Missile Jigs Drops Ike’s Monster Jig
Salem, Va. – January 2, 2024 –Missile Jigs is dropping a new jig that is specially made for trophy bass hunters called Ike’s Monster Jig. Based on a custom 10/0 VMC 60 degree heavy duty jig hook with the super slick PTFE coating, the all-purpose design of the Monster Jig head allows it to excel in swimming or bottom bouncing applications. Think of Ike’s Monster Jig as the big swimbait of jigs.
“The NEW Monster Jig is creating a whole new category of jigs for anglers that are not afraid to go after truly big bass! Glide baits and big swim baits are becoming super popular because they work. The Monster Jig will be another option for anglers going after big bass that are in thicker cover or in water deeper than you can reach with traditional big glides. It’s also gonna be a weapon for catching suspended giant fish off of forward facing sonar! I can’t wait to have it in my arsenal next year,” says Mike Iaconelli, BASS legend pro and Bass Fishing Hall of Fame angler.
Available in 1 ounce or 1.5 ounce sizes, the Monster Jig will get down to those lunkers that live out in the depths of the lake. The Monster Jig will be offered in the top six big bait color patterns including Green Gizzard, Bruiser, and Rainbow Trout. Each Monster Jig will retail for $15.99 and begin shipping in the middle of January. Don’t fish scared. Tie on the Monster Jig when you want to catch the big bass of a lifetime.
The 127-Angler National Professional Fishing League Roster is Set for 2024
Story by Justin Brouillard | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons
WILKESVILLE, OH (JANUARY 2, 2024) — With the 2024 National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) season kicking off February 1-3 on the Coosa River at Lake Logan Martin, the final roster has been set as ‘the League’ continues to expand its reach in the fishing industry.
“We’re thrilled to welcome 127 anglers to the NPFL family for the 2024 season, marking a historic milestone as our largest and most diverse field yet,” said Brad Fuller, President of the NPFL. “This assembly of anglers is not only the largest but also stands out as the most eclectic and competitive group we have ever gathered.”
The roster is a fusion of seasoned legends synonymous with excellence and fresh faces entering the Bass fishing world. Showcasing a rich tapestry of fishing expertise and unique life experiences, the accomplishments of our anglers span the entirety of competitive bass fishing history, making this assembly truly extraordinary.
“What truly sets this field apart is the variety of backgrounds and experiences our new anglers bring to the table. From former Professional Arena football players to high-ranking CEOs in Fortune 500 companies and dedicated trauma nurses, the diversity is astonishing,” added Fuller. “We have former Bassmaster Classic Champions and current anglers from the industry’s highest ranks joining our talented roster of anglers; the term ‘eclectic’ encapsulates this group perfectly.”
Whether a seasoned professional, a legend of the sport or a rookie beginning their professional career, each angler has their own success story in bass fishing. Fans will witness a showcase of diverse skills that distinguishes this NPFL season.
2024 National Professional Fishing League Roster
Barron Adams
Gary Adkins
Jacoby Adkins
Mike Alls
Charlie Apperson
Stuart Arthur
Jeff Barth
Hunter Baughman
Tommy Biffle
Brock Bila
Zack Birge
Daniel Blackert
Joey Bloom
John Bosley
John Branch
Michael Brewer
Nick Brown
Jason Burroughs
Bobby Carver
Corey Casey
Douglas Chapin
Brandon Classon
Lonnie Cochran
William Collie
Michael Comeau
Drew Cook
Richard Cooper
Mike Corbishley
John Cox
Wayne “Skeeter” Crosby
Darrell Davis
Seth Ellis
Ron Farrow
Louis Fernandes
Bradley Fetters
Jeff Fitts
William Fletcher
Dylan Freeze
David Fritts
Bailey Gay
Kyle Glasgow
Todd Goade
Buddy Gross
Hayden Hammond
Scott Hamrick
Will Harkins
Chip Harrington
Cole Harris
Brian Hatfield
Stephanie Hemphill-Pellerin
Josh Hooks
Ron Johnson
Richard Kee
Justin Kimmel
Chris Kinley
Ian Leybas
Scott Lindstam
Wes Logan
Matt Looney
Jake Maddux
Buck Mallory
Stuart Martel
Kevin Martin
Lendell Martin Jr
Matt Massey
Matthew McBee
Jason Meninger
Jesse Millsaps
Matt Mollohan
Henry Montgomery
Robert Nakatomi
Christian Nash
Reagan Nelson
Lane Olson
Trent Palmer
Cody Parker
Blaine Partee
Isaac Peavyhouse
Brandon Perkins
Dustin Perry
Spencer Peters
Jamie Pierce
Pete Ponds
Chad Poteat
Mike Quinlin
Timothy Reams
Jason Reyes
Darrel Robertson
Ricky Robinson
Troy Roder
Kevin Rogers
Angel Rosario
JT Russell
Roman Ryan
Hunter Sales
Ryan Satterfield
Craig Saylor
Thomas Shelton
Collin Smith
Dustin Smith
John Soukup
Austin Speer
Micheal Stout
JTodd Tucker
Landon Tucker
Patrick Walters
Josh Watkins
Mitchell Webb
Joseph Webster
Kyle Welcher
Wade Werner
Chris Whisenant
Larry Wilcher
Scott Wiley
Alton Wilhoit
Dustin Wilkey
David Williams
Courtland Williams
Dustin Williamson
Jason Williamson
Alexander Wilson
Jason Wilson
Tim Wilson
Jesse Wise
Robert Wroblewski
Michael Yoder
Fishin' Tip Friday - Relax That Wrist for Flippin'
By Vance McCullough - AC Insider
Wanna become a better flipper?
As we head into the new year, we look forward to warmer weather and the fishing fun that comes along with it, but until then, cold fronts and tournaments have a relationship that rivals that of trailer parks and tornadoes.
As a result, many of us will be doing a lot of flipping all winter and into spring. Whether that means pitching a jig around laydowns on sunny, wind-protected banks or punching canopied cover with a heavy Texas rig, close quarters combat with a long rod and short line will be a key technique.
Once you have the presentation down, strike detection becomes the next big step to your success. MLF BPT Pro Fletcher Shryock made a helpful point. “I want to keep a soft wrist when I’m working that bait.”
Shryock is talking about, in his case, his left wrist as he holds the rod with that hand and winds slack with the other.
“One big thing that I’ve had to learn is to keep a soft wrist when pitching and flipping. All the time. Even right now as I’m reeling this bait in, I know nothing’s gonna bite it but every now and then, not real often, but every now and then you’ll get a fish that comes by and smokes it as you’re reeling it in. Train your wrist to stay soft, to have a breaking point so that if one bites it, I can break the rod tip to that fish, which allows that fish to fully inhale that bait. I catch that fish just about every time, but it’s taken me years to figure out ‘hey, you’ve gotta be ready for a bite at all times’.
“I don’t consciously think about it. I’ve just trained myself to leave this wrist a little relaxed. If one bites and I’m super-stiff and the fish doesn’t really get the bait, I’m not gonna hook it.”
While strike detection is important, Shryock says there’s no need to feel like you’re playing a game of slaps with the fish, trying to test your reflexes against theirs. In fact, we’re filming an episode of the Anglers Channel Bass Wrap Up TV Show while this conversation takes place. He asks me if I want a ‘heads-up’ before he sets the hook. And that’s common among most of the good flippers I’ve filmed with. They feel the bite, then they let the fish eat it longer than many of us would imagine before setting the hook. At least long enough to say ‘there’s one’ before setting up on the fish.
While he noted that “every scenario is a little different,” Shryock made the main point, “I spend a lot of time practicing without a hook so I know these fish typically hold a bait - like - there’s a lot of times you can’t get your bait back from ‘em, especially the bigger ones. That’s taught me not to rush the bite, for sure. Don’t think ‘oh I’ve got to hurry up and swing!’ because a lot of times, if I have to catch that particular fish that wants to eat my bait and blow it out that quickly, I don’t want him anyway,” laughs Shryock. “He probably doesn’t need to make the team.
“The other 95% of the bites - say I get the bite right now and she’s moving slow,” explains Shryock after pitching a Big Bite Baits tube far back beneath a dock and letting it settle beyond sight in the very shallow, heavily stained water, “and she’s coming out this way, she’s not going toward the pilings or anything, I’m able to reel up my slack, take a step back, put the full body into motion. I’ve got a lot of range. I’ve got a lot of power. I can set up properly on that fish because I know it’s not going to drop my bait.
“I’m not going to put a lot of pressure on her, I don’t want her to feel me, but when I pick up and I feel – with a soft wrist – when I pick up and I feel her moving slow, I get in position.
“A lot of times when you first feel that initial thump, they don’t fully have it. When you feel that ‘thump, thump’ that’s them getting that bait in their crushers the way they want it. Especially punching, whenever I get a bite and she’s just kind of sitting there – now if I flip in there she takes off, I’m just gonna load the rod. But if I can wait, I feel like my chances of catching that fish go up greatly.
“No sense in rushing the bite. They didn’t go up there and grab that bait just to drop it.”
Ranger Boats Under the Lid - Fill 'er Up with Bryan Thrift
If there is one thing Ranger Pro Bryan Thrift knows a thing or two about, it's filling livewells. Bryan is an ace at putting bass in the box, but in this week's Under the Lid, he shows us some tips and tricks for filling the livewells with water. It seems simple enough, but Bryan shows us a few hacks that have come in handy for him a time or two. Check it out, so you don't end up high and dry!
Smeltinator® Underspin Jigs In-Stock
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LIMITED QUANTITY of Smeltinator® Underspin Jigs NOW SHIPPING from Northland! |
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BEMIDJI, Minn. (December 26, 2023) – A couple weeks back, the bass fishing community celebrated the arrival of Northland’s new Smeltinator® Jig. Since, they’ve been selling like wildfire. And now, Northland is thrilled to announce the arrival of its flashy brother, the Smeltinator® Underspin! Like the Smeltinator, the Smeltinator Underspin features an ultra-sharp, ultra-strong Gamakatsu hook and beautifully sculpted baitfish head and plastics-securing hook collar. But what makes the Smeltinator Underspin totally unique is its compact, nickel plated willow blade for added flash and vibration to mimic small baitfish. The lightweight blade spins instantly on contact with the water and continues flickering with minimal jigging action. Aiding and abetting the blade’s ability to spin at super slow speeds is an exceptional SPRO ball-bearing swivel. The Smeltinator Underspin is especially effective on pressured bass and in cold water conditions when bass won’t always commit to traditional lures. Moreover, the Smeltinator Underspin is a big-time player for anglers utilizing forward-facing sonar on suspended bass. The blade adds more body and action for the sonar to detect. The Smeltinator Underspin is deadly on suspended smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and spotted bass. Simply pair it with a 2.5- to 7-inch soft plastic jerkbait or swimbait and let the wondrous pairing go to work. Southern and western bassers can put it to task right now on deep water reservoirs, especially off steep breaking rock structure, over deep flooded timber, or anywhere wintertime bass are schooling offshore. The technique is elementary, too, letting the Smeltinator Underspin just do its thing. Pitch it out, let the bait fall to the fish, and start a slow and steady retrieve. |
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Smeltinator Magic The Smeltinator Jig took the spotlight on Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson’s 2023 Bassmaster Classic victory, but it wasn’t the first time Gussy stacked big weights and solid limits of smallmouth bass on the Tennessee River out of Knoxville, Tennessee. Back in March of 2021, Gussy first put the “moping” technique to use, sinking Kenora, Ontario-designed Smeltinator Jigs to fill his ‘well for weigh-in at the 2021 Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite. Gussy went wire-to-wire for four days of the event, weighing 63 pounds, besting second place by an impressive seven pounds. Gussy trailered home to the far north with over $100,000 in his pocket. Word of the “moping” technique traveled quickly through social wires, sending serious bassers on the hunt for Gussy’s favored jig head—the Smeltinator Jig. Two years later Gussy did it again, ‘moping’ suspended smallmouths with the Smeltinator Jig on forward facing sonar, proving the money method for the 2023 Bassmaster Classic title, the $300K payout, and honors as the top bass stick on the planet. |
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The Smeltinator is hardly new to the fishing scene. The jig and the moping technique have been dominating the Canadian tournament scene for a decade. Gussy, Northland founder John Peterson, Canadian professional angler Jamie Bruce, and Bryan Gustafson of Bass Tactics have won many tournaments and cashed big checks at events like the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship and Kenora Bass Invitational using the Smeltinator Jig and the moping technique. The “moping” technique involves fishing a fluke or minnow-style plastic on the Smeltinator Jig and the Smeltinator Underspin Jig over the top of deep suspending smallmouth bass. The design of the jig allows it to hang perfectly horizontal like a real shiner, smelt, or shad. Suspending smallmouths “feed up” on these schools of baitfish. Hanging the Smeltinator above actively feeding fish has proven to yield serious bites and big tournament weights. |
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OPENING NIGHT |
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RALPHS SMOKE |
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With six colors, three sizes (¼-, 3/8-, and ½-ounce), and three hook sizes (2/0, 3/0 and 4/0) of the Smeltinator Underspin to choose from, bass anglers are sure to find the right jig for whatever situation they face. Jigs come one per card for $7.99 (MSRP). |
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Travel Tuesday - The Worst Thing You Can Do Before a Fishing Vacation
By Pete Robbins / Half Past First Cast
The worst thing you can do before a fishing trip is to base your expectations on the best possible scenario. Don’t get me wrong. It’s ok to hope for a personal best. It’s ok to hope for the day of a lifetime. It’s more than acceptable to overprepare. Just know that the numbers and sizes that you hear about might not happen.
Why is this? Well, lodges and anglers lie.…and numbers alone often don’t tell the full story.
While helping out at the Dallas Safari Club show, we met a customer who’d visited a lodge that competes with the one we were helping. “The fishing report stated that we’d caught seven marlin,” they said. “Even though we only caught one and a total of four were caught all week.” Not all of the examples are that egregious but assume that there’s a little bit of puffery in any report. Even if the lodge is 100% honest, a cold front or some other change can turn “60 a day” into “30 a day” in a hurry.
The anglers are no better. First off, many of them don’t have experience judging big fish, so their “10 pound bass” are really more like 8 – not an insubstantial fish by any means, but not quite the same. Furthermore, some just don’t want to tell the truth. Either they’re compulsive braggarts, or else they feel foolish to have gone to a dream destination and not caught a trophy fish. One of the most heartening and honest videos I’ve watched recently showed tournament angler, guide and YouTuber Justin Rackley (AKA, Lake Fork Guy) fishing in Mexico and making clear that he’d never landed a bass over 8 pounds there on his many trips to multiple lakes. He doesn’t have his ego wrapped up in a number (except perhaps his million YouTube subscribers). The fact that he keeps going back to Mexico shows that for him it’s about the experience and the chase, not the bragging rights.
Even when the information that you receive from an outfitter or other anglers is accurate, you have to use it properly. Remember, there are three types of lies: “Lies, damn lies, and statistics.” Let me give you an example of how this operates in my world: A friend checks some tournament statistics and observes that a 200 boat derby on “Lake X” was won with a five-bass stringer that weighed 25 pounds. He gets excited to go there and plans a trip and then is shocked and dismayed when he doesn’t have similar success under the same conditions.
Where did he go wrong?
Well, I don’t doubt that Lake X has another 25 pound bag in it – probably many of them – but that doesn’t mean they’re easy to catch. If he’d been less awed by the winning weight, and more in tune with the overall standings, he’d get a better picture of reality. Maybe 2nd place was 12 pounds, and 3rd was 10, and out of 200 boats, 98 blanked. That tells a much different story about what to expect.
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received on this topic came from Shaw Grigsby’s book, where he cited Doug Hannon’s observations made on angler behavior in professional events:
“He says that perhaps 80 percent of the bass caught in a given tournament are caught by anglers using the same pattern. Often the angler who wins does so by doing something off the main pattern – something contrary to the combined skill and judgment of the best anglers in the country. If you want to know what really caught the most fish, Doug says you should look at the anglers who placed second through tenth. They were on the best pattern.”
Similarly, when planning a trip, it’s fine to hope to be the exception to the rule, the one on the far right side of the bell curve of results – but if you plan on it you’re likely to be disappointed.
Just like in a tournament, the best information you can get prior to a bucket list fishing trip is not how many fish the best anglers are catching and how big those fish might be – but the hows and whys of their experience. What kind of bait are the fish chasing? What depth range are they using? Are there any tweaks or modifications that make a huge difference? That type of information will typically help you far more than any number offered in a vacuum.
Join Half Past First Cast on a hosted trip to Mexico, Guatemala, Alaska or Panama and we’ll always give you the straight scoop on what to expect – no exaggerations. We don’t want you to join us once, we want you to come back again and again and again. Email us any time at [email protected].
D-BOX Earns an “A”
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NOW AVAILABLE, DAIWA’s new system recycles plastic into premium utility tackle trays |
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Cypress, CA (December 21, 2023) – When the technological leader in rod and reel manufacturing introduces a commodity product, you can safely wager it’s better than the others. Such is the case with DAIWA’s new D-BOX Tackle System. |
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Being a DAIWA groupie, it’s time to renew your tackle utility boxes with the brand’s new premium and affordable collection. Available in two sizes (3600 and 3700) and six total configurations, DAIWA’s new D-Boxes features clear weathertight lids with four robust, tight-snapping latches to keep everything in check. Internal tabs are cut clean for instant organizing of each slot, with a total of 12 compartments in the 3600-size and 20 compartments in the 3700-size. Available in shallow, regular, and deep models. And doing its part for the environment, DAIWA’s new D-BOX Tackle System boxes are made from 100% recycled plastic. |
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SHALLOW |
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DEEP |
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MSRP $11.99 to $18.99 |
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B.A.S.S and Brunswick Corporation announce multiyear sponsorship agreement including Mercury Marine and Lowrance
December 21, 2023
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. is pleased to announce a multiyear sponsorship with Brunswick brands Mercury Marine and Lowrance. Mercury Marine is excited to continue their long-standing relationship with B.A.S.S., which is nearing the quarter-century mark, while Lowrance is joining in an expanded partnership.
Mercury Marine will be a premier sponsor of B.A.S.S. and will also become the title sponsor of the 2024 B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series, which focuses on America’s grass-roots anglers.
“We are delighted to renew our premier-level support of B.A.S.S. — a partnership that promotes our mutual values and our shared love of competitive bass fishing,” said Jamie Evans, Mercury Marine vice president of marketing. “We are also excited to be the title sponsor for the 2024 B.A.S.S. Nation Series. Mercury and B.A.S.S. continue to work together to advance the causes of conservation, youth development and expanded opportunities for recreation and competition on the water.”
Mercury Marine’s title sponsorship of the B.A.S.S. Nation highlights the exciting changes in the series for 2024. This year, individual and club members will be able to enter national qualifier events, with the Top 20 finishers advancing to the Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship and a shot at a berth in the world championship of bass fishing, the Bassmaster Classic.
“We are thrilled to continue our storied partnership with Mercury,” said Chase Anderson, CEO of B.A.S.S. “Our combined focus to grow the sport we love and share the passion of bass fishing ensures a very bright future for generations to come. Their support reaches from our grass-roots anglers to the biggest stage in bass fishing, the Bassmaster Classic. Together, Mercury and B.A.S.S. will bring fans, participants and competitors world-class events at all levels.”
Lowrance will not only become the supporting sponsor of the Bassmaster Elite Series and the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens, but it will also serve as presenting sponsor for the Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series and hold the title sponsorship of the upcoming Harris Chain Elite event to be held April 11-14 in Leesburg, Fla.
“Lowrance is pleased to be partnering once again with B.A.S.S. in 2024 and 2025,” said Simon Conder, Lowrance brand marketing director. “We are looking forward to being more involved and playing a bigger part in these successful tournaments, including being the title sponsor of the Harris Chain Elite event and the presenting sponsor for B.A.S.S. Nation, as well as supporting sponsor for the Elite Series and Bassmaster Opens tournaments. A large number of competitors already use Lowrance, and it is particularly important for us to be supporting them, as well as informing and educating supporters and the wider angler community about our range of electronics and how they can help users become better anglers and, of course, catch more fish.”
“We are thrilled Lowrance is joining B.A.S.S. as a supporting sponsor,” added Anderson. “The relationship between our brands goes back decades and our histories, from the foundation of the sport to recent technological innovations, are in lockstep. Both Lowrance and B.A.S.S. focus on educating and supporting anglers in the pursuit of success. Our combined passion will focus on not only giving fans amazing events to watch, but also enhancing the moments anglers will spend on the water.”
Second Season of Major League Fishing’s General Tire Team Series Set to Premiere on Outdoor Channel
Sneak Peek of First Episode Available NOW on Outdoor Channel YouTube channel
BENTON, Ky. (Dec. 21, 2023) – The Outdoor Channel and Major League Fishing (MLF) are gifting fans an early present this holiday season. With the first two-hour episode of Season 2 of the Major League Fishing’s (MLF) General Tire Team Series set to premiere on Saturday, Jan. 6, at 2 p.m. ET, on Outdoor Channel, an early sneak peek of that episode can be viewed right now at the Outdoor Channel YouTube channel.
The General Tire Team Series showcases the superstars from the Bass Pro Tour competing as teams across four events for hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash payouts. Each episode features nine MLF pro anglers competing as three, three-man teams. The anglers on each team wear wireless earpieces, which provide constant communication with their teammates. This communication allows each team to work together and strategize in real time on the water, shifting baits, techniques and areas as needed.
The 2024 General Tire Team Series premiere will feature three teams visiting Muskegon and Bear Lakes in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The anglers do not learn where they are competing until they arrive to the launch ramp each morning of competition. The full list of anglers competing can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The complete premiere schedule for the 2024 General Tire Team Series on Outdoor Channel is:
- Jan. 6 Lucas Oil Qualifier Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Elimination Match 1 (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Jan. 13 Lucas Oil Qualifier Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Elimination Match 2 (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Jan. 20 Lucas Oil Qualifier Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Elimination Match 3 (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Jan. 27 Lucas Oil Qualifier Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Semifinal Match 1 (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Feb. 3 Lucas Oil Qualifier Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Semifinal Match 2 (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Feb. 10 Lucas Oil Qualifier Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Wild Card Match (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Feb. 17 Costa Qualifier Presented by Toyota: Elimination Match 1 (Roanoke, W. Va.)
- Feb. 24 Costa Qualifier Presented by Toyota: Elimination Match 2 (Roanoke, W. Va.)
- March 2 Costa Qualifier Presented by Toyota: Elimination Match 3 (Roanoke, W. Va.)
- March 9 Costa Qualifier Presented by Toyota: Semifinal Match 1 (Roanoke, W. Va.)
- March 16 Costa Qualifier Presented by Toyota: Semifinal Match 2 (Roanoke, W. Va.)
- March 23 Costa Qualifier Presented by Toyota: Wild Card Match (Roanoke, W. Va.)
- March 30 Builders FirstSource Qualifier Presented by Berkley: Elimination Match 1 (Longview, Texas)
- April 6 Builders FirstSource Qualifier Presented by Berkley: Elimination Match 2 (Longview, Texas)
- April 13 Builders FirstSource Qualifier Presented by Berkley: Elimination Match 3 (Longview, Texas)
- April 20 Builders FirstSource Qualifier Presented by Berkley: Semifinal Match 1 (Longview, Texas)
- April 27 Builders FirstSource Qualifier Presented by Berkley: Semifinal Match 2 (Longview, Texas)
- May 4 Builders FirstSource Qualifier Presented by Berkley: Wild Card Match (Longview, Texas)
- May 11 Bass Pro Shops Championship Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Elimination Match 1 (Gainesville, Fla.)
- May 18 Bass Pro Shops Championship Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Elimination Match 2(Gainesville, Fla.)
- May 25 Bass Pro Shops Championship Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Elimination Match 3(Gainesville, Fla.)
- June 1 Bass Pro Shops Championship Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Semifinal Match 1(Gainesville, Fla.)
- June 8 Bass Pro Shops Championship Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Semifinal Match 2(Gainesville, Fla.)
- June 15 Bass Pro Shops Championship Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Wild Card Match(Gainesville, Fla.)
- June 22 Bass Pro Shops Championship Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Championship Final(Gainesville, Fla.)
Each episode will air as a two-hour episode, premiering each Saturday from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. ET.
Proud sponsors of the MLF General Tire Team Series include: Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Barbasol, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA Scales, Builders FirstSource, C-MAP, Crockett Creek Beef Jerky, Epic Baits, Ferguson, General Tire, Knighten Industries, Kubota, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Nitro Boats, Onyx, Optima Batteries, Plano, Power-Pole, Rapala, Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff, Spiderwire, Sqwincher, Star brite, St. Croix, and Toyota.
For complete details and updated information on the General Tire Team Series visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube
Abu Garcia College Fishing National Championship and Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American Events to Premiere Saturday on CBS Sports
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, from 9-11 a.m. ET
- Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI National Championship at Lake Toho Presented by Lowrance: 9-10 a.m. ET
- Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American Championship at Lake Hartwell Presented by T-H Marine: 10-11 a.m. ET
NOTES: The 15th annual College Fishing National Championship, filmed earlier this year in Kissimmee, Florida and hosted by Experience Kissimmee , featured 198 teams representing 82 colleges across the nation – a record-breaking number of teams for the MLF College Fishing National Championship. Teams competed for a $43,500 prize package, including a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard plus $10,000, as well as the opportunity to advance to the 2023 Toyota Series Championship to compete for a top prize of up to $235,000.
