lebanon, TN 7 15-05 134
Day 1: 4 10-06 Day 2: 3 04-15
68. Tommy Wood Peregian Springs AUSTRA 7 15-02 133
Day 1: 2 03-06 Day 2: 5 11-12
69. Dylan Akins Flowery Branch, GA 9 15-01 132
Day 1: 4 05-05 Day 2: 5 09-12
70. Luke Plunkett Pinson, AL 7 15-01 131
Day 1: 3 06-11 Day 2: 4 08-06
71. Tyler Malone Chunchula, AL 8 15-00 130
Day 1: 5 09-08 Day 2: 3 05-08
72. Michael Spaulding Jr. Dundee, MI 7 14-14 129
Day 1: 2 03-05 Day 2: 5 11-09
73. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 8 14-14 128
Day 1: 5 09-00 Day 2: 3 05-14
74. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 9 14-14 127
Day 1: 4 06-10 Day 2: 5 08-04
75. Ryan Salzman Huntsville, AL 6 14-10 126
Day 1: 1 02-14 Day 2: 5 11-12
76. Brayden Rakes Winston Salem, NC 8 14-08 125
Day 1: 3 04-02 Day 2: 5 10-06
77. Hunter Eubanks Landrum , SC 7 14-08 124
Day 1: 4 07-10 Day 2: 3 06-14
78. Kyle Shaw Millport, AL 7 14-06 123
Day 1: 5 09-15 Day 2: 2 04-07
79. Tim Jaynes Ethelsville, AL 5 14-04 122
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 14-04
80. Tyler Conde Chepachet, RI 5 14-03 121
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
81. Evan White Roanoke Rapids, NC 6 14-03 120
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 1 02-02
82. Ryan Michl Newton, IL 6 14-02 119
Day 1: 2 06-05 Day 2: 4 07-13
83. Lucas Murphy West Columbia, MI 7 14-00 118
Day 1: 2 03-10 Day 2: 5 10-06
84. Jacob Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 5 13-10 117
Day 1: 1 02-01 Day 2: 4 11-09
85. Cody Detweiler Guntersville, AL 6 13-07 116
Day 1: 1 04-06 Day 2: 5 09-01
86. Freddy Palmer Estill Springs, TN 7 13-06 115
Day 1: 2 04-05 Day 2: 5 09-01
87. Jake Maddux Roswell, GA 7 13-06 114
Day 1: 4 07-14 Day 2: 3 05-08
88. Josh Bragg Fayetteville, GA 6 13-04 113
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 1 02-10
89. Teb Jones Yalaha, MS 7 13-02 112
Day 1: 2 02-13 Day 2: 5 10-05
90. Nick Mandes North Stonington, CT 7 12-09 111
Day 1: 5 08-08 Day 2: 2 04-01
91. Easton Lindus Woodville, WI 7 12-07 110
Day 1: 2 04-03 Day 2: 5 08-04
92. Shannon Abbott Louisville, TN 5 12-04 109
Day 1: 2 03-09 Day 2: 3 08-11
93. James Chandler Liberty, TX 6 12-00 108
Day 1: 1 02-12 Day 2: 5 09-04
94. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 5 11-15 107
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 11-15
95. Erik Brztowski Lemont, IL 6 11-13 106
Day 1: 1 02-00 Day 2: 5 09-13
96. Rich Ortiz Fort Ann, NY 6 11-12 105
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 1 01-10
97. Tanner Visco Antioch, IL 5 11-09 104
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
98. Zach Goutremout Chaumont, NY 4 11-07 103
Day 1: 3 09-08 Day 2: 1 01-15
99. Kristine Fischer Spring City, TN 5 11-00 102
Day 1: 1 02-06 Day 2: 4 08-10
100. Jeremy Sadowski Voluntown, CT 6 11-00 101
Day 1: 3 05-07 Day 2: 3 05-09
101. Parker Mott Winter Garden, FL 5 10-13 100
Day 1: 2 03-10 Day 2: 3 07-03
102. Billy Gilbert Hamburg, NY 6 10-12 99
Day 1: 4 07-13 Day 2: 2 02-15
103. Derrick Sadlowski Monaca, PA 5 10-09 98
Day 1: 4 08-10 Day 2: 1 01-15
104. Shayne Berlo Mclean, VA 6 10-07 97
Day 1: 1 01-10 Day 2: 5 08-13
105. Donavan Carson Bluff City, TN 4 10-07 96
Day 1: 3 08-09 Day 2: 1 01-14
106. John Pollard Eclectic, AL 5 10-06 95
Day 1: 3 04-11 Day 2: 2 05-11
107. Jason Carpenter Castle Pines, CO 6 10-02 94
Day 1: 5 09-00 Day 2: 1 01-02
108. Tommy Dickerson Orange, TX 3 09-13 93
Day 1: 3 09-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
109. Brooks Anderson Marietta, GA 3 09-13 92
Day 1: 2 07-13 Day 2: 1 02-00
110. Christian Nash Allons, TN 6 09-09 91
Day 1: 5 08-12 Day 2: 1 00-13
111. Darold Gleason Leesville, LA 5 08-09 90
Day 1: 3 04-13 Day 2: 2 03-12
112. William Baker Ridgeway, SC 4 08-06 89
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 4 08-06
113. Colt Blanton Piketon, OH 5 08-02 88
Day 1: 2 03-03 Day 2: 3 04-15
114. TJ McKenzie Myrtle Beach, SC 4 08-01 87
Day 1: 2 04-10 Day 2: 2 03-07
115. Jaden Parrish Liberty, TX 3 07-12 86
Day 1: 3 07-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
116. Colden Baker Ridgeway, SC 3 07-07 85
Day 1: 1 02-01 Day 2: 2 05-06
117. William Kronander Brownsville, PA 3 07-07 84
Day 1: 2 04-09 Day 2: 1 02-14
118. Dave Miller Stratford, CT 4 06-15 83
Day 1: 2 04-00 Day 2: 2 02-15
119. Brandon McMillan Clewiston, FL 4 06-15 82
Day 1: 2 03-09 Day 2: 2 03-06
120. Kristian Johnson Belvidere, NJ 3 06-13 81
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 06-13
121. Mark Guhne Hixson, TN 4 06-09 80
Day 1: 2 03-04 Day 2: 2 03-05
122. Garrett McWilliams Florence, MS 3 06-08 79
Day 1: 3 06-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
123. Tommy Dunaway Havana, FL 3 06-08 78
Day 1: 1 02-02 Day 2: 2 04-06
124. Caleb Hudson Lincolnton, GA 3 06-03 77
Day 1: 1 01-06 Day 2: 2 04-13
125. Chris Lighthizer Zanesville, OH 4 06-00 76
Day 1: 2 02-15 Day 2: 2 03-01
126. Lance Jackson Starkville, MS 3 05-13 75
Day 1: 3 05-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
127. Hunter Davidson Reform, AL 2 05-06 74
Day 1: 2 05-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
128. Wyatt Wisian Ardmore, OK 2 04-09 73
Day 1: 2 04-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
129. Dylan Welton Middleville, MI 3 04-06 72
Day 1: 1 01-10 Day 2: 2 02-12
130. David Dove Columbus, MS 2 04-05 71
Day 1: 2 04-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
131. Kyle Healey Almonte CANADA 2 04-01 70
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 04-01
132. Lucas Toliver Paw Paw, MI 2 04-01 69
Day 1: 1 02-03 Day 2: 1 01-14
133. Lance Owen Greer, SC 2 03-15 68
Day 1: 2 03-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
134. Anthony Garcia Los Angeles, CA 2 03-11 67
Day 1: 1 01-06 Day 2: 1 02-05
135. Yukihiro Sawamura Harker Heights, TX 3 03-08 66
Day 1: 3 03-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
136. Josh Gauthier Petawawa CANADA 2 03-06 65
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 03-06
137. Mike Penney Cameron, NC 1 03-06 64
Day 1: 1 03-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
138. Clint Leonard Jr Saint Cloud, FL 2 03-00 63
Day 1: 2 03-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
139. Mikey Weems Hull, TX 1 02-14 62
Day 1: 1 02-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Johnathan Crossland Chapin, SC 2 02-13 61
Day 1: 1 01-11 Day 2: 1 01-02
141. Woo Daves Spring Grove, VA 2 02-12 60
Day 1: 1 01-06 Day 2: 1 01-06
142. Rick Greene Ocala, FL 2 02-11 59
Day 1: 1 01-02 Day 2: 1 01-09
143. William Gully Linden, AL 1 02-05 58
Day 1: 1 02-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
144. Phillip Kroll Otego, NY 1 01-10 57
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-10
144. Chris McCarthy Woonsocket, RI 1 01-10 57
Day 1: 1 01-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
146. Nate Harden Niles, MI 1 01-09 55
Day 1: 1 01-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
147. Troy Coney Owego, NY 1 01-08 54
Day 1: 1 01-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
148. Brian Mullaney Ijamsville, MD 4 01-05 53
Day 1: 1 01-05 Day 2: 3 00-00
149. Destry Ford Tuscaloosa, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
149. Scott Fowler Ellijay, GA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
149. Chris Kingree Inverness, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
149. Ryan Matylewicz Tunkhannock, PA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
149. Anastasia Patterson Sumter, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
149. John Polasini Iii Leland, MS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
149. Collin Smith Honea Path, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 53 480 1073-12
2 60 474 1062-06
------------------------------
113 954 2136-02
Welcher Rockets to NPFL Lead at Lake Norman
The bite remains steady on Lake Norman, but with most of the field posting limits, it’s still the quality bites that are proving hard to come by. That wasn’t the case for Kyle Welcher, who rocketed to the top of the leaderboard on Day Two with a massive 19 pound, 13 ounce limit—including a 5-pound, 10-ounce kicker. Adding to his 12 pounds, 12 ounces from Day One, Welcher now leads the field with a two-day total of 32 pounds, 9 ounces.
Greg Hackney, who held the lead after Day One, drops to second with a total of 30 pounds, 11 ounces. After opening with 16 pounds, 6 ounces, he added 14 pounds, 5 ounces today to stay within striking distance.
Seth Ellis now sits in third, backing up his 13 pounds, 15 ounces on Day One with 16 pounds, 7 ounces on Day Two, for a total of 30 pounds, 6 ounces. Just behind him, South Carolina’s Patrick Walters remains consistent, adding 14 pounds, 6 ounces to his Day One 15 pounds, 5 ounces, bringing his total to 29 pounds, 11 ounces.
With weights stacked tight and fish being caught all over the lake, Finale Friday is shaping up to be a battle to the very end. Welcher's 5-pound, 10-ounce largemouth takes over the big bass of the event thus far.
Welcher Finds His Zone
Coming off a big Elite Series win last week, Alabama pro Kyle Welcher had limited time to figure out Lake Norman. After driving in from the previous event, he had just a short first day of practice and one full day on the water. On Day One of the tournament, he returned to some spawning fish he had marked—but they were gone.
On Day Two, he put his Minn Kota Ultrex QUEST on high and started covering water, learning more about the lake and eventually finding a couple of "key areas" where fish were moving up to spawn.
"I’ve never been to Norman before, and with a short practice, I tried to find an area with some fish and locate a few spawners," he said. "When they vanished on Day One—which was a tough day overall fishing wise for me—I found a zone where they were moving up, and I had high hopes for Day Two."
He righted the ship in a big way, using his eyes to locate both cruising and bedding bass. With a one-two punch from Rapala Crush City, he fished a Bronco Bug on beds and tossed a Janitor Worm at fish swimming around. As for Championship Saturday, he’s not overthinking it.
"In my mind, Norman is the same everywhere," he said. "You can catch big largemouth or spots all over the lake, but it isn’t easy anywhere. I’ll settle into the areas I’ve been fishing, but most of the places haven’t been reloading—so we’ll see what happens tomorrow."
Hackney Sticking to the Plan
With nothing changing for Greg Hackney on Day Two, the only difference was the lack of a big bite. The Louisiana angler had two largemouth and three spots on Day One, but Day Two saw a full limit of spotted bass. Despite that, he's still catching better-than-average fish, which has kept him near the top.
"I fished the same today and just simply lacked a big bite," he said. "I was a bit afraid of that coming in, but today was such a good day for sight fishing—I could see fish everywhere, and a lot deeper too. It’s confusing, because today was the first day I haven’t seen any decent largemouth."
Hackney predicts that based on the weather changes, Finale Friday should be one of the best and most consistent days of the tournament for everyone. With the first two days offering drastic shifts from morning to afternoon, with temperatures shifting, he expects things to level out for Day Three.
"The morning should kick off a bit better tomorrow, and that’s exciting. It should be good for everyone. I’m planning to stick with the same program, but I will not be starting in the same place as I have been," he laughed.
Ellis Leans on the Sight Game
Seth Ellis knew coming into this event that in order to compete with the locals, he’d have to sight fish. After two days, it’s safe to say he made the right call. Ellis has called North Carolina home for eleven years, but has little recent experience on Lake Norman. While the locals know every dock and pocket on the lake, Ellis picked out small areas and stretches to focus his efforts.
"When I saw the schedule way back when, I knew this one was going to be about right," he said. "After practice, I figured I could do well by looking for them, and so far so good. I had some good fish marked and they felt fresh.I thought they were going to stay around for the event and I committed to it."
Coming into Day One, he had about 60 dots marked—fish he had seen either locked on or cruising—but more than half had either left or been caught. Despite that, his efforts had him sitting in 17th.
"Around 2:30 on Day One, I started looking around for more fish to use on Day Two, and I found some that I planned on trying to catch," he said. "Today, I ran that stuff and caught some fish, but I had saved a big one from practice for when I needed it, and it saved me. I worked on her for an hour and got her to bite. At 1:30, I had 11 pounds. That fish gave me over 3 pounds and was huge for my tournament."
With two 4-pound-class fish in the bag, he again spent the afternoon scouting for more options for Finale Friday. Whether they stick around or not, Ellis is proud of how he’s executed—and he’s fired up for the final day.
"I’m keeping it simple," he added. "I’m looking around and tossing a Strike King Ocho in front of the boat, and when I find one, I slow down and fish a Strike King Rage Bug at it. So far, so good. I knew I couldn’t win this event just 'fishing' against these guys, so I did what I do—and the sight game has worked. I can’t wait for tomorrow."
Walters Stays in Fourth
Starting the day in fourth, Patrick Walters made a push to climb the leaderboard on Day Two, but ultimately stayed put heading into Finale Friday. Now, a few pounds back from Welcher, the importance of landing a big bite has never been greater.
Coming into the event, Walters planned to catch them shallow. During practice, he found areas holding fish and spent part of Day One picking them apart—with limited success.
"I made a move early on that first day and fished around," he said. "I filled a small limit on some places I know hold fish, and then just got back shallow and caught a few more."
Despite losing two key fish today, the he managed a few quality bites but wasn’t able to cull out three smaller ones.
"I’m fishing a bit of history and mixing things up, but in general, I’m in an area and just fishing around," he added. "I’ve got a worm locked in my hand—a Zoom Fluke Stick—rigged wacky and Neko-style. I’m fishing everything that looks good and keeping an eye out for spawners."
Top Ten:
Kyle Welcher 32-9
Greg Hackney 30-11
Seth Ellis 30-6
Patrick Walters 29-11
KJ Queen 29-8
Jason Burroughs 28-12
Ricky Robinson 28-3
David Williams 27-12
Joey Bloom 27-7
Barron Adams 27-0
Hackney Leads Day One NPFL at Lake Norman
Tight Weights and Big Decisions on Day One at Lake Norman
The bite is steady at Stop Two of the NPFL season on Lake Norman, with most of the field putting together a five-bass limit—but quality is hard to find. The fish are chewing across the lake, but the tail end of a cold front is making it tough to find better-than-average bites.
With a jig locked in hand, veteran angler Greg Hackney’s 16-pound, 6-ounce Day One limit was enough to take the top spot. A last-minute decision to fish for a big fish from practice paid dividends, adding a 4-pound, 10-ounce largemouth to his box just 30 minutes before check-in.
In second, Greenback, Tennessee pro Ricky Robinson fished against the grain, bringing 16 pounds even to settle into the second-place spot, just six ounces behind Hackney. In third, Catawba, North Carolina angler KJ Queen relied on history to catch his 15-pound, 8-ounce limit.
Big fish of Day One - a 5-pound, 8-ounce bass - was caught by fifth-place angler Richard Cooper, anchoring his 15-pound, 2-ounce limit. Of the 114 anglers weighing a fish on day one, all but four had a limit.
Patience Key for Hackney
After a slow trek to fill a limit this morning, where most of his “better fish from practice” had vacated, the area veteran Hackney settled in and made use of a zone he felt held a good population of bass.
“This morning, I just kind of went fishing and tried to take advantage of the dark and get a big bite—without luck,” said Hackney. “Then I made a move to some fish I knew were there, but I was in a bad rotation to start, and those fish had either been caught or moved off.”
His next spot was more of a community area, a place known to hold fish. To his surprise, he had it to himself and filled a limit, with one fish going nearly 4 pounds. It was enough to calm his nerves.
“I got settled and worked through a few places I had planned to fish and the fish were there, but they were mostly new fish that had moved in,” he said. “I was rotating several baits—a swimbait and a jig mostly, both swimming and flipping produced. I had a decent limit and decided to fish for a single bass I saw on Day Two of practice.”
To his surprise, the big female was still there—and had a male with her. With only 30 minutes left before check-in, he connected with the male and worked on the female, who wasn’t locked on a bed and was circling a tree top.
“I picked up a wacky rig and tried to get it in front of her, but she kept circling and wasn't stationary,” he added. “She swam up towards the bait but quickly turned and darted away. I figured she saw the boat and got spooked, but next thing you know, my line went tight and I fought her to the boat. It took me from a decent bag to a big bag, and that is the key to this place.”
Hackney rotated through over 30 bites on the day, with four being decent keepers and no lost fish that mattered. He’s anticipating the bite to get better over Thursday and Friday with the weather stabilizing and temperatures rising.
“We are here at a good time,” he said. “The cold fronts, I had ice on my cover in practice and it was chilly. My goal was 13 pounds today, which will keep you in the hunt here.”
Robinson Needs the Wind
Tennessee angler Ricky Robinson is likely the only angler in the field praying for wind. Throughout practice, while others were hiding from it, Robinson was using a technique he perfected back home in Tennessee for smallmouth - replicating it here on Norman to catch big spotted bass.
“Practice was fantastic for me, having never been here, and I have a way I catch them back home that I figured out would work,” he said. “Every day in practice I caught 15 or 16 pounds, and that was one here, one there.”
He located a total of 28 places to rotate through during the three-day tournament, and only fished a couple on Day One, bringing in 16 pounds of spotted bass. And if it weren't for some misfortune, would have upped his start.
“On my second spot, I made 9 casts and landed all but two—and those two were over 3 pounds,” he said. “The wind keeps them grouped up, and when it stops blowing, they leave. Today I had enough wind, but tomorrow I’m worried—you don’t know how happy I’ll be if it blows 10 to 15 MPH tomorrow.”
Queen Keeps It Simple
Local angler KJ Queen knows Norman as well as anyone, living just up the road in Catawba. He opted to focus his practice without a rod and reel in hand, using just his eyes to scan for shallow fish. Coming into Day One, he had several fish marked, but like Hackney, a lot of them were caught or had left.
“There were not a lot of bass left in my areas where I had found them,” he said. “Really I just swapped to light line and a Queen Jig Head with a Zoom bait and pitched it around some key areas I know should have fish.”
His 15-pound, 8-ounce limit will keep him in contention as the event progresses, but he’s hopeful the rising water and water temperatures will stabilize and some new fish will move in.
“I just sort of got into some historical area and felt like a lot of fish were, or are, coming to me,” he added. “Throughout the event, more and more should move in. I filled a limit quickly with the Queen jig head, and then slowed down and was able to cull a few times.”
Top Ten:
Greg Hackney 16-6
Ricky Robinson 16-0
KJ Queen 15-8
Patrick Walters 15-5
Richard Cooper 15-2
David Williams 15-1
Derrick Snavely 14-15
Justin Adkins 14-10
Barron Adams 14-8
Jason Burroughs 14-7
Veteran angler Russ Lane tops field after Day 1 at Tombigbee River
April 16, 2025
COLUMBUS, Miss. — The last time B.A.S.S. held a tournament on the Tenn-Tom Waterway, many anglers fishing in this week’s St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Tombigbee River presented by SEVIIN weren’t yet in grade school.
That was way back in October 2004 when B.A.S.S. held a Southern Open on this 234-mile man-made waterway connecting the Tennessee River with the confluence of the Black Warrior and Tombigbee rivers.
Longtime pro Russ Lane, of Prattville, Ala., had just turned 32 when that Open was held. He didn’t finish near the money, bowing instead to tournament winner and future Bass Fishing Hall of Famer Paul Elias.
Fast forward 21 years and Lane, now 52-years-old, is the sage old hand in the derby. He’s also in the pole position after Day 1 of this Open tournament with a Day 1 limit of five bass totaling 17 pounds, 10 ounces.
That’s nearly 1 1/2 pounds more than Missouri’s Trey Schroeder, who’s in second place with his 16-9 limit after Day 1 of the three-day event.
Tenn-Tom was stingy Wednesday, with only 43 of 155 competitors weighing double-digit bags. Temperatures stayed in the low 70s throughout the day and bright skies prevailed, with more of the same predicted for the remainder of the tournament. The conditions have Tenn-Tom bass in a variety of stages, from post-spawn cruisers to fatter females still seeking to bed along the banks of the river.
Lane played the conditions best on Wednesday, saying he saw signs in practice that made him think he could put together three solid bags this week.
“Practice was productive,” he said. “I found a place that I liked. It wasn’t fishing great then, but I figured it would get better with this water getting more stable, things warming up. I rolled the dice that some females would move in, and they did today.”
Lane said he covered a lot of water Wednesday, but shared few specifics. He said he’s fishing shallow, though, and feels dialed in.
“It’s a specific deal and it seemed to hold up throughout the day,” he said. “Four or five were pre-spawn fish, I think. My area is fishing small, but there are maybe a dozen key little spots around there that I’m keying on. Other guys are fishing it. I just figured something a tad bit different today.”
Lane bagged his first bass on only his third cast Wednesday morning. It was a 3-pounder, which might seem average in many tournaments, but if multiplied by five, would have been a Top 5 total on Day 1 at Tenn-Tom.
Lane said fishing on “new water” is invigorating. He’s fished Tenn-Tom before, of course, but Bill Clinton was in the Oval Office then. In other words, there’s been some time between this tournament and his last on the waterway.
“Sometimes, you look forward to going someplace you’re not very familiar with,” he said. “It reminds me a lot of the Alabama River and some of the Coosa River lakes I grew up on. So, I feel comfortable here. But there’s other guys who fish the Coosa who are comfortable here, too. I’ll need to keep on (the fish) to stay on top.”
Schroeder, 25, caught 16-9 on Wednesday, with a 6-4 largemouth anchoring his limit. Both were a pleasant surprise, he said, after a particularly tough practice session. Schroeder said he’s running north from East Bank Landing and blind-casting to largemouth bass on the banks in as little as 1 to 2 feet of water.
“I just tried to stay positive today and keep the bait wet,” Schroeder said. “I honestly got super lucky. Late in the day, I pushed into a pond I hadn’t been in yet and caught two of my nicest fish. Hopefully there are a couple more swimming around in there tomorrow. After I caught those two, I just left.”
Schroeder suspects he may have covered too much water during practice, making it a struggle to get bites. He narrowed his focus on Day 1 of competition, and it paid off.
“I was trying to fish for (spotted bass in practice) but didn’t have any luck,” he said. “It was just too blown out, so I just resorted back to fishing shallow again and looking for some heads. There’s definitely fish that are spawning and some that are post-spawn. Some are just now getting up there and starting to make beds, too. The fish seem to be in all stages right now after the big flood we had recently.”
As for tomorrow’s strategy?
“I’m going to run north again and burn everything I’ve got to the ground,” Schroeder said.
Rounding out the Top 5 after Day 1 are third, Pennsylvania’s Grae Buck, 15-6; fourth, South Carolina’s Cole Drummond, 15-3; and fifth, Florida’s Bryson Osteen, 14-15.
Of the 155 competing anglers, only the Top 10 will compete for the tournament title on Friday. The Wednesday start is unique to this Open on Tenn-Tom with B.A.S.S. officials wanting to wrap the three-day event on a Friday, allowing angers time to return home for Easter Sunday.
Day 2 take-off of the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Tombigbee River presented by SEVIIN is scheduled to begin at 6:15 a.m. CT, with weigh-in set for 2:15 p.m., both from East Bank Landing.
Visit Columbus, Mississippi is hosting this week’s event.
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Title Sponsor: St. Croix
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Presenting Sponsor: SEVIIN
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Platinum Sponsors: Progressive, Toyota
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Triton Boats, VMC, Yokohama
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 205-313-0945, cgay@bassmaster.
