Florida Pro Keith Carson Leads After Day 1 at Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 6 at Detroit River Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches
DETROIT (July 26, 2024) – With most of the contenders (but not all) making the trek to Lake St. Clair on Day 1 of Stop 6 Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches at the Detroit River, the standings are packed tight as you’d expect in a smallmouth event. Leading the way, pro Keith Carson of DeBary, Florida, tallied 22 pounds, 15 ounces, and pro Alec Morrison of Peru, New York, is an ounce back with 22-14. Behind the leaders, Jon Canada, Jacob Wheeler and Jesse Wiggins all weighed more than 22 pounds, which has set the stage for a fantastic weekend of action.
Notable Friday, with both tournament-specific and Fishing Clash Angler of the Year implications on the line, Morrison was assessed a 2-pound penalty for making a cast with six fish in the livewell. Though he doesn’t have much higher to climb in the standings, you never know when 2 pounds could come in handy.
The full field of pros will conclude the two-day opening round on Saturday, with only the top 30 pros based on their two-day cumulative weight advancing to Championship Sunday. The three-day tournament, hosted by the Detroit Sports Commission, features a roster of professional anglers competing for a top prize of up to $115,000 and an invitation to compete at REDCREST 2025.
Running to St. Clair and hunting smallmouth with Lowrance ActiveTarget, tournament leader Keith Carson put together a fantastic day of smallmouth fishing.
“I found in practice that the big ones seem to be all by themselves,” explained Carson. “If you get in schools, you’re catching 3s and 4s; if you get out and see one every once in a while, they’re all over 4, every one of them. I’m just out there roaming around. I don’t have a single spot anywhere. I’ve got an area where there’s some perch, and there seems to be bass around them. But you really have to search and move a lot. I’m only seeing one fish every 20 minutes or so.”
Culling multiple 4-pounders on the day, Carson did most of his damage with a drop-shot and a Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Flat Worm or a minnow.
While some folks reported that the fish were very difficult to trick in practice, Carson ran pretty good percentages today.
“I love smallmouth fishing. There’s something about them, I’ve been able to find bigger ones and figure out the structure almost everywhere,” said Carson. “Every day in practice and today, I’ll get a flurry where I catch three in a row, and then I’ll get three in a row that won’t bite it or will nip it or get the tail. So, it’s about 50 percent, I’d say.”
Carson is mired in a pretty tough rookie season on the Bass Pro Tour, but his Invitationals performance has been strong, as it usually is. With a couple more good days, he could be heading to the season finale at the St. Lawrence with some serious smallmouth mojo.
The top 20 pros after Day 1 on the Detroit River are:
1st: Keith Carson, DeBary, Fla., five bass, 22-15
2nd: Alec Morrison, Peru, N.Y., five bass, 22-14
3rd: Jon Canada, Helena, Ala., five bass, 22-12
4th: Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., five bass, 22-6
5th: Jesse Wiggins, Logan, Ala., five bass, 22-3
6th: Scott Dobson, Clarkston, Mich., five bass, 21-15
6th: Matteo Turano, Puryear, Tenn., five bass, 21-15
8th: Connor Cunningham, Springfield, Mo., five bass, 21-14
9th: John Cox, DeBary, Fla., five bass, 21-12
9th: Troy Stokes, Trenton, Mich., five bass, 21-12
11th: Brad Jelinek, Lincoln, Mo., five bass, 21-10
12th: Colby Dark, West Monroe, La., five bass, 21-9
13th: Jeremy Gordon, Rutledge, Tenn., five bass, 21-8
14th: Adrian Avena, Marmora, N.J., five bass, 21-7
14th: Robby Lefere, Jackson, Mich., five bass, 21-7
14th: Brock Reinkemeyer, Warsaw, Mo., five bass, 21-7
17th: Nick LeBrun, Bossier City, La., five bass, 21-5
18th: Justin Atkins, Florence, Ala., five bass, 21-4
19th: Chris Groh, Spring Grove, Ill., five bass, 21-0
19th: Jaden Parrish, Liberty, Texas, five bass, 21-0
19th: Mitchell Robinson, Landrum, S.C., five bass, 21-0
Complete results for the entire field can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Pro Brad Jelinek of Lincoln, Missouri, earned the Day 1 $1,000 Berkley Big Bass award Friday with a bass that weighed in at 5 pounds, 8 ounces.
Overall, there were 672 bass weighing 2,357 pounds 14 ounces caught by 137 pros Friday. The catch included 130 five-bass limits.
In Tackle Warehouse Invitational competition, the full field of anglers compete in the two-day opening round on Friday and Saturday in a five-fish, weigh-in format. Only the top 30 pros, based on their two-day cumulative weight, advance to the final round on Championship Sunday, where they will compete for the grand prize of up to $115,000. The winner of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 6 at the Detroit River Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches will be determined by the heaviest three-day cumulative weight and will receive an invitation to compete at REDCREST 2025 on Lake Guntersville in Huntsville, Alabama.
Anglers will launch at 6:30 a.m. ET each day from Elizabeth Park, located at 202 Grosse Ile Parkway in Trenton, Michigan. Weigh-ins will also be held at the park and will begin at 2:30 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and weigh-in events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® live stream and coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The MLFNOW! broadcast team of Chad McKee and Rob Newell will break down the extended action live each day of competition from 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. ET. MLFNOW! will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) and Rumble apps.
Television coverage of the MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Stop 6 at the Detroit River Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches will air as a two-hour episode, premiering at 9 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Nov. 9 on CBS Sports Network.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak Fishing, Onyx, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, PowerStop Brakes, REDCON1, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Tackle Warehouse Invitational updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 17 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Soddy Daisy duo claims Day 1 lead at Bassmaster Junior National Championship
July 26, 2024
DAYTON, Tenn. — William Collins and Kyler Jenkins from Soddy Daisy Junior High bass team took advantage of their home-field advantage at the Bassmaster Junior National Championship at Chickamauga Lake by catching a three-bass limit weighing 14 pounds, 4 ounces to take the Day 1 lead.
The High Country Bass Anglers duo of Hannah Sage and Tanner Ortega are second with 12-12 and Tayson Stiehl from the Winner Junior Bassmasters is third with 11-3. On the day, 50 teams achieved limits, and more than 100 teams caught at least one keeper bass.
“I feel pretty amazing right now,” Collins said. “Today was a really fun day. I’m pretty excited for tomorrow. I’ve been praying about it. We had our bite (dialed in) between two practice days. The third day we pretty much eliminated water.”
The rising freshmen live five minutes from the nearest boat ramp, which has provided them ample opportunity to get out on the water and hone their skills. Fishing close to home also allowed Jenkins to make it to football practice immediately after weigh-in.
“It is fishing pretty well for us right now,” Collins said. “I’ve been having good trip after good trip, so I can’t really complain.”
While their first spot didn’t pan out quite like they hoped, Collins and Jenkins landed their biggest bass of the day at the second stop, a 6-14 that turned out to be Collins’ personal best largemouth.
“I threw beside a clump of grass and caught that (big one),” Collins said. “I was pretty much jumping up and down when I caught it. It bit right beside the boat. I set the hook and (Jenkins) netted it really quickly.”
From there, the duo landed four bass over 3 pounds to upgrade to their final tally.
The Soddy Daisy anglers have several different patterns working in their favor, and Collins said he and Jenkins used eight or nine different baits throughout the day.
Knowing how many big bass are in Chickamauga Lake, Collins said he and Jenkins will likely have to repeat their impressive Day 1 performance in order to claim the victory.
“Tomorrow we are going to shoot for 15 pounds,” Collins said.
The full field of 129 teams will launch from the Dayton Boat Dock beginning at 6:30 a.m. ET and return for weigh-in at 2:30 p.m., and the winning team will be crowned at the conclusion of weigh-in.
The City of Dayton is hosting the tournament.
About B.A.S.S.B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
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Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 205-313-0945, cgay@bassmaster.
2024 Bassmaster Junior Championship 7/26-7/27
Chickamauga Lake, Dayton TN.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Club/School Pts
1. William Collins - Kyler Jenkins Soddy Daisy Jr High 0
Day 1: 3 14-04 Total: 3 14-04
2. Hannah Sage - Tanner Ortega High Country Bass Anglers 0
Day 1: 3 12-12 Total: 3 12-12
3. Tayson Stiehl - Winner Junior Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 3 11-03 Total: 3 11-03
4. Lane Lewis - Grady Peterson Iowa Youth Fishing League - IA 0
Day 1: 3 10-09 Total: 3 10-09
5. Grahm Singerhouse - Andres Solorzano Stillwater Junior 0
Day 1: 3 10-08 Total: 3 10-08
6. Joseph Childers - Bray Youngblood Swla Jr Anglers 0
Day 1: 3 10-06 Total: 3 10-06
7. Drew Mcclellan - Noah Hiott Indiana Junior Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 3 10-03 Total: 3 10-03
8. Damian Gumm - Brock Stevens 0
Day 1: 3 09-14 Total: 3 09-14
9. Larson Morgan - John Balcerzak Southlake Fishing Team 0
Day 1: 3 09-11 Total: 3 09-11
10. Conner Tate - Sawyer Knickerbocker Vermillion Junior Anglers 0
Day 1: 3 09-09 Total: 3 09-09
11. Carson Stevens - Wesley Osuna Franklin County Jr Bass Team - T 0
Day 1: 3 09-07 Total: 3 09-07
12. Jack Kennedy - Brentley West Mulberry Bassmasters Jr Anglers 0
Day 1: 3 09-03 Total: 3 09-03
12. Blake Richardson - Bentley Richardson Southern Outcast Jr 0
Day 1: 3 09-03 Total: 3 09-03
14. Kipton Hall - Wyatt Parker Baldwin County Hs Juniors Fishin 0
Day 1: 3 08-13 Total: 3 08-13
15. Sawyer Adams - Colton Talbert Gilbert Jr Bass Anglers 0
Day 1: 3 08-12 Total: 3 08-12
16. Bo Hollen - Ari Clark Mon Valley Junior Bassmasters - 0
Day 1: 3 08-12 Total: 3 08-12
17. Brody Allen - Caden Harris Hendry County Junior Bassmater 0
Day 1: 3 08-11 Total: 3 08-11
18. Easton Dickens - Eli Stevens New River Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 3 08-11 Total: 3 08-11
19. Bennett Bullard - Kei Blaylock Trader Bills 0
Day 1: 3 08-09 Total: 3 08-09
19. Fisher Williams - Blaine Chastain Bolivar Hs 0
Day 1: 3 08-09 Total: 3 08-09
21. Liam Holze - John Price Off the Hook Jr Bassmasters - IL 0
Day 1: 3 08-08 Total: 3 08-08
22. Lem Tate - Baylor Mccuiston Pine Grove High School 0
Day 1: 3 08-07 Total: 3 08-07
23. Parker Smith - Carson Randan Scotts Hill High School Anglers 0
Day 1: 3 08-06 Total: 3 08-06
24. Hudson Clark - Jackson Leath Sumner County Jr Bass Team - TN 0
Day 1: 3 08-05 Total: 3 08-05
24. Knox White - Grayson Sanford Mt. Juliet Fishing - Juniors 0
Day 1: 3 08-05 Total: 3 08-05
26. Max Daniel - Carter Oufnac Parkview Baptist Jr School Bass 0
Day 1: 3 08-04 Total: 3 08-04
26. Piers Picou - Jaxon Plaisance Central Catholic - LA 0
Day 1: 3 08-04 Total: 3 08-04
28. Cooper Taylor - Gage West Lowndes Jr Viking Lip Rippers 0
Day 1: 3 08-02 Total: 3 08-02
29. Reed Crisman - Will Crisman Mecklenburg High School Junior A 0
Day 1: 3 08-00 Total: 3 08-00
30. Elijah Booker - Bayler Cooksey Mt. Juliet Fishing - Juniors 0
Day 1: 3 07-12 Total: 3 07-12
31. Cash Rath - Parker Clennon Arkansas Youth Anglers Junior 0
Day 1: 3 07-11 Total: 3 07-11
32. Braydon Scott - Bentley Keeter Pickett County Elementary Fishin 0
Day 1: 3 07-10 Total: 3 07-10
33. Brady Wells - Dakota Gordon Bath County Juniors 0
Day 1: 3 07-08 Total: 3 07-08
34. Mitchell Boles - Nixon Melton Clay County Junior Anglers 0
Day 1: 3 07-05 Total: 3 07-05
34. Isaiah Crockett - Eli Milam Southern WV Jr Bassmasters - WV 0
Day 1: 3 07-05 Total: 3 07-05
36. Boston Werner - Northeast Wisconsin Bass - WI 0
Day 1: 3 07-04 Total: 3 07-04
37. Crews Mcferrin - Karns Jr High School 0
Day 1: 3 07-03 Total: 3 07-03
38. Holt Harmon - Memphis Howard Central Lion Fishing 0
Day 1: 3 07-01 Total: 3 07-01
39. Brayden Griffin - Willis Junior Basskats 0
Day 1: 2 07-01 Total: 2 07-01
40. Tucker Burr - Logan Herbst Anoka Ramsey Jr Bassers 0
Day 1: 3 06-13 Total: 3 06-13
41. Cole Watkins - Luke Delaney Jr. Southwest Bassmasters-Denham 0
Day 1: 3 06-12 Total: 3 06-12
42. Avery Schmitt - Maddox Hanson Eastern Iowa Jr. Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 3 06-09 Total: 3 06-09
43. Joseph Eskew - Nathan Banach Off The Hook Jr. Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 3 06-08 Total: 3 06-08
44. Kannon Sample - Samuel Shuford Sc Lower State Jr Bass Club 0
Day 1: 3 06-07 Total: 3 06-07
44. Maddox Shaffer - Myles Shaffer Junior Garrett Bass Slayers 0
Day 1: 3 06-07 Total: 3 06-07
46. Brady Almand - Jaxon Martin Tennessee Valley Jr Bass Club 0
Day 1: 3 06-05 Total: 3 06-05
47. Kerry Johnson - Mavrick Grove Creekwood Hs Redhawks Fishing 0
Day 1: 3 06-03 Total: 3 06-03
47. Beckett Kraft - Sullivan Kraft Port City Junior Bass Masters 0
Day 1: 3 06-03 Total: 3 06-03
47. Caleb Terrazas - Rylan Emerson Phoenix Junior Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 3 06-03 Total: 3 06-03
50. Gunner Robbins - Drew Smith Livingston Academy Junior Bassma 0
Day 1: 3 05-15 Total: 3 05-15
51. Brantley Pennington - Ethan Hill Central Arkansas Junior Bassmast 0
Day 1: 2 05-12 Total: 2 05-12
52. Grant Klein - Elijah Marziano New Hampshire Jr. Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 2 05-08 Total: 2 05-08
53. Cameron Bougher - Levi White Mannford High School Bass Fishin 0
Day 1: 2 05-05 Total: 2 05-05
53. Asher Hart - Camden Baker Hartley's Hawgs Piglets 0
Day 1: 2 05-05 Total: 2 05-05
55. Kannon Wood - Gulf Port High School 0
Day 1: 2 04-15 Total: 2 04-15
56. Dean Austin - Caleb Moore Off The Hook Jr. Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 2 04-13 Total: 2 04-13
57. James Boquet - Landon Grabert Houma Christian Jr Bass Club 0
Day 1: 2 04-12 Total: 2 04-12
58. Hunter Brakefield - Landon White Mt. Juliet Fishing - Juniors 0
Day 1: 1 04-12 Total: 1 04-12
59. Logan Carmichael - Finn Mahoney Kawartha Hs Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 2 04-11 Total: 2 04-11
60. Brady Gunkle - Quintin Bergey Junior Wildcats 0
Day 1: 1 04-09 Total: 1 04-09
61. Gary Allen Underwood - Jeremiah Underwood Hamblen County Anglers Juniors 0
Day 1: 2 04-07 Total: 2 04-07
62. Bryant Atwood - Matthew Balden Vidor Pirate Jr Fishing Team 0
Day 1: 2 04-06 Total: 2 04-06
63. Tyler Nelson - Saw Reynolds Bandys Fishing Team Juniors 0
Day 1: 2 04-04 Total: 2 04-04
64. Hayden Vanwinkle - Kendal Ward Rocky Mtn Bass Anglers 0
Day 1: 2 04-01 Total: 2 04-01
65. Coy Cassady - Ryan Crane Wateree Anglers Club 0
Day 1: 2 04-00 Total: 2 04-00
66. Gage Wright - Braxton Bogdansky Sc Upper State Bass Club 0
Day 1: 1 03-15 Total: 1 03-15
67. Brock Davis - Kaine Smith Bolivar Hs 0
Day 1: 1 03-14 Total: 1 03-14
68. Hunter Beach - Austin Jefferson Fighting Fishsticks Jr. Bass Clu 0
Day 1: 2 03-13 Total: 2 03-13
69. Halton Howard - Garrett Westfall Arkansas Youth Anglers Junior 0
Day 1: 2 03-11 Total: 2 03-11
70. Landon Emmons - Conner Emmons Franklin County Jr Bass 0
Day 1: 2 03-08 Total: 2 03-08
71. Carson Beal - Tripp Bearden Abilene Wylie Junior Bass 0
Day 1: 2 03-07 Total: 2 03-07
71. Levi Snowball - Zachary Mcalister Cincinnati Youth Bass Club Jr 0
Day 1: 2 03-07 Total: 2 03-07
73. Brayden Jenner - Tatum Ceccorulli St. Martin Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 1 03-07 Total: 1 03-07
74. Eben Bolding - Mason Carter Trhs Devildog Anglers Travelers 0
Day 1: 2 03-03 Total: 2 03-03
75. Jaxson Beard - Landon Vaughn Pendleton High School Fishing Te 0
Day 1: 1 03-00 Total: 1 03-00
76. Cason Curry - Jaxon Curry Rocky Mtn Bass Anglers 0
Day 1: 1 02-14 Total: 1 02-14
76. Kenny Simonis - Peter Riker Fruitport High School 0
Day 1: 1 02-14 Total: 1 02-14
78. Coleman Hampel - Landon Tatum Lumpkin County Schools 0
Day 1: 1 02-13 Total: 1 02-13
79. Olivia King - Harper Krohn D'iberville Hs Warrior Bass Nati 0
Day 1: 1 02-10 Total: 1 02-10
79. Mason Samson - Reed Orzechowski NH Junior Bassmasters - NH 0
Day 1: 1 02-10 Total: 1 02-10
79. Carsen Sands - Owen Chittenden Grand Haven High School 0
Day 1: 1 02-10 Total: 1 02-10
82. Dylin Mizell - Bossier Parish High School Bass 0
Day 1: 1 02-06 Total: 1 02-06
82. Kort Roberts - Katera Roberts Junior Keystone Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 1 02-06 Total: 1 02-06
82. Brantley Todd - Owen Goss Piedmont Youth Fishing Team 0
Day 1: 1 02-06 Total: 1 02-06
85. Austin Buttrick - Weston Hamrick Cleveland County Bass Anglers 0
Day 1: 1 02-05 Total: 1 02-05
86. Drake Walls - Hunter Shrader Mid Florida Youth Anglers Jr 0
Day 1: 1 02-03 Total: 1 02-03
86. Conner White - Drake Highsmith Junior Keystone Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 1 02-03 Total: 1 02-03
88. Wally Peer Iv - Tanner Muzyk Bass Nation Juniors 0
Day 1: 1 02-03 Total: 1 02-03
89. Greyson Harper - Garreson Currie Topeka Jr Hawgs 0
Day 1: 1 02-02 Total: 1 02-02
89. Deacon Keefe - Brayden Blair Reeths Puffer High School Fishin 0
Day 1: 1 02-02 Total: 1 02-02
89. Bentley Wright - Staten Whitecotton Buckhorn Bass Fishing 0
Day 1: 1 02-02 Total: 1 02-02
92. Harlow Bryant - Huxley Bryant Tarkington Youth Fishing Team 0
Day 1: 1 02-01 Total: 1 02-01
92. Tristan Stewart - DJ Johnson III Mt. Pleasant Junior Bass Team - 0
Day 1: 1 02-01 Total: 1 02-01
94. Brayen Barnhill - Reed Abrams 757 Bass 0
Day 1: 1 02-00 Total: 1 02-00
94. Jaxon Sparks - Colby Peoples Clarks Hill Youth Fishing Team 0
Day 1: 1 02-00 Total: 1 02-00
96. Johnathon Harris - Maci Golden West Greene High School 0
Day 1: 1 01-15 Total: 1 01-15
97. Bryson Hannem - Jayse Ordahl Bloomington Juniors 0
Day 1: 1 01-14 Total: 1 01-14
97. Burke Sorenson - Braden Royse Eureka Youth Club 0
Day 1: 1 01-14 Total: 1 01-14
99. Eastin Gilliland - Gunnar Freeman Lone Star Jr Bassmasters - TX 0
Day 1: 1 01-13 Total: 1 01-13
99. Grifinn Thomas-Hamm - Tahlen Thomas-Hamm Southside Junior Anglers 0
Day 1: 1 01-13 Total: 1 01-13
101. Logan Dunham - Braeden Walker Fighting Fishsticks Jr. Bass Clu 0
Day 1: 1 01-10 Total: 1 01-10
102. Ben Johnston - Sam Bucala Federation Nation Jr. Bassmaster 0
Day 1: 1 00-10 Total: 1 00-10
103. James Barkley - Nikolas Foster New Hampshire Jr. Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
103. Anna Brown - Coleman Moore Loudon Redskins Jr Bass Team - T 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
103. Gavin Brubaker - Hunter Haines Susquehanna Valley Jr Fishing Te 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
103. Korben Burgess - Mack Josey Cleveland County Bass Anglers 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
103. Rachel Burks - Clay County Anglers - TN 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
103. Quinn Cancellieri - Kingston Bartley Denver Jr Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
103. Quinn Cook - Michael Basile Off The Hook Jr. Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
103. Blaine Davis - Bo Pearson Liberty County Junior Anglers 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
103. Tucker Fratz - Rowan Rikhye Junior Garrett Bass Slayers 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
103. Elijah Hart - Marlon Gammon Hartley's Hawgs Piglets 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
103. Dixon Heflin - Toby Potts Bedford County Youth Bass Club - 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
103. Kaden Henderson - Nickolas Tinkle Arkansas Youth Anglers - AR 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
103. Heston Hoffman - Samuel Holland Topeka Jr Hawgs 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
103. Hunter Hogan - Chase Hogan Avonworth Middle School 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
103. Jake Jaracy - Jack Jaracy Bass Lightning 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
103. Buddy Malone - Avren Wells Topeka Jr Hawgs 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
103. Brayden Marcum - Tyler Goble Cardinal Youth Fishing Team 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
103. Kylan Martin - Ryder Ginter Montgomery County High School Ba 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
103. Mackenzie Muntz - Jacob Muntz Black Swamp High School Fishing 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
103. Jake Ray - Max Stewart Live Oak Jr Eagles 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
103. Walker Sawyer - Ashbi Sawyer Payette River Jr. Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
103. Jaxon Schmidt - Brayden Savage Junior Garrett Bass Slayers 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
103. Jake Sidney - Luke Sidney Phoenix Junior Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
103. Graham Streeter - Jackson Reed Indiana Junior Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
103. Kale Temple - Easton Kelley Hart County High School Anglers 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
103. Tristan Topa - Caleb Robert Port City Junior Bass Masters 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
103. Oliver Williams - Corvin Katzban Eagleton Fishing Team 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 49 220 581-08
------------------------------
49 220 581-08
High-risk, high-reward strategy pays off for Burgess at B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Lake Champlain
July 26, 2024
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — Everything about Mark Burgess’ strategy for the Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Lake Champlain presented by Lowrance was high risk, but the risk was well worth the reward as the Massachusetts angler claimed the victory with a three-day total of 62 pounds, 1 ounce.
A former Elite Series angler, Burgess caught bags of 17-6, 21-15 and then 22-12 on the final day to edge out Dan Tavilla by 15 ounces. Along with the victory, Burgess earned $8,793 and qualified for the 2024 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Lowrance at Grand Lake, putting him one step closer to achieving the dream of fishing the Bassmaster Classic.
“I’m amazed, really. When I signed up for this tournament, I knew (Garmin) LiveScope would play for smallmouth, and that’s not my deal. I was in my total comfort zone this week. I had a flipping stick almost the whole time with a little bit of ChatterBaiting and square billing. I just made the right decisions each day.
“I’m so stoked. This is my best Bassmaster event ever.”
Burgess has been fishing Lake Champlain since the 1990s when he flew a plane over the Ticonderoga region of the lake to locate milfoil beds. This week, Burgess was about as far from Ticonderoga as he possibly could be, instead making a long run north towards the Canadian border.
Heavy rain before the event lifted the lake levels 2 feet higher than normal, and with dirtier water than normal to go along with it, Burgess decided to focus on the shallows and targeted a mix of laydowns, milfoil and docks.
It was one magic tree, however, that produced the majority of his bass. This specific laydown sits mostly on the bank, but the water has created a void where the bass sit to ambush prey, and Burgess used that to his advantage.
“It’s in a deep creek, but this tree is on the bank,” he explained. “The waves have washed out the area under the tree, so even though it looks like it is in the mud, there is a hollow spot under the tree. That is where the fish lay, right on the edge of the drop.”
His best bait was a YUM Wooly Hawg Craw rigged on a 4/0 VMC heavy-duty flipping hook and a ⅜-ounce weight. In clearer water, he used a green pumpkin color and dyed the tails orange. Black neon was his choice of color in dirtier water.
He also caught several key fish on a ChatterBait and an old-school Lucky Craft RC 1.5 squarebill. All of the bass he brought to weigh-in were largemouth, but he did land several quality smallmouth, as well.
Not only did Burgess have to fight the wind and waves to reach his area, but he had to battle through a variety of mechanical issues all week. On the final day, his navigation lights at the bow of the boat malfunctioned, so his co-angler downloaded an app to his phone and then taped his phone to the trolling motor so they could take off on time.