The 40th annual Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American Championship Presented by T-H Marine, hosted by Visit Oconee SC , was filmed in June of 2023 in Seneca, South Carolina, and showcased the nation’s best weekend grassroots anglers. The All-American Champion boater earned a top prize of up to $120,000, and an automatic qualification into REDCREST 2024.
Proud sponsors of the 2023 Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI and the 2023 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine circuits include: 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, General Tire, Grundéns, Gill, Lew’s, Lowrance, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Wiley X and YETI.
For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Continues Scholarship Program to Support Future of Fisheries Management
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – December 20, 2023 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame (BFHOF) is proud to announce the second year of its Fishery Management Scholarship Program. Recognizing the critical role of fishery management professionals in ensuring the health and vibrancy of bass fisheries across the U.S. and Canada, this program aims to provide financial support and encouragement to high school and college bass anglers pursuing careers in this vital field.
Up to $15,000 will be awarded in June 2024 to selected applicants. Applications are now open and can be submitted through the BFHOF website: https://www.bassfishinghof.com/
“Many fishery management agencies face a growing need for qualified individuals who possess both a deep understanding of the science behind fishery management and a passion for the sport of bass fishing,” said BFHOF Board President John Mazurkiewicz. “Spearheaded by Gene Gilliland and our dedicated Conservation/Education Committee, this scholarship program aligns perfectly with the Hall’s mission of celebrating, promoting, and preserving the sport by investing in the future of healthy fisheries, accessible waters, and clean aquatic ecosystems.”
Scholarship eligibility:
- High school seniors committed to enrolling in a four-year college or university program
- Undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in a four-year college, university, or accredited graduate program
- Declared or planned major in biology, aquatic ecology, fisheries, marine science, or a closely related natural resources field
Application requirements:
- Short essay outlining career goals in natural resources and describing the applicant’s dream agency job
- Proof of membership in a recognized bass fishing organization or valid fishing license
- Completed BFHOF Fishery Management Scholarship Program application form
Selection process:
Applications will be reviewed by an independent panel of distinguished individuals involved in fishery management across the U.S. and Canada. The panel includes Phil Morlock, Director of Government Affairs for the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association; Chris Horton, Senior Director of Fisheries Policy for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation; Ross Self, Chief of Inland Fisheries for the South Carolina DNR; and Dr. Mark Rogers, Tennessee Cooperative Fishery Research Unit Leader at Tennessee Tech University.
Application deadline: April 15, 2024
Scholarship award:
- Up to $15,000 total to be distributed among selected recipients
- Awarded as a stipend for school-related expenses
For more information:
- Visit the BFHOF Fishery Management Scholarship Program website: https://www.bassfishinghof.com
- Contact the BFHOF at (501) 541-6660 or [email protected]
By investing in the next generation of fishery management professionals, the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame is committed to ensuring the continued health and sustainability of bass fisheries for generations to come.
AC Insider Podcast - Elite Series AND NPFL Winner - Patrick Walters
They guys are closing out the 2023 podcast season with a guest they "should" have talked to a few times this year. Three time winner, Patrick Walters takes a break from the woods and joins us to recap those victories, and more importantly the mental game that goes with it. They get into everything from the focus factor, to the electronics setup, so check it out!
Bassmaster to debut new series on FOX Sports in 2024
The Cast presented by Bass Pro Shops covers the beginnings of B.A.S.S. and stories of sportfishing's biggest stars.
Photo by B.A.S.S.
December 19, 2023
Bassmaster to debut new series on FOX Sports in 2024
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. is partnering with Bass Pro Shops on a new seven-part series documenting the untold stories and bold cast of characters who built the sportfishing industry. The Cast presented by Bass Pro Shops will air in early January 2024 on FS1 and introduce viewers to the visionaries, storytellers and superstars who made B.A.S.S. the biggest stage in fishing.
“While many people know about Ray Scott’s passion and vision for bass fishing, they don’t always know about the colorful and innovative people who were building both our organization and this industry alongside Ray,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. “The Cast not only delves into Ray’s contributions to fishing and legacy of conservation, but it is a look at the people behind the evolution of tournament bass fishing from where it started in the late ’60s to the spectacle of the Bassmaster Classic, drawing more than 160,000 fans in Knoxville.”
Episodes feature interviews and personal stories never heard before from some of fishing’s most iconic voices, including Bob Cobb, Bill Dance and Roland Martin, as well as insights from personalities like former B.A.S.S. CEO Helen Sevier and longtime tournament director Trip Weldon.
“For decades B.A.S.S. and Bass Pro Shops have shared a vision to get more people on the water and fishing,” said Anderson. “I’m excited that they’re joining with us to tell the story of the people who have shaped the sport both brands love so much.”
A longtime B.A.S.S. partner, Bass Pro Shops is also a premier sponsor for the Bassmaster Tournament Trail as well as title sponsor of the Bassmaster Team Championship and presenting sponsor of the Bassmaster College Series.
“We are proud of our longtime affiliation with B.A.S.S. and remain deeply grateful to my dear friend Ray Scott,” said legendary angler, noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris. “The Cast will bring to light some exciting stories about many of our buddies and tournament fishing pioneers. These individuals helped make the sportfishing industry what it is today, and telling their stories to sportsmen and sportswomen of all ages will help showcase the history of this great sport and organization.”
The Cast presented by Bass Pro Shops will begin airing in January on FS1 leading up to live Bassmaster Elite Series tournament coverage on FS1 and the FOX Sports platforms. Check Bassmaster.com/how-to-watch or check your local listings for airdates.
Major League Fishing Reveals Roster for 2024 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals
BENTON, Ky. (Dec. 18, 2023) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today the angler roster for the 2024 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, the second season of professional bass fishing’s lucrative proving ground for anglers looking to qualify for the Bass Pro Tour. The Invitationals consist of six three-day tournaments that feature a field of 150 anglers competing for a top prize of $115,000, and an invitation to compete at REDCREST 2025 in Huntsville, Alabama.
Of the 150 anglers fishing each Tackle Warehouse Invitational, 137 have committed to compete in all six events. The payout at each Invitational is $652,000, with a total payout of more than $3.9 million for the season.
The roster of anglers fishing all six events in 2024 includes the Bass Pro Tour’s Kelly Jordon of Flint, Texas; Keith Carson of Debary, Florida; Drew Gill of Mount Carmel, Illinois; and Keith Poche of Pike Road, Alabama. They’ll be joined by a stout field of competitors, including Bass Fishing Hall of Famer’s Paul Elias of Laurel, Mississippi, and Shaw Grigsby of Gainesville, Florida, along with former Boston Red Sox player Mike Greenwell, a two-time Major League Baseball All-Star and 1988 American League MVP runner-up, who will be making the jump to compete in the “big leagues” of bass fishing.
Tackle Warehouse Invitational anglers compete over three days in a five-fish, weigh-in format. All 150 anglers compete the first two days, with the top 30 pros advancing to the third and final day. The winner of each Invitational is determined by heaviest three-day cumulative weight. The winner of each of the six Invitationals in 2024 will receive an invitation to compete at REDCREST 2025 at Lake Guntersville in Huntsville, Alabama. Additionally, the season-long Invitational Angler of the Year (AOY) will also earn a berth into REDCREST, for a total of seven qualification opportunities.
Every day of competition will be broadcast live on MLFNOW!® and streamed to the Major League Fishing app, MyOutdoorTV (MOTV), and at MajorLeagueFishing.com. Each event will also air on the CBS Sports Network.
For compete details and up-to-date tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
The 137 anglers that will compete in all six events to qualify for the 2025 Bass Pro Tour are:
- Shannon Abbott, Louisville, Tenn.
- Charles Abshire Lake Charles, La.
- Ryan Armstrong, Robinson, Ill.
- John Baranik, Earleville, Md.
- Evan Barnes, Dardanelle, Ark.
- Clayton Batts, Butler, Ga.
- Matt Baty, Bainbridge, Ga.
- David Boelkins, Waukesha, Wis.
- Drew Boggs, Lebanon, Tenn.
- Brock Bolden, Rogers, Ark.
- Alex Bradley, Wellford, S.C.
- Cole Breeden, Lebanon, Mo.
- Chandler Brewer, Meridianville, Ala.
- Dennis Burdette, Pembroke, Va.
- Craig Burwell, North Baltimore, Ohio
- Tim Cales, Beckley, W. Va.
- Brody Campbell, Oxford, Ohio
- Jon Canada, Helena, Ala.
- Brett Carnright, Plattsburgh, N.Y.
- Jason Carpenter, Castle Pines, Colo.
- Keith Carson, DeBary. Fla.
- J.D. Chandler, Liberty, Texas
- Travis Coleman, Lake Ozark, Mo.
- Jordan Collom, Canyon Lake, Calif.
- Ramie Colson, Jr., Cadiz, Ky.
- Mark Condron, Murfreesboro, Tenn.
- Kyle Cortiana, Broken Arrow, Okla.
- Dean Cox, Coweta, Okla.
- Ben Cox, Andrews, S.C.
- Austin Culbertson, Moberly, Mo.
- Connor Cunningham, Springfield, Mo.
- Colby Dark, West Monroe, La.
- Alex Davis, Albertville, Ala.
- Flint Davis, Leesburg, Ga.
- Randy Despino, Colfax, La.
- Tommy Dickerson, Orange, Texas
- Paul Elias, Laurel, Miss.
- Hunter Eubanks, Landrum, S.C.
- Charlie Evans, Berea, Ky.
- Mark Fisher, Wauconda, Ill.
- Terry Fisher, Decatur, Ala.
- Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill.
- Robert Grabow, Morgantown, W. Va.
- Joe Grafeman, Camdenton, Mo.
- Matt Greenblatt, Port St. Lucie, Fla.
- Ethan Greene, Eufaula, Ala.
- Mike Greenwell, Alva, Fla.
- Christian Greico, Tampa, Fla.
- Shaw Grigsby, Gainesville, Fla.
- Chris Groh, Spring Grove, Ill.
- Thomas Guthke, Anderson, S.C.
- Brett Haake, Shorewood, Ill.
- Ryan Habenicht, Meadow Vista, Calif.
- Blake Hall, Rogersville, Ala.
- Kyle Hall, Granbury, Texas
- Nick Hargis, Wentzville, Mo.
- Michael Harlin, Sunrise Beach, Mo.
- Jeff Harper, Fleming Island, Fla.
- Dillon Harrell, New Caney, Texas
- Travis Harriman, Huntsville, Ark.
- Rick Harris, Kingsland, Texas
- Byron Haseotes, Osterville, Mass.
- Jacob Heath, Essex, Mass.
- Jordan Hirt, Glenwood, Iowa
- Paul Hodges, III, Glendale, Ariz.
- Michael Hood, Winchester, Tenn.
- Laker Howell, Guntersville, Ala.
- Derik Hudson, Concord, Va.
- Marshall Hughes, Hemphill, Texas
- Darrell Ivey, Jr., Lebanon, Mo.
- Brad Jelinek, Lincoln, Mo.
- Kelly Jordon, Flint, Texas
- Frank Kitchens, III, Oxford, Ga.
- Drew Kleine, Galesburg, Ill.
- William Kronander, Brownsville, Pa.
- Cal Lane, Guntersville, Ala.
- Brian Latimer, Belton, S.C.
- Jake Lawrence, Paris, Tenn.
- Robby Lefere, Jackson, Mich.
- Destin Lesesne, Blue Ridge, Ga.
- Scott Lindstam, Plant City, Fla.
- Bret Loomis, Groveland, N.Y.
- Steve Lopez, Oconomowoc, Wis.
- Terry Luedtke, Burton, Texas
- Adam Lynn, Columbia, Tenn.
- Blake Martin, Dardanelle, Ark.
- Aspen Martin, White, Ga.
- Cameron Mattison, Benton, La.
- James Maupin, Stanardsville, Va.
- Ben McCann, Bradenton, Fla.
- Bronk McDaniel, Alexandria, La.
- Shayne McFarlin, Martin, Ga.
- Joshua McGeary, Mount Pleasant, Pa.
- Bryan McNeal, Madison, Ala.
- Colby Miller, Elmer, La.
- Hunter Mills, Mayfield, Ky.
- Alec Morrison, Peru, N.Y.
- Chad Mrazek, Montgomery, Texas
- Tony Muina, Wewahitchka, Fla.
- Britt Myers, Jr., Lake Wylie, S.C.
- Robert Nakatomi, Sacramento, Calif.
- Andrew Nordbye, Guntersville, Ala.
- Terry Olinger, Louisa, Va.
- Lane Olson, Forest Grove, Ore.
- Eric Panzironi, Longwood, Fla.
- Taylor Parker, Lake View, Ala.
- Jaden Parrish, Liberty, Texas
- Cody Petit, Arundel, Maine
- Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala.
- Tom Redington, Royse City, Texas
- Matt Reed, Madisonville, Texas
- Jimmy Reese, Witter Springs, Calif.
- Brock Reinkemeyer, Warsaw, Mo.
- Christian Rich, Eufaula, Ala.
- Mitchell Robinson, Landrum, S.C.
- Cody Ross, Livingston, Texas
- Rusty Salewske, Alpine, Calif.
- Braxton Setzer, Wetumpka, Ala.
- Curtis Shaw, Catlett, Va.
- Mike Smola, Gravette, Ark.
- Jeremy Southerly, Fulks Run, Va.
- Cody Spetz, Hollister, Mo.
- Tim Sprouse, Clarksville, Tenn.
- Kennie Steverson, Umatilla, Fla.
- Tyler Stewart, Dubach, La.
- Spike Stoker, Cisco, Texas
- Troy Stokes, Trenton, Mich.
- Ken Thompson, Roaring Springs, Pa.
- Stephen Toth, Alachua, Fla.
- Tim Tyson, Daniel Island, S.C.
- Scotty Villines, Ponca, Ark.
- Jacob Walker, Springville, Ala.
- Todd Walters, Kernersville, N.C.
- Jordan Wiggins, Cullman, Ala.
- Scott Wiley, Bay Minette, Ala.
- Jack Daniel Williams, Kingsport, Tenn.
- Thomas Wooten, Huddleston, Va.
The 13 anglers who will join them to fill the 150-angler field at Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 1 at Sam Rayburn Reservoir are:
- Adrian Avena, Marmora, N.J.
- Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Tenn.
- Jeff Bridges, Prosper, Texas
- John Cox, DeBary, Fla.
- Wesley Dawson, Chester, Texas
- Randy Deaver, Blanchard, La.
- Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas
- Ty Faber, Pagosa Springs, Colo.
- Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla.
- Nick LeBrun, Bossier City, La.
- Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark.
- Charley Slaton, Valliant, Okla.
- Martin Villa, Charlottesville, Va.
2024 MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Schedule:
Feb. 9-11 Sam Rayburn Reservoir Brookeland, Texas
Hosted by the Jasper County Development District
March 1-3 West Point Lake LaGrange, Ga.
Hosted by Visit LaGrange
April 19-21 Kentucky Lake Calvert City, Ky.
Hosted by the Kentucky Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau
May 10-12 Lake Eufaula Eufaula, Ala.
Hosted by the Eufaula Barbour County Chamber of Commerce
June 15-17 Lake Champlain Plattsburgh, N.Y.
Hosted by City of Plattsburgh & Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau
July 26-28 Detroit River Trenton, Mich.
Hosted by the Detroit Sports Commission
MDJ: December is for family, pecans, quackers and FFS
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
Team Toyota’s Mark Daniels Jr. says he’s a city kid at heart, who has always been attracted to the country way of life. So, finding him on the tailgate of his Tundra eating pecans after a duck hunt, prior to the next self-taught forward-facing sonar trip, is a pretty typical December day for the comical pro who now calls Southern Alabama home.
His love of wing shooting began in his home state of California at the age of 26, when close friend, Josh Reublin mentored him on the massive Suisun Marsh, where they took teal, gadwall, and a few mallards from West Coast skies.
When his education took him to Tuskegee University in Alabama, he brought the passion with him, and years after earning his degree in environmental science, “MDJ” now spends at least a dozen days each season taking mallards from a waterfowl lease he shares with buddies near Greenville, Mississippi.
“I’m really just a wing shooter – whether it’s ducks, dove, or quail – count me in,” grins Daniels over a bag of fresh fallen pecans. “Late fall and early winter are prime time for fresh pecans. My family and I love ‘em. So, I buy them fresh from the local farmers markets. They kinda half crack them for ya, so you still have to do a little work to enjoy them. And that’s half the fun of eating them,” he laughs.
On a slightly more serious note, is MDJ’s quest to become the best he can be at the forward-facing sonar game. So, most winter fishing trips to local lakes like Mitchell and Jordan are fully focused on finding bass feeding on schools of shad, and zeroing-in on them with bass fishing’s latest, and most talked about technology.
“It’s about repetition. It’s no different than the kid who wants to become a great basketball player going to the gym when nobody is there and practicing hundreds of free throws or 3-pointers. My job isn’t to debate the technology, my job is to learn it better and better. That only happens through time on the water using it, until the lightbulb moments happen more and more frequently,” he says.
Apparently, incidents of better FFS comprehension are occurring more often for MDJ, as days of catching 40 to 60 bass up to 4-pounds have happened numerous times for him in the days leading up to Santa’s arrival.
Once the big fella and his reindeer actually touch down near Tuskegee,he says he’ll host the big family holiday gathering for the first time ever, as they give their 87-year old grandma a break from her annual hospitality duties.
“My wife Taneisha and I are ready to have the whole family over. Even though it’s our first time to host, we’re gonna show ‘em all a good time. Bottom line is you just can’t go wrong in December. Whether it’s ducks, fresh pecans, winter fishing, or time with family, I just love this time of year,” says Daniels.
A fitting conclusion from one of bass fishing’s kindest, hardest working, and often most comical pros.
2024 TXTT Registration Less Than One Month Away!!!
SPRINGFIELD, MO. (December 13, 2023) – There are only 66 days until the official start of the 2024 Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s Texas Team Trail presented by Progressive. With stops at legendary Texas fisheries Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Toledo Bend and Lake Fork, the opportunity at big limits and big prizes are greater than ever for team anglers in the Lone Star state.
As a reminder, here is the registration schedule:
Wednesday, January 3rd: WRMG Boat Owners
Thursday, January 11th: Open Registration for All Teams
As a reminder, all WRMG owners who plan to compete the entire 2024 TXTT season out of a either a Nitro, Ranger, or Triton boat can enter for a discounted rate if they enter for all the regular season events at once. The discounted rate of $200.00 per tournament is just another way of saying thanks to our loyal boat owners.
Teams will only be able to take advantage of this opportunity by registering and paying $800.00 for all the regular season events at once between January 3rd through January 11th. Teams taking advantage of this opportunity will still have to pay the 2024 TXTT membership fees and will still have the option to register for Angler’s Advantage.
On Thursday, January 11th registration will open for all other team tournament anglers for the 2024 TXTT season. Entry fees will be $250.00 per event, plus a $50 TXTT membership fee per team member, plus the optional Angler’s Advantage.
To register for the 2024 Texas Team Trail tournaments, please read the updated 2024 RULES and then follow this link to get registered: https://www.texasteamtrail.com/register/
2024 Texas Team Trail Schedule:
February 17th - Brookeland, TX | Sam Rayburn Reservoir
March 23rd - Brookeland, TX | Sam Rayburn Reservoir
April 13th - Yantis, TX | Lake Fork
May 4th - Belton, TX | Belton Lake
June 8-9th - Many, LA | Toledo Bend Reservoir - CHAMPIONSHIP
For more information on the Texas Team Trail, including photos and official tournament results from the past, visit texasteamtrail.com. Be sure to also check out the tournament schedule for the 2024 Texas Team Trail and subscribe to the e-newsletter list for all the up-to-date information, registration announcements, sponsor incentives, and Outdoor TeamWorks news.
Texas Team Trail is a part of the Outdoor Team Works family of fishing tournaments. The OTW brand offers a wide range of fishing events from professional tournaments to grassroots fishing derbies. All events are supported by some of the top companies in the nation and include on-site activation and activities, as well as extensive media support. For additional live updates and information, follow TXTT on Facebook and Instagram.
AC Extra - Compete, Cash In, Conserve
If you're like us, you're already looking ahead to fishing in 2024. If new optics are in your future, be sure to check out Costa Sunglasses! Holiday deals, free expedited shipping, and tons of styles in stock, it's not too late to add a pair to Santa's list.
They've supported bass fishing and bass anglers for over a decade, provided top quality products, AND are giving back to the sport we all love. Included with the purchase of any Costa sunglasses...it is as simple as Register, Compete, Cash In, Conserve. Learn More / Register
Over $100,000 and counting has been awarded to conservation efforts across the country on behalf of Costa anglers. Anglers choose from a list of projects, including: American Rivers, Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, Friends of Reservoirs, National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, and the Johnny Morris Conservation Foundation. It’s as simple as – Own Costa Sunglasses – Register at Compete & Conserve – Win – Donate. Time to #seewhatsoutthere
Full field is set for 2024 Bassmaster Classic on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees
56 anglers will compete at the 2024 Bassmaster Classic at Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, which will be held March 22-24 in Tulsa, Okla.
Photo by Andy Crawford/B.A.S.S.
December 13, 2023
Full field is set for 2024 Bassmaster Classic on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — With the entire 2023 Bassmaster tournament season in the history books, the field is officially set for the next renewal of fishing’s grandest spectacle.
A group of 56 anglers will compete in the 54th Bassmaster Classic, scheduled for March 22-24, 2024 on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees with weigh-ins and festivities in Tulsa, Okla. From an age and experience standpoint, it’ll be one of the most diverse fields in the event’s history, with competitors ranging from 17-year-old Floridian Aaron Yavorsky (the youngest participant in Classic history) to veteran Oklahoma pro Jason Christie (a 10-time Classic qualifier, the 2022 Classic winner and one of the clear favorites to score another victory on his home waters in 2024).
“With the field in place for the 2024 Classic, it’s amazing to kind of take a breath and look back over the 2023 season that brought us here,” said Chris Bowes, vice president of tournaments for B.A.S.S. “These guys put in countless hours of work just to get to this point — and the result, for them, is a chance to score the biggest victory of their careers. For B.A.S.S., the result is another powerhouse field for the greatest celebration of professional bass fishing.”
As usual, the bulk of the field came from the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings, with AOY winner Kyle Welcher of Opelika, Ala., leading the way. Other notable anglers who qualified from the Bassmaster Elite Series include...
- Greg Hackney of Gonzales, La., an 18-time Classic qualifier and the 2014 Bassmaster Angler of the Year
- Brandon Palaniuk of Rathdrum, Idaho, a 13-time Classic qualifier and two-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year (2017, 2022)
- Hank Cherry of Lincolnton, N.C., an eight-time Classic qualifier and back-to-back Classic winner (2020, 2021)
“One of the most exciting things about the Classic is you never know who’s going to claim the next piece of history,” said Elite Series Tournament Director Lisa Talmadge. “We could certainly have a first-time winner — someone who doesn’t get a lot of attention leading up to the event. But to hold that trophy, they’ll have to go through a field of anglers who’ve been there before and done this at the highest level for a long time.”
Defending champion Jeff Gustafson of Canada received an automatic berth, and a pair of anglers from the Elite Series AOY standings were double-qualified for the event, opening up spots for others who would have been just outside the cut.
South Carolina pro Patrick Walters finished third in the AOY race, easily inside the cut. But since he also earned an automatic berth with his victory in the Elite Series regular-season finale on the St. Lawrence River — the only Elite event that offers such a berth — it opened a spot for Tennessee rookie Cole Sands (42nd, AOY) to make his first Classic appearance.
Will Davis Jr., of Alabama also finished comfortably inside the Classic cut at 31st in the AOY standings. But since he also earned a berth as the first-ever back-to-back winner of the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Championship on Lake Hartwell in October, a Classic spot was opened for fellow Alabama pro David Gaston (43rd, AOY). New Hampshire’s Timothy Dube, who finished second in the Nation Championship, and Wisconsin’s Josh Wiesner, who placed third, also earned Classic berths.
Throughout the rest of the field, you’ll find pros who’ve raised blue trophies more than once on the Elite Series stage. Those with multiple wins on pro bass fishing’s most prestigious tour include South Carolina’s Brandon Cobb (two), Arkansas pro Joey Cifuentes III (two), Maryland’s Bryan Schmitt(two), Georgia’s Drew Benton (two), Hackney (four), Texas pro Lee Livesay (three), Palaniuk (five), Christie (five), Connecticut pro Paul Mueller (two) and Walters (two).
“Think about that,” Bowes said. “Nothing can prepare you for the pressure and excitement of the Classic, but the Elite Series probably comes closest — and you have anglers scattered throughout this field who’ve topped Elite Series competition more than once throughout their careers. It’s a steep path to that Classic trophy this year.”
The field will feature eight winners from the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens, including Georgia’s Justin Barnes, Ben Milliken of Texas, North Carolina’s Powell Kemp, Wisconsin’s Adam Rasmussen, Alabama’s Joey Nania, Tyler Williams of Maine, New York’s Kyle Patrick and Kentucky’s Matt Messer.