2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Tombigbee River presented by SEVIIN 4/16-4/18
Tombigbee River, Columbus MS.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 5 17-10 200
Day 1: 5 17-10
2. Trey Schroeder Theodosia, MO 5 16-04 199
Day 1: 5 16-04
3. Grae Buck Green Lane, PA 5 15-06 198
Day 1: 5 15-06
4. Cole Drummond Effingham, SC 5 15-03 197
Day 1: 5 15-03
5. Bryson Osteen Live Oak, FL 5 14-15 196
Day 1: 5 14-15
6. Kyle Weisenburger Columbus Grv, OH 5 14-14 195
Day 1: 5 14-14
7. Cody Nichols Fayette, AL 5 14-10 194
Day 1: 5 14-10
8. Tyler Conde Chepachet, RI 5 14-03 193
Day 1: 5 14-03
9. Dylan Fogarty Mechanicsburg, PA 5 14-02 192
Day 1: 5 14-02
10. Trey Swindle Cleveland, AL 5 14-00 191
Day 1: 5 14-00
11. Byron Kenney Jr Monticello, GA 5 13-10 190
Day 1: 5 13-10
12. John Duvall Madison, GA 5 13-09 189
Day 1: 5 13-09
13. Chase Clarke Virginia Beach, VA 3 13-07 188
Day 1: 3 13-07
14. Clint Pegg Caledonia, MS 5 13-05 187
Day 1: 5 13-05
15. Mike McClelland Blue Eye, MO 5 13-04 186
Day 1: 5 13-04
16. Connor Jacob Peoria, IL 5 13-02 185
Day 1: 5 13-02
17. Micheal Stout Gallatin, TN 5 12-06 184
Day 1: 5 12-06
18. Robert Johnson Jr. Maben, MS 5 12-03 183
Day 1: 5 12-03
19. John Hunter Jr Shelbyville, KY 4 12-03 182
Day 1: 4 12-03
20. Evan White Roanoke Rapids, NC 5 12-01 181
Day 1: 5 12-01
21. Barrett Saunders Hammond, LA 5 12-00 180
Day 1: 5 12-00
22. Matt Adams Guntersville, AL 5 11-15 179
Day 1: 5 11-15
22. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 5 11-15 179
Day 1: 5 11-15
24. Bobby Bakewell Orlando, FL 5 11-13 177
Day 1: 5 11-13
25. Duke Nave Oxford, PA 5 11-12 176
Day 1: 5 11-12
26. Tanner Hadden Appling, GA 4 11-12 175
Day 1: 4 11-12
27. Joshua Weaver Macon, GA 5 11-10 174
Day 1: 5 11-10
28. Tanner Visco Antioch, IL 5 11-09 173
Day 1: 5 11-09
29. Adam Rasmussen Sturgeon Bay, WI 5 11-06 172
Day 1: 5 11-06
30. Cody Ross Livingston, TX 5 11-03 171
Day 1: 5 11-03
30. Bo Thomas Edwardsburg, MI 5 11-03 171
Day 1: 5 11-03
32. Jeffery Davis Steens, MS 5 11-02 169
Day 1: 5 11-02
33. Clay Madison Northport, AL 5 10-11 168
Day 1: 5 10-11
34. Josh Bragg Fayetteville, GA 5 10-10 167
Day 1: 5 10-10
34. Lucas Lindsay Auburn , AL 5 10-10 167
Day 1: 5 10-10
36. Tyler Campbell Martin, GA 5 10-07 165
Day 1: 5 10-07
37. Jeff Oglesby Reform, AL 5 10-06 164
Day 1: 5 10-06
38. Drew Boggs Lebanon, TN 4 10-06 163
Day 1: 4 10-06
39. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 5 10-05 162
Day 1: 5 10-05
40. Cliff Crochet Pierre Part, LA 5 10-02 161
Day 1: 5 10-02
40. Rich Ortiz Fort Ann, NY 5 10-02 161
Day 1: 5 10-02
40. Cody Stahl Barnsville, GA 5 10-02 161
Day 1: 5 10-02
43. Chris Blanchette Edisto Island, SC 5 10-01 158
Day 1: 5 10-01
44. Kyle Shaw Millport, AL 5 09-15 157
Day 1: 5 09-15
45. Tommy Dickerson Orange, TX 3 09-13 156
Day 1: 3 09-13
46. Ryan Lachniet Gum Spring, VA 5 09-12 155
Day 1: 5 09-12
47. Tyler Shawger Zanesville, OH 5 09-11 154
Day 1: 5 09-11
48. Matt Messer Warfield, KY 4 09-09 153
Day 1: 4 09-09
49. Tyler Malone Chunchula, AL 5 09-08 152
Day 1: 5 09-08
50. Aaron Yavorsky Palm Harbor, FL 4 09-08 151
Day 1: 4 09-08
51. Zach Goutremout Chaumont, NY 3 09-08 150
Day 1: 3 09-08
52. Brandon Coulter Knoxville, TN 5 09-06 149
Day 1: 5 09-06
53. Cade Law Elmore, AL 2 09-06 148
Day 1: 2 09-06
54. Allen Brooks Canton, GA 5 09-05 147
Day 1: 5 09-05
55. Randall Tharp Port St. Joe, FL 5 09-02 146
Day 1: 5 09-02
56. Michael Neal Dayton, TN 4 09-02 145
Day 1: 4 09-02
57. Sam Hanggi Knoxville, TN 5 09-01 144
Day 1: 5 09-01
58. Jason Carpenter Castle Pines, CO 5 09-00 143
Day 1: 5 09-00
58. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 5 09-00 143
Day 1: 5 09-00
60. Jonathan Dietz Corry, PA 4 08-13 141
Day 1: 4 08-13
61. Christian Nash Allons, TN 5 08-12 140
Day 1: 5 08-12
62. Tristan McCormick Bon Aqua, TN 4 08-12 139
Day 1: 4 08-12
63. Timmy Ming Louisville, MS 4 08-11 138
Day 1: 4 08-11
64. Derrick Sadlowski Monaca, PA 4 08-10 137
Day 1: 4 08-10
65. Donavan Carson Bluff City, TN 3 08-09 136
Day 1: 3 08-09
66. Nicholas Mandes North Stonington, CT 5 08-08 135
Day 1: 5 08-08
67. John Anderson Bay Springs, MS 5 08-05 134
Day 1: 5 08-05
68. Dillon Falardeau Hixson, TN 4 08-03 133
Day 1: 4 08-03
69. Ryan Broughman Corapeake, NC 4 07-15 132
Day 1: 4 07-15
70. Jake Maddux Roswell, GA 4 07-14 131
Day 1: 4 07-14
71. Billy Gilbert Hamburg, NY 4 07-13 130
Day 1: 4 07-13
71. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 4 07-13 130
Day 1: 4 07-13
73. Brooks Anderson Marietta, GA 2 07-13 128
Day 1: 2 07-13
74. Jaden Parrish Liberty, TX 3 07-12 127
Day 1: 3 07-12
75. Alec Morrison Peru, NY 5 07-11 126
Day 1: 5 07-11
76. Kyle Austin Ridgeville, SC 4 07-10 125
Day 1: 4 07-10
77. Hunter Eubanks Landrum , SC 4 07-10 124
Day 1: 4 07-10
78. Brady Vernon Sterrett, AL 3 07-10 123
Day 1: 3 07-10
79. Tucker Shaw Millport, AL 4 07-03 122
Day 1: 4 07-03
80. Laker Howell Guntersville, AL 4 06-15 121
Day 1: 4 06-15
81. Luke Plunkett Pinson, AL 3 06-11 120
Day 1: 3 06-11
82. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 4 06-10 119
Day 1: 4 06-10
83. Garrett McWilliams Florence, MS 3 06-08 118
Day 1: 3 06-08
84. Ryan Michl Newton, IL 2 06-05 117
Day 1: 2 06-05
85. Blake Bailey Petal, MS 3 06-04 116
Day 1: 3 06-04
86. Casey Smith Victor, NY 3 06-02 115
Day 1: 3 06-02
87. John Goul Philadelphia, MS 3 06-00 114
Day 1: 3 06-00
88. Lance Jackson Starkville, MS 3 05-13 113
Day 1: 3 05-13
89. Jeremy Sadowski Voluntown, CT 3 05-07 112
Day 1: 3 05-07
90. Hunter Davidson Reform, AL 2 05-06 111
Day 1: 2 05-06
91. Dylan Akins Flowery Branch, GA 4 05-05 110
Day 1: 4 05-05
92. Parker Guy Appling, GA 3 05-02 109
Day 1: 3 05-02
93. River Lee Diboll, TX 3 05-01 108
Day 1: 3 05-01
94. Darold Gleason Leesville, LA 3 04-13 107
Day 1: 3 04-13
95. John Pollard Eclectic, AL 3 04-11 106
Day 1: 3 04-11
96. TJ McKenzie Myrtle Beach, SC 2 04-10 105
Day 1: 2 04-10
97. William Kronander Brownsville, PA 2 04-09 104
Day 1: 2 04-09
97. Wyatt Wisian Ardmore, OK 2 04-09 104
Day 1: 2 04-09
99. Hayden Gaddis Dandridge, TN 2 04-07 102
Day 1: 2 04-07
100. Cody Detweiler Guntersville, AL 1 04-06 101
Day 1: 1 04-06
101. Blaine Bunney Claremore, OK 3 04-05 100
Day 1: 3 04-05
102. David Dove Columbus, MS 2 04-05 99
Day 1: 2 04-05
102. Freddy Palmer Estill Springs, TN 2 04-05 99
Day 1: 2 04-05
104. Easton Lindus Woodville, WI 2 04-03 97
Day 1: 2 04-03
105. Brayden Rakes Winston Salem, NC 3 04-02 96
Day 1: 3 04-02
106. Dave Miller Stratford, CT 2 04-00 95
Day 1: 2 04-00
107. Lance Owen Greer, SC 2 03-15 94
Day 1: 2 03-15
108. Parker Mott Winter Garden, FL 2 03-10 93
Day 1: 2 03-10
108. Lucas Murphy West Columbia, MI 2 03-10 93
Day 1: 2 03-10
110. Shannon Abbott Louisville, TN 2 03-09 91
Day 1: 2 03-09
110. Brandon McMillan Clewiston, FL 2 03-09 91
Day 1: 2 03-09
112. Yukihiro Sawamura Harker Heights, TX 3 03-08 89
Day 1: 3 03-08
113. Tommy Wood Peregian Springs AUSTRA 2 03-06 88
Day 1: 2 03-06
114. Mike Penney Cameron, NC 1 03-06 87
Day 1: 1 03-06
115. Michael Spaulding Jr. Dundee, MI 2 03-05 86
Day 1: 2 03-05
116. Mark Guhne Hixson, TN 2 03-04 85
Day 1: 2 03-04
117. Colt Blanton Piketon, OH 2 03-03 84
Day 1: 2 03-03
118. Clint Leonard Jr Saint Cloud, FL 2 03-00 83
Day 1: 2 03-00
119. Chris Lighthizer Zanesville, OH 2 02-15 82
Day 1: 2 02-15
120. Ryan Salzman Huntsville, AL 1 02-14 81
Day 1: 1 02-14
120. Mikey Weems Hull, TX 1 02-14 81
Day 1: 1 02-14
122. Teb Jones Yalaha, MS 2 02-13 79
Day 1: 2 02-13
123. James Chandler Liberty, TX 1 02-12 78
Day 1: 1 02-12
124. Kristine Fischer Spring City, TN 1 02-06 77
Day 1: 1 02-06
125. William Gully Linden, AL 1 02-05 76
Day 1: 1 02-05
126. Lucas Toliver Paw Paw, MI 1 02-03 75
Day 1: 1 02-03
127. Tommy Dunaway Havana, FL 1 02-02 74
Day 1: 1 02-02
128. Colden Baker Ridgeway, SC 1 02-01 73
Day 1: 1 02-01
128. Jacob Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 1 02-01 73
Day 1: 1 02-01
130. Erik Brztowski Lemont, IL 1 02-00 71
Day 1: 1 02-00
131. Johnathan Crossland Chapin, SC 1 01-11 70
Day 1: 1 01-11
132. Shayne Berlo Mclean, VA 1 01-10 69
Day 1: 1 01-10
132. Chris McCarthy Woonsocket, RI 1 01-10 69
Day 1: 1 01-10
132. Dylan Welton Middleville, MI 1 01-10 69
Day 1: 1 01-10
135. Nate Harden Niles, MI 1 01-09 66
Day 1: 1 01-09
136. Troy Coney Owego, NY 1 01-08 65
Day 1: 1 01-08
137. Woo Daves Spring Grove, VA 1 01-06 64
Day 1: 1 01-06
137. Anthony Garcia Los Angeles, CA 1 01-06 64
Day 1: 1 01-06
137. Caleb Hudson Lincolnton, GA 1 01-06 64
Day 1: 1 01-06
140. Brian Mullaney Ijamsville, MD 1 01-05 61
Day 1: 1 01-05
141. Rick Greene Ocala, FL 1 01-02 60
Day 1: 1 01-02
142. William Baker Ridgeway, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
142. Destry Ford Tuscaloosa, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
142. Scott Fowler Ellijay, GA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
142. Josh Gauthier Petawawa CANADA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
142. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
142. Kyle Healey Almonte CANADA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
142. Tim Jaynes Ethelsville, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
142. Kristian Johnson Belvidere, NJ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
142. Chris Kingree Inverness, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
142. Phillip Kroll Otego, NY 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
142. Ryan Matylewicz Tunkhannock, PA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
142. Anastasia Patterson Sumter, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
142. John Polasini Iii Leland, MS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
142. Collin Smith Honea Path, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 53 480 1073-12
------------------------------
53 480 1073-12
Major League Fishing Cancels Final Day of Invitational Stop 3 at Lewis Smith Lake
CULLMAN, Ala. (April 16, 2025) – Following this morning’s tragic boating accident, Major League Fishing (MLF) announced the cancellation of the final day of competition at Invitational Stop 3 scheduled for Thursday on Lewis Smith Lake.
“This is a heartbreaking moment for our entire organization,” said Kathy Fennel, MLF Executive Vice President and General Manager. “Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by this tragedy.”
James River set to impress for B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier
April 16, 2025
RICHMOND, Va. — A vast playing field awaits anglers competing in the 2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at James River presented by Lowrance, but Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series pro Ed Loughran believes plenty of bass will be brought to the scales throughout the three-day event.
“It is a great time of year to fish there,” the 2024 Elite Series champion said. “People are going to catch a ton of bass. But, you are going to have to get those couple of bigger bites to reach the 20-pound mark. I would be surprised if it didn’t take around 60 pounds to win.”
Tournament days are scheduled for April 23-25 with daily takeoffs at 6:30 a.m. ET from Osborne Park and Boat Landing. Competitors will begin weighing in at 2:30 p.m. at the same venue. Anglers will be vying for a spot in the 2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship at the Upper Mississippi River presented by Lowrance scheduled for Oct. 22-25 in La Crosse, Wis.
The James River has become a regular stop on the Bassmaster Tournament Trail, hosting everything from St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN, to Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops events as well as Strike King Bassmaster High School Series events. In 2023, James Willoughby and Jacob Pfundt from the University of Montevallo claimed a Bassmaster College Series title at the Virginia fishery with a two-day total of 40 pounds, 9 ounces.
This Nation tournament starts nearly two years to the day as that College Series tournament, and several of the same scenarios will likely play out on the tidal system.
Loughran expects the largemouth in the system to be somewhere in their spawning cycle. Some bass could still be on bed, but the Richmond, Va., native anticipates that most of the largemouth will be postspawn.
“There should be some fish still hanging around spawning,” he said. “A bunch of them will be postspawn and guarding fry. You will be able to do a bunch of different things. The James this time of year will be an all-shallow deal. I don’t think ’Scoping is going to be a big player.”
For the most part, largemouth will be hanging around a variety of shallow cover including cypress trees, laydowns and lily pads. Loughran also anticipates anglers being able to find success in any part of the river, from the gravel pits close to takeoff all the way down to the Chickahominy River.
There is also a variety of forage for the bass in the system, from gizzard and threadfin shad to white and yellow perch. Expect power fishing baits like spinnerbaits, ChatterBaits and Texas rigs to all play a big role in this event.
“You are going to see a lot of 16- to 17-pound bags in this tournament,” he said. “There will be a lot of different things happening. You’ll be able to catch stuff out of brushpiles. You’ll be able to go down the bank. You’ll be able to fish cypress flats.”
While the tide cycle is always a factor in some way, Loughran believes anglers should be able to catch bass at any time, not just during an outgoing tide.
Richmond Region Tourism and Visit Henrico County are hosting the event.
2025 Bassmaster Nation Series Title Sponsor: Mercury
2025 Bassmaster Nation Series Presenting Sponsor: Lowrance
2025 Bassmaster Nation Series Platinum Sponsors: Progressive, Toyota
2025 Bassmaster Nation Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster Nation Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Triton Boats, VMC, Yokohama
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 205-313-0945, cgay@bassmaster.
Major League Fishing Statement Regarding Boating Accident on Lewis Smith Lake
CULLMAN, Ala. (April 16, 2025) – Major League Fishing (MLF) confirms that a serious boating accident occurred this morning on Lewis Smith Lake during Day 2 of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational. The incident involved one of the event’s competing anglers, Flint Davis of Leesburg, Georgia.
Emergency personnel and local authorities responded immediately and remain on scene managing the situation.
Out of respect for those involved, and to ensure the accuracy of all information, no further details will be released at this time. MLF is working closely with law enforcement and emergency officials. Additional updates will be provided as they are confirmed by the appropriate authorities.
Our thoughts, prayers and deepest concern are with everyone affected by this tragic incident.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Boating Incident at Lake Norman — No Life-Threatening Injuries
For Immediate Release: April 16, 2025
Huntersville, North Carolina—At approximately 7:30 a.m. ET, emergency personnel responded to a boating accident on Lake Norman involving two vessels, including one operated by National Professional Fishing League angler Jessie Ayers of Antlers, Oklahoma. All individuals involved were accounted for and evacuated for medical evaluation. No life-threatening injuries were reported.
The cause and circumstances of the accident will be investigated by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and other appropriate authorities.
“We’re extremely grateful that this incident did not result in any severe injuries,” said NPFL President Brad Fuller. “Our primary concern is always for the health and safety of our anglers and anyone else using the water. We take boating safety extremely seriously.”
NPFL Rule 10 requires that competitors wear personal floatation devices whenever the outboard motor is running and in gear, and competition boats must be equipped with emergency ignition shut-off devices designed to stop the outboard if the driver is separated from the driver’s seat. In addition, competitors must comply with all state boating and fishing regulations.
More details of this incident will be forthcoming as they become available.
About the National Professional Fishing League
The National Professional Fishing League was founded to bring competitive fishing to a broader audience and offer anglers a platform to compete at the highest level. The NPFL is committed to fostering integrity, competition, and innovation in the sport, providing anglers and fans alike with an exciting and unique experience.
For more information, visit our website or contact Ken Duke at (407) 574-1898 or [email protected].
Montevallo Maintains Top Ranking in Bass Pro Shops School of the Year
SAN ANTONIO, TX (April 15, 2025) – The Association of Collegiate Anglers announces the latest points update to the 2024-25 Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia.
The University of Montevallo remains in 1st place with a season total of 26,800 points. McKendree University holds onto 2nd, and Tarleton State University moves up three places to be ranked 3rd.
The end of March through the middle of April is a key stretch in defining who the contenders will be for this season’s chase in the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia.The ACA contested its final major double points event to count in this cycle, BASS and MLF each hosted a major tournament, and MLF contested a National Championship that will be included in the next points update.
With just over one month remaining until the standings are finalized towards college fishing’s only all-encompassing National Rankings system, the University of Montevallo finds itself in a familiar position. The four-time defending School of the Year title winner is in 1st place, with a lead of 1,055 points over 2nd place. At the ACA double points Pickwick Slam, Montevallo earned 3,310 points. Team members Miller Dowling & Mason Kornegay finished in 8th, and Briggs Alavezos & Brooks Parker to 13th.
Montevallo is seeking to win its fifth straight title this season. One event remains this season for the ACA, the triple points Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops to be contested at Lake Hartwell. Montevallo currently qualifies to send 11 boats. The more boats a team has competing at the historic 20th ACA National Championship, the better chance they have at making the most of the triple points opportunity.
McKendree University maintained its 2nd place ranking in this points update. McKendree anglers earned 2,350 points at the Pickwick Slam, with their top two highest-placing teams in 28th & 89th. Team members also competed at Lake Eufaula, earning points in McKendree’s third and final points eligible BASS event for this season. Two top finishes of 6th & 23rd earned the two-time title winner 2,230 points. From the previous update to now, McKendree was able to close the gap between themselves and 1st place by just over 1,000 points.
Moving up into 3rd place for this points update is Tarleton State University. The Texas based team bumped up three places since the prior update. Team members Tyler Chmelar & Kate Kramer won the Bassmaster College Series event at Lake Eufaula. With the next highest-placing team in 18th, Tarleton State earned 2,330 points at that particular event. At the double points ACA Pickwick Slam, Tarleton State’s two top teams place 9th and 71st. That moved their season points total to 23,505 points.
Here is a look at teams that made significant moves inside of the Top 25 for this points update to the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia:
6) Wabash Valley College – Previously 8th
8) Campbellsville University – Previously 10th
10) Auburn University – Previously 13th
12) Murray State University – Previously 16th
View the complete updated rankings.
Two teams moved up into the Top 25 after previously not being ranked in that position. Murray State College moved from 27 to 23rd, and Stephen F. Austin climbed one place from 26th to 25th.
Alabama Pro David Kilgore Grabs Lead on Day 1 at Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 3 at Lewis Smith Lake
Jasper, Alabama angler sacks up 18-11 to take early lead
CULLMAN, Ala. (April 15, 2025) – Day 1 of Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Stop 3 Presented by Phoenix Boats at Lewis Smith Lake went about to plan. Plenty of fish being caught, but top-end size was tough to come by. With most of the field packed tight, ounces will decide who gets checks, points and a chance at a win.
Still, Jasper, Alabama pro David Kilgore separated himself in a big way on Day 1, sacking up 18 pounds, 11 ounces for the lead – which is a lot of weight most times of year at Smith, and especially now with so many postspawn fish in the mix.
In second, pro Lane Olson of Forest Grove, Oregon, scrapped up 15-12, and Joseph Webster and Emil Wagner are tied for third with 15-2. We’ll see what happens on Day 2, but it already looks like a tough road for some of the anglers who caught their fish mostly with forward-facing sonar on Day 1 – Killgore and Webster were not reliant on the tech early and figure to have a great chance to stay steady the rest of the way.
Competitors will conclude the two-day opening round on Wednesday, with only the top 30 pros based on their two-day cumulative weight advancing to Championship Thursday. The three-day tournament, hosted by Visit Cullman, Alabama, features pro anglers competing for a top prize of up to $115,000 and valuable points to qualify for the 2025 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Championship in September.
A longtime local on Smith, Kilgore’s start with such a strong weight could set him up very well, though he knows as well as anyone that Smith is a tough place to be consistent. Today, after a slow start, he packed on the pounds in the latter half of the morning.
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“I'm a little disappointed in myself,” Kilgore said. “I thought I had a spot that was a lot better than it was. Then I wasted a couple of hours this morning. Eventually, I said, ‘I gotta move.’
“I moved and it wasn't fast and furious; I could catch little keepers no problem, but every now and then, I would catch a decent fish. It was just a numbers game, pretty much, so I'll try to do it again tomorrow.”
Weighing all largemouth on Day 1, Kilgore plans to run the same program on Day 2, but he’s got an intriguing herring spawn game plan for the final day.
“I’ve got a couple more areas I didn’t need to go to today,” he said. “And I've got a spot, way up – as in, get gas on the water – that's a herring spot that’s loaded. So, hopefully if I can get through tomorrow in good position, I'll abandon ship and go fish for the herring fish the last day.”
“The last few years here, we've done very good this time of year,” he said. “I've kind of got the herring gig figured out, and then I've kind of got the largemouth coming off bed gig figured out. So, it's perfect time of year for me. I’m excited.”
The top 20 pros after Day 1 on Lewis Smith Lake are:
1st: David Kilgore, Jasper, Ala., five bass, 18-11
2nd: Lane Olson, Forest Grove, Ore., five bass, 15-12
3rd: Emil Wagner, Marietta, Ga., five bass, 15-2
3rd: Joseph Webster, Hamilton, Ala., five bass, 15-12
5th: Britt Myers Jr., Lake Wylie, S.C., five bass, 14-15
6th: Jacob Walker, Springville, Ala., five bass, 14-10
7th: Colby Miller, Elmer, La., five bass, 14-5
8th: Ryan Armstrong, Robinson, Ill., five bass, 14-3
8th: Austin Swindle, Parrish, Ala., five bass, 14-3
10th: Mitchell Robinson, Landrum, S.C., five bass, 14-2
11th: Hayden Marbut, Birmingham, Ala., five bass, 14-0
12th: Brody Campbell, Oxford, Ohio, five bass, 13-15
13th: Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla., five bass, 13-13
13th: Keith Poche, Cecil, Ala., five bass, 13-13
15th: Flint Davis, Leesburg, Ga., five bass, 13-12
16th: Josh Butler, Hayden, Ala., five bass, 13-9
16th: Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., five bass, 13-9
18th: Colby Schrumpf, Highland, Ill., five bass, 13-6
19th: Cody Petit, Arundel, Maine, five bass, 13-5
20th: Charles Abshire, Lake Charles, La., five bass, 13-4
20th: Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark., five bass, 13-4
20th: Dustin Smith, Trussville, Ala., five bass, 13-4
Complete results for the entire field can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Pro Keith Poche earned Tuesday’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass award with a bass that weighed in at 5 pounds, 6 ounces.
In Tackle Warehouse Invitationals competition, the full field compete in the two-day opening round on Tuesday and Wednesday in a five-fish, weigh-in format. Only the top 30 pros, based on their two-day cumulative weight, advance to the final round on Championship Thursday, where they will compete for the grand prize of up to $115,000. The winner of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 3 at Lewis Smith Lake Presented by Phoenix Boats is determined by the heaviest three-day cumulative weight.
Anglers will launch at 6:30 a.m. CT each day from Smith Lake Park, located at 403 County Road 386 in Cullman, Alabama. Weigh-ins will be held at Smith Lake Park and will begin at 2:30 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and weigh-in events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® live stream and coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The MLFNOW! broadcast team of Chad McKee and Rob Newell will break down the extended action live all three days of competition from 7 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. CT. MLFNOW! will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app and Rumble.
Television coverage of the MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Stop 3 at Lewis Smith Lake Presented by Phoenix Boats will air as a two-hour episode, premiering at 9 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Oct. 18 on CBS Sports Network.
Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Bubba, Deep Dive, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, VOSKER, WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Tackle Warehouse Invitationals updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
NPFL and Humminbird Form Strategic Partnership
WILKESVILLE, Ohio—The National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) and Johnson Outdoors announce a new partnership with Humminbird, the industry leader in fishing electronics. The partnership will include branding and a program of contingency awards for NPFL anglers using certain Humminbird products.
Brad Fuller, President of the NPFL, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “It’s exciting and an honor to be working with Johnson Outdoors. When we decided to prohibit real-time imaging units [often referred to as “forward-facing sonar”] last September, we hoped that the industry would understand that we were making a decision in favor of our audience rather than a decision against technology. We’re thrilled that Humminbird understood that and saw the opportunity to promote their array of technologies to best match the diverse needs of fishing through the NPFL.”
The partnership includes branding of certain NPFL elements and a contingency program that pays $1,000 to the highest-ranking finisher equipped with Humminbird XPLORE technology in six regular season NPFL tournaments. At NPFL Stop 1 at Santee Cooper Lakes, that angler was Bill Lowen, who finished in fourth place.
Jeff Kolodzinski, Brand Manager of Fishing for Johnson Outdoors, commented on his company’s support of professional fishing: “We sponsor all three of the principal bass leagues, and we’re thrilled to partner with NPFL. The NPFL has staked out a position that differentiates it from the other organizations and we appreciate that it represents an approach that appeals to many fans and anglers. There’s more to fishing—and fishing electronics—than forward-facing sonar.
“Fishing is and has always been a multi-dimensional sport. Successful anglers are required to master a variety of fish-finding skills, which is why the NPFL offers Humminbird a great opportunity to highlight our complete array of fish-finding technologies in the form of the new XPLORE series. And, with Minn Kota being part of the same company as Humminbird, anglers can level-up their experience with a Minn Kota for the best in trolling motors to stay on the fish.
“Our new XPLORE Series is the finest fish finder platform ever offered by Humminbird,” says Kolodzinski. “The interface is fully compatible with our live sonar [MEGA Live 2], XPLORE offers plug-and-play compatibility with Minn Kota trolling motors and Raptor/Talon anchors, works with LakeMaster and CoastMaster charts, syncs up to 10,000 waypoints through our new waypoint management system, and is highly customizable and user-friendly. It’s all part of our commitment to helping pros and enthusiasts catch more fish and have more fun.”
About the National Professional Fishing League
The National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) was founded to bring competitive fishing to a broader audience and offer anglers a platform to compete at the highest level. The NPFL is committed to fostering integrity, competition, and innovation in the sport, providing anglers and fans alike with an exciting and unique experience.
Media Contact: Ken Duke — (407) 574-1898 or [email protected].
Sunline Pro Kyle Welcher Smashes Records with Century Belt Win at Pasquotank
Torrance, CA- Sunline pro Kyle Welcher delivered a dominant and historic performance at the St. Croix Bassmaster Elite at Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound, weighing in a staggering 118 pounds, 12 ounces over four days to secure his first-ever Bassmaster Elite Series victory and his place in the prestigious Century Club.
Welcher showcased his river-fishing roots and confidence in heavy cover by relying on 22-lb Sunline Shooter fluorocarbon throughout the event—a decision that proved pivotal in a tournament where precision, sensitivity, and durability were key.
“Shooter is my go-to line anytime I’m flipping in heavy cover or around big fish,” Welcher said. “This stretch of the Pasquotank had stumps, cypress knees, and everything that can test your gear. With Shooter, I never had to worry about abrasion or line failure. I boat-flipped multiple 6- to 7-pounders without a second thought.”
Welcher’s winning campaign was a wire-to-wire performance: he dropped 30-11 on Day 1, added 30-3 on Day 2, weighed the Rapala CrushCity Monster Bag of the Tournament at 34-0 on Day 3, and closed with 23-14 on Championship Sunday. His winning margin of 45 pounds, 7 ounces is the largest in Elite Series history.
Fishing within a couple miles of takeoff, Welcher identified a mile-long stretch of the Pasquotank River that featured the only concentration of stumps and cypress trees in the area—ideal staging and spawning habitat. Using forward-facing sonar, he located precise pieces of cover where fish were positioned, then used a black and blue Rapala CrushCity Bronco Bug rigged on a Gamakatsu G-Power Heavy Cover Worm Flip and Punch Hook with a pegged ¼-ounce tungsten weight.
But it was his choice of line that gave him the confidence to fish with full power and precision.
“Shooter has that perfect combination of sensitivity, strength, and abrasion resistance,” Welcher explained. “When you hook a 6-pounder under a cypress knee and it wraps you around a stump, most lines are done. Shooter eats that up. I never lost a fish all week.”
Welcher spooled the line on an 8:1:1 gear ratio reel paired with a 7’6” heavy-action Khaotic Kustom Rod, a setup he trusted completely in close-quarters combat with trophy-class largemouth.
Yoshi Mitani, Vice President of Sunline America is excited about Welcher’s record breaking victory. “Kyle has accomplished so much in his young career and we are proud to have him be a part of our team at Sunline. We look forward to working with him for years to come and being a part of his outstanding accomplishments.”