After landing in 33rd after Day 1, Burgess knew he was within range of qualifying for the Nation Championship, but an impressive Day 2 bag anchored by a 6-4 largemouth lifted him into contention for the final day.
“Days 1 and 2 started really rough. I had two big fish pull off on the first day. I set my sights on 20th at that point and putting the biggest bag I could put together in the boat. The second day I didn’t have a fish until 9 a.m. I was starting to spin out a little bit but realized you don’t get these opportunities very often.”
After not catching a bass off the laydown to start Day 2, Burgess returned later in the morning and filled out his limit, including the 6-4 largemouth. Later in the day, he caught a 5-pounder off a set of docks he had only seen 2-pounders on in practice.
On the final day, the wind slowed down, and Burgess was able to move around much easier. He started on the magic laydown and filled out another quality limit before running to several other key pieces of cover and a row of docks to upgrade his bag.
“I went straight to the juice, and it was a good decision because another competitor, an absolute hammer on this lake, was basically fishing the same stuff. I got to it first. I was culling by the time he arrived. I had the start of a good bag there, around 19 pounds.”
After taking the Day 2 lead, Tavilla fell to second on the final day with a total of 61-2. He opened the tournament with 21-2 before landing 19-14 on the second day and 20-2 on Championship Friday.
“I have fished against Mark since I started bass fishing in 2009,” Tavilla said. “He deserves this. He has put the time in and has done it forever. He got the big largemouth for sure. I’m happy for him.”
The boater from Portsmouth, N.H., scoured the Inland Sea for pelagic smallmouth that were chasing groups of white and yellow perch as well as alewives in 25 to 40 feet of water outside of a boulder ridge. Using his forward-facing sonar, Tavilla pitched a ¼-ounce tungsten ball-head jig rigged with a 5-inch Deps Sakamata Shad to the bait balls.
At the end of each day, Tavilla would fish for largemouth and landed two quality green fish using a ChatterBait.
The final day started well for Tavilla, but he could not find a 5-pounder to bolster his limit.
“It was fast and furious this morning, but the size wasn’t as consistent,” he said. “There were more 3-pounders today. I caught a 4-5 pretty early on and then I had to grind after that. The first two or three hours I probably caught 12 bass. I caught a bonus fish on a Carolina rig.”
With bags of 20-14, 18-9 and 20-9, University of Montevallo senior Jacob Swanson finished third with a three-day total of 60-0. The Framingham, Mass., angler split his time between smallmouth and largemouth this week. With his forward-facing sonar, Swanson found smallmouth chasing bait in 35 feet of water and used a Z-Man Scented Jerk ShadZ on either a ¼-ounce or ⅛-ounce jighead to catch those bass.
He searched for largemouth by tossing a ⅜-ounce jig paired with a Strike King Rage Menace trailer around docks and rock. As the tournament progressed, the largemouth bite became increasingly more reliable.
Day 1 leader Frankie Appaluccio landed the Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Tournament, a 6-15 largemouth he caught the first day.
Craig Morris won the $200 Garmin Rewards Trolling Motor contingency and Justin Yenter earned a $300 Garmin Rewards Electronics bonus.
By catching three-bass limits of 7-14, 12-9 and 12-5, Rob Ross won the nonboater division with a three-day total of 32-12. Guiseppe Andreoli finished second with a total of 31-14 and Ernest Weathersby finished third with 31-4.
Sophon Chhoeun landed the Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Day on Championship Friday, a 5-3.
All 40 final day competitors punched tickets to the 2024 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Lowrance at Grand Lake scheduled for Nov. 6-8.
The winner of that event will earn the title of Nation’s Best and will earn an invite to the 2025 Bassmaster Elite Series plus a spot in the 2025 Bassmaster Classic. The second- and third-place finishers at the Nation Championship will also compete in the 2025 Bassmaster Classic.
The Adirondack Coast hosted the tournament.
2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Title Sponsor: Mercury
2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Presenting Sponsor: Lowrance
2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Youth Sponsors: Seaguar, Shimano
About B.A.S.S.B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
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Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 205-313-0945, cgay@bassmaster.
2024 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Lake Champlain presented by Lowrance 7/24-7/26
Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh NY.
(BOATER) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Mark Burgess Norton, MA 15 62-01 0 $8,793.00
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 21-15 Day 3: 5 22-12
2. Dan Tavilla Portsmouth, NH 15 61-02 0 $4,271.00
Day 1: 5 21-02 Day 2: 5 19-14 Day 3: 5 20-02
3. Jacob Swanson Framingham, MA 15 60-00 0 $3,015.00
Day 1: 5 20-14 Day 2: 5 18-09 Day 3: 5 20-09
4. Matt Pangrac Shawnee, OK 15 58-03 0 $2,780.00
Day 1: 5 20-07 Day 2: 5 16-06 Day 3: 5 21-06
5. J Judd Saint Albans, VT 15 58-01 0 $2,186.00
Day 1: 5 20-05 Day 2: 5 20-01 Day 3: 5 17-11
6. Jonathan Carter Portland, ME 15 56-13 0 $2,010.00
Day 1: 5 18-04 Day 2: 5 18-09 Day 3: 5 20-00
7. Frankie Appaluccio Ogdensburg, NJ 15 56-09 0 $1,884.00
Day 1: 5 24-05 Day 2: 5 16-03 Day 3: 5 16-01
8. Cody Peryea Altona, NY 15 56-08 0 $1,759.00
Day 1: 5 20-13 Day 2: 5 16-07 Day 3: 5 19-04
9. Robert Williamson II Gorham, ME 15 56-08 0 $1,530.00
Day 1: 5 20-00 Day 2: 5 20-00 Day 3: 5 16-08
10. Jay Walls Milford, DE 15 56-04 0 $1,131.00
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 18-05 Day 3: 5 19-07
11. Connor Jacob Auburn, AL 15 56-04 0 $1,005.00
Day 1: 5 19-02 Day 2: 5 18-14 Day 3: 5 18-04
12. Scott Robert Greene, ME 15 55-11 0 $975.00
Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 19-06 Day 3: 5 20-03
13. Justin Yenter Stevens Point, WI 15 55-01 0 $991.00
Day 1: 5 18-14 Day 2: 5 19-02 Day 3: 5 17-01
14. Jed Worthington Eden Mills, VT 15 55-00 0 $691.00
Day 1: 5 18-06 Day 2: 5 17-09 Day 3: 5 19-01
15. Craig Morris Frankford, DE 15 54-03 0 $891.00
Day 1: 5 22-04 Day 2: 5 18-11 Day 3: 5 13-04
16. Joseph Tefft Fort Edward, NY 15 53-15 0 $691.00
Day 1: 5 17-14 Day 2: 5 17-15 Day 3: 5 18-02
17. Chase Loftus Iowa City, IA 15 53-06 0 $691.00
Day 1: 5 18-04 Day 2: 5 20-03 Day 3: 5 14-15
18. Anthony Lorefice Jr Johnson City, NY 15 51-11 0 $691.00
Day 1: 5 20-08 Day 2: 5 16-10 Day 3: 5 14-09
19. Ty Austin Rush, NY 15 49-14 0 $691.00
Day 1: 5 19-07 Day 2: 5 16-02 Day 3: 5 14-05
20. David Mathieu Woodstock, CT 15 49-04 0 $691.00
Day 1: 5 18-12 Day 2: 5 17-02 Day 3: 5 13-06
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 126 648 1993-11
2 101 546 1705-14
3 20 100 356-14
------------------------------
247 1294 4056-07
2024 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Lake Champlain presented by Lowrance 7/24-7/26
Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh NY.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Rob Ross Hopedale, MA 9 32-12 0 $3,500.00
Day 1: 3 07-14 Day 2: 3 12-09 Day 3: 3 12-05
2. Guiseppe Andreoli Foster, RI 9 31-14 0 $2,000.00
Day 1: 3 10-13 Day 2: 3 11-03 Day 3: 3 09-14
3. Ernest Weathersby Leominster, MA 9 31-04 0 $1,000.00
Day 1: 3 12-03 Day 2: 3 09-09 Day 3: 3 09-08
4. Sophon Chhoeun Fall River, MA 9 31-02 0 $926.00
Day 1: 3 10-03 Day 2: 3 09-15 Day 3: 3 11-00
5. Grant Fry Bay City, MI 9 31-00 0 $685.00
Day 1: 3 09-04 Day 2: 3 12-02 Day 3: 3 09-10
6. Jacob Muir Milford, DE 9 31-00 0 $575.00
Day 1: 3 08-15 Day 2: 3 10-11 Day 3: 3 11-06
7. Josh Giran Elizabeth, PA 9 30-04 0 $514.00
Day 1: 3 12-06 Day 2: 3 09-03 Day 3: 3 08-11
8. Stephen Sanders New Britain, CT 9 30-01 0 $480.00
Day 1: 3 08-10 Day 2: 3 11-03 Day 3: 3 10-04
9. Conner Petropoulos South Portland, ME 9 29-02 0 $450.00
Day 1: 3 08-06 Day 2: 3 12-00 Day 3: 3 08-12
10. Travis Rockett Intervale, NH 9 28-15 0 $400.00
Day 1: 3 09-09 Day 2: 3 08-07 Day 3: 3 10-15
11. Jake Minch Stevens Point, WI 9 28-03 0 $400.00
Day 1: 3 08-09 Day 2: 3 10-00 Day 3: 3 09-10
12. Vic Brown II Glen Burnie, MD 9 27-11 0 $350.00
Day 1: 3 07-06 Day 2: 3 11-07 Day 3: 3 08-14
13. Dave Reed Westminster, MD 9 27-08 0 $300.00
Day 1: 3 07-10 Day 2: 3 10-11 Day 3: 3 09-03
14. Wes Vyverberg Rochester, NY 9 27-08 0 $300.00
Day 1: 3 06-12 Day 2: 3 10-10 Day 3: 3 10-02
15. Mike Wotanowski Lake Hopatcong, NJ 9 26-15 0 $250.00
Day 1: 3 08-09 Day 2: 3 09-00 Day 3: 3 09-06
16. Robert Rull Jr Coventry, RI 9 26-08 0 $250.00
Day 1: 3 10-13 Day 2: 3 07-06 Day 3: 3 08-05
17. Joe Devoe Aberdeen, MD 9 26-04 0 $250.00
Day 1: 3 11-04 Day 2: 3 07-02 Day 3: 3 07-14
18. Brian Marino Vineland, NJ 8 25-09 0 $250.00
Day 1: 3 08-02 Day 2: 3 11-04 Day 3: 2 06-03
19. Dylan Stowe Weybridge, VT 9 25-09 0 $250.00
Day 1: 3 08-14 Day 2: 3 10-14 Day 3: 3 05-13
20. JT Fitzgerald Lincoln, DE 9 23-06 0 $250.00
Day 1: 3 10-02 Day 2: 3 07-08 Day 3: 3 05-12
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 54 210 557-15
2 61 203 581-07
3 19 59 183-07
------------------------------
134 472 1322-13
MLF Announces 2025 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Schedule, New Invitationals Championship
BENTON, Ky. (July 26, 2024) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced Friday the 2025 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals schedule, highlighted by the addition of a no-entry-fee championship featuring a $135,000 top award and a REDCREST 2026 berth for the winner.
The 2025 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals will showcase 150 pros competing across six regular-season stops for a season-long purse of more than $4.3 million and valuable points to qualify for the new Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Championship and ultimately an invitation to compete on the 2026 Bass Pro Tour.
Each Invitational will feature anglers competing over three days in a five-fish, weigh-in format for a top award of up to $115,000. The top pro from the point standings at the end of the season will win the Fishing Clash Angler of the Year title and $50,000, while the top five pros qualify for the 2026 Bass Pro Tour and the top 50 pros advance to the new Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Championship.
“We at Tackle Warehouse are very excited about the addition of a championship event for the 2025 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals. It’s a great goal and incentive for Invitationals anglers to work towards all year, and really completes the TWI circuit,” said Tackle Warehouse’s Joey Reggio. “We can't wait to join with MLF in crowning the winner of the very first Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Championship in 2025.”
The Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Championship, set for Sept. 5-7, 2025, on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wisconsin, will feature a $522,000 purse with a top award of $135,000 and every angler guaranteed at least $5,000.
“We’re excited to announce our 2025 schedule and the addition of the Invitationals Championship,” said Kevin Hunt, Senior Director of Tournament Operations of the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals. “The Invitationals are the only way into the Bass Pro Tour, and the competitiveness and intensity that comes in the race for those five spots has created some extraordinary moments over the first two years. We look forward to another great season on some incredible fisheries and can’t wait to watch how 2025 shakes out.”
Every day of Tackle Warehouse Invitational competition will be broadcast live on MLFNOW! at MajorLeagueFishing.com and streamed to the Major League Fishing app, MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) and Rumble app. Each tournament will also be televised on CBS Sports.
Invitations for the 2025 season will be sent to qualified anglers following Stop 6 on the Detroit River, which wraps up the 2024 season on Sunday.
2025 MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Schedule:
Feb. 21- 23 Stop 1 at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Kissimmee, Fla.
Hosted by Experience Kissimmee
March 14-16 Stop 2 at Lake Hartwell Anderson, S.C.
Hosted by Visit Anderson
April 15-17 Stop 3 at Smith Lake Cullman, Ala.
Hosted by Visit Cullman, Alabama
May 9-11 Stop 4 at Pickwick Lake Counce, Tenn.
Hosted by the Explore Pickwick Lake/Hardin County Tourism
June 20-22 Stop 5 at the James River Richmond, Va.
Hosted by Richmond Region Tourism
July 25-27 Stop 6 at the St. Lawrence River Massena, N.Y.
Hosted by the Town of Massena
Sept. 5-7 Invitationals Championship at the Mississippi River La Crosse, Wis.
Hosted by Explore La Crosse
Payouts:
Qualifiers 1-6
Place
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11-20 10,000
21-30
31-50
Berkley Big Bass – Day 1 1,000
Berkley Big Bass – Day 2 1,000
Entry Fee: $5,500 per tournament
Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Championship
Place
1
+ REDCREST 2026
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11-20
21-30
31-50
Berkley Big Bass – Day 1 1,000
Berkley Big Bass – Day 2 1,000
No Entry Fee
Proud sponsors of the MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals include: 7 Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak Fishing, Onyx, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, PowerStop Brakes, REDCON1, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals on the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 17 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
MLF Bass Pro Tour Set for 2024 Season Finale with Minn Kota Stage Seven at St. Lawrence River Presented by Humminbird
MASSENA, N.Y. (July 25, 2024) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour is set to wrap the 2024 season of the Bass Pro Tour next, week, Aug. 6-11, in Massena, New York, with the seventh and final event of the year – the Minn Kota Stage Seven at the St. Lawrence River Presented by Humminbird.
The six-day event, hosted by the Town of Massena, will feature a field of 78 professional anglers, including superstars like Ott DeFoe, Jacob Wheeler, REDCREST 2024 Champion Dustin Connell and reigning Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) Matt Becker. They’ll be competing for a season-long purse of $3.9 million – including a top prize of $100,000 at the St. Lawrence River – and valuable AOY points in hopes of qualifying for the General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2025, the Bass Pro Tour championship.
The tournament will showcase the MLF catch, weigh, immediate-release format, in which anglers catch as much weight as they can each day, while also feeling the pressure and intensity of the SCORETRACKER® leaderboard. The tournament will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app, and Rumble.
“We are pleased to host Major League Fishing again this year for the 2024 Bass Pro Tour,” said Don Meissner, Director of Tourism for the Town of Massena. “This promises to be one of the most exciting events that the town of Massena has had the good fortune to bring to the folks in northern New York. Our partnership with MLF and their key personnel continues to provide great benefit and promise to the community and all of the North Country.”
The St. Lawrence River has hosted hundreds of MLF (and FLW) tournaments over the years, but this event will mark just the second time that the venue has hosted the Bass Pro Tour, MLF’s top circuit. When the Bass Pro Tour last visited Massena in 2021, pro Jacob Wheeler of Harrison, Tennessee, caught a final-day Championship Round total of 35 bass weighing 129 pounds even to win by an impressive 28-pound, 10-ounce margin over his nearest competitor, pro Jeff Sprague of Wills Point, Texas.
“I was able to spend three days there at the St. Lawrence River before it went off limits, and the fishery is just incredible,” said pro Spencer Shuffield of Hot Springs, Arkansas, who won the 2022 Tackle Warehouse TITLE championship event on the St. Lawrence River and will be among the 78 competitors. “That place has so many 4-to 5-pound smallmouth. I expect the weights to be really big – I’ll be interested to see the numbers after we wrap up, but I’m willing to bet the average fish that is weighed in averages 3-12 to 3-15.
“It’s also a really good largemouth fishery, but you just can’t compete against the smallmouth over the multiple days,” Shuffield continued. “I think the (Garmin Live)scope guys will dominate again, but the river is a little bit tricky. With the current, the fish suck down to the rocks so tight it can be really hard to see them on your electronics. So, there will be a lot of fish caught dragging with the current – Carolina rigs, drop-shot rigs and Ned rigs.”
With so many accolades on the line – Fishing Clash Angler of the Year, REDCREST 2025 and Heavy Hitters qualifications, requalification into the 2025 Bass Pro Tour – the final event of the year on the St. Lawrence River is sure to be a nail-biter.
“It’s just an awesome fishery – one of my favorite places in the country, no doubt,” Shuffield went on to say. “I think on the final day, you’re going to need to catch at least 140 to 160 pounds to have a chance. It’s going to be a smallmouth smash fest, and a great event to wrap up the season.”
Anglers will launch at 7:30 a.m. ET each day from the Massena Intake Boat Launch, located at 1415 State Highway 131 in Massena. Each day’s General Tire Takeout will be held at the launch, beginning at 4 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com .
In addition to the competition, numerous events held in conjunction with the tournament will be taking place around the North Country during the week. On Friday, Aug. 2, pro Dave Lefebre and his band, The Band 814, in conjunction with Fish Massena, NY presents: The Break Every Chain Live Concert Series, a powerful night of praise, worship and testimony at the Massena Town Beach. Additional Bass Pro Tour anglers scheduled to appear at the concert include Alton Jones, Jr., Alton Jones, Sr., Nick LeBrun and Ott DeFoe. Gates open at 7:30 p.m., and the concert starts at 8 p.m.
On Monday, Aug. 5, the MLF pros will participate in the Johnson Outdoors Clean Earth Challenge, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Massena Intake Boat Launch. The National Wildlife Federation and Johnson Outdoors teamed up to launch the Clean Earth Challenge in 2022 to inspire people to get outdoors and take simple conservation actions to help preserve and restore the outdoor spaces we all love. The pros will spend their time collecting trash and debris from the Massena Intake Boat Launch and surrounding areas, with a post-clean up weigh-in taking place to determine how much trash and debris was collected during the challenge. In addition to the pros, MLF staff in Benton, Kentucky, will also participate in the challenge, collecting trash and debris from the Kentucky Dam Marina.
On Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 10-11, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF welcomes fans of all ages to visit the Massena Intake Boat Launch for the MLF Watch Party. Fans can watch the pros live on the MLFNOW! big screen, enjoy free food, enter to win hourly giveaways and cheer on their favorite pros. Live music will begin each day at 4 p.m. The first 50 kids 14 and under will receive a free rod and reel from Pure Fishing each day. The final 10 Championship Round Bass Pro Tour anglers will be on hand at the trophy celebration on Championship Sunday to meet and greet fans, sign autographs and take selfies.
The Minn Kota Stage Seven at the St. Lawrence River will feature anglers competing with a 2-pound minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. The MLF Fisheries Management Division determines minimum weights for each body of water that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.
The 2024 Bass Pro Tour features a field of 78 of the top professional anglers in the world, competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2025, the Bass Pro Tour championship, set for April 3-6, 2025 on Lake Guntersville in Huntsville, Alabama.
The 39 Anglers in Group A compete in their two-day Qualifying Round on Tuesday and Thursday – the 39 anglers in Group B on Wednesday and Friday. After each two-day Qualifying Round is complete, the anglers that finish first through 10th from both groups advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed, and the remaining 20 anglers compete to finish in the top 10 to advance to Sunday’s Championship Round. In the final-day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.
The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live on the final four days of competition from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET. MLFNOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.
Television coverage of the Minn Kota Stage Seven at the St. Lawrence River will premiere as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Nov. 16 on Discovery. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on Outdoor Channel.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Bass Pro Tour include: Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Garmin, General Tire, Humminbird, Lowrance, Mercury, MillerTech, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak Fishing, NITRO, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, PowerStop Brakes, Rapala, REDCON1, StarBrite, Suzuki, Toyota, WIX Filters and U.S. Air Force.
For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Bass Pro Tour, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 17 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Big-water persistence vaults Tavilla to lead in B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Lake Champlain
July 25, 2024
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — Despite windy and wavy conditions this week, Dan Tavilla has stuck to his smallmouth gameplan and the persistence has paid off as the New Hampshire angler leads the Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Lake Champlain presented by Lowrance with a two-day total of 41-0.
Opening the tournament in third place with a 21-2 limit of mostly smallmouth, Tavilla landed 19-14 on Day 2 to move into the lead. His lead is slim, however, as Delaware’s Craig Morris is just an ounce behind in second place and Day 1 leader Frankie Appaluccio is third with 40-8.
Not only is Tavilla in contention for the victory, he also qualified for his first B.A.S.S. Nation Championship which will be held at Grand Lake in November.
“I thought I was on 18 to 19 (pounds) a day, and that was in optimal conditions. I think the wind has been a little too much this week,” he said. “I caught more 4-pound smallmouth than I thought I would catch yesterday. I wasn’t catching three 4-pound smallmouth in practice. So, if things went well, I thought I would be around 19 pounds a day.”
Changing conditions and wind direction made for a much tougher day of fishing for the field of 138 boats. Only four bags of 20 pounds or better were caught by boaters and only 101 limits crossed the weigh-in stage, down from 126 on Day 1.
While the wind forced many anglers to target largemouth in this tournament, Tavilla has focused much of his attention on several areas within the Inland Sea region of Lake Champlain, catching smallmouth that are keying in on a variety of bait anywhere from 20 to 45 feet of water.
“My best days of practice were on big wind days,” he explained. “I know there is a general consensus that smallmouth like sun, but I don’t mind a little bit of clouds, and I definitely don’t mind a little bit of wind. There is obviously a point where it gets to be too much.”
Along with alewives, Tavilla has seen smallmouth around both yellow and white perch, but the wind positions the bait differently every day. Two baits have caught the bulk of his weight this week.
“When you get a little shallower, there are perch, and when you get a little deeper the alewives show up,” he said. “There’s a little bit of a secret to what is different.”
While smallmouth have been consistent for Tavilla, he has caught one critical largemouth each afternoon of the event.
Tavilla started in the spot that yielded the majority of his Day 1 weight but did not find the same quality Thursday. While he caught several smaller bass, only one 3½-pounder made his final bag on Day 2. A change in wind direction also made fishing more difficult as the morning progressed, so he decided to check several of his backup areas.
“I couldn’t really present the bait properly at that point,” he said.
After landing a 4-pounder in what he called a community area, he moved to an area he found on Sunday of practice and found the area was loaded with bait.
“I’m just going around looking for pods of bait. When there is enough bait, there is always bass,” he said. “The wind positions the bait differently each day, and you have to find where the wind has put the bait.”
Things have gone well for the most part this week, but Tavilla did lose a 5-pounder at the boat that would have given him a little cushion heading into the final day. The wind is set to shift once again on Friday, which has him somewhat concerned about his best areas.
“I’m a little worried about the wind. The two spots I really want to fish are going to be exposed,” he said. “But I will say, I was running to largemouth at the end of the day and I saw a pod of birds going crazy. I stopped for a couple minutes and caught two bass really quick. It is protected from the northwest wind. I’m hopeful that's a spot I can catch some fish on.”
Morris suffered a disappointing end to his Delaware Nation season just prior to this event. He finished tied for first in the state standings but lost the automatic bid to the Nation Championship via a tiebreaker. This week, he redeemed himself in a big way.
With bags of largemouth weighing 22-4 and 18-11, the Ocean City, Del., native is sitting in second place for the tournament with 40-15, punching his ticket to the Nation Championship in the process.
After catching around 150 bass on Day 1, Morris returned to his primary area on the northern end of Lake Champlain, but the change in wind direction made it more difficult for him to stealthily navigate the area.
“Once the wind started blowing, the bite got a lot tougher. Every time we had lulls in the wind, we would catch four or five,” he explained. “It was challenging to move in that area quietly. We had 2-foot waves coming in there at times today, so I was always on the trolling motor. It’s not super deep, so it's making a lot of noise.”
Still, Morris landed around 25 total bass on the day using one key moving bait, which he feels is mimicking the forage. He has found the quality largemouth in a specific depth range and relating to one particular type of vegetation. There is still plenty of life in the area. Morris caught several smaller smallmouth, a 30-inch walleye as well as white and yellow perch.
“I probably filled out a limit in the first 20 minutes or so doing the same thing as yesterday,” Morris said. “It was definitely not as good as yesterday as far as the quantity of bites. I feel like they were hitting the bait with their mouth closed, and I caught some with the hook outside of the mouth. It wasn’t as good of a bite. I lost one around 1 o’clock that really cost me because it was a 4½- to 5-pounder.”
Mark Burgess caught the Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Day, a 6-4 largemouth that helped lift him into fifth place for the tournament. It wasn’t enough to unseat Appaluccio’s 6-15 largemouth from Day 1 for Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Tournament honors.
With bags of 10-13 and 11-3, Guiseppe Andreoli moved into the lead in the nonboater division with a two-day total of 22-0. Ernest Weathersby follows in second with a total of 21-12 and Josh Giran is third with 21-9. Massachusetts angler Michael Schrader landed the Big Bass of the Tournament so far amongst nonboaters on Day 2, a 5-5.
The Top 20 boaters and nonboaters after today’s weigh-in will launch from Plattsburgh City Marina beginning at 6 a.m. ET and return for weigh-in at 2 p.m. Those 40 anglers also punched their tickets to the Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Lowrance scheduled for Grand Lake Nov. 6-8.