Jody White of Vermont won the Open on the St. Lawrence River in July but did not qualify for a Classic berth because he failed to fish all three events in Division 3 as the rules require. The spot that would have belonged to him went to Mueller (41st, AOY).
The field was completed Saturday when Yavorsky won the two-day Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off on Florida’s Harris Chain of Lakes by a margin of more than 22 pounds. His remarkable story happened the same year that University of Montevallo (Ala.) angler Easton Fothergill qualified through the Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Lew’s just weeks after having emergency surgery to remove an infected abscess from his brain.
“If you want storylines, this Classic has them,” Bowes said. “This event is a dream for the media, for fans of the sport and certainly for the anglers taking part.
“Even though the season just ended, I wish it started tomorrow.”
Grand Lake hosted previous Classics in 2013 and 2016 — and as with past Classics in Tulsa, daily weigh-ins will be held at the BOK Center in downtown Tulsa, with the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo across the street at the Cox Business Convention Center, which boasts 275,000 square feet of event space. Daily takeoffs will be held about 90 miles away at the Wolf Creek Park and Boating Facility on Grand Lake.
2024 Bassmaster Classic Qualifiers
Matt Arey, Shelby, N.C.
Justin Barnes, Ellaville, Ga.
Drew Benton, Panama City, Fla.
Stetson Blaylock, Benton, Ark.
Scott Canterbury, Odenville, Ala.
Brandon Card, Salisbury, N.C.
Hank Cherry, Lincolnton, N.C.
Jason Christie, Dry Creek, Okla.
Joey Cifuentes III, Clinton, Ark.
Brandon Cobb, Greenwood, S.C.
Drew Cook, Cairo, Ga.
John Cox, DeBary, Fla.
Will Davis Jr., Sylacauga, Ala.
Bob Downey, Detroit Lakes, Minn.
Timothy Dube, Nashua, N.H.
Austin Felix, Eden Prairie, Minn.
Easton Fothergill, Grand Rapids, Minn.
Kyoya Fujita, Minamitsuru, Yamanashi, Japan
Cooper Gallant, Bowmanville, Canada
David Gaston, Sylacauga, Ala.
Jeff Gustafson, Kenora, Canada
Greg Hackney, Gonzales, La.
Justin Hamner, Northport, Ala.
Cody Huff, Ava, Mo.
Taku Ito, Chiba, Japan
Carl Jocumsen, Toowoomba, Australia
Chris Johnston, Otonabee, Canada
Cory Johnston, Cavan, Canada
Powell Kemp, Scotland Neck, N.C.
Kenta Kimura, Hirakata, Japan
Shane LeHew, Catawba, N.C.
Lee Livesay, Longview, Texas
Matt Messer, Warfield, Ky.
Ben Milliken, New Caney, Texas
Brock Mosley, Collinsville, Miss.
Paul Mueller, Naugatuck, Conn.
Joey Nania, Cropwell, Ala.
Brandon Palaniuk, Rathdrum, Idaho
Luke Palmer, Coalgate, Okla.
Kyle Patrick, Cooperstown, N.Y.
Jacob Powroznik, North Prince George, Va.
Jay Przekurat, Stevens Point, Wis.
Adam Rasmussen, Sturgeon Bay, Wis.
Tyler Rivet, Raceland, La.
Matt Robertson, Kuttawa, Ky.
Cole Sands, Calhoun, Tenn.
Pat Schlapper, Eleva, Wis.
Bryan Schmitt, Deale, Md.
Hunter Shryock, Ooltewah, Tenn.
Bryant Smith, Roseville, Calif.
Patrick Walters, Summerville, S.C.
Kyle Welcher, Opelika, Ala.
Clark Wendlandt, Leander, Texas
Josh Wiesner, Fond du Lac, Wis.
Tyler Williams, Belgrade, Maine
Aaron Yavorsky, Palm Harbor, Fla.
Bassmaster Classic Winning Jigs In-Stock
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Smeltinator® Jigs NOW SHIPPING From Northland Fishing Tackle®! |
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BEMIDJI, Minn. (December 13, 2023) – This past August, Northland announced that the 2023 Bassmaster Classic winning Smeltinator jig would be licensed, branded, and distributed by Northland moving into 2024. With a relationship that goes back 20 years, Northland talked seriously with both Bassmaster Classic Winner Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson and Bass Tactics founder, Bryan Gustafson (no relation), to join forces and push product development, production, marketing, and sales into a much bigger realm. A few months after the licensing agreement with Bryan Gustafson and Bass Tactics to produce, distribute and sell the Smeltinator and Smeltinator Underspin Jigs under the Northland brand name, the original Smeltinator Jig is NOW AVAILABLE! With 13 colors, four sizes (1/8-, ¼-, 3/8-, and ½-ounce), and five hook sizes (1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, and 5/0) from which to choose, bass anglers are sure to find the right jig for whatever situation they face. Jigs come three per card for $7.99 (MSRP). |
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Smeltinator Magic The 2023 Bassmaster Classic wasn’t the first time that Gussy stacked big weights and solid limits of smallmouth bass on the Tennessee River out of Knoxville, Tennessee. Back in March of 2021, Gussy first put the “moping” technique to use, sinking Kenora, Ontario-designed Smeltinator Jigs to fill his ‘well for weigh-in at the 2021 Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite. Gussy went wire-to-wire for four days of the event, weighing 63 pounds, besting second place by an impressive seven pounds. Gussy trailered home to the far north with over $100,000 in his pocket. Word of the “moping” technique traveled quickly through social wires, sending serious bassers on the hunt for Gussy’s favored jig head—the Smeltinator Jig. |
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Two years later Gussy did it again, ‘moping’ suspended smallmouths with the Smeltinator Jig on forward facing sonar, proving the money method for the 2023 Bassmaster Classic title, the $300K payout, and honors as the top bass stick on the planet. The Smeltinator is hardly new to the fishing scene. The jig and the moping technique have been dominating the Canadian tournament scene for a decade. Gussy, Northland founder John Peterson, Canadian professional angler Jamie Bruce, and Bryan Gustafson of Bass Tactics have won many tournaments and cashed big checks at events like the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship and Kenora Bass Invitational using the Smeltinator Jig and the moping technique. |
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GOLD |
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GLOW |
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LAKE WINNIPEG |
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OPENING NIGHT |
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PURPLE SILVER |
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RALPHS SMOKE |
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SILVER |
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UNPAINTED |
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WHITE |
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PINK WHITE |
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YELLOW ORANGE |
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CHARTREUSE MOSS |
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CAMO |
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The “moping” technique involves fishing a fluke or minnow-style plastic on the Smeltinator Jig and the Smeltinator Underspin Jig over the top of deep suspending smallmouth bass. The design of the jig allows it to hang perfectly horizontal like a real shiner, smelt, or shad. Suspending smallmouths “feed up” on these schools of baitfish. Hanging the Smeltinator above actively feeding fish has proven to yield serious bites and big tournament weights. |
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Travel Tuesday - For Epic Vacations, Avoid the "Fish and Ski"
By Pete Robbins, Half Past First Cast
Do you remember “Fish and Ski” bass boats? They were popular in the 1980s and 1990s, and depending on your perspective, they were either the best or the worst combination of features you could buy.
They were typically marked by a basic bass boat or deep-v shape, a big walk-through windshield, and a smaller front deck than a typical “tournament-ready” bass boat. That’s not to say that you couldn’t be competitive out of one, but rather that they gave up some efficiency in the name of creating a boat built for more than just fishing. The sales pitch was that after you were done chasing bass, the whole family could join you for skiing, tubing and general chilling.
These purchases almost always reeked of desperate compromise. The angler in the family (usually, but not always, dad) would head to the dealership looking for a rocket-like Hydroblaster. The non-angler (usually, but not always, mom) would come along, and seeing this other option, would push for it. It’ll be better for family unity, better for time with the kids, and it will make us all want to go to the lake with you, the latter partner would say.
Ten minutes later, they were signing on the dotted line.
A year later, the angler was still fishing out of the boat, but was deeply disappointed to have been bullied into this purchase, because after one or two trips the family had decided they had other things to do. They’d stopped coming along. Meanwhile, he/she would still strongly prefer the other boat (but with only 162 payments left, that’s not on the table).
If you are planning the fishing trip of a lifetime, and you have a family of committed non-anglers, don’t be pressured into going on the compromise trip.
Yes, there are certainly options – like Costa Rica or Alaska or Cabo or Traverse City – where one family member can have a world-class fishing experience for a few days and those who don’t care to fish can still have a killer vacation. No one needs to sacrifice their preferences and you can still enjoy plenty of togetherness. I’m not talking about those trips. I’m talking about your once-in-a-lifetime, ultra-bucket-list, hard-core fishing deal. Maybe it’s Panama or the Seychelles or Arctic Char in the Northwest Territories, but if it’s something technical and a little off the grid, leave the non-anglers at home.
You cannot make someone enjoy something they don’t like, and if you’ve been waiting 10 or 20 or more years to make a dream happen, anyone who wants to go in early or doesn’t get excited by your big fish is going to be a drag. There will be plenty of time for togetherness in other venues, but when it comes to living out your dreams, choose “social distancing” over compromise.
At Half Past First Cast, we understand that sometimes compromise isn’t a dirty word, but we always try to help you have the best fishing trip possible at the best price. Email us at [email protected] if you’d like to explore options in Mexico, Panama, Guatemala or Alaska.
Ranger Under the Lid - What's in the Back?
This week we're catching up with Bryan Thrift to check out how he sets up the back of his Ranger Z520. It's packed with Relion Lithium Batteries, a spare prop, a charger, and still has room to spare! Check it out in this "Under the Lid".
Yavorksy wins Bassmaster Team Championship Fish-Off, becomes youngest to qualify for Classic
Aaron Yavorsky of the Florida BASS Nation Team Trail has won the 2023 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off with a total of 48 pounds, 4 ounces.
Photo by Dalton Tumblin/B.A.S.S.
December 9, 2023
LEESBURG, Fla. — Aaron Yavorsky could have idled inside the Venetian Gardens Marina all day Saturday and still won the 2023 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off.
But instead of taking his foot off the gas after virtually securing the tournament title on Friday, the 17-year-old Yavorsky put the proverbial pedal to the metal. And in doing so, he scrawled his name into the B.A.S.S. history books — with authority.
Following the 30-pound, 7-ounce limit of five bass he weighed on Day 1, Yavorsky caught another limit Saturday, this one weighing 17-13. And though his final bag was the lightest he caught this week, it absolutely was more than enough to secure the Fish-Off title with a two-day weight of 48-4.
It was as commanding a win as one could imagine in a tournament of this magnitude. Second place went to Connor Nimrod of the Media Bass Trail in north Louisiana, who caught 25-14 over two days, more than 22 pounds behind Yavorsky.
The decisive victory earned Yavorsky the final berth into the 2024 Bassmaster Classic, which will be held March 22-24 on Oklahoma’s Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees. He is the youngest person to ever qualify for the Classic, a distinction previously owned by David Brind of New York, who was 18 when he worked his way through the former B.A.S.S. Federation (now the B.A.S.S. Nation) to land a spot in the 1979 Classic on Lake Texoma.
Yavorsky will turn 18 on March 15, a week before his sport’s biggest event begins.
“I’ve never been to Oklahoma,” he said. “I’ve never even been to a Classic either, though I’ve watched them on live TV for a long time. I don’t know what to say about making it. I’m kind of speechless right now.”
Yavorsky let his fishing do the talking on the Harris Chain of Lakes instead. He stormed to a nearly 16-pound advantage on Day 1 of the Fish-Off with a 30-7 limit. That whopping bag certainly took some of the pressure off the young Palm Harbor, Fla., resident, but he knew his fellow competitors wouldn’t just hand him the title. He proved twice earlier in the tournament that 30-pound sacks are possible here in central Florida, so resting on his Day 1 success was not an option.
The young Yavorsky was relentless again on Saturday, rocketing out of Venetian Gardens at 7 a.m. and making the 30-minute run to Lake Carlton, where he boated his best bass this week. He worked a shellbar there in about 10 feet of water, throwing a Strike King 5XD crankbait over an area that is about 200 to 300 yards long. He said bait color was not important as long as it closely matched the water clarity in Carlton, not to mention the shad that hefty bass were chomping there.
Saturday wasn’t without challenges. The wind, crucial to his earlier bags, was nowhere to be found early on Day 2. Several spectator boats also were near his top spot when he arrived for what he hoped would be the finishing touches on a championship.
Instead, fate made the teenager wait for his chances. And Yavorsky didn’t blink, putting his first bass in the livewell about noon. When quick catches didn’t follow, though, he left Carlton for Lake Dora to fish grassbeds he and his dad, Rodney, worked on Day 1 of the Team Championship portion of the event, which they eventually won. That move proved unsuccessful, so he headed back to Carlton and hunkered down for his limit.
“Nerves played a part,” Aaron said. “We weren’t even launched yet and I couldn’t tie on a lure. A bunch of things ran through my head, especially when I didn’t have a fish until noon. It was really slow ... but the wind picked back up in the afternoon and that was big. It got the bait moving.”
Then the bigger bites he enjoyed earlier in the week started again.
“I was burning that 5XD as fast as I could,” he said. “I really had to hit the fish down there. It would knock off of them and they’d get aggravated when it hit them. It was more a reaction bite.”
The Yavorskys, representing the Florida BASS Nation Team Trail, qualified for the Fish-Off portion of this tournament after totaling 51-9 on Wednesday and Thursday to win $25,000 and the Team Championship. That was almost 14 pounds more than the second-place team of Blain Bartley and Rj Graham of Pennsylvania’s Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit, who split $17,000. The tandem of Nimrod and Thomas Soileau from Media Bass finished third overall in the team event and won $12,000.
The Top 3 teams (six anglers in all) advanced to the Fish-Off on Friday and Saturday. Their team weights were zeroed, and each competed individually for a shot at the Classic
From the jump, the Fish-Off belonged to a 17-year-old fishing with skills that defy his age and experience.
“I don’t think it’s sunk in yet, that I’m going to the Bassmaster Classic,” he said.
The Yavorskys left Venetian Gardens not long after Aaron hoisted the Fish-Off championship trophy. They were headed to Lake Okeechobee where Aaron was due to compete in a Florida B.A.S.S. Nation High School event this weekend. There may be some pre-fishing at Grand Lake in his future, too, but the next stop before the Classic is more typical of a young man of 17.
"Economics class is my first thing Monday morning,” he said. “At 7 a.m.”
Rounding out the field of six in the Fish-Off — behind Yavorsky and Nimrod — are third, Graham, 14-15; fourth, Soileau, 10-14; fifth, Bartley, 6-10; and sixth, Rodney Yavorsky, 6-0.
The Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, held Wednesday and Thursday, featured 248 duos representing 77 different bass trails. In all, anglers came to the Harris Chain from 30 different states and three foreign countries to compete for part of the $125,000 cash purse that was split among the Top 50 teams.
2023 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship Classic FishOff 12/8-12/9
Harris Chain Of Lakes, Leesburg FL.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Club/School Pts
1. Aaron Yavorsky - Florida BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 30-07 Day 2: 5 17-13 Total: 10 48-04
2. Connor Nimrod - Media Bass 0
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 11-04 Total: 10 25-14
3. RJ Graham - Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 0
Day 1: 3 04-10 Day 2: 5 10-05 Total: 8 14-15
4. Thomas Soileau - Media Bass 0
Day 1: 3 04-13 Day 2: 4 06-01 Total: 7 10-14
5. Blain Bartley - Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 0
Day 1: 5 06-10 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 06-10
6. Rodney Yavorsky - Florida BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 1 01-04 Day 2: 1 04-12 Total: 2 06-00
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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 3 22 62-06
2 3 20 50-03
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6 42 112-09
Florida teen Yavorsky takes Team Championship Fish-Off lead at Harris Chain of Lakes
Aaron Yavorsky of the Florida BASS Nation Team Trail has taken the lead on Day 1 of the 2023 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off with a total of 30 pounds, 7 ounces.
Photo by Dalton Tumblin/B.A.S.S.
December 8, 2023
LEESBURG, Fla. — Aaron Yavorsky only needs one more day of solid fishing to write his name in the B.A.S.S. record books.
Yavorksy, a 17-year-old high school senior from Palm Harbor, Fla, caught five bass weighing a whopping 30 pounds, 7 ounces Friday on Day 1 of the 2023 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off. It was a phenomenal haul that gave him nearly a 16-pound lead on the closest of the five other anglers in the field.
The huge catch also gave Yavorsky a decided edge on the dream of a lifetime — a berth in the 2024 Bassmaster Classic. The winner here on Saturday will clinch the final entry into the sport’s biggest derby, which will be held March 22-24 on Oklahoma’s Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees.
If Yavorsky’s tremendous lead does hold, he would be the youngest person ever to compete in a Bassmaster Classic. David Brind, of New York, currently has that distinction, after fishing the 1979 Classic on Lake Texoma when he was only 18.
Yavorsky is aware history could be in the making.
“There were a lot of nerves today,” he said. “Obviously just making it to today, there are a lot of things running through your head ... I might be restless tonight, but I’ll try to get some sleep. I just need to get back out there tomorrow. I’m confident because I’ve got a decent lead.”
Friday’s bag was not an outlier, though, as Yavorsky has been whacking the largemouth bass all week on the Harris Chain of Lakes, only 90 minutes from his family home on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
He and his dad, Rodney Yavorsky, won the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship on Thursday when they caught a whopping 31-6 limit and eased to a victory of nearly 14 pounds. Aaron carried the load when he teamed with dad, too, catching a 9-3 lunker midday on Thursday to push the Yavorskys past the hallowed 30-pound mark.
Aaron, who’s a member of the Florida BASS Nation Team Trail, was no less impressive fishing by himself on Friday. He said he’s fishing in Lake Carlton, about a 30-minute run from Venetian Gardens, where this week’s takeoffs and weigh-ins are taking place.
The special spot of the week, he said, is a shellbar in about 10 feet of water. He’s exclusively throwing crankbaits over an area that is about 200 to 300 yards long.
“I’m just going up and down that spot,” he said. “There’s a lot of bait out there right now. The colder weather moved them out on it. I think they’re getting ready to spawn. They’re just feeding up on shad right now. They’re really scattered. It’s just a matter of getting the big ones to bite.”
Friday’s big bass weighed 8-15. He caught the lunker early in the day and had a limit within an hour.
From that point, it was a matter of patience, with upgrades coming throughout the day.
The Top 3 duos in the Team Championship had their weights zeroed Thursday and the six anglers started competing individually Friday.
That allowed Rodney Yavorsky the chance to see his son put on another display Friday, choosing to watch from a distance rather than fishing himself. He did catch one bass for 1-4, enough to earn a walk across the B.A.S.S. stage.
He was reserving the spotlight, he said, for his son.
“I’m here for him,” Rodney said. “He deserves this. He works hard, spends a lot of time on the water. It pays off.”
Connor Nimrod, a West Monroe, La., resident who fishes the Media Bass trail, is in second place in the Fish-Off with a limit that weighed 14-10. He said he’s making the long run to Lake Apopka, throwing bladed jigs to patches of scattered eelgrass.
Nimrod, 24, knows overcoming a deficit of nearly 16 pounds won’t be easy. But, he said, Florida might be the perfect spot to do it.
“The big ones live here,” he said. “We’ve been around them all week. It would be an impressive thing if I can come back, and I’m gonna try. But Aaron has been putting on a show this week ... Whatever happens, I’ve already had a great week here, too.”
Other remaining anglers are Blain Bartley of Pennsylvania’s Media Bass Buddy Circuit, who caught a limit Friday and is in third place with 6-10. Thomas Soileau, also of West Monroe and Media Bass, caught three bass weighing 4-13. Rj Graham, who teamed with Bartley to finish second in the Team Championship, is fifth with three bass totaling 4-10. The elder Yavorsky is sixth with his 1-4 catch.
The second and final day of the Fish-Off will begin at 7 a.m. ET at Venetian Gardens. Weigh-in is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. Follow the weigh-in online at Bassmaster.com.
2023 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship Classic FishOff 12/8-12/9
Harris Chain Of Lakes, Leesburg FL.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Club/School Pts
1. Aaron Yavorsky - Florida BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 30-07 Total: 5 30-07
2. Connor Nimrod - Media Bass 0
Day 1: 5 14-10 Total: 5 14-10
3. Blain Bartley - Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 0
Day 1: 5 06-10 Total: 5 06-10
4. Thomas Soileau - Media Bass 0
Day 1: 3 04-13 Total: 3 04-13
5. Rj Graham - Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 0
Day 1: 3 04-10 Total: 3 04-10
6. Rodney Yavorsky - Florida BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 1 01-04 Total: 1 01-04
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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 3 22 62-06
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3 22 62-06
Fishin' Tip Friday - Winter Battery Care
This week, instead of talking about a tip or tactic, we're going to give you some timely battery care advice. With winter dropping down into most of the country, some of us "northerners" experience harsh temps and hard water. Some of us even have to put the boat "Up" for a few months. With cold storage, there are some things that need to be done to make sure your gear weathers the storm. One important area that needs attention is your battery system!
We reached out to our friends at Pro Charging Systems/Dual Pro. They've been the leaders in domestic charging solutions for over 25 years, doing testing and research on a continuous basis, so they certainly know what's up. Here are the recommended BEST practices to maintain lead-acid batteries all winter long.
• Check the battery connections - Ensure that all terminal lugs are clean and tight.
If battery posts/terminals are dirty or show signs of corrosion:
o Use a quality battery terminal cleaner
o Or make your own with a baking soda and water mixture
• Check the electrolyte level - The plates must be kept covered so they do not dry out.
If the solution doesn’t cover the battery plates:
o Distilled water can be added to a level approximately ½ in above the plates
o Do not overfill
• If possible, keep your batteries suitably protected from extreme temperatures
• Batteries should be kept/stored in a well ventilated area
• Never leave batteries in a deep depth of discharge
• Use a PCS/Dual PRO Professional Series and Sportsmans Series chargers optimally maintain your batteries over the winter. The charger will systematically check the voltage of the batteries and top off when needed.
• After 30 days, the charger will go into an equalization phase. You will still want to check on your batteries every 30 days to ensure that the charger hasn’t seen an issue with the batteries and turned off or that the power hasn’t gone out.
Seems pretty straight-forward...clean 'em up, fill 'em up, and keep 'em charged up and you'll be good to go come spring. Now keep in mind, this is for lead-acid batteries. Dual Pro specifically recommends getting your lithium battery storage details from the manufacturer themselves. They see a lot of variation currently within lithium technology on the market, so there really isn't a set of recommended BEST practices that cover all the possibilities.
We'll get our lithium tips from the lithium experts at Relion and bring them to you soon!
Huge bag lifts Yavorsky duo to victory at Bassmaster Team Championship; Fish-Off begins Friday
Rodney Yavorsky and Aaron Yavorsky of the Florida BASS Nation Team Trail won the Team Championship portion of the 2023 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship with a two-day total of 51 pounds, 9 ounces.
Photo by Dalton Tumblin/B.A.S.S.
December 6, 2023
LEESBURG, Fla. — The father-son duo of Rodney and Aaron Yavorsky were among the final teams to weigh in Thursday on the final day of the 2023 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship.
In this case, the best was saved almost for last.
The Yavorskys, Tampa-area residents representing the Florida BASS Nation Team Trail, caught a mammoth limit of five bass weighing 31 pounds, 6 ounces and stormed to the title here on the Harris Chain of Lakes in central Florida. Their two-day total of 10 bass weighing 51-9 was nearly 14 pounds heavier than the second-place tandem of Blain Bartley and Rj Graham, who caught 10 bass for 37-11 over two days.
The Yavorskys’ 31-6 bag was by far the heaviest of the tournament, easily besting the 24-11 limit caught by Day 1 leaders Chris Whitson and Kevin King of Tennessee’s Morristown Marine Team Trail. The catch was so hefty they would have placed eighth overall even if their Day 1 weight of 20-3 was eliminated.
“We’ve fished a lot of tournaments together and never had a 30-pound bag,” said Rodney Yavorsky, Aaron’s dad. “It was a special day.”
So was Day 1, for that matter, when father and son put themselves in fourth place overall. They started that day slowly, however, before moving from shallow water to offshore. They started offshore on Day 2, and the extra few hours of catching was just what they needed, pushing their total over the hallowed 30-pound mark.
“Today, we did from the start what we should have done on Day 1,” Rodney said.
“The little cold front that moved in overnight helped us, too,” Aaron said. “There was more bait in the area for us to focus on. We caught them deep, mainly on hard spots, with moving baits — crankbaits, some shaky heads. Color doesn’t seem to matter in this area. We just had to match the water clarity.”
Aaron, a 17-year-old high school senior, did the heavy lifting on Thursday, catching a whopper largemouth that weighed 9-3. He hooked the lunker around noon and it immediately brought new energy to the boat.
“We knew at that point that we had a chance to win,” Rodney said. “We had been sitting at 27 (pounds) and felt like if we got to 30, we could do it.”
That 9-3 bite clinched the Big Bass Award of $500, which pairs nicely with the $25,000 the Yavorskys earned with the title. Their winnings are part of a $125,000 cash purse that was distributed to the Top 50 teams in the derby. A total of 248 teams representing 77 different trails came from 30 states and three foreign countries to compete in the Team Championship.