Sunline maintains a top share in the line market in Japan, where it was founded, and exports its line to more than 40 countries worldwide. Sunline America is a subsidiary of Sunline Japan and is responsible for distribution and marketing in North American markets. For more information, please visit http://www.sunlineamerica.comTop of Form
Iaconelli on the Pasquotank, Throwback Vests, and Fan Support
Courtesy Dynamic Sponsorships / Photos: Bassmaster
Mike Iaconelli left Elizabeth City, North Carolina with a solid 38th place finish in the St. Croix Bassmaster Elite at the Pasquotank River. The Team Toyota pro’s weight averaged out to around twelve-pounds-per-day, of which the Elite Series veteran earned every single ounce.
Making a massive trip of around ninety miles one way (180-mile boat ride per day), Iaconelli characterized the first two days of this event as the “top five worst conditions” he’s faced when making a long run. If your name isn’t Kyle Welcher, the Pasquotank River event was likely defined by long, rugged boat rides.
“The boat rides were horrific,” Iaconelli said. “I run the best equipment in the world, the fact that my Bass Cat and Yamaha got me to my fish and back each day is a testament to that, but man were those runs rough. It’s the unpredictability of the waves on the Albemarle Sound. You couldn’t get into a rhythm with the waves and they simply beat you up.”
As of Monday, following the tournament, Iaconelli confirmed he was still sore everywhere. His ribs, arms, abs, and back all were still feeling the punishment he subjected himself to on the Albemarle Sound, which he was quick to point out is basically an ocean.
With this being Iaconelli’s thirtieth season as a professional fisherman, he has earned the title of grizzled veteran. For him to rank the Pasquotank River boat runs so highly on his list of “most brutal” says a lot. Just the same, Ike emphatically said all the effort was undoubtedly worth it.
“I had a solid tournament and moved up 20 spots in the Angler of the Year standings,” Iaconelli explained. “It was worth it and in hindsight I’m happy with my decisions. I opted to make a long run and fish in a river, focusing on fish relating to current and use traditional river fishing tactics. I can breakdown those types of areas a lot quicker than the marshy, backwater environments, which was important with this being such a massive fishery.”
This was Iaconelli’s first Saturday cut of the 2025 season, allowing him to showcase a cool element of his #Dirty30 celebration which includes a throwback to the old-school vests Ike and his peers used to wear when he started his career.
“Every day three cut I make this season I am going to wear an old-school vest on stage instead of my tournament jersey,” Iaconelli said. “But the coolest part is I made enough of these vests to give one out to a fan after I cross the stage on Saturdays. I love the nostalgia of the vests, and I love connecting with fishing fans. This is a fun way to tip my cap towards both.”
The fans certainly did their part this weekend, showing up en masse for weigh-ins at Waterfront Park in Elizabeth City and Saturday was no exception. After weighing his fish, Iaconelli called on the huge crowd to give their best ‘Iaconelli scream’.
The crowd did their best to ‘Go-Ike’ and ultimately one young fan left the weigh-in with Iaconelli’s throwback tournament vest, while everyone in attendance was witness to something special.
“It was honestly such a cool moment to stand on the Bassmaster stage and hear those screams from a giant, rowdy crowd,” Iaconelli gleamed. “Seeing that energy and passion got me so fired up. I gave the kid a big hug and thanked him, because I probably got just as much out of our interaction as he did. The fan connection and that pure excitement means everything to me.”
The same passion that calls Iaconelli to sometimes scream like a banshee when he catches a fish has help connect the New Jersey native with thousands of fishing fans over the years. The recently inducted Bass Fishing Hall of Famer explained that fishing fans have been a constant positive theme throughout his career and he’s excited to bring them along for the ride on his #Dirty30 season.
“In thirty years I have seen the good, the bad, the ugly, and the best of this sport,” Iaconelli said, reflecting on his career. “When it all boils down, the fans have truly kept me going. This weekend seeing those big crowds and feeling the energy of people excited about fishing… it was a great reminder of that.”
B.A.S.S. announces Marathon as title sponsor of Bassmaster Studio Set and exclusive partner for new content series
April 14, 2025
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with Marathon, the retail brand of Ohio-based Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC), naming the brand as the official title sponsor of the Bassmaster Studio Set and the exclusive partner of the Marathon Peak Performance Custom Content Series on the Bassmaster YouTube channel.
As the title sponsor of the Bassmaster Studio Set, Marathon’s branding will be prominently featured in Bassmaster’s in-depth tournament analysis, angler interviews and expert commentary, ensuring fans stay informed and engaged throughout the season.
Additionally, Marathon will power the all-new Marathon Peak Performance Custom Content Series, a dynamic 10-video series on Bassmaster’s YouTube channel that will spotlight the top-performing anglers of the season. This series will celebrate the champions of all nine Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series tournaments and the prestigious Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, delivering exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes stories of their winning performances.
“At Marathon, we’re proud to continue fueling the passion of Bassmaster fans and anglers alike,” said Steven Kammeyer, brand marketing manager at Marathon Petroleum. “This partnership is built on shared values, performance, perseverance and delivering at the highest level, and we’re excited to bring fans even closer to the action through the Bassmaster Studio Set and our new Peak Performance content series.”
“We are thrilled that Marathon continues to be a part of the Bassmaster family,” said Phillip Johnson, B.A.S.S. chief operating officer. “Their commitment to performance and endurance aligns perfectly with the dedication and determination of our anglers. Through the Bassmaster Studio Set and the Marathon Peak Performance Custom Content Series, we’ll bring fans even closer to the action while showcasing what it takes to compete at the highest level in professional bass fishing.”
The Marathon Peak Performance Custom Content Series will launch on Bassmaster’s YouTube channel throughout the 2025 season, giving fans exclusive access to in-depth interviews, on-the-water highlights and expert breakdowns of each tournament-winning performance.
For more information on Bassmaster tournaments, content and sponsorships, visit Bassmaster.com.
About Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) is a leading, integrated, downstream energy company headquartered in Findlay, Ohio. The company operates the nation’s largest refining system. MPC’s marketing system includes branded locations across the United States, including Marathon brand retail outlets. MPC also owns the general partner and majority limited partner interest in MPLX LP, a midstream company that owns and operates gathering, processing, and fractionation assets, as well as crude oil and light product transportation and logistics infrastructure. More information is available at marathonpetroleum.com.
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 205-313-0945, cgay@bassmaster.
White Hall’s Cole Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Ouachita
California’s Kojima Tops Co-Angler Division
ROYAL, Ark. (April 14, 2025) – Boater Brennan Cole of White Hall, Arkansas, caught a five-bass limit weighing 20 pounds, 2 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine at Lake Ouachita . The tournament was the second event of the season for the BFL Arkie Division. Cole earned $6,616, including the lucrative $2,500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus, for his victory.
Cole went old school on Lake Ouachita, catching his fish on the old “ball and chain” – a Carolina rig.
“I had a tough day of practice yesterday flipping bushes,” he said. “It was a bite here and there. I picked up a Carolina rig late yesterday and pulled up on one main-lake point and caught a couple 3-pounders. I decided that’s what I was going to run today. I ran main-lake points all day, chucking a Carolina rig.”
The best points were steep. If he had his boat parked 30 or so yards off the bank, the bottom beneath him might be 50 feet deep. Cole then lobbed his rig up on the point and dragged it down the sides and off the end.
On his rig, he used a Zoom Brush Hog or Midsize Brush Hog, primarily in watermelon red flake. The most exciting moment came at 11:40 a.m. – Cole verified the time – when he landed an 8-pound, 6-ounce bass that earned him the Berkley Big Bass award and its $475 prize.
“I fired my rig up there and thought it was a bream bite,” he recalled. “I set the hook and told my co-angler this ain’t no bass, but if it is, it’s a head. She came up and jumped three times. With a Carolina rig, that’s kind of a death trap, but I got her in the boat. I went from about 10 pounds with four fish to 18-something.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Brennan Cole, White Hall, Ark., five bass, 20-2 $6,616 (includes $2,500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
2nd: Austin Rose, Mena, Ark., five bass, 15-14, $1,820
3rd: Gerard Johnson, Hot Springs, Ark., five bass, 15-1, $1,214
4th: Blake Martin, Dardanelle, Ark., five bass, 14-4, $1,014
4th: Justin Bean, Benton, Ark., five bass, 14-4, $889
6th: Danny Brustrom, Cave City, Ark., five bass, 13-13, $668
7th: Matt Wood, Jessieville, Ark., five bass, 13-10, $607
8th: Brian Bean, Hot Springs, Ark., five bass, 13-3, $546
9th: Keith Green, Arkadelphia, Ark., five bass, 13-2, $485
10th: Larry Nixon, Quitman, Ark., five bass, 13-1, $425
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Cole caught a bass that weighed 8 pounds, 6 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $475.
Takaaki Kojima of Temecula, California, won the co-angler division and $1,820 Saturday, after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 11 pounds, 4 ounces.
The top 10 co-anglers finished:
1st: Takaaki Kojima, Temecula, Calif., three bass, 11-4, $1,820
2nd: Joseph Aguilar, Bauxite, Ark., three bass, 9-3, $910
3rd: Don Billiot, Hot Springs Village, Ark., three bass, 7-14, $607
4th: Dulin Smith, Little Rock, Ark., three bass, 7-13, $425
5th: Gene Mitchell, Stuart, Okla., three bass, 7-8, $364
6th: Philip James, Benton, Ark., three bass, 7-5, $318
6th: Christian Knight, Alexander, Ark., three bass, 7-5, $318
8th: Eian Odle, Willow Springs, Mo., three bass, 6-11, $273
9th: William Brady Rutledge, Mount Ida, Ark., three bass, 6-8, $243
10th: Jason Phillips, Rison, Ark., three bass, 6-0, $212
Kojima also earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $237, catching a bass that weighed in at 5 pounds, 3 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
After two events, Brady Horton of Clinton, Arkansas, now leads the Fishing Clash Arkie Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 485 points, while Joseph Aguilar of Bauxite, Arkansas, leads the Fishing Clash Arkie Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 487 points.
The next event for BFL Arkie Division anglers will be held April 26, at Greers Ferry Lake out of Greers Ferry, Arkansas. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.
The top 60 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 24-25 BFL Regional tournament on Lake Eufaula in Eufaula, Oklahoma. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $20,000.
The 2025 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 134 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 60 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying tournament winners, will advance to one of 12 BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top three, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2025 BFL All-American will take place May 29-31, 2025, at Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is hosted by hosted by Visit Hot Springs and the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.
Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Li Time Batteries, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Weldon’s Boley Grinds Out the Win in Challenging Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Rend Lake
Crest Hill’s McNeil Tops Co-Angler Division
WHITTINGTON, Ill. (April 14, 2025) – Boater Travis Boley of Weldon, Illinois, caught three bass weighing 10 pounds, 13 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine at Rend Lake . The tournament, hosted by Seasons Lodge at Rend Lake, was the first event of the season for the BFL Illini Division. Boley earned $3,103 for his victory.
Rend Lake was stingy for the BFL anglers. A water level rise of some 8 feet, followed by a 2-foot drop over a couple of days, had the fish in a funk. It showed in the weights, with zero limits caught and only 17 boaters bringing fish to weigh-in. But a win’s a win, and getting it done in such challenging conditions is even more impressive.
“I was going to be happy to get a 14-incher,” Boley said. “I found an area yesterday in practice that had good water color and was pushing that 60-degree water temperature. I basically fished moving baits yesterday – a lot of spinnerbaits, crankbaits, stuff like that. I really didn’t get bit, but the area just looked right. I thought today I’m going to go back in that area and I’m going to slow down and just put a jig in my hand and flip every stick I could.”
The plan worked well enough. Boley ground it out on a 300-yard stretch, working down and back a few times over an eight-hour day, picking apart every piece of wood or brush he could find with the jig.
Boley believes the fish just never moved up with the rising water. That’s why he caught his keepers in about 6 or 7 feet on the ends of laydowns. He pitched his jig up shallow and worked it thoroughly down the length of each laydown. It was slow, methodical work.
More important than any win, however, is the fact that Boley was even out there. He was diagnosed with cancer back in December. Being able to fish and compete is as much about proving he can do it as it is about trying to win any trophy. Especially with another special event coming up this season.
“This is actually the very first weekend I’ve been back out on the water to go fishing,” Boley said. “I had my fifth treatment last Tuesday. I wanted to get my stamina back because I’ve got the All-American to go to down on Hamilton.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Travis Boley, Weldon, Ill., three bass, 10-13, $3,103
2nd: Greg Mullins, Mount Vernon, Ill., two bass, 6-10, $1,897 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
3rd: Scott Neighbors, Makanda, Ill., two bass, 5-14, $1,156
4th: Anthony Balding Jr., Arnold, Mo., one bass, 4-15, $652
5th: Brennon McCord, Thompsonville, Ill., two bass, 4-6, $559
6th: Brad Bailey, St. Louis, Mo., one bass, 4-5, $512
7th: Cecil Downing, Mount Carmel, Ill., one bass, 3-10, $466
8th: Tim Schneider, Saint Louis, Mo., one bass, 3-9, $419
9th: Greg James, Carterville, Ill., one bass, 3-8, $372
10th: Andrew Harper, Shelbyville, Ill., one bass, 3-5, $326
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Boley caught a bass that weighed 5 pounds and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $310.
Bobby McNeil of Crest Hill, Illinois, won the co-angler division and $1,552 Saturday, after bringing one bass to the scale that totaled 4 pounds, 14 ounces. That fish also earned McNeil the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award worth $155.
The top eight co-anglers finished:
1st: Bobby McNeil, Crest Hill, Ill., one bass, 4-14, $1,552
2nd: Charles Dammerman, Taylorville, Ill., one bass, 4-11, $698
3rd: Elmo Rogers, Albion, Ill., one bass, 4-3, $515
4th: David Workman, Harrisburg, Ill., one bass, 3-12, $326
5th: Thomas Duke, Pana, Ill., one bass, 2-13, $379
6th: Mario Rossi Jr., Granite City, Ill., one bass, 2-6, $256
7th: Brian Davis, Bethalto, Ill., one bass, 2-4, $233
8th: Matt Chumbler, Carbondale, Ill., one bass, 2-3, $210
In addition to winning the event, Travis Boley of Weldon, Illinois, has the early lead in the Fishing Clash Illini Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 250 points, while Bobby McNeil of Crest Hill, Illinois, leads the Fishing Clash Illini Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 250 points.
The next event for BFL Illini Division anglers will be held May 3, at Lake Shelbyville in Shelbyville, Illinois. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.
The top 60 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 3-4 BFL Regional tournament on the Mississippi River in Quad Cities, Illinois. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $20,000.
The 2025 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 134 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 60 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying tournament winners, will advance to one of 12 BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top three, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2025 BFL All-American will take place May 29-31, 2025, at Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is hosted by hosted by Visit Hot Springs and the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.
Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Li Time Batteries, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Alabama’s Glasgow Gets First Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Pickwick Lake Presented by Suzuki Marine
Tennessee’s Nolen Tops Co-Angler Division
IUKA, Miss. (April 14, 2025) – Boater Luke Glasgow of Guin, Alabama, caught a five-bass limit weighing 26 pounds, 10 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine at Pickwick Lake Presented by Suzuki Marine . The tournament was the second event of the season for the BFL Mississippi Division. Glasgow earned $5,528, including the lucrative $2,500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus, for his victory.
“It started out better than I expected,” Glasgow said. “I caught a 5-pound smallmouth first thing this morning, and then after that I ran a whole lot of stuff and just couldn’t get bit. Finally, I landed on them in one area and I culled up to where, at 9:30, I had 24 pounds. And then just throughout the rest of the day I went and junk-fished and happened to catch a 5 1/4-pounder and another one over 4 to cull out my two 3 3/4s I still had in the box.”
Glasgow caught all his fish in about 15 feet of water, targeting areas where he knows “the big ones live this time of year.” For every five spots he pulled up on, maybe one produced fish. And he didn’t catch any between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., making it an all-day-grind kind of day. Because he’s admittedly not as well versed at “scoping” fish on live sonar as his competition, Glasgow stuck to his strengths.
“I was throwing a jig and flipping and throwing a spinnerbait some and ChatterBaiting and shaky heading,” he added. “I was raised fishing the way I fished today. I’ve finished second in a BFL, but I’ve never won one. Actually, I fished in college and fished a couple really big events, and I finished second in one and third in another. I just couldn’t seem to get a win, so this one really means a lot to me, fishing the old-school way, fishing like your grandpa would coming out here. It was really cool.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Luke Glasgow, Guin, Ala., five bass, 26-10, $5,528 (includes $2,500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
2nd: Matteo Turano, Puryear, Tenn., five bass, 23-11, $1,514
3rd: Jeff DeFew, Benton, Ky., five bass, 21-15, $1,008
4th: Jordan Hartman, Benton, Ky., five bass, 21-2, $707
5th: Trent Suratt, Lawrenceburg, Tenn., five bass, 21-1, $606
6th: Nate Latham, Town Creek, Ala., five bass, 21-0, $555
7th: Clayton Ellis, Saltillo, Miss., five bass, 20-11, $1,460
8th: Gary Singleton, Dickson, Tenn., five bass, 19-15, $454
9th: Charles Jones, Beech Bluff, Tenn., five bass, 19-14, $404
10th: Bryan Hunt, Water Valley, Miss., five bass, 19-8, $353
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Clayton Ellis of Saltillo, Mississippi, caught a bass that weighed 6 pounds, 12 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $355.
Daniel Nolen of Lexington, Tennessee, won the co-angler division and $1,514 Saturday, after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 13 pounds, 13 ounces.
The top 10 co-anglers finished:
1st: Daniel Nolen, Lexington, Tenn., three bass, 13-13, $1,514
2nd: Blake Jeffreys, Booneville, Miss., three bass, 12-12, $934
3rd: Terry Bennett, Oxford, Miss., three bass, 11-6, $505
4th: Mike Todd, Summertown, Tenn., three bass, 10-11, $353
5th: Harry Peyton II, Guntersville, Ala., three bass, 10-8, $303
6th: Sank Payton, Bay Springs, Miss., three bass, 9-14, $278
7th: Cy Matlock, Crump, Tenn., two bass, 9-10, $239
7th: Matthew Willis, Europa, Miss., three bass, 9-10, $239
9th: John King Jr., Alligator, Miss., three bass, 8-10, $202
10th: Sims Meredith, Tupelo, Miss., three bass, 8-9, $177
Blake Jeffreys of Booneville, Mississippi, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $177, catching a bass that weighed in at 6 pounds, 4 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
After two events, Matteo Turano of Puryear, Tennessee, now leads the Fishing Clash Mississippi Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 497 points, while Cy Matlock of Crump, Tennessee, leads the Fishing Clash Mississippi Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 488 points.
The next event for BFL Mississippi Division anglers will be held May 3, at the Columbus Pool of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway out of Columbus, Mississippi. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.
The top 60 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 10-11BFL Regional tournament on Kentucky-Barkley Lakes out of Paris, Tennessee. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $20,000.
The 2025 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 134 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 60 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying tournament winners, will advance to one of 12 BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top three, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2025 BFL All-American will take place May 29-31, 2025, at Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is hosted by hosted by Visit Hot Springs and the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.
Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Li Time Batteries, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Hodges’ Burroughs Gets Eighth Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Hartwell
Georgia’s Lemaster Tops Co-Angler Division
ANDERSON, S.C. (April 14, 2025) – Boater Jason Burroughs of Hodges, South Carolina, caught a five-bass limit weighing 20 pounds, 9 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Hartwell Presented by Suzuki Marine . The tournament, hosted by Visit Anderson, was the third event of the season for the BFL Savannah River Division. Burroughs earned $11,318, including the lucrative $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus, for his victory.
Burroughs spent the day targeting shallow red clay points where bass were feeding on spawning blueback herring.
“It started real slow,” Burroughs said. “I caught a few small ones but didn’t have anything to weigh until about 11. Then it picked up.”
This type of fishing is a total timing deal. You have to get on a rotation of points, run and gun from one to the next, and repeat as often as you can until they fire. That’s exactly how Burroughs approached it. He “just made a ton of stops and kept moving” throughout the day and wound up catching about 15 keepers, with all of them in the 4-pound class.
Burroughs caught his fish on a Sebile Magic Swimmer and a Cabin Creek magnum-sized finesse worm on a Buckeye Lures Magnum Series Spot Remover.
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Jason Burroughs, Hodges, S.C., five bass, 20-9, $11,318 (includes $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
2nd: Tallis Morrison, Royston, Ga., five bass, 19-5, $1,859
3rd: Tim Watson, Martin, Ga., five bass, 19-0, $1,238
4th: Brian Tidwell, Seneca, S.C., five bass, 18-12, $867
5th: Bradley Day, Anderson, S.C., five bass, 18-5, $744
6th: Buddy Benson, Dahlonega, Ga., five bass, 17-1, $651
6th: Furman (Joe) Thompson, Clayton, Ga., five bass, 17-1, $651
8th: Jayme Rampey, Liberty, S.C., five bass, 16-8, $558
9th: Logan Smith, Easley, S.C., five bass, 16-5, $496
10th: Greg Glouse, Liberty, S.C., five bass, 16-4, $434
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Trent Hammock of Villa Rica, Georgia, caught a bass that weighed 7 pounds and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $485.
Justin Lemaster of Royston, Georgia, won the co-angler division and $1,840 Saturday, after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 12 pounds, 10 ounces.
The top 11 co-anglers finished:
1st: Justin Lemaster, Royston, Ga., three bass, 12-10, $2,080
2nd: Todd Huntley, Inman, S.C., three bass, 10-6, $920
3rd: Corey Veal, Royston, Ga., three bass, 10-4, $612
4th: Benjie Winkler, Cleveland, Ga., three bass, 10-3, $429
5th: Landen Jordan, Anderson, S.C., three bass, 8-14, $368
6th: Chris Worley, Eastanollee, Ga., three bass, 8-13, $337
7th: Jody Anderson, Chapin, S.C., three bass, 8-11, $307
8th: Chuck Bagwell, Laurens, S.C., three bass, 8-10, $260
8th: Timothy Taylor, Seneca, S.C., three bass, 8-10, $260
10th: Blake Burdette, Anderson, S.C., three bass, 8-8, $204
10th: James Akins, Cumming, Ga., three bass, 8-8, $204
Lemaster also earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $240, catching a bass that weighed in at 5 pounds, 7 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
After three events, Furman (Joe) Thompson of Clayton, Georgia, now leads the Fishing Clash Savannah River Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 724 points, while Rusty Odom of Simpsonville, South Carolina, leads the Fishing Clash Savannah River Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 726 points.
The next event for BFL Savannah River Division anglers will be held June 28, at Clarks Hill Lake in Appling, Georgia. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.
The top 60 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 10-11 BFL Regional tournament on Lake Murray in Columbia, South Carolina. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $20,000.
The 2025 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 134 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 60 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying tournament winners, will advance to one of 12 BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top three, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2025 BFL All-American will take place May 29-31, 2025, at Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is hosted by hosted by Visit Hot Springs and the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.
Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Li Time Batteries, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Kernersville’s Garland Gets the Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at High Rock Lake
Sedalia’s Green Tops Co-Angler Division
LEXINGTON, N.C. (April 14, 2025) – Boater Austin Garland of Kernersville, North Carolina, caught a five-bass limit weighing 27 pounds, 1 ounce, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on High Rock Lake. The tournament was the third event of the season for the BFL North Carolina Division. Garland earned $3,545 for his victory.
What a pleasant surprise it was for Garland to see 27-1 pop up on the weigh-in scale. He thought he only had about 20 pounds. But, when you fish like Garland does, you tend to put some impressive weights on the scale.
“I fish to win,” Garland said. “I don’t get a lot of bites – I might get five, six, seven bites a day. But I’m just trying to catch the biggest ones, I guess. I had like seven bites (on Saturday).”
Garland fished a little bit old school, power-fishing in staging areas that he’s discovered over the years on High Rock.
“It’s an area deal,” he added. “It’s not just going down the bank. I’m hitting certain areas, and it may be a dock in the mouth of a pocket kind of on the main lake going in. Just staging areas. I didn’t catch anything in the pockets.”
Garland says that at High Rock, success really comes down to timing. You can fish a stretch of great docks at 8 and not get a bite, then come back at noon and catch 20 pounds. When he lost two fish early, he thought he’d missed the window and lost the tournament, but he kept his head down and kept grinding and it all worked out. He put an impressive stringer in the box then never got another bite after 1 p.m. To him, it was just his day.
“I’m a little shook up,” he added. “It’s not the biggest tournament, but it’s still hard to win in a BFL. There are some good anglers. They’re not slouches by any means. I’m fishing the NPFL this year, too. It’s my first year. My mom (Amy) passed last September. I get upset talking about it, but I more or less did it for her. That’s why I’m fishing the NPFL. She always wanted me to do it. I’m just doing it to make her proud. And I do it because I love doing it. I wanted to win it for her.”
The top 11 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Austin Garland, Kernersville, N.C., five bass, 27-1, $3,545
2nd: Kaden Buchmann, Troutman, N.C., five bass, 24-0, $1,773
3rd: Jason Barnes, Concord, N.C., five bass, 22-4, $1,806 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
4th: Travis Donaldson, Cleveland, N.C., five bass, 22-0, $827
5th: Chad Poteat, Mount Airy, N.C., five bass, 18-15, $1,154
6th: Scott Beattie, Sherrills Ford, N.C., five bass, 18-14, $650
7th: Austin Wike, Salisbury, N.C., five bass, 18-12, $591
8th: Robert Walser, Lexington, N.C., five bass, 18-11, $532
9th: Chad Sims, Lancaster, S.C., five bass, 18-10, $419
9th: David Bright, Mooresville, N.C., five bass, 18-10, $419
9th: Tommy Jones, Salisbury, N.C., five bass, 18-10, $419
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Chad Poteat of Mount Airy, North Carolina, caught a bass that weighed 7 pounds and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $445.
Robert Green of Sedalia, North Carolina, won the co-angler division and $2,395 Saturday, after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 12 pounds, 6 ounces.
The top 11 co-anglers finished:
1st: Robert Green, Sedalia, N.C., three bass, 12-6, $2,395
2nd: Jared Jones, Denver, N.C., three bass, 10-12, $886
3rd: Stephen Barr, Wilmington, N.C., three bass, 10-10, $591
4th: Charles Wood, Thomasville, N.C., three bass, 10-1, $414
5th: Sean Tobatto, Greensboro, N.C., three bass, 9-11, $355
6th: Billy Taylor, Newton, N.C., three bass, 9-6, $325
7th: Trevor Lewis, Wake Forest, N.C., three bass, 9-5, $295
8th: Joseph Faile, Dallas, N.C., three bass, 9-1, $266
9th: Felix Snyder, Lexington, N.C., three bass, 8-12, $236
10th: Paul Brittain, Icard, N.C., three bass, 8-10, $196
10th: Benjamin Warner, Laurel Springs, N.C., three bass, 8-10, $196
Robert Green of Sedalia, North Carolina, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $222, catching a bass that weighed in at 6 pounds, 13 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
After three events, Kaden Buchmann of Troutman, North Carolina, now leads the Fishing Clash North Carolina Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 736 points, while Travis Ruff of Connelly Springs, North Carolina, leads the Fishing Clash North Carolina Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 728 points.
The next event for BFL North Carolina Division anglers will be held May 3, at Kerr Lake in Henderson, North Carolina. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.
The top 60 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 10-11 BFL Regional tournament on Lake Murray in Columbia, South Carolina. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $20,000.
The 2025 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 134 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 60 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying tournament winners, will advance to one of 12 BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top three, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2025 BFL All-American will take place May 29-31, 2025, at Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is hosted by hosted by Visit Hot Springs and the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.
Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Li Time Batteries, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Welcher puts finishing touches on dominating victory at Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound
April 13, 2025
ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — Kyle Welcher loves fishing rivers. After the St. Croix Bassmaster Elite at Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound, it is easy to see why.
With a stunning four-day total of 118 pounds, 12 ounces, Welcher claimed the first title of his Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series career, earning a coveted blue trophy and the $100,000 first-place prize. The 2023 Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year opened the tournament with a bang, landing 30-11 to take the Day 1 lead, which he never relinquished.
He backed it up with 30-3 on Day 2 and 34-0 on Day 3, the Rapala CrushCity Monster Bag of the Tournament, and capped off the week with a 23-14 limit, anchored by a 7-3 largemouth.