The winner of that event will earn the title of Nation’s Best and will earn an invite to the 2025 Bassmaster Elite Series plus a spot in the 2025 Bassmaster Classic. The second and third place finishers at the Nation Championship will also compete in the 2025 Bassmaster Classic.
The Adirondack Coast is hosting the tournament.
2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Title Sponsor: Mercury
2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Presenting Sponsor: Lowrance
2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Youth Sponsors: Seaguar, Shimano
About B.A.S.S.B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
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Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 205-313-0945, cgay@bassmaster.
2024 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Lake Champlain presented by Lowrance 7/24-7/26
Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh NY.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Dan Tavilla Portsmouth, NH 10 41-00 0
Day 1: 5 21-02 Day 2: 5 19-14
2. Craig Morris Ocean City, DE 10 40-15 0
Day 1: 5 22-04 Day 2: 5 18-11
3. Frankie Appaluccio Ogdensburg, NJ 10 40-08 0
Day 1: 5 24-05 Day 2: 5 16-03
4. J Judd Saint Albans, VT 10 40-06 0
Day 1: 5 20-05 Day 2: 5 20-01
5. Robert Williamson II Gorham, ME 10 40-00 0
Day 1: 5 20-00 Day 2: 5 20-00
6. Jacob Swanson Framingham, MA 10 39-07 0
Day 1: 5 20-14 Day 2: 5 18-09
7. Mark Burgess Norton, MA 10 39-05 0
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 21-15
8. Chase Loftus Iowa City, IA 10 38-07 0
Day 1: 5 18-04 Day 2: 5 20-03
9. Justin Yenter Stevens Point, WI 10 38-00 0
Day 1: 5 18-14 Day 2: 5 19-02
10. Connor Jacob Auburn, AL 10 38-00 0
Day 1: 5 19-02 Day 2: 5 18-14
11. Cody Peryea Altona, NY 10 37-04 0
Day 1: 5 20-13 Day 2: 5 16-07
12. Anthony Lorefice Jr Johnson City, NY 10 37-02 0
Day 1: 5 20-08 Day 2: 5 16-10
13. Matt Pangrac Shawnee, OK 10 36-13 0
Day 1: 5 20-07 Day 2: 5 16-06
14. Jonathan Carter Portland, ME 10 36-13 0
Day 1: 5 18-04 Day 2: 5 18-09
15. Jay Walls Milford, DE 10 36-13 0
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 18-05
16. Jed Worthington Eden Mills, VT 10 35-15 0
Day 1: 5 18-06 Day 2: 5 17-09
17. David Mathieu Woodstock, CT 10 35-14 0
Day 1: 5 18-12 Day 2: 5 17-02
18. Joseph Tefft Fort Edward, NY 10 35-13 0
Day 1: 5 17-14 Day 2: 5 17-15
19. Ty Austin Rush, NY 10 35-09 0
Day 1: 5 19-07 Day 2: 5 16-02
20. Scott Robert Greene, ME 10 35-08 0
Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 19-06
21. Joshua Smith Coventry, RI 10 35-07 0 $628.00
Day 1: 5 20-07 Day 2: 5 15-00
22. Mark Hogan Milford, DE 10 35-06 0 $628.00
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 17-12
23. Brian La Clair Denton, MD 10 35-03 0 $628.00
Day 1: 5 18-06 Day 2: 5 16-13
24. Bret Winegardner Swanton, MD 10 35-02 0 $628.00
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 17-00
25. Brandon Mosley Harrah, OK 10 34-15 0 $628.00
Day 1: 5 16-00 Day 2: 5 18-15
26. Rich Ortiz Fort Ann, NY 10 34-12 0 $628.00
Day 1: 5 19-07 Day 2: 5 15-05
27. Daniel Gray Butler, PA 10 34-12 0 $578.00
Day 1: 5 19-05 Day 2: 5 15-07
28. Mikey Mello Jr Manville, RI 10 34-10 0 $578.00
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 17-02
29. Jared Leicht Millville, NJ 10 34-05 0 $578.00
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 19-15
30. Matthew Lazor Evans City, PA 10 34-03 0 $578.00
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 16-13
31. Cam Sterritt Newfields, NH 10 34-02 0 $578.00
Day 1: 5 17-04 Day 2: 5 16-14
32. Louis Monetti Brielle, NJ 10 34-00 0 $578.00
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 19-05
33. Corey Gillis Ayer, MA 10 33-12 0 $578.00
Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 5 18-03
34. Travis Lepage Lewiston, ME 10 33-11 0 $578.00
Day 1: 5 16-04 Day 2: 5 17-07
35. Colin Gaudette Saint Albans, VT 10 33-06 0 $578.00
Day 1: 5 15-14 Day 2: 5 17-08
36. Randy Huffman Charleston, WV 10 33-05 0 $578.00
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 16-12
37. Casey Baroffio Northfield, VT 10 33-04 0 $578.00
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 18-00
38. Brennan Chuprinko Flanders, NJ 10 33-03 0 $578.00
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 14-12
39. Max Meister Atco, NJ 10 32-15 0 $578.00
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 18-02
40. Jacob Marcantonio Moosup, CT 10 32-14 0 $578.00
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 5 18-07
41. Phil Curtis Rosseau ONTARIO CANADA 10 32-13 0
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 16-10
42. Robert Bordeaux III Williston, VT 10 32-12 0
Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 17-10
43. Steven Griffith Schellsburg, PA 10 32-10 0
Day 1: 5 15-10 Day 2: 5 17-00
44. Josh Cotier Clinton, MA 10 32-09 0
Day 1: 5 16-15 Day 2: 5 15-10
45. Fabian Rodriguez Ocean City, MD 10 32-07 0
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 15-01
46. Anthony Dulac Harpswell, ME 10 32-06 0
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 15-00
47. Trevor Topken Hickory, NC 10 32-04 0
Day 1: 5 16-04 Day 2: 5 16-00
48. John Fitzgerald Salisbury, VT 10 32-02 0
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 17-13
49. Keith Poulin Lisbon, ME 10 31-09 0
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 13-15
50. Bradley Baxter Willshire, OH 10 31-07 0
Day 1: 5 16-00 Day 2: 5 15-07
51. Keith Aucoin Hollis Center, ME 10 31-05 0
Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 5 17-04
52. Joe McClosky Swanton, MD 10 31-04 0
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 5 14-15
53. Tim Dubuc Bowdoinham, ME 10 31-02 0
Day 1: 5 13-02 Day 2: 5 18-00
54. Martin Osborne Glen Burnie, MD 10 31-00 0
Day 1: 5 15-05 Day 2: 5 15-11
55. Paul Baker New Fairfield, CT 9 30-15 0
Day 1: 5 18-10 Day 2: 4 12-05
56. Sheron Brown Sr Leominster, MA 10 30-13 0
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 5 14-08
57. Brian Hensley Edwardsburg, MI 10 30-09 0
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 19-03
58. David Torres II Fallston, MD 9 30-08 0
Day 1: 5 20-02 Day 2: 4 10-06
59. Thomas Waltz St. Albans, VT 9 30-08 0
Day 1: 4 13-07 Day 2: 5 17-01
60. Steve Wilson East Waterboro, ME 10 30-03 0
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 15-13
61. Johnathan Sheehan Lynn, MA 10 30-02 0
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 15-14
62. Eric Low Buxton, ME 10 30-00 0
Day 1: 5 13-15 Day 2: 5 16-01
63. Carson Forrester Chambersburg, PA 10 30-00 0
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 14-12
64. Kevin Clark Westport, MA 10 29-11 0
Day 1: 5 15-15 Day 2: 5 13-12
65. Jeffrey Patch Rutland, VT 10 29-11 0
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 15-05
66. Brent Valere Mississauga CANADA 10 29-10 0
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 14-03
67. Dennis Rocheford Pembroke, NH 10 29-06 0
Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 5 15-05
68. John Mayo Maiden, NC 10 29-02 0
Day 1: 5 15-05 Day 2: 5 13-13
69. Ed Powell Sandyville, WV 10 29-01 0
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 15-06
70. Andrew Sams Easton, MD 10 28-13 0
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 15-07
71. Matt Mosby Dryden, MI 10 28-13 0
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 14-10
72. Nausori Osasa Grand Isle, VT 10 28-11 0
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 15-13
73. Randy Kukral Chagrin Falls, OH 10 28-11 0
Day 1: 5 13-03 Day 2: 5 15-08
74. John Rottman Dudley, MA 10 28-10 0
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 14-00
75. Ross Bartolo Caesarea CANADA 10 28-07 0
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 13-10
76. Woody McKechnie Lynn , MA 10 28-06 0
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 17-11
77. Jason Muir Milford, DE 10 28-06 0
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 5 13-10
78. Tony Despot II Monroeville, PA 10 28-01 0
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 16-03
79. Trevor Poulin Nashua, NH 10 28-01 0
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 15-00
80. Craig Castro North Attleboro, MA 10 28-00 0
Day 1: 5 12-12 Day 2: 5 15-04
81. Jeff Jensen Beech Creek, PA 10 28-00 0
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 14-09
82. RJ Ricci Cranston, RI 10 27-15 0
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 13-11
83. Scott Rondeau Charlestown, RI 10 27-14 0
Day 1: 5 14-08 Day 2: 5 13-06
84. Peter Owen Jr Barnstead, NH 10 27-10 0
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 14-06
85. Randy Elliott Severn, MD 10 27-09 0
Day 1: 5 12-05 Day 2: 5 15-04
86. Brian Wisniewski Allentown, PA 10 27-09 0
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 12-12
87. Dylan Dew Valencia , PA 8 27-05 0
Day 1: 5 19-00 Day 2: 3 08-05
88. Chris Guncheon Warwick, RI 8 26-13 0
Day 1: 5 19-05 Day 2: 3 07-08
89. Mason Phillpotts Fenton, MI 10 26-13 0
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 12-00
90. Scott Kerslake Okeechobee, FL 10 26-11 0
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 12-02
91. Dylan Minch Stevens Point, WI 9 26-11 0
Day 1: 4 12-10 Day 2: 5 14-01
92. TJ McKenzie Andrews, SC 10 26-07 0
Day 1: 5 16-13 Day 2: 5 09-10
93. Chris Washinger Chambersburg, PA 10 26-06 0
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 12-01
94. Jeffrey Davis Jr Wendell, NC 10 26-05 0
Day 1: 5 16-06 Day 2: 5 09-15
95. Austin Littler Camden, NY 9 26-05 0
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 4 11-08
96. Ryan Smith Galloway, NJ 9 26-01 0
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 4 10-10
97. John Roth Lawrenceburg, IN 10 26-01 0
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 12-11
98. Stefan Lillios Loudon, NH 9 26-00 0
Day 1: 4 09-12 Day 2: 5 16-04
99. Mike Morris Dover, DE 10 25-14 0
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 14-09
100. Clayton Grimm Mechanic Falls, ME 10 25-01 0
Day 1: 5 09-07 Day 2: 5 15-10
101. Michael Trimarchi Peabody, MA 10 24-11 0
Day 1: 5 15-01 Day 2: 5 09-10
102. Butch Marietta Jr Hunker, PA 9 24-04 0
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 4 10-00
103. Steven Kotvas Apollo, PA 10 24-00 0
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 11-10
104. Arthur Magurn Lunenburg, MA 8 23-13 0
Day 1: 3 07-12 Day 2: 5 16-01
105. Nick Lepone Fieldsboro, NJ 10 23-09 0
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 12-04
106. Ben Hale Rowley, MA 9 23-01 0
Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 4 06-15
107. Robert Batchelder Jr Mechanicville, NY 10 23-01 0
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 09-06
108. Jeremy Sadowski Voluntown, CT 9 22-13 0
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 4 10-02
109. Roger LaFlamme Jr Lyman, ME 10 22-11 0
Day 1: 5 09-07 Day 2: 5 13-04
110. Tony Kibler Milford, DE 9 20-12 0
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 4 09-11
111. Derek Severns Carnegie, PA 8 20-01 0
Day 1: 3 07-01 Day 2: 5 13-00
112. Addison Kelly Queensbury, NY 5 18-10 0
Day 1: 5 18-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
113. Chris Ogan Bixby, OK 8 15-04 0
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 3 03-03
114. Darryl Halbert Enoree, SC 5 14-14 0
Day 1: 5 14-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
115. Michael Adams Portland, ME 5 14-12 0
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
116. Robert Ramasci Wakefield, MA 5 14-11 0
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
116. Jeff Salmon Mechanicsville, VA 5 14-11 0
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
118. Chris Groman Whiting, VT 5 14-07 0
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
119. Ed Lapierre Lebanon, ME 5 13-09 0
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
120. David Maiorano Durham, CT 5 13-05 0
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
121. Evan Poroznik Nestleton Station Ontar 5 12-13 0
Day 1: 5 12-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
122. Kevin Wilkes Ballston Lake,, NY 5 12-07 0
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
123. Erick Markstaller New Milford, CT 5 12-04 0
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 0 00-00
124. Frank Ramsey Spring Grove, IL 5 12-01 0
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 0 00-00
125. Robert Smith Farmington, ME 5 11-11 0
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
126. Jeffrey Perron South Berwick, ME 5 11-10 0
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
127. Neal Wisinski Stevens Point, WI 5 11-09 0
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
128. Kirk Smith Edmond, OK 5 11-02 0
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 0 00-00
129. Chris McCarthy Woonsocket, RI 5 10-00 0
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
130. William Barrett Bridgewater, MA 5 09-11 0
Day 1: 5 09-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
131. Cameron Creamer Bremen, ME 5 08-09 0
Day 1: 5 08-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
132. Steve Deguzis Bristol, CT 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
132. Henry Fristik Blandford, MA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
132. Josh Giroldi Beachville CANADA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
132. Eric Johnson Kingston, MA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
132. Alex Legg Milford, DE 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
132. Joe Raposo North Dighton, MA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
132. Craig Rexford Grand Isle, VT 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 126 648 1993-11
2 101 546 1705-14
------------------------------
227 1194 3699-09
2024 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Lake Champlain presented by Lowrance 7/24-7/26
Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh NY.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Guiseppe Andreoli Foster, RI 6 22-00 0
Day 1: 3 10-13 Day 2: 3 11-03
2. Ernest Weathersby Leominster, MA 6 21-12 0
Day 1: 3 12-03 Day 2: 3 09-09
3. Josh Giran Elizabeth, PA 6 21-09 0
Day 1: 3 12-06 Day 2: 3 09-03
4. Grant Fry Bay City, MI 6 21-06 0
Day 1: 3 09-04 Day 2: 3 12-02
5. Rob Ross Hopedale, MA 6 20-07 0
Day 1: 3 07-14 Day 2: 3 12-09
6. Conner Petropoulos South Portland, ME 6 20-06 0
Day 1: 3 08-06 Day 2: 3 12-00
7. Sophon Chhoeun Fall River, MA 6 20-02 0
Day 1: 3 10-03 Day 2: 3 09-15
8. Stephen Sanders New Britain, CT 6 19-13 0
Day 1: 3 08-10 Day 2: 3 11-03
9. Dylan Stowe Weybridge, VT 6 19-12 0
Day 1: 3 08-14 Day 2: 3 10-14
10. Jacob Muir Milford, DE 6 19-10 0
Day 1: 3 08-15 Day 2: 3 10-11
11. Brian Marino Vineland, NJ 6 19-06 0
Day 1: 3 08-02 Day 2: 3 11-04
12. Vic Brown II Glen Burnie, MD 6 18-13 0
Day 1: 3 07-06 Day 2: 3 11-07
13. Jake Minch Stevens Point, WI 6 18-09 0
Day 1: 3 08-09 Day 2: 3 10-00
14. Joe Devoe Aberdeen, MD 6 18-06 0
Day 1: 3 11-04 Day 2: 3 07-02
15. Dave Reed Westminster, MD 6 18-05 0
Day 1: 3 07-10 Day 2: 3 10-11
16. Robert Rull Jr Coventry, RI 6 18-03 0
Day 1: 3 10-13 Day 2: 3 07-06
17. Travis Rockett Intervale, NH 6 18-00 0
Day 1: 3 09-09 Day 2: 3 08-07
18. JT Fitzgerald Lincoln, DE 6 17-10 0
Day 1: 3 10-02 Day 2: 3 07-08
19. Mike Wotanowski Lake Hopatcong, NJ 6 17-09 0
Day 1: 3 08-09 Day 2: 3 09-00
20. Wes Vyverberg Rochester, NY 6 17-06 0
Day 1: 3 06-12 Day 2: 3 10-10
21. Zachary Catoe Lancaster, SC 6 17-01 0 $250.00
Day 1: 3 10-03 Day 2: 3 06-14
22. Jeff Lin Natick, MA 6 17-01 0 $250.00
Day 1: 3 08-09 Day 2: 3 08-08
23. Joe Sodora Garfield, NJ 6 17-00 0 $250.00
Day 1: 3 09-02 Day 2: 3 07-14
24. Dale Libby Buxton, ME 6 16-12 0 $250.00
Day 1: 3 08-15 Day 2: 3 07-13
25. Jp Harrell Chevy Chase, MD 5 16-09 0 $250.00
Day 1: 2 04-13 Day 2: 3 11-12
26. Matt Belmore Indian Lake, NY 5 16-07 0 $250.00
Day 1: 2 05-05 Day 2: 3 11-02
27. Jacob Nicholson Burlington, MA 6 16-02 0 $250.00
Day 1: 3 09-15 Day 2: 3 06-03
28. Kendry Jerez Paterson, NJ 6 16-00 0 $250.00
Day 1: 3 07-01 Day 2: 3 08-15
29. Scott Shrewsbury Rocky Mount, NC 5 15-14 0 $250.00
Day 1: 2 04-07 Day 2: 3 11-07
30. Robert Mccoy Mount Airy, MD 6 15-09 0 $250.00
Day 1: 3 09-11 Day 2: 3 05-14
31. Craig Winegardner West River, MD 5 15-06 0
Day 1: 2 06-01 Day 2: 3 09-05
32. Cole Wessner Southgate, KY 6 15-05 0
Day 1: 3 05-01 Day 2: 3 10-04
33. Brad Dekraai Epsom, NH 6 15-03 0
Day 1: 3 07-07 Day 2: 3 07-12
34. Michael Griffiths Cherry Tree, PA 6 15-03 0
Day 1: 3 07-10 Day 2: 3 07-09
35. Frank Campisi Londonderry, NH 5 14-13 0
Day 1: 3 09-05 Day 2: 2 05-08
36. Zach Queeney Atco, NJ 6 14-11 0
Day 1: 3 07-01 Day 2: 3 07-10
37. Chris Newton Whitesboro, NY 5 14-08 0
Day 1: 2 07-10 Day 2: 3 06-14
38. Michael Schrader North Attleboro, MA 6 14-06 0
Day 1: 3 04-05 Day 2: 3 10-01
39. Garrett Sicely Albany, VT 4 14-02 0
Day 1: 3 09-12 Day 2: 1 04-06
40. Michael Hunt Watertown, NY 5 14-00 0
Day 1: 3 10-11 Day 2: 2 03-05
41. Jimmy Eney Baltimore, MD 5 14-00 0
Day 1: 2 04-11 Day 2: 3 09-05
42. Michael Stewart Wrentham, MA 6 13-14 0
Day 1: 3 08-03 Day 2: 3 05-11
43. Roger Stahl JR Ogdensburg, NY 6 12-12 0
Day 1: 3 07-01 Day 2: 3 05-11
44. John Nichols Milford, DE 5 12-11 0
Day 1: 2 04-05 Day 2: 3 08-06
45. Tommy Kopach Gansevoort, NY 6 12-10 0
Day 1: 3 06-06 Day 2: 3 06-04
46. Andrew Dick Wilmington, DE 6 12-09 0
Day 1: 3 06-01 Day 2: 3 06-08
47. Steven Dorsey Warwick, RI 4 12-07 0
Day 1: 3 09-07 Day 2: 1 03-00
48. Frank Moore Topsham, ME 5 12-07 0
Day 1: 3 06-10 Day 2: 2 05-13
49. David Evans Memphis, NY 6 12-03 0
Day 1: 3 06-12 Day 2: 3 05-07
50. John Hritsko Northern Cambria, PA 4 11-15 0
Day 1: 1 02-15 Day 2: 3 09-00
51. Michael Caudle Taunton, MA 5 11-14 0
Day 1: 2 05-06 Day 2: 3 06-08
52. Kevin Waden Melrose, MA 5 11-09 0
Day 1: 2 02-13 Day 2: 3 08-12
53. Jeffrey Graiff Vineland, NJ 5 11-06 0
Day 1: 2 02-14 Day 2: 3 08-08
54. James Blue Canton, MA 4 11-03 0
Day 1: 1 03-04 Day 2: 3 07-15
55. David Pfeiffer Milton Mills, NH 4 11-02 0
Day 1: 1 03-12 Day 2: 3 07-06
56. Lyn England Danbury, NH 4 10-14 0
Day 1: 3 08-02 Day 2: 1 02-12
57. Ben Hilfrank Falmouth, ME 4 10-11 0
Day 1: 3 08-02 Day 2: 1 02-09
58. Corey Thornton Mcgraw, NY 5 10-07 0
Day 1: 3 06-09 Day 2: 2 03-14
59. Bryce Poulin Lisbon, ME 3 10-05 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 10-05
60. Jesse Manning Athol, MA 5 10-05 0
Day 1: 3 04-11 Day 2: 2 05-10
61. Mike King Lisbon, ME 4 10-02 0
Day 1: 1 01-08 Day 2: 3 08-10
62. Michael Briggs N Providence, RI 3 09-15 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 09-15
63. Evan Young Hancock, ME 4 09-13 0
Day 1: 1 02-02 Day 2: 3 07-11
64. Frank Wisneski North Haven, CT 4 09-13 0
Day 1: 3 06-12 Day 2: 1 03-01
65. Ricardo Cruz New York, NY 5 09-05 0
Day 1: 3 06-14 Day 2: 2 02-07
66. Warren Cooper Utopia CANADA 3 09-01 0
Day 1: 3 09-01 Day 2: 0 00-00
67. Jim Short Ocean Pines, MD 3 09-01 0
Day 1: 2 05-11 Day 2: 1 03-06
68. Frank Daniels Dover, DE 3 09-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 09-00
69. Randy Marshall Sr. Belgrade, ME 3 08-05 0
Day 1: 3 08-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
70. Angela Mayo Maiden, NC 4 08-05 0
Day 1: 1 00-14 Day 2: 3 07-07
71. Tim Jensen Phelps, NY 3 08-04 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 08-04
72. Jim Kline Hagerstown, MD 4 08-04 0
Day 1: 1 00-15 Day 2: 3 07-05
73. Mark Ramquar Dundalk, MD 5 08-04 0
Day 1: 2 02-11 Day 2: 3 05-09
74. Jim D'Ambra Hanover, MA 3 08-01 0
Day 1: 3 08-01 Day 2: 0 00-00
75. David Fletcher Paterson, NJ 4 08-01 0
Day 1: 1 00-13 Day 2: 3 07-04
76. Philip Sheehan Lynn, MA 3 07-15 0
Day 1: 3 07-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
77. Steven Davis Dover, PA 4 07-03 0
Day 1: 1 01-09 Day 2: 3 05-10
78. Gary Rondeau Charlestown, RI 3 07-00 0
Day 1: 3 07-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
79. Zachary Grose Huntingdon, PA 3 06-11 0
Day 1: 1 01-13 Day 2: 2 04-14
80. Olivia Baroffio Burlington, VT 3 06-05 0
Day 1: 3 06-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
81. Scott Suckman Hudson Falls, NY 2 06-04 0
Day 1: 2 06-04 Day 2: 0 00-00
82. Dwayne Turnage Hollis, ME 2 05-06 0
Day 1: 2 05-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
83. Darryl Hunt Haddonfield, NJ 2 05-02 0
Day 1: 2 05-02 Day 2: 0 00-00
84. Joseph Raguzin Carmel, NY 2 03-15 0
Day 1: 2 03-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
85. Stanley Gshinsky Pittsburgh, PA 1 03-13 0
Day 1: 1 03-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
86. Scott Himmelfarb Poolesville, MD 2 03-03 0
Day 1: 2 03-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
87. Jerry Brown Jr Hagerstown, MD 2 02-06 0
Day 1: 2 02-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
88. Mark Wisinski Stevenson Point, WI 1 02-05 0
Day 1: 1 02-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
89. Skip Hinkley Richmond, ME 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
89. Devon Kitson Montclair , NJ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
89. Justin Mccarthy Tiverton, RI 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
89. Lewis Mendall Winthrop, MA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
89. Dave Metivier Gray, ME 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 54 210 557-15
2 61 203 581-07
------------------------------
115 413 1139-06
BoatUS Foundation Opens Grant Program for $7.5M Effort to Remove Abandoned and Derelict Vessels (ADVs) from Nation’s Waterways
- Body of water from which the debris will be removed
- The purpose of the project and the planned steps to complete it
- Anticipated outcomes of the project on the environment and the community
- How diversity, equity, justice and inclusion will be part of the project
- Project budget and expenses to be covered by the grant funding
- Authorizations and/or permits needed to complete the work
Bill Dance Signature Lakes signs as sponsor of 2024 Strike King Bassmaster High School National Championship
July 25, 2024
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. has announced a partnership with Bill Dance Signature Lakes to help connect the world’s most-loved angler with some of Tennessee’s greatest natural resources — its lakes.
The Bill Dance Signature Lakes program’s goal is to make Tennessee a best-in-class destination for anglers worldwide — beginners, experts and every skill level in between.
As part of the partnership, Bill Dance Signature Lakes also is sponsoring the 2024 Strike King Bassmaster High School National Championship presented by Bill Dance Signature Lakes at Chickamauga Lake in Dayton, Tenn., Aug. 1-3.
“We’re excited to partner with Bill Dance Signature Lakes for the High School National Championship,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. “B.A.S.S. is proud to honor Bill’s legacy, and the partnership with his Signature Lakes program will benefit anglers not just in Tennessee, but anglers worldwide as they discover some of the best bodies of water in the United States.”