Now that group has been trimmed to the Top 3 teams (six anglers in all), their weights have been zeroed, and they’ll compete individually on Friday and Saturday in the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off. The angler with the heaviest two-day total in that portion of the tournament will earn the final berth in the 2024 Bassmaster Classic which will be held March 22-24 in Tulsa, Okla., on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees.
The opportunity isn’t lost on the teenaged Yavorsky, who said he and his dad will decide Thursday night who will fish which spots in the Fish-Off. They already located good spots in lakes Harris, Eustis and Beauclair, so they’ll have options.
“This is unimaginable, really,” Aaron said. “You catch fish like we did today, and you have a crazy train of thoughts running through your head.”
Rodney, who owns a painting business in nearby Pinellas County, was thrilled with the Team Championship win, but said his goal is to see Aaron fishing in Oklahoma come March.
“I’m here for him,” Rodney said. “He’s 17. I want him to fish in the Classic. I don’t know how we’ll do this, who will fish where. But we’ll figure it out.”
Bartley and Graham, of Pennsylvania’s Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit, caught 21-3 on Day 1 and followed with 16-8 on Day 2, giving them 37-11. They split $17,000 for the second-place finish and will now focus on making the Classic.
“We’ll both start on our best spot and see what happens,” Bartley said. “It’s a dream come true just to have the opportunity.”
Connor Nimrod and Thomas Soileau, who fish for Media Bass in north Louisiana, finished third with a two-day total of 34-14. Their 21-14 bag was the second heaviest caught Thursday, and it helped them to a $12,000 prize.
“The difference today was strictly weather,” Nimrod said. “We rolled up on our stuff yesterday and it was super blown out, with 2- to 3-foot waves rolling in. Today we were able to throw bladed jigs in grass, anything out off the bank.”
Two more productive days by any of the six remaining anglers could lead to more glory.
“Everybody comes here with the goal of qualifying for the Classic,” Soileau said. “We’ve given ourselves that chance.”
Day 1 of the Fish-Off will start Friday at 7 a.m. ET at Venetian Gardens. Weigh-in is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. See the weigh-in online at Bassmaster.com.
2023 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship 12/6-12/7
Harris Chain Of Lakes, Leesburg FL.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Club/School Pts
1. Rodney Yavorsky - Aaron Yavorsky Florida BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 20-03 Day 2: 5 31-06 Total: 10 51-09
2. Blain Bartley - Rj Graham Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 0
Day 1: 5 21-03 Day 2: 5 16-08 Total: 10 37-11
3. Connor Nimrod - Thomas Soileau Media Bass 0
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 21-14 Total: 10 34-14
4. Destin DeMarion - Tyler Woak Western PA Tournament Series 0
Day 1: 5 17-15 Day 2: 5 16-04 Total: 10 34-03
5. Matt McCoy - Dennis Davis Indiana BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 18-01 Total: 10 33-03
6. Chris Whitson - Kevin King Morristown Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 24-11 Day 2: 5 08-02 Total: 10 32-13
7. Weston Brown - Nathan Byrd 3F Tournaments 0
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 16-04 Total: 10 31-11
8. Frank Bradfield - Tyler Morgan Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 20-07 Day 2: 5 08-13 Total: 10 29-04
9. Anthony Johnson - Brock Reinkemeyer World Fishing Tour 0
Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 5 13-03 Total: 10 28-09
10. Cody George - Josh Prince Tennessee Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 14-14 Day 2: 5 13-08 Total: 10 28-06
11. Bud Smart - Dave Coffing US Anglers Choice / AC Tournamen 0
Day 1: 5 20-02 Day 2: 5 07-04 Total: 10 27-06
12. Wesley Sams - Jordan Wiggins Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 3 07-15 Day 2: 5 19-05 Total: 8 27-04
13. Kris Colley - Adam Bain Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 16-00 Day 2: 5 11-04 Total: 10 27-04
14. Dustin Neat - Mark Wethington Anglers Outpost NTBA Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 4 12-12 Total: 9 26-12
15. Shane Adams - Raymond Adams Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 13-05 Total: 10 26-05
16. Matt Adams - Richard Payne Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 5 09-06 Total: 10 26-04
17. Chris Babin - Gypsy Babin Media Bass 0
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 5 09-12 Total: 10 25-08
18. Clint Gradeless - Jeff Geller US Anglers Choice / AC Tournamen 0
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 3 11-09 Total: 8 25-06
19. Chris Blair - Bryan Asay Georgia Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 17-05 Day 2: 5 07-15 Total: 10 25-04
20. Brian Adamson - Ryan Lloyd Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 5 08-13 Total: 10 25-02
21. Wes Woodard - Tim Eaton D & R Sports Center Tournament S 0
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 5 12-08 Total: 10 25-02
22. Steven Griffith - Tyler Rush Pennsylvania BASS Nation Team Tr 0
Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 5 10-11 Total: 10 24-12
23. Brad Stalnaker - Chris Lumpkin Berry's Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 5 14-04 Total: 10 24-09
24. Eddie Levin - Ryan Mallory Ohio BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 13-02 Total: 10 24-08
25. Cameron Yates - Chad Woodward New Hampshire BASS Nation Team T 0
Day 1: 5 17-12 Day 2: 4 06-05 Total: 9 24-01
26. Stephen Mcavoy - Josh Butts Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 09-04 Total: 10 23-15
27. Nick Canestra - Harry Nurk Chester County Bassmaster Team T 0
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 09-09 Total: 10 23-11
28. Levi Snow - Craig Ruddick Columbus Bass Club Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-02 Day 2: 5 10-09 Total: 10 23-11
29. Jeff Brauneck - Fred Brauneck West Michigan Bass Tournament Se 0
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 10-08 Total: 10 23-09
30. Jason Clemons - Marc Lorensen Great Lakes Largemouth Series 0
Day 1: 5 08-12 Day 2: 5 14-10 Total: 10 23-06
31. Travis Loyd - Brien Vaughn Texas Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-04 Day 2: 5 15-01 Total: 10 23-05
32. Joe Ellis - Ron Ellis Tennessee Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 10-02 Total: 10 23-01
33. Casey Baker - Eddie Baker Morristown Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 5 12-03 Total: 10 23-00
34. Joe Anders - Guff Guffey Palmetto Boat Center Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 14-08 Day 2: 5 08-07 Total: 10 22-15
35. Will Thomas - Gregg Thomas Berry's Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-12 Day 2: 5 13-03 Total: 10 22-15
36. Brandon Hill - Adam Proctor Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 10-10 Total: 10 22-13
37. Billy Hall - Ronnie Smith Anglers Outpost NTBA Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 5 11-09 Total: 10 22-03
38. JT Denton - Stephen Denton Collins Bass for Cash 0
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 10-12 Total: 10 22-01
39. Rick Imler - Scott Newlon Great Lakes Largemouth Series 0
Day 1: 4 14-07 Day 2: 4 07-09 Total: 8 22-00
40. Hunter Sales - Billy Sales Tennessee Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 5 09-05 Total: 10 22-00
41. Josh Busby - Rick Johnston Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 12-03 Total: 10 22-00
42. Tanner Hadden - Ricky Basey Super 6 Shootout Tournament Trai 0
Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 5 11-12 Total: 10 22-00
43. Chad Schmidt - Brandon Ackerson World Fishing Tour 0
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 5 08-01 Total: 10 21-14
44. Connor O'Connor - Jim Severson Minnesota BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 3 08-06 Total: 8 21-13
45. MIke Foster - Jacob Lynch USA Bassin 0
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 4 10-13 Total: 9 21-13
46. Mike Morris - Brian La Clair Delaware BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-10 Day 2: 5 14-02 Total: 10 21-12
47. Mark Thompson - Mark Thompson II Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 11-00 Total: 10 21-11
48. Collin Bode - Mark Goetzman Texas BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 5 09-08 Total: 10 21-09
49. Carroll Ward Jr - Steve Brinkley Collins Bass for Cash 0
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 5 10-15 Total: 10 21-09
50. Justin Mott - Randal Hamilton Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 4 05-11 Day 2: 5 15-11 Total: 9 21-06
51. Trevor Romans - David Rush Texas BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 09-03 Total: 10 21-01
52. Jeff Cherry - Stephen Rosson Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 08-13 Total: 10 21-00
53. Travis Clay - Hunter Clay Berry's Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 07-07 Total: 10 20-13
54. Randall Christopher - Nick Coleman Anglers Outpost NTBA Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 08-15 Total: 10 20-13
55. Mike Williams - Jeff Blanchard Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 5 09-12 Total: 10 20-13
56. Walker Brown - Sloan Pennington Tennessee River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-14 Day 2: 3 06-14 Total: 8 20-12
57. Kenneth Hayes - Tommy Pettit-Hakes Michigan BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 09-07 Total: 10 20-12
58. Greg Phillips - Alan Case Tennessee BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-12 Day 2: 5 07-15 Total: 10 20-11
59. Derick Livingston - Jonathan Spivey Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-15 Day 2: 5 09-10 Total: 10 20-09
60. Keaton Owens - Bradley Childers Palmetto Boat Center - College T 0
Day 1: 4 05-10 Day 2: 5 14-13 Total: 9 20-07
61. Mike Burchett - Wayne Burchett Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-07 Day 2: 5 11-00 Total: 10 20-07
62. Kade Kitchens - Walter Orr Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 5 10-04 Total: 10 20-06
63. Daryl Devries - David Buday West Michigan Bass Tournament Se 0
Day 1: 5 07-01 Day 2: 5 13-03 Total: 10 20-04
64. Dave Ramey - Trevor Sexton White Pine Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-05 Day 2: 5 10-15 Total: 10 20-04
65. Brad Adkins - Ryan White Anglers Outpost NTBA Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-00 Day 2: 5 13-03 Total: 10 20-03
66. Samuel Fish - Kenneth Malone Airport Marine Classic Team Trai 0
Day 1: 2 04-00 Day 2: 5 16-02 Total: 7 20-02
67. Tom Patten - Jeff Yorks Michigan BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-01 Day 2: 5 12-13 Total: 10 19-14
68. Gary Thompson - Chris Dunn Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 4 07-11 Total: 9 19-13
69. Lee Corazzi - Mark Mounts PA Sunday Tournament Series 0
Day 1: 5 07-12 Day 2: 5 11-15 Total: 10 19-11
70. Justin Bussey - Ben Webb Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-11 Day 2: 5 10-11 Total: 10 19-06
71. Nick Ratliff - Bradley Dunagan USA Bassin 0
Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 4 08-15 Total: 9 19-06
72. Evan Cox - Carter Emsing Centennial Bass Club Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 5 08-13 Total: 10 19-03
73. Paul Johnson - Dale Solomon Chattanooga Bass Association Tea 0
Day 1: 4 09-14 Day 2: 5 09-05 Total: 9 19-03
74. Chris Nelson - Jeremy Strong Palmetto Boat Center Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 4 05-10 Total: 9 19-00
75. Andrus Kung - Evan Kung Competitive Sport Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 5 09-00 Total: 10 19-00
76. Michael Kazmierczak - Charles Pustz Illinois BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 5 08-05 Total: 10 18-15
77. Nate Caldwell - Shane Mccoy Centennial Bass Club Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 09-11 Day 2: 5 09-03 Total: 9 18-14
78. Chad Morgenthaler - Dave Mansue Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 5 08-09 Total: 10 18-13
79. Edward Gad - Parker Domschke Illinois BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-03 Day 2: 3 05-09 Total: 8 18-12
80. Johnny Callison Jr - Danny Jones Western PA Tournament Series 0
Day 1: 5 08-08 Day 2: 5 10-04 Total: 10 18-12
81. Derek Herring - Ray Villarreal Bayou Bassin League 0
Day 1: 5 09-05 Day 2: 5 09-06 Total: 10 18-11
82. Steve Vann - T.J. Martin World Fishing Tour 0
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 5 08-09 Total: 10 18-09
83. Justin Mayfield - Henry Antle Anglers Outpost NTBA Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-00 Day 2: 5 09-07 Total: 10 18-07
84. Dan Faubert - Tim Thompson Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 3 05-06 Total: 8 18-05
85. Daniel Post - Daniel Pearl West Virginia BASS Nation Team T 0
Day 1: 5 13-03 Day 2: 3 05-00 Total: 8 18-03
86. Don Southern - Neil Hunwick Morristown Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-03 Day 2: 5 08-00 Total: 10 18-03
87. Tanner Huckstep - Max Danese Chattanooga Bass Association Tea 0
Day 1: 5 12-05 Day 2: 5 05-13 Total: 10 18-02
88. James Meers - Shane Meers Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 06-08 Total: 10 18-02
89. Brandon Gray - Garry Colwell Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 04-14 Day 2: 5 13-02 Total: 9 18-00
90. Terry Runtz - Eddie Nicholas Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 09-09 Day 2: 5 08-07 Total: 10 18-00
91. David Compton Jr - David Compton Sr Douglas Rods Big Money Opens 0
Day 1: 4 11-09 Day 2: 4 06-06 Total: 8 17-15
92. Bill Perkins - Jacob Perkins Empire Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 06-10 Total: 10 17-15
93. Hall Hobbs - Colton Johnson Airport Marine Classic Team Trai 0
Day 1: 5 08-10 Day 2: 5 09-03 Total: 10 17-13
94. Dominic Vitale - Anthony Vitale Douglas Rods Big Money Opens 0
Day 1: 5 09-02 Day 2: 5 08-11 Total: 10 17-13
95. Steve Gourlie - Jon Millar Competitive Sport Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 06-04 Day 2: 5 11-08 Total: 10 17-12
96. Jason Tripp - James Williford III Collins Bass for Cash 0
Day 1: 5 07-01 Day 2: 5 10-11 Total: 10 17-12
97. Steven Rowswell - Cole Vardy Competitive Sport Fishing League 0
Day 1: 3 04-11 Day 2: 5 12-13 Total: 8 17-08
98. Chris Miller - Brian Forcier Iowa BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-09 Day 2: 5 08-14 Total: 10 17-07
99. George Lambeth - Herby Young III Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 05-02 Total: 10 17-05
100. Ralph Laster Jr - Michael Fiedler Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 5 05-14 Total: 10 17-05
101. Jacob George - Ryan Sweeney Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-11 Day 2: 4 07-10 Total: 9 17-05
102. Brian Funkhouser - Kenneth Reed Indiana BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 4 05-05 Total: 9 17-04
103. David Lowery - James Murphy Berry's Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-10 Day 2: 4 08-10 Total: 9 17-04
104. Ryan Lachniet - Evan Fields Anglers Outpost NTBA Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-06 Day 2: 5 08-12 Total: 10 17-02
105. Josh Friend - Jason Adams Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-05 Day 2: 5 07-12 Total: 10 17-01
106. Tony Mayfield - Lennie Becker Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-01 Day 2: 4 08-00 Total: 9 17-01
107. Travis O'Quinn - Shannon O'Quinn Morristown Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 4 04-12 Total: 9 16-14
108. Chaz Carrington - Jared Williams Virginia Elite 70 Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-13 Day 2: 5 08-01 Total: 10 16-14
109. Terry Hutchison - Jason Coley Polar Bear Tournament Series 0
Day 1: 5 07-00 Day 2: 5 09-12 Total: 10 16-12
110. Fern Campeau - Kevin McPhee Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 4 06-12 Day 2: 5 09-14 Total: 9 16-10
111. Keith Glasgow - Mccain Merchant Alabama BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-14 Day 2: 5 07-11 Total: 10 16-09
112. Logan Parks - Curtis Gossett Alabama BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 08-10 Day 2: 5 07-14 Total: 9 16-08
113. Adam Rice - Emory Reiser IV Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Sunday Ser 0
Day 1: 5 06-01 Day 2: 5 10-06 Total: 10 16-07
114. Casey Majni - Corey Brooks Morristown Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-14 Day 2: 4 05-07 Total: 9 16-05
115. Shane Tossava - Zack Hammond D & R Sports Center Tournament S 0
Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 5 05-15 Total: 10 16-04
116. Greg Secord - Randy Hilberg Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 4 08-14 Day 2: 3 07-06 Total: 7 16-04
117. Will Grisham - Andrew Fikes Tennessee River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 2 03-09 Total: 7 16-01
118. Alan Fluharty - Chad Brinegar West Virginia BASS Nation Team T 0
Day 1: 5 06-08 Day 2: 5 09-07 Total: 10 15-15
119. Calvin Steinhobel - Jason Harrison SABAA - South Africa BASS Nation 0
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 3 03-12 Total: 8 15-13
120. Klint VonFeldt - Chris Unruh Hays Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-12 Day 2: 5 08-01 Total: 10 15-13
121. Chandler Ellis - Gil Senn Jr Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Sunday Ser 0
Day 1: 5 06-03 Day 2: 5 09-09 Total: 10 15-12
122. Roy Hurst Jr - Matthew Hurst United Professional Weekend Angl 0
Day 1: 5 05-11 Day 2: 3 09-12 Total: 8 15-07
123. Anthony Crumbliss - Mark Gray West Virginia BASS Nation Team T 0
Day 1: 5 08-07 Day 2: 5 06-15 Total: 10 15-06
124. Anthony Moore - Tommy Cowart United Professional Weekend Angl 0
Day 1: 5 08-12 Day 2: 5 06-09 Total: 10 15-05
125. Dalton Laster - Curtis Laster United Professional Weekend Angl 0
Day 1: 5 06-01 Day 2: 5 09-03 Total: 10 15-04
126. Jayson Saliba - Murdock Graham Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 08-14 Day 2: 5 06-06 Total: 10 15-04
127. Donovan Hensley - Josh Hensley Ozark Mountain Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-12 Day 2: 5 07-07 Total: 10 15-03
128. Donnie Powell - Roger Gosnell Palmetto Boat Center Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 08-08 Day 2: 4 06-07 Total: 8 14-15
129. Tom Statler - Dillon Statler Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 06-14 Day 2: 5 08-01 Total: 9 14-15
130. Caleb Hudson - Jeremy Hudson Super 6 Shootout Tournament Trai 0
Day 1: 5 07-11 Day 2: 5 07-04 Total: 10 14-15
131. Dan Morrow - Troy Morrow Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Sunday Ser 0
Day 1: 5 07-08 Day 2: 5 07-06 Total: 10 14-14
132. Tommy Abel - Moose Wright World Fishing Tour 0
Day 1: 5 06-09 Day 2: 5 08-02 Total: 10 14-11
133. Billy Elbert - Jason Westrip Ozark Mountain Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 04-02 Day 2: 5 10-07 Total: 8 14-09
134. Austin Johnson - Morgan Hogue Montana BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-11 Day 2: 4 05-13 Total: 9 14-08
135. Sean Clayton - Griffin Todd Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Sunday Ser 0
Day 1: 5 07-04 Day 2: 5 07-04 Total: 10 14-08
136. Arthur Ballard - Mark Lunsford Anglers Outpost NTBA Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 05-08 Day 2: 5 08-14 Total: 10 14-06
137. Tim Robinson - John Watson III USA Bassin 0
Day 1: 2 02-12 Day 2: 5 11-09 Total: 7 14-05
138. Bill Ferris - Richard Simmons West Michigan Bass Tournament Se 0
Day 1: 5 07-00 Day 2: 5 07-03 Total: 10 14-03
139. Gene Townsend - Doug Goodall Alabama BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 04-14 Day 2: 5 09-03 Total: 10 14-01
140. Kevin True - Simon Willett Anglers Outpost NTBA Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-04 Day 2: 5 06-13 Total: 10 14-01
141. Eddie Gibson - Jim Austin United Professional Weekend Angl 0
Day 1: 5 05-10 Day 2: 4 08-01 Total: 9 13-11
142. Michael Knight - Jeff Knight Chattanooga Bass Association Tea 0
Day 1: 5 05-08 Day 2: 5 07-15 Total: 10 13-07
143. Kevin Steinruck - Jeff Marianetti Douglas Rods Big Money Opens 0
Day 1: 3 03-10 Day 2: 5 09-10 Total: 8 13-04
144. Jared Turnbloom - Jacob Turnbloom Airport Marine Classic Team Trai 0
Day 1: 3 03-11 Day 2: 4 09-09 Total: 7 13-04
145. Hunter Kennedy - Justin Leasure Cheat Lake Bass Anglers Team Tra 0
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 2 02-09 Total: 7 13-02
146. Mark Ownby - Wandell Lusk Morristown Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 2 06-02 Day 2: 5 06-12 Total: 7 12-14
147. Skyler Schultz - Richard Schultz Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 0
Day 1: 3 05-02 Day 2: 5 07-10 Total: 8 12-12
148. Stephen Hegarty - Phillip Hegarty Competitive Sport Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 12-10
149. Kirk Kelly - Aaron Morse Wilson Lake Team Series 0
Day 1: 5 10-14 Day 2: 1 01-11 Total: 6 12-09
150. Mark Tantum - Owen Mcdonald SABAA - South Africa BASS Nation 0
Day 1: 4 04-15 Day 2: 4 07-09 Total: 8 12-08
151. Victor Morris - Tim Harper Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 4 05-14 Day 2: 5 06-09 Total: 9 12-07
152. DJ Plotner - Tom Grobe Great Lakes Largemouth Series 0
Day 1: 4 12-06 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 12-06
153. Mike Hyrtle Sr - Mike Hyrtle Jr Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 12-01 Total: 5 12-01
154. Charlie Craycraft - Chester Craycraft USA Bassin 0
Day 1: 2 02-04 Day 2: 5 09-10 Total: 7 11-14
155. Joel Willert - Jarrad Nickolite Minnesota BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-00 Day 2: 3 03-14 Total: 8 11-14
156. Jeff Benson - Raymond Osborn Jr West Michigan Bass Tournament Se 0
Day 1: 3 03-04 Day 2: 4 08-09 Total: 7 11-13
157. Barry Hayward - Jeff Hayward Kentucky Bass Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 05-06 Day 2: 4 05-15 Total: 9 11-05
158. Trevor Sanderson - Adam Markiewicz Illinois BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-07 Day 2: 3 03-13 Total: 8 11-04
159. Francis Beard - Christopher Curvin Alabama BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-03 Day 2: 3 04-00 Total: 8 11-03
160. Keith Daffron - Ryan Patterson Ozark Mountain Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 11-01 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 11-01
161. John Kellett - Zeke Gossett Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 10-13
162. Greg Sochocki - Noah Stauffer Michigan BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-06 Day 2: 2 02-07 Total: 7 10-13
163. Gary Williams - Duane Jacobs Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 08-05 Day 2: 3 02-08 Total: 8 10-13
164. Thomas Bavaro III - Brian Dyson Chester County Bassmaster Team T 0
Day 1: 2 03-01 Day 2: 4 07-12 Total: 6 10-13
165. Josh Wilson - Shawn Wilson Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 4 05-01 Day 2: 4 05-12 Total: 8 10-13
166. Josh Chapple - Paul Davis Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 10-12
167. Joey Teofilo - Joey Di Cienzo Competitive Sport Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 1 00-15 Total: 6 10-12
168. RJ Ricci - Brandon Regnault Mass BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-11 Day 2: 2 01-14 Total: 7 10-09
169. Mike Combs - Gary Wallace Anglers Outpost NTBA Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-01 Day 2: 4 04-08 Total: 9 10-09
170. William Hammond - Jeremy Dellinger Palmetto Boat Center - College T 0
Day 1: 2 01-14 Day 2: 5 08-10 Total: 7 10-08
171. Brian Knebel - Greg Bent Empire Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 07-01 Day 2: 2 03-05 Total: 5 10-06
172. Blake Tomlin - Justin Foster Georgia Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 10-02
173. Patrick Reardon - Martin Brisson Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 1 01-07 Day 2: 5 08-10 Total: 6 10-01
174. Ty Ball - Hunter Hamilton Morristown Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-15 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 09-15
174. Craig Daniel - Jackie Flack Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-15 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 09-15
176. Jason Stevens - Terry Jones II Caernarvon Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 2 02-02 Day 2: 5 07-12 Total: 7 09-14
177. Ryan Doel - Corey Doel Polar Bear Tournament Series 0
Day 1: 4 04-10 Day 2: 5 05-02 Total: 9 09-12
178. Ryan Kelly - Joshua Schumaker West Michigan Bass Tournament Se 0
Day 1: 5 06-07 Day 2: 3 03-01 Total: 8 09-08
179. Michael Chlomoudis - Powell Kemp IV Collins Bass for Cash 0
Day 1: 5 09-07 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 09-07
180. Daniel Mussen - Aidan Mussen Douglas Rods Big Money Opens 0
Day 1: 2 02-01 Day 2: 5 07-04 Total: 7 09-05
181. Tom Mason - Christopher Reese Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 04-03 Day 2: 4 05-02 Total: 7 09-05
182. Joey Payne - Colton Cash Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-03 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 09-03
183. John Doran Jr - Scott Nadeau Maine BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-09 Day 2: 2 02-08 Total: 7 09-01
184. Sam Hopkins - Craig Matthews South Carolina B.A.S.S. Nation T 0
Day 1: 5 08-15 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 08-15
185. Chad Walkoviak - Scott Landon 3F Tournaments 0
Day 1: 1 01-08 Day 2: 2 07-07 Total: 3 08-15
186. Mike Brayford - Ryan Archibald Competitive Sport Fishing League 0
Day 1: 1 01-12 Day 2: 1 07-03 Total: 2 08-15
187. Dale Teaney - Randy Alexander Morristown Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-14 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 08-14
188. Kevin Sutton - Brock Rouse Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 08-13 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 08-13
189. Mark McCaig - Tim Hurst Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-12 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 08-12
190. Damien Willis - Tyler Kiker Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-10 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 08-10
191. Steve Garcia - Christopher Garcia Blarney Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 5 08-09 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 08-09
192. Brian Johnston - Cameron Neville Competitive Sport Fishing League 0
Day 1: 3 04-01 Day 2: 3 04-08 Total: 6 08-09
193. Brian Longan - Dawayne Heffelman World Fishing Tour 0
Day 1: 4 08-06 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 08-06
194. Kevin Farris - Dylan Welton West Michigan Bass Tournament Se 0
Day 1: 1 01-03 Day 2: 4 07-01 Total: 5 08-04
195. Hayden Anderson - Damien Luchterhand Minnesota BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-01 Day 2: 2 02-02 Total: 7 08-03
196. Thomas Brewer - Jason Smith Tennessee River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-02 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 08-02
196. Waylon Saunders - Mark Beck Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 08-02 Total: 5 08-02
198. Jeff Hagen - Scot Lang Iowa BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 04-11 Day 2: 2 03-01 Total: 5 07-12
199. Jesse Evans - Stewart Evans Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 07-10 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 07-10
199. James Ward - Sammy Reynolds United Professional Weekend Angl 0
Day 1: 5 07-10 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 07-10
201. Brock Bila - Josh Pladies Flint Hills Bass Assoc Inc 0
Day 1: 3 07-08 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 07-08
202. Luke Greenwell - Jackson Brown Berry's Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 07-07 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 07-07