“I didn’t think I would get a Century Belt, for sure,” Welcher said. “When I heard we were coming here, I was excited. I feel comfortable in rivers and was really excited to go to one without a lot of history. But when I saw the forecast about 10 days away from practice, that kind of took the wind out of my sails. (I didn’t think) it was going to set up for the way I like to fish.
“It ended up falling right into my wheelhouse in a way I’m super comfortable fishing.”
It was a beatdown of historic proportion. Welcher’s winning margin of 45-7 over second-place Brandon Lester is the largest in Elite Series history, shattering the previous mark of 29-10 set by Patrick Walters at Lake Fork in 2020.
His winning weight is also the 13th-largest four-day winning total in Elite Series history while the Pasquotank River becomes the 11th venue in Elite Series history to produce a Century Belt.
“I’m super thankful really. I kind of felt it building like that early on Day 2,” the 32-year-old said. “I’ve been fishing for a long time, and when stuff starts going your way, you have to get out of your own way and let it happen. There were a lot of signs pointing me to fish how I fished.”
Elite Series competitors were dealt a difficult hand this week in eastern North Carolina. A cold front pushed through the area during practice, sending temperatures from the high 70s down to the high 50s and low 60s. Strong winds made for choppy conditions in the Albemarle Sound throughout the week.
While many of his fellow competitors made lengthy one-way runs to the Roanoke, North and Chowan Rivers (to name a few) through those rough waters, Welcher stayed within a couple of miles of takeoff and maximized a mile-long stretch of the Pasquotank River.
After a terrible practice, he felt like it was his best option to salvage points. It turned out to be the best thing that could have happened.
“For you to catch them like this, you have to have fish coming to you every single day,” Welcher said. “That window is super small. I didn’t find these bass until Day 1 of the tournament. They were fresh and there were more coming. It made all of the difference.”
That stretch was the only area that featured stumps and cypress trees, the types of cover Welcher believes they use to stage and spawn. He opened the tournament catching prespawn females, but as the tournament progressed, those females locked onto their beds to spawn.
Using his forward-facing sonar, Welcher was able to pick out stumps and cypress knees under the surface that the largemouth were using to spawn. Using a 7-foot-6 heavy Khaotic Kustom Rod paired with an 8:1:1 gear ratio reel spooled with 22-pound Sunline Shooter fluorocarbon, he would pitch a black and blue Rapala CrushCity Bronco Bug to the piece of cover.
He rigged the Bronco Bug on a 4/0 Gamakatsu G-Power hook and a ¼-ounce tungsten weight, which he pegged with a bobber stop.
“I pegged my weight,” Welcher explained. “I was around a lot of stumps. When your bait is on top of the stump, a lot of times the weight can get away from the bait. I want my bait and weight to be together so that if I need to pitch into something, my bait is down there with the weight.”
Entering the day with a 33-14 lead on the field, Welcher was able to enjoy Championship Sunday.
“I did really enjoy it today,” Welcher said. “I went a little slower and thought a little more today. I wasn’t quite as intense. But I still moved around pretty good and fished hard.”
Within the first hour of fishing on Championship Sunday, Welcher eclipsed the 100-pound mark, landing a 4-pounder and a 7-pounder. He filled out his limit just after 10 a.m., but it was an overall slower day, as he only culled once in the afternoon hours. As the day wore down, Welcher realized his fourth-straight 30-pound day was becoming unlikely.
“I was disappointed about that about 2 o’clock,” Welcher said. “And then I remembered I had 23 pounds. I was like, ‘I need to chill out.’”
Fayetteville, Tenn., pro Brandon Lester finished in second with a four-day total of 72-1. Lester steadily made his way up the leaderboard with bags of 17-7, 18-14 and 24-11 before catching 10-8 on the final day.
“This has been one of the funnest events I’ve fished in a long time,” Lester said. “I’ve been doing this for 12 years and it's not very often that we get to go to a new place that nobody really knows anything about. It is a clean slate.”
Lester used a two-pronged approach to notch his best finish of 2025. The nine-time Classic qualifier fished a LiveTarget Straight Tail Worm on a ⅛-ounce shaky head on a hard spot next to a bridge outside of takeoff before fishing docks and shallow cover with a Live Target Finesse Worm on a 3/16-ounce drop-shot rig in a creek towards the mouth of the Pasquotank.
Looking at the weather, Lester knew early on that making a long run to any other river would not be in the cards for him.
“Making a run was going to be really risky,” he said. “You are going to tear your boat up and your body up. If I could find something close and maximize my time, maybe it would work out. And it did. It was a blessed week. If someone is going to blow it out, it should be somebody like (Welcher).”
Carbondale, Ill., pro Trey McKinney finished third with a four-day total of 72-1. The 20-year-old opened the tournament in second place with 23-7 and followed that up with bags weighing 15-7, 21-7 and 11-1.
The 2024 Dakota Lithium Elite Series Rookie of the Year spent his tournament in the North River fishing shallow wood. A prototype jig with a twin-tail grub generated the most bites on Day 1, but as the tournament progressed, McKinney switched to a Neko rig with either a 6th Sense Bamboosa worm or a 6th Sense Divine Shaky Head Worm.
“Thank goodness I got a couple bites in that creek the last day of practice,” he said. “I found them as I went. Every day I found find a spot where I could get two or three good bites.”
Not only did Welcher win the $100,000 first-place prize, but he also earned several bonuses as well. He earned $2,000 for catching the Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Tournament with the 10-8 he landed on Day 3. That bass earned him another $1,000 for Big Bass of the Day on Day 3. Welcher also landed the Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Day on Championship Sunday with a 7-3, which was worth another $1,000.
Keith Combs and Greg Hackney earned $1,000 each for landing the Big Bass of the Day on Thursday and Friday respectively.
Fittingly, Welcher also claimed the $2,000 prize for Rapala CrushCity Monster Bag of the Tournament with his 34-0 Day 3 limit.
Welcher also took home an additional $3,000 for being the highest-placing entrant in the Toyota Bonus Bucks program, while Easton Fothergill earned $2,000 for being the second-highest placing entrant.
As part of the Yamaha Power Pay program, Fothergill earned an additional $2,500 while Combs claimed an additional $1,500 for being the second-highest placing entrant.
Sylacauga, Ala., pro Will Davis Jr leads the 2025 Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year race through three events with 270 points. Union City, Tenn., sophomore John Garrett is second, also with 270 points, followed by Wisconsin’s Jay Przekurat in third with 268 points, North Carolina’s Jake Whitaker in fourth with 262 points and Texas’s Lee Livesay in fifth with 258 points. Logan Parks, Shane LeHew, David Gaston, Chris Johnston and Bill Lowen round out the Top 10.
Alabama’s Tucker Smith leads the Dakota Lithium Elite Series Rookie of the Year race with 191 points followed by Georgia’s Paul Marks in second with 180 points and Arkansas’s Beau Browning in third with 163 points.
Visit Elizabeth City hosted the tournament.
2025 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Progressive, Toyota
2025 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Triton Boats, VMC, Yokohama
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 256-424-2390, cgay@bassmaster.
2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Elite at Pasquotank River 4/10-4/13
Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound , Elizabeth City NC.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 4
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Kyle Welcher Valley, AL 20 118-12 104 $106,000.00
Day 1: 5 30-11 Day 2: 5 30-03 Day 3: 5 34-00 Day 4: 5 23-14
2. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 20 73-05 103 $20,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 18-14 Day 3: 5 24-11 Day 4: 5 12-05
3. Trey McKinney Carbondale, IL 20 72-01 102 $15,000.00
Day 1: 5 23-07 Day 2: 5 15-07 Day 3: 5 21-07 Day 4: 5 11-12
4. Easton Fothergill Grand Rapids , MN 19 68-06 101 $12,500.00
Day 1: 5 23-13 Day 2: 4 10-12 Day 3: 5 19-10 Day 4: 5 14-03
5. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 19 67-05 100 $12,750.00
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 5 15-06 Day 3: 5 18-15 Day 4: 4 17-04
6. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 20 67-02 99 $11,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-06 Day 2: 5 12-14 Day 3: 5 20-10 Day 4: 5 17-04
7. Tyler Williams Belgrade, ME 19 66-02 98 $10,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-14 Day 2: 5 19-11 Day 3: 5 22-09 Day 4: 4 06-00
8. Seth Feider Elko New Market, MN 20 65-06 97 $10,300.00
Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 5 17-03 Day 3: 5 21-02 Day 4: 5 11-11
9. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 20 64-14 96 $10,200.00
Day 1: 5 16-01 Day 2: 5 17-02 Day 3: 5 17-13 Day 4: 5 13-14
10. Kyle Patrick Cooperstown, NY 20 62-04 95 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-11 Day 2: 5 19-09 Day 3: 5 14-11 Day 4: 5 11-05
------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Keith Combs Huntington, TX 08-02 $1,000.00
2 Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 08-04 $1,000.00
3 Kyle Welcher Valley, AL 10-08 $1,000.00
4 Kyle Welcher Valley, AL 07-03 $1,000.00
------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Kyle Welcher Valley, AL 10-08 $2,000.00
RAPALA CRUSHCITY MONSTER BAG
Kyle Welcher Valley, AL 34-00 $2,000.00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 71 437 1150-07
2 84 469 1285-00
3 39 223 676-02
4 8 48 139-08
------------------------------
202 1177 3251-01
Welcher continues domination of the Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound on Day 3
April 12, 2025
ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — Kyle Welcher is utterly dominating the St. Croix Bassmaster Elite at Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound.
The Opelika, Ala., pro caught the biggest bag of the tournament on Semifinal Saturday, a 34-pound limit anchored by a whopping 10-8 largemouth. With bags of 30-11 and 30-3 the first two days of the event, Welcher carries a total of 94-14 into the final day of competition.
“I’ve never had one day of fishing like this,” Welcher said. “I hope there are a few more spawning because that’s the fun way to catch them.”
The 2023 Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year is on pace to achieve several milestones on Championship Sunday. Not only will he likely claim his first Century Belt, Welcher also could break the record for largest margin of victory in Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series history set by Patrick Walters at Lake Fork in the fall of 2020, a 29-10 difference.
He currently leads second-place Brandon Lester by 33-14.
Welcher achieved several personal bests on Saturday as well, including catching his biggest tournament bag ever in his Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series career. The 10-8 that now leads the Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Tournament honors is now his personal best, unseating the 10-1 he landed at the St. Johns River in 2020.
All this success comes after experiencing one of the worst practices of his career.
“A week like this is only possible when you have a bad (practice),” he said. “When they are in a migration pattern like they are right now, you need them to be coming to you. The area I have, I fished down it Day 3 of practice and had one bite down that stretch.
“Day 1 I had four big ones down it, yesterday I caught five big ones and today I caught five big ones.”
Welcher has fished a mile stretch of the Pasquotank River each day of the tournament, focusing on bass that are either setting up to spawn or spawning on cypress trees and stumps.
“There’s not a lot of spawning habitat in the area, and the stretch (I’m fishing) provides the only habitat,” Welcher said. “I caught them shallower today, but the water was six inches lower.”
A Rapala Crush City Bronco Bug rigged on a ¼-ounce Texas rig has landed all his best bites this week. Welcher has focused his time on only bass he feels will be easy to catch, making his days more efficient. The females he has landed have had a male with them, but most times he can’t see them on his forward-facing sonar.
“(The Bronco Bug) has got big appendages that sit off the bottom,” he said. “It also has a hinge system that moves, so when I’m shaking it, I just visualize those legs flapping back and forth in the bed. For whatever reason the big females really like it.”
In similar fashion to Day 2, Welcher opened the morning by landing a 7-pounder, settling his nerves and ensuring he would likely fish with the lead the rest of the day.
“I knew then someone would have to catch 30 pounds to catch me with just that one fish,” Welcher said. “It got me to settle down and pick apart the area. It took me a little while after that to start generating more big bites, but around 11:30 every day I have caught a couple big ones. That same thing happened today.”
With a limit in the boat, Welcher landed a 5-pounder close to midday before coming across the 10-8. That bass ate his Bronco bug twice before Welcher was able to hook it for good and land it.
“That was unbelievable. I was trolling and I saw it. It spooked off really slow and came right back. The first cast I made to it, it bit. It swam to the boat, and I lost it. I fished for it for 10 more minutes and I hooked it for a long time then. I probably had it hooked for 10 or 15 seconds before it came off. So, I fished for it for 20 to 25 more minutes before eating it again. When I set the hook, it was like it was hooked to the back of a truck. I’ll never forget it.”
Lester, meanwhile, landed 24-11 on Day 3 and increased his three-day total to 61-0. The Tennessee pro opened the tournament in eighth with 17-7 before catching 18-14 on Day 2 to move into fifth.
“It was a really good day. I feel like it could fall apart at any moment,” the 2022 Pickwick Elite Series Champion said. “I’m fishing slow, methodical and confident. The worst I can finish now is 10th. So, it is all good.”
His Tennessee River roots were on full display during the morning hours of Day 3. Lester caught his limit fishing a shallow shellbar next to a bridge in the Pasquotank River. A 6 ½-inch LiveTarget Straight Tail Worm on a ⅛-ounce shaky head caught the majority of those bass while a ⅜-ounce jig produced a 5-pounder.
“That was the best start I’ve had, and it was totally unexpected,” Lester said. “I had a hunch on that spot. You need the north wind, because it gets the current moving out of here. That’s what happened this morning.”
Once the bite slowed on his bridge, he returned to a creek in the Pasquotank he had fished the two previous days. Late in the day, he landed a 6-12 on a 3/16-ounce drop shot with a LiveTarget Finesse Worm.
With bags of 23-7, 15-7 and 21-7, Trey McKinney is third with a three-day total of 60-5. After a disappointing Day 2 performance, McKinney returned to the North River on Day 3. After a slow start, he was able to pick off better quality bass as the day progressed, including some 5-pounders.
“I don’t know about tomorrow. I feel like I’m either going to bomb or catch them (well),” he said. “I’ve seen the most cypress knees I’ve ever seen in my life. There is so much cover there that you can’t physically fish all of it. In 30 minutes you can go down a stretch and not catch anything, and come back 30 minutes later and one will move a little bit and you can catch it.”
McKinney has rotated between a prototype jig paired with a twin-tail grub-style bait and a Neko rig with either a 6th Sense Bamboosa Worm or 6th Sense Divine Shaky Head Worm. The shaky head worm generated more bites on Day 3.
“I think it moves a little more water and they are more aggressive to it,” McKinney said.
With his epic Day 3 performance, Welcher leads both the CrushCity Monster Bag of the Tournament and Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Tournament honors. Minnesota’s Austin Felix earned the $1,000 BassTrakk Contingency award for accurate reporting.
Sylacauga, Ala., pro Will Davis Jr and Union City, Tenn., pro John Garrett lead the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year race with 270 points each. Plover, Wis., pro Jay Przekurat is third with 268 points followed by North Carolina’s Jake Whitaker in fourth with 262 points. Texas pro Lee Livesay is fifth with 258 points.
Alabama’s Tucker Smith leads the Dakota Lithium Elite Series Rookie of the Year race with 191 points followed by Georgia’s Paul Marks in second with 180 points and Arkansas pro Beau Browning in third with 163 points.
The Top 10 anglers will launch from Waterfront Park in Elizabeth City beginning at 7 a.m. ET and return for weigh-in beginning at 3 p.m. Bassmaster LIVE coverage of the 2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Elite at Pasquotank River coverage will be broadcast on FS1 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. before moving to Bassmaster.com in the afternoon.
Visit Elizabeth City is hosting the tournament.
2025 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Progressive, Toyota
2025 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Triton Boats, VMC, Yokohama
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
-30-
Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 256-424-2390, cgay@bassmaster.
2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Elite at Pasquotank River 4/10-4/13
Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound , Elizabeth City NC.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Kyle Welcher Valley, AL 15 94-14 104 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 30-11 Day 2: 5 30-03 Day 3: 5 34-00
2. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 15 61-00 103
Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 18-14 Day 3: 5 24-11
3. Trey McKinney Carbondale, IL 15 60-05 102
Day 1: 5 23-07 Day 2: 5 15-07 Day 3: 5 21-07
4. Tyler Williams Belgrade, ME 15 60-02 101
Day 1: 5 17-14 Day 2: 5 19-11 Day 3: 5 22-09
5. Easton Fothergill Grand Rapids , MN 14 54-03 100
Day 1: 5 23-13 Day 2: 4 10-12 Day 3: 5 19-10
6. Seth Feider Elko New Market, MN 15 53-11 99
Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 5 17-03 Day 3: 5 21-02
7. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 15 51-00 98
Day 1: 5 16-01 Day 2: 5 17-02 Day 3: 5 17-13
8. Kyle Patrick Cooperstown, NY 15 50-15 97
Day 1: 5 16-11 Day 2: 5 19-09 Day 3: 5 14-11
9. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 15 50-01 96 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 5 15-06 Day 3: 5 18-15
10. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 15 49-14 95
Day 1: 5 16-06 Day 2: 5 12-14 Day 3: 5 20-10
11. Kyoya Fujita Yamanashi CA JAPAN 15 49-07 94 $7,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 5 11-01 Day 3: 5 22-09
12. Logan Parks Auburn, AL 15 47-07 93 $7,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-14 Day 2: 5 13-06 Day 3: 5 20-03
13. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 15 46-05 92 $7,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 16-05 Day 3: 5 17-10
14. Cody Meyer Eagle, ID 15 45-09 91 $7,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-15 Day 2: 5 11-15 Day 3: 5 17-11
15. Jay Przekurat Plover, WI 15 45-09 90 $7,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 16-04 Day 3: 5 14-12
16. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 15 45-07 89 $6,500.00
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 5 15-08 Day 3: 5 14-12
17. Will Davis Jr Sylacauga, AL 15 44-12 88 $6,500.00
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 5 17-08 Day 3: 5 16-00
18. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 15 44-06 87 $6,500.00
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 18-11 Day 3: 5 14-05
19. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 15 43-12 86 $6,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 5 12-11 Day 3: 5 14-03
20. Jake Whitaker Hendersonville, NC 15 43-08 85 $6,500.00
Day 1: 5 12-12 Day 2: 5 19-08 Day 3: 5 11-04
21. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 14 42-11 84 $6,000.00
Day 1: 4 07-00 Day 2: 5 24-05 Day 3: 5 11-06
22. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 15 42-05 83 $6,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 10-03 Day 3: 5 15-15
23. Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 13 42-04 82 $6,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-12 Day 2: 5 11-13 Day 3: 3 11-11
24. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 15 41-13 81 $6,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 20-04 Day 3: 5 09-00
25. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 12 41-13 80 $6,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-10 Day 2: 5 19-08 Day 3: 2 03-11
26. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 15 41-09 79 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 18-04 Day 3: 5 09-14
27. Bob Downey Detroit Lakes, MN 15 40-14 78 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 5 12-01 Day 3: 5 11-10
28. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 15 40-10 77 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 15-00 Day 2: 5 13-14 Day 3: 5 11-12
29. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 15 40-09 76 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 10-00 Day 3: 5 16-00
30. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 14 40-00 75 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-08 Day 2: 4 08-03 Day 3: 5 15-05
31. Logan Latuso Gonzales, LA 15 40-00 74 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 15-05 Day 3: 5 14-14
32. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 13 39-14 73 $5,500.00
Day 1: 3 05-13 Day 2: 5 17-15 Day 3: 5 16-02
33. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TN AUSTRALIA 15 39-11 72 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 5 09-10 Day 3: 5 13-12
34. Cory Johnston Otonabee CANADA 15 39-00 71 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 13-14 Day 3: 5 11-12
35. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 14 38-10 70 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 17-01 Day 3: 4 08-03
36. Tucker Smith Birmingham, AL 15 37-03 69 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 5 12-12 Day 3: 5 08-11
37. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 15 36-01 68 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 14-03 Day 3: 5 10-08
38. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 13 36-00 67 $5,500.00
Day 1: 4 12-13 Day 2: 5 14-09 Day 3: 4 08-10
39. John Garrett Union City, TN 14 35-14 66 $5,500.00
Day 1: 4 09-07 Day 2: 5 16-04 Day 3: 5 10-03
40. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 11 35-12 65 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 15-07 Day 3: 1 02-00
41. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 15 35-12 64 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-15 Day 2: 5 10-07 Day 3: 5 11-06
42. Kyle Norsetter Cottage Grove, WI 14 35-07 63 $5,500.00
Day 1: 4 07-01 Day 2: 5 17-06 Day 3: 5 11-00
43. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 15 35-06 62 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 12-09 Day 3: 5 09-04
44. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 15 35-04 61 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 12-07 Day 3: 5 10-10
45. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 14 34-13 60 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 14-01 Day 3: 4 08-04
46. JT Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 12 33-06 59 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 10-14 Day 3: 2 07-04
47. Jonathan Kelley Old Forge, PA 14 33-04 58 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 5 14-00 Day 3: 4 09-02
48. Blake Capps Muskogee, OK 13 31-05 57 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 09-02 Day 2: 5 14-09 Day 3: 3 07-10
49. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 9 30-12 56 $5,500.00
Day 1: 3 05-00 Day 2: 5 23-14 Day 3: 1 01-14
50. Chris Zaldain Boyd, TX 10 23-11 55 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 13-02 Day 3: 0 00-00
------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Keith Combs Huntington, TX 08-02 $1,000.00
2 Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 08-04 $1,000.00
3 Kyle Welcher Valley, AL 10-08 $1,000.00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 71 437 1150-07
2 84 469 1285-00
3 39 223 676-02
------------------------------
194 1129 3111-09
BASS FISHING HALL OF FAME LAUNCHES 25TH ANNIVERSARY AUCTION
Bid on unique items, memorabilia in support of the Hall’s ongoing mission to celebrate, promote and preserve the sport
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (April 11, 2025) – The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame is kicking off the celebration of its 25th anniversary by hosting a silent auction this month in a continuing effort to support its mission of celebrating, promoting and preserving the sport of bass fishing.
The 25th Anniversary Auction is online now and will run through April 29. Up for grabs are an assortment of unique fishing gear packages, one-of-a-kind paintings and autographed memorabilia. Additional items will be added throughout the duration of the auction. Check out the auction here: https://one.bidpal.net/hof25years/browse/all.
“The continuing support we receive from throughout the bass fishing world and those involved in the sport in so many ways shows that they also believe in the Board’s mission and our efforts,” said BFHOF Board president John Mazurkiewicz. “Plus, it’s great to see the support from new and upcoming brands like Bizz Baits, Nomad Design, Reese Fishing and RodBender Fishing Company joining in with the major players like Daiwa, Denali, Gamakatsu, Lew’s/Strike King, Shimano, SPRO, and Sunline who all again never say no when we ask for support. We can’t thank them enough.”
Later this year, the Hall will welcome three new inductees as part of its annual Celebrate Bass Fishing Week. Randy Hopper, Craig Lamb and William Shakespeare Jr. will be inducted on Thursday, Sept. 25 at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Mo. As part of the induction festivities, the Hall will also conduct an online silent auction that week as well as a live auction for those in attendance at the banquet.
Proceeds from the auctions aid the Hall’s initiatives, such as funding grants for fisheries conservation, scholarships for fisheries science students, and backing youth fishing.
For additional information about how to support the Hall or the upcoming induction banquet, please visit bassfishinghof.com.
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The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame exhibit, within Johnny Morris’ Museum and Aquarium Wonders of Wildlife Bass Pro Shops’ flagship store in Springfield, Mo., showcases the more than 100 individuals who helped shape the sport of bass fishing and have been enshrined in the Hall. Information on visiting the 350,000-square-foot Wonders of Wildlife Museum can be found at www.wondersofwildlife.org. For more information about the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame and to learn how to support its missions, visit www.bassfishinghof.com.
John Pearl Claims 2025 WON Bass Clear Lake Open with Three-Day Record 102.81 pounds
Nathan Phillips grabs Second Place with 101.33 pounds
LAKEPORT, Calif. – April 11, 2025 –– Records have fallen at Clear Lake.
Pro angler John Pearl from Upper Lake, Calif., one of the most well-known guides on Clear Lake and one of the most dangerous competitive anglers in the region has claimed victory in the 2025 WON Bass Clear Lake Open presented by Ranger Boats and Mercury, with a WON Bass Record 102.81 pounds for a three-day weight. Pearl took over the lead on day-two of the event with a total weight of 67.31 pounds and added 35.50 pounds on the final day.
In winning, Pearl claims the champion’s prize that includes $17,000 cash, and the keys to the 2025 Ranger Boats Z518 with Mercury 150 ProXS outboard prize boat presented by Bass Pro Shops with Power-Pole Charge and Volta Power Lithium Power Batteries, a package valued at $55,000 – a total purse of more than $72,000.
From the stage in the moments after his victory, Pearl explained that he was full of emotion at having won the biggest event he could imagine on the lake. “I’m absolutely excited about this,” he said. “Today was a long, stressful day. I had 34 pounds in the livewell at about 3:00 and I told my AAA (Sherwin Williams) that we needed one more seven pounder; I caught a 6.85 moments later and culled up to this final weight – then I just took a slow ride to Library Park to protect my fish.”
Pearl reported catching his fish in the 25 to 30-foot depth range in the mid lake area around Konocti using his Forward Facing Sonar to locate the bait balls that the late winter / early prespawn fish were foraging on. To catch those fish He caught them using a Bass Union Jighead with two different Sakamata Shads, Golden Shiner and Reservoir Shad.
Most of his fish came deep, except for his two biggest on the final two days. “I caught my biggest one today blind casting the Sakamata Shad under a dock, and my biggest yesterday came on a GCJ Customs 13-inch glide bait” he said. “Those fish were crucial to my finish obviously, but I caught most of them on my deep stuff. I am thrilled to be standing here in front of my wife, family and friends with this trophy.”
Pearl’s main gear was a 6’10” Douglas Outdoors X Matrix 6103XF spinning rod matched with a 2500 size Shimano Sustain spinning reel filled with white 10-pound-test Power Pro Super Slick 8 braid and matching 8-pound-test Seaguar Tatsu Fluorocarbon as the leader.
No stranger to the podium, Cobb, Calif. pro Nathan Phillips – who won the 2023 WON Bass Clear Lake Open, finished the event in second place with 101.33 pounds. Phillips started the day in second place with 65.12 pounds, then added a 36.21-pound limit to close out his Century Club finish. He earned $13,400 for his efforts.
Phillips attacked long stretches of docks in the Rattlesnake arm casting to fish that were sunning in preparation for the spawn on day one. However, on the final two days, when the cloud cover and wind made that difficult, he used a similar approach to Pearl, targeting deeper fish on bait balls. “I was fishing the Highway 20 side around Kona Tayee for suspended fish in 8 to 15 feet of water,” he said. “I threw a variety of jigheads in different sizes with a 5-inch ZMan Jerk Shad in the Electric Shad color.”
He tossed his offerings on Dobyns Champion XB 703 and 732 spinning rods matched with Shimano Stradic 2500 XH reels spooled with 10-pound-test Flash Green Seaguar Smackdown braid bonded to 8-pound-test Seaguar Tatsu as the leader material.
Mason McAbee from Bakersfield, Calif. finished third for the event with a three-day total of 93.57 pounds, claiming $11,400. He was followed in fourth place by Micah Jones of Kingman, Ariz. - the day-one leader with a total weight of 93.08 pounds, taking home $10,000 and Luke Lipanovich of Napa, Calif. rounded out the top five with a final weight of 83.73 pounds worth a $9,000 payday.
Kevin Gross claimed victory in the AAA Division, the Redding, Calif. angler weighed 86.56 pounds for the event and took home the AAA Champion’s prize of $6,800. Second place AAA went to Zac Ortiz from Kaysville, Utah with 82.07 pounds, claiming $5,500. Tim Skellett of Apache Junction, Ariz. finished the event in third place in the AAA Division with 79.92 pounds, earning $4,500. Todd Tobiasson of Las Vegas, Nev. finished fourth in the AAA field with 79.06 pounds collecting $3,800 and Dennis Saiki from Torrance, Calif. rounded out the top five finishers with 78.75 pounds, worth $2,000.
The Top 10 in each division are below, for complete standings go to: https://wonbassevents.com/pages/clear-lake-2024-pairings-results.
The daily livestream of the weigh-ins aired on the WON Bass Facebook page, located at Facebook.com/WONBassTournaments. Daily takeoffs and weigh-ins occurred at Library park in Lakeport, Calif.