“We’re excited about the partnership with B.A.S.S. and couldn’t think of a better partner to join forces with to showcase the Bill Dance Signature Lakes project,” said Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Chief Customer Officer Dennis Tumlin. “And Chickamauga Lake is a great highlight of the amazing fisheries in Tennessee that are part of the project.”
Ten large reservoirs feature Bill Dance Signature Lake access points constructed to a standard of excellence endorsed and designed by Bill Dance Outdoors in collaboration with Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee State Parks and Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. These 10 reservoirs include “Bill Dance Signature Lake access areas” with new or improved assets driving economic activity year-round for each surrounding community.
In addition, four “small venue” lakes entice anglers of all ages and experience levels to enjoy the outdoors while experiencing an above-average catch rate.
The Signature Lakes include:
- 10 large reservoirs - Chickamauga Lake, Dale Hollow Lake, Douglas Lake, Kentucky Lake, Norris Lake, Old Hickory Lake, Pickwick Lake, Reelfoot Lake, Tims Ford Lake and Watauga Lake.
- Four “small venue lakes” – Brown's Creek Lake, Fall Creek Falls Lake, Herb Parsons Lake and Lake Halford.
About Bill Dance
Bill Dance, professional bass fishing’s first superstar, began competing — and winning — in bass tournaments in the early 1960s. With more than 2,000 shows under his belt since 1968, he has educated millions of fishing enthusiasts as host and producer of Bill Dance Outdoors and Bill Dance Saltwater, airing respectively on the Outdoor Channel and Sportsman Channel. Dance oversees a fishing empire from his production studio in Collierville, Tenn., that includes his TV shows, tackle endorsements, how-to seminars, and a series of popular “blooper” videos. Dance has written seven books and his articles have been published in Sports Afield, Field & Stream, Bassmaster® Magazine, Outdoor Life and more.
Bill Dance’s accomplishments, techniques and fishing savvy have been recognized through countless awards alongside a fishing career that encompasses 23 national B.A.S.S. titles, three Bassmaster Angler of the Year titles, 52 Top 10 B.A.S.S. finishes and eight Bassmaster Classic qualifications. Country superstar Luke Bryan celebrated the fishing legend in 2020 with the release of his song titled “Bill Dance.” In 2021, Dance received his honorary doctorate from the University of Tennessee for his outstanding contributions to the sport. For more than five decades, Bill Dance has served as an ambassador to the state of Tennessee, always filmed or photographed wearing his trademark orange and white University of Tennessee cap.
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series scored by TourneyX, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors.
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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 205-313-0945, cgay@bassmaster.com
Largemouth carry Appaluccio to Day 1 lead in B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Lake Champlain
July 24, 2024
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — Frankie Appaluccio has fished Lake Champlain for years, but Day 1 of the Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier presented by Lowrance was his best outing so far.
With a 24-pound, 5-ounce limit of largemouth, anchored by a 6-15 Phoenix Boats Big Bass, the New Jersey boater holds a 2-pound, 1-ounce lead over Delaware’s Craig Morris in the final Nation Qualifier of the 2024 season.
The former University of Alabama angler has been visiting Lake Champlain since he was a child. Now 33, Appaluccio’s final tally on Day 1 was his best performance on the famous fishery that straddles the New York/Vermont border.
“This was my best tournament day for sure,” the Ogdensburg, N.J., angler said. “Probably my best day in general, too. I’ve been coming up here since I was 10 years old, and everyone who knows me has been on those vacations and knows all of these spots. They weren’t surprised about the bigger fish, but they were surprised by the amount of big fish on the same day.”
A fishery dominated by smallmouth in recent years, Lake Champlain kicked out many quality bags of largemouth bass on Day 1. That was due in part to the increase in wind speed during the day, which rose to around 20 mph by the afternoon ahead of a cluster of storms. Wind will also play a factor on Day 2 as forecasts call for even gustier breezes.
Despite the tough fishing conditions, 11 bags of 20 pounds or better were brought to the stage by boaters and 28 bags of more than 18 pounds were caught.
What Appaluccio did on Thursday morning was not in his original gameplan. But looking at the forecast with his travel partner the night before, he decided to pivot and make a run to one of his largemouth areas north of takeoff.
“I made a gametime decision and it paid off, clearly,” he said. “My backup plan was largemouth. But I knew I needed to hit them first.”
One bait produced the bulk of his bag by 10 a.m., but Appaluccio was able to make several key culls along the way, including a 5½-pounder he saw chasing rock bass before catching it with a bait he rarely uses.
“My co-angler was like, ‘I can’t believe that just happened,’” he said. “This was the craziest day of fishing ever.”
While there is always the potential to catch big largemouth at Champlain, Appaluccio knows it can also be inconsistent. He isn’t exactly sure what type of quality is left in his primary spot, but he does have smallmouth areas to target if the weather allows.
“I’d love to fish my smallie stuff, but I didn’t need to do that today. I wasn’t going to be catching smallmouth that big.”
Morris, meanwhile, has only been to Lake Champlain once in his life. But the Ocean City, Del., angler applied some of his tidal water skills and overcame motor issues to find success on Day 1.
“I had a late draw this morning and decided to go for green fish just because of my poor draw,” he said. “I ran north and had motor troubles. I decided to not move from one of my primary areas. I probably had 19 pounds at 8 o’clock this morning. I culled little bits here and there and it worked out. I stayed until about 1:30 just so I could try and make it back.”
In total, he estimated he caught more than 120 largemouth, as well as 40 pike, during the day in one large area of the lake. One specific type of vegetation in one specific depth range produced the majority of his quality bass, including a 5-5. All of the bass in his final limit were caught using one bait.
“The depth range is critical to the size of the bass, and the type of vegetation that is there is different than 90 percent of what you find on the lake,” he said. “I sure hope it will happen again tomorrow. It is a big area, and I didn’t have much traffic (around).”
Dan Tavilla of Portsmouth, N.H., is third in the boater standings with 21-2 followed by Jacob Swanson from Massachusetts in fourth with 20-14 and New York’s Cody Peryea in fifth with 20-13.
Josh Giran of Elizabeth, Pa., leads the nonboater division with a three-bass limit weighing 12-6. Ernest Weathersby of Leominster, Mass., is second with 12-3 and Maryland’s Joe Devoe is third with 11-4. New York’s Michael Hunt caught the Big Bass of the Day, a 4-12.
The full field is scheduled to launch from Plattsburgh City Marina beginning at 6 a.m. ET and return for weigh-in at 2 p.m. The field will be cut to the Top 20 boaters and nonboaters after the Day 2 weigh-in, and those anglers will punch their tickets to the Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Lowrance scheduled for Grand Lake Nov. 6-8.
The Adirondack Coast is hosting the tournament.
2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Title Sponsor: Mercury
2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Presenting Sponsor: Lowrance
2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Youth Sponsors: Seaguar, Shimano
About B.A.S.S.B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 205-313-0945, cgay@bassmaster.
2024 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Lake Champlain presented by Lowrance 7/24-7/26
Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh NY.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Frankie Appaluccio Ogdensburg, NJ 5 24-05 0
Day 1: 5 24-05
2. Craig Morris Ocean City, DE 5 22-04 0
Day 1: 5 22-04
3. Dan Tavilla Portsmouth, NH 5 21-02 0
Day 1: 5 21-02
4. Jacob Swanson Framingham, MA 5 20-14 0
Day 1: 5 20-14
5. Cody Peryea Altona, NY 5 20-13 0
Day 1: 5 20-13
6. Anthony Lorefice Jr Johnson City, NY 5 20-08 0
Day 1: 5 20-08
7. Matt Pangrac Shawnee, OK 5 20-07 0
Day 1: 5 20-07
7. Joshua Smith Coventry, RI 5 20-07 0
Day 1: 5 20-07
9. J Judd Saint Albans, VT 5 20-05 0
Day 1: 5 20-05
10. David Torres II Fallston, MD 5 20-02 0
Day 1: 5 20-02
11. Robert Williamson II Gorham, ME 5 20-00 0
Day 1: 5 20-00
12. Rich Ortiz Fort Ann, NY 5 19-07 0
Day 1: 5 19-07
13. Ty Austin Rush, NY 5 19-07 0
Day 1: 5 19-07
14. Daniel Gray Butler, PA 5 19-05 0
Day 1: 5 19-05
15. Chris Guncheon Warwick, RI 5 19-05 0
Day 1: 5 19-05
16. Connor Jacob Auburn, AL 5 19-02 0
Day 1: 5 19-02
17. Dylan Dew Valencia , PA 5 19-00 0
Day 1: 5 19-00
18. Justin Yenter Stevens Point, WI 5 18-14 0
Day 1: 5 18-14
19. David Mathieu Woodstock, CT 5 18-12 0
Day 1: 5 18-12
20. Paul Baker New Fairfield, CT 5 18-10 0
Day 1: 5 18-10
21. Addison Kelly Queensbury, NY 5 18-10 0
Day 1: 5 18-10
22. Jay Walls Milford, DE 5 18-08 0
Day 1: 5 18-08
23. Brennan Chuprinko Flanders, NJ 5 18-07 0
Day 1: 5 18-07
24. Brian La Clair Denton, MD 5 18-06 0
Day 1: 5 18-06
25. Jed Worthington Eden Mills, VT 5 18-06 0
Day 1: 5 18-06
26. Jonathan Carter Portland, ME 5 18-04 0
Day 1: 5 18-04
26. Chase Loftus Iowa City, IA 5 18-04 0
Day 1: 5 18-04
28. Bret Winegardner Swanton, MD 5 18-02 0
Day 1: 5 18-02
29. Joseph Tefft Fort Edward, NY 5 17-14 0
Day 1: 5 17-14
30. Mark Hogan Milford, DE 5 17-10 0
Day 1: 5 17-10
30. Keith Poulin Lisbon, ME 5 17-10 0
Day 1: 5 17-10
32. Mikey Mello Jr Manville, RI 5 17-08 0
Day 1: 5 17-08
33. Mark Burgess Norton, MA 5 17-06 0
Day 1: 5 17-06
33. Matthew Lazor Evans City, PA 5 17-06 0
Day 1: 5 17-06
33. Fabian Rodriguez Ocean City, MD 5 17-06 0
Day 1: 5 17-06
36. Anthony Dulac Harpswell, ME 5 17-06 0
Day 1: 5 17-06
37. Cam Sterritt Newfields, NH 5 17-04 0
Day 1: 5 17-04
38. Josh Cotier Clinton, MA 5 16-15 0
Day 1: 5 16-15
39. TJ McKenzie Andrews, SC 5 16-13 0
Day 1: 5 16-13
40. Randy Huffman Charleston, WV 5 16-09 0
Day 1: 5 16-09
41. Jeffrey Davis Jr Wendell, NC 5 16-06 0
Day 1: 5 16-06
42. Joe McClosky Swanton, MD 5 16-05 0
Day 1: 5 16-05
43. Sheron Brown Sr Leominster, MA 5 16-05 0
Day 1: 5 16-05
44. Travis Lepage Lewiston, ME 5 16-04 0
Day 1: 5 16-04
45. Trevor Topken Hickory, NC 5 16-04 0
Day 1: 5 16-04
46. Phil Curtis Rosseau ONTARIO CANADA 5 16-03 0
Day 1: 5 16-03
47. Ben Hale Rowley, MA 5 16-02 0
Day 1: 5 16-02
48. Scott Robert Greene, ME 5 16-02 0
Day 1: 5 16-02
49. Bradley Baxter Willshire, OH 5 16-00 0
Day 1: 5 16-00
50. Brandon Mosley Harrah, OK 5 16-00 0
Day 1: 5 16-00
51. Kevin Clark Westport, MA 5 15-15 0
Day 1: 5 15-15
52. Colin Gaudette Saint Albans, VT 5 15-14 0
Day 1: 5 15-14
53. Steven Griffith Schellsburg, PA 5 15-10 0
Day 1: 5 15-10
54. Corey Gillis Ayer, MA 5 15-09 0
Day 1: 5 15-09
55. Ryan Smith Galloway, NJ 5 15-07 0
Day 1: 5 15-07
55. Brent Valere Mississauga CANADA 5 15-07 0
Day 1: 5 15-07
57. John Mayo Maiden, NC 5 15-05 0
Day 1: 5 15-05
57. Martin Osborne Glen Burnie, MD 5 15-05 0
Day 1: 5 15-05
59. Casey Baroffio Northfield, VT 5 15-04 0
Day 1: 5 15-04
59. Carson Forrester Chambersburg, PA 5 15-04 0
Day 1: 5 15-04
61. Robert Bordeaux III Williston, VT 5 15-02 0
Day 1: 5 15-02
62. Michael Trimarchi Peabody, MA 5 15-01 0
Day 1: 5 15-01
63. Darryl Halbert Enoree, SC 5 14-14 0
Day 1: 5 14-14
64. Ross Bartolo Caesarea CANADA 5 14-13 0
Day 1: 5 14-13
64. Austin Littler Camden, NY 5 14-13 0
Day 1: 5 14-13
64. Max Meister Atco, NJ 5 14-13 0
Day 1: 5 14-13
64. Mason Phillpotts Fenton, MI 5 14-13 0
Day 1: 5 14-13
64. Brian Wisniewski Allentown, PA 5 14-13 0
Day 1: 5 14-13
69. Jason Muir Milford, DE 5 14-12 0
Day 1: 5 14-12
70. Michael Adams Portland, ME 5 14-12 0
Day 1: 5 14-12
71. Louis Monetti Brielle, NJ 5 14-11 0
Day 1: 5 14-11
71. Robert Ramasci Wakefield, MA 5 14-11 0
Day 1: 5 14-11
71. Jeff Salmon Mechanicsville, VA 5 14-11 0
Day 1: 5 14-11
74. John Rottman Dudley, MA 5 14-10 0
Day 1: 5 14-10
75. Scott Kerslake Okeechobee, FL 5 14-09 0
Day 1: 5 14-09
76. Scott Rondeau Charlestown, RI 5 14-08 0
Day 1: 5 14-08
77. Chris Groman Whiting, VT 5 14-07 0
Day 1: 5 14-07
78. Jacob Marcantonio Moosup, CT 5 14-07 0
Day 1: 5 14-07
79. Jared Leicht Millville, NJ 5 14-06 0
Day 1: 5 14-06
79. Jeffrey Patch Rutland, VT 5 14-06 0
Day 1: 5 14-06
79. Steve Wilson East Waterboro, ME 5 14-06 0
Day 1: 5 14-06
82. Chris Washinger Chambersburg, PA 5 14-05 0
Day 1: 5 14-05
83. John Fitzgerald Salisbury, VT 5 14-05 0
Day 1: 5 14-05
84. Butch Marietta Jr Hunker, PA 5 14-04 0
Day 1: 5 14-04
85. Johnathan Sheehan Lynn, MA 5 14-04 0
Day 1: 5 14-04
86. RJ Ricci Cranston, RI 5 14-04 0
Day 1: 5 14-04
87. Matt Mosby Dryden, MI 5 14-03 0
Day 1: 5 14-03
88. Keith Aucoin Hollis Center, ME 5 14-01 0
Day 1: 5 14-01
88. Dennis Rocheford Pembroke, NH 5 14-01 0
Day 1: 5 14-01
90. Eric Low Buxton, ME 5 13-15 0
Day 1: 5 13-15
91. Robert Batchelder Jr Mechanicville, NY 5 13-11 0
Day 1: 5 13-11
92. Ed Powell Sandyville, WV 5 13-11 0
Day 1: 5 13-11
93. Ed Lapierre Lebanon, ME 5 13-09 0
Day 1: 5 13-09
94. Jeff Jensen Beech Creek, PA 5 13-07 0
Day 1: 5 13-07
95. Thomas Waltz St. Albans, VT 4 13-07 0
Day 1: 4 13-07
96. John Roth Lawrenceburg, IN 5 13-06 0
Day 1: 5 13-06
96. Andrew Sams Easton, MD 5 13-06 0
Day 1: 5 13-06
98. David Maiorano Durham, CT 5 13-05 0
Day 1: 5 13-05
99. Peter Owen Jr Barnstead, NH 5 13-04 0
Day 1: 5 13-04
100. Randy Kukral Chagrin Falls, OH 5 13-03 0
Day 1: 5 13-03
101. Tim Dubuc Bowdoinham, ME 5 13-02 0
Day 1: 5 13-02
102. Trevor Poulin Nashua, NH 5 13-01 0
Day 1: 5 13-01
103. Nausori Osasa Grand Isle, VT 5 12-14 0
Day 1: 5 12-14
104. Evan Poroznik Nestleton Station Ontar 5 12-13 0
Day 1: 5 12-13
105. Craig Castro North Attleboro, MA 5 12-12 0
Day 1: 5 12-12
106. Jeremy Sadowski Voluntown, CT 5 12-11 0
Day 1: 5 12-11
107. Dylan Minch Stevens Point, WI 4 12-10 0
Day 1: 4 12-10
108. Kevin Wilkes Ballston Lake,, NY 5 12-07 0
Day 1: 5 12-07
109. Steven Kotvas Apollo, PA 5 12-06 0
Day 1: 5 12-06
110. Randy Elliott Severn, MD 5 12-05 0
Day 1: 5 12-05
111. Erick Markstaller New Milford, CT 5 12-04 0
Day 1: 5 12-04
112. Chris Ogan Bixby, OK 5 12-01 0
Day 1: 5 12-01
113. Frank Ramsey Spring Grove, IL 5 12-01 0
Day 1: 5 12-01
114. Tony Despot II Monroeville, PA 5 11-14 0
Day 1: 5 11-14
115. Robert Smith Farmington, ME 5 11-11 0
Day 1: 5 11-11
116. Jeffrey Perron South Berwick, ME 5 11-10 0
Day 1: 5 11-10
117. Neal Wisinski Stevens Point, WI 5 11-09 0
Day 1: 5 11-09
118. Brian Hensley Edwardsburg, MI 5 11-06 0
Day 1: 5 11-06
119. Nick Lepone Fieldsboro, NJ 5 11-05 0
Day 1: 5 11-05
119. Mike Morris Dover, DE 5 11-05 0
Day 1: 5 11-05
121. Kirk Smith Edmond, OK 5 11-02 0
Day 1: 5 11-02
122. Tony Kibler Milford, DE 5 11-01 0
Day 1: 5 11-01
123. Woody McKechnie Lynn , MA 5 10-11 0
Day 1: 5 10-11
124. Chris McCarthy Woonsocket, RI 5 10-00 0
Day 1: 5 10-00
125. Stefan Lillios Loudon, NH 4 09-12 0
Day 1: 4 09-12
126. William Barrett Bridgewater, MA 5 09-11 0
Day 1: 5 09-11
127. Roger LaFlamme Jr Lyman, ME 5 09-07 0
Day 1: 5 09-07
128. Clayton Grimm Mechanic Falls, ME 5 09-07 0
Day 1: 5 09-07
129. Cameron Creamer Bremen, ME 5 08-09 0
Day 1: 5 08-09
130. Arthur Magurn Lunenburg, MA 3 07-12 0
Day 1: 3 07-12
131. Derek Severns Carnegie, PA 3 07-01 0
Day 1: 3 07-01
132. Steve Deguzis Bristol, CT 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
132. Henry Fristik Blandford, MA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
132. Josh Giroldi Beachville CANADA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
132. Eric Johnson Kingston, MA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
132. Alex Legg Milford, DE 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
132. Joe Raposo North Dighton, MA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
132. Craig Rexford Grand Isle, VT 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 126 648 1993-11
------------------------------
126 648 1993-11
2024 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Lake Champlain presented by Lowrance 7/24-7/26
Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh NY.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Josh Giran Elizabeth, PA 3 12-06 0
Day 1: 3 12-06
2. Ernest Weathersby Leominster, MA 3 12-03 0
Day 1: 3 12-03
3. Joe Devoe Aberdeen, MD 3 11-04 0
Day 1: 3 11-04
4. Guiseppe Andreoli Foster, RI 3 10-13 0
Day 1: 3 10-13
4. Robert Rull Jr Coventry, RI 3 10-13 0
Day 1: 3 10-13
6. Michael Hunt Watertown, NY 3 10-11 0
Day 1: 3 10-11
7. Zachary Catoe Lancaster, SC 3 10-03 0
Day 1: 3 10-03
7. Sophon Chhoeun Fall River, MA 3 10-03 0
Day 1: 3 10-03
9. JT Fitzgerald Lincoln, DE 3 10-02 0
Day 1: 3 10-02
10. Jacob Nicholson Burlington, MA 3 09-15 0
Day 1: 3 09-15
11. Garrett Sicely Albany, VT 3 09-12 0
Day 1: 3 09-12
12. Robert Mccoy Mount Airy, MD 3 09-11 0
Day 1: 3 09-11
13. Travis Rockett Intervale, NH 3 09-09 0
Day 1: 3 09-09
14. Steven Dorsey Warwick, RI 3 09-07 0
Day 1: 3 09-07
15. Frank Campisi Londonderry, NH 3 09-05 0
Day 1: 3 09-05
16. Grant Fry Bay City, MI 3 09-04 0
Day 1: 3 09-04
17. Joe Sodora Garfield, NJ 3 09-02 0
Day 1: 3 09-02
18. Warren Cooper Utopia CANADA 3 09-01 0
Day 1: 3 09-01
19. Jacob Muir Milford, DE 3 08-15 0
Day 1: 3 08-15
20. Dale Libby Buxton, ME 3 08-15 0
Day 1: 3 08-15
21. Dylan Stowe Weybridge, VT 3 08-14 0
Day 1: 3 08-14
22. Stephen Sanders New Britain, CT 3 08-10 0
Day 1: 3 08-10
23. Jeff Lin Natick, MA 3 08-09 0
Day 1: 3 08-09
23. Jake Minch Stevens Point, WI 3 08-09 0
Day 1: 3 08-09
23. Mike Wotanowski Lake Hopatcong, NJ 3 08-09 0
Day 1: 3 08-09
26. Conner Petropoulos South Portland, ME 3 08-06 0
Day 1: 3 08-06
27. Randy Marshall Sr. Belgrade, ME 3 08-05 0
Day 1: 3 08-05
28. Michael Stewart Wrentham, MA 3 08-03 0
Day 1: 3 08-03
29. Lyn England Danbury, NH 3 08-02 0
Day 1: 3 08-02
29. Ben Hilfrank Falmouth, ME 3 08-02 0
Day 1: 3 08-02
29. Brian Marino Vineland, NJ 3 08-02 0
Day 1: 3 08-02
32. Jim D'Ambra Hanover, MA 3 08-01 0
Day 1: 3 08-01
33. Philip Sheehan Lynn, MA 3 07-15 0
Day 1: 3 07-15
34. Rob Ross Hopedale, MA 3 07-14 0
Day 1: 3 07-14
35. Michael Griffiths Cherry Tree, PA 3 07-10 0
Day 1: 3 07-10
35. Dave Reed Westminster, MD 3 07-10 0
Day 1: 3 07-10
37. Chris Newton Whitesboro, NY 2 07-10 0
Day 1: 2 07-10
38. Brad Dekraai Epsom, NH 3 07-07 0
Day 1: 3 07-07
39. Vic Brown II Glen Burnie, MD 3 07-06 0
Day 1: 3 07-06
40. Kendry Jerez Paterson, NJ 3 07-01 0
Day 1: 3 07-01
40. Zach Queeney Atco, NJ 3 07-01 0
Day 1: 3 07-01
40. Roger Stahl JR Ogdensburg, NY 3 07-01 0
Day 1: 3 07-01
43. Gary Rondeau Charlestown, RI 3 07-00 0
Day 1: 3 07-00
44. Ricardo Cruz New York, NY 3 06-14 0
Day 1: 3 06-14
45. David Evans Memphis, NY 3 06-12 0
Day 1: 3 06-12
45. Wes Vyverberg Rochester, NY 3 06-12 0
Day 1: 3 06-12
47. Frank Wisneski North Haven, CT 3 06-12 0
Day 1: 3 06-12
48. Frank Moore Topsham, ME 3 06-10 0
Day 1: 3 06-10
49. Corey Thornton Mcgraw, NY 3 06-09 0
Day 1: 3 06-09
50. Tommy Kopach Gansevoort, NY 3 06-06 0
Day 1: 3 06-06
51. Olivia Baroffio Burlington, VT 3 06-05 0
Day 1: 3 06-05
52. Scott Suckman Hudson Falls, NY 2 06-04 0
Day 1: 2 06-04
53. Andrew Dick Wilmington, DE 3 06-01 0
Day 1: 3 06-01
54. Craig Winegardner West River, MD 2 06-01 0
Day 1: 2 06-01
55. Jim Short Ocean Pines, MD 2 05-11 0
Day 1: 2 05-11
56. Michael Caudle Taunton, MA 2 05-06 0
Day 1: 2 05-06
56. Dwayne Turnage Hollis, ME 2 05-06 0
Day 1: 2 05-06
58. Matt Belmore Indian Lake, NY 2 05-05 0
Day 1: 2 05-05
59. Darryl Hunt Haddonfield, NJ 2 05-02 0
Day 1: 2 05-02
60. Cole Wessner Southgate, KY 3 05-01 0
Day 1: 3 05-01
61. Jp Harrell Chevy Chase, MD 2 04-13 0
Day 1: 2 04-13
62. Jesse Manning Athol, MA 3 04-11 0
Day 1: 3 04-11
63. Jimmy Eney Baltimore, MD 2 04-11 0
Day 1: 2 04-11
64. Scott Shrewsbury Rocky Mount, NC 2 04-07 0
Day 1: 2 04-07
65. Michael Schrader North Attleboro, MA 3 04-05 0
Day 1: 3 04-05
66. John Nichols Milford, DE 2 04-05 0
Day 1: 2 04-05
67. Joseph Raguzin Carmel, NY 2 03-15 0
Day 1: 2 03-15
68. Stanley Gshinsky Pittsburgh, PA 1 03-13 0
Day 1: 1 03-13
69. David Pfeiffer Milton Mills, NH 1 03-12 0
Day 1: 1 03-12
70. James Blue Canton, MA 1 03-04 0
Day 1: 1 03-04
71. Scott Himmelfarb Poolesville, MD 2 03-03 0
Day 1: 2 03-03
72. John Hritsko Northern Cambria, PA 1 02-15 0
Day 1: 1 02-15
73. Jeffrey Graiff Vineland, NJ 2 02-14 0
Day 1: 2 02-14
74. Kevin Waden Melrose, MA 2 02-13 0
Day 1: 2 02-13
75. Mark Ramquar Dundalk, MD 2 02-11 0
Day 1: 2 02-11
76. Jerry Brown Jr Hagerstown, MD 2 02-06 0
Day 1: 2 02-06
77. Mark Wisinski Stevenson Point, WI 1 02-05 0
Day 1: 1 02-05
78. Evan Young Hancock, ME 1 02-02 0
Day 1: 1 02-02
79. Zachary Grose Huntingdon, PA 1 01-13 0
Day 1: 1 01-13
80. Steven Davis Dover, PA 1 01-09 0
Day 1: 1 01-09
81. Mike King Lisbon, ME 1 01-08 0
Day 1: 1 01-08
82. Jim Kline Hagerstown, MD 1 00-15 0
Day 1: 1 00-15
83. Angela Mayo Maiden, NC 1 00-14 0
Day 1: 1 00-14
84. David Fletcher Paterson, NJ 1 00-13 0
Day 1: 1 00-13
85. Michael Briggs N Providence, RI 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
85. Frank Daniels Dover, DE 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
85. Skip Hinkley Richmond, ME 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
85. Tim Jensen Phelps, NY 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
85. Devon Kitson Montclair , NJ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
85. Justin Mccarthy Tiverton, RI 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
85. Lewis Mendall Winthrop, MA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
85. Dave Metivier Gray, ME 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
85. Bryce Poulin Lisbon, ME 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 54 210 557-15
------------------------------
54 210 557-15
BFHOF Awards Scholarships to Future Fisheries Leaders
Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Provides Financial Assistance for Fisheries Students
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – For Immediate Release – July, 24, 2024 – For the second consecutive year, the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame (BFHOF) has awarded scholarships under its Fishery Management Scholarship Program. This program aims to provide financial support and encouragement to high school and college bass anglers pursuing careers in fields that will directly contribute to healthy fisheries, essential access, and clean rivers, lakes and reservoirs, consistent with the BFHOF’s mission.