203. Terry Adams - James Chaffin Berry's Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-06 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 07-06
204. Jacob Novak - Daniel Jenkins Virginia Elite 70 Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 07-05 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 07-05
205. Jeremy Fuller - Tom Wilkins Minnesota Bass Series 0
Day 1: 4 07-03 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 07-03
206. David Drummond - BC Collins Super 6 Shootout Tournament Trai 0
Day 1: 5 07-02 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 07-02
207. Kip Starling - Ron Scriver Competitive Sport Fishing League 0
Day 1: 1 01-14 Day 2: 4 05-00 Total: 5 06-14
208. Brad Dekraai - Jeff Moore New Hampshire BASS Nation Team T 0
Day 1: 5 06-12 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 06-12
209. Greg Marshall - Jeff Delk Anglers Outpost NTBA Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 06-11 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 06-11
210. Christopher Rowell - Shannon Mccormick Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-07 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 06-07
211. Thomas Stacy - Jacob Butts Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Sunday Ser 0
Day 1: 4 04-02 Day 2: 2 02-03 Total: 6 06-05
212. Steven Michaels - Jonathan Dail Collins Bass for Cash 0
Day 1: 5 06-03 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 06-03
213. Michael Bobst - Bret Dillow Kentucky Bass Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-01 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 06-01
213. Tim Penhollow - Timothy Sellers-Penhollow Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-01 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 06-01
215. Dax Massey - Wyatt Burkhalter Airport Marine Classic Team Trai 0
Day 1: 4 05-08 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 05-08
216. Russell Pasket - Jimmy Smith 3F Tournaments 0
Day 1: 3 05-07 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 05-07
217. Justin Kimmel - Matt Henry Berryís Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 05-05 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 05-05
218. Bryan Dowdy - Kyle Lewellen Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 2 05-04 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 05-04
219. Mark Osgood - Darrell Wentworth Maine BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 05-03 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 05-03
220. Matt Garrett - Will Isaac Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 04-12 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 04-12
221. Jarrod Swift - Darrel Swift Anglers Outpost NTBA Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 04-11 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 04-11
222. Rolando Barrueta - Jorge Norzagaray New Mexico Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 04-08 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 04-08
223. Brad Weiss - Vincent Machicao Polar Bear Tournament Series 0
Day 1: 3 04-08 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 04-08
224. Jerry Smith - Michael Smith Great Lakes Largemouth Series 0
Day 1: 3 03-13 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 03-13
225. Marc Renaud - Pat Giroux Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 1 01-01 Day 2: 2 02-11 Total: 3 03-12
226. Michael Wooley - Joe Wooley Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 2 03-11 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 03-11
227. Michael Cole - Kyle Blair Tennessee Team Trail 0
Day 1: 1 01-12 Day 2: 1 01-10 Total: 2 03-06
228. Rusty Darnell - John Campbell Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 03-02 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 03-02
229. Drew Blackwood - Hunter Baird Milford Lake Team Series 0
Day 1: 2 03-02 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 03-02
230. Mike Green - Sean Ervin Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 3 03-01 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 03-01
231. Hunter Bond - Lane Clark Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Sunday Ser 0
Day 1: 1 02-15 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 1 02-15
232. Steve Clark - Dave Norgrove Competitive Sport Fishing League 0
Day 1: 2 02-14 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 02-14
233. Bryan Ray - Brian Wilson West Michigan Bass Tournament Se 0
Day 1: 2 02-09 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 02-09
234. Zach Wilson - Joesph Hernandez Backlashers Kansas City Team Tra 0
Day 1: 2 02-06 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 02-06
235. Todd Buchanan - Sonny Edwards Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 2 02-05 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 02-05
236. Doug Bergeron - Brandon Bergeron Media Bass 0
Day 1: 1 02-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 1 02-00
237. Keith Kirkley Jr - Jeff Kirkley Airport Marine Classic Team Trai 0
Day 1: 2 01-14 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 01-14
238. Mark Pappas - Steve Vick Jr Morristown Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 1 01-11 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 1 01-11
239. Rocky Carden - David Rogers Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 1 00-15 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 1 00-15
240. Lanier Burton - Kelley Jaye Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
240. Robert Cowan - Dallas Beasley Ozark Mountain Team Trail 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
240. Ival Hannah - Danny Burns Ozark Mountain Team Trail 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
240. Tallis Morrison - Hayes Morrison Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Sunday Ser 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
240. Michael Ray - Taylor Nestor Great Lakes Largemouth Series 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
240. Brian Smith - Jeffrey Walls Anglers Outpost NTBA Team Trail 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
240. Robert Stumpe - Dustin Hall Florida BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
240. Ray Trudeau - Walter Thompson Lakeland Bassmaster Team Trail 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
240. David Underwood - Keith Honeycutt Media Bass 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
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BIG BASS OF TOURN
Rodney Yavorsky Palm Harbor, FL 09-03 $0.00
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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 162 1024 2063-03
2 127 814 1619-09
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289 1838 3682-12
Amazing Roster of Fishing Industry Speakers
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NPAA Annual Conference in Fort Myers, FL (1/5 –1/7) will shine with sportfishing experts, including bass pro, Justin Lucas; veteran walleye pro, Keith Kavajecz; industry veteran, Eric Naig; artificial intelligence expert and sportfishing podcast host, Sid Dobrin, and a session by marketing expert, EJ Saunders |
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Forestville, WI (December 7, 2023) – Besides providing attendees with career-building, educational and networking opportunities in numerous sessions, the upcoming 2024 “Passion to Profession” NPAA Conference in Fort Myers, Florida, January 5 – 7, 2024, will feature sportfishing industry notables sharing their insights on what it takes to succeed as an angling professional in the sportfishing industry on Saturday January 6th. Building on the amazing success of last year’s seminars that featured speakers including Gerald Swindle, Bobby Lane, Jason & Jay Przekurat and many others, this year’s conference will feature prominent tournament bass angler, Justin Lucas; former fishing pro turned sportfishing industry executive Eric Naig; “The Fishing Professor” Sid Dobrin; and Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame inductee/veteran walleye tournament pro and digital content creator, Keith Kavajecz, and digital marketing consultant and expert, EJ Saunders. “Every year NPAA attendees look forward to the chance to hear the top professionals share their industry and life experiences. Once again, we are honored to have some incredible personalities and industry experts on our conference schedule this year, all touching on the 2024 conference theme of ‘Passion to Profession’,” comments NPAA President, Pat Neu. |
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9 am – 9:50 am: JUSTIN LUCAS Justin Lucas started his career with the FLW Tour between 2010-2013. In 2014, Lucas fished his rookie season on the Bassmaster Elite Series and went on to qualify for three consecutive Bassmaster Classics, win two Bassmaster Elite events and win BASS Elite Series Angler of the Year title in 2018. His dynamic presence, engaging personality, and fishing talent have positioned Lucas as a prominent figure in the sport with a rapidly growing and engaged fan base. In addition to his role as a professional angler, Lucas was also the host of the FLW College tournaments for several years. He was able to build a strong following through the younger generation of anglers and he still embraces his role as an inspirational personality and mentor to them today. When not fishing competitively, Justin loves to spend time with his wife, family, and go fun fishing with his buddies. |
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10:15 am – 11:05 am: ERIC NAIG Longtime fishing industry icon, Eric Naig, began his career as a manufacturer-sponsored tournament angler, progressing into grassroots pro staff management for many of the tackle industry’s biggest names and then on to a successful stint as a marketing manager for a major industry company. Naig will be presenting on ways NPAA member anglers can make themselves more valuable to fishing tackle sponsors, including how to work with tackle company marketing and product development teams. Over the course of his career, Naig has learned many of the “do’s”, “don’ts,” “whys” and “why nots” sponsor-seeking anglers should keep in mind to further their careers and will share those in his seminar. |
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11:05 am – 12:00 noon: SID DOBRIN Professor and Chair of the Department of English, University of Florida and is also one of this countries foremost experts on artificial intellegance, Sid is the author of numerous books, co-owner of inventivefishing.com, and is a an extremely knowledgeable saltwater and freshwater angler. “The Fishing Professor”, Sid Dobrin, will introduce some fundamental explanations about how AI and GenAI work and how they might be deployed in various workplace settings in the fishing industry. The session will offer pragmatic advice about how you might use no-code AI and GenAI platforms to enhance your business. |
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1:15 pm – 2:15 pm: KEITH KAVAJECZ Keith Kevajecz is a top-ranking professional walleye fisherman whose career spans back to 1986, specializing in tournament fishing, saltwater fishing and walleye fishing promotions. Keith is a “Legendary Angler” inductee into the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame and a past co-host of the popular The Next Bite TV show. Keith has been featured in countless fishing magazines, videos, and TV programs, and has been a product consultant for decades. If you’re wondering how to turn your angling “passion” into a “profession,” there is no better expert on the subject. |
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3-3:50 pm & 4-4:50 pm: EJ SAUNDERS “Maximizing Customer Acquisition & Retention: Mastering the 5-Level Framework in the Angling Industry” Led by digital marketing expert EJ Saunders of Blaze Digital, session attendees will learn techniques to deeply understand and connect with their core angling audience, including how to craft offers that resonate, ensuring more bites both in the water and business. Saunders will also address how to navigate and optimize each level of customer interaction and strategies to ensure customers transition smoothly from one interaction stage to the next, solidifying loyalty. Attendees will leave with worksheets that can be utilized to strategize and organize their next career moves. |
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Registration Still Open The NPAA has secured a special room rate of $169/night (double occupancy) at the 5 Star-rated Gulf Coast Crowne Plaza in Fort Myers, Florida, also home to the entire conference. The room rate is available December 8th or until sold out. Register for 2024 “Passion to Profession” Conference now. Reserve a room by clicking here but be sure to book early to secure your room now as they are filling quickly! Airfare rates have also dropped significantly in the past month and the hotel is only 5 minutes from the Southwest Florida Regional Airport (RSW). Book your airline tickets early to receive the lowest rates and don’t forget to try specialty airlines like Sun Country, Frontier, and Allegiant for airfares as low as $200 roundtrip from some hubs. |
Whitson and King surpass their expectations to take lead at Bassmaster Team Championship
Chris Whitson and Kevin King of the Morristown Marine Team Trail have taken the lead on Day 1 of the 2023 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship with a total of 24 pounds, 11 ounces.
Photo by Dalton Tumblin/B.A.S.S.
December 6, 2023
LEESBURG, Fla. — Chris Whitson and Kevin King said they’d have been happy to weigh 12 pounds on Wednesday to start the 2023 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship.
Instead, they more than doubled that and jumped to an early lead here on the Harris Chain of Lakes in central Florida.
Whitson and King, Tennessee residents who fish on the Morristown Marine Team Trail, weighed a five-bass limit totaling 24 pounds, 11 ounces on Day 1 of the two-day derby. That was enough to give them the lead in the final tournament of the 2023 Bassmaster season, which boasts 248 competing teams representing 77 different trails from 30 states and three foreign countries.
Whitson and King were tight-lipped about specifics of Wednesday’s haul, though they said they were surprised to see heavy bass in the area they fished.
“We caught a couple there in practice, but not nearly that size,” Whitson said. “We only had about three spots we planned to fish today, but we hit the right one. We’re not sure why they are where they are. There’s no bait keying us in on anything.”
“We really did kind of stumble on it,” King added.
What a fortunate find it was.
“We caught one within 15 minutes or so on the first spot and then we got three in a row real quick,” Whitson said. “The other two came a couple hours later, in the middle of the day. We left there about 1 o’clock and we’ll head back there tomorrow ... I don’t know if they’ll repeat themselves, but I figure we’ll beat around there and catch a few more.”
Blain Bartley and RJ Graham, of Pennsylvania’s Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit, are in second place with 21-3. They had to rally after a shaky start.
“We were spun out, big-time,” Graham said. “The first thing we tried didn’t work at all. We didn’t catch a fish until 11 o’clock. We were fishing shallow and they just weren’t biting at all. So, we moved to some grass offshore. We got a couple quick bites, so we just hunkered down and picked away at ’em.”
Bartley said Wednesday’s wind, blowing consistently at 12 mph and gusting higher, made for a bumpy day. But with the shallow bite a no-go, they had no choice but to try their luck in open water.
“We weren’t sure if it was going to muddy things up for us,” he said. “But we found some clean water and got a few of the right bites.”
Wednesday’s temperatures climbed into the mid-60s, but windy conditions made it feel colder. Thursday’s forecast calls for slightly colder temperatures, though the wind is expected to settle. Most anglers said they weren’t exactly sure what, if any, impact that would have on the Florida bass bite.
“It’ll be a coin toss what we do tomorrow,” Bartley said. “It’s hard to say what’s going to happen.”
Graham agreed.
“It’s unsure, for sure,” he said.
Teams are competing Wednesday and Thursday for part of a $125,000 cash purse. The winning duo will split $25,000 and each of the Top 50 teams will earn cash, as will the boat that produces the heaviest bass over the two-day tournament. Frank Bradfield and Tyler Morgan caught an 8-11 largemouth on Wednesday to take the early lead for the $500 Big Bass Award. The catch helped the Alabama Bass Trail duo into third place with 20-7.
Rodney and Aaron Yavorsky, of the Florida BASS Nation Team Trail, are in fourth place with 20-3. Indiana duo Bud Smart and Dave Coffing, of the US Anglers Choice/AC Tournament Trail, are fifth with 20-2.
After the team champion is crowned Thursday, the Top 3 teams (six anglers) will have their weights zeroed and compete individually in the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off on Friday and Saturday. The winner of that event will earn the final berth in the Bassmaster Classic which will be held March 22-24 in Tulsa, Okla., on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees.
Day 2 of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship will start Thursday at 7 a.m. ET at Venetian Gardens. Weigh-in is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. Follow the weigh-in online at Bassmaster.com.
2023 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship 12/6-12/7
Harris Chain Of Lakes, Leesburg FL.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Club/School Pts
1. Chris Whitson - Kevin King Morristown Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 24-11 Total: 5 24-11
2. Blain Bartley - Rj Graham Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 0
Day 1: 5 21-03 Total: 5 21-03
3. Frank Bradfield - Tyler Morgan Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 20-07 Total: 5 20-07
4. Rodney Yavorsky - Aaron Yavorsky Florida BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 20-03 Total: 5 20-03
5. Bud Smart - Dave Coffing US Anglers Choice / AC Tournamen 0
Day 1: 5 20-02 Total: 5 20-02
6. Destin DeMarion - Tyler Woak Western PA Tournament Series 0
Day 1: 5 17-15 Total: 5 17-15
7. Cameron Yates - Chad Woodward New Hampshire BASS Nation Team T 0
Day 1: 5 17-12 Total: 5 17-12
8. Chris Blair - Bryan Asay Georgia Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 17-05 Total: 5 17-05
9. Matt Adams - Richard Payne Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 16-14 Total: 5 16-14
10. Brian Adamson - Ryan Lloyd Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 16-05 Total: 5 16-05
11. Kris Colley - Adam Bain Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 16-00 Total: 5 16-00
12. Chris Babin - Gypsy Babin Media Bass 0
Day 1: 5 15-12 Total: 5 15-12
13. Weston Brown - Nathan Byrd 3F Tournaments 0
Day 1: 5 15-07 Total: 5 15-07
14. Anthony Johnson - Brock Reinkemeyer World Fishing Tour 0
Day 1: 5 15-06 Total: 5 15-06
15. Matt McCoy - Dennis Davis Indiana BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 15-02 Total: 5 15-02
16. Cody George - Josh Prince Tennessee Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 14-14 Total: 5 14-14
17. Stephen Mcavoy - Josh Butts Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 14-11 Total: 5 14-11
18. Joe Anders - Guff Guffey Palmetto Boat Center Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 14-08 Total: 5 14-08
19. Rick Imler - Scott Newlon Great Lakes Largemouth Series 0
Day 1: 4 14-07 Total: 4 14-07
20. Nick Canestra - Harry Nurk Chester County Bassmaster Team T 0
Day 1: 5 14-02 Total: 5 14-02
21. Steven Griffith - Tyler Rush Pennsylvania BASS Nation Team Tr 0
Day 1: 5 14-01 Total: 5 14-01
22. Dustin Neat - Mark Wethington Anglers Outpost NTBA Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 14-00 Total: 5 14-00
23. Walker Brown - Sloan Pennington Tennessee River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-14 Total: 5 13-14
24. Clint Gradeless - Jeff Geller US Anglers Choice / AC Tournamen 0
Day 1: 5 13-13 Total: 5 13-13
24. Chad Schmidt - Brandon Ackerson 316 Elite Bass 0
Day 1: 5 13-13 Total: 5 13-13
26. Connor O'Connor - Jim Severson Minnesota BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-07 Total: 5 13-07
27. Travis Clay - Hunter Clay Berry's Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-06 Total: 5 13-06
27. Chris Nelson - Jeremy Strong Palmetto Boat Center Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-06 Total: 5 13-06
29. Edward Gad - Parker Domschke Illinois BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-03 Total: 5 13-03
29. Daniel Post - Daniel Pearl West Virginia BASS Nation Team T 0
Day 1: 5 13-03 Total: 5 13-03
31. Levi Snow - Craig Ruddick Columbus Bass Club Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-02 Total: 5 13-02
32. Jeff Brauneck - Fred Brauneck West Michigan Bass Tournament Se 0
Day 1: 5 13-01 Total: 5 13-01
33. Shane Adams - Raymond Adams Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 13-00 Total: 5 13-00
33. Connor Nimrod - Thomas Soileau Media Bass 0
Day 1: 5 13-00 Total: 5 13-00
35. Joe Ellis - Ron Ellis Tennessee Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-15 Total: 5 12-15
35. Dan Faubert - Tim Thompson Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 12-15 Total: 5 12-15
37. Greg Phillips - Alan Case Tennessee BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-12 Total: 5 12-12
38. Hunter Sales - Billy Sales Tennessee Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-11 Total: 5 12-11
39. Stephen Hegarty - Phillip Hegarty Competitive Sport Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 12-10 Total: 5 12-10
39. Wes Woodard - Tim Eaton D & R Sports Center Tournament S 0
Day 1: 5 12-10 Total: 5 12-10
41. Will Grisham - Andrew Fikes Tennessee River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-08 Total: 5 12-08
42. DJ Plotner - Tom Grobe Great Lakes Largemouth Series 0
Day 1: 4 12-06 Total: 4 12-06
43. Tanner Huckstep - Max Chattanooga Bass Association Tea 0
Day 1: 5 12-05 Total: 5 12-05
44. Jeff Cherry - Stephen Rosson Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-03 Total: 5 12-03
44. Brandon Hill - Adam Proctor Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-03 Total: 5 12-03
44. George Lambeth - Herby Young III Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-03 Total: 5 12-03
47. Travis O'Quinn - Shannon O'Quinn Morristown Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-02 Total: 5 12-02
47. Gary Thompson - Chris Dunn Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-02 Total: 5 12-02
49. Collin Bode - Mark Goetzman Texas BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-01 Total: 5 12-01
49. Calvin Steinhobel - Jason Harrison SABAA - South Africa BASS Nation 0
Day 1: 5 12-01 Total: 5 12-01
51. Brian Funkhouser - Kenneth Reed Indiana BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-15 Total: 5 11-15
52. Randall Christopher - Nick Coleman Anglers Outpost NTBA Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-14 Total: 5 11-14
52. Trevor Romans - David Rush Texas BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-14 Total: 5 11-14
54. James Meers - Shane Meers Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-10 Total: 5 11-10
55. David Compton Jr - David Compton Sr Douglas Rods Big Money Opens 0
Day 1: 4 11-09 Total: 4 11-09
56. Ralph Laster Jr - Michael Fiedler Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-07 Total: 5 11-07
57. Eddie Levin - Ryan Mallory Ohio BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-06 Total: 5 11-06
58. JT Denton - Stephen Denton Collins Bass for Cash 0
Day 1: 5 11-05 Total: 5 11-05
58. Kenneth Hayes - Tommy Pettit-Hakes Michigan BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-05 Total: 5 11-05
58. Bill Perkins - Jacob Perkins Empire Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-05 Total: 5 11-05
61. Mike Williams - Jeff Blanchard Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 11-01 Total: 5 11-01
62. Keith Daffron - Ryan Patterson Ozark Mountain Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 11-01 Total: 4 11-01
63. MIke Foster - Jacob Lynch USA Bassin 0
Day 1: 5 11-00 Total: 5 11-00
64. Derick Livingston - Jonathan Spivey Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-15 Total: 5 10-15
65. Kirk Kelly - Aaron Morse Wilson Lake Team Series 0
Day 1: 5 10-14 Total: 5 10-14
65. Casey Majni - Corey Brooks Morristown Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-14 Total: 5 10-14
67. Casey Baker - Eddie Baker Morristown Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-13 Total: 5 10-13
67. John Kellett - Zeke Gossett Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-13 Total: 5 10-13
69. Josh Chapple - Paul Davis Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-12 Total: 5 10-12
70. Mark Thompson - Mark Thompson II Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-11 Total: 5 10-11
71. Billy Hall - Ronnie Smith Anglers Outpost NTBA Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-10 Total: 5 10-10
71. Michael Kazmierczak - Charles Pustz Illinois BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-10 Total: 5 10-10
71. Carroll Ward Jr - Steve Brinkley Collins Bass for Cash 0
Day 1: 5 10-10 Total: 5 10-10
74. Hunter Kennedy - Justin Leasure Cheat Lake Bass Anglers Team Tra 0
Day 1: 5 10-09 Total: 5 10-09
75. Nick Ratliff - Bradley Dunagan USA Bassin 0
Day 1: 5 10-07 Total: 5 10-07
76. Evan Cox - Carter Emsing Centennial Bass Club Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-06 Total: 5 10-06
77. Brad Stalnaker - Chris Lumpkin Berry's Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-05 Total: 5 10-05
77. Shane Tossava - Zack Hammond D & R Sports Center Tournament S 0
Day 1: 5 10-05 Total: 5 10-05
79. Tanner Hadden - Ricky Basey Super 6 Shootout Tournament Trai 0
Day 1: 5 10-04 Total: 5 10-04
79. Chad Morgenthaler - Dave Mansue Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-04 Total: 5 10-04
81. Don Southern - Neil Hunwick Morristown Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-03 Total: 5 10-03
82. Kade Kitchens - Walter Orr Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-02 Total: 5 10-02
82. Blake Tomlin - Justin Foster Georgia Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-02 Total: 5 10-02
84. Andrus Kung - Evan Kung Competitive Sport Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 10-00 Total: 5 10-00
84. Steve Vann - T.J. Martin World Fishing Tour 0
Day 1: 5 10-00 Total: 5 10-00
86. Ty Ball - Hunter Hamilton Morristown Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-15 Total: 5 09-15
86. Craig Daniel - Jackie Flack Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-15 Total: 5 09-15
88. Paul Johnson - Dale Solomon Chattanooga Bass Association Tea 0
Day 1: 4 09-14 Total: 4 09-14
89. Josh Busby - Rick Johnston Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-13 Total: 5 09-13
89. Joey Teofilo - Joey Di Cienzo Competitive Sport Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 09-13 Total: 5 09-13
91. Will Thomas - Gregg Thomas Berry's Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-12 Total: 5 09-12
92. Jacob George - Ryan Sweeney Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-11 Total: 5 09-11
93. Nate Caldwell - Shane Mccoy Centennial Bass Club Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 09-11 Total: 4 09-11
94. Terry Runtz - Eddie Nicholas Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 09-09 Total: 5 09-09