2025 WON Bass Clear Lake Open Final Pro Standings
| Name | Hometown | Fish | Penalty | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Total | |
| 1 John Pearl | Upper Lake CA | 15-15 | 35.44 | 31.87 | 35.50 | 102.81 | ||
| 2 Nathan Phillips | Cobb CA | 15-15 | 35.37 | 29.75 | 36.21 | 101.33 | ||
| 3 Mason McAbee | Bakersfield CA | 15-15 | 33.06 | 28.85 | 31.66 | 93.57 | ||
| 4 Micah Jones | Kingman AZ | 15-15 | 38.34 | 23.78 | 30.96 | 93.08 | ||
| 5 Luke Lipanovich | Napa CA | 15-15 | 28.39 | 26.65 | 34.69 | 89.73 | ||
| 6 Ish Monroe | Oakdale CA | 15-15 | 31.27 | 26.40 | 30.96 | 88.63 | ||
| 7 Joe Price | Discovery Bay CA | 15-15 | 27.79 | 31.84 | 25.86 | 85.49 | ||
| 8 Alex Niapas | Altaville CA | 15-14 | 0.50 | 36.42 | 22.73 | 26.07 | 85.22 | |
| 9 Garrett Ellenson | Nine Mile Falls WA | 15-15 | 25.10 | 31.45 | 28.06 | 84.61 | ||
| 10 J D Blackamore | Yorba Linda CA | 15-15 | 25.98 | 28.30 | 29.15 | 83.43 | ||
2025 WON Bass Clear Lake Open Final AAA Standings
| Name | Hometown | Fish | Penalty | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Total | ||
| 1 Kevin Gross | Redding CA | 15-15 | 29.05 | 24.97 | 32.54 | 86.56 | |||
| 2 Zac Ortiz | Kaysville UT | 15-15 | 35.44 | 17.12 | 29.51 | 82.07 | |||
| 3 Tim Skellett | Apache Junction AZ | 15-15 | 35.37 | 24.80 | 19.75 | 79.92 | |||
| 4 Todd Tobiasson | Las Vegas NV | 15-14 | 0.50 | 27.09 | 25.90 | 26.07 | 79.06 | ||
| 5 Dennis Saiki | Torrance CA | 15-15 | 15.77 | 26.77 | 36.21 | 78.75 | |||
| 6 Cheng Xiong | Oroville CA | 15-15 | 36.42 | 17.89 | 23.73 | 78.04 | |||
| 7 Sherwin Williams | Henderson NV | 12-12 | 10.32 | 31.84 | 35.50 | 77.66 | |||
| 8 Chris Arnold | Santa Clarita CA | 15-15 | 23.70 | 27.75 | 25.75 | 77.20 | |||
| 9 Ray Serrano | Pacifica CA | 15-15 | 28.01 | 31.45 | 17.67 | 77.13 | |||
| 10 Greg Sallee | Discovery Bay CA | 15-15 | 38.34 | 19.97 | 18.28 | 76.59 | |||
The 2025 WON Bass Western Opens Series of events Consisting of five events in California, Arizona and Nevada, will culminate with the 2024 WON Bass U.S. Open at Lake Mohave in October. The five event dates are as follows:
Feb. 5 to 7, 2025 - Lake Shasta – Champion Joe Uribe
April 9 to 11, 2025 - Clear Lake – Champion John Pearl
May 7 to 9, 2025 - Lake Havasu
Sept. 10 to 12, 2025 - Lake Mead
Oct. 6 to 8, 2025 - U.S. Open at Lake Mohave
For complete details or to register, look to wonbassevents.com and WONews.com to hear the latest news about the 2024 season and beyond and follow along at Facebook.com/WONBassTournaments.
The 2025 WON Bass California Open at Clear Lake is brought to you by Bass Pro Shops, Ranger Boats, Mercury Marine, Nitro Boats, Triton Boats, Bridgford Foods, Volta Power Lithium, Power Pole, Lowrance, Daiwa, AFTCO, Costa, Berkley, Abu Garcia, Fenwick Rods, Anderson Toyota, A&M Graphics, Anglers Marine, Signature Gates, DD26 Fishing, Bad Ass Bearings, Cipher Fishing, Megaware Keelguard and GRatt.
Local presenting sponsors are the City of Lakeport and Clearlake Outdoors.
University of Montevallo Wins Abu Garcia College Fishing 2025 National Championship on Wheeler Lake
DECATUR, Ala. (April 11, 2025) – It’s easy to throw around the word “powerhouse” in college sports, but in the case of the University of Montevallo Fishing Team, the superlative is starting to stick. On a blustery championship day on Wheeler Lake at the Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI National Championship Presented by Columbia PFG, Montevallo teammates Brody Robison and Peyton Sorrow methodically worked their way to a five-fish limit of 19 pounds, 14 ounces to lay claim to Montevallo’s second national championship trophy in three years.
Fellow Montevallo angler Nicholas Dumke (fishing solo), brought 19-4 to the scale to skate into second place, giving the Falcons a 1-2 sweep of the top two spots. The Montevallo team of Brent Godwin and Hunter Odom finished seventh for good measure.
Robison and Sorrow finished the three-day event with 64-15, outdistancing Dumke (59-0), the McKendree University duo of Ethan Fields and Jaxson Freeman (56-10) and the Carson-Newman University team of Nicholas Dellaporta and Drew Pitts (55-14)
It was far from easy for the eventual winners, though. Shifting springtime conditions, fluctuating currents and an unproductive practice caused Robison and Sorrow to develop their patterns daily throughout the three-day event. The final day also brought a cold front and west wind that blew against the current, making for even more challenging conditions.
“I stayed pretty optimistic, even when we weren’t catching much,” Robison said. “This is my comfort zone, this TVA-style fishing. I’m familiar with the bite windows, and we’ve been doing a lot of fishing on the TVA lately. Going into the final day with a lead, it wasn’t what I expected right out of the gate, but I had optimism that it was going to happen.”
Sorrow and Robinson entered Championship Friday buoyed by a tournament-best 23-9 on Day 2. They left Ingalls Harbor with a 2-7 lead over John Berry and Blake Bullock of Blue Mountain Christian University, and a 5-5 cushion on Dumke, ready to pick up where they had left off the day before. But, as was the case on Day 2 when they caught their fish late in the day, the Montevallo pair took awhile to warm up.
They went fishless through much of the morning, catching one 12-incher before finally connecting with a keeper around 10:30 a.m.
“If you would’ve asked me at 10 a.m. if we were going to catch a bass all day, I probably would’ve answered ‘No, we’re probably not going to catch a single bass’,” Sorrow joked.
At around 11:30, they caught the fish that clued them in for the rest of the day: a 3-pounder that they plucked off of a stump in deeper water, a discovery that encouraged the Montevallo pair to shift their focus from shell beds in 3 to 5 feet of water to structure in 5 to 12 feet. They spent the rest of their time plinking a 5-inch gizzard shad-style minnow on a Queen Tackle jighead, gradually culling up to their final 19-pound bag while their fellow Falcons followed them around the lake, cheering them on.
“We’ve had some awful practices lately, but we keep pulling something off in the tournaments,” Sorrow said. “We have such a great support system with (their Montevallo teammates), and they challenge us to be better. Iron sharpens iron. We have all of these hammers on this team, and it was so cool today – we were out there in some pretty rough water, and we had five boats on us all day, cheering for us. They stuck it out all day in that rough water, that meant a lot to us.”
The top 10 teams at the Abu Garcia College Fishing 2025 National Championship Presented by Columbia PFG on Wheeler Lake finished:
1st: University of Montevallo – Brody Robison, Dawson, Ala., and Peyton Sorrow, Abbeville, S.C., 15 bass, 64-15, Phoenix 518 Pro boat with 115-hp outboard + $10,000
2nd: University of Montevallo – Nicholas Dumke, Grand Rapids, Minn., 15 bass, 59-0, Phoenix 519 Pro with 115-hp outboard
3rd: McKendree University – Ethan Fields, Breese, Ill., and Jaxson Freeman, Loda, Ill., 15 bass, 56-10, $4,000
4th: Carson-Newman University – Szymon Piton, Orland Park, Ill., and Riley Faulkner, Jacksboro, Tenn., 15 bass, 55-14, $3,000
5th: University of North Alabama – Tripp Berlinsky, Florence, Ala., and Bryce DiMauro, Longwood, Fla., 15 bass, 55-6, $2,000
6th: University of Alabama – Cooper Gilroy, Middlebury, Ct., and Hayden O’Barr, Scottsboro, Ala., 15 bass, 53-6, $1,000
7th: University of Montevallo – Brenton Godwin, Stapleton, Ala., and Hunter Odom, Chunchula, Ala., 15 bass, 53-5, $1,000
8th: Northwestern State University – Drake Wadsworth, Frierson, La., and Stone Smith, Shreveport, La., 15 bass, 53-1, $1,000
9th: Blue Mountain Christian University – John Berry, Mount Olive, Miss., and Blake Bullock, Seminary, Miss., 13 bass, 49-11, $1,000
10th: Carson-Newman University – Nicholas Dellaporta, Pequannock, N.J., and Drew Pitts, Lutz, Fla., 14 bass, 46-11, $1,000
Complete results for the entire event can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 47 bass weighing 164 pounds, 7 ounces caught by the final 10 teams on Friday. The catch included eight five-bass limits.
In addition to the boat package, both members of the winning Montevallo team and runner-up Nicholas Dumke now advance to the 2025 Toyota Series Championship, where they’ll compete as pros for a top prize of up to $235,000. In addition, the highest finishing team member between Robison and Sorrow at the Toyota Series Championship will advance to REDCREST 2026 to compete against the world’s best pros for the sport’s top prize of $300,000.
Both members of the third-place McKendree University team now advance to the 2025 Toyota Series Championship to compete as co-anglers for a shot at winning a $33,500 Phoenix 518 Pro boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.
Hosted by Decatur Morgan County Tourism, the 16th annual College Fishing National Championship featured 135 teams of the nation’s best collegiate anglers competing for a $43,500 prize package, including a new Phoenix 518 pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard, an additional $10,000 and the opportunity to advance to the 2025 Toyota Series Championship and REDCREST 2026 – MLF’s most prestigious championship – to fish for top prizes of $235,000 and $300,000, respectively.
The MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI 2024 season featured college teams from across the country competing in nine regular-season tournaments. The top 12 percent of teams from each regular-season tournament qualified to compete in this event, the 2025 Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI National Championship
Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Columbia PFG, Deep Dive App, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Humminbird, Lew’s, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota , WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular College Fishing updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Welcher breaks away from the field with another ‘Dirty 30’ at the Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound
April 11, 2025
ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — Kyle Welcher feels like the chosen one at the St. Croix Bassmaster Elite at the Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound. Not because he was expecting to do well after practice, but since the warm-up period ended everything has been almost perfect.
Welcher took a commanding lead over the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series field on Day 2 by adding 30 pounds, 3 ounces to his 30-11 limit from Day 1. His 60-14 two-day total is 22 pounds better than second place Trey McKinney.
“I don’t feel like I have any kind of a secret figured out or a special area figured out,” the Opelika, Ala., native said. “For whatever reason, I have caught big ones for the past two days. I feel like I’m getting lucky.”
Day 2 brought waves of rain and storms across the Albemarle Sound, but it was an overall calmer day for anglers making longer runs across the system. The bite seemingly improved as well, with 84 limits and 1,285 pounds of bass caught.
Growing up on the Chattahoochee River in Alabama, Welcher is a river fisherman at heart, and he has been able to show off his roots this week in eastern North Carolina.
“They set up the same places during the same time of year on every single river,” he said. “I love fishing rivers. I fish tons of rivers at home, and I feel really comfortable.”
Welcher returned to the same area he caught the bulk of his weight on Day 1, a mile-long stretch in a river close to takeoff. The 2023 Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year winner has been targeting hard cover in 5 feet of water or less. On Day 1, Welcher felt he was catching prespawners, but on Friday he felt the big females he caught were guarding nests. The water also seemed cleaner without as much wind coming through.
A Texas-rigged Rapala CrushCity Bronco Bug with a ¼-ounce weight is the only bait Welcher has thrown thus far.
Forward-facing sonar has been a player for Welcher as well.
“I’m using it to find the areas the bass are using. I’ll throw at the fish I see, but I’m really just using it to see if it is a good area,” he said. “Today all five of them were spawning.
“Yesterday I did a little too much running around early on,” he added.
Welcher started Day 2 off with a bang by landing a 7-pounder within the first hour of fishing. While adrenaline pumped through him, it was exactly the bite he needed to settle down in his area.
“I didn’t feel settled down when I was fishing for it or fighting it,” Welcher explained. “I knew how big it was and how important that bass was going to be. I was shaking and nervous. To catch it and get it in the boat, that was a big momentum swing.”
He proceeded to land three more keeper bass before 9:15 and capped off his initial limit with another 7-pound largemouth.
“I settled down in one of my better areas,” Welcher said. “I picked them off. It wasn’t a flurry or anything, but I was getting consistent bites. I didn’t want to run around a lot because I had one zone that was a little better than the rest. I hunkered down and sort of stair-stepped my way up.”
From there, he added two more quality bass before noon and spent the rest of the afternoon searching for different areas to try the rest of the tournament. He didn’t find much during his practice time, but he feels there are still plenty of bass to be caught in his primary area.
“I am going to keep doing the exact same thing. I gotta finish strong,” he said. “Half of this tournament is left, so we need to catch them just as good for the next half.”
Hailing from Carbondale, Ill., McKinney sits in second with a two-day total of 38-14. After a 23-7 Day 1, he suffered a much tougher Day 2, only landing 15-7. He salvaged his day with a last-minute catch that gave him a 2-pound upgrade.
“That was huge. I pulled in a place I have never fished. I cast my jig to a seawall and caught a bass that culled me up 2 pounds,” McKinney said. “We lost a few big ones today, though.”
The 2024 Dakota Lithium Elite Series Rookie of the Year returned to his primary area in the North River on Day 2, but did not see the same amount of activity as he did on Day 1.
“I really don’t know why it was different,” he said. “I felt like conditions were alright. Maybe the sun makes them bite better? Maybe we are running out of fish.”
The bass he did find were not willing to eat a jig, either, and he had to switch to a Neko-rigged worm. With winds shifting to the northwest, McKinney isn’t sure how he is going to tackle Day 3. In a perfect world, McKinney would run to the Chowan River, but he isn’t sure the weather will allow him to do so.
“Tomorrow, I don’t know what I am going to do. In the grand scheme of things, I didn’t have enough bites today and didn’t see enough fish. I didn’t have a warm fuzzy feeling. It wasn’t a good 15 pounds.”
Meanwhile, Tennessee pro Jacob Foutz climbed into third place with a total of 38-2. The two-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier opened the tournament in fifth with 18-10 before landing 19-2 on the second day of the tournament.
Foutz is one of the anglers making the long run to the Roanoke River on the southwest side of the Albemarle Sound. After a slow first two hours, Foutz was able to find a rhythm as the morning wore on.
“I lost a big one, and then after that they started biting,” he said. “I caught 19 pounds in about two hours. I didn’t get a bunch of bites, but they were the right size. I don’t know how many more fish I have in my area.”
Foutz has been fishing a Megabass Magdraft swimbait around shallow cover as well as a ChatterBait.
“When I get a bite on the swimbait, it is a good one,” he said. “I will probably lock it in my hands tomorrow and ride the horse that got me here.”
Gonzales, La., pro Greg Hackney landed an 8-4 largemouth on Day 2, which was the Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Day and overtook Keith Combs’ 8-2 bass from Day 1 as the Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Tournament.
Welcher continues to hold the CrushCity Monster Bag of the Tournament with his Day 1 catch of 30-11.
North Carolina’s Jake Whitaker and Tennessee’s John Garrett lead the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings with 270 points each. Wisconsin’s Jay Przekurat is third with 267 points followed by Alabama’s Will Davis Jr in fourth with 261 points and Texas pro Lee Livesay in fifth with 256 points.
Alabama’s Tucker Smith leads the Dakota Lithium Elite Series Rookie of the Year standings with 199 points followed by Georgia’s Paul Marks in second with 180 points and Arkansas’ Beau Browning in third with 163 points
The Top 50 anglers will launch from Waterfront Park in Elizabeth City on Semifinal Saturday beginning at 7 a.m. ET and return for weigh at 3 p.m. The Top 10 anglers following the Day 3 weigh-in will compete on Championship Sunday for the top prize of $100,000.
Bassmaster LIVE coverage of the 2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Elite at Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound will be available on FS1 from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. before moving to Bassmaster.com in the afternoon. Championship Sunday coverage will be broadcast on FS1 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Visit Elizabeth City is hosting the tournament.
2025 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Progressive, Toyota
2025 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Triton Boats, VMC, Yokohama
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
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Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 256-424-2390, cgay@bassmaster.
2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Elite at Pasquotank River 4/10-4/13
Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound , Elizabeth City NC.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Kyle Welcher Valley, AL 10 60-14 104
Day 1: 5 30-11 Day 2: 5 30-03
2. Trey McKinney Carbondale, IL 10 38-14 103
Day 1: 5 23-07 Day 2: 5 15-07
3. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 10 38-02 102
Day 1: 5 18-10 Day 2: 5 19-08
4. Tyler Williams Belgrade, ME 10 37-09 101
Day 1: 5 17-14 Day 2: 5 19-11
5. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 10 36-05 100
Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 18-14
6. Kyle Patrick Cooperstown, NY 10 36-04 99
Day 1: 5 16-11 Day 2: 5 19-09
7. Easton Fothergill Grand Rapids , MN 9 34-09 98
Day 1: 5 23-13 Day 2: 4 10-12
8. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 10 33-12 97
Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 15-07
9. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 10 33-03 96
Day 1: 5 16-01 Day 2: 5 17-02
10. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 10 32-13 95
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 20-04
11. Seth Feider Elko New Market, MN 10 32-09 94
Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 5 17-03
12. Jake Whitaker Hendersonville, NC 10 32-04 93
Day 1: 5 12-12 Day 2: 5 19-08
13. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 10 31-11 92
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 18-04
14. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 9 31-05 91
Day 1: 4 07-00 Day 2: 5 24-05
15. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 10 31-02 90 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 5 15-06
16. Jay Przekurat Plover, WI 10 30-13 89
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 16-04
17. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 10 30-11 88
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 5 15-08
18. Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 10 30-09 87
Day 1: 5 18-12 Day 2: 5 11-13
19. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 10 30-07 86
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 17-01
20. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 10 30-01 85
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 18-11
21. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 10 29-09 84
Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 5 12-11
22. Bob Downey Detroit Lakes, MN 10 29-04 83
Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 5 12-01
23. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 10 29-04 82
Day 1: 5 16-06 Day 2: 5 12-14
24. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 8 28-14 81
Day 1: 3 05-00 Day 2: 5 23-14
25. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 10 28-14 80
Day 1: 5 15-00 Day 2: 5 13-14
26. Will Davis Jr Sylacauga, AL 10 28-12 79
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 5 17-08
27. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 10 28-11 78
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 16-05
28. Tucker Smith Birmingham, AL 10 28-08 77
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 5 12-12
29. Cody Meyer Eagle, ID 10 27-14 76
Day 1: 5 15-15 Day 2: 5 11-15
30. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 9 27-06 75
Day 1: 4 12-13 Day 2: 5 14-09
31. Cory Johnston Otonabee CANADA 10 27-04 74
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 13-14
31. Logan Parks Auburn, AL 10 27-04 74
Day 1: 5 13-14 Day 2: 5 13-06
33. Kyoya Fujita Yamanashi CA JAPAN 10 26-14 72
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 5 11-01
34. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 10 26-09 71
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 14-01
35. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 10 26-06 70
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 10-03
36. JT Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 10 26-02 69
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 10-14
37. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 10 26-02 68
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 12-09
38. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TN AUSTRALIA 10 25-15 67
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 5 09-10
39. John Garrett Union City, TN 9 25-11 66
Day 1: 4 09-07 Day 2: 5 16-04
40. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 10 25-09 65
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 14-03
41. Logan Latuso Gonzales, LA 10 25-02 64
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 15-05
42. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 9 24-11 63
Day 1: 5 16-08 Day 2: 4 08-03
43. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 10 24-10 62
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 12-07
44. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 10 24-09 61
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 10-00
45. Kyle Norsetter Cottage Grove, WI 9 24-07 60
Day 1: 4 07-01 Day 2: 5 17-06
46. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 10 24-06 59
Day 1: 5 13-15 Day 2: 5 10-07
47. Jonathan Kelley Old Forge, PA 10 24-02 58
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 5 14-00
48. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 8 23-12 57
Day 1: 3 05-13 Day 2: 5 17-15
49. Blake Capps Muskogee, OK 10 23-11 56
Day 1: 5 09-02 Day 2: 5 14-09
50. Chris Zaldain Boyd, TX 10 23-11 55
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 13-02
51. Dakota Ebare Brookeland, TX 10 23-10 54
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 11-10
52. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 10 23-02 53
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 11-03
53. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 6 23-00 52
Day 1: 5 16-13 Day 2: 1 06-03
54. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 10 22-12 51
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 10-03
55. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 9 22-08 50
Day 1: 4 08-00 Day 2: 5 14-08
56. Paul Marks Cumming, GA 7 22-04 49
Day 1: 2 03-06 Day 2: 5 18-14
57. Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 9 22-04 48
Day 1: 4 13-03 Day 2: 5 09-01
58. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 7 22-03 47 $1,000.00
Day 1: 2 05-09 Day 2: 5 16-10
59. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 8 22-02 46
Day 1: 3 07-01 Day 2: 5 15-01
60. Emil Wagner Marietta, GA 10 22-02 45
Day 1: 5 09-07 Day 2: 5 12-11
61. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 7 22-01 44
Day 1: 2 02-12 Day 2: 5 19-05
62. John Cox Debary, FL 10 21-13 43
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 09-15
63. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 6 21-10 42
Day 1: 1 02-03 Day 2: 5 19-07
64. Kenta Kimura Osaka OK JAPAN 7 21-09 41
Day 1: 5 15-15 Day 2: 2 05-10
65. Patrick Walters Eutawville, SC 10 21-09 40
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 08-10
66. Cole Sands Johnson City, TN 9 21-08 39
Day 1: 4 08-07 Day 2: 5 13-01
67. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 10 21-08 38
Day 1: 5 10-08 Day 2: 5 11-00
68. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 10 21-05 37
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 08-04
69. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 10 21-02 36
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 09-07
70. Wesley Gore Clanton, AL 7 20-11 35
Day 1: 2 04-03 Day 2: 5 16-08
71. Taku Ito Dalton GA JAPAN 10 20-05 34
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 5 08-13
72. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 9 20-04 33
Day 1: 4 11-07 Day 2: 5 08-13
73. Timothy Dube Nashua , NH 6 20-01 32
Day 1: 1 01-05 Day 2: 5 18-12
74. Jeff Gustafson Kenora, ON Ontario CANA 10 20-01 31
Day 1: 5 09-15 Day 2: 5 10-02
75. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 10 19-12 30
Day 1: 5 07-11 Day 2: 5 12-01
76. Cody Huff Ava, MO 10 19-12 29
Day 1: 5 09-15 Day 2: 5 09-13
77. Cooper Gallant Bowmanville Ontario CAN 10 19-09 28
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 08-14
78. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 7 18-14 27
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 2 08-04
79. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 10 18-14 26
Day 1: 5 09-15 Day 2: 5 08-15
80. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 6 18-11 25
Day 1: 2 06-06 Day 2: 4 12-05
81. Wes Logan Springville, AL 10 18-07 24
Day 1: 5 08-11 Day 2: 5 09-12
82. Beau Browning Hot Springs National Pa 9 17-10 23
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 4 06-15
83. Jason Christie Dry Creek, OK 8 17-10 22
Day 1: 3 07-03 Day 2: 5 10-07
84. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 10 17-08 21
Day 1: 5 08-14 Day 2: 5 08-10
85. Cliff Pace Ovett, MS 9 17-07 20
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 4 06-07
86. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 9 17-00 19
Day 1: 5 09-09 Day 2: 4 07-07
87. Andrew Loberg Guntersville, AL 9 16-07 18
Day 1: 4 08-00 Day 2: 5 08-07
88. Bryan New Leesville, SC 7 16-03 17
Day 1: 2 04-06 Day 2: 5 11-13
89. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 5 16-00 16
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 16-00
90. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 9 15-15 15
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 4 05-09
91. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 5 15-14 14
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 15-14
92. Robert Gee Knoxville, TN 7 15-01 13
Day 1: 2 06-12 Day 2: 5 08-05
93. Jordan Lee Cullman, AL 8 14-11 12
Day 1: 5 08-09 Day 2: 3 06-02
94. Buddy Gross Chattanooga, TN 8 14-11 11
Day 1: 4 06-12 Day 2: 4 07-15
95. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 8 12-13 10
Day 1: 3 05-11 Day 2: 5 07-02
96. Matty Wong Honolulu, HI 6 12-03 9
Day 1: 5 10-03 Day 2: 1 02-00
97. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 5 11-05 8
Day 1: 4 09-05 Day 2: 1 02-00
98. Evan Kung Pickering Ontario CANAD 5 09-11 7
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 09-11
99. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 09-11 6
Day 1: 4 08-07 Day 2: 1 01-04
100. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 5 08-14 5
Day 1: 5 08-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
101. Ben Milliken Omaha, NE 6 08-13 4
Day 1: 2 02-14 Day 2: 4 05-15
102. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 3 07-01 3
Day 1: 1 02-05 Day 2: 2 04-12
------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Keith Combs Huntington, TX 08-02 $1,000.00
2 Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 08-04 $1,000.00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 71 437 1150-07
2 84 469 1285-00
------------------------------
155 906 2435-07
Browning slows down to win B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Lake Eufaula
April 11, 2025
EUFAULA, Okla. — He had to slow down to figure out the deal, but once Paul Browning dialed in his pattern, he turned in a dominant performance to win the Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Lake Eufaula presented by Lowrance with a three-day total of 42 pounds, 5 ounces.
After a slow Day 1 yielded only two keepers for 7-13, the boater from Monahans, Texas, found himself in 29th place. The second round saw him make considerable headway, and although he fell one fish short of his five-bass limit, Browning’s 15-10 propelled him into seventh place.
On Championship Friday, Browning stepped on the gas and sacked up 18-14 — the tournament’s second-heaviest catch — and raced across the finish line by a margin of 2-9 over Day 2 leader Ian Leybas. Browning won the top prize of $12,899 and earned a spot in the Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship at Upper Mississippi River presented by Lowrance, Oct. 22-25.
“It started off slow today and I lost two fish pretty quick,” Browning said. “I lost a 3-pounder and a 2, but then I caught a 7-4 that clued me in on a new stretch.”
Fishing the mid-lake region near the Belle Star Marina, Browning targeted spawning fish in buckbrush in 6 inches to 4 feet of water. He was flipping a 4-inch Big Bite Baits Fighting Frog in the tilapia color, rigged on a 4/0 Owner Jungle flipping hook with a 1/2-ounce Kovert Tungsten weight.
“The water was really clean; it had a brownish tint, but it was mostly clear, so the light breeze helped,” Browning said. “My mapping showed a deeper area in the middle, so I knew that would give the fish a place to go during the cooler nights.”
Looking back, Browning realized he started his morning by fishing too fast. The manner in which he caught his big fish caused him to alter his pace, and that helped him complete his winning limit.
“That 7-4 slowed me down, and I think that’s what did it for me,” Browning said. “I was flipping into the brush and slowly dragging the bait out. Some of them would bite it in the brush, but most of them bit when I drug it out.”
Reflecting on his win, Browning said: “It feels good. The last two years have been a struggle fishing the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens. Maybe this will help me get the wheels back on the wagon.”
Leybas, the local pro from McAlester, Okla., placed 13th on Day 1 with two bass that weighed 10-10. In the second round, he added the event’s biggest limit — 19-13 — and moved into the lead. His Day 3 catch of four fish for 9-5 gave him a second-place tournament total of 39-12.
Leybass, who attributed his big Day 2 comeback to more favorable wind conditions, returned to his main area in the mid- to south-lake region, where he targeted prespawn fish. He caught his fish on a 3/8-ounce white/chartreuse spinnerbait with double Colorado blades.
“You gotta keep perspective when you’re fishing,” Leybass said. “It was a tough practice; the fish were not set up right. They were in and out; the water level (was fluctuating).
“I was blessed for the day I had yesterday. Today was a lot tougher, but it’s been a good event and it exceeded my expectations.”