The 11 selected applicants will each receive $2,500 to pursue their studies. The recipients include:
- Alex Avery, Missouri State University
- Brady Horton, Drury University
- Bradley Howell, Trent University
- Luc LaRochelle, Carleton University
- Nate Hull, Oklahoma State
- Justin Lombardo, University of Illinois
- Tom Miles, Tennessee Tech University
- Morgan Noffsinger, Central Michigan University
- Marcus Prull, Auburn University
- Levi Umland, University of Missouri
- Samuel Vazquez, University of Arkansas–Pine Bluff
“The response to this program was immense and impressive,” said BFHOF Board President John Mazurkiewicz. “Our dedicated Conservation/Education Committee, led by Board Member and BFHOF inductee Gene Gilliland, the growth of 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.”
The awardees consist of high school seniors committed to enrolling in a four-year college or university program, as well as undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in a four-year college, university, or accredited graduate program with a declared or planned major in biology, aquatic ecology, fisheries, marine science, or a closely related natural resources field.
“We were amazed by the quality and seriousness of the applications and the young men and women who expressed interest,” Gilliland said. “The applications were reviewed by an independent panel of distinguished individuals involved in fishery management across the U.S. and Canada, including: 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. The future of our sport, our fisheries and this program remain bright.”
The financial support for this program is made possible by the support the Hall receives from past inductees, professional anglers competing on the B.A.S.S and MLF tournament trails, bass anglers nationwide who support the Hall’s annual online auctions, and many leading companies involved in the bass fishing industry.
The BFHOF Board will announce details and application requirement for the 2025 Fishery Management Scholarship program later this year
The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame will honor the Class of 2024 at its annual induction ceremony on September 26th at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium adjacent to the Bass Pro Shop flagship store in Springfield, Mo. Fred Arbogast, Mike McKinnis, Skeet Reese, Alfred Williams and Mark Zona will be inducted.
###
About the BFHOF -- The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization led by a volunteer board of directors and is dedicated to celebrating, promoting and preserving the sport of bass fishing. Since 2017, the Hall’s inductees and memorabilia representing the history of bass fishing is showcased in Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri, where it has rapidly become a popular destination. The 2024 BFHOF Induction banquet will be held September 26, 2024 at Wonders of Wildlife.
For more information about the Hall, its mission, and to become a supporting member,
visit www.BassFishingHOF.com,
or contact BFHOF executive director Barbara Bowman at bbowman@bassfishinghof.com.--
Travel Tuesday - Hanna’s Crawler Epiphany
By Pete Robbins - Half Past First Cast
During our most recent trip to Anglers Inn Lake El Salto, Hanna decided to try out an entirely new class of lures – odd-looking winged crawlers, the newest descendants of old-school Jitterbugs and Crazy Crawlers. Check out the video below to see how it went.
If you’d like to join us on a trip to Lake El Salto or Lake Picachos, with or without these crazy topwaters, email us at fishmore@halfpastfirstcast.com and we’ll get the ball rolling.
The St. Lawrence River’s Most Underrated Smallmouth Presentation
There’s a really good chance Vexus angler Darryl Esterly is the only competitive bass angler with a pretzel sponsorship. Yes indeed, Reading, Pennsylvania-based Faller’s Pretzels has been a generous supporter of the 5-time Toyota Series Championship qualifier for several years now.
He’s shared dozens of bags of the salty baked pastries with fishing buddies around America, and his successful dependence on the often-overlooked Carolina rig has proven to be a savory snack for St. Lawrence River smallmouth too.
“There’s no doubt a drop shot has been the most dominant presentation on the St. Lawrence the past 10 years, but I lean far more on a Carolina rig, because it’s a different presentation than most are throwing, and thanks to current, it’s super-efficient at covering long stretches of the river bottom without making repeated casts. And obviously it catches big ones consistently, or I wouldn’t use it so much,” reasons the former U.S. Marine and current electrical lineman.
There’s an art to it
The Carolina rig often catches a bad rap for being overly simplistic and slow, to the point of being boring, but for anglers like Esterly it’s a bit of an art form that delivers Picasso level results.
“Think of it like painting. You’re not just slapping it on mindlessly with a roller. Instead, you need to be finessing your Carolina rig across the bottom like you’re painting with a 3” brush,” he explains.
Ideally you want a west wind on the St. Lawrence, which is blowing the same direction as the current.
6th Sense snags less
A huge reason Esterly advises to finesse your Carolina rig is because you’re dragging around rocks and boulders on the bottom that are prone to grab your rig like Bills Hall of Famer Bruce Smith grabbing Jets quarterback Ken O’Brien on third and long.
While Esterly has zero affiliation with Texas-based tackle brand 6th Sense, he swears their pre-rigged Carolina rigs simply hang up less than standard ones he rigs in the boat.
“I bought my first 6th sense pre-rigged versions at Thousand Island Bait Store in Alexandria Bay, and I started noticing they just didn’t get snagged as much. I’m honestly not sure why. I just know they add to my efficiency,” says Esterly.
His favorite size is the ¾ ounce, but will drop to a lighter ½ ounce if the current is less, or he’s getting snagged more than normal.
“I just want whatever weight allows me to maintain bottom contact without getting hung-up,” he adds.
Pay close attention to drift speed on your GPS
Speaking of current speed, Esterly advises paying close attention to your drift speed via the digital mph on your sonar screen. Noting for example, if you’re floating along at 1.4 mph and catching fish, a sudden decrease down to 1.0 mph can hinder the bite. So, the goal is to stay in sections of the river that offer the most productive speed, if possible.
Lures of choice
He keeps the lure offerings at the end of a 36” long, 15-pound fluorocarbon leader pretty simple. He uses either a black-gold fleck 3.5” tube from Dry Creek Lures or Zoom’s speed craw.
And when asked to name why he runs a Vexus, his answer to that is pretty simple too.
“It’s the smoothest boat on the planet in rough water. Other boats sound like the gunnel is being hit by a sledgehammer every time you bust a wave. You just don’t hear that with a Vexus. And when I need something, the folks at my dealership, Hall’s Marine in Muncy, PA, are always there to help me, just like the incredible folks at the Vexus factory in Flippin, Arkansas,” says Esterly.
Pretty straightforward, and hard not to like. Much like a handful of Faller’s pretzels paired with a cold beverage at the end of a successful day full of catching big smallies on a Carolina rig in the current of the mighty St. Lawrence.
To learn more about why serious anglers like Esterly place so much trust in the craftsmanship of their Vexus boats, please visit https://vexusboats.com/.
Olney’s Lee Flips Wood to Win Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Shelbyville
Edinburg’s Argo Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division
SHELBYVILLE, Ill. (May 20, 2024) – Boater Jeffrey Lee of Olney, Illinois, caught a five-bass limit weighing 13 pounds, 4 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Shelbyville . The tournament was the first event of the season for the BFL Illini Division. Lee earned $3,289 for his victory.
Sometimes in tough bass tournaments, all you can do is put your head down and grind all day. That’s exactly what Lee did to get his win.
“I figured out that there was only one area of the lake really – the lower end – that had any fish for me,” he said. “Other guys did better up on the mid- and upper lake, but I stayed on the lower end and basically flipped shallow wood all day.”
Lee targeted stumps, laydowns and other wood cover with a Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver in the dirty Sanchez color.
Some of the wood was on the bank, but Lee also fished deeper cover that wasn’t visible by eye.
“I have 360 and forward-facing sonar and was able to make accurate flips instead of blind-casting,” he said. “You’ve got stuff you can see visually and you’ve got the stuff that you can’t see. And neither one was any better than the other. You just had to put your head down and just go as hard as you could go all day long.”
The day started fast for Lee. He put three keepers in the box by 7 a.m., including a 4-11 kicker, but then the action slowed. He broke off a 4-pounder that might’ve put the tournament away sooner, but it wound up not costing him thanks to a key fish late in the day.
“My fifth keeper actually came when we were in the very back of a pocket,” he recalled. “I had seen some fry, and I knew that since the fry were there, there had to be a guarder. I threw my wacky worm up there, and she didn’t bite it, but as I was reeling it in she chased it. So I knew she was there. I threw back in there, and I caught her and she was almost 3 pounds. And that was kind of the ice. That was at like 1 o’clock.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Jeffrey Lee, Olney, Ill., five bass, 13-4, $3,289
2nd: Ethan Fields, Breese, Ill., five bass, 12-8, $1,644
3rd: Hunter Russell, Salem, Ill., five bass, 12-6, $1,097
4th: Riley Walk, Neoga, Ill., five bass, 11-13, $767
5th: Matt Swalls, Carterville, Ill., four bass, 11-5, $1,053
6th: Colby Schrumpf, Highland, Ill., five bass, 10-0, $1,403 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
7th: Cliff Pass, Lenzburg, Ill., four bass, 9-10, $548
8th: Travis Boley, Weldon, Ill., five bass, 9-8, $493
9th: Michael Black, Toledo, Ill., three bass, 9-1, $411
9th: Garrett McDowell, Windsor, Ill., five bass, 9-1, $411
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Matt Swalls of Carterville, Illinois, caught a bass that weighed 5 pounds, 7 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $395.
Lane Argo of Edinburg, Illinois, won the Strike King co-angler division and $1,644 Saturday, after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 7 pounds, 13 ounces.
The top 11 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Lane Argo, Edinburg, Ill., three bass, 7-13, $1,644
2nd: Jojo Johnson, Benton, Ill., three bass, 6-12, $972
3rd: Brandon Depew, Odin, Ill., four bass, 6-11, $549
4th: Andrew Boring, El Paso, Ill., three bass, 6-6, $384
5th: Ryan Murphy, Paris, Ill., four bass, 6-0, $329
6th: Aaron Arning, Walnut Hill, Ill., three bass, 5-5, $301
7th: Chase Johnson, Quincy, Ill., two bass, 4-3, $260
7th: Robert Lindley, Greenville, Ill., two bass, 4-3, $260
9th: Dale Renth, Mascoutah, Ill., one bass, 3-15, $391
9th: Brad Thacher, Hardin, Ky., two bass, 3-15, $194
9th: Jason Halverson, Belvidere, Ill., two bass, 3-15, $194
Dale Renth of Mascoutah, Illinois, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $197, catching a bass that weighed in at 3 pounds, 15 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
The next event for BFL Illini Division anglers will be held June 29, at Rend Lake in Sesser, Illinois. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 10-12 BFL Regional tournament on Pools 13-17 of the Mississippi River in Quad Cities, Illinois. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.
The 2024 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, REDCON1, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 17 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Farmington’s Vaal Gets the Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Kentucky-Barkley Lakes
Mississippi’s Cornelius Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division
GILBERTSVILLE, Ky. (July 22, 2024) – Boater Duston Vaal of Farmington, Kentucky, caught a three-bass limit weighing 14 pounds, 6 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Kentucky-Barkley Lakes . Hosted by the Kentucky Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau, the tournament was the fourth event of the season for the BFL LBL Division. Vaal earned $4,163 for his victory.
Anglers competing in the Kentucky-Barkley event were limited to weighing three bass due to the high summer heat. An experienced Vaal put together a solid multi-species catch – one smallmouth and two largemouth bass – on a fishery that’s enjoyed a healthy resurgence over the last several seasons.
Vaal said he ran south to the Paris, Tennessee, area where he worked out a current-based ledge pattern that turned on once the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) started generating power. A key ledge in 12 to 15 feet produced most of Vaal’s fish throughout the day.
“It took until the afternoon to get bit,” Vaal said. “I guess when they generated a little current. From then on, I was able to take a big worm on the ledges and hop it and get bit by quality size fish.
“I wasn’t catching them off one individual spot,” he added. “I was just going down a ledge catching them one here and one there.”
The key bait for Vaal was a 10-inch ribbontail Yamamoto Ichi Worm.
“Yesterday (in practice) they were eating a 1/2-ounce. Today (Saturday), it was weird. They were higher up in the water column, so I had to drop down to 3/16.”
Vaal hopped the worm by lifting his rod up almost to the 12 o’clock position then letting it fall on slack line.
“That’s when they’d bite it most of the time,” he said.
“I’ve been fishing BFLs ever since I was in college, and it took me forever to win one,” Vaal added. “I finally got one last fall. So, to get two here in two years, it’s pretty surreal, honestly.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Dustin Vaal, Farmington, Ky., three bass, 14-6, $4,163
2nd: Justin Berger, Murray, Ky., three bass, 13-2, $2,082
3rd: Adrian Urso, Union, Ky., three bass, 12-7, $1,179
3rd: Zachary Martin, Murray, Ky., three bass, 12-7, $1,179
5th: David Hames, Trezevant, Tenn., three bass, 12-6, $1,413
6th: Edward Gettys, Dover, Tenn., three bass, 11-14, $1,263 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
7th: Jeff DeFew, Benton, Ky., three bass, 11-13, $694
8th: Drew Fromm, Creal Spring, Ill., three bass, 11-12, $625
9th: Scott Brummett, Brentwood, Tenn., three bass, 11-2, $555
10th: Matteo Turano, Puryear, Tenn., three bass, 11-0, $486
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
David Hames of Trezevant, Tennessee, caught a bass that weighed 5 pounds, 10 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $580.
Joe Cornelius of Corinth, Mississippi, won the Strike King co-angler division and $2,082 Saturday, after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 11 pounds, 13 ounces.
The top 11 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Joe Cornelius, Corinth, Miss., three bass, 11-13, $2,082
2nd: Jacob Bovara, Wadsworth, Ill., three bass, 11-5, $1,041
3rd: Jojo Walsh, Lyles, Tenn., three bass, 10-2, $692
4th: Mark Sollman, Haubstadt, Ind., three bass, 10-0, $486
5th: Bobby Wade, Mayfield, Ky., three bass, 9-12, $416
6th: Chuck Rounds, Benton, Ky., three bass, 9-5, $382
7th: Frank Haysley, Louisville, Ky., three bass, 8-6, $447
8th: Barry Gunter, Trafalger, Ind., three bass, 8-0, $263
8th: Mike Westfall, Norris City, Ill., two bass, 8-0, $263
8th: Austin Hunter, Vandalia, Ill., two bass, 8-0, $553
8th: William Hadraba, Willow Springs, Ill., three bass, 8-0, $263
Austin Hunter of Vandalia, Illinois, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $290, catching a bass that weighed in at 5 pounds, 13 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
After four events, Clint Knight of Lewisburg, Kentucky, leads the Fishing Clash LBL Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 976 points, while John Lovin of Fayetteville, Ohio, leads the Fishing Clash LBL Division Co-angler of the Year race with 947 points.
The next event for BFL LBL Division anglers will be held Aug. 24-25, at Kentucky-Barkley Lakes in Buchanan, Tennessee. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 3-5 BFL Regional tournament on Pickwick Lake in Counce, Tennessee. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.
The 2024 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, PowerStop Brakes, REDCON1, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 17 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Bay Springs’ Anderson Makes Long Run to Win Tough Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Ferguson
Louisiana’s Brown Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division
GREENVILLE, Miss. (July 22, 2024) – Boater John Anderson of Bay Springs, Mississippi, caught a five-bass limit weighing 10 pounds even Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Ferguson . The tournament was the fourth event of the season for the BFL Mississippi Division. Anderson earned $5,401, including the lucrative $2,500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus, for his victory.
Anderson summed up the Lake Ferguson event in just four words: “It was very tough.”
A combination of factors impacted the fishing and forced Anderson to get a little creative with his practice. He sampled oxbows and other waters as far as 100 miles away on the connected Mississippi River.
Several fruitless practice stops had him scratching his head until finally he found a clue.
“I ran to another chute farther north up the river. I was fishing some current in the river, and that’s where I wound up finding fish to potentially win the tournament,” he said. “I didn’t really know what I had until I got up there this morning (on tournament day). It took me an hour and 25 minutes (to get there from launch).”
Anderson got to his primary spot and immediately caught three keepers. His second spot produced zero bass.
“Then I pulled up to my third spot, which I didn’t even know. I just saw something that looked good on the side of the river,” he said. “I pulled in there and the fish started schooling, and I caught roughly 20 bass on consecutive casts.”
When Anderson moved again, he made one last upgrade before having to start his trip back to weigh-in before noon.
Anderson’s key areas were all on the main river and varied from just 2 feet deep down to 18 feet of water. Current breaks were the key.
The winning baits included a jighead minnow, which Anderson fished while using Garmin LiveScope, and a shallow-diving crankbait, which he used to catch the schoolers.
“I put in a lot of work, and it paid off,” he said. “I did not expect 10 pounds to win the tournament. But I’m not going to give it up.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: John Anderson, Bay Springs, Miss., five bass, 10-0, $5,401 (includes $2,500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
2nd: Dakota Fleming, Oak Grove, La., two bass, 6-4, $1,301
3rd: Blake Hodge, Oxford, Miss., three bass, 6-3, $867
4th: Jacob Long, Batesville, Miss., three bass, 6-2, $607
5th: Andrew Schrock, Smithville, Miss., two bass, 5-7, $520
6th: Kevin Bovia, Mandeville, La., one bass, 4-8, $757
7th: Mark Clark, Crawford, Miss., two bass, 4-6, $434
8th: Billy J-Hawk Brooks, Southaven, Miss., one bass, 4-3, $390
9th: Jeff Johnston, Marion, Ark., two bass, 3-12, $347
10th: Tim McDaniel, Grenada, Miss., one bass, 3-1, $303
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Kevin Bovia of Mandeville, Louisiana, caught a bass that weighed 4 pounds, 8 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $280.
Maxwell Brown of Gonzales, Louisiana, won the Strike King co-angler division and $1,301 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 6 pounds, 1 ounce.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Maxwell Brown, Gonzales, La., five bass, 6-1, $1,301
2nd: Bubba Wright, Ridgeland, Miss., one bass, 4-14, $790
3rd: Brayden Gray, Pontotoc, Miss., one bass, 2-12, $434
4th: Wally Northam, Olive Branch, Miss., one bass, 2-4, $303
5th: Thomas Smith, Brandon, Miss., one bass, 2-0, $260
6th: Ryan LeCompte, Picayune, Miss., one bass, 1-14, $238
7th: Jesse Steadham, Byram, Miss., one bass, 1-12, $217
8th: Isiah Kelly, Memphis, Tenn., one bass, 1-11, $195
9th: Travis Culbreth, Pearl, Miss., one bass, 1-10, $173
10th: Adam Davis, Nesbit, Miss., one bass, 1-8, $152
Bubba Wright of Ridgeland, Mississippi, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $140, catching a bass that weighed in at 4 pounds, 14 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
After four events, Dakota Fleming of Oak Grove, Louisiana, leads the Fishing Clash Mississippi Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 982 points, while Thomas Smith of Brandon, Mississippi, leads the Fishing Clash Mississippi Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 978 points.
The next event for BFL Mississippi Division anglers will be held Sept. 21-22 at Pickwick Lake in Iuka, Mississippi. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 17-19 BFL Regional tournament on Wright Patman Lake in Texarkana, Texas. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.
The 2024 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, PowerStop Brakes, REDCON1, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 17 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Smallmouth paradise awaits anglers competing in Bassmaster Kayak Series on Susquehanna River
July 22, 2024
LEWISBURG, Pa. — Kayak anglers heading into the Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series at Susquehanna River scored by TourneyX could be approaching a smallmouth bonanza, and Pennsylvania angler Nick Audi believes there will be plenty of ways to catch these brown beauties during the event.
“The bass are everywhere,” Audi, a Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Kayak Series Angler of the Year competitor, said. “It is a world-class smallmouth fishery. It is perfect for kayak fishing. In the summertime when we are here, it’s even too low for the jet boats to run.”
Tournament days are scheduled for July 27-28 with the full field competing both days. All competitors will earn points toward the Angler of the Year race. Lewisburg, Pa., will serve as home base for anglers, who will be able to launch from any of the public launches outlined in the official rules.
The Susquehanna River is quickly becoming a favorite destination for kayak anglers looking to catch numbers and quality of smallmouth bass. Last year, Indiana’s Josh Chrenko won the Kayak Series finale at the Susky with a two-day total of 194 inches. Audi believes it could take similar quality to win this time around, too.
Audi said the Susquehanna River is normally at its lowest and clearest point of the year. Water flow is also the slowest it will be at any point, barring a major rainstorm.
“The smallmouth will be well into their summer pattern,” he said. “The number one thing to look at will be water level and water clarity. They go hand-in-hand. Normally the river is really low and clear. There will be a lot of topwater (action). That will be a huge deal.”
With the water low, anglers will be able to see many of the pieces of cover the bass will be holding on. Eelgrass is prominent on this section of the river and an important piece of cover for smallmouth.
Rock, wood and other current breaks will come into play as well, especially if the water rises some.
“There will be some bass on the bank with backs out of the water,” Audi said. “Not really holding onto anything, either. They just cruise around pinning bait against the bank. Eelgrass is a huge player at that time of year. There’s also so much rock in the river. They’ll hold on wood too, but not as much as during the higher-water scenarios.
“Current breaks are the overarching category of cover.”
Several different baits will come into play, including topwater baits like Whopper Ploppers and buzzbaits, flukes, ChatterBaits and finesse presentations like a Ned rig or shaky head. With how shallow the water is, Audi generally tries to throw the most weedless presentation he can.
The event is being hosted by the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau.
2024 Bassmaster Kayak Series Title Sponsor: Yamaha Rightwaters2024 Bassmaster Kayak Series Partner: MotorGuide, YakGear2024 Bassmaster Kayak Series Angler of the Year Sponsor: Dakota Lithium
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Odenville’s Kellett Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Neely Henry Lake
Meridianville’s McNeil Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division
GADSDEN, Ala. (July 22, 2024) – Boater John Kellett of Odenville, Alabama, caught a five-bass limit weighing 14 pounds, 15 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Neely Henry Lake. Hosted by the City of Gadsden, the tournament was the fourth event of the season for the BFL Bama Division. Kellett earned $3,926 for his victory.
Neely Henry is traditionally a shallow-water angler’s kind of fishery, but in summer, the fish can be a tad stingy – until the conditions are right.
Kellett experienced a “switch” first hand during the BFL after cloudy, rainy conditions took over.
“I didn’t have but one 15-ounce fish in the boat at 10 this morning (Saturday),” he said. “Once the rain started coming in, I could feel the barometric pressure change.”
Kellett figured out he could run the same water over again in the rain and catch fish that were shut down in the morning.
“The fish were there. They just weren’t biting (in the morning),” he said. “Once I started going back through again, I started catching them.”
Kellett estimates he landed 15 to 20 keepers in a two-hour window. He caught them on a mix of baits, including a swim jig, a frog and a Z-Man Evergreen ChatterBait Jack Hammer. He even caught one fish flipping.
“It was just a little bit of everything,” Kellett said. “I was just running around as much as I could, spot hopping. It was a one-fish-here-one-fish-there kind of deal. I was just focusing on grass.”
Kellett ran about a dozen grass spots. He’d spend five minutes in an area, then pull up and run to the next, repeating the process throughout the heart of the day.
“I knew they were there. I mean, it was some of my favorite spots,” he said. “I just kept running them over and over, and they just started eating. I just put my head down and grinded, really.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: John Kellett, Odenville, Ala., five bass, 14-15, $3,926
2nd: Kyle Dorsett, Springville, Ala., five bass, 13-14, $1,963
3rd: Kris Colley, Ragland, Ala., five bass, 13-12, $1,309
4th: Harry Peyton II, Guntersville, Ala., five bass, 13-3, $1,416 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
5th: Grant Williamson, Equality, Ala., five bass, 13-0, $785
6th: Robert Robinson, Mobile, Ala., five bass, 12-13, $1,250
7th: Blake Davenport, Jemison, Ala., five bass, 12-8, $654
8th: Stihl Smith, Alexander, Ala., five bass, 12-7, $589
9th: Clayton Barnes, Clanton, Ala., five bass, 12-1, $523
10th: Austin Shields, Lake View, Ala., five bass, 11-11, $758
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Robert Robinson of Mobile, Alabama, caught a bass that weighed 5 pounds, 12 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $530.