95. Mike Burchett - Wayne Burchett Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-07 Total: 5 09-07
95. Michael Chlomoudis - Powell Kemp IV Collins Bass for Cash 0
Day 1: 5 09-07 Total: 5 09-07
97. Josh Friend - Jason Adams Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-05 Total: 5 09-05
97. Derek Herring - Ray Villarreal Bayou Bassin League 0
Day 1: 5 09-05 Total: 5 09-05
97. Dave Ramey - Trevor Sexton White Pine Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-05 Total: 5 09-05
100. Joey Payne - Colton Cash Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-03 Total: 5 09-03
101. Dominic Vitale - Anthony Vitale Douglas Rods Big Money Opens 0
Day 1: 5 09-02 Total: 5 09-02
102. Tony Mayfield - Lennie Becker Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-01 Total: 5 09-01
103. Justin Mayfield - Henry Antle Anglers Outpost NTBA Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-00 Total: 5 09-00
104. Sam Hopkins - Craig Matthews South Carolina B.A.S.S. Nation T 0
Day 1: 5 08-15 Total: 5 08-15
105. Keith Glasgow - Mccain Merchant Alabama BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-14 Total: 5 08-14
105. Jayson Saliba - Murdock Graham Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 08-14 Total: 5 08-14
105. Dale Teaney - Randy Alexander Morristown Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-14 Total: 5 08-14
108. Greg Secord - Randy Hilberg Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 4 08-14 Total: 4 08-14
109. Chaz Carrington - Jared Williams Virginia Elite 70 Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-13 Total: 5 08-13
110. Kevin Sutton - Brock Rouse Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 08-13 Total: 4 08-13
111. Jason Clemons - Marc Lorensen Great Lakes Largemouth Series 0
Day 1: 5 08-12 Total: 5 08-12
111. Mark McCaig - Tim Hurst Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-12 Total: 5 08-12
111. Anthony Moore - Tommy Cowart United Professional Weekend Angl 0
Day 1: 5 08-12 Total: 5 08-12
114. Justin Bussey - Ben Webb Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-11 Total: 5 08-11
114. Austin Johnson - Morgan Hogue Montana BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-11 Total: 5 08-11
114. RJ Ricci - Brandon Regnault Mass BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-11 Total: 5 08-11
117. Hall Hobbs - Colton Johnson Airport Marine Classic Team Trai 0
Day 1: 5 08-10 Total: 5 08-10
117. David Lowery - James Murphy Berry's Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-10 Total: 5 08-10
117. Damien Willis - Tyler Kiker Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-10 Total: 5 08-10
120. Logan Parks - Curtis Gossett Alabama BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 08-10 Total: 4 08-10
121. Steve Garcia - Christopher Garcia Blarney Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 5 08-09 Total: 5 08-09
121. Chris Miller - Brian Forcier Iowa BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-09 Total: 5 08-09
123. Johnny Callison Jr - Danny Jones Western PA Tournament Series 0
Day 1: 5 08-08 Total: 5 08-08
124. Donnie Powell - Roger Gosnell Palmetto Boat Center Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 08-08 Total: 4 08-08
125. Anthony Crumbliss - Mark Gray West Virginia BASS Nation Team T 0
Day 1: 5 08-07 Total: 5 08-07
126. Ryan Lachniet - Evan Fields Anglers Outpost NTBA Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-06 Total: 5 08-06
126. Greg Sochocki - Noah Stauffer Michigan BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-06 Total: 5 08-06
128. Brian Longan - Dawayne Heffelman World Fishing Tour 0
Day 1: 4 08-06 Total: 4 08-06
129. Gary Williams - Duane Jacobs Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 08-05 Total: 5 08-05
130. Travis Loyd - Brien Vaughn Texas Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-04 Total: 5 08-04
131. Thomas Brewer - Jason Smith Tennessee River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-02 Total: 5 08-02
132. Joel Willert - Jarrad Nickolite Minnesota BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-00 Total: 5 08-00
133. Wesley Sams - Jordan Wiggins Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 3 07-15 Total: 3 07-15
134. Lee Corazzi - Mark Mounts PA Sunday Tournament Series 0
Day 1: 5 07-12 Total: 5 07-12
134. Donovan Hensley - Josh Hensley Ozark Mountain Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-12 Total: 5 07-12
134. Klint VonFeldt - Chris Unruh Hays Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-12 Total: 5 07-12
137. Caleb Hudson - Jeremy Hudson Super 6 Shootout Tournament Trai 0
Day 1: 5 07-11 Total: 5 07-11
138. Jesse Evans - Stewart Evans Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 07-10 Total: 5 07-10
138. Mike Morris - Brian La Clair Delaware BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-10 Total: 5 07-10
138. James Ward - Sammy Reynolds United Professional Weekend Angl 0
Day 1: 5 07-10 Total: 5 07-10
141. Dan Morrow - Troy Morrow Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Sunday Ser 0
Day 1: 5 07-08 Total: 5 07-08
142. Brock Bila - Josh Pladies World Fishing Tour 0
Day 1: 3 07-08 Total: 3 07-08
143. Trevor Sanderson - Adam Markiewicz Illinois BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-07 Total: 5 07-07
144. Luke Greenwell - Jackson Brown Berry's Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 07-07 Total: 3 07-07
145. Terry Adams - James Chaffin Berry's Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-06 Total: 5 07-06
146. Jacob Novak - Daniel Jenkins Virginia Elite 70 Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 07-05 Total: 4 07-05
147. Sean Clayton - Griffin Todd Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Sunday Ser 0
Day 1: 5 07-04 Total: 5 07-04
147. Kevin True - Simon Willett Anglers Outpost NTBA Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-04 Total: 5 07-04
149. Francis Beard - Christopher Curvin Alabama BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-03 Total: 5 07-03
150. Jeremy Fuller - Tom Wilkins Minnesota Bass Series 0
Day 1: 4 07-03 Total: 4 07-03
151. David Drummond - BC Collins Super 6 Shootout Tournament Trai 0
Day 1: 5 07-02 Total: 5 07-02
152. Daryl Devries - David Buday West Michigan Bass Tournament Se 0
Day 1: 5 07-01 Total: 5 07-01
152. Tom Patten - Jeff Yorks Michigan BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-01 Total: 5 07-01
152. Jason Tripp - James Williford III Collins Bass for Cash 0
Day 1: 5 07-01 Total: 5 07-01
155. Brian Knebel - Greg Bent Empire Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 07-01 Total: 3 07-01
156. Brad Adkins - Ryan White Anglers Outpost NTBA Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-00 Total: 5 07-00
156. Bill Ferris - Richard Simmons West Michigan Bass Tournament Se 0
Day 1: 5 07-00 Total: 5 07-00
156. Terry Hutchison - Jason Coley Polar Bear Tournament Series 0
Day 1: 5 07-00 Total: 5 07-00
159. Tom Statler - Dillon Statler Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 06-14 Total: 4 06-14
160. Brad Dekraai - Jeff Moore New Hampshire BASS Nation Team T 0
Day 1: 5 06-12 Total: 5 06-12
161. Fern Campeau - Kevin McPhee Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 4 06-12 Total: 4 06-12
162. Greg Marshall - Jeff Delk Anglers Outpost NTBA Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 06-11 Total: 4 06-11
163. Tommy Abel - Moose Wright World Fishing Tour 0
Day 1: 5 06-09 Total: 5 06-09
163. John Doran Jr - Scott Nadeau Maine BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-09 Total: 5 06-09
165. Alan Fluharty - Chad Brinegar West Virginia BASS Nation Team T 0
Day 1: 5 06-08 Total: 5 06-08
166. Ryan Kelly - Joshua Schumaker West Michigan Bass Tournament Se 0
Day 1: 5 06-07 Total: 5 06-07
166. Christopher Rowell - Shannon Mccormick Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-07 Total: 5 06-07
168. Steve Gourlie - Jon Millar Competitive Sport Fishing League 0
Day 1: 5 06-04 Total: 5 06-04
169. Chandler Ellis - Gil Senn Jr Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Sunday Ser 0
Day 1: 5 06-03 Total: 5 06-03
169. Steven Michaels - Jonathan Dail Collins Bass for Cash 0
Day 1: 5 06-03 Total: 5 06-03
171. Mark Ownby - Wandell Lusk Morristown Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 2 06-02 Total: 2 06-02
172. Hayden Anderson - Damien Luchterhand Minnesota BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-01 Total: 5 06-01
172. Michael Bobst - Bret Dillow Kentucky Bass Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-01 Total: 5 06-01
172. Mike Combs - Gary Wallace Anglers Outpost NTBA Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-01 Total: 5 06-01
172. Dalton Laster - Curtis Laster United Professional Weekend Angl 0
Day 1: 5 06-01 Total: 5 06-01
172. Tim Penhollow - Timothy Sellers-Penhollow Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 06-01 Total: 5 06-01
172. Adam Rice - Emory Reiser IV Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Sunday Ser 0
Day 1: 5 06-01 Total: 5 06-01
178. Victor Morris - Tim Harper Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 4 05-14 Total: 4 05-14
179. Roy Hurst Jr - Matthew Hurst United Professional Weekend Angl 0
Day 1: 5 05-11 Total: 5 05-11
180. Justin Mott - Randal Hamilton Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 4 05-11 Total: 4 05-11
181. Eddie Gibson - Jim Austin United Professional Weekend Angl 0
Day 1: 5 05-10 Total: 5 05-10
182. Keaton Owens - Bradley Childers Palmetto Boat Center - College T 0
Day 1: 4 05-10 Total: 4 05-10
183. Arthur Ballard - Mark Lunsford Anglers Outpost NTBA Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 05-08 Total: 5 05-08
183. Michael Knight - Jeff Knight Chattanooga Bass Association Tea 0
Day 1: 5 05-08 Total: 5 05-08
185. Dax Massey - Wyatt Burkhalter Airport Marine Classic Team Trai 0
Day 1: 4 05-08 Total: 4 05-08
186. Russell Pasket - Jimmy Smith 3F Tournaments 0
Day 1: 3 05-07 Total: 3 05-07
187. Barry Hayward - Jeff Hayward Kentucky Bass Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 05-06 Total: 5 05-06
188. Justin Kimmel - Matt Henry Berryís Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 05-05 Total: 3 05-05
189. Bryan Dowdy - Kyle Lewellen Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 2 05-04 Total: 2 05-04
190. Mark Osgood - Darrell Wentworth Maine BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 05-03 Total: 4 05-03
191. Skyler Schultz - Richard Schultz Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 0
Day 1: 3 05-02 Total: 3 05-02
192. Josh Wilson - Shawn Wilson Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 4 05-01 Total: 4 05-01
193. Mark Tantum - Owen Mcdonald SABAA - South Africa BASS Nation 0
Day 1: 4 04-15 Total: 4 04-15
194. Gene Townsend - Doug Goodall Alabama BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 04-14 Total: 5 04-14
195. Brandon Gray - Garry Colwell Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 04-14 Total: 4 04-14
196. Matt Garrett - Will Isaac Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 04-12 Total: 3 04-12
197. Jeff Hagen - Scot Lang Iowa BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 04-11 Total: 3 04-11
197. Steven Rowswell - Cole Vardy Competitive Sport Fishing League 0
Day 1: 3 04-11 Total: 3 04-11
197. Jarrod Swift - Darrel Swift Anglers Outpost NTBA Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 04-11 Total: 3 04-11
200. Ryan Doel - Corey Doel Polar Bear Tournament Series 0
Day 1: 4 04-10 Total: 4 04-10
201. Rolando Barrueta - Jorge Norzagaray New Mexico Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 04-08 Total: 4 04-08
202. Brad Weiss - Vincent Machicao Polar Bear Tournament Series 0
Day 1: 3 04-08 Total: 3 04-08
203. Tom Mason - Christopher Reese Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 04-03 Total: 3 04-03
204. Thomas Stacy - Jacob Butts Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Sunday Ser 0
Day 1: 4 04-02 Total: 4 04-02
205. Billy Elbert - Jason Westrip Ozark Mountain Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 04-02 Total: 3 04-02
206. Brian Johnston - Cameron Neville Competitive Sport Fishing League 0
Day 1: 3 04-01 Total: 3 04-01
207. Samuel Fish - Kenneth Malone Airport Marine Classic Team Trai 0
Day 1: 2 04-00 Total: 2 04-00
208. Jerry Smith - Michael Smith Great Lakes Largemouth Series 0
Day 1: 3 03-13 Total: 3 03-13
209. Jared Turnbloom - Jacob Turnbloom Airport Marine Classic Team Trai 0
Day 1: 3 03-11 Total: 3 03-11
210. Michael Wooley - Joe Wooley Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 2 03-11 Total: 2 03-11
211. Kevin Steinruck - Jeff Marianetti Douglas Rods Big Money Opens 0
Day 1: 3 03-10 Total: 3 03-10
212. Jeff Benson - Raymond Osborn Jr West Michigan Bass Tournament Se 0
Day 1: 3 03-04 Total: 3 03-04
213. Rusty Darnell - John Campbell Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 03-02 Total: 3 03-02
214. Drew Blackwood - Hunter Baird Milford Lake Team Series 0
Day 1: 2 03-02 Total: 2 03-02
215. Mike Green - Sean Ervin Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 3 03-01 Total: 3 03-01
216. Thomas Bavaro III - Brian Dyson Chester County Bassmaster Team T 0
Day 1: 2 03-01 Total: 2 03-01
217. Hunter Bond - Lane Clark Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Sunday Ser 0
Day 1: 1 02-15 Total: 1 02-15
218. Steve Clark - Dave Norgrove Competitive Sport Fishing League 0
Day 1: 2 02-14 Total: 2 02-14
219. Tim Robinson - John Watson III USA Bassin 0
Day 1: 2 02-12 Total: 2 02-12
220. Bryan Ray - Brian Wilson West Michigan Bass Tournament Se 0
Day 1: 2 02-09 Total: 2 02-09
221. Zach Wilson - Joesph Hernandez Backlashers Kansas City Team Tra 0
Day 1: 2 02-06 Total: 2 02-06
222. Todd Buchanan - Sonny Edwards Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 2 02-05 Total: 2 02-05
223. Charlie Craycraft - Chester Craycraft USA Bassin 0
Day 1: 2 02-04 Total: 2 02-04
224. Jason Stevens - Terry Jones II Caernarvon Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 2 02-02 Total: 2 02-02
225. Daniel Mussen - Aidan Mussen Douglas Rods Big Money Opens 0
Day 1: 2 02-01 Total: 2 02-01
226. Doug Bergeron - Brandon Bergeron Media Bass 0
Day 1: 1 02-00 Total: 1 02-00
227. William Hammond - Jeremy Dellinger Palmetto Boat Center - College T 0
Day 1: 2 01-14 Total: 2 01-14
227. Keith Kirkley Jr - Jeff Kirkley Airport Marine Classic Team Trai 0
Day 1: 2 01-14 Total: 2 01-14
229. Kip Starling - Ron Scriver Competitive Sport Fishing League 0
Day 1: 1 01-14 Total: 1 01-14
230. Mike Brayford - Ryan Archibald Competitive Sport Fishing League 0
Day 1: 1 01-12 Total: 1 01-12
230. Michael Cole - Kyle Blair Tennessee Team Trail 0
Day 1: 1 01-12 Total: 1 01-12
232. Mark Pappas - Steve Vick Jr Morristown Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 1 01-11 Total: 1 01-11
233. Chad Walkoviak - Scott Landon 3F Tournaments 0
Day 1: 1 01-08 Total: 1 01-08
234. Patrick Reardon - Martin Brisson Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 1 01-07 Total: 1 01-07
235. Kevin Farris - Dylan Welton West Michigan Bass Tournament Se 0
Day 1: 1 01-03 Total: 1 01-03
236. Marc Renaud - Pat Giroux Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 1 01-01 Total: 1 01-01
237. Rocky Carden - David Rogers Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 1 00-15 Total: 1 00-15
238. Lanier Burton - Kelley Jaye Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
238. Robert Cowan - Dallas Beasley Ozark Mountain Team Trail 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
238. Ival Hannah - Danny Burns Ozark Mountain Team Trail 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
238. Mike Hyrtle Sr - Mike Hyrtle Jr Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
238. Tallis Morrison - Hayes Morrison Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Sunday Ser 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
238. Michael Ray - Taylor Nestor Great Lakes Largemouth Series 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
238. Waylon Saunders - Mark Beck Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
238. Brian Smith - Jeffrey Walls Anglers Outpost NTBA Team Trail 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
238. Robert Stumpe - Dustin Hall Florida BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
238. Ray Trudeau - Walter Thompson Lakeland Bassmaster Team Trail 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
238. David Underwood - Keith Honeycutt Media Bass 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 162 1024 2063-03
----------------------------------
162 1024 2063-03
AC Insider Podcast - 2024, Big Bass Tour, and More!
This week the guys chat it up about the year ahead, and then they hook up with Scott Gordon, Tournament Director, for the Big Bass Tour. Scott talks about his years on what may be one of the most angler-friendly tours out there. Tune in and hear a bit about what you may have been missing and make plans for 2024!
Lowrance® Extends Major League Fishing Sponsorship
Long-Term Sponsor Renews to Continue as Exclusive Marine Electronics Provider and Co-Exclusive Trolling Motor Sponsor for the General Tire Team Series and General Tire Heavy Hitters, and an Official Sponsor of the Bass Pro Tour
BENTON, Ky. (Dec. 6, 2023) – Lowrance®, a world leader in fishing electronics since 1957 and 13-year partner of
Major League Fishing (MLF), today announced an extension of its marketing partnership with the tournament organization spanning the Bass Pro Tour, General Tire Team Series and General Tire Heavy Hitters.
Through the agreement, the Oklahoma-based company will continue to serve as the Exclusive Marine Electronics Provider and Co-Exclusive Trolling Motor Sponsor for the MLF General Tire Team Series and MLF General Tire Heavy Hitters All-Star event, and an official sponsor of the MLF Bass Pro Tour.
“We are thrilled to be renewing our long-term partnership with Major League Fishing and continue this incredible journey, which reaches a variety of anglers from novice and collegiate teams to the professionals,” said Simon Conder, Lowrance Brand Marketing Director. “Lowrance’s Ultimate Fishing System, which includes our award-winning HDS PRO® with Active Target™ 2 and Active Imaging ™ HD, aligns perfectly with the MLF events, and it is excellent to have some of the world’s best bass-fishing anglers using our products successfully. MLF plays a big role in increasing exposure to the sport we all love, and we are very proud to be a partner in that.”
"Lowrance and MLF have been working side by side since 2011, and we are proud to announce our continued partnership today and into the future," said Jim Wilburn, MLF President of Sales. "The relationship reinforces the commitment both companies have to advancing the sport of professional bass fishing. Our tournaments offer the perfect showcase to display the impressive technological advancements that Lowrance is known for – electronics and trolling motors that numerous Bass Pro Tour anglers depend on day after day."
The new Lowrance HDS PRO with Active Target 2 and Active Imaging HD, which was recently awarded a 2023 Top Product Award by Boating Industry Magazine, along with the Lowrance Ghost™ trolling motor will be prominently featured throughout the season. The products will have an extensive presence across numerous MLF media platforms, including tournaments and activations, website and social media channels, and MLF livestream and television programming on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV).
Fans of MLF and Lowrance can anticipate exciting new collaborations from the two organizations. Lowrance will be a featured participant in an MLF fan sweepstakes promotion in 2024. Additionally, for a limited time, Lowrance is currently offering up to $1,200 off HDS-9 LIVE and $250 off ActiveTarget™ Live Sonar units. Visit Lowrance.com/offers for more details.
For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing, its tournaments, and sponsors, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Costa Sunglasses releases its Second Edition: Protect Report
Costa’s latest Protect Report captures its ongoing commitment to community and conservation
Jupiter, Fla. (Dec. 05, 2023) - Born on the water in 1983, Costa Sunglasses has spent the past four decades on a mission to protect the watery world it calls home. Today, capping off its 40th anniversary year, Costa releases its Second Edition: Protect Report, which captures the leading eyewear brand’s ongoing commitment to conservation and sustainability. From building responsibly made gear, to its Kick Plastic® and OneCoast initiatives and strong partnerships with mission-aligned conservation organizations, Costa continues to lead the charge in pursuit of its higher calling.
Through the lens of community and conservation, Costa’s Second Edition: Protect Report captures its efforts throughout 2021 and 2022 – alongside its community of anglers, adventure-seekers, partners, retailers and pros – to protect our waterways and to conserve the life within. The report takes a deeper dive into:Costa’s latest Protect Report captures its ongoing commitment to community and conservation
Jupiter, Fla. (Dec. 05, 2023) - Born on the water in 1983, Costa Sunglasses has spent the past four decades on a mission to protect the watery world it calls home. Today, capping off its 40th anniversary year, Costa releases its Second Edition: Protect Report, which captures the leading eyewear brand’s ongoing commitment to conservation and sustainability. From building responsibly made gear, to its Kick Plastic® and OneCoast initiatives and strong partnerships with mission-aligned conservation organizations, Costa continues to lead the charge in pursuit of its higher calling.
Through the lens of community and conservation, Costa’s Second Edition: Protect Report captures its efforts throughout 2021 and 2022 – alongside its community of anglers, adventure-seekers, partners, retailers and pros – to protect our waterways and to conserve the life within. The report takes a deeper dive into:
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Purpose-built products, like the Untangled™ Collection made from recycled fishing nets
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Continued initiatives, including Kick Plastic® and OneCoast
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Integrated programs, such as Trout Unlimited Costa 5 Rivers program and Costa Compete + Conserve in the bass space
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International projects, leading the way with the Marlin Fly Project
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Mission-aligned conservation partners, supporting 40+ coastal and freshwater organizations
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Global sustainability goals, meeting all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
“We recognize the important role businesses can play in protecting and preserving our natural resources for future generations, and we take that responsibility to heart,” said Jed Larkin, Costa Brand Director. “We pride ourselves on working just as hard to protect our watery world as we do to discover new ways to experience it, and much like the first edition, this report takes that work and puts it into writing.”
Community and conservation is woven throughout Costa Sunglasses. The ultimate culmination of this ethos, and the leading story of the Second Edition: Protect Report, is Costa’s Marlin Fly Project. The first multi-partner program of its kind, the Marlin Fly Project was established to better understand one of the most incredible Striped Marlin fisheries in the world. Satellite tagging 15 Striped Marlin in Magdalena Bay, Mexico in 2022, the project became the first recorded billfish satellite tagging mission to be completed on the fly.
Also featured in the report is more about Costa’s sustainable products. In 2021, after getting feedback from pros and community, Costa worked with its partner Bureo® to release a second wave of performance frames to its Untangled™ Collection, frames built from recycled fishing nets. The four new performance frames - Santiago, Pargo, Antille and Caleta - are built from an upgraded NetPlus™ material made of 97% recycled fishing nets.
Costa has spent the past 40 years developing meaningful partnerships with dozens of mission-aligned organizations devoted to critical issues affecting our watery world. More than just writing checks, Costa’s team serves as partners, voices and stewards to support those who work to protect our resources. In 2021 and 2022, Costa supported 1,000+ community activations and used its resources, like film, to help raise awareness for these causes. Costa Films™, produced 25+ films in the same timeframe to underscore the brand’s values.
To explore Costa Sunglasses' conservation and sustainability journey, the full Protect Report can be found here. For more information about Costa Sunglasses and its purpose-built products, visit www.costadelmar.com.
‘I’m Here to Win’: Baughman Proves Disability is Just a Word
Arkansas pro who considers himself ‘limb challenged’ discusses the importance of
discovering opportunities within every obstacle
Courtesy of Charity Muehlenweg - Major League Fishing
Candace Baughman started the hot summer day in 1987 like any other, tidying up around the house before heading to get 9-month-old Hunter Baughman from his crib to begin their day.
But what she found that July morning would shake any mother to her core.
Her lively, vibrant 9-month-old baby boy was incoherent with a 113-degree fever and had developed spots on his arms and legs overnight. Candace quickly scooped Hunter up and rushed him to the ER as fast as possible. After a series of tests, Hunter was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, a severe, life-threatening infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
What followed was a harrowing three-month experience that changed their lives forever.
Hunter was born on October 21, 1986, and was a cheerful, content baby. Like most parents, Irvin and Candace Baughman had a lifetime of hopes and dreams planned out for their first-born. Irvin was an avid outdoorsman, spending much of his time on the water or in the woods, and was looking forward to bringing Hunter along on new outdoor adventures.
Teenage Hunter and his dad, Irvin Baughman, show off fish from Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Photo courtesy Hunter Baughman
Until the diagnoses that no parent wants to hear flipped their world upside down.
The Baughmans were no longer concerned with teaching Hunter to eat solid food or to crawl or walk – their only focus in that moment was saving his life.
The doctors’ prognosis was bleak, giving Hunter’s parents a zero percent chance that he would survive the meningitis and the subsequent surgeries – and even if he did survive, he would be in a vegetative state for the rest of his life. But Irvin and Candace refused to give up, and the doctors didn’t yet realize the strength and determination ingrained in Hunter, even at an early age.
Over the next three months, Hunter underwent nearly 20 surgeries, which involved amputating both of his legs below the knees, his left hand and digits on his right hand, drastic measures taken to stop the spread of the infection and to save his life.
And Hunter proved them wrong. Although he had multiple revisions of the initial surgeries up until he was 10 years old, Hunter had no lasting cognitive effects from the infection.
“Looking back, that’s why my faith is so strong,” Hunter said. “I was given a zero percent chance of surviving, so what other explanation is there besides divine intervention? I came from a strong Christian family, and we all believe that prayer and the good Lord is how we made it through to the other side of this ordeal.”