Day 1 leader Kelley Hudson finished third with 39-2. His daily weights were 14-11, 13-10 and 10-13.
Hudson did most of his work in the backs of small creeks where he targeted shallow staging areas. He caught most of his fish on a Texas-rigged green pumpkin Zoom Brush Hog with the tail dipped in chartreuse. He caught his biggest final-round fish on a spinnerbait.
“I had a great week and I’m proud of the way I fished,” Hudson said. “I’ve never been here before, so to come to a 200,000-acre lake and have a chance to win is absolutely fantastic.”
Browning tied Lane Edwards of Paden, Okla., for the Phoenix Boats Big Bass award. Both anglers caught bass weighing 7-4 and split the $500 prize.
Zach Oliver of Coal Hill, Ark., won the non-boater division with a three-day total of 29-13. Oliver turned in daily three-fish limits of 5-10, 11-7 and 12-12.
For his achievement, Oliver won $4,593.
Joe Conway of Colorado Springs, Colo., won the $250 Phoenix Boats Big Bass award among non-boaters with an 8-2.
The City of Eufaula hosted the tournament.
2025 Bassmaster Nation Series Title Sponsor: Mercury
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About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
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2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Lake Eufaula presented by Lowrance 4/9-4/11
Lake Eufaula, Eufaula OK.
(BOATER) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Paul Browning Monahans, TX 11 42-05 0 $12,899.00
Day 1: 2 07-13 Day 2: 4 15-10 Day 3: 5 18-14
2. Ian Leybas Mcalester, OK 11 39-12 0 $6,144.00
Day 1: 2 10-10 Day 2: 5 19-13 Day 3: 4 09-05
3. Kelley Hudson Graham, TX 13 39-02 0 $4,337.00
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 4 13-10 Day 3: 4 10-13
4. Dale Hightower Mannford, OK 11 32-09 0 $3,614.00
Day 1: 5 13-03 Day 2: 4 13-04 Day 3: 2 06-02
5. Mick Pageler Tonto Basin, AZ 12 32-08 0 $3,144.00
Day 1: 4 10-01 Day 2: 5 14-04 Day 3: 3 08-03
6. Jared Knuth Wahoo, NE 12 31-15 0 $2,891.00
Day 1: 4 08-15 Day 2: 4 10-13 Day 3: 4 12-03
7. Jaret Rushing Hampton, AR 11 30-11 0 $2,711.00
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 2 05-12 Day 3: 4 10-13
8. Lane Edwards Paden, OK 10 30-10 0 $2,780.00
Day 1: 3 06-02 Day 2: 4 13-09 Day 3: 3 10-15
9. Travis Merritt Jr Iowa, LA 10 30-05 0 $1,988.00
Day 1: 2 07-08 Day 2: 3 08-09 Day 3: 5 14-04
10. Chad Warren Sand Springs, OK 12 29-11 0 $1,626.00
Day 1: 3 08-06 Day 2: 5 11-14 Day 3: 4 09-07
11. Robert Degraffenreid Oklahoma Cty, OK 10 27-06 0 $1,446.00
Day 1: 2 08-03 Day 2: 5 11-15 Day 3: 3 07-04
12. Wyatt Ryan Ada, OK 8 26-02 0 $994.00
Day 1: 2 07-01 Day 2: 5 16-10 Day 3: 1 02-07
13. Brian Jones Magnolia, TX 9 25-14 0 $994.00
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 4 12-13 Day 3: 0 00-00
14. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 7 25-07 0 $994.00
Day 1: 1 02-07 Day 2: 4 16-11 Day 3: 2 06-05
15. Chase Washburn Shawnee, OK 7 24-07 0 $994.00
Day 1: 3 10-08 Day 2: 2 07-05 Day 3: 2 06-10
16. Brandon Mosley Harrah, OK 8 24-02 0 $994.00
Day 1: 1 02-12 Day 2: 5 17-03 Day 3: 2 04-03
17. James Mcallister McAlester, OK 9 23-10 0 $994.00
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 1 01-14 Day 3: 3 07-12
18. Josh Cruse Pocahontas, AR 8 23-05 0 $994.00
Day 1: 5 14-08 Day 2: 1 04-04 Day 3: 2 04-09
19. Jeff Lugar Princeton, TX 8 20-15 0 $994.00
Day 1: 4 10-15 Day 2: 2 06-04 Day 3: 2 03-12
20. Brandon Soliz Robert Lee, TX 6 18-06 0 $994.00
Day 1: 3 07-05 Day 2: 2 09-00 Day 3: 1 02-01
------------------------------
BIG BASS OF TOURN
Lane Edwards Paden, OK 07-04 $0.00
Paul Browning Monahans, TX 07-04 $0.00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 11 266 696-11
2 7 207 588-03
3 2 56 155-14
------------------------------
20 529 1440-12
2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Lake Eufaula presented by Lowrance 4/9-4/11
Lake Eufaula, Eufaula OK.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Zach Oliver Coal Hill, AR 9 29-13 0 $4,593.00
Day 1: 3 05-10 Day 2: 3 11-07 Day 3: 3 12-12
2. Joe Conway Colorado Springs, CO 7 25-02 0 $2,875.00
Day 1: 1 02-04 Day 2: 3 14-09 Day 3: 3 08-05
3. Randy Benham Sherwood, AR 8 24-11 0 $1,312.00
Day 1: 3 05-15 Day 2: 2 07-05 Day 3: 3 11-07
4. Gene Mitchell Stuart, OK 6 20-14 0 $1,215.00
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 13-03 Day 3: 3 07-11
5. Zack Holt Yukon, OK 7 19-11 0 $899.00
Day 1: 3 09-05 Day 2: 2 03-01 Day 3: 2 07-05
6. Eric Englebretson Chickasha, OK 6 19-00 0 $755.00
Day 1: 1 02-09 Day 2: 3 10-11 Day 3: 2 05-12
7. Bryan Schuster Oklahoma City, OK 7 17-01 0 $675.00
Day 1: 3 06-04 Day 2: 1 03-03 Day 3: 3 07-10
8. Trey Clement Thibodaux, LA 7 16-08 0 $630.00
Day 1: 3 07-11 Day 2: 2 04-02 Day 3: 2 04-11
9. Josh Thalman Saratoga Springs, UT 7 16-04 0 $591.00
Day 1: 2 05-05 Day 2: 3 05-11 Day 3: 2 05-04
10. Colten Hutson Edmond, OK 7 15-04 0 $525.00
Day 1: 3 06-06 Day 2: 3 06-00 Day 3: 1 02-14
11. Jeff Nolte Shawnee, KS 6 15-03 0 $525.00
Day 1: 3 05-06 Day 2: 2 07-06 Day 3: 1 02-07
12. Larry Green Splendora, TX 5 14-06 0 $459.00
Day 1: 2 05-12 Day 2: 2 06-06 Day 3: 1 02-04
13. Ernie Villa Midland, TX 5 13-04 0 $394.00
Day 1: 3 07-06 Day 2: 1 03-00 Day 3: 1 02-14
14. Aaron Baldridge Moore, OK 5 12-11 0 $394.00
Day 1: 3 05-13 Day 2: 1 05-02 Day 3: 1 01-12
15. Timothy Soli Warr Acres, OK 4 12-10 0 $328.00
Day 1: 1 03-03 Day 2: 3 09-07 Day 3: 0 00-00
16. Todd Tigar Osage Beach, MO 5 12-05 0 $328.00
Day 1: 2 05-03 Day 2: 2 03-07 Day 3: 1 03-11
17. David Zak San Angelo, TX 4 12-04 0 $328.00
Day 1: 3 10-08 Day 2: 1 01-12 Day 3: 0 00-00
18. Greg Dennis Pilot Point, TX 5 12-04 0 $328.00
Day 1: 3 08-03 Day 2: 1 01-15 Day 3: 1 02-02
19. Tom Parks Prescott Valley, AZ 3 09-05 0 $328.00
Day 1: 1 03-12 Day 2: 2 05-09 Day 3: 0 00-00
20. Ricky-Ray Martinez Jr Santa Fe, NM 3 09-00 0 $328.00
Day 1: 2 07-01 Day 2: 1 01-15 Day 3: 0 00-00
------------------------------
BIG BASS OF TOURN
Joe Conway Colorado Springs, CO08-02 $0.00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 11 74 180-14
2 8 80 228-01
3 5 30 88-13
------------------------------
24 184 497-12
Fothergill Showcases Versatility at Bassmaster Elite Series on Pasquotank
Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships
Easton Fothergill isn’t wasting time proving that his Bassmaster Classic win was no fluke. On the opening day of the St. Croix Bassmaster Elite on the Pasquotank River and Albemarle Sound, the 23-year-old phenom from Minnesota put on a show of patience, poise and impressive versatility, bringing a solid limit to the scales while navigating a stingy and temperamental North Carolina fishery.
Fishing tidal systems like this one is a game of timing, risk and adaptability—three qualities young Fothergill has in spades. With a blend of bold decision-making and finesse, he managed to stay in contention on a day when many struggled to put anything together.
“Fishing for me was hit or miss today,” Fothergill said shortly after weigh-in. “The best way to put it is there was a bunch of empty water but when you got around them, you’d get a bunch of bites in a hurry.”
That type of bite is something seasoned anglers understand well on tide-driven fisheries, and it played perfectly into Fothergill’s wide-ranging skill set. While some competitors opted to grind in heavily pressured community holes, Fothergill trusted his instincts—and his Yamaha outboard—to make an aggressive run to an isolated area he’d briefly scouted in practice.
“I chose to make a long run,” Fothergill said. “That’s because I have full confidence in my Yamaha that I can make it there and back and push the limits. This is one of those fisheries where that kind of thing matters a lot. In the afternoon the bite gets better, so I can push it to the absolute limit and leave for weigh-in at the very last second.”
A calculated risk pays off
Fothergill’s key area came from a moment most anglers would overlook. During the final evening of practice, he made a last-minute decision to revisit a zone he’d marked earlier in the week. What he found there turned out to be the spark he needed.
“Where I caught ‘em today, I found the area the first day of practice and I hadn’t gone back until the last evening of practice,” he said. “I rolled into there and had a big one bite right away. I didn’t really know what I found, and I really haven’t had a chance to explore the whole area yet, so I’m very excited to get out there and keep fishing.”
That blend of intuition and patience is something that’s becoming a trademark of Fothergill’s approach. While other anglers might burn through water too quickly or lean too heavily on a single pattern, he’s shown an uncanny ability to adapt and that’s what makes him dangerous in multi-day tournaments like this one.
“I originally found these fish fishing a buzzbait,” Fothergill explained. “But the wind made my area lose water which pushed them off the bank in very certain areas, at least that’s what I saw on day one. I can’t wait to fish the area again. Whether the water is high or low, I’m prepared to catch ‘em. I’m not reliant on one technique and I will continue to keep an open mind.”
That statement alone encapsulates why so many pros and fans alike are taking notice of this young angler. He’s constantly observing, adjusting and optimizing.
Weather on the horizon
Of course, success on Day 1 doesn’t guarantee anything in a tidal river event, especially with an unstable forecast looming over the rest of the tournament.
“There will be a bunch of storms coming in so there’s no telling what it does to my bite,” Fothergill said. “I don’t know if we’ll even be able to fish, to be honest.”
That kind of weather can dramatically alter water levels, clarity and even access to certain areas. But based on what we’ve seen from Fothergill in both this event and his recent Classic performance, he has the mental game and the toolbox to pivot if needed.
Fothergill’s on-the-fly ability to shift from power to finesse, shallow to deep and from moving baits to bottom presentations makes him versatile and always on the hunt for the next clue. On a fishery as complex as the Albemarle Sound and Pasquotank River system where tidal flow, wind direction and water temperature all play critical roles—versatility isn’t a luxury, it’s a requirement.
A rising star, built to last
Since capturing the Bassmaster Classic title, Fothergill has handled the increased attention with humility and focus. He’s not one to boast or rest on his laurels. Instead, he’s continued to approach each event like a student of the game; hungry to learn, willing to take risks and always thinking a few steps ahead.
This event in Elizabeth City is no different. While he’s off to a strong start, it’s clear that Fothergill is playing the long game. His comments after the weigh-in reflected both his excitement and his awareness of the challenge ahead.
You get the sense that he’s just scratching the surface. If he gets another window of opportunity or if the weather plays into his hands, this could be another signature performance from the young champion.
With three days left and the leaderboard tight, Fothergill will need to keep adapting but that’s exactly where he thrives. Whether the wind blows his fish offshore, the tide stalls the bite, or thunderstorms wash out the playbook, he’s shown that he has the tools, the temperament and the tenacity to keep chasing them down.
If Day 1 is any indication, Easton Fothergill isn’t here to defend a title. He’s here to build a legacy.
John Pearl Takes over Day Two Lead at WON Bass California Open at Clear Lake
Nathan Phillips in Second Place Day One Leader Micah Jones Slips to Third
LAKEPORT, Calif. – April 10, 2025 –– John Pearl is known as one of the top anglers on Clear Lake. After nearly a dozen years guiding and competing on the famed Northern California bass factory and too many tournament victories to count, Pearl knows how to adjust and put himself in position.
Pearl started the event in the northern end of the lake and when he only had one small fish in the first hour, made a run to the south end and had 30 pounds in his livewell within 30 minutes under bluebird conditions. When those conditions turned to cloudy and breezy on day two, Pearl made adjustments once again.
The result was his second consecutive “Dirty 30” limit of 31.87 pounds to go with his 35.44 from day one to bring his two-day total to 67.31 pounds, leading second place pro Nathan Phillips by just over two pounds.
Phillips followed his 35.37-pound day one with 29.75 pounds to bring his total to 65.12 pounds heading into the final round. In third place was day one leader Micah Jones, who managed to bring 23.75 pounds on day two, when added to his 38.34-pound limit of day one, totaling 62.12 pounds.
Mason McAbee placed fourth after the second day of competition, after his 33.06-pound performance on the first day, added 28.85 pounds to bring his total to 61.91 pounds, and pro Joe Price posted 31.84 pounds today to go with his 27.79 pounds from day one to round out the top five with 59.63 pounds.
Pearl reported having to make adjustments both days of the 2025 WON Bass California Open presented by Ranger Boats and Mercury but being able to stay within his basic approach. “I am fishing for deeper, early prespawn fish but they are chasing the bait pretty heavily, so I’m having to move,” he said. “Once I am able to reconnect with the schools I’ve found, I am able to get them to eat fairly quickly – in fact I’ve had a 30-pound limit within 30 minutes of finding them both days.”
The veteran pro said he feels optimistic about his chances but knows the lake is changing. “It’s really a day-to-day thing right now, and it all depends on baitfish movement for me,” he said. “The overnight temperatures cause the bait to move, and it may take me a while to reconnect with the schools, but I feel confident that I will be able to do that tomorrow and have a shot at this thing.”
Phillips is fishing in the deeper sections of the lake but is fishing mid depth ranges looking for fish that have committed to the move to spawn. “I’m finesse fishing because these fish have seen some pressure, and it’s getting tougher,” he said. “I was able to get 8 to 10 quality bites yesterday and only five today, so I’m definitely having to grind for them.”
Jones said he fell to fishing pressure himself on day two. “I had my area all to myself on day one, but had quite a bit of company today,” he said. “There was a lot of interference on my screes from competing boats today, and I know it had an impact on the fish; I just hop I can make it all work tomorrow.”
One additional note of interest is that Pearl, Phillips and Jones all sit within reasonable striking distance of eclipsing the 100-pound mark for the event. Pearl needs to post a 32.60-pound limit, Phillips needs 34.88 pounds and Jones would need 37.88 pounds – all smaller than their heaviest days of the event thus far.
These anglers and the rest of the 176 man pro field are battling for the champion’s prize that includes cash, and the keys to the 2025 Ranger Boats Z518 with Mercury 150 ProXS outboard prize boat presented by Bass Pro Shops with Power-Pole Charge and Volta Power Lithium Power Batteries, a package valued at $55,000.
In the AAA Division, Tim Skellett took the day two lead with 60.17 pounds while Ray Serrano landed in second place with 59.46 pounds. Third place went to Troy Diatte with 59.05 pounds while day one leader Greg Sallee slipped to fourth with 58.31 pounds and William Aden rounded out the top five with 56.47 pounds.
The Top 10 in each division are below, for complete standings go to: https://wonbassevents.com/pages/clear-lake-2024-pairings-results.
The daily livestream of the weigh-ins airs on at Facebook.com/WONBassTournaments. Daily weigh-ins from Library park in Lakeport, Calif. begin after the first flight checks in at 3:00 PM Pacific Time.
2025 WON Bass California Open Day Two Pro Standings
| Name | Hometown | Fish | Big | Day 1 | Day 2 | 2 Day Total | |
| 1 | John Pearl | Upper Lake CA | 10-10 | 8.91 | 35.44 | 31.87 | 67.31 |
| 2 | Nathan Phillips | Cobb CA | 10-10 | 9.48 | 35.37 | 29.75 | 65.12 |
| 3 | Micah Jones | Kingman AZ | 10-10 | 12.93 | 38.34 | 23.78 | 62.12 |
| 4 | Mason McAbee | Bakersfield CA | 10-10 | 33.06 | 28.85 | 61.91 | |
| 5 | Joe Price | Chapin EC | 10-10 | 9.19 | 27.79 | 31.84 | 59.63 |
| 6 | Alex Niapas | Altaville CA | 10-10 | 9.26 | 36.42 | 22.73 | 59.15 |
| 7 | Ish Monroe | Oakdale CA | 10-10 | 8.55 | 31.27 | 26.40 | 57.67 |
| 8 | Garrett Ellenson | Nine Mile Falls WA | 10-10 | 25.10 | 31.45 | 56.55 | |
| 9 | Nick Welton | Galt CA | 10-10 | 7.50 | 25.27 | 30.82 | 56.09 |
| 10 | Luke Lipanovich | Napa CA | 10-10 | 28.39 | 26.65 | 55.04 |
2025 WON Bass California Open Day One AAA Standings
| Name | Hometown | Fish | BIG | Day 1 | Day 2 | 2 Day Total | ||
| 1 Tim Skellett | Apache Junction AZ | 10-10 | 35.37 | 24.80 | 60.17 | |||
| 2 Ray Serrano | Pacifica CA | 10-10 | 28.01 | 31.45 | 59.46 | |||
| 3 Troy Diatte | Salinas CA | 10-10 | 6.09 | 28.23 | 30.82 | 59.05 | ||
| 4 Greg Sallee | Discovery Bay CA | 10-10 | 38.34 | 19.97 | 58.31 | |||
| 5 William Aden | Middletown CA | 10-10 | 8.17 | 24.60 | 31.87 | 56.47 | ||
| 6 Charlie Crawford | Peoria AZ | 10-10 | 27.40 | 27.48 | 54.88 | |||
| 7 Derek Andersen | Meadow Vista CA | 10-10 | 5.05 | 26.47 | 28.30 | 54.77 | ||
| 8 Cheng Xiong | Oroville CA | 10-10 | 36.42 | 17.89 | 54.31 | |||
| 9 Kevin Gross | Redding CA | 10-10 | 7.96 | 29.05 | 24.97 | 54.02 | ||
| 10 Geoff Peterson | Huntington Beach CA | 10-10 | 27.23 | 26.40 | 53.63 | |||
The 2025 WON Bass Western Opens Series of events Consisting of five events in California, Arizona and Nevada, will culminate with the 2024 WON Bass U.S. Open at Lake Mohave in October. The five event dates are as follows:
Feb. 5 to 7, 2025 - Lake Shasta – Champion Joe Uribe
April 9 to 11, 2025 - Clear Lake
May 7 to 9, 2025 - Lake Havasu
Sept. 10 to 12, 2025 - Lake Mead
Oct. 6 to 8, 2025 - U.S. Open at Lake Mohave
For complete details or to register, look to wonbassevents.com and WONews.com to hear the latest news about the 2024 season and beyond and follow along at Facebook.com/WONBassTournaments.
The 2025 WON Bass California Open at Clear Lake is brought to you by Bass Pro Shops, Ranger Boats, Mercury Marine, Nitro Boats, Triton Boats, Bridgford Foods, Volta Power Lithium, Power Pole, Lowrance, Daiwa, AFTCO, Costa, Berkley, Abu Garcia, Fenwick Rods, Anderson Toyota, A&M Graphics, Anglers Marine, Signature Gates, DD26 Fishing, Bad Ass Bearings, Cipher Fishing, Megaware Keelguard and GRatt.
Local presenting sponsors are the City of Lakeport and Clearlake Outdoors.
Huge day lifts Leybas atop the field in B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Lake Eufaula
April 10, 2025
EUFAULA, Okla. — Ian Leybas had the right plan, but forces beyond his control limited his access. Today, when more favorable conditions opened the window of opportunity, the McAlester, Okla., angler rocketed into the lead at the Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Lake Eufaula presented by Lowrance with a two-day total of 30 pounds, 7 ounces.
After placing 13th on Day 1 with two fish that went 10-10, Leybas knew he was around the right quality. A day later, he added a 5-bass limit of 19-13 and now holds a 2-2 advantage over Day 1 leader Kelley Hudson as they head into Championship Friday.
The difference? Wind.
“I think the weather change is what made the difference today,” Leybas said. “The lighter winds out of the north versus the strong winds out of the south just let me fish stuff better than I was able to fish it yesterday.
“I couldn’t do what I wanted to do with the way the wind was hitting it yesterday, but today I was able to get where I wanted to go.”
Given the warming spring conditions, Leybas knew those Eufaula bass would be approaching their spawning mode, however, he found that they weren’t quite there yet.
"I think the males are starting to get up there, but I don’t think the females are up yet,” Leybas said.
Spending his day in the mid- to south-lake area, Leybas devoted his time to prospecting what he called standard prespawn staging spots. Such habitat features located en route to the spawning grounds offered the big female bass pit stops with feeding opportunities.
“My boat was in 8 feet of water,” Leybas said. “I was fishing a little shallower than other people. I figured it’s April and they’re coming. They’re wanting to move shallow.
“I caught all my fish on one moving bait.”
Leybas said he developed his game plan after a tough practice compelled him to go with what his experience told him the fish should be doing. He saw the potential and decided his best option was to commit his tournament to the way he was catching fish prior to competition.
“Catching that quality of fish (on Day 1) just told me, ‘Keep doing what you’re doing,’” Leybas said. “That’s what I did. I just kept doing that and changed up the rotation to get to some of the places I couldn’t get to yesterday.”
With a different wind complexion, Day 2 saw Leybas work counterclockwise from his first-round milk run. Where he started on Day 1 was his ending spot today.
Leybas said he had his limit by 10 a.m. and completed his weight by 10:30. He hit 15 to 20 different spots, but never returned to a previous location.
“I caught them early and then I tried to find something new for Day 3,” Leybas said. “I also tried to help my co-angler catch a few fish.”
Leybas’ biggest fish was a 5 1/2-pounder, after Day 1 yielded a 6. He’s optimistic about continuing his pattern for one more day.
“I have to go back and start on the same area,” he said. “I know what stuff I want to fish, and if I can get to it, I should be able to catch them again.”
Hailing from Graham, Texas, Hudson is in second place with 28-5. He caught a limit of 14-11 on Day 1 and added four fish for 13-10 on Day 2.
Dale Hightower of Mannford, Okla., is in third with 26-7. He caught a Day 1 limit of 13-3 and followed with four bass for 13-4.
Lane Edwards of Paden, Okla., is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 7-4.
Zach Oliver of Coal Hill, Ark., leads the co-angler division with 17-1. His daily weights were 5-10 and 11-7.
Joe Conway of Colorado Springs, Colo., holds the Phoenix Boats Big Bass lead among co-anglers with an 8-2.
Friday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. CT at Nichols Point Boat Ramp. The weigh-in will be held at the same location at 3 p.m.
The City of Eufaula is hosting the tournament.