Larry McNeil of Meridianville, Alabama, won the Strike King co-angler division and $1,963 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 11 pounds, 14 ounces.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Larry McNeil, Meridianville, Ala., five bass, 11-14, $1,963
2nd: Reid Hale, Jasper, Ala., five bass, 10-6, $981
3rd: Marcus Corbett, Anniston, Ala., five bass, 10-5, $655
4th: Colt Hinson, Andalusia, Ala., five bass, 10-2, $458
5th: Michael Stevenson, Leitchfield, Ky., five bass, 9-8, $393
6th: John Burt Jr., Montgomery, Ala., five bass, 9-5, $608
6th: Kade Lucas, Reform, Ala., five bass, 9-5, $343
8th: Mark Black, Selma, Ala., five bass, 9-3, $278
8th: Daniel Arnberg, Auburn, Ala., five bass, 9-3, $278
10th: Thomas Eyler, Ashford, Ala., five bass, 8-13, $229
John Burt Jr. of Montgomery, Alabama, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $265, catching a bass that weighed in at 5 pounds, 1 ounce – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
After four events, Kyle Dorsett of Springville, Alabama, leads the Fishing Clash Bama Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 978 points, while Reid Hale of Jasper, Alabama, leads the Fishing Clash Bama Division Co-angler of the Year race with 942 points.
The next event for BFL Bama Division anglers will be held Sept. 14-15, at the Alabama River in Prattville, Alabama. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 10-12 BFL Regional tournament on Santee Cooper Lakes in Clarendon County, South Carolina. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.
The 2024 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, PowerStop Brakes, REDCON1, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 17 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Carr Gets His First Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at St. Lawrence River
Vermont’s Navari Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division
MASSENA, N.Y. (July 22, 2024) – Boater Ethan Carr of Massena, New York, caught a five-bass limit weighing 24 pounds, 10 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on the St. Lawrence River. Hosted by the Town of Massena, the tournament was the second event of the season for the BFL Northeast Division. Carr earned $3,335 for his victory.
For the BFL event, Lake Ontario was off limits, restricting anglers to the St. Lawrence River. Of course, that still meant anglers could spread out along many miles of world-class smallmouth waters. And Carr certainly spread out.
The Massena angler has had a lot of success on the river recently, including high finishes in tournaments on consecutive weekends before the BFL – all in the Clayton area.
“I said, well, if it’s not broke, why fix it?” Carr said. “I got to practice for two days, and I went up to that Clayton area.”
With his best spot two hours away from the launch in Massena, Carr only had about three hours to actually fish. He keyed in on two deep rocky shoals and a broad point – all spots that deflected the current.
“My main bait that I caught the majority of my fish on is called a Beast Coast Open Water Sniper Jig,” Carr said. “I was throwing that in 1/4 ounce, and the color is called sexy melon. And then I was putting on a trailer of a (Berkley PowerBait) MaxScent Lil’ General in either black or green pumpkin on the back.
“I did most of my damage besides one fish on that jig. I had a lot of fish spit up small gobies. I think that jig is a perfect representation of the smaller gobies that they seem to be feeding on this time of year.”
Carr targeted fish in 20 to 27 feet. Fishing just a 1/4-ounce jig that deep can be a challenge, but Carr made it work perfectly by drifting along with the current, letting the jig roll and kick along in the flow. Occasionally, when he’d see fish on his Garmin LiveScope unit, Carr made pinpoint pitches to them.
Of his three spots, the point was the primary stretch. It flattened out on top, giving him a quarter-mile-long drift. Six or seven drifts through that stretch produced 20-plus pounds. Then Carr moved to his shoals to upgrade.
“I did have a good population of fish on the one big long drift,” Carr said. “I kind of just used those smaller shoals for individual big ones.
“My area was more of a sneaky area,” he added. “I haven’t seen it get a lot of pressure throughout bigger tournaments, and even this year I haven’t seen really a single boat fish it. I’ve seen a couple guys graph it, but it’s definitely a sneakier spot that not a lot of people put a lot of pressure on.”
Finally, Carr feels like LiveScope was a big factor for him to get a read on the fish.
“Even though I wasn’t seeing fish and pitching to them the whole time, you could still kind of see them traveling on bottom,” he said. “It allows me to be able to make adjustments to things like drifting speed and color. You can really see once the fish get on it how they react to it and then make adjustments accordingly.
“It means a lot for someone like me to win a tournament like this,” Carr added. “Especially after last year. I came in second place in the (BFL) super tournament on the river. So this year was kind of like a little revenge for last year’s tournament.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Ethan Carr, Massena, N.Y., five bass, 24-10, $3,335
2nd: Brent Anderson, Kingston Springs, Tenn., five bass, 24-7, $1,993 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
3rd: Zachary Goutremout, Chaumont, N.Y., five bass, 22-4, $994
4th: Brett Carnright, Plattsburgh, N.Y., five bass, 21-11, $822
5th: Jonathan Robla, Lisbon, N.Y., five bass, 21-7, $597
6th: Joseph Thompson, Coatesville, Pa., five bass, 21-6, $547
7th: Clay Reece, Lexington, Ky., five bass, 21-1, $498
8th: Connor Bell, Lisbon, N.Y., five bass, 20-10, $448
9th: Brian Green, North Augusta, Ont., five bass, 20-2, $398
10th: Nevan Osburn, Lipan, Texas, five bass, 19-10, $348
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Carr caught a bass that weighed 5 pounds, 10 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $350.
Hunter Navari of Colchester, Vermont, won the Strike King co-angler division and $1,493 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 22 pounds, 4 ounces.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Hunter Navari, Colchester, Vt., five bass, 22-4, $1,493
2nd: Sean O’Halloran, Lipan, Texas, five bass, 20-0, $921
3rd: Adam Radovic, Brecksville, Ohio, five bass, 19-4, $497
4th: Garrett Sicely, Albany, Vt., five bass, 19-2, $348
5th: Lenny Baird, Stafford, Va., five bass, 15-8, $549
6th: Michael Bahnweg, Union Dale, Pa., five bass, 15-5, $274
7th: Benjamin Kapp, Benton, Pa., five bass, 14-14, $249
8th: David Williams, Fredericksburg, Pa., five bass, 14-13, $224
9th: Kyle Richardt, Weymouth, Mass., five bass, 14-12, $199
10th: Kyle Gilson Sr., Cedarville, N.J., five bass, 14-9, $174
Sean O’Halloran of Lipan, Texas, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $175, catching a bass that weighed in at 5 pounds, 8 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
After two events, William Kronander of Brownsville, Pennsylvania, leads the Fishing Clash Northeast Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 473 points, while David Williams of Fredericksburg, Virginia, leads the Fishing Clash Northeast Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 490 points.
The next event for BFL Northeast Division anglers will be held Aug. 7, at Lake Champlain in Plattsburgh, New York. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 3-5 BFL Regional tournament on Kerr Lake in Henderson, North Carolina. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.
The 2024 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, PowerStop Brakes, REDCON1, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 17 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Lake Champlain ready to shine during Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier
July 19, 2024
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — Anglers will visit Lake Champlain for the final Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier presented by Lowrance and Elite Series rookie Tim Dube expects anglers to find plenty of bass on the historic fishery this go-round.
“This is a great time to be up at Champlain,” the New Hampshire pro said. “You’ll have favorable weather patterns and shouldn’t have to deal with too much wind. The lake is full of fish. You are going to see a lot of fish catches and a lot of limits weighed in. It won’t be a struggle to catch them; it will be a struggle to catch the right five.”
Tournament days are scheduled for July 24-26 with daily takeoffs and weigh-ins to take place at the Plattsburgh City Marina. This is the last chance for anglers to qualify for the Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Lowrance at Grand Lake.
Splitting the border of New York and Vermont, Lake Champlain has been a gem of the bass fishing world for many years and a favorite stop amongst any angler fishing with B.A.S.S. Most recently, Kyoya Fujita won an Elite Series event with a four-day total of smallmouth weighing 86 pounds, 12 ounces.
This year, Dube said the bass are progressing through the spawn quicker than usual, which means the bass should be fat and healthy by the time anglers arrive for the tournament.
While a healthy largemouth population still exists in Champlain, smallmouth get much of the attention on the lake these days. Dube said there are plenty of 4-pound brownies that either chase alewives out in open water or hunker down to ambush perch in the shallows.
“There are more 4-pound smallmouth in that lake than 4-pound largemouth,” Dube said. “Numbers wise, the smallmouth guys are going to figure out the pelagic smallmouth. The Inland Sea has the largest population. But there will be a lot of people over there, so you could see a lot of bass being split up.”
Forward-facing sonar and a jighead minnow will be key to catching the roaming smallmouth while a more traditional approach like a drop shot or Carolina rig will be key for the perch eaters. The “old school Champlain” also exists still.
“You’ve got humps, individual rocks out on deep flats and you have grasslines,” Dube said. “Grasslines haven’t played in a couple years, but they might this year. But it is so easy to put the trolling motor down with forward-facing and see them versus dragging a Carolina rig down a grassline or over a rockpile.
“Big fish live shallow on that lake.”
The X factor in this event, according to Dube, will be the anglers who decide to spend some time attempting to catch largemouth. The lake features several different types of grass, including milfoil, which will attract most of the largemouth population.
Although it hasn’t played much in the last two Elite Series events, the Ticonderoga area on the south end of the lake could set up well in this tournament.
“That has potential as long as the wind doesn’t blow,” Dube said. “Someone could find a group of largemouth that are healthy, fat and potentially the winning kind of fish. The water is shallower and dirtier down there.”
Missisquoi Bay, meanwhile, tends to be the best largemouth area on the lake. Dube said the best way for an angler to separate themselves in what will likely be a tight leaderboard is to catch several 4-pound smallmouth and then land a 5-pound largemouth.
The event is hosted by The Adirondack Coast.
2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Title Sponsor: Mercury
2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Presenting Sponsor: Lowrance
2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Youth Sponsors: Seaguar, Shimano
About B.A.S.S.B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 205-313-0945, cgay@bassmaster.
Expect competitive weights at Junior/High School Championships at Chickamauga
July 19, 2024
DAYTON, Tenn. — For the second time, Chickamauga Lake will welcome some of the best youth anglers from across the country to compete in the Strike King Bassmaster High School National Championship presented by Bill Dance Signature Lakes as well as the Bassmaster Junior National Championship. Elite Series pro Jacob Foutz expects both tournaments to produce big bass.
“The lake has been fishing good this year,” the Tennessee native said. “The weights have been fairly consistent with what they have been the last few years. It took 42 pounds to win a local tournament in March. I was out the other day and I caught 50 or 60 in an eight-hour day. 20 pounds a day should be pretty good.”
The Junior Championship will be held July 26-27 before the high schoolers take center stage Aug. 1-3. The City of Dayton will host both events, with daily takeoffs and weigh-ins held at Dayton Boat Dock.
The youth teams that qualified for this event did so with top finishes in the four regular-season High School or Junior events or through state qualifying events through the B.A.S.S. Nation. Each Junior team will compete for the entire duration of the tournament, while the high school field will be cut to the Top 12 after Day 2.
Known for big bass, Chickamauga has turned into one of the most popular destinations on the Tennessee River system. In recent years, the youth series has visited the fishery several times. Carson Falk and Trey Blackmon III won the 2023 High School Series regular-season event with a one-day, five-bass limit of 25 pounds, 3 ounces. In 2021, Banks Shaw and Gage King won the first High School National Championship held at Chickamauga in late July with a three-day total of 45-6.
With summer reaching its peak in the southern part of the country, Foutz believes several different bites will come into play.
“There will be a few things going on. They will be catching the tail end of the ledge bite, while the grass bite is starting to get into full swing. Brushpiles are always good,” Foutz said. “You have a plethora of options. You’ve got bluff walls, and you can run up some of the rivers and flip wood and docks.”
For Foutz, late July and early August is his favorite time to start targeting the grass on Chickamauga. There are several different types of grass in the lake right now including hydrilla, milfoil, eelgrass and coontail.
“It will be topped out in some places, but most of it will be submerged,” he said. “You can catch them flipping a jig in some of the deeper clumps and there are places you can punch through it. You can catch them on a topwater, ChatterBait and on a worm, too.”
On the ledges, some of the bigger schools will still be gathered in the community areas of the lake. Foutz said he tries to find several smaller groups of bass to avoid some of the pressure.
Foutz expects topwaters, ChatterBaits and worms like a Zoom Ol’ Monster to play the most during this tournament, as well as a Damiki rig for anglers confident with their forward-facing sonar.
2024 Bassmaster High School Series Title Sponsor: Strike King
2024 Bassmaster High School Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2024 Bassmaster High School Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2024 Bassmaster High School Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
2024 Bassmaster High School Series Youth Sponsors: Seaguar, Shimano
2024 Bassmaster High School Championship Sponsor: Bill Dance Signature Lakes
About B.A.S.S.B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 205-313-0945, cgay@bassmaster.
MLF Unveils 2025 Bass Pro Tour Schedule
ORLANDO, Fla. (July 18, 2024) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today at ICAST the schedule for the seventh season of professional bass fishing’s most competitive circuit – the 2025 Bass Pro Tour. The 2025 season will showcase 65 of the world’s top professional bass anglers competing for millions of dollars, including the sport’s top award of $150,000 at every regular-season event, plus valuable points in the Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) race, and qualification into REDCREST 2026 and the General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event.
The 2025 Bass Pro Tour season, consisting of seven stages, begins in late January with Bass Pro Tour Stage One at Lake Conroe, where all anglers start with zero AOY points and look to get their season off to a strong start in the race for the Fishing Clash AOY title. The schedule continues through six more regular-season events – with three venues never fished before on the Bass Pro Tour – along with REDCREST 2025 and the sixth annual General Tire Heavy Hitters All-Star Event (also at a new venue). The seven-event regular season culminates with REDCREST 2026 in the spring of 2026.
“We’re excited about the rollout of the Bass Pro Tour 2025 schedule and what the season will offer to our fans: a fun mixture of new and familiar destinations, with a variety of fishery types and styles,” said MLF Executive Vice President & General Manager Kathy Fennel. “The schedule includes some of the best bass lakes and rivers in the country, which will create consistent excitement for our fans. We’re grateful to our fans, local partners and Bass Pro Tour anglers as we’re set up for an exciting 2025 season.”
For the first time in Bass Pro Tour history, the full field will compete simultaneously in the Qualifying Round on days one and two. From there, top anglers will advance to the Knockout Round on day three and ultimately the Championship Round on day four. Every day of catch, weigh, immediate-release competition will be broadcast live on MLFNOW! and streamed to the Major League Fishing app, MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) and Rumble apps, and at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
2025 MLF Bass Pro Tour Schedule:
Jan. 30- Feb. 2 Stage One at Lake Conroe Conroe, Texas
Hosted by Visit Conroe
Feb. 13-16 Stage Two at the Harris Chain of Lakes Leesburg, Fla.
Hosted by Discover Lake County Florida
March 6-9 Stage Three at Lake Murray Columbia, S.C.
Hosted by the Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board
April 3-6 Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2025 at Lake Guntersville Huntsville, Ala.
Hosted by Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association and the Madison County Commission
May 1-4 Stage Four at Lake Chickamauga/Nickajack Lake Chattanooga, Tenn.
Hosted by Chattanooga, Tennessee and Fish Tennessee
May 17-22 General Tire Heavy Hitters at Smith Mountain Lake Franklin County, Va.
Hosted by Visit Franklin County, VA and Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge
June 5-8 Stage Five at Kentucky Lake Calvert City, Ky.
Hosted by the Kentucky Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau
June 26-29 Stage Six at the Potomac River Marbury, Md.
Hosted by Charles County Recreation, Parks and Tourism
Aug. 7-10 Stage Seven at Saginaw Bay Bay City, Mich.
Hosted by Go Great Lakes Bay and the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
Proud sponsors of the MLF Bass Pro Tour include: Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Garmin, General Tire, Humminbird, Lowrance, Mercury, MillerTech, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak Fishing, NITRO, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, PowerStop Brakes, Rapala, REDCON1, Star brite, Suzuki, Toyota, U.S. Air Force and WIX Filters.
For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the 2025 Bass Pro Tour, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 17 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
THE LAST WORD IN 36V TROLLING MOTOR RIGGING
Today’s Powerful, New 36-Volt Direct-Drive & Lithium-Powered Trolling motors require special, high-performance connections… which 6 Gauge Wire configured Connect-Ease® 36V PRO provides.
PRIOR LAKE, MN (July 16, 2024) - Today’s powerful, new 36-volt direct-drive and lithium-powered trolling motors require special, high-performance connections…
Enter the Connect-Ease® 36V PRO Kit, which features 6 gauge wire, onboard charging leads, 60 amp circuit breaker, negative connection block, and direct connection leads with heat-shrinkable butt splices for a quick onboard charger connection—offering anglers hassle-free installation with everything preconfigured for proven, reliable performance.
The 36V PRO features tinned marine-grade wire and materials that will provide corrosion-proof reliability for the life of your boat. Provides up to 110 Amps power and is lithium battery compatible. The Connect-Ease 36V Pro kit brings a quick, easy installation and powerful, proven performance to any 36V trolling motor installation.
Ultimately, this easy-to-use multiple 36V series quick connect/disconnect lithium compatible system keeps serious anglers on the water longer; guys like top-winning professional walleye angler, Brett King, and numerous others.
The perfect 36V in-series connection with multi-12V batteries and onboard charging leads provides the perfect connection for optimal performance from high-output trolling motors. Keep spare batteries on board with our additional 12V easy battery connections for quick battery replacement in seconds for extra-long days, weekends or tournaments out on the water. This is the solution for those who want a trouble-free way to maintain and replace trolling motor batteries with onboard charging systems.
Everything stays perfectly connected! Protect your expensive equipment. Easily replace batteries in tight compartments without the hassle of dropping nuts, connections or tools in the bottom of the boat. This easy to use product allows batteries to be removed in seconds and 36V in series systems to be hooked up in a snap, easily and correctly every time.
Once Connect-Ease products are installed, no tools are needed for the removal, replacement or storage of expensive marine batteries. Using the Connect-Ease series of products allows connecting any 12V marine battery with any 36V trolling motor at any time, any place, easily and quickly, by simply snapping the connectors together.
FEATURES/SPECS:
- Plug & Play Connections; Lithium Compatible
- 60 Amp Circuit Breaker and ground block included
- 6 Gauge Marine Grade Wire with Heat Shrinkable Butt Splices
- Integrate Your Onboard Charger through Pre-Wired Connections
- Makes Rigging and Battery Removal Foolproof
- UL1426 Tinned Marine Grade Wire
- Saltwater Approved
- One-Year Warranty
- Made In the USA
MSRP $164.99
CPF Lures Wins 10th-Annual ICAST Cup Presented by Major League Fishing on Lake Toho
A Total of $8,200 Raised for Keep America Fishing™ Foundation
Link to Full Image Gallery from 2024 ICAST Cup
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (July 16, 2024) – The CPF Lures team, represented by Chuck Pippin and Jason George, brought a three-bass limit totaling 15 pounds, 7 ounces to the stage Tuesday to win the 2024 ICAST Cup at Lake Toho Presented by Major League Fishing (MLF). The four-hour bass-fishing tournament, hosted by the Kissimmee Sports Commission, was the kick-off event to ICAST 2024 and raised a total of $8,200 to benefit the industry’s angler advocacy program, Keep America Fishing™.
The field totaled 41 boats, including a handful of MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals and Toyota Series anglers, as well as outdoor media and industry representatives from popular tackle brands and non-profits. In its ten-year history, the charity tournament has raised more than $89,200 for Keep America Fishing™.
George and Pippin are partners in CPF Lures and said they leaned exclusively on one of their own baits for the winning bag.
“We caught every single one of our bass on a 10-inch ribbon tail worm from CPF Lures,” said Pippin. “We’re really known for our 8-inch trick worm, but sometimes this time of year when the weather’s hot and the water’s dirty, they want a little more action, so we slipped over to the ribbon-tail. You can never go wrong with a june-bug-colored bait on this lake.”
Pippin said they caught their limit early, in an area about the size of a bass boat.
“We caught them all by 8 a.m. this morning and just got really fortunate,” said Pippin. “A lot of guys were here from all across the country, and I think they were speeding up because we only have four hours, but we just drug that worm real slow and it paid off.”
George echoed Pippin’s sentiments.
“It was a good day,” said George. “Chuck put us on some really good fish, and we just ran the ribbon tail worm – just old-school-style fishing all morning. The bites were pretty consistent, so when they would stop, we would just go to the next spot and get a few bites and continued that pattern all morning.”
Pippin said the bite slowed later in the morning and the duo felt incredibly fortunate to have gotten the winning bass in the boat within the first few hours of the competition.
“Even though we only fished four hours, we probably would have weighed-in about the same if we’d fished eight hours, because they just kind of shut down on us,” Pippin said. “But this win feels pretty good! I’ve fished the ICAST Cup a couple times, but I didn’t watch the weigh-in because I didn’t want to put too much pressure on myself. However, now that we’ve won it, we’re already making plans to win it again next year!”
The top 10 teams finished the tournament in:
1st: CPF Lures – Jason George and Chuck Pippin, three bass, 15-7
2nd: American Baitworks – Robert Greenberg, JT Kenney and Justin Harant, three bass, 12-8
3rd: 10 CAN INC – Robert Isom, Michael Wilson and Stevie Brave, three bass, 12-6
4th: Gary Ford Well and Pump – Thad Ford and Nick Hawkins, three bass, 11-12
5th: Bull Bay Tackle – Jake Stines and Danny Hamm, three bass, 11-4
5th: T.A. Mahoney Co. – Mike Hardy and Tom Mahoney, three bass, 11-4
7th: Glacier Outdoor – Christine Hayton, Daniel Valois and Horaciso Clare, three bass, 10-11
8th: USA Bass – Nicole Abrams and Julie Leavitt, three bass, 10-8
9th: Bob’s Machine – Steven Pelini, Bryan Honnerlaw and Betty Bauman, three bass, 10-8
10th: Amera Trail, Steve “Boogie” Brown, Terry Segraves and Cindy Joint, three bass, 10-4
Complete results and photos from the tournament will be posted at ICASTCup.com.
USA Bass partnered with MLF and Keep America Fishing™ to award the top-finishing women’s pair at the ICAST Cup a spot on the 2025 USA Pan American Bass fishing team. The highest-finishing team of female anglers was Nicole Abrams and Julie Leavitt, who brought three bass to the stage totaling 10 pounds, 8 ounces to earn their spot on Team USA Bass at the 2025 Pan American Bass Fishing Championship, alongside other top pros.
Keep America Fishing™ is leading the fight to preserve our right to sustainably fish on our nation’s waterways. As the voice of the American angler, Keep America Fishing works to keep our public resources – our oceans, lakes, rivers and streams – open, clean and abundant with fish. For more information, please visit KeepAmericaFishing.org.
For more ICAST 2024 coverage, details and tournament information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 17 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
MLF Set to Wrap Tackle Warehouse Invitational Season Next Week with Stop 6 at Detroit River Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches
Tackle Warehouse Invitational set to visit Detroit next week to compete for top prize of up to $115,000 and qualification into REDCREST 2025
DETROIT (July 16, 2024) – The incredible bass fishing that the Detroit area offers to anglers will be on full showcase to a worldwide audience next week.
Major League Fishing (MLF) is set to visit Detroit and the Detroit River next week, July 26-28, for the sixth and final Tackle Warehouse Invitational event of the season – the Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 6 at the Detroit River Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches. The three-day tournament will feature a roster of up to 150 professional anglers competing for a top prize of up to $115,000 and an invitation to compete at REDCREST 2025 – MLF’s most prestigious event – for the chance to win up to $300,000.
Hosted by the Detroit Sports Commission, the event also features the competitors competing in their last event of the season for valuable points to claim the coveted Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) title – including a $50,000 payout – and to qualify for the 2025 Bass Pro Tour, MLF’s premiere circuit.
“The Detroit Sports Commission is excited to welcome the competitors and spectators to the Tackle Warehouse Invitational on the Detroit River,” said Dave Beachnau, Executive Director of the Detroit Sports Commission. “We are extremely proud of our relationship with Major League Fishing and look forward to showcasing not only our great local fishing and recreation, but also the opportunities for visitors to enjoy all the Detroit region has to offer, including terrific attractions, restaurants and lodging.”
This tournament marks the 99th time that MLF (and FLW) has hosted an event that launched from the Detroit River, although if you add in the events that have taken place on Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie – also options for tournament anglers in this event – the number balloons to 184 events. The glacier blue waters are known for its massive smallmouth bass populations, and local competitor Troy Stokes of Trenton, Michigan, says that right now, the fishery is on fire.
“Looking at results from recent tournaments, it’s clear that the bite is extremely good right now and the fish are very healthy,” said Stokes, who has eight top-10 finishes on the fishery in MLF competition. “I was blown away by the weights at the Bassmaster Open last week. I’ve never seen weights that high, throughout the field, ever. The fish are fat, they’re biting, and we’re going to see a really exciting tournament next week.”
Stokes said that he expects to see all three fisheries in play for competitors.
“I predict the majority of anglers will be fishing in Lake St. Clair, partly because the Open just smashed them there,” Stokes said. “But it’s also the most consistent. Lake Erie definitely has winning potential, but you’re going to have to be really careful going out there. You’re much more susceptible to the wind and inclement conditions. And you also have to be familiar with the Detroit River – if it was later in the year the river would be a much bigger factor in this event. But you can’t discount it, especially on windy days. If the weather is bad and we end up having to fish in the river, it could derail your tournament if you’ve never fished there before. So there is definitely a lot in play.”