And that life-changing moment certainly wouldn’t be the last time Hunter would prove naysayers wrong.
On another hot, late-summer day in September of 2022, 36 years later, Hunter rolled across the stage at the Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series tournament at Truman Lake in Warsaw, Missouri, bringing the biggest five-bass limit of the event – 19 pounds, 1 ounce – to the scales. Hunter beat out hundreds of competitors to win the event and earn the top payout of $32,429, his first major career win.
Baughman won the 2022 Toyota Series Plains Division event on Truman Lake last September.
“Your champion, Hunter Baughman, getting’ it done on Championship Saturday with a huge three-day total of 48 pounds, 10 ounces,” MLF Tournament Director Mark McWha boomed from the stage as the crowd at the weigh-in erupted in applause. “This is a long overdue moment for this competitor.”
What followed was an interview that had everyone on the stage and in the audience in tears.
“God is good first and foremost and I’m happy to be here,” said an emotional Hunter. “This has been an incredible week. This is my biggest win by far and everybody’s watching back home – my parents, my wife’s parents, all my buddies. Everybody.”
Reminiscing on the win a year later, Hunter said it was a career-defining moment for him.
“It was just incredible,” he said. “I’ve wanted to win a professional level tournament for many years and it being my first big win was amazing. It was the culmination of a lot of hard work and a lot of years competing, all compiled into one moment.”
While some of his struggles are unique within the sportfishing industry, many more are the same problems every tournament angler faces during an event – lost fish, boat and motor issues, snapped lines, inclement weather and stingy fisheries.
“I’ve fished my whole life and had fished tournaments for many years, so I knew I could win a major tournament, but it took actually winning one to really be confident that I had what it took to cross that threshold,” Hunter said.
Hunter began fishing MLF events in 2007 and over the last 16 years has competed many times in the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Arkie Division, the Toyota Series Central and Plains Divisions and at a Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit event as a Strike-King co-angler. He started fishing professionally with the National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) in 2021 and is planning to continue fishing MLF events around his touring schedule in 2024.
Hunter said while the high of the win in that moment was addicting, the aftermath of it was even better.
“It was crazy,” he admitted. “Before I got home that night from the weigh-in, I’d scheduled eight podcast interviews. Although I’d been fishing with the NPFL for two years at that point, I feel like that was when the fishing industry took notice of me and learned who I was. It boosted my career, enabled me to sign on more sponsors and boosted my confidence – just a little bit of everything and I’m so thankful for that opportunity.”
In a world where disability culture is constantly evolving and changing, Hunter is a beacon for normalizing disabled individuals in everyday life.
Hunter, who considers himself “limb-challenged”, said he credits his parents for his determination to succeed in everything he does, as they worked hard to ensure that his disability didn’t divert his focus or hinder him from achieving his goals in life.
Irvin Baughman is an avid outdoorsman who was eager to share that passion with his son. Photo courtesy of Hunter Baughman
“Growing up, I spent most of my time in the outdoors,” Hunter reminisced. “Mom and Dad encouraged me to live a normal life, despite my disability. I don’t remember the first time I caught a fish or the first time I went hunting. I started at such a young age, it’s just part of my family’s culture.”
A blue-collar, hard-working man by nature, Irvin Baughman worked in the grocery industry his entire life, working his way up through the ranks to ultimately own his own grocery stores and retire in the industry. He knew firsthand the importance of working hard to get what you want, and he and Candace began instilling those values in Hunter from an early age.
However, Hunter’s insatiable drive and competitive nature were solely his own. He actively pursued opportunities to compete despite his physical limitations, participating in soccer and basketball throughout junior high with the use of artificial legs.
“I’m very competitive and I tried to scratch that itch with those sports,” Hunter said. “I was able to do them, but not well. I realized that those sports just didn’t fuel my desire to compete. I grew up crappie-fishing with my grandparents and my dad, and although they weren’t into tournament-fishing, I started looking into fishing tournaments, thinking that might be an avenue for me to excel and a place where I could actually compete and do well.”
From soccer fields to bass boats, Hunter’s competitive drive has taken many forms throughout his life. Photo courtesy of Hunter Baughman
Hunter acquired his first bass boat long before owning his first truck, eagerly joining anyone willing to tow him to the water. The Arkansas native was only 12 years old when he fished his first bass tournament.
“My dad and I borrowed a little flat-bottom boat from a local boat manufacturer for a big weekend bass tournament and we did terrible,” Hunter said, laughing. “But I remember it was super exciting for me. From there I fished several tournaments with my dad and once I started driving, I fished tournaments with my cousin a lot.
“We fished together for several years before ever earning a check, so that first check was a huge relief. I was a teenager, and we won $4,500 the first time we cut a check and then another $1,000 about a month later. That’s a lot of money for a high school kid and it just whet my appetite for more.”
Hunter explained that he approached tournament fishing similarly to everything else in life: rather than focusing on what he couldn’t do, he concentrated on finding ways to make it happen.
“There isn’t really a lot that I do differently from any other angler,” he said. “My boat is set up about the same way as everybody else. I obviously don’t have a ‘hot foot’ or gas pedal, I use a hand throttle. I keep the seat on the front of the boat set up without the pedestal under it and use it almost like a little stool.
“I can launch and load my boat by myself, but it is a pain to do. Most of the time I have someone go with me, or I’ll just grab someone else at the ramp and have them dump my boat in and load it at the end of the day.”
Hunter fished his first MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League tournament on Lake Hamilton as a boater in 2007 (finishing 105th) and began fishing the Toyota Series circuit in earnest in 2015.
“Everyone has always been so helpful at MLF events, especially Mark McWha, the Toyota Series Tournament Director,” said Hunter. “He has my wheelchair on the dock waiting for me when we come in at the end of each tournament day. Everyone at MLF absolutely goes out of their way to make sure I’m taken care of and after a long, hard day on the water, those little things are huge and help me be able to focus on what matters most – the competition.”
Off the water, Baughman is an avid hunter, father, husband and motivational speaker, who also happens to have a disability that would hinder most people from the physical rigors of fishing professionally, if at all.
Hunter admits that in day-to-day life, his wife Andrea is a Godsend.
“She helps with everything around the house and with our daughters, Kinley (2) and Kassidy (1),” Hunter said. “Thankfully my family can travel with me to fishing tournaments. We have our hands full with those two girls, but my wife doesn’t miss a beat. She helps pack for the trips, clean the boat, load the boat and whatever else I need done to get ready to head to these events. She’s a huge help and I certainly couldn’t do this without her.”
Hunter and his wife, Andrea, recently celebrated their 10th anniversary along with their daughters, Kinley and Kassidy.
Hunter believes the biggest misconception that people have around him and professional fishing is that people assume he’s just a casual angler – and nothing could be further from the truth.
“When I meet someone who doesn’t know me or hasn’t seen me compete, they think, ‘Oh he gets out and fishes. Good for him.’ But they don’t see me as actual competition on the water,” he said. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m very thankful to be able to get around on my own and to just get out on the water, but I’m not there to get out of the house or to just kill time – I’m there to beat you. I’m out there to compete and I’m ultimately there to win.”
It's that dogged determination and drive that Hunter hopes to share with the world.
“No matter your situation, don’t be afraid to chase your dreams and don’t let your disability define who you are and what you can accomplish,” Hunter said. “Get off the couch. Quit feeling sorry for yourself and figure out how to do whatever it is that you want to do. Anything can be done, sometimes it just takes a little more work to figure it out.”
Hunter said thanks to his parents, his low moments in life have been few and far between.
“Everybody has bad days, but when I had those moments as a child, my parents nipped it in the bud,” he said. “They didn’t allow me to wallow in the obstacles or how hard things were, they just pushed me to live a normal life. Their support in that way, at such an early age, is a large part of why I am where I am today.”
Hunter is thrilled with his first professional win and looking forward to his next big trophy, but most of all is proudly and unapologetically just…human.
“I hope I can continue to make a difference in the world today and in our industry,” he said. “The reality is, the fish don’t know what you look like – they don’t your gender, the color of your skin or whether or not you have legs. They don’t know and they don’t care. I hope to help people realize that if they want to go fishing, they just need to get out there and make it happen.”
Once hunting season ends, that’s exactly where you’ll find Hunter, and to quote one of his peers, ‘There are certain anglers you don’t want to have to compete against out on the water, and Hunter’s one of them.’
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Tackle Warehouse Renews and Expands Sponsorship Agreement with Major League Fishing Through 2026
Premier Online Shop Remains Exclusive Tackle Retailer of MLF5 and Title Sponsor of MLF Invitationals – Expands to Become Presenting Sponsor of MLF High School Fishing
BENTON, Ky. (Dec. 4, 2023) – Major League Fishing (MLF) and Tackle Warehouse, a leading online retailer of high-quality fishing tackle, announced today a multi-year extension of their partnership through the 2026 season. The three-year extension gives the retailer more prominent brand exposure on all MLF5 platforms and expands its reach into the extensive grassroots network of the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization.
Tackle Warehouse will continue as title sponsor of the MLF5 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals – featuring six events in 2024 with a total season purse of more than $3.9 million – and will assume presenting sponsorship of the MLF High School Fishing circuit beginning in 2024. Tackle Warehouse will also remain the exclusive tackle retailer and official sponsor of MLF5 and will receive exposure across all MLF5 platforms, including the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats, Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine, Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI and MLF High School Fishing Presented by Tackle Warehouse circuits.
“Tackle Warehouse and Major League Fishing have always made it their missions to support and serve tournament anglers,” said Joey Reggio of Tackle Warehouse. “From the MLF High School Fishing circuit to the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, MLF offers unique opportunities for anglers of all ages and skill levels to compete and grow, and we are honored to support an organization that gives so many youth, grassroots and professional anglers a chance to chase their dreams. As tournament bass-fishing fans and anglers ourselves, we are excited to follow all the action in 2024 and beyond.”
Tackle Warehouse began its partnership with MLF in 2020 and will continue to receive increased brand visibility across all MLF5 media platforms, including MLF5 network television airings on CBSS, along with MLFNOW! livestream coverage on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app. This diversity of media provides Tackle Warehouse a powerful platform to showcase the variety of high-quality fishing gear the retailer offers to anglers and fans across the nation.
“In today’s climate, long-running partnerships are more valuable than ever, and we’re thrilled to continue expanding our relationship with Tackle Warehouse over the next several years,” said Kathy Fennel, MLF Executive Vice President and General Manager. “Collaborating with their exceptional team has been incredible, and we’re excited that they will now be a part of empowering the next generation of anglers on their journey to success.”
Tackle Warehouse will be featured throughout six regular-season Tackle Warehouse Invitational tournaments across the country in 2024, with competition kicking off Feb. 9-11 at Sam Rayburn Reservoir, in Brookeland, Texas, and culminating July 26-28 on the Detroit River, in Trenton, Michigan. The Tackle Warehouse Invitationals will serve as the qualifying path into the MLF Bass Pro Tour – MLF’s most prestigious circuit – with a top award of up to $115,000 at each regular-season tournament and an invitation to compete in REDCREST 2025, the Bass Pro Tour Championship, for a shot at winning $300,000.
For more information about MLF, its tournaments and sponsors, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. To learn more about Tackle Warehouse, and its large selection of angling gear and in-depth knowledge of products, visit TackleWarehouse.com
Fishin' Tip Friday - Tungsten VS Lead - Thunder Cricket Edition!
In this edition of the Friday's Fishin' Tip, we're pulling double duty with Keith Combs because this is a good one! In this Strike King Gear Review, Keith breaks down a key difference between the new Tungsten Thunder Cricket, and it's lead based predecessor. We've heard guys talk about liking the sound of the tungsten, and here we learn about different applications. Check it out!
Major League Fishing’s General Tire Heavy Hitters Special Presented by Bass Pro Shops to Air Sunday on CBS
BENTON, Ky. (Nov. 30, 2023) –Sundays in December are showcases for some of the most finely tuned competitors in the world (and we’re not talking about the ones on the gridiron). This Sunday, Dec. 3, Major League Fishing’s General Tire Heavy Hitters Special Presented by Bass Pro Shops all-star event will premiere nationwide on the CBS Television Network and Paramount+ from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET OR 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET (depending on local NFL schedule). This star-studded event – featuring anglers from MLF’s Bass Pro Tour – showcases 30 MLF pros competing in a six-day tournament on Caney Creek Reservoir and Bussey Brake in Monroe-West Monroe, Louisiana, for a purse of more than $500,000 ($100,000 to the winner). But here’s the “heavy” in “Heavy Hitters”: anglers are also competing for Big Bass Bonuses totaling $25,000 for each of the two Qualifying Rounds, $50,000 for the Knockout Round and an astounding $100,000 reward for the biggest bass in the Championship Round.
Sunday’s airing on CBS will showcase the highlights from all six days of competition, which was hosted in late April by Discover Monroe-West Monroe and the Louisiana Office of Tourism, with behind-the-scenes angler commentary and interviews as well as one of the most convincing victories in Major League Fishing history.
The full, updated television schedule can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Proud sponsors of the 2023 MLF General Tire Heavy Hitters event include: Abu Garcia, B&W Hitches, Bass Cat Boats, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Builders First Source, Ferguson, Fox Rent A Car, General Tire, Kubota, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak, NITRO Boats, Onyx, Phoenix Boats, Plano, Power-Pole, Shore Lunch, StarBrite, Sqwincher, T-H Marine, Toyota, United States Airforce, Yellowstone Bourbon, and YETI.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
The Z Team Expands
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Costa Compete & Conserve with Dakota Ebare
Winning CASH and protecting BASS! Now that is something we support. Check out this AnglersChannel.com Extra, featuring a Costa Pro, Dakota Ebare. He helps explain how Costa’s program converts tournament prizes back into fish habitat, something we ALL benefit from.
Over $100,000 and counting has been awarded to conservation efforts across the country on behalf of Costa anglers. Anglers choose from a list of projects, including: American Rivers, Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, Friends of Reservoirs, National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, and the Johnny Morris Conservation Foundation. It’s as simple as – Own Costa Sunglasses – Register at Compete & Conserve – Win – Donate. Time to #seewhatsoutthere
Weather will be determining factor at Bassmaster Team Championship
Florida's Harris Chain of Lakes will host the 2023 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship December 6-9.
Photo by James Overstreet/B.A.S.S.
November 29, 2023
Weather will be determining factor at Bassmaster Team Championship
LEESBURG, Fla. — Fishing in Florida is often determined by the weather conditions, and aglers competing in the 2023 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship will have to decipher how the bass are reacting to the weather, according to St. Croix Bassmaster Opens pro Blake Smith.
“Anything can happen in December,” the Florida native said. “Our fish can already be pretty finicky. December and January are the two most unpredictable months down here. It could be absolutely gorgeous and have fish coming up to spawn. I saw some prespawn fish at the Open in October.
“You could be able to lock into one of those big schools of females. The only thing that would be holding them off would be cold weather and full moons.”
The field of teams from across the country will compete Dec. 6-7, with the winning duo earning a cash prize of $25,000. The Top 3 teams after Day 2 — six anglers in all — will have their weights zeroed and compete individually in the Classic Fish-Off Dec. 8-9. The individual champion will punch his or her ticket to the Bassmaster Classic in Tulsa, Okla., scheduled for March 22-24 on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees.
Over the past several years, the Harris Chain has been one of the top destinations for anglers in the Sunshine State, with several Bassmaster records being recorded there since 2020. Eight lakes make up the massive fishery, including Lake Harris, Little Lake Harris, Lake Eustis, Lake Griffin, Lake Dora, Lake Beauclair, Lake Carlton and Lake Apopka. Anglers can only access Lake Griffin and Lake Beauclair through a lock system.
Smith, who lives in nearby Lakeland, Fla., said the largemouth in the system could potentially have spawning on their minds given the right conditions. While some will head for the bank in search of a bed, others will begin staging and feeding ahead of the mating process.
“The first wave of spawners, no matter what lake it is, are usually huge,” Smith said. “That is when a lot of the giant bags get caught. Like when Cole Sands and Conner Dimauro caught their gigantic bags during the College Championship (in 2020), those were prespawn bass.”
Like many tournaments, submergent hydrilla and eelgrass will play a major role in this event. In his most recent event at Harris Chain, the 2023 season finale of the Opens, Smith found Lake Griffin and Apopka to have the most vegetation while Harris had very little.
“You are looking for your offshore vegetation,” he said. “Offshore hydrilla is going to keep the warmth, plus it is a great place to stage for prespawn, but I also believe they get in some of that stuff and spawn.”
Shellbeds could be more of a factor with chilly weather, and if the temperature drops significantly, Smith expects the fishing to be pretty tough.
“We might have a week’s worth of temperatures in the 40s and 50s, and you never want to fish during those weeks,” he said. “Let’s say that pops during the Team Championship, they will have to pick up a flipping stick and start punching.”
For now, the long-range forecast calls for highs in the 70s with nighttime lows in the 50s.
Three baits shine for Smith this time of year on the Harris Chain. With forward-facing sonar becoming an increasingly helpful tool, a jerkbait is one of his favorite presentations. A Rat-L-Trap-type bait is also a popular choice for locals, along with a Carolina rig.
Takeoff will be held each day at 7 a.m. ET from Venetian Gardens in Leesburg with weigh-in held back at the park starting at 3 p.m. Full coverage will be available on Bassmaster.com.
The Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship is being hosted by Visit Lake, the City of Leesburg and the Greater Orlando Sports Commission.
Wolfson Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament celebrates 35 years of fishing, philanthropy and community support
Annual benefitting Wolfson Children’s C. Herman and Mary Virginia Terry Heart Institute returns to Palatka, Fla., May 16-18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Florida – Since the first boats launched in the St. Johns River nearly 35 years ago, the Wolfson Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament has grown to welcome more than 1,000 anglers each year. The 35th annual tournament will return to Palatka, Fla., May 16-18, 2024, and while the size of the tournament has changed, the mission behind it remains the same.
Founded by the Plant Facilities Department of Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville in 1989 to fund capital improvements and purchase the latest medical technology, the tournament has raised more than $7 million for Wolfson Children’s Hospital and the patients treated there.
The only children’s hospital in Northeast Florida, Wolfson Children’s serves children across the region with routine and complex conditions, including congenital heart disease, cancer and blood disorders, neurological conditions, traumatic injuries and more.
In 2024, as they have for the last several years, the proceeds will benefit Wolfson Children’s C. Herman and Mary Virginia Heart Institute, the only program in Jacksonville that provides a full range of cardiac services for children.
“I continued to be inspired by the support we receive from anglers who come from across the Southeast, many of them for generations, to participate in the tournament. While they have a passion for fishing, they also have a passion for making a difference in the lives of Wolfson Children’s patients,” said Sam Dean, Baptist Health system director of Plant Facilities, who helped organize the first event in 1989 and currently serves as tournament co-chair. “These are anglers with a heart.”
Along with the thousands of anglers in attendance, more than 100 volunteers from Baptist Health, Wolfson Children’s, the City of Palatka and area businesses join together to make the tournament a success year after year.
“I’m so thankful to be a part of such an important event. As the tournament grows, so does the support for Wolfson Children’s. It’s been incredibly rewarding to know that together we’re making a difference in the lives of children from across the Southeast,” said Brian Seay, tournament co-chair and executive vice president of Miller Electric.
Registration is now open for the three-day event, which includes a Lads & Lasses Tournament on Thursday, May 16, followed by a VIP & Friends Tournament on Friday, May 17. The 35th Annual Wolfson Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament kicks off at safe light on Saturday, May 18. More than $48,000 in cash prizes will be awarded during the three-day event.
Also returning in 2024 is the annual bass boat giveaway. For $20, anyone may enter a drawing to win a 21’ 2024 Bullet Boat model 21XRS with a trailer, courtesy of Bullet Boats, valued at $78,000, with a motor to be included. Like the tournament, all proceeds will benefit the Terry Heart Institute.
“Everyone looks forward to the bass boat giveaway. It’s a fun event that has also become an important part of our fundraising efforts. If you can’t make the tournament, $20 gives you a shot at a new boat while helping support Wolfson Children’s heart patients. It’s a win, win,” Dean said.
To register for the Wolfson Children’s Hospital Bass tournament, enter the bass boat drawing or donate to the hospital’s mission, visit wolfsonbasstournament.com.
KastKing Hires Fish Boss' RJ Macalanda
Always on the cutting edge of innovation, KastKing announces the hiring of marketing and social media powerhouse RJ Macalanda as Social Media and Influencer Strategist for the company. The role suits him well, as Macalanda has seen explosive growth and viewership from his own start-up fishing brand, Fish Boss, which was the fastest-growing fishing account on TikTok in 2022, reaching 100,000 followers in 5 months and a total of 58 million views. He is the leading expert on short-form video strategies in the fishing industry and a TikTok creative partner. While he’ll continue to direct the Fish Boss brand, Macalanda brings his specialized skill sets to the KastKing marketing and social media efforts in a full-time capacity.
KastKing’s Director of Marketing, Joe Woodward, is excited about Macalanda’s addition to the KastKing team, stating, “RJ is truly passionate about traveling and fishing. He is involved with global e-commerce networks and has been on the cutting edge of digital trends. In the last seven years, he traveled to over 55 countries while working remotely and catching fish along the way. During his travels, he experienced different fishing cultures, products, and consumer behaviors. RJ will combine his marketing and fishing knowledge to grow KastKing's social media presence.”
Before his own social media growth, Macalanda worked with brands as the head of partnerships to find celebrities, influencers, and professional athletes for collaboration. Furthermore, he is a full-stack digital marketer who has developed marketing campaigns that have changed the trajectory of other brands like Walmart, Tyson, Dell, Anheuser Busch, and IRONMAN.
Macalanda is equally excited about joining KastKing, noting he’s been a long-time admirer of the KastKing brand. He adds, “It was a no-brainer when they asked me to join the team. Since traveling and looking at the fishing industry from a global perspective, I noticed KastKing was starting to make waves with product innovation and a unique go-to-market strategy. They’re on all the various shopping platforms across the globe, and I shared how impressed I was with their overall approach while visiting their booth at ICAST a couple of years ago. I could see they were about to explode with growth and told them I was excited to see where it goes next.”
Macalanda explains that the initial discussion at ICAST started a relationship with KastKing that led to further conversations over the next several months discussing strategies for integrating their impressive team of celebrities and pro-staffers into their marketing efforts, which eventually led to his assuming these responsibilities full-time for KastKing.
As Macalanda concludes, “I could tell we had a shared vision for introducing people to nature through fishing, as well as emphasizing sustainability. I look forward to seeing where we can take this company in serving anglers across the globe.”
Rapala Named a Premier Sponsor of the 2024 Alabama Bass Trail Tournament Series and 100 Series
Decatur, Ala. (November 29, 2023) – Rapala, the world’s largest manufacturer of fishing lures and other fishing-related products, will join the Alabama Bass Trail (ABT) as a premier sponsor of the ABT Tournament Series and 100 Series in 2024.
RapalaVMC was unofficially founded in 1936 when Lauri Rapala invented the Rapala fishing lure. RapalaVMC has grown from humble beginnings to become a market leader in the fishing tackle industry. The brand’s functionality and high quality are known by fishermen worldwide. Rapala maintains strict standards of craftsmanship while delivering its fishing products to anglers in more than 130 countries.
Rapala Director of Field Promotions and R&D Dan Quinn said, “After years of following the Alabama Bass Trail, watching it grow and learning more about it through Gerald Swindle and eventually Kay Donaldson, it’s about time this venture happened! Kay does an incredible job running things, surrounds herself with the right people to make it all happen and has built one of the very finest and best run tournament trails in the world. Partnering with the Alabama Bass Trail is as exciting as it gets for all of us at Rapala and we are fired up about it. It’s going to be a ton of fun and a huge win for everyone involved.”
As a premier sponsor, Rapala will enjoy extensive exposure during tournament coverage and the Alabama Bass Trail will feature the company on all tournament related advertising, website and collateral materials and will be seen across the various ABT social media channels.
“Rapala and VMC are brands that you consistently see the top level touring pro anglers use. And with the addition of the Crush City brand, a collaboration with Jacob Wheeler, arguably the winningest angler in the industry in recent years, they continue to improve their products to meet the changing conditions in bass fishing. We are excited to work with the team at Rapala, VMC and Crush City to introduce their products and brands to the ABT anglers and fans,” said ABT Program Director Kay Donaldson.
The Alabama Bass Trail Tournament Series will enter its eleventh season next year as the state’s premier weekend tournament trail for amateur bass anglers with an 11-event schedule offering more than $750,000 in awards. The season gets underway February 10, 2024, on Lake Jordan and concludes Oct. 18-19, 2024, with the championship on Lay Lake.
North Division:
| February 17, 2024 | Pickwick Lake hosted by Florence-Lauderdale Tourism |
| March 16, 2024 | Smith Lake hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of Walker County |
| April 27, 2024 | Wheeler Lake hosted by Decatur Morgan County Tourism |
| May 18, 2024 | Neely Henry Lake hosted by City of Gadsden |
| June 22, 2024 | Lake Guntersville hosted by Marshall County Sports and Tourism |
South Division:
| February 10, 2024 | Lake Jordan hosted by the City of Wetumpka and the Elmore County Economic Development |
| March 9, 2024 | Lake Martin hosted by Alexander City Chamber of Commerce |
| April 13, 2024 | Logan Martin Lake hosted by City of Lincoln |
| May 11, 2024 | Alabama River (Cooter's Pond) hosted by City of Prattville |
| June 15, 2024 | Lake Eufaula hosted by Eufaula-Barbour County Chamber of Commerce |
Hosted by the Shelby County Commission, the championship tournament will be held October 18-19, 2024, on Lay Lake.