2025 Bassmaster Nation Series Title Sponsor: Mercury
2025 Bassmaster Nation Series Presenting Sponsor: Lowrance
2025 Bassmaster Nation Series Platinum Sponsors: Progressive, Toyota
2025 Bassmaster Nation Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster Nation Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Triton Boats, VMC, Yokohama
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
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2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Lake Eufaula presented by Lowrance 4/9-4/11
Lake Eufaula, Eufaula OK.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Ian Leybas Mcalester, OK 7 30-07 0
Day 1: 2 10-10 Day 2: 5 19-13
2. Kelley Hudson Graham, TX 9 28-05 0
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 4 13-10
3. Dale Hightower Mannford, OK 9 26-07 0
Day 1: 5 13-03 Day 2: 4 13-04
4. Brian Jones Magnolia, TX 9 25-14 0
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 4 12-13
5. Mick Pageler Tonto Basin, AZ 9 24-05 0
Day 1: 4 10-01 Day 2: 5 14-04
6. Wyatt Ryan Ada, OK 7 23-11 0
Day 1: 2 07-01 Day 2: 5 16-10
7. Paul Browning Monahans, TX 6 23-07 0
Day 1: 2 07-13 Day 2: 4 15-10
8. Chad Warren Sand Springs, OK 8 20-04 0
Day 1: 3 08-06 Day 2: 5 11-14
9. Robert Degraffenreid Oklahoma Cty, OK 7 20-02 0
Day 1: 2 08-03 Day 2: 5 11-15
10. Brandon Mosley Harrah, OK 6 19-15 0
Day 1: 1 02-12 Day 2: 5 17-03
11. Jaret Rushing Hampton, AR 7 19-14 0
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 2 05-12
12. Jared Knuth Wahoo, NE 8 19-12 0
Day 1: 4 08-15 Day 2: 4 10-13
13. Lane Edwards Paden, OK 7 19-11 0
Day 1: 3 06-02 Day 2: 4 13-09
14. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 5 19-02 0
Day 1: 1 02-07 Day 2: 4 16-11
15. Josh Cruse Pocahontas, AR 6 18-12 0
Day 1: 5 14-08 Day 2: 1 04-04
16. Chase Washburn Shawnee, OK 5 17-13 0
Day 1: 3 10-08 Day 2: 2 07-05
17. Jeff Lugar Princeton, TX 6 17-03 0
Day 1: 4 10-15 Day 2: 2 06-04
18. Brandon Soliz Robert Lee, TX 5 16-05 0
Day 1: 3 07-05 Day 2: 2 09-00
19. Travis Merritt Jr Iowa, LA 5 16-01 0
Day 1: 2 07-08 Day 2: 3 08-09
20. James Mcallister McAlester, OK 6 15-14 0
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 1 01-14
21. Dustin Hartzer Mc Cook, NE 3 15-12 0 $903.00
Day 1: 1 06-06 Day 2: 2 09-06
22. Gary Bowien Benton, AR 6 15-10 0 $903.00
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 1 02-05
23. Doug Chapin Tigerton, WI 6 15-07 0 $903.00
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 1 02-01
24. Cody Bird Granbury, TX 6 14-08 0 $903.00
Day 1: 1 02-07 Day 2: 5 12-01
25. Jason Slagstad Cameron, WI 4 13-15 0 $903.00
Day 1: 1 02-10 Day 2: 3 11-05
26. Jason Citta Hershey, NE 6 13-15 0 $831.00
Day 1: 2 03-08 Day 2: 4 10-07
27. Dillon Roberts Oologah, OK 4 13-11 0 $831.00
Day 1: 2 08-04 Day 2: 2 05-07
28. Zane Ridpath Gretna, NE 6 13-06 0 $831.00
Day 1: 3 05-07 Day 2: 3 07-15
29. Robert Brieden Marion, TX 3 13-04 0 $831.00
Day 1: 2 08-15 Day 2: 1 04-05
30. Keltyn Hendrix Washington, OK 5 13-03 0 $831.00
Day 1: 3 07-12 Day 2: 2 05-07
31. Albert Earl White Apple Springs, TX 4 13-01 0 $831.00
Day 1: 3 09-13 Day 2: 1 03-04
32. Bradley Sullivan Shawnee, OK 6 13-01 0 $831.00
Day 1: 4 09-01 Day 2: 2 04-00
33. Rich Risewick Norton, KS 3 12-14 0 $831.00
Day 1: 2 08-03 Day 2: 1 04-11
34. Ben Burk Norman, OK 5 12-13 0 $831.00
Day 1: 5 12-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
34. Michael Stranz Edmond, OK 5 12-13 0 $831.00
Day 1: 5 12-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
36. Jason Howland Albert Lea, MN 5 12-10 0 $831.00
Day 1: 2 04-12 Day 2: 3 07-14
37. Logan Bullinger Bismarck, ND 7 12-09 0 $831.00
Day 1: 4 07-14 Day 2: 3 04-11
38. Dave Cavell Prairieville, LA 5 12-07 0 $831.00
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
39. Hunter Stanley Mustang, OK 5 12-06 0 $831.00
Day 1: 2 03-08 Day 2: 3 08-14
40. Andrew Behnke Fond Du Lac, WI 4 12-04 0 $831.00
Day 1: 3 08-06 Day 2: 1 03-14
41. Grayson Morrow San Angelo, TX 3 11-06 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 11-06
42. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR 3 11-02 0
Day 1: 2 06-11 Day 2: 1 04-07
43. Lance Crawford Broken Bow, OK 5 10-15 0
Day 1: 4 09-03 Day 2: 1 01-12
44. Shawn Clark Afton, OK 4 10-15 0
Day 1: 2 04-04 Day 2: 2 06-11
45. Keagan Brady Bartlesville, OK 5 10-09 0
Day 1: 4 08-04 Day 2: 1 02-05
46. Drew Porto III Greenbrier, AR 4 10-07 0
Day 1: 2 04-15 Day 2: 2 05-08
47. Aaron Brewer Clovis, NM 3 10-06 0
Day 1: 3 10-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
48. Nathaniel Melgaard Elk Mound, WI 5 10-03 0
Day 1: 3 06-08 Day 2: 2 03-11
49. Matt Jurcin Pueblo, CO 4 10-03 0
Day 1: 2 06-01 Day 2: 2 04-02
50. Chris Johnson Farmington, AR 4 10-00 0
Day 1: 1 02-03 Day 2: 3 07-13
51. Michael Louviere New Iberia, LA 3 09-14 0
Day 1: 2 05-15 Day 2: 1 03-15
52. Brock Belik Orchard, NE 3 09-09 0
Day 1: 1 03-05 Day 2: 2 06-04
53. Jacob Sepeda Paradise, TX 4 09-06 0
Day 1: 3 06-14 Day 2: 1 02-08
54. Hunter Neuville New Iberia, LA 5 09-03 0
Day 1: 1 01-14 Day 2: 4 07-05
55. Matthew Lipari Patterson, LA 4 08-14 0
Day 1: 2 03-05 Day 2: 2 05-09
56. Nathan Pratt Albuquerque, NM 3 08-13 0
Day 1: 2 06-04 Day 2: 1 02-09
57. Salvador Garcia Gravette, AR 4 08-10 0
Day 1: 2 05-08 Day 2: 2 03-02
58. Ron Shaw Norman, OK 3 08-07 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 08-07
59. Trevor Scott Windsor, CO 3 08-07 0
Day 1: 1 03-01 Day 2: 2 05-06
60. Mark Watson Victoria, TX 3 08-03 0
Day 1: 2 03-13 Day 2: 1 04-06
61. Greg Cooper Monroe City, MO 2 08-01 0
Day 1: 1 06-01 Day 2: 1 02-00
62. Skyler Koury Phoenix, AZ 2 07-15 0
Day 1: 1 05-13 Day 2: 1 02-02
63. Austin Cranford Moore, OK 4 07-12 0
Day 1: 3 05-15 Day 2: 1 01-13
64. Casey Welch Aurora, CO 2 07-11 0
Day 1: 1 06-01 Day 2: 1 01-10
65. Kazuki Kitajima Corinth, TX 4 07-11 0
Day 1: 2 03-15 Day 2: 2 03-12
66. Teddy Granier Thibodaux, LA 2 07-10 0
Day 1: 1 03-10 Day 2: 1 04-00
67. Joshua Teply Harrah, OK 4 07-07 0
Day 1: 4 07-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
68. Tye Grissom Austin, TX 3 07-07 0
Day 1: 3 07-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
69. Eric Ledger Council Bluffs, IA 3 07-07 0
Day 1: 2 04-11 Day 2: 1 02-12
70. Jesse Parks Goodyear, AZ 4 07-06 0
Day 1: 4 07-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
71. Charles Williams Mannford, OK 3 07-04 0
Day 1: 3 07-04 Day 2: 0 00-00
72. Neil Raedel Colorado Springs, CO 3 07-01 0
Day 1: 1 02-06 Day 2: 2 04-11
73. Trevis Unger Benton, KS 3 06-15 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 06-15
74. Jeff Clark Van Buren, AR 2 06-13 0
Day 1: 2 06-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
75. Chris Stephenson Broken Arrow, OK 3 06-13 0
Day 1: 1 02-07 Day 2: 2 04-06
76. Matt Dobson Edmond, OK 2 06-08 0
Day 1: 1 01-13 Day 2: 1 04-11
77. Eli Brumnett Wagoner, OK 3 06-08 0
Day 1: 2 03-15 Day 2: 1 02-09
78. Randy Campbell Tijeras, NM 2 06-07 0
Day 1: 2 06-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
79. Jeremy Tibben Stanton, IA 3 06-06 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 06-06
80. Austin ODell Cushing , OK 3 06-05 0
Day 1: 3 06-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
81. Jared Melanson Lake Havasu City, AZ 2 06-05 0
Day 1: 2 06-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
82. Malcolm Smith Saint Amant, LA 3 06-03 0
Day 1: 2 03-06 Day 2: 1 02-13
83. Austin Monroe Albuquerque, NM 2 06-02 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 06-02
84. Heath Watkins Heavener, OK 1 06-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 06-00
85. Michael Furgerson Claremore, OK 3 05-15 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 05-15
86. Richard Everest Hobbs, NM 3 05-15 0
Day 1: 1 02-00 Day 2: 2 03-15
87. Dust'n Overton Moore, OK 3 05-14 0
Day 1: 3 05-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
88. Larry Dugger Pottsville, AR 1 05-13 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 05-13
89. Andrew Wren Wylie, TX 2 05-12 0
Day 1: 1 03-01 Day 2: 1 02-11
90. Jake Capps Fort Gibson, OK 2 05-11 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 05-11
91. Chad Nolan Muldrow, OK 2 05-04 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 05-04
92. Shane Pickett Rose Hill, KS 4 04-15 0
Day 1: 2 04-15 Day 2: 2 00-00
93. Jerry Lovell Harrison, AR 2 04-15 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 04-15
94. Dean Roberts Lake Charles, LA 2 04-12 0
Day 1: 1 01-08 Day 2: 1 03-04
95. Ronnie Duncan Hampton, AR 2 04-11 0
Day 1: 1 02-01 Day 2: 1 02-10
96. Justin Hallmark Burnet, TX 2 04-10 0
Day 1: 2 04-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
97. Paul Tabisz Clarkston, MI 2 04-09 0
Day 1: 1 01-15 Day 2: 1 02-10
98. Kellen Davis Stigler, OK 2 04-08 0
Day 1: 2 04-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
99. Steve Lund Cave Creek, AZ 2 04-06 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 04-06
100. Marshall Brown Smithville, MO 1 04-05 0
Day 1: 1 04-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
101. Troy Stinson Falcon, CO 2 04-05 0
Day 1: 1 02-02 Day 2: 1 02-03
102. Cade Laufenberg Onalaska, WI 2 04-02 0
Day 1: 2 04-02 Day 2: 0 00-00
103. Terry Cooper Hamburg, IA 2 04-01 0
Day 1: 2 04-01 Day 2: 0 00-00
104. Ryan Rodgers Perry, OK 2 04-01 0
Day 1: 1 01-11 Day 2: 1 02-06
105. Zachery Fowler Konawa, OK 2 04-00 0
Day 1: 2 04-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
105. Tyler Frahm Kirbyville, MO 2 04-00 0
Day 1: 2 04-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
105. Paul Kremers Clarksville, AR 2 04-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 04-00
108. Scotty Easter Garfield, AR 2 03-15 0
Day 1: 2 03-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
109. Jacob Altman Edgewood, TX 1 03-15 0
Day 1: 1 03-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
110. Reed Fredrick Mount Horeb, WI 2 03-14 0
Day 1: 2 03-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
110. Mark Sloan Harrison, AR 2 03-14 0
Day 1: 2 03-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
112. Michael Wooten Goodlettsville, TN 1 03-14 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 03-14
113. Brian Stangel Albuquerque, NM 1 03-12 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 03-12
114. Darin Anderson Sand Springs, OK 2 03-10 0
Day 1: 2 03-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
115. Kollin Crawford Broken Bow, OK 1 03-09 0
Day 1: 1 03-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
115. Josh Giroldi Beachville Ontario CANA 1 03-09 0
Day 1: 1 03-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
115. Michael Henager Harrah, OK 1 03-09 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 03-09
118. Clifton Duvall Russellville, AR 1 03-07 0
Day 1: 1 03-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
119. Pat Klausen Lincoln, NE 2 03-05 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 03-05
120. Mike Carter Shawnee, OK 1 03-05 0
Day 1: 1 03-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
120. Dewey Larson Fayetteville, AR 1 03-05 0
Day 1: 1 03-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
122. Ricardo Guzman Farmington, MO 1 03-03 0
Day 1: 1 03-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
123. Richard Wilson Lubbock, TX 2 03-02 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 03-02
124. Kelly Burns Avondale, AZ 1 03-00 0
Day 1: 1 03-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
125. Charles Coger Robert Lee, TX 1 02-15 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-15
125. Jeremy Fuentes Carlsbad, NM 1 02-15 0
Day 1: 1 02-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
127. Nobuyuki Terajima Hermitage, TN 1 02-12 0
Day 1: 1 02-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
128. Mason Gillihan Manchester, IA 1 02-11 0
Day 1: 1 02-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
129. David Chase Las Cruces, NM 1 02-10 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-10
129. Alan Daniels Kansas City, KS 1 02-10 0
Day 1: 1 02-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
129. Happy Johnson Santa Fe, NM 1 02-10 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-10
129. Ronnie Provence Canehill, AR 1 02-10 0
Day 1: 1 02-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
129. Dalton Ross Gravette, AR 1 02-10 0
Day 1: 1 02-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
134. Chris Kingree Inverness, FL 1 02-09 0
Day 1: 1 02-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
135. Bob Glasgow Omaha, NE 1 02-08 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-08
136. Scotty Villines Compton, AR 1 02-04 0
Day 1: 1 02-04 Day 2: 0 00-00
136. Jack Webb Trempealeau, WI 1 02-04 0
Day 1: 1 02-04 Day 2: 0 00-00
136. Wyatt Wisian Ardmore, OK 1 02-04 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-04
139. Kris Bosley Amarillo, TX 1 02-02 0
Day 1: 1 02-02 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Nathan Bourque Prairieville, LA 1 02-00 0
Day 1: 1 02-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Tai Hunt Denver, CO 1 02-00 0
Day 1: 1 02-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
142. Bryan Hulsey Troy, MO 1 01-15 0
Day 1: 1 01-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
142. Joel Porter Yates Center, KS 1 01-15 0
Day 1: 1 01-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
144. Jared Miller Norman, OK 1 01-13 0
Day 1: 1 01-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
145. Keith Allen Okemah, OK 1 01-12 0
Day 1: 1 01-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
146. Kris Lee Coweta, OK 1 01-11 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-11
147. Bobby Martin Castle Rock, CO 1 01-10 0
Day 1: 1 01-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
147. Brian Reeves Clarksville, AR 1 01-10 0
Day 1: 1 01-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
149. Michael Hargraves Seguin, TX 1 01-08 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-08
149. Terry Reich Willis, TX 1 01-08 0
Day 1: 1 01-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Tony Baldridge Oklahoma City, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Wes Beck Searcy, AR 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Matt Brown II Broken Arrow, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Nic Conger Fort Smith, AR 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Rodney Copeland Sallisaw, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Clayton Coppin Muskogee, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Hunter Crossland Midland, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Caleb Eaton Branson, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Bates Enmeier Springdale, AR 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Bryan Finch Belton, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Dave Garrett Trinidad, CO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Ronald Giebel Penrose, CO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Don Glick Zurich, KS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Darren Hahne Ottawa, IL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Michael Hamilton Midwest City, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Ryan Heavener Tulsa, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Mike Hill Carlsbad, NM 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Michael Humm Plattsmouth, NE 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. River Lee Diboll, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Cory Leita Victoria, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Dave McCoy Plattsmouth, NE 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Michael Messall Bismarck, ND 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Chris Miller Spirit Lake, IA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Richard Minyard Mustang, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Sam Mitchell Kiowa, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Jin Nguyen Kansas City, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Chris Ogan Bixby, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Joshua Palma Surprise, AZ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Brad Ragsdale Fairland, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Royce Scheetz Lubbock, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Chad Schmidt Clearwater, KS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Justin Shepard Lansing, IA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. John Soukup Sapulpa, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Michael Stephens Vian, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Kirk Stickler Eden, UT 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Ron Strickland Pueblo West, CO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Daniel Vigil Trinidad, CO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Bruce Webb Yorkville, IL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Marty Whisnant Gainesville, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. Justin Yenter Stevens Point, WI 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 11 266 696-11
2 7 207 588-03
------------------------------
18 473 1284-14
2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Lake Eufaula presented by Lowrance 4/9-4/11
Lake Eufaula, Eufaula OK.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Zach Oliver Coal Hill, AR 6 17-01 0
Day 1: 3 05-10 Day 2: 3 11-07
2. Joe Conway Colorado Springs, CO 4 16-13 0
Day 1: 1 02-04 Day 2: 3 14-09
3. Eric Englebretson Chickasha, OK 4 13-04 0
Day 1: 1 02-09 Day 2: 3 10-11
4. Randy Benham Sherwood, AR 5 13-04 0
Day 1: 3 05-15 Day 2: 2 07-05
5. Gene Mitchell Stuart, OK 3 13-03 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 13-03
6. Jeff Nolte Shawnee, KS 5 12-12 0
Day 1: 3 05-06 Day 2: 2 07-06
7. Timothy Soli Warr Acres, OK 4 12-10 0
Day 1: 1 03-03 Day 2: 3 09-07
8. Zack Holt Yukon, OK 5 12-06 0
Day 1: 3 09-05 Day 2: 2 03-01
9. Colten Hutson Edmond, OK 6 12-06 0
Day 1: 3 06-06 Day 2: 3 06-00
10. David Zak San Angelo, TX 4 12-04 0
Day 1: 3 10-08 Day 2: 1 01-12
11. Larry Green Splendora, TX 4 12-02 0
Day 1: 2 05-12 Day 2: 2 06-06
12. Trey Clement Thibodaux, LA 5 11-13 0
Day 1: 3 07-11 Day 2: 2 04-02
13. Josh Thalman Saratoga Springs, UT 5 11-00 0
Day 1: 2 05-05 Day 2: 3 05-11
14. Aaron Baldridge Moore, OK 4 10-15 0
Day 1: 3 05-13 Day 2: 1 05-02
15. Ernie Villa Midland, TX 4 10-06 0
Day 1: 3 07-06 Day 2: 1 03-00
16. Greg Dennis Pilot Point, TX 4 10-02 0
Day 1: 3 08-03 Day 2: 1 01-15
17. Bryan Schuster Oklahoma City, OK 4 09-07 0
Day 1: 3 06-04 Day 2: 1 03-03
18. Tom Parks Prescott Valley, AZ 3 09-05 0
Day 1: 1 03-12 Day 2: 2 05-09
19. Ricky-Ray Martinez Jr Santa Fe, NM 3 09-00 0
Day 1: 2 07-01 Day 2: 1 01-15
20. Todd Tigar Osage Beach, MO 4 08-10 0
Day 1: 2 05-03 Day 2: 2 03-07
21. Mike Casanova Frisco, TX 3 08-09 0 $300.00
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 08-09
22. Paul Huse Omaha, NE 2 08-03 0 $300.00
Day 1: 1 02-14 Day 2: 1 05-05
23. Chris Nettles Hickory Creek, TX 2 06-13 0 $300.00
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 06-13
24. Ethan Oubre Saint Amant, LA 3 06-12 0 $300.00
Day 1: 1 02-10 Day 2: 2 04-02
25. Jason Campbell Berwick, LA 2 06-03 0 $300.00
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 06-03
26. Logan Farrimond Garden City, MO 2 06-00 0 $300.00
Day 1: 1 03-07 Day 2: 1 02-09
27. Troy Enmeier Enid, OK 2 05-13 0 $300.00
Day 1: 1 02-00 Day 2: 1 03-13
28. Keith Jensen Omaha, NE 2 05-09 0 $300.00
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 05-09
29. Wes Ledbetter Coweta, OK 2 05-07 0 $300.00
Day 1: 2 05-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
30. Jason Gillihan Manchester, IA 2 05-04 0 $300.00
Day 1: 2 05-04 Day 2: 0 00-00
31. Daniel Gentle Papillion, NE 1 05-04 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 05-04
32. Jacob Cooper El Dorado, KS 2 05-00 0
Day 1: 1 02-00 Day 2: 1 03-00
33. Scott Grissom Goodyear, AZ 2 04-15 0
Day 1: 1 02-08 Day 2: 1 02-07
34. Glen Shoemaker Cortland, NE 1 04-11 0
Day 1: 1 04-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
35. Eric Baker Oklahoma City, OK 2 04-07 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 04-07
36. Todd Tobnick Saint Louis, MO 1 04-06 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 04-06
37. Cody Ralph Brighton, CO 1 04-05 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 04-05
38. Wade Roberts Lake Charles, LA 2 03-13 0
Day 1: 2 03-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
39. Chris Jarvis Albuquerque, NM 2 03-11 0
Day 1: 1 02-00 Day 2: 1 01-11
40. Scott Hausman Owasso, OK 2 03-05 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 03-05
41. Richard Muhl Jr Iola, KS 1 03-03 0
Day 1: 1 03-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
42. Macky Bosley III Canyon, TX 1 03-02 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 03-02
42. Hieu Nguyen Stillwater, OK 1 03-02 0
Day 1: 1 03-02 Day 2: 0 00-00
44. John Kozel Leawood, KS 2 03-01 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 03-01
45. Robin Hessling Quincy, IL 1 03-01 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 03-01
46. Angela Messall Bismarck, ND 1 02-14 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-14
47. Mike Clark Spiro, OK 1 02-12 0
Day 1: 1 02-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
48. Grant Bourque Prairieville, LA 1 02-05 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-05
49. Brian Bottenfield Mound, MN 1 02-01 0
Day 1: 1 02-01 Day 2: 0 00-00
49. Harvey Miller Melvin, IA 1 02-01 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-01
51. Glenn Hahn San Antonio, TX 1 02-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-00
51. Rodney Meyer Atkins, AR 1 02-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-00
53. Laura Elkins Amarillo, TX 1 01-15 0
Day 1: 1 01-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
53. Adam Gipson Fort Smith, AR 1 01-15 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-15
53. Joseph Lurkins Jefferson City, MO 1 01-15 0
Day 1: 1 01-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
53. Benjamin Saunders Gardner, KS 1 01-15 0
Day 1: 1 01-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
57. Danny Giacomo Mcalester, OK 1 01-14 0
Day 1: 1 01-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
57. Charles Glorioso II Thibodaux, LA 1 01-14 0
Day 1: 1 01-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
57. Rickey Monroe Edgewood, NM 1 01-14 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-14
57. Ron Price Canon City, CO 1 01-14 0
Day 1: 1 01-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
61. Johnny Bailey Jr Stephens, AR 1 01-13 0
Day 1: 1 01-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
62. James Edmonds III Hot Springs Village, AR 1 01-12 0
Day 1: 1 01-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
62. Billy Ray Plattsmouth, NE 1 01-12 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-12
62. Mark Shields Rogersville, MO 1 01-12 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-12
65. Matheuw Forbes Fort Collins, CO 1 01-11 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-11
65. Tuan Le Kansas City, MO 1 01-11 0
Day 1: 1 01-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
67. Joseph Sciuto Leander, TX 1 01-10 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-10
68. Kevin Joines Choctaw, OK 1 01-08 0
Day 1: 1 01-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
69. David Peltz Albuquerque, NM 1 01-07 0
Day 1: 1 01-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Blaine Acosta Bethany, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Bo Ard Junction, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. James Barber Greenville, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Keith Barnes Fort Gibson, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Brayden Bernard Lake Havasu City, AZ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Brandon Brooks Blue Springs, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Scott Bullinger Bismarck, ND 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Joseph Case Mannford, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Roger Coleman Lincoln, NE 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Joe Conway Colorado Springs, CO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Marion Daniels Kansas City, KS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Koby Davis Fort Collins, CO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Shayne Dupree Haslet, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Jeff Dyess Perry, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Chris Escoe Sand Springs, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Tom Garner Lincoln, NE 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Christopher Gilbert Ozark, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Jagar Halbleib Clovis, NM 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Dennis Hamel Plainville, KS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Douglas Hatcher Clarksville, AR 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Seth Hausman Owasso, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Mike Hill Apache Junction, AZ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Zachary Hutchinson Prairie Grove, AR 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Melissa Jarvis Albuquerque, NM 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Shannon Keiffer-Rose Oakland, IA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Richard Kiblinger Kansas City, KS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Dennis Kotas Milligan, NE 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Mark Lachenauer San Antonio, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Toby Lankford Prairie Grove, AR 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. James Mcdonald Killeen, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Maverick Mosiman Andover, KS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Joseph Palma Goodyear, AZ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. J R Pickett Jr Rose Hill, KS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Paul Pierce Wylie, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Greg Poetz Winsted, MN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Dan Radebaugh Plattsmouth, NE 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Fred Reese Colorado Springs, CO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Amanda Riley Galesville, WI 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Zach Roberts Morris, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Andrew Rutherford Marlin, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Donald Steckline Estes Park, CO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Gabe Trujillo Platteville, CO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Mike Turner Berryton, KS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Steve Weaver Oklahoma City, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 11 74 180-14
2 8 80 228-01
------------------------------
19 154 408-15
University of Montevallo Takes Lead Heading into Final Day at Abu Garcia College Fishing National Championship
DECATUR, Ala. (April 10, 2025) – The 135 best college teams in the country were greeted by a very different Wheeler Lake on Day 2 of the Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI National Championship Presented by Columbia PFG. After Wednesday saw 18 bags of 19 pounds or more hit the scales, only seven teams reached that mark on Friday. As proof of how challenging the bite was, Day 1 leaders Carter and Dylan Nutt – two of the hottest anglers on the Tennessee River at any level – mustered just 9 pounds, 9 ounces after weighing 22-15 a day prior.
Yet Brody Robison and Peyton Sorrow not only replicated their strong Day 1 but exceeded it. The University of Montevallo tandem sacked up 23-9 on Thursday. The biggest bag of the event so far, it boosted their total to 45-1. That vaulted them from fifth place into the lead and gives them a cushion of 2-7 over John Berry and Blake Bullock of Blue Mountain Christian University entering the final day.
Only the Top 10 teams will take the water Friday. All the action will be streamed live on MLFNOW! starting shortly after takeoff at 7 a.m. CT, culminating with the crowning of a new national champion at 1 p.m.
While their weight might not show it, Robison and Sorrow said the fishing wasn’t easy for them, either, which they attributed to less current flowing through the Tennessee River impoundment on Thursday. They only got seven bites all day. Late in the day, though, they caught a 6-1 smallmouth, the biggest fish in their bag. That gave them a clue that they used to fill out their limit.
“We kind of started putting the pieces together, and we got a very big late-day bite, and it kind of put the train back on the wheels, and we just kind of went from there,” Sorrow said. “We were able to cull twice right at the end of the day.”
Conditions that forced the field to grind for bites suited Robison and Sorrow. Sorrow, a junior, said they had a “horrible practice,” during which they caught only three keepers. They were able to find one productive spot, where they caught a limit to start Day 1, and since then, they’ve continued to explore new water.
“Today and yesterday were Days 3 and 4 of practice for us,” Robison said. “We had a place that we scanned and said, ‘Those are probably bass.’ Went and started there, caught our first five there yesterday, and we spent 5 1/2 hours graphing after that during tournament hours just trying to find something to fish today. So, today, we caught everything on new water.”
Robison, a senior who grew up just south of Lake Guntersville, has a bit of experience on Wheeler. In fact, he won a high school state championship on the fishery before he even enrolled in high school, at age 12. That experience has been helpful – not so much in terms of knowing productive spots but because he’s adept at using his electronics to identify bass and baitfish on the Tennessee River.
While the duo didn’t divulge all the details of their pattern, they did note that the presence of gizzard shad has been key.
“We’re basing a lot of what we’re doing on fishing around gizzard shad, and knowing when you’re around gizzard shad – whether it’s using SideScan or DownScan or forward-facing or whatever – as opposed to threadfin helps you with your efficiency,” Robison explained. “You’re not wasting your time fishing bad areas.”
With thunderstorms rolling through the area Thursday evening and strong northwest winds forecast to blow on Championship Friday, Robison and Sorrow are expecting to face different conditions once again. They know they’ll need to find more new water; but at this point, they’re optimistic they can do so.
“We’re going to kind of do what we did yesterday and today,” Sorrow said. “We had a horrible practice and kind of just went fishing on a whim and trusted our instincts and really put the pieces together as the day went along. So, I think that’s what we’re going to do tomorrow. We’re just going to go fish on a whim and trust God’s timing and process, and just kind of see how everything shakes out.”
If Robison and Sorrow can protect their lead, it would mark the second national championship in the past three years for Montevallo. The powerhouse program also has two other teams in the Top 10. A win would also earn each of them a berth in this fall’s Toyota Series Championship, where the higher finisher will win a trip to REDCREST 2026.
While neither Robison (who has competed in one previous national championship) nor Sorrow (a national championship first-timer) has lifted a trophy of this magnitude before, they have a pretty good idea what it would mean. Robison lives with Peyton Harris and Dalton Head, who won the Falcons’ 2023 national championship on the Kissimmee Chain.
“To bring back another to our house would be really cool,” Robison said, “and to bring back another to the program, it’s an awesome opportunity.”
The top 10 teams advancing to Championship Friday at the Abu Garcia College Fishing National Championship Presented by Columbia PFG on Wheeler Lake are:
1st: University of Montevallo – Brody Robison, Dawson, Ala., and Peyton Sorrow, Abbeville, S.C., 10 bass, 45-1
2nd: Blue Mountain Christian University – John Berry, Mount Olive, Miss., and Blake Bullock, Seminary, Miss., 10 bass, 42-10
3rd: University of Montevallo – Nicholas Dumke, Grand Rapids, Minn., 10 bass, 39-12
4th: University of North Alabama – Tripp Berlinsky, Florence, Ala., and Bryce DiMauro, Longwood, Fla., 10 bass, 38-12
5th: McKendree University – Ethan Fields, Breese, Ill., and Jaxson Freeman, Loda, Ill., 10 bass, 38-0
6th: Carson-Newman University – Szymon Piton, Orland Park, Ill., and Riley Faulkner, Jacksboro, Tenn., 10 bass, 36-13
7th: University of Alabama – Cooper Gilroy, Middlebury, Ct., and Hayden O’Barr, Scottsboro, Ala., 10 bass, 36-3
8th: Northwestern State University – Drake Wadsworth, Frierson, La., and Stone Smith, Shreveport, La., 10 bass, 35-15
9th: University of Montevallo – Brenton Godwin, Stapleton, Ala., and Hunter Odom, Chunchula, Ala., 10 bass, 35-13
10th: Carson-Newman University – Nicholas Dellaporta, Pequannock, N.J., and Drew Pitts, Lutz, Fla., 10 bass, 34-9
For a full list of results, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 567 bass weighing 1,588 pounds, 14 ounces caught by 125 teams on Thursday. The catch included 99 five-bass limits.
The top 10 teams will take off from Ingalls Harbor, located at 701 Market St. NW, in Decatur at 7 a.m. CT on Friday. Weigh-ins will be held at the Harbor starting at 3 p.m. and will be livestreamed daily. Fans are welcome to attend the event or tune in to the weigh-in and follow the online coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Hosted by Decatur Morgan County Tourism, the 16th annual College Fishing National Championship features 135 teams of the nation’s best collegiate anglers competing for a $43,500 prize package, including a new Phoenix 518 pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard, an additional $10,000 and the chance to advance to the 2025 Toyota Series Championship and REDCREST 2026 – MLF’s most prestigious championship – to fish for top prizes of $235,000 and $300,000, respectively.
The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and Rob Newell will break down the extended action on Championship Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. CT. MLFNOW!® will be livestreamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.
The MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI 2024 season featured college teams from across the country competing in nine regular-season tournaments. The top 12 percent of teams from each regular-season tournament qualified to compete in this event, the 2025 Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI National Championship
Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Columbia PFG, Deep Dive App, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Humminbird, Lew’s, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota , WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular College Fishing updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Welcher whacks them on Day 1 at Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound
April 10, 2025
ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — Bites were hard to come by for Kyle Welcher during practice for the St. Croix Bassmaster Elite at Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound. He received only seven keeper bites on Day 1, but they resulted in the best bag of the day.
The 2023 Progressive Angler of the Year caught a limit of largemouth weighing 30 pounds, 11 ounces to take the Day 1 lead in eastern North Carolina. He anchored his impressive performance with three 7-pounders and a 6-pounder.
The Alabama native holds a nearly 7-pound lead over second-place Easton Fothergill.
“It was very fortunate,” he said. “My practice was terrible. I was really struggling with the confidence to catch a limit. The second one I caught was a 7-pounder, and that was the key to the puzzle for today. I’ve got a little clue now.”
After several cold nights to end practice, sunny and windy conditions persisted over the Albemarle Sound on Thursday. Navigating to the many rivers that flow into the Sound proved challenging for anglers, and the colder weather made the bite stingier than anticipated. Even with the tough bite, 71 limits were caught.
Welcher’s best day in practice produced five to six bites, none as big as what he received on Day 1, and on the final day of practice he caught just two keepers.
“I didn’t get a good feel for the place, but something was telling me to go to this one area. That is where I went today,” Welcher said. “I really don’t know what changed.”
When he arrived in that one area today, he found the big ones waiting. Welcher landed two of his bigger bites when he first arrived at his area before suffering a long lull. After trying to adjust with little success, he returned to the same spot he landed his first two bites and caught his third quality keeper.
“I started making adjustments and caught one small keeper,” Welcher said. “I abandoned those adjustments and went back to the area I caught the two big ones and caught another one. After I had those three big ones, I knew I had a good day going and I went looking for new water and caught another big one.”
All of his bites came doing the same thing; flipping a CrushCity Bronco Bug in shallow water. The deepest bass he landed came in around 5 feet of water. Welcher believes he landed mostly prespawn largemouth on Day 1.
“A big chunk of the ones I’m catching are prespawn,” he said. “Just by how they look. They are really fat and really pretty. I had to slow down a lot today.”
In order to win this tournament, Welcher imagines he will have to continue to find new areas to fish. With how few bites he is getting, however, maximizing his area will also be incredibly important.
“I don’t think where I caught them today will reload enough for multiple days, but it is so hard to get a bite here that you have to stay in (the areas you get bites),” Welcher said.
Fothergill, meanwhile, made a key adjustment to catch his 23-13 limit on Thursday. He anchored his bag with a 6 ½-pound largemouth.
Coming off his victory at the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour at Lake Ray Roberts, Fothergill started his tournament in the Pasquotank River and caught one keeper before moving to one of the other rivers later in the day.
“It was an awesome day,” the Grand Rapids, Minn., native said. “I started shallow throwing a buzzbait, plopper and swim jig and completely switched it up. I went finesse on them. I knew they were still there, I just had to switch it up to get them to bite.”
When the power-fishing baits did not produce, he switched to a drop shot, which landed the majority of his keeper bites.
“I had to slow down to get the big ones to bite,” he said.
In practice, Fothergill found plenty of bass on the bed, but when he arrived at those areas today, he found them high and dry. The water temperature also dropped, which he feels moved some of those bass away from the bed.
“I have a mix of prespawn and postspawners. A lot of them I’m catching are beat up and have bloody tails. My 6 ½ was a prespawner. It is kind of all over the board,” Fothergill said. “The water dropped a bunch. I caught a 7 accidentally off of a bed in practice, and that bed is now dry.”
Forward-facing sonar played an important role in his success on Day 1, but when the water was higher, it played very little.
Reigning Dakota Lithium Elite Series Angler of the Year Trey McKinney is in third with 23-7. The Carbondale, Ill., pro started in an area where he received a lot of bites on the final day of practice. On Day 1, he landed 30 keepers and 11 pounds by 11 a.m., but didn’t get his bigger bites until the afternoon.
“Once I started picking it apart, I started getting quality bites,” McKinney said. “I switched the type of bank I was going down. I started fishing a slow, tapering bank in the afternoon instead of a steep drop. Once I did that, I went from 11 pounds to 23 pounds (quickly).”
A prototype jig produced the majority of his bites. His biggest bass of the day was a postspawner, while several others were either prespawners or spawning.
Huntington, Texas, pro Keith Combs landed the Big Bass of the Day, an 8-2 largemouth that anchored his 15-12 Day 1 limit.
Sylacauga, Ala., pro David Gaston leads the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings currently with 259 points. Brookville, Ind., veteran Bill Lowen and Plover, Wis., pro Jay Przekurat are tied for second with 256 points followed by California’s Bryant Smith in fourth with 250 points and Florida’s John Cox in fifth with 249 points.
The full field of 102 pros will launch from Waterfront Park beginning at 7 a.m. ET and return for weigh-in at 3 p.m. The Top 50 anglers after the Day 2 weigh-in will advance to Semifinal Saturday before the Top 10 anglers compete on Championship Sunday for the top prize of $100,000.
Bassmaster LIVE coverage of the 2025 Bassmaster Elite at Pasquotank River will be available on Bassmaster.com on Day 2 starting at 8 a.m. ET and ending at 3 p.m. FS1 will carry the morning action on Day 3 from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. before moving to Bassmaster.com in the afternoon. Championship Sunday coverage will be broadcast on FS1 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Visit Elizabeth City is hosting the tournament.
2025 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Progressive, Toyota
2025 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Triton Boats, VMC, Yokohama
About St. Croix Rod
Headquartered in Park Falls, Wisconsin, St. Croix has been proudly crafting the “Best Rods on Earth” for over 75 years. Combining state-of-the-art manufacturing processes with skilled craftsmanship, St. Croix is the only major American producer to still build rods entirely from design through manufacturing. The company remains family-owned and operates duplicate manufacturing facilities in Park Falls and Fresnillo, Mexico. With popular trademarked series such as Legend®, Legend Xtreme®, Avid®, Premier®, Imperial®, Triumph® and Mojo, St. Croix is revered by all types of anglers from around the world. The St. Croix Family of Brands includes St. Croix Rod, SEVIIN Reels, St. Croix Fly and Rod Geeks.
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
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2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Elite at Pasquotank River 4/10-4/13
Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound , Elizabeth City NC.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Kyle Welcher Valley, AL 5 30-11 104
Day 1: 5 30-11
2. Easton Fothergill Grand Rapids , MN 5 23-13 103
Day 1: 5 23-13
3. Trey McKinney Carbondale, IL 5 23-07 102
Day 1: 5 23-07
4. Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 5 18-12 101
Day 1: 5 18-12
5. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 5 18-10 100
Day 1: 5 18-10
6. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 5 18-05 99
Day 1: 5 18-05
7. Tyler Williams Belgrade, ME 5 17-14 98
Day 1: 5 17-14
8. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 17-07 97
Day 1: 5 17-07
9. Bob Downey Detroit Lakes, MN 5 17-03 96
Day 1: 5 17-03
10. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 5 16-14 95
Day 1: 5 16-14
11. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 5 16-13 94
Day 1: 5 16-13
12. Kyle Patrick Cooperstown, NY 5 16-11 93
Day 1: 5 16-11
13. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 5 16-08 92
Day 1: 5 16-08
14. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 5 16-06 91
Day 1: 5 16-06
15. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TN AUSTRALIA 5 16-05 90
Day 1: 5 16-05
16. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 5 16-03 89
Day 1: 5 16-03
17. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 5 16-01 88
Day 1: 5 16-01
18. Kenta Kimura Osaka OK JAPAN 5 15-15 87
Day 1: 5 15-15
18. Cody Meyer Eagle, ID 5 15-15 87
Day 1: 5 15-15
20. Kyoya Fujita Yamanashi CA JAPAN 5 15-13 85
Day 1: 5 15-13
21. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 5 15-12 84 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-12
21. Tucker Smith Birmingham, AL 5 15-12 84
Day 1: 5 15-12
23. Seth Feider Elko New Market, MN 5 15-06 82
Day 1: 5 15-06
24. JT Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 5 15-04 81
Day 1: 5 15-04
25. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 5 15-03 80
Day 1: 5 15-03
26. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 5 15-00 79
Day 1: 5 15-00
27. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 5 14-09 78
Day 1: 5 14-09
27. Jay Przekurat Plover, WI 5 14-09 78
Day 1: 5 14-09
29. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 5 13-15 76
Day 1: 5 13-15
30. Logan Parks Auburn, AL 5 13-14 75
Day 1: 5 13-14
31. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 5 13-09 74
Day 1: 5 13-09
32. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 5 13-07 73
Day 1: 5 13-07
33. Cory Johnston Otonabee CANADA 5 13-06 72
Day 1: 5 13-06
33. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 5 13-06 72
Day 1: 5 13-06
35. Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 4 13-03 70
Day 1: 4 13-03
36. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 5 13-01 69
Day 1: 5 13-01
37. Patrick Walters Eutawville, SC 5 12-15 68
Day 1: 5 12-15
38. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 4 12-13 67
Day 1: 4 12-13
39. Jake Whitaker Hendersonville, NC 5 12-12 66
Day 1: 5 12-12
40. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 5 12-09 65
Day 1: 5 12-09
40. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 5 12-09 65
Day 1: 5 12-09
42. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 5 12-08 63
Day 1: 5 12-08
43. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 5 12-06 62
Day 1: 5 12-06
44. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 5 12-03 61
Day 1: 5 12-03
45. Dakota Ebare Brookeland, TX 5 12-00 60
Day 1: 5 12-00
46. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 11-15 59
Day 1: 5 11-15
47. John Cox Debary, FL 5 11-14 58
Day 1: 5 11-14
48. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 5 11-11 57
Day 1: 5 11-11
49. Taku Ito Dalton GA JAPAN 5 11-08 56
Day 1: 5 11-08
50. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 4 11-07 55
Day 1: 4 11-07
51. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 5 11-06 54
Day 1: 5 11-06
51. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 5 11-06 54
Day 1: 5 11-06
53. Will Davis Jr Sylacauga, AL 5 11-04 52
Day 1: 5 11-04
54. Cliff Pace Ovett, MS 5 11-00 51
Day 1: 5 11-00
55. Beau Browning Hot Springs National Pa 5 10-11 50
Day 1: 5 10-11
55. Cooper Gallant Bowmanville Ontario CAN 5 10-11 50
Day 1: 5 10-11
57. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 5 10-10 48
Day 1: 5 10-10
58. Chris Zaldain Boyd, TX 5 10-09 47
Day 1: 5 10-09
59. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 5 10-08 46
Day 1: 5 10-08
60. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 5 10-06 45
Day 1: 5 10-06
61. Matty Wong Honolulu, HI 5 10-03 44
Day 1: 5 10-03
62. Jonathan Kelley Old Forge, PA 5 10-02 43
Day 1: 5 10-02
63. Jeff Gustafson Kenora, ON Ontario CANA 5 09-15 42
Day 1: 5 09-15
63. Cody Huff Ava, MO 5 09-15 42
Day 1: 5 09-15
63. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 5 09-15 42
Day 1: 5 09-15
66. Logan Latuso Gonzales, LA 5 09-13 39
Day 1: 5 09-13
67. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 5 09-09 38
Day 1: 5 09-09
68. Emil Wagner Marietta, GA 5 09-07 37
Day 1: 5 09-07
69. John Garrett Union City, TN 4 09-07 36
Day 1: 4 09-07
70. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 4 09-05 35
Day 1: 4 09-05
71. Blake Capps Muskogee, OK 5 09-02 34
Day 1: 5 09-02
72. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 5 08-14 33
Day 1: 5 08-14
72. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 5 08-14 33
Day 1: 5 08-14
74. Wes Logan Springville, AL 5 08-11 31
Day 1: 5 08-11
75. Jordan Lee Cullman, AL 5 08-09 30
Day 1: 5 08-09
76. Cole Sands Johnson City, TN 4 08-07 29
Day 1: 4 08-07
76. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 4 08-07 29
Day 1: 4 08-07
78. Andrew Loberg Guntersville, AL 4 08-00 27
Day 1: 4 08-00
78. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 4 08-00 27
Day 1: 4 08-00
80. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 5 07-11 25
Day 1: 5 07-11
81. Jason Christie Dry Creek, OK 3 07-03 24
Day 1: 3 07-03
82. Kyle Norsetter Cottage Grove, WI 4 07-01 23
Day 1: 4 07-01
83. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 3 07-01 22
Day 1: 3 07-01
84. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 4 07-00 21
Day 1: 4 07-00
85. Buddy Gross Chattanooga, TN 4 06-12 20
Day 1: 4 06-12
86. Robert Gee Knoxville, TN 2 06-12 19
Day 1: 2 06-12
87. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 2 06-06 18
Day 1: 2 06-06
88. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 3 05-13 17
Day 1: 3 05-13
89. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 3 05-11 16
Day 1: 3 05-11
90. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 2 05-09 15
Day 1: 2 05-09
91. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 3 05-00 14
Day 1: 3 05-00
92. Bryan New Leesville, SC 2 04-06 13
Day 1: 2 04-06
93. Wesley Gore Clanton, AL 2 04-03 12
Day 1: 2 04-03
94. Paul Marks Cumming, GA 2 03-06 11
Day 1: 2 03-06
95. Ben Milliken Omaha, NE 2 02-14 10
Day 1: 2 02-14
96. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 2 02-12 9
Day 1: 2 02-12
97. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 1 02-05 8
Day 1: 1 02-05
98. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 1 02-03 7
Day 1: 1 02-03
99. Timothy Dube Nashua , NH 1 01-05 6
Day 1: 1 01-05
100. Evan Kung Pickering Ontario CANAD 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
100. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
100. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Keith Combs Huntington, TX 08-02 $1,000.00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 71 437 1150-07
------------------------------
71 437 1150-07
Alabama’s Fisher Anaya Catches 24-8 on Final Day to Win MLF Toyota Series at Kentucky-Barkley Lakes
GILBERTSVILLE, Ky. (April 10, 2025) – Going into the final day of the Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats Plains Division event on Kentucky Lake, Camden, Tennessee, pro Sam Lashlee held a pretty solid lead over Fisher Anaya of Eva, Alabama, and the rest of the field. And, running far south yet again, Lashlee didn’t give it way – he rustled up 20 pounds, 3 ounces, more than enough to protect his lead from most charges.
But Anaya’s surge wasn’t typical. Blasting 24 pounds, 8 ounces – the biggest bag of the tournament – the 19-year-old pro slid up one place to earn the trophy. With a 62-14 total, Anaya expertly rolled with a dynamic fishery to pocket $39,545 for his efforts.
After a few close calls, the win is Anaya’s first with MLF. Back-to-back Toyota Series events have now been won by teenagers, as Dylan Quilatan prevailed recently at the Harris Chain. Finishing second, Lashlee totaled an even 62 pounds. Between them, Anaya and Lashlee far outstripped the field, as Blake Schroeder finished third with 51-14.
If you’re going to have an unbelievable day of fishing, there’s hardly a better day for it than the last day of a major tournament. According to Anaya, a mid-afternoon discovery on Day 2 led to an incredible morning on Day 3.
“It was the most insane thing I've ever seen in my life,” said Anaya. “I found them midway through the second day. I was fishing for spawning fish in the back (of a marina), and I just came out and got on a random sand flat out in the mouth. And I found a little sinkhole, and I saw a bunch of blobs sitting there. I was like, ‘There's no way that's all bass.’
“I made three casts on it yesterday and caught three 4 1/2-pounders and left them alone,” he detailed. “And then I went back today and sat the boat down. And for like an hour and a half, I caught 4 1/2-pounder after 4 1/2-pounder.
“I've never seen nothing like it in my life,” he said. “They looked like a school of largemouth on Guntersville stacked up there, but they were in 4 foot of water.”
After blasting them all morning, Anaya earned an emotional win, with tears and rain both falling on stage.
“I don't even know how to explain it,” said the young angler. “I've been a nervous wreck since 8 o’clock this morning, since I had them. I mean, I've been back and forth pacing on the boat. Eating a sandwich, drinking water. I was trying to do anything to keep my mind off what was going to happen.
“To finally have it go my way, it feels great,” he added. “I lost a 7-pounder the first day, and I really thought that was going to be the one that came back to haunt me. That was going to be the reason I didn't win and finished second. I'm just lost for words.”
Recently, Anaya has fished quite a few tournaments on Kentucky Lake, so he went into this one theoretically well prepared for standard spring conditions. Fortunately for him, the high, dirty water boxed him in.
“I had some spawning fish found in [the Paris Landing Marina],” he said. “It's the only clean water I found on the lake, really. So, I just told myself I was going to run there, and if I got five to bite, I'd have a decent bag. And I really thought the weights were going to be really bad.
“I pulled in that first day and caught a 5-pound smallmouth and some keepers, but I could never get nothing else rolling,” he said. “I decided to go crank the muddy water late that afternoon, and I ended up catching a 3 1/2-pounder, which got me to whatever I had the first day. And I jumped off a great big largemouth – it was a 6- or 7-pounder. Huge. And that's been in the back of my mind since it jumped off.”
Though he whipped around a firetiger Rapala DT6, the trusty minnow got the bulk of the work done, both for spawning fish and on his winning hole. In that case, he went with a Rapala CrushCity Freeloader on a 1/8-ounce head with a 6-foot, 10-inch, medium-light 13 Fishing Myth spinning stick and 12-pound Suffix Revolve with a 12-pound Suffix Advance leader.
“The second day, I ran and did the same stuff, but I actually ended up catching 19 pounds of spawners in the back of Paris instead,” said Anaya. “I was actually trolling over there to crank the bridge, and I trolled over the top of them, and they all shot up off the bottom. And I was like, ‘Maybe that was bass.’ I spun around. It was meant to be, I guess.”
The final day, Anaya ran straight to the juice, and he had the tournament won in short order.
“I think it took me 47 minutes to get there,” he said. “And when I clicked my camera at 58 minutes, I had 22 pounds. I've never seen nothing like it.”
The top 10 pros at the Toyota Series at Kentucky Lake finished:
1st: Fisher Anaya, Eva, Ala., 15 bass, 62-14, $39,545 (includes $1,000 Phoenix Bonus)
2nd: Sam Lashlee, Camden, Tenn., 15 bass, 62-0, $14,936
3rd: Blake Schroeder, Whitehouse, Texas, 15 bass, 51-14, $11,563
4th: Chad Mrazek, Montgomery, Texas, 15 bass, 51-14, $9,636
5th: Roger Fitzpatrick, Eldon, Mo., 15 bass, 51-10, $8,673
6th: Brad Jelinek, Lincoln, Mo., 13 bass, 51-3, $7,709
7th: Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., 15 bass, 50-4, $6,745
8th: Jeremy Lawyer, Sarcoxie, Mo., 15 bass, 49-13, $5,782
9th: Jack Daniel Williams, Kingsport, Tenn., 15 bass, 48-13, $4,818
10th: Brock Bila, Republic, Mo., 15 bass, 47-10, $3,854
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Pro Joe Lucarelli of Benton, Kentucky, earned the $500 Berkley Big Bass Award on Day 1 Tuesday with a bass weighing 6 pounds, 12 ounces, while pro Justin Berger of Murray, Kentucky, earned the $500 Berkley Big Bass on Day 2 Wednesday with a 7-pound, 1-ounce fish to earn the $500 prize.
Dan Bowman of Osage Beach, Missouri, won the co-angler division Thursday with a three-day total of 14 bass weighing 42 pounds, 12 ounce. Bowman earned the top co-angler prize package worth $33,500, including a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard motor.
The top 10 co-anglers at the Toyota Series at Kentucky Lake finished:
1st: Dan Bowman, Osage Beach, Mo., 14 bass, 42-12, Phoenix 518 Pro boat w/115-hp Mercury outboard
2nd: Noah Dickneite, Westphalia, Mo., 13 bass, 36-3, $4,836
3rd: Jeremy Duke, Gautier, Miss., 12 bass, 36-2, $3,868
4th: Alan Bernicky, Dardanelle, Ark., 12 bass, 32-5, $3,485
5th: Chase Johnson, Quincy, Ill., 12 bass, 31-4, $2,901
6th: Douglas Guidorzi, Genton, Mo., 11 bass, 30-8, $2,418
7th: Jeff Moss, Oronogo, Mo., 11 bass, 28-0, $1,934
8th: Dustin Selck, Hixson, Tenn., nine bass, 25-12, $1,692
9th: Josiah Ennes, Billings, Mo., eight bass, 24-11, $1,451
10th: Dennis Young, Olathe, Kan., nine bass, 24-11, $1,209
Co-angler Kristin Hamilton of Mount Washington, Kentucky, earned Tuesday’s Berkley Big Bass co-angler award with a 6-pound, 4-ounce bass to win the $150 prize, while Wednesday’s Day 2 $150 co-angler award went to Clayton Hale of Grove, Oklahoma, who weighed in a 6-pound, 7-ounce largemouth.
The Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats at Lake Chickamauga was hosted by the Kentucky Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau. It was the second of three regular-season tournament for the Toyota Series Plains Division. The third and final event for the Toyota Series Plains Division regular season will be Sept. 25-27 – The Toyota Series at Lake of the Ozarks in Osage Beach, Missouri. For a complete schedule of events, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The 2025 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats consists of five divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern and the Southwestern – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the five divisions or the Wild Card division and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning up to $235,000 and a qualification to REDCREST 2026. The winning co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard. The 2025 Toyota Series Championship will be held Nov. 6-8 on Grand Lake in Grove, Oklahoma, and is hosted by the City of Grove Convention & Tourism Bureau.
Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Toyota Series include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Toyota Series updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
University of North Alabama’s Nutt Bros. Leads After Day 1 of Abu Garcia College Fishing National Championship on Wheeler Lake
DECATUR, Ala. (April 9, 2025) – While University of North Alabama’s Dylan Nutt was off winning back-to-back Toyota Series events in the ultra-competitive Central Division the last two months, twin brother Carter wasn’t exactly just watching in the cheering section – in those two tournaments, he placed 16th and fourth. Now, they’ve teamed up in the 2025 Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI National Championship Presented by Columbia PFG to take the Day 1 lead at Wheeler Lake.
“It’s really cool,” Dylan said of sharing the boat with his twin brother in the championship event. “It’s just really cool to be able to share that moment. We may or may not win the tournament, but just to be able to say we’re leading after the first day, it’s an amazing feeling.”
“We were together in the womb, and we’ve been together our entire 21 years of existence,” Carter added. “It’s a blessing.”
A blessing to fish together and a blessing to be catching what they’re catching. With 22 pounds, 15 ounces on Day 1, they lead a trio of University of Montevallo teams in second, third and fourth with just a 2-ounce margin over Trace Antunes and Slade Davis (the other two Montevallo teams right behind them have 21-9 and 21-8).
That tight grouping of weights at the top of the leaderboard is indicative of how Wheeler is fishing with the current conditions and what kind of fish the Tennessee River impoundment has to offer. The entire Top 10 cracked at least 20 pounds, and 19 pounds extends all the way down to 18th on the leaderboard. However, there’s real potential to see some bags that exceed what we saw today if conditions are stable over the next couple days.
After a cold front came through the area – paired with lake levels that have risen more than 2 feet due to torrential rains and storms last weekend – Wheeler’s bass have been in a bit of a funk. Some stability may help break them out of it.
“The fish are pretty funny right now,” Dylan said. “They’re wanting to spawn. There’s some that are postspawn, some that are prespawn. They’re just hung up in transition areas right now.”
As such, the Nutt brothers used their two days of practice on a fishery they’ve never been to prior (despite hailing from Nashville, going to school in Florence, Alabama, and being aces all along the Tennessee River) to identify and collect stretches full of quality offshore bass. Interestingly enough, while they’re fishing offshore, they’re only utilizing forward-facing sonar to locate their fish – neither one watched a bass eat their bait on Day 1.
The hard part, they said, has been figuring out the timing of their rotation from spot to spot (they have about eight in total) and what the bass are in the mood to eat at any given time; though they chose to remain mum about what specifically they’re wielding with a couple days of competition remaining.
“We caught them on a variety of different lures on a baitcaster,” Dylan said. “We caught them on moving baits. We caught them dragging. We kind of had to rotate through different baits.”
The biggest bass either angler has caught between practice and competition was a 5-pounder. Today, the smallest they weighed in was 4 1/4 pounds with the largest being 4 3/4. They know true kickers are swimming around based on what they’ve seen on their graphs and what they’ve seen other anglers catch – namely, a 6 1/2-pounder they watched Nicholas Dumke (third) catch not far from them on Day 1 – but it hasn’t been easy getting those Tennessee River titans to eat.
Still, Dylan and Carter have lived near the TVA their whole lives and fish all along it about as much as anyone can, so it’s only a matter of time before their formula pays off with a big bonus fish.
“We’ve got a lot of experience on the Tennessee River, and we’ve got a lot of experience doing what we’re doing,” Carter said. “It’s confidence and knowing what to throw – and we know what to throw.”
In order to maintain (and widen) their lead on Day 2, the brothers will have to dial in their rotation from spot to spot. That’s the true key to what they’re doing.
“We’ve got eight different stretches that are good,” Dylan said. “It’s going to be all about pulling up on the right place at the right time and catching them.”
Assuming they’re able to keep the momentum train on the tracks on Thursday, that’s when they might start
considering what it would mean to win the National Championship, twin brother and twin brother, on a river they know so well.
“We’re just going to have to put it in God’s hands,” Carter said. “If it happens, it happens, and if it doesn’t, it doesn’t.”
The top 10 teams after Day 1 of the Abu Garcia College Fishing National Championship Presented by Columbia PFG on Wheeler Lake are:
1st: University of North Alabama – Dylan and Carter Nutt, both of Nashville, Tenn., five bass, 22-15
2nd: University of Montevallo – Trace Antunes, Henderson, Texas, and Slade Davis, Montevallo, Ala., five bass, 22-13
3rd: University of Montevallo – Nicholas Dumke, Grand Rapids, Minn., five bass, 21-9
4th: University of Montevallo – Brody Robison, Dawson, Ala., and Peyton Sorrow, Abbeville, S.C., five bass, 21-8
5th: Blue Mountain Christian University – John Berry, Mount Olive, Miss., and Blake Bullock, Seminary, Miss., five bass, 21-7
6th: Bethel University – Tucker Dottley, Little Rock, Ark., and Jordan Hampton, Cadiz, Ky., five bass, 20-9
7th: McKendree University – Ethan Fields, Breese, Ill., and Jaxson Freeman, Loda, Ill., five bass, 20-4
8th: Tarleton State University – Clayton and Trevor Easter, both of Morgan, Texas, five bass, 20-1
9th: University of Montevallo – Brenton Godwin, Stapleton, Ala., and Hunter Odom, Chunchula, Ala., five bass, 20-1
10th: University of Montevallo – Brett Mouw, Joliet, Ill., and Asa Putnam, Tunnel Hill, Ga., five bass, 20-0
For a full list of results, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 609 bass weighing 1,764 pounds, 11 ounces caught by 129 teams Wednesday. The catch included 114 five-bass limits.
Anglers will take off from Ingalls Harbor, located at 701 Market St. NW, in Decatur at 7 a.m. CT each day of competition. Weigh-ins will be held at the Harbor starting at 3 p.m. and will be livestreamed daily. Fans are welcome to attend the event or tune in to the weigh-in and follow the online coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Hosted by Decatur Morgan County Tourism, the 16th annual College Fishing National Championship features 135 teams of the nation’s best collegiate anglers competing for a $43,500 prize package, including a new Phoenix 518 pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard, an additional $10,000 and the chance to advance to the 2025 Toyota Series Championship and REDCREST 2026 – MLF’s most prestigious championship – to fish for top prizes of $235,000 and $300,000, respectively.
The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and Rob Newell will break down the extended action on Championship Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. CT. MLFNOW!® will be livestreamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.
The MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI 2024 season featured college teams from across the country competing in nine regular-season tournaments. The top 12 percent of teams from each regular-season tournament qualified to compete in this event, the 2025 Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI National Championship
Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Columbia PFG, Deep Dive App, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Humminbird, Lew’s, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota , WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular College Fishing updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