Stokes said that the majority of anglers would be weighing in large limits of smallmouth bass, but he expects to see quite a few largemouth bass visit the scale as well.
“There is some really good largemouth fishing – I’ve weighed in quite a few mixed bags over the years,” Stokes said. “But in this tournament, with the smallmouth biting as good as they are, it’s going to be extremely hard to compete with just largemouth. A guy might catch one big bag, but it’d be very tough to compete over the multiple days.
“With fishing this good, it’s going to take more than a 22-to-23-pound average each day to be there at the end,” Stokes went on to say. “I’m thinking someone is going to catch a mega bag one day, then back it up with a couple of very solid limits. I predict the three-day winner will have 74 pounds, 7 ounces.”
Anglers will launch at 6:30 a.m. ET each day from Elizabeth Park, located at 202 Grosse Ile Parkway in Trenton, Michigan. Weigh-ins will also be held at the park and will begin at 2:30 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and weigh-in events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® live stream and coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The 2024 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals feature a field of professional anglers competing across six invitational tournaments around the country, for a total purse of $3.9 million and valuable Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) points to qualify for a coveted spot on the MLF Bass Pro Tour, the sport’s top level.
In Tackle Warehouse Invitational competition, the full field compete in the two-day opening round on Friday and Saturday in a five-fish, weigh-in format. Only the top 30 pros, based on their two-day cumulative weight, advance to the final round on Championship Sunday, where they will compete for the grand prize of up to $115,000. The winner of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 6 at the Detroit River Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches will be determined by the heaviest three-day cumulative weight and will receive an invitation to compete at REDCREST 2025 on Lake Guntersville in Huntsville, Alabama.
The MLFNOW! broadcast team of Chad McKee and Rob Newell will break down the extended action live all three days of competition from 7 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. ET. MLFNOW! will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.
Television coverage of the MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Stop 6 at the Detroit River Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches will air as a two-hour episode, premiering at 9 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Nov. 9 on CBS Sports Network.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals include: 7 Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak Fishing, Onyx, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, PowerStop Brakes, REDCON1, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Tackle Warehouse Invitational updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 17 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Three Must-See New Products
NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE
The long wait is over. The doors are about to open. And Whitewater Fishing invites you to see their latest offerings in ICAST’s New Product Showcase, and then visit our booth (#5812) to learn more about the brand, our design philosophies, and certainly look over all that Whitewater Fishing has to offer. We look forward to meeting you...
| RAYS PERFORMANCE HOODIE |
Rays Against Sunrays
Whitewater Fishing’s new Rays Performance Hoodie keeps sunrays and perspiration out, while delivering unmatched performance and comfort on the water.
Rays Performance Hoodie FEATURES:
- Lightweight, breathable polyester for incredible stretch
- Touch-Activated cooling fabric technology
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Anti-microbial, moisture-wicking, & cooling treated to keep you fresh & cool when your body temp rises
- Ergonomic 3-panel hood with a snap to keep it in place on the water
- Built-in neck gaiter for sun protection and laser-cut holes for breathing
MSRP $79.99
| PREVAIL FISHING PANT |
Destined to Prevail
Whitewater Fishing’s new Prevail Pant fuses functionality, fit, and freedom of movement.
Prevail Pant FEATURES:
- Quick-dry nylon/spandex stretch twill fabric
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Stain resistant
- Antimicrobial treated
- 7 pockets: 2 front waist, 2 thigh zip, 2 back zip, 1 knife pocket
- Side seam vent zippers allow for temperature regulation
- Articulated knees & gusseted crotch for mobility
- Available in Charcoal and Khaki
- SIZES: 32R – 42R
MSRP $99.99
| GREAT LAKES PRO INSULATED JACKET |
Best Cold Weather Raingear Ever Designed
Whitewater Fishing’s new Great Lakes Pro Insulated Rainsuit is the ultimate outerwear for fishing the coldest and wettest freshwater and saltwater conditions.
Great Lakes Pro Insulated JACKET FEATURES:
- 100% Waterproof (30,000 mm rated)
- 100% Windproof
- Exclusive 3-layer waterproof/breathable material
- 4-way stretch nylon-based shell with smooth polyester lining
- Thermal Mapped Primaloft® Silver insulation (133 grams front, 170 grams back, 100 below the waist)
- Articulated shoulders and elbows
- Skillfully taped seams
- High insulated collar
- 3-panel, adjustable, and insulated hood
- Adjustable waist
- 2 sewn-in D-rings (lower ring for safety cord, upper ring for trolling motor fobs)
- 5 pockets for storage and warmth: 2 AquaGuard® water-resistant zip chest, 2 AquaGuard® water-resistant zip waist, 1 interior zip chest for smartphone
- Reflective material
MSRP $499.99
AVAILABLE FALL 2024
| GREAT LAKES PRO INSULATED BIBS |
Great Lakes Pro Insulated BIB FEATURES:
- 100% Waterproof (30,000 mm rated)
- 100% Windproof
- Exclusive 3-layer waterproof/breathable material
- 4-way stretch nylon-based shell with smooth polyester lining
- Thermal Mapped Primaloft® Silver insulation (60 grams front, 80 grams back, 100 grams sleeves, and 80 grams hooda/collar)
- Gusseted crotch for added mobility
- Articulated knees for added mobility
- Skillfully taped seams
- Waist tighteners to lessen pull on shoulders
- BEMIS PVC on knees for added durability and waterproofness
- Waist high side zippers for easy in and out
- Adjustable suspenders with silicone grip to stay in place
- Adjustable wrist closures
- 6 pockets with highly water-resistant AquaGuard® zippers (2 chest, 2 waist, and 2 cargo)
- Zippers for dry storage
- 2 sewn-in D-rings (lower ring for safety cord, upper ring for trolling motor fobs)
- Reflective material
MSRP $499.99
AVAILABLE FALL 2024
Japan’s Top Brand Comes to North America
New extreme low diameter X-BRAID FINESSE developed through exclusive manufacturing processes.
FOOTHILL RANCH, CA (July 16, 2024) – It’s often said, “the devil is in the details”. It means the down-in-the-weeds-details are complicated, and if not managed with precision, are likely to produce a poor result. The axiom surely applies to manufacturing fishing products, too. Think about that realistically shaped and attractively painted off-brand crankbait that comes out of the box running like a bottle rocket off the stick. Sadly, it happens.
The good news is that DAIWA pays painstaking attention to detail, and it shows in their high performance rods, reels, lures, accessories, and fishing line.
Japan’s premier X-BRAID fishing line brand vexes over the details as well. And it’s why DAIWA partnered with X-BRAID to bring the world’s best fishing lines to the North American market, to include the new X-BRAID FINESSE.
Quite literally, those details start at a molecular level. For years, braided lines woven with Dyneema® were at the top of the food chain, but that’s all changed as IZANAS® takes the lead. The ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene material has the highest strength and modulus of a manmade fiber. How strong? Try nearly 8 times stronger than piano wire of the same weight.
We turn to DAIWA Field Marketing Manager, Chris Martin, to further the discussion. “Beyond IZANAS being an unrivaled base material, it’s how individual weights of the entire X-BRAID family are manufactured that makes it far superior to the competition. Other companies take a single base material and stretch it to achieve the desired diameter and weight. This creates inconsistencies, which can lead to weak spots.”
Uniquely, each diameter and weight of X-BRAID is produced from a dedicated spool. So, for example, if 10-pound X-BRAID FINESSE is the desired final weight, the base material fiber is 10-pound. No stretching. No inconsistencies.
Martin goes on to underscore the weaving process employed for all X-BRAID lines. “The actual weaving machines are proprietary and built in house to create the ‘WX Weave’. In traditional weaving used by other brands the line comes off multiple bobbins. That means an in an 8 strand weave there are 8 bobbins spitting out line. That results in line twist and inconsistencies.”
In X-BRAID’s “top secret” WX Weave, the strands come together uniformly to yield exceptional consistency. Moreover, the X-BRAID process produces a denser weave – 1.5 X the competition – with more material in the finished product. That tighter weave results in a smoother, more abrasion resistant fishing line. The meticulous process also takes twice as long as the competition, and anglers are the beneficiaries of the patient production.
The WX Weave also generates a rounder and slightly stiffer line. This modest amount of stiffness makes it much easier to handle and tie, closer to how monofilament feels. This manageability translates into fewer bird’s nests on the cast, too. But if you happen to snarl, the micro stiffness makes it much easier to untangle the knot.
The awesomeness of X-BRAID FINESSE doesn’t end there. “The line making process concludes with the addition of a specialized coating that allows for extremely low friction, as well as heat, abrasion, and chemical resistance…not to mention longer casts,” said Martin.
Lastly, X-BRAID FINESSE comes in high visibility white to make the line easier to manage and visible in low-light conditions.
WHY X-BRAID FINESSE?
The 8-carrier X-BRAID FINESSE was originally conceived in Japan to fish through current and in deeper water for tai (sea bream). The revered fish is used in celebrations to bring in good luck, which is associated with the tai’s vivid red color and beautiful shape.
Stateside, the benefits of such an extremely low diameter line are manifold. “Bass anglers will love it for throwing superlight jigs, as well as fishing deep with spoons and bladebaits,” said Martin. He notes that the line’s supreme sensitivity makes it possible to feel the bait in those situations. He added, “There’s an incredible transfer of energy from the line to the rod tip. To that, its narrow diameter greatly reduces the formation of wind knots because X-BRAID FINESSE cuts wind on the cast.”
Its abilities to slash wind and provide unmatched sensitivity will make X-BRAID FINESSE popular with panfish and trout anglers as well. “Think about casting 1/32nd and 1/16th ounce jigs. You need a line of this caliber to do that. And trout anglers will be able to gun inline spinners and spoons, not to mention feel the blade rotating and body wobbling.”
In freshwater rivers, X-BRAID FINESSE will better slice the current – reduce bowing – so you can maintain contact with your bait. Walleye and smallmouth bass anglers will surely appreciate this feature.
Martin concluded by touting the line’s breaking strength. “Don’t be fooled by X-BRAID FINESSE’s super low diameter. The breaking strength is unbelievable.”
X-BRAID FINESSE FEATURES:
- Constructed of revolutionary IZANAS® polyethylene fibers
- 8-carrier braid
- Proprietary WX Weave process
- Multi-color green, tan, and black for camouflaging
- Perfectly round
- Extreme low diameter
- High breaking strength
- Abrasion resistant
- Specially coated to lower friction and repel oil, chemicals, etc.
- 165-yard spoon
- Available in 4-lb to 20-lb weights
MSRP $25.99
NOW SHIPPING!
For Daiwa’s latest color catalog and/or information on Daiwa dealers in your area, call Daiwa’s Customer Service Department at 562-375-6800 or e-mail inquiries to: CSR@Daiwa.com. The URL for Daiwa’s web site is daiwa.us
Best Cold Weather Raingear Ever Designed
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Whitewater Fishing’s new Great Lakes Pro Insulated Rainsuit is the ultimate outerwear for fishing the coldest and wettest freshwater and saltwater conditions. |
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MUSKEGON, Mich. (July 15, 2024) – In the Gregorian Calendar – the one we use – fishing is a yearlong enterprise. There are surely peaks, closed, and open seasons, but for anyone dedicated to the sport, there’s always something to fish for, somewhere. That brings us to the “tweener” seasons. Tourism calls them the “shoulder” seasons. To summarize, it means those off-peak periods when many folks stay home because the weather is too cold and crappy. Guess what? If you’re determined to fish when the weather is frightful, you have a new bestie in Whitewater Fishing’s new Great Lakes Pro Insulated Rainsuit (Jacket and Bibs). |
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“We wanted a late season rainsuit for those seasonal crossover periods, like the months of October, November, and December,” said Whitewater Fishing President, Aaron Ambur. “The early spring months of March and April can be equally as miserable outside.” Clearly, the Midwest and Great Lakes Region offers a natural laboratory for designing and testing extreme weather raingear, presenting ‘worst case scenario’ weather conditions to really put outerwear to the test. And the good news for anglers throughout North America is that the Great Lakes Pro Insulated Rainsuit passed the Great Lakes test, so it’s certain to perform in your region as well. Cold fishing conditions aren’t unique to the north. Try bass fishing in central Texas in January. How about springtime stripers on the Atlantic? Same goes for northern California, Oklahoma, Iowa, Pennsylvania, New England, North Carolina, and on and on. |
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Speaking of Oklahoma, the recent Bassmaster Classic was held on Grand Lake O' the Cherokees and it was friggin’ cold. So icy in fact that Whitewater Pro Jay Przekurat donned the new Great Lakes Pro Insulated rainsuit and was shall we say…warmer than the rest of the field. Whitewater Fishing President, Aaron Ambur, who has over 20-year experience designing outdoor apparel, said, “We considered every square inch of the Great Lakes Pro Insulted Rainsuit. We wanted to change the way anglers go to battle in cold conditions. That’s our promise, |
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ULTIMATE MOBILITY, WATERPROOFNESS, AND DURABILITY We’ll get to the sophisticated ‘zone-insulation’ system in a moment, but first Ambur talked about mobility. “Our design team knew insulation would be part of the package, but before sewing a single stich, we knew creating a highly mobile garment was job one.” ‘Fabric first’ is a Whitewater Fishing mantra. “Selecting the right fabric is ground zero for everything we do,” said Ambur. “The fabric package in the Great Lakes Pro Insulated Rainsuit is nylon based with a remarkable 4-way stretch and unmatched durability. The material is also ripstop, so an accidental puncture doesn’t further tear.” Next, you need precision cuts and fabric panels to facilitate mobility. “This rainsuit is fully constructed to move with the normal motions you make while fishing, like casting, bending, and kneeling.” To enable these actions, Whitewater cut and sewed patterns in the elbows and knees to promote articulation. That means the fabric panels are preformed to bend in the elbows and knees without pulling on the surrounding fabric. |
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Smooth and comfortable polyester lining. |
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Same goes for the crotch area. The Great Lakes Pro Insulated features a gusseted crotch. That means a separate and precise fabric panel is sown-in to eliminate resistance and expand motion. In many lesser suits, the leg sections are simply sown into a bunch, which really bunches up when you walk or bend. On the topic of patterns and cuts, Ambur mentioned a key component to the Great Lakes Pro Insulated Rainsuit. “Each pattern was measured and cut to exactness to eliminate any extra material that would add bulk. This also gives the rainsuit a sleek and clean look.” “We don’t add extra material to achieve freedom of movement. Rather, we promote mobility through exactness in design, fit, and fabrication.” Obviously, premium raingear also needs to be waterproof. Whitewater’s intelligent 3-layer fabric-build on the Great Lakes Pro Insulated Rainsuit is 100% waterproof. The suit’s 30,000 mm waterproof rating is best of class, while still maintaining breathability. It means the 3-layer material is fully rainproof and waterproof under very high pressure, but at the same time perspiration can escape. Heavy rain, wet snow, and high pressure are no match for the Great Lakes Pro Insulated Rainsuit. |
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AquaGuard® water-resistant chest zippers. |
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THERMAL MAP INSULATION Insulation doesn’t have to mean bulky, at least in the minds of Whitewater Fishing. First, you need exceptional insulation, like the Primaloft® Silver found in the Great Lakes Pro Insulated Rainsuit. Next, that insulation must be precisely placed – thermal mapped – to achieve warmth while not hindering mobility. What is Primaloft Silver? The exceptional insulation is made from ultrafine, soft microfibers from polyester, connected at millions of contact points. They create a tightly cross-linked tangle of fibers with countless little air chambers that trap body heat, allow air to circulate, while also protecting against cold from the outside. We’ve established that Primaloft Silver is a technologically advanced insulation. But it’s how Whitewater distributes the material throughout the jacket and bibs that maximizes its effectiveness, while at the same time enabling mobility on the water. |
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“Thermal mapping is key,” said Ambur. “For example, in the chest area we included 133 grams of Primaloft Silver and 170 grams in the back. That’s for maximum warmth. In the sleeves we dropped down to 100 grams to emphasize motion. We went even further and insulated the hood and collar, too.” “You pair the insulation package with the rainsuit’s 100% windproof distinction, and you are talking about unreal thermal results. The physical weight of this garment to its thermal value results is off the charts.” Thermal mapping is a tenet of the bibs, too. The chest sports 60 grams of Primaloft Silver; the back 80 grams; and 100 grams below the waist. Ambur sums it up this way: “We set out to design cold weather raingear with maximum thermal value and minimal physical weight, along with mobility, stretch, and durability. The Great Lakes Pro Insulated rainsuit even exceeded our expectations…” |
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Waist tighteners to reduce weight on shoulders. |
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Full-leg zippers with strorm flap. |
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BEMIS PVC on knees for added durability and waterproofness. |
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Great Lakes Pro Insulated JACKET FEATURES:
MSRP $499.99 AVAILABLE FALL 2024
Great Lakes Pro Insulated BIB FEATURES:
MSRP $499.99 AVAILABLE FALL 2024 |
FISHING: Forward-Facing Sonar Beast
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FFS Beast |
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Ever Green’s new Last Ace 128 arrives as a bigger offering for forward-facing sonar enthusiasts. |
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FOOTHILL RANCH, CA (July 11, 2024) – The advent of forward-facing sonar (FFS) has hatched numbers of nouveau techniques to tempt fish marked in front of the boat. There’s ‘moping,’ ‘hover strolling,’ and ‘mid-strolling’. And now, Ever Green launches its new 5-inch Last Ace 128 for ‘power mid-strolling’ with the aim of enticing alpha bass in the pack. |
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LAST ACE 128 (BABY GILL) rigged on a jig. |
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DAIWA’s Field Marketing Manager, Chris Martin, explained. “The Last Ace 128 offers a slightly larger profile than most FFS minnow-style baits on the market. The bigger silhouette is designed to root out the biggest, most aggressive fish in the pod.” The Last Ace 128’s power mid-strolling effect is accomplished by its noticeably up-curved tail design. “The unique shape and angle of the tail makes it effortless for anglers to achieve that tantalizing rolling action so popular with FFS,” said Martin. Its action is further enhanced by a specialized salt constitution. “The salt composition is evenly dispersed through only the belly half of the Last Ace 128,” said Martin. “Rigged weightless and power strolled, it causes the bait to sink horizontally and produce a shimmy akin to an injured baitfish. Its offset weighting is the key.” Infused with baitfish scent throughout, the Last Ace 128 has an exceptionally flexible belly and tail, while the purposely denser top yields exceptional durability around the hook. Cosmetically, fish will appreciate the Last Ace 128’s raised, 3D “real eyes” and dotted lateral line, which accentuate its authenticity. |
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ARMANDO GOLD |
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SUPER WAKASAGI |
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BABY GILL |
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WHITE CLEAR |
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NATURAL SHAD |
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NEON MOROKO |
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RIGGING THE LAST ACE 128 The slow sinking and exceptionally durable Last Ace 128 can be rigged weightless with a swimbait hook. Downward into the nose, back up through the body, and then slide the hookpoint into the molded notch on the bait’s back. The hookpoint stays hidden but is easily activated by a striking fish. Rigging as such also makes the Last Ace 128 virtually weedless for operating through vegetation. It can also be paired with a jig. Go lighter for working the middle of the water column and heavier if you want to operate near or on the bottom. Long-shanked jigs with quality baitholders work best. Lastly, and most simply, impale the middle of the Last Ace 128’s back from side to side with a kahle-style hook. Flip it out, let it sink, and twitch it around. Looks like a baitfish taking its last gulp of air. |
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Unique upturned tail produces lifelike rolling action. |
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LAST ACE 128 FEATURES:
MSRP $11.99 (4 pack) |
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For Daiwa’s latest color catalog and/or information on Daiwa dealers in your area, call Daiwa’s Customer Service Department at 562-375-6800 or e-mail inquiries to: CSR@Daiwa.com. The URL for Daiwa’s web site is daiwa.us |
“Never Seen Anything Like It” Rod
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DAIWA’s new ARDITO travel rod series includes a premium telescoping model that morphs into its own case and fits in your backpack or briefcase. |
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FOOTHILL RANCH, CA (July 14, 2024) – Bass fishing for a 10-pounder in Mexico. Floatplane only access to remote walleye and smallmouth lakes in Canadian glacial shield lakes. Big trout that seldom see a lure on hike-in-only Alpine mountain lakes. And that’s just the first page of your bucket list... In concert, DAIWA has rewritten what it means to be a destination angler with its new ARDITO travel rod series. The first-of-its-kind assortment includes featured-filled telescoping and multi-piece spinning and casting rods you can take on planes, trains, and automobiles, as well as bikes, motorcycles, UTV’s, and golf carts – although we don’t endorse sneaking onto golf courses to fish…wink, wink. |
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ARDITO Jitte spinning (guides and sections collapsed) |
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ARDITO Jitte spinning (fully collapsed and self-contained) |
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Of special note are the new ARDITO ‘Jitte’ casting and spinning rods, with a self-contained telescoping rod design concept that will have most anglers saying, “I’ve never seen anything like it.” The groundbreaking design of the ARDITO travel rod is how the 6’7’ARD67B-TR casting and ARD67S-TR spinning rods – each with a full train of eight guides – can telescope into themselves with the handle used to make it completely protected and self-contained. Collapsed and contained, it’s like holding a baton. Since first touch, DAIWA’s staff has been coming up with new locations and ways to travel with the ARDITO Jitte telescoping travel rods. |
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ARDITO Jitte casting (guides and sections collapsed) |
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ARDITO Jitte spinning (fully collapsed and self-contained) |
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“In our discussions with product development, sales, and marketing staff about the Jitte rod introduction at ICAST, our talks always drifted into unique ways and where these rods would be ideal to use,” said DAIWA’s Field Marketing Specialist Chris Martin. “Those ideas went everywhere from packing them in your Harley saddlebags for a ride to Sturgis and chasing northern pike, yellow perch and crappie in Bear Butte Lake – it’s a short 8 miles from DAIWA headquarters – to that lake or creek you keep seeing on your business travels and daydream about. Now, you have legitimate, packable rod that’ll put you on the water after a long day of meetings.” “Always being on the road with my role at DAIWA means I’m traveling to fishing shows, events, and dealer meetings, and it’s a complete hassle to take a rod tube along,” continued Martin. “You can bet I’ll have an ARDITO Jitte rod, or two, at my side in the future.” Martin reminds ARDITO Jitte travel rod users not to forget your reels and lures! |
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The telescoping ARDITO Jitte ARD6106TLFS-TR spinning travel rod is a medium-power, fast action and designed for 1/16- to 3/8-oz lures and 3- to 10-lb line. The telescoping ARDITO Jitte ARD6106TMFB-TR casting travel rod is medium-power, fast action and designed for 3/16- to 5/8-oz lures and 7- to 16-lb line. MSRP $199.99 |
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4-piece ARDITO Premium Travel Rod (casting) |
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Jitte might be the flagship ARDITO travel rod, but there’s an entire series behind it. DAIWA’s technology and construction features are evident throughout the ARDITO telescoping and multi-piece family, making them the new standard in travel rod design and performance. The 6’8” ARD684MLSF-TR ARDITO Premium Travel Rod is a medium-light, 4-piece spinning rod for use with 5- to 12-pound test with a split-grip cork handle. There’s a full cork handle on the 6’10” ARD6104MHFB-TR medium-heavy casting rod, which is rated for up 20-pound test to tackle big bass and more. |
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4-piece ARDITO Premium Travel Rod (spinning) |
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“Feels like you’re fishing a one-piece due to DAIWA’s V-Joint technology,” said Martin. “By wrapping the rod blank’s carbon material at 45-degrees around the connecting ferrules, we eliminated any flat or dead spots in the rod. You won’t know it’s a four-piece rod.” The four-piece ARDITO travel rods also feature DAIWA’s HVF Nano plus carbon blank material for lightness and sensitivity, along with DAIWA’s X-45 Bias construction process to prevent blank twisting, while adding further sensitivity and durability. Both models sport high-quality Fuji Alconite guides and come standard with a sturdy yet pliable, semi-hard travel case. The 6’ 10” four-piece ARDITO ARD6104MHFB-TR travel rod is a medium-heavy, fast action rod designed for ¼- to ¾-ounce lures and 8- 20-lb line. The 6’ 8” spinning version (RD684MLFS-TR) is a medium-light, fast action rod designed for 1/8- to ½-ounce lures and 5- to 12-pound line. MSRP $249.99 |
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ARDITO Premium Telescoping Travel Rod (casting) |
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With the ARDITO Premium Telescoping Travel Rods – both a 6’10” casting and spinning model – DAIWA again employs its V-Joint flexing ferrule joint system to make it fish like a traditional one-piece rod. “Anglers will be shaking their heads that these are telescoping rods that fish like one-piece rods,” stated Martin. Both rated to handle lures up to 5/8-ounce and for use with 7- to 16-pound test line, depending on your preference for casting or spinning, you can target everything from panfish, trout and crappies, to walleyes, bass, pike. The super-compact ARDITO Premium telescoping rods feature a full cork handle, O-ring guides, and come with a softshell structures travel case. The 6’ 10” ARD6106TMFB-TR ARDITO (casting) Premium Telescoping Rod is medium-power, fast action and rated for 3/16- to 5/8-ounce lures and 7- to 16-lb line, and features Fuji O-Ring Guides. The 6’ 10” ARD6106TLFS-TR ARDITO (spinning) Premium Telescoping Rod is light-power, fast action and rated for 3/16- to 5/8-ounce lures and 7- to 16-lb line, and features Fuji O-Ring Guides. MSRP $199.99 |
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ARDITO Premium Telescoping Travel Rod (spinning) |
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For Daiwa’s latest color catalog and/or information on Daiwa dealers in your area, call Daiwa’s Customer Service Department at 562-375-6800 or e-mail inquiries to: CSR@Daiwa.com. The URL for Daiwa’s web site is daiwa.us |
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About Daiwa Corporation Daiwa's first spinning reel rolled off the assembly line in 1955. Since then, the company has grown into one of the largest and most influential tackle companies in the world today. To handle sales and distribution in the United States, Daiwa Corporation first opened its doors on September 26, 1966, operating from a small facility in Culver City, California. Today, based in Foothill Ranch, California, Daiwa Corporation sells tackle throughout the United States, Canada, Central and South America. From the very beginning, Daiwa's emphasis has been upon innovation and quality. The result is a long list of product features, design and materials that have become standards for the fishing tackle industry. Daiwa’s long-standing record of innovation has left a visible mark on the majority of tackle manufactured today and continues to advance the sport of fishing. Learn more at daiwa.us |
New Products from AFTCO - ICAST Edition
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Light Jigging and Power Come Together
DAIWA’s new Saltiga Light Jigging rods accentuate popular light jigging techniques while adding the oomph required for saltwater fishing.