Returning for the fourth season, the ABT 100 Series is open to professional and amateur anglers and features three tournaments. The maximum number of boats for each tournament is 100. Entry fee for each event is $1,000 and teams must fish in all three tournaments. (No single entries allowed.)
Tournament dates and locations for the 2024 Alabama Bass Trail 100 Series:
| January 20, 2024 | Logan Martin Lake hosted by the City of Lincoln |
| June 1, 2024 | Weiss Lake hosted by the City of Leesburg |
| November 2, 2024 | Wheeler hosted by Decatur-Morgan County Tourism |
For more information on the ABT or sponsorship opportunities, call Donaldson at 855.934.7425 or visit www.alabamabasstrail.org.
Alabama Bass Trail Finds New Roads With Chevrolet in 2024 and 2025
Decatur, Ala. (November 29, 2023) – As the Alabama Bass Trail (ABT) embarks on their eleventh season, the state’s premier weekend tournament trail looks to find new roads in 2024 and 2025. The ABT has signed a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Chevrolet as the official truck sponsor of the ABT Tournament Series and the ABT 100 Series in 2024 and 2025.
“We are excited to partner with a brand that embraces outdoor lifestyle, the fishing industry and is equipped to serve our tournament anglers and fans. We look forward to collaborating with the team at Chevrolet and their Alabama dealerships to promote the Chevrolet brand while continuing to expand the sport of bass fishing throughout the state of Alabama and across the country. I appreciate the efforts of Mark Cook and Edgar McGraw to make this deal a reality,” said ABT Program Director Kay Donaldson.
“Landers McLarty Chevrolet is elated to be partnering with the Alabama Bass Trail starting with the 2024 season,” said Landers McLarty Chevrolet GSM/Fixed Operations Director Mark A. Cook. “When it comes to fishing, we have been very active in many of the local tournaments, putting on our own derby and directly sponsoring several local high school teams over the last few years. We felt it was perfect timing for us to now enter a sponsorship of the Alabama Bass Trail, the state’s premier fishing trail.”
Edgar McGraw, general manager for McGraw-Webb Chevrolet, said, “The McGraw-Webb Chevrolet family understands the tremendous economic impact fishing brings to rural Alabama. Having seen firsthand the immediate impact and positive effects that the Alabama Bass Trail has had on the city of Camden and the entire Wilcox County area, our group jumped at the chance to be a part of the next chapter in Alabama Bass Trail history. We are proud to partner with the Alabama Bass Trail and look forward to working closely with Kay and her team to provide anglers and their families quality automobiles and great customer service they deserve.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Landers McClarty Chevrolet and McGraw-Webb Chevrolet will provide two Chevrolet Silverado trucks and will have a booth at all ABT and ABT 100 series events in 2024 and 2025. The Alabama Bass Trail will feature the companies on all tournament related advertising, website and collateral materials and the brand will be seen across numerous ABT social media platforms. Chevrolet’s logo will also be prominently displayed on the wrapped trucks driven by and jerseys worn by ABT staff members.
Cook adds, “The Chevrolet brand has always been synonymous with the outdoors and trucks, cars and SUVs that are built ‘Like a Rock’. As the branding changes with Chevrolet from ‘Like a Rock’ to ‘Find New Roads,’ we at Landers McLarty Chevrolet are taking our new roads to assist our new Alabama Bass Trail family. We will be doing this with sponsorship dollars, but also by making incredible discounts available to the Alabama Bass Trail anglers on both sales and service.”
The Alabama Bass Trail Tournament Series will enter its eleventh season next year as the state’s premier weekend tournament trail for amateur bass anglers with an 11-event schedule offering more than $750,000 in awards. The season gets underway February 10, 2024, on Lake Jordan and concludes Oct. 18-19, 2024, with the championship on Lay Lake.
North Division:
| February 17, 2024 | Pickwick Lake hosted by Florence-Lauderdale Tourism |
| March 16, 2024 | Smith Lake hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of Walker County |
| April 27, 2024 | Wheeler Lake hosted by Decatur Morgan County Tourism |
| May 18, 2024 | Neely Henry Lake hosted by City of Gadsden |
| June 22, 2024 | Lake Guntersville hosted by Marshall County Sports and Tourism |
South Division:
| February 10, 2024 | Lake Jordan hosted by the City of Wetumpka and the Elmore County Economic Development |
| March 9, 2024 | Lake Martin hosted by Alexander City Chamber of Commerce |
| April 13, 2024 | Logan Martin Lake hosted by City of Lincoln |
| May 11, 2024 | Alabama River (Cooter's Pond) hosted by City of Prattville |
| June 15, 2024 | Lake Eufaula hosted by Eufaula-Barbour County Chamber of Commerce |
Hosted by the Shelby County Commission, the championship tournament will be held October 18-19, 2024, on Lay Lake.
Returning for the fourth season, the ABT 100 Series is open to professional and amateur anglers and features three tournaments. The maximum number of boats for each tournament is 100. Entry fee for each event is $1,000 and teams must fish in all three tournaments. (No single entries allowed.)
Tournament dates and locations for the 2024 Alabama Bass Trail 100 Series:
January 20, 2024 | Logan Martin Lake hosted by the City of Lincoln
June 1, 2024 | Weiss Lake hosted by the City of Leesburg
November 2, 2024 | Wheeler hosted by Decatur-Morgan County Tourism
For more information on the ABT or sponsorship opportunities, call Donaldson at 855.934.7425 or visit www.alabamabasstrail.org.
Workshops for Guides, Captains, Tournament Anglers and Student Anglers
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Join us for the upcoming 2023 NPAA Conference-Fort Myers, Florida, January 5-7 |
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Forestville, WI (November 29, 2023) – The upcoming 2024 “Passion to Profession” NPAA Conference in Fort Myers, Florida, January 5 – 7, 2024, promises to provide attendees with incredible “can’t miss” career-building, educational and networking opportunities, many of them in small breakout sessions and educational workshops throughout the course of each day. Conducted in classroom-style hotel meeting rooms, attendees will have the chance to get the answers to hard-to-answer questions during sessions given by top professionals. Attendees will leave with the knowledge (and personal connections) gained during this unique event. The conference’s diverse workshops and educational sessions have been scheduled for Friday and Saturday, January 5th, and 6th. Conference attendees will have the chance to pick educational breakout topics best suited to their individual career paths. |
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In that light, an attendee of the 2023 Conference shared the following: “I just wanted to reach out and tell you how inspired and proud the conference sent me home feeling. I never really knew what my purpose was as a member, but I do now. This was my first conference, and I plan to attend them all from here on out. The board, partners, and volunteers did an amazing job, and I cannot even imagine the work, effort, and time that goes into something of this magnitude. I am feeling charged up and ready to put some real effort and focus into my guide business as well as tournaments this season. I also realized how important it is to give back to the sport in the way of youth events and get people excited and involved with the sport I love. Thanks again to the NPAA for hosting such a great event.” NPAA President Pat Neu went on to say; “Our goal at NPAA is to provide Conference attendees with the information they need to run a successful business as an angling professional, whether full or part time and to offer them an opportunity to get involved in helping to “Grow and Protect” the sport they love. All the sessions offered at this one-of-a-kind event align with this mission.” |
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2024 NPAA Conference Agenda Highlights Friday, January 5th: Educational Workshops, 12:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 6th: Three Educational Breakout Sessions, 3:00 – 5:30 p.m.
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Attend the Conference Affordably! Register for 2024 “Passion to Profession” conference now and save! The NPAA is offering a 40% discount on Conference Registrations with a Cyber Monday promotion. Go to https://www.npaa.net/conference and enter code CYBER40 at checkout to register and save big. Hurry, this offer will end soon, and capacity is limited. The NPAA has secured a special room rate of $169/night (double occupancy) at the 5 Star-rated Gulf Coast Crowne Plaza in Fort Myers, Florida, also home to the entire conference. The room rate is available for three days on either side of the event (pending availability), so come early and stay late to enjoy the beautiful Southwest Florida weather. Book your room today at: NPAA Conference at Crowne Plaza Ft. Myers Gulf Coast. Airfare rates on airlines like Sun Country, Frontier, Spirit, Southwest, and Allegiant can run well under $300 round trip. The Conference hotel is only 5 minutes from the Southwest Florida Regional Airport (RSW). Book your airline tickets early to receive the lowest rates! |
WON Bass announces new partnership and incentives for 2024 open tournaments
Organization to Provide Highest Payouts and Prizes for Western Anglers
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. - November 28, 2024 – WON Bass, a division of Western Outdoor News and the longest-running Western bass fishing tournament circuit, has announced new partnerships for the 2024 WON Bass Western Opens Series of events and more incentives for its participants.
In 2024, the WON Bass Western Opens Series will include five pro-am style events that will be held in California, Nevada and Arizona. The events will also feature automatic berths for pro and AAA competitors to compete in the 2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship.
In a new partnership with B.A.S.S., the Top 5 anglers in each of the four regional pro and AAA events as well as the Top 5 anglers in the WON Bass Angler of the Year standings after the five events will receive berths into the 2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. At the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, three anglers will earn berths into the 2026 Bassmaster Classic.
In addition to the 25 B.A.S.S. Nation entries, the Top 5 pros in the 2024 WON Bass Angler of the Year standings will receive priority entry codes to the 2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens, guaranteeing their spot in the Opens Elite Qualifiers Division. Only EQ anglers, who compete in all nine Bassmaster Opens, have a chance to qualify for the 2026 Bassmaster Elite Series.
To be eligible, each angler will be required to be a current member of WON Bass and B.A.S.S Nation and not currently competing in the 2024 Bassmaster Elite Series, MLF Bass Pro Tour, Tackle Warehouse Invitationals or the National Professional Fishing League (NPFL).
WON Bass Tournament Director Bill Egan said that he is proud to announce a new partnership.
“Being able to offer our anglers new opportunities is something we take very seriously at WON Bass,” said Egan. “We are excited to introduce this new partnership with Bassmaster. Their faith in WON Bass and investment in the Western angler is something we are humbled and proud to announce.”
Egan also said that he is grateful for the support from both the industry and the anglers who helped make these announcements a possibility.
“We have and have had tremendous partnerships with companies that have helped WON Bass grow the Western Open Series to the level it is at today. The support of the industry and the anglers who make up our fields are the reason we continue to grow, and we are grateful for it all and looking forward to growing with these new partners into the future.”
“We’re excited to enter into a partnership with such a historic organization, and look forward to working together to create more opportunities for western anglers,” said GL Compton, B.A.S.S. Nation tournament manager.
The 2024 WON Bass Western Opens Series of events will consist of five events, culminating with the 2024 WON Bass U.S. Open.
Jan. 31–Feb. 2, Lake Shasta
April 17-19, Clear Lake
May 15-17, Lake Havasu
Sept. 18-20, Lake Mead
Oct. 14-16, U.S. Open at Lake Mohave
For complete details, look to wonbassevents.com and WONews.com and tune in to WON Bass and Western Outdoor News’ social media platforms on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 6:00 p.m. PST to hear the latest news about the 2024 season and beyond at Facebook.com/WONBassTournaments.
WON Bass to announce new partnerships, prizes and incentives for 2024 Open Tournaments on Video Call Tonight
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. - November 28, 2023 –– WON Bass, a division of Western Outdoor News and the longest-running Western bass fishing tournament circuit, will announce new partnerships for the 2024 WON Bass Western Opens Series of events, increased prizes and more incentives for its participants on a live web meeting with WON Bass tournament director Bill Egan tonight at 8:00 PM EST, 6:00 PM PST.
The live meeting will highlight the new partnerships and introduce new prizes for the 2024 WON Bass Western Opens Series of events and new opportunities for anglers competing in the series. Anglers and fans are invited to attend by tuning in to WON Bass and Western Outdoor News’ social media platforms to hear the latest news about the 2024 season and beyond at Facebook.com/WONBassTournaments.
2024 Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Big Bass Tour will open this Friday, December 1st
Woodlands, Texas – Tour officials announced that registration for the 2024 Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Big Bass Tour will open this Friday, December 1st at 9AM EST/8AM CST on the website at www.bigbasstour.com “We are excited to launch our 2024 registration” said Tournament Director Scott Gordon. “We've got some incredible fisheries and dates lined up for next year and some great promotions for early entrants!” added Gordon.
Feb 9-11 | Harris Chain of Lakes, Florida
Feb 29 - March 3 | Lake Conroe, Texas (4 Day Event)
March 15-17 | Clarks Hill, Georgia
March 22-24 | Lake Eufaula, Alabama
April 5-7 | Table Rock Lake, Missouri
April 12-14 | Lake Norman, North Carolina
April 26-28 | Lake Murray, South Carolina
May 2-5 | Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia (4 Day Event)
May 16-19 | Lake Chickamauga, Tennessee (4 Day Event)
Aug 2-4 | Upper Mississippi, Wisconsin (La Crosse)
Oct 4-6 | Douglas Lake, Tennessee
Oct 10-13 | Guntersville Lake, Alabama (4 Day Event)
The 2024 season will feature over $2,200,000 in guaranteed prizes and payouts with events in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin. For more information visit our individual event pages for payout and registration details. *Registration is open to amateur anglers only, see Official Rules.
NEW Savage Gear Manic Shrimp V2 Delivers Lifelike Movement
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Predator's Choice
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How to Fish the Mulletron LT:
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AFTCO extends Bassmaster partnership for 2024 season
November 28, 2023
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — AFTCO will continue its long-standing partnership as a supporting sponsor of the six-series Bassmaster Tournament Trail, outfitter for B.A.S.S. staff and marshals and title sponsor for one of the Elite season’s most anticipated events — the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork, which will be held Feb. 29-March 3, 2024.
“As a supporting sponsor of B.A.S.S. we’re extremely proud to outfit the entire B.A.S.S. staff with AFTCO fishing apparel that can be seen in the B.A.S.S. studio and in the field with tournament staff, camera crews and B.A.S.S. conservation volunteers. For 2024, we enter our fifth consecutive year of Elite Series title sponsorship,” said AFTCO Marketing Director Matt Florentino. “We set our sights as the title sponsor for the Lake Fork Elite Series tournament taking place in Yantis, Texas. Like they say, ‘everything is bigger in Texas,’ and this fabled fishery will be one to watch for some big bass and giant bags coming to the scales.”
Lake Fork's big-bass potential has generated fireworks in previous years, producing a staggering nine Century Club performances the last four times B.A.S.S. has visited the 27,264-acre impoundment. This includes Lee Livesay’s single-day limit of 42 pounds, 3 ounces in 2021, the third-heaviest single-day catch in B.A.S.S. history.
Among the eight AFTCO-aligned pro anglers ready to tackle this big bass factory — and the entire Elite lineup — is Gerald Swindle, one of four anglers (including Livesay) who earned a Century belt on Fork when the Elites last visited in 2022.
“I’m super-stoked about returning to Lake Fork in February,” said Swindle. “We could see some extreme conditions and super-high weights of fish being caught ... But as long as AFTCO is the title sponsor, I know I will be dry and warm.”
Full coverage from all four days of the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork will be available on Bassmaster.com, Tubi and the FOX Sports digital platforms. FS1 will also broadcast live with the tournament leaders on Saturday and Sunday, March 2-3.
Throughout the season, AFTCO will also be hooking Bassmaster marshals up with apparel, gear, gift cards and more.
Travel Tuesday - Nine, my Prime Number
By Hanna Robbins, Half Past First Cast
Every bass angler wants to catch a 10-pounder.
As long as you fish where they live, it’s always a possibility. You don’t expect it to happen, but in the back of your mind you’re always hopeful. That’s why we go to bodies of water where big ones live and choose our lures with giants in mind.
If your name is Hanna Robbins you may come up a little short, pun intended. Seven times short. I know what you're thinking: “Poor Hanna, I feel so bad for you!”
My journey for my trophy bass started in 2009 when I took Pete to Anglers Inn at Lake El Salto for the first time for his 40th birthday. I came home with a personal best of 6 pounds, 12 ounces, which far exceeded my prior biggest largemouth, and I was thrilled (for a minute). After hearing about sevens and eights and nines, it suddenly wasn't good enough. I wanted to go back. I NEEDED to go back. I wanted a 10-pounder.
We returned to El Salto in May of 2013, with low water conditions and the fishing was off-the-charts incredible. I caught two 9-pounders. One was 9-01 and the other was 9-03, both on a Chatterbait with a Money Minnow trailer.
Our group caught so many sevens and eights on that trip it was unreal. We stopped taking pictures of anything under 7 pounds simply because it meant you had to stop fishing. My
partner for a day, Forrest Wood Cup champion Kevin Hawk, landed a bug-eyed legit 10. I was excited for him and I took a million pictures, but at the same time I was pissed and defeated deep down inside. We basically cast in the same place-- Why did she bite Kevin’s lure and not Hanna’s? I took no consolation in the fact that he was a world champion and I was a relative novice.
Yes, you want to be a good sport, but it's difficult to see someone else accomplish your goal right in front of your eyes.
We loved it so much in 2013 that we went back at the same time in 2014. Again, I caught two scale-verified 9-pounders but this time I did something that no more than a handful of people on earth have ever done: I caught two 9-pound bass on two different lakes on the same day. Both bass were caught on a 6-inch, Texas rigged, green pumpkin Senko. The morning fish at El Salto went 9-05 and the afternoon fish at the yet-to-be-opened-to-the-public Picachos weighed 9-12.
In the morning I had no other partner, just my guide Armando. The 9-05 bit on a bluff and I immediately knew it was big, but had no idea how big. The panic didn’t subside when we got it into the boat because we didn’t have a scale. Pete had taken ours that day. I had a camera, but that wasn’t enough. I wanted to know exactly what it weighed. Fortunately, Armando thought quickly. He told me to take my seat with the fish and he sped off for parts unknown. We found Chago, another guide, around the bend and luckily the guys in his boat had a scale.
When you catch a 9-pounder and your partner is not in your boat you quickly become friendly with anyone around you. These strangers seemed as excited as I was. They even took pictures of me for their own keepsakes. Perhaps today me and my big bass are in a frame in some random household in Oklahoma or Arizona.
What a great morning, I couldn't wait to get back and tell Pete and the gang. If that was the highlight of the day, I could’ve lived with that result. Fortunately, there was still more to come. We enjoyed a quick lunch, and then Pete and I were asked to pack up our tackle and an overnight bag to go and test the still-Gringo-free waters at Lake Picachos. Anglers Inn owner Billy Chapman wanted our honest appraisal of the fishery and he wanted us to see the plot of land that eventually become his lodge. Why not? I had done my damage for the day, or so I thought.
Once we arrived at the new lake, our guide led us to several somewhat productive spots before making a beeline for one particular stick (out of thousands). He tied the boat to it, told us
where to throw, and for hours one cast after the other we caught fish after fish after fish. If one fish dropped the bait while you were reeling in, another one ate it. It was crazy, it was
like they had never seen bait before. Most of them were 1- to 3-pounds, but they fought like they were much bigger. Those Mexican bass are so extremely strong that sometimes it’s tough to immediately tell the difference between a good one and a really good one.
I finally had a bigger tug, one that was pulled so much harder that initially I thought I hooked the tree we were tied up to. Gradually, though, the line started to move. As the fish came to
the surface -- I remember this so vividly -- the fish turned up on its side and it had the biggest bug eye I had ever seen. Pete put down his rod and screamed, "It's a 12-pounder, it's a 12-pounder!!"
My heart was pounding. It couldn’t be. Was it? was it really 12 pounds? I couldn't believe what I saw. I had no frame of reference to tell the difference between a 9-, 10- or 12-pound
largemouth bass. If Pete (who’d caught a 12-pounder on his birthday in 2012) said it was a 12-pounder, I assumed it was someplace around a 12-pounder.
All I knew is that it was big. I think I blacked out for a minute. Fish in the net, then fish in boat. We put her on the scale, and despite that giant cow-like eye she was short and stubby and “only” 9 pounds 12 ounces. WHAT!?!?!!? Yes, of course I was thrilled to catch my PB, but ugh, four ounces short of that magic 10 pound mark that differentiates a really big fish from a trophy fish. Short and stout like the girl that caught it.
We weighed it again and again. You know how you can’t believe what you see in the morning and you get back on the scale to see if you saw the number wrong the first time? That was us, except this time we wanted the scale to read heavier. Nope, not a ten, maybe next time. Try, try again.
In the next few years, I was able to catch three more 9-pounders.
One came on a Skinny Dipper swimbait, letting it sink to the bottom and slowly reeling it back.
One on the hard-pulling Strike King 10XD crankbait.
And although not with Armando (aka, “Señor Lizard”) I caught my seventh 9-pounder on a green pumpkin lizard with the tail dipped in chartreuse Spike-it.
I realize that this sounds a little bit greedy to complain about not hitting the 10-pound mark. Most bass anglers haven't had the chance to catch an 8- or 9-pounder, let alone a trophy ten pounder. I understand this but it doesn't make it any easier to swallow and I won't quit, I'll keep going back until I land my trophy. Maybe I’ll even be like Pete, who initially skipped past 9, 10 and 11 and went straight to 12 before filling in some of those gaps.
I wonder which bait will I catch it on. I suppose it doesn’t really matter as long as the scale repeatedly reads double digits.
A Donation that Changes Lives
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Through the Future Angler Foundation, your generosity helps swell the ranks of the recreational fishing community. |
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Forestville, WI (November 28, 2022) – Tuesday, November 28th, is “Giving Tuesday” and the non-profit Future Angler Foundation (FAF) is counting on the generosity of the recreational fishing industry, as well as anglers of all backgrounds, to help increase, leverage and sustain its wide-reaching programs. Aimed at introducing the public to the joys and thrills of fishing and boating through its extensive educational, promotional and grass roots efforts, the organization is laser-focused on its mission to help recruit, retain, and reactivate anglers and boaters. “The non-profit world looks at Giving Tuesday as their Super-Bowl,” says FAF president, Patrick Neu. “We recognize there are many great causes to choose from in this country, but few have the opportunity to change the lives of the masses that the Future Angler Foundation provides. Creating anglers and boaters is a mission the FAF believes can have a truly positive impact on those who participate in these activities. Becoming an outdoor enthusiast for many might not only improve their life, it might even add years to it.” |
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Fishing and boating are fun, healthy and family-friendly outdoors activities, but entry to these sports can be confusing and difficult for those who don’t have family ties or mentors to pass along the tradition. The FAF works to bridge that gap by supporting passionate, knowledgeable and generous individuals and organizations who volunteer their time and, in many cases, their own money, to teach anglers and families who want to learn more about the sport. With a focus on education and hands-on participation in sport-fishing, guided by skilled leaders and backed by incredible content and engaging curriculums, the organization offers School Program Grants, Tournament Program Grants, Outreach & Education Grants, and Partner Program Grants. According to Neu, the FAF’s footprint in the U.S. has grown dramatically over the past 10 years and has increased at an accelerated rate since the organization teamed up with Discover Mediaworks (DMW) in 2018 to bring a digital component to the FAF tacklebox. In support of this statement CEO of Discover Mediaworks Mark Rose, producer of the “Into the Outdoors” television series stated: “Through the Getting Families Fishing and Boating television programs that air nationally on our Into the Outdoors Television Network, the Future Angler Foundation now helps expose tens of millions of non-anglers annually to a sport that can change the quality of their life. We’re extremely proud to play a role in this partnership that has been funded by the FAF over the past 5 years, and we look forward to expanding the breadth of our influence through the series in the years to come.” |
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Neu went on to add that exposing people to angling and boating, however, is just the first step. Making these life enhancing activities become a permanent part of their lifestyle is the ultimate goal. In short, the Future Angler Foundation is utilizing angler/boater education and outreach to help reverse the attrition that has taken place in the sportfishing and boating industries over the past few decades, and to support the efforts that strive to bring the next generation of participants to the outdoors. “We do this through networking and a hands-on grassroots approach that has proven to be extremely effective, combined with digital content we have created that sees millions of impressions annually through our Getting Families Fishing television series which airs nationally on Into the Outdoors,” explains Neu. “We believe participation in outdoor activities like fishing are at the core of the American way of life and essential to the future of our nation as we know it.” |
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Specifically, the FAF works to:
“Our passion for the sport and our desire to share angling as a life-changing activity with future anglers/boaters through education and outreach is the driving force behind this foundation,” concludes Neu. “By exposing non-anglers/boaters to sportfishing/boating, and at the same time reactivating anglers who have not participated in these sports recently, we strive to solidify a place for these great traditions in American culture for generations to come. We hope you’ll join in our mission to grow participation in these pastimes with a generous tax-deductible donation on Giving Tuesday – or on any other day of the year for that matter.” |
Ranger Boats Under the Lid - It's the Little Things on the Z520
This week we catch up with Ranger Pro Bryan Thrift to see a few of the "Little Things" that make a BIG difference out there on the water, in this edition of Ranger Under the Lid. Check it out below!