FOOTHILL RANCH, CA (July 14, 2024) – As the saltwater fishing world continues to evolve with anglers looking for lighter jigging rods that handle maximum pressure and big, heavy jigs it takes to hook land big, heavy fish, DAIWA answers the challenge with its new Saltiga Light Jigging rods.
The new series includes two 6’2” conventional rods – the SGLJ62MB to handle up to 160 grams (5.5 ounces) jigs and SGLJ62MHB for up to 200 grams (7 ounces) jigs, and two 6’6” spinning rods – the SGLJ66MS (160 grams max jig weight) and the SGLJ66MHS (200 grams max jig weight). The new rods are being introduced at ICAST ’24, filling out DAIWA’s saltwater jigging rod matrix to provide anglers with power slow super light rods jigging rods.
Key to the new Saltiga Light Jigging rods is DAIWA’s use of its MegaTop solid carbon construction throughout the entirety of the blank. There is virtually no unidirectional spine in the rod tip, so it bends at the same angle in all directions, leading to more rod control when using heavier jigs and while fighting a fish.
“An additional bonus is of the MegaTop construction process is the immediate transfer of even the lightest bite from the rod tip through the blank and into the DAIWA Air Sensor reel seat on the spinning rods, or into the DAIWA custom reel seat on the conventional models,” explained Chris Martin, DAIWA’s Field Marketing Manager.
“In many situations when using light jigging gear, a fish spanking the bait as it flutters down is the most difficult time to detect a bite,” continued Martin. “With the enhanced tip to reel seat sensitivity from our MegaTop construction, you’ll feel that weird little difference when a fish does hit the jig on the way down, and then the fight is on.”
DAIWA employs its X45 carbon fiber weave within the rod blank to not only ensure a robust backbone, but also contribute to less rod twisting for more fish-fighting power. Fuji K guides and all SIC rings transfer the line smoothly, reducing friction when reeling under heavy loads. Martin noted that all these features come together to create a combination super light/traditional jigging rod that performs as needed for deep water use, as well as the finesse needs for light jigging.
All Saltiga Light Jigging rods are designed for use with up to the maximum of 20-pound test J-Braid. “Ideally, anglers should focus on using 100- to- 150-gram – and up to the 200-gram max rating in select situations,” Martin said. “These rods can put it to big fish so they can used when targeting tilefish, grouper, snapper, and pelagics on the East Coast, along with West Coast waters for lingcod, rockfish, and pelagics.
Saltiga Light Jigging FEATURES:
- Four Spinning and Casting models
- Light rods with exceptional power
- MegaTop solid carbon bends in all directions
- X45 carbon fiber weave eliminates blank twist
- Durable and smooth delivering Fuji K guides and SIC rings
- Air Sensor reel seat (spinning)
- Custom reel seat (conventional)
- Soft, grippy, and durable butts
- Luxurious finish
- Premium components
- Japanese blank
- Rated up to 20-lb. test
MSRP $449.99
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PERFECT PAIRING Match up the conventional rods with the new Saltiga 15 jigging reel, Saltiga 15 Lever Drag, or Saltiga Star Drag 10, while our Saltiga G 4000, 5000, and 6000 size or new Certate SW 5000 and 6000 size spinning reels match the Saltiga Light Jigging spinning models. “You’ll take the jigging success for big fish to a next level, and you’ll be fighting the fish, not the tackle,” Martin said in closing. |
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For Daiwa’s latest color catalog and/or information on Daiwa dealers in your area, call Daiwa’s Customer Service Department at 562-375-6800 or e-mail inquiries to: CSR@Daiwa.com. The URL for Daiwa’s web site is daiwa.us |
Kentucky’s Godwin Gets His First Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Ohio River in Paducah
Missouri’s Welch Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division
PADUCAH, Ky. (July 15, 2024) – Boater Bryan Godwin of Marion, Kentucky, caught a five-bass limit weighing 13 pounds, 9 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on the Ohio River at Paducah. The tournament was the third event of the season for the BFL Illini Division. Godwin earned $2,977 for his victory.
From the launch in Paducah, anglers could stay on the Ohio River, or they had the option to run up the Cumberland River to the Lake Barkley tailrace, or up the Tennessee River to fish below Kentucky Dam. These large tailraces are popular fisheries all year, with good populations of largemouth and smallmouth bass, in addition to a variety of other species.
Godwin, a local, chose to run up the Cumberland.
“I ran all the way to the (Barkley) dam, and then I fished a few spots I’ve got on the way back down,” he said.
“The fish bit the first hour. After that, it was just scattered here and there. They’re not everywhere. You’ve got to find specific spots that they’re sitting on.”
Godwin says the Cumberland is all a timing deal, usually depending on the current flowing through the dam. But lately, just getting on the right spot first thing in the morning has led to some quality limits.
He targeted his tailrace fish in 4 to 6 feet of water on natural rock.
“It’s a current-break spot,” he said. “And they just happened to be on it, and I got lucky. I’ve got three spots that are like that, and they were on one and not the other two. After that it was stragglers here and there. But that first spot I pulled up and in 20 casts had five fish.”
Rotating back and forth between baits was another key. His rotation included a Rapala DT6 crankbait and a 3/8-ounce Greenfish Tackle Bryan New Bad Little Dude Jig. He occasionally mixed in a tube, but the crankbait and jig were his go-tos.
“If you’d catch one or two off of one, you could turn around and throw the other,” added Godwin, whose limit included four smallmouth bass and one largemouth.
Due to the water spilling through Barkley Dam, the tailrace currents are constantly swirling and changing, flowing upstream and downstream and forming eddies. Godwin carefully monitored the flows to present his lures naturally.
“I used the current to wash my bait,” he said. “That’s the key within the key, the spot within the spot. You let the current do the work for your bait so it’s more natural and not you doing it.”
Once he left the tailrace, Godwin targeted humps and other structure in the mouths of creeks. He used the crankbait and jig in these areas as well.
The top 11 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Bryan Godwin, Marion, Ky., five bass, 13-9, $2,977
2nd: Peyton Coleman, Paducah, Ky., five bass, 12-14, $1,989 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
3rd: Andrew Harper, Shelbyville, Ill., five bass, 11-10, $1,292
4th: Joe Johnson, Clarksville, Tenn., five bass, 11-8, $695
5th: Colby Schrumpf, Highland, Ill., five bass, 10-10, $595
6th: Justin Berger, Murray, Ky., five bass, 10-6, $546
7th: Jason Jacobs, Charleston, Ill., five bass, 9-10, $496
8th: Kyle Dowdy, Sunrise Beach, Mo., five bass, 8-13, $447
9th: Mario Rossi, Granite City, Ill., four bass, 8-10, $397
10th: Travis Boley, Weldon, Ill., four bass, 8-3, $330
10th: Coty Fowler, Brookport, Ill., five bass, 8-3, $330
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Jeffrey Lee of Olney, Illinois, caught a bass that weighed 5 pounds, 1 ounce, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $340.
Caleb Welch of Bolivar, Missouri, won the Strike King co-angler division and $1,489 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 8 pounds, 7 ounces.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Caleb Welch, Bolivar, Mo., five bass, 8-7, $1,489
2nd: Aaron Wehmeyer, Normal, Ill., five bass, 7-8, $744
3rd: Ryan Murphy, Paris, Ill., five bass, 6-14, $497
4th: Kim Sapetti, Chatham, Ill., three bass, 6-8, $517
5th: Jason Halverson, Belvidere, Ill., three bass, 6-3, $298
6th: Dale Renth, Mascoutah, Ill., four bass, 5-11, $273
7th: Eugene Kim, Lindenhurst, Ill., four bass, 5-9, $248
8th: William Stokes, Paducah, Ky., five bass, 5-4, $210
8th: Gary Huber II, Saint Charles, Mo., four bass, 5-4, $210
10th: Michael Ratts, Iuka, Ill., two bass, 5-3, $174
Kim Sapetti of Chatham, Illinois, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $170, catching a bass that weighed in at 4 pounds, 12 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
After three events, Jeffrey Lee of Olney, Illinois, leads the Fishing Clash Illini Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 726 points, while Ryan Murphy of Paris, Illinois, leads the Fishing Clash Illini Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 736 points.
The next event for BFL Illini Division anglers will be held Aug. 3, at Lake Shelbyville in Shelbyville, Illinois. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 10-12 BFL Regional tournament on Pools 13-17 of the Mississippi River in Quad Cities, Illinois. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.
The 2024 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, PowerStop Brakes, REDCON1, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 17 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Pinckney’s Sitko Posts Sixth Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Detroit River
Indiana’s Bohland Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division
TRENTON, Mich. (July 15, 2024) – Boater Michael Sitko of Pinckney, Michigan, caught a five-bass limit weighing 24 pounds, 13 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on the Detroit River . The tournament was the second event of the season for the BFL Michigan Division. Sitko earned $10,917, including the lucrative $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus, for his victory.
From the Detroit River, anglers had three options: stay in the river, run to St. Clair or head out to Lake Erie. Sitko chose the latter, making a long run out to Erie.
“I was just fishing isolated things – rocks, rises, irregular features on the bottom – which there’s a ton of them out there, and they’re not all created equal,” he said. “So you just have to run a gamut of spots and try to get a game plan.”
Sitko said he struggled to piece together a really strong pattern. He made up for it by running a couple dozen spots.
“It was patience,” he said. “It was literally, I couldn’t freak out if I pulled up to a spot that I knew I’d caught fish off of (in the past) and not catch them (during the tournament).
“If you hit enough of them, maybe you hit enough of the right fish, and that’s kind of what happened today (Saturday).”
Sitko fished spots as tiny as a single boulder and areas as big as 20-by-20. Most of his fish came out of about 18 feet of water.
“All my fish came on drop-shots and tubes,” said Sitko. “Literally, when I’m fishing Erie, I fish with four rods: two drop-shot rods and two tube rods. For me, I’ve got four rods on the deck, and it’s the same thing for St. Clair for me except I use different weights.”
Sitko’s baits all mimicked gobies or smelt. They included a Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Flat Worm and Flatnose Minnow plus a green pumpkin tube.
For Sitko, this makes MLF win No. 6 on the Detroit River and its connected waters, which is quite the accomplishment among a stacked field of anglers. When asked to sum up how he got it done, Sitko was honest and humble.
“Luck,” he said. “I really didn’t think I was going to catch what I caught today. It had nothing to do with my practice. It was just my time. It was my day. You need a bunch of that (luck), especially with this division and with these guys, ’cause they are just insane.
“I remember the very first FLW event I won was a Costa Series. And that was pretty special. And then the first BFL I ever won was pretty amazing. And, I’m not going to lie, this was equally as amazing as all of them, and it’s my sixth one. I really cherish the fact I have done this well and won these because it’s so hard. It’s just an amazing feeling..”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Michael Sitko, Pinckney, Mich., five bass, 24-13, $10,917 (includes $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
2nd: Noah Stauffer, Gowen, Mich., five bass, 24-1, $1,958
3rd: Nolan Mandel, Harrison Township, Mich., five bass, 22-12, $1,307
4th: Matthew Davis, Morenci, Mich., five bass, 22-11, $914
5th: Jonathon Dewey, Fort Gratiot, Mich., five bass, 22-3, $783
6th: Gary Greenwood, Taylors, S.C., five bass, 21-7, $718
7th: Dan Mittlestat, Woodhaven, Mich., five bass, 20-11, $953
8th: Eric Sanders, Lexington, Ky., five bass, 20-1, $555
8th: Tony Hansen, Vermontville, Mich., five bass, 20-1, $555
10th: Buddy Benson, Dahlonega, Ga., five bass, 19-15, $457
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Scott Delpha of Noblesville, Indiana, caught a bass that weighed 6 pounds and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $520.
Mason Bohland of Noblesville, Indiana, won the Strike King co-angler division and $1,958 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 21 pounds, 4 ounces.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Mason Bohland, Noblesville, Ind., five bass, 21-4, $1,958
2nd: Kendra Mueller, Fowlerville, Mich., five bass, 21-0, $979
3rd: Brian Townley, Wyoming, Mich., five bass, 20-9, $653
4th: Scott Davis, Morenci, Mich., five bass, 20-1, $457
5th: Trent Wilt, Manitou Beach, Mich., five bass, 19-4, $392
6th: Spencer Phelps, Bangor, Mich., five bass, 19-3, $359
7th: Ben Schenck, Huber Heights, Ohio, five bass, 19-1, $326
8th: Rich Richardson, Lufkin, Texas, five bass, 18-7, $294
9th: Brady Metzger, Zionsville, Ind., five bass, 17-12, $244
9th: Ashley Shirto, Novi, Mich., five bass, 17-12, $504
Ashley Shirto of Novi, Michigan, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $260, catching a bass that weighed in at 5 pounds, 12 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
After two events, Nolan Mandel of Harrison Township, Michigan, leads the Fishing Clash Michigan Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 498 points, while Scott Davis of Morenci, Michigan, leads the Fishing Clash Michigan Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 491 points.
The next event for BFL Michigan Division anglers will be held Aug. 10, at Detroit River in Trenton, Michigan. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 10-12 BFL Regional tournament on Pools 13-17 of the Mississippi River in Quad Cities, Illinois. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.
The 2024 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, PowerStop Brakes, REDCON1, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 17 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Logan Junk-Fishes for the Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Neely Henry
Huntsville’s McBride Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division
GADSDEN, Ala. (July 15, 2024) – Boater Wes Logan of Springville, Alabama, caught a five-bass limit weighing 16 pounds, 3 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on the Neely Henry Lake. The tournament was the fourth event of the season for the BFL Choo Choo Division. Logan earned $3,917 for his victory.
Competing in another tournament during the week prevented Logan from practicing for the BFL. But it didn’t stop him from getting the job done. Logan rolled in on a few hours of sleep and put his experience on the Coosa River chain to work.
“I just kind of went fishing,” he said. “I ran a couple different things, different patterns – wood, grass, docks.
“Basically, I just junk-fished all day, and when I happened to get a bite it was a good one.”
According to Logan, the grass bite never really panned out. Wood and docks became his primary targets, all in less than 5 feet of water.
His strategy relied on timing and covering a ton of water, hitting 50 to 60 places throughout the day.
“Neely’s not that big of a lake,” he said. “But I probably burned 25 to 30 gallons of gas just running back and forth. I try to treat the place like a tidal fishery. Obviously, there’s not a tide. But it’s a big timing deal on that place. So I’ll fish a certain stretch two or three times in a day. I might run 15, 20 minutes to fish a place 5 minutes and then I’ll run the other way.”
Logan opened the morning with a nice keeper then put a couple other smaller fish in the livewell. After that, it slowed down, and he was able to add a fish here and there to assemble a decent limit. It all came together at the end of the day. That’s when Logan was able to capitalize after Weiss Dam, located upstream, started generating electricity, which created current. “Turning on” the power also turned on the fish.
“From 2 to 3, I think I culled three times,” Logan added. “Being in that last flight really helped, to be honest.”
Key baits for Logan included his signature Team Ark Wes Logan Swim Jig in a color called “the one.” He also caught fish on a square-bill crankbait, Zoom Z Craw and Team Ark Randall Tharp Flipping Jig .
“The swim jig did most of the heavy lifting, but I caught them on a hodgepodge of baits,” Logan added.
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Wes Logan, Springville, Ala., five bass, 16-3, $3,917
2nd: Dillon Falardeau, Hixson, Tenn., five bass, 14-2, $2,478
3rd: Tanner Hadden, Appling, Ga., five bass, 12-6, $1,307
4th: Austin Shields, Lake View, Ala., five bass, 11-15, $1,214
5th: Corey McMullen, Gurley, Ala., five bass, 11-7, $783
6th: Caleb Hudson, Lincolnton, Ga., five bass, 11-6, $718
7th: Kent Ware, Guntersville, Ala., five bass, 11-1, $1,153 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
8th: Tim Miller, Springville, Ala., five bass, 10-12, $588
9th: Ty Garrett, Pulaski, Tenn., three bass, 10-11, $522
10th: Adam Brown, Rainbow City, Ala., five bass, 10-9, $457
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Dillon Falardeau of Hixson, Tennessee, caught a bass that weighed 5 pounds, 1 ounce, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $520.
Todd McBride of Huntsville, Alabama, won the Strike King co-angler division and $1,958 Saturday, after bringing four bass to the scale that totaled 12 pounds, 1 ounce.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Todd McBride, Huntsville, Ala., four bass, 12-1, $1,958
2nd: Timothy Sutherland, Elizabeth, Ind., five bass, 10-4, $979
3rd: Kyle Kimbrell, Jasper, Ala., five bass, 10-3, $653
4th: Frank Mackin, State Line, Miss., five bass, 10-1, $457
5th: Michael Corbett, Oxford, Ala., five bass, 9-11, $392
6th: Rodney Stewart, Town Creek, Ala., three bass, 8-13, $359
7th: Michael Jones, Rome, Ga., four bass, 8-12, $326
8th: Colton Jennings, Moody, Ala., five bass, 8-10, $294
9th: Dennis Sandoval, Decatur, Ala., five bass, 8-4, $511
10th: Randy Wiggins, Birmingham, Ala., four bass, 8-2, $228
Duane Parker of Calhoun, Georgia, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $260, catching a bass that weighed in at 4 pounds, 3 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
After four events, Matt O’Connell of Brooks, Georgia, leads the Fishing Clash Choo Choo Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 933 points, while Todd Mowery of Madison, Alabama, leads the Fishing Clash Choo Choo Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 953 points.
The next event for BFL Choo Choo Division anglers will be held Sept. 28-29, at Wheeler Lake in Rogersville, Alabama. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 17-19 BFL Regional tournament on Clarks Hill Lake in Appling, Georgia. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.
The 2024 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, PowerStop Brakes, REDCON1, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 17 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Your Own Pet Rat
NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE
Ever Green’s new Combat Rat elevates wakebait fishing for giant bass.
FOOTHILL RANCH, CA (July 12, 2024) – You might associate rats with the sewers of New York City or alleys in mythical Gotham City. Possibly those dastardly roof rats that wreak havoc on soffits and eaves. Or the ones dodging in and out of the rocks along lakes, rivers, and coastal zones. Fact of the matter is that rats are one of the most populated pests in the world…and they swim.
So, it makes sense that bass consider these oft encountered critters a meal. And that’s precisely why Ever Green introduces the most accurately looking and swimming rat ever developed, the new Combat Rat.
While rat-style baits have been around for years, most imitate them in looks only. Ever Green’s Combat Rat, on the other hand, sports a spot-on profile with authentic cosmetics, while motoring across the surface just like the real thing. All told, the Combat Rat epitomizes the beautiful blend of technology and realism. This incredibly accurate wakebait was meticulously designed alongside Evergreen Pro, Justin Kerr.
We went to DAIWA Field Marketing Manager, Chris Martin, for the dirty rat details: “So much technology and locomotion details went into creating the nearly 11-inch long (nose to tip of the tail) Combat Rat. For starters, the keel design is significant, as it stabilizes the bait for accurate swimming and substantial water movement. And that swimming action is accentuated due to the two-piece jointed design.”
Those joints are dual-plated for an ironclad connection that increases durability, while also producing a “squeaking” sound. The Combat Rat’s stainless steel weight system adds enticement with a one-knock sound.
The Combat Rat’s tail was well conceived, too. The durable material yields just enough suppleness for a realistic snaking action. And Ever Green’s tail keeper design securely holds the PVC tail intact, cast after cast, fish after fish. But, if you do eventually lose a tail, replacements are available through Ever Green.
It’s hook system wasn’t left to chance, either. Bass are notorious for throwing the hooks on topwaters and wakebaits when the fish goes airborne. Not the case with the Combat Rat. It’s swiveling hook hangers take leverage away from a fish trying to throw the hooks.
The Combat Rat comes in an palette of natural to high-visibility patterns for all wakebait fishing situations, including overnight, when rodents are most active.
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Combat Rat FEATURES:
- Premium rat-style wakebait
- Anatomically accurate
- Authentic swimming action
- Exceptional buoyancy
- Two-piece jointed for extra motion
- Durable joint system
- Stainless steel knocker weight system
- Durable yet supple PVC tail (replacements available)
- Swiveling hook hangers to keep fish pinned
- SIZE: 5.8-inches (body) 10.75-inches (nose to tip of the tail)
- WEIGHT: 2.3-ounces
- HOOKS: Premium 1/0 treble (front) and #1 (rear)
- COLORS: Big Bite Chart, Matte Black, Matte White, Grey Flash, Pink Rat, Matte Brown, and Olive Gold Flash
MSRP $54.99
For Daiwa’s latest color catalog and/or information on Daiwa dealers in your area, call Daiwa’s Customer Service Department at 562-375-6800 or e-mail inquiries to: CSR@Daiwa.com. The URL for Daiwa’s web site is daiwa.us
Z-Man® Develops Groundbreaking Shad Style Swimbait
New Shadtron™ LT merges realism & durability with cutting-edge line-through hook system
“Empowered by its soft, buoyant, durable ElaZtech body and precision line-through harness, the Shadtron LT is perfectly balanced to maintain a natural, upright posture at all times— including on the freefall and at rest on the bottom,” notes Z-Man Director of Product Development Jose Chavez.
A true-to-nature shad-mimicking swimbait in 4.5- and 6-inch sizes, Shadtron LT is equipped with an industry-first over/under line-through harness that allows for both dorsal rigging with an included single hook or belly rigging with a treble hook (not included). “The result is a high-performance swimbait that affords optimal fish-hooking and holding performance in all conditions,” adds Chavez.
“Some pretty impressive engineering went into the Shadtron’s internal Y-harness, giving anglers the best of both worlds,” suggests Z-Man pro Luke Clausen. “If I’m swimming the bait around laydowns, docks or vegetation, I’ll rig up with the single hook, which allows the Shadtron to swim cleanly through heavier cover, bouncing off rocks and logs with ease. Or, for fishing open water or for smallmouth or spotted bass, I’ll deploy the belly treble and skyrocket my hookset stats.
“And because both hook systems allow the bait to slide up the line and out of the way after a hookset, even the gnarliest headshakes are negated, so you land almost every bass that eats,” adds Clausen.
Chavez elaborates: “We wanted to arm anglers with the ultimate two-way swimbait hook system, which meant constructing our line-through harness a little differently.”
Topside, Chavez notes, the Shadtron LT is equipped with a specialized hook pocket and harness that stations a custom, heavy-duty 3/0 (4.5”) or 5/0 (6”) sickle-shaped, black nickel needlepoint hook parallel to the dorsal fin.
“The harness is designed so the hook slides in and sits recessed within the bait’s spine,” explains Chavez. “Thread your line through the bait’s nose and out the slot, tying to the single hook. Pull the line tight and the hook clicks back into place, giving the whole bait a clean, seamless appearance, like a molded-in jighead. Hook eye and knot are recessed and completely protected inside the bait. But when a fish eats the Shadtron and attempts to dislodge the hook, the bait body slides up the line, where fish can’t leverage its weight to come unbuttoned.”
The Shadtron LT is already producing big bites in Florida and everywhere shad land on the largemouth menu.
Alternatively, to utilize the secondary belly line channel and a treble hook, Chavez suggests folding a crease in the fishing line, inserting it into the nose in a downward orientation and back out the lower exit point. Tie to a treble hook of your choice and click the shank into the specialized friction clip, which positions the treble parallel to the bait for a stealthy, seamless presentation. When the hook sets, force from a fish releases the hook from the Shadtron’s body, allowing for a pure, unencumbered fight to the net.
To assure predators engulf the bait without hesitation, Z-Man sculpted the Shadtron’s physique with anatomical precision and true-to-life photo-printed and hand-painted eye, scale, gill and fin patterning. Beneath the surface, the Shadtron springs to action like a live shad, subtly tail-thrusting itself through strike zones, activating at the slowest retrieve speeds.
Generating the most realistic shad-swimming action attainable, the Shadtron’s rounded wedge-shaped tail empowers a versatile range of motions—from slow-roll to escape velocity. Further imitating the locomotion of a live shad, the Shadtron swims with minimal body roll and just a hint of head wag—all in the name of persuading eagle-eyed predators.
“The ability to reel a swimbait like the Shadtron extra slow—especially effective in cooler water—and then to accentuate its side flashes with twitches of the rodtip . . . these are killer moves to trick big, educated bass that follow but otherwise hesitate to bite,” explains Clausen. “I’m also digging the bait’s flat sides, which let me skip it under cover like the perfect pancake rock.”
“Anglers will absolutely appreciate the Shadtron’s two sizes and two rates-of-fall,” he continues. “In shallower water and in environments with slightly larger shad, the meaty 6-inch size in Slow Sink draws a ton of attention from bass of all sizes. For deeper water or off-structure, try the Fast Sink, 4.5-incher, which is like a cheat code for smallmouths, spots or for painting a nice solid mark on forward-facing sonar.”
From Florida’s big bass lakes to TVA reservoirs and beyond, the new Z-Man Shadtron LT mimics the bass’ most prolific meal on every level. Available in November, the Shadtron LT features two sizes and rates of fall (ROF)—4.5- and 6-inch sizes in both Slow Sink (ROF 5) and Fast Sink (ROF 12). Offered in eight lifelike photo-printed and hand-painted color schemes, each Shadtron pattern was ascribed by input from top Z-Man pros. MSRP $12.99 (4.5”) and $15.99 (6”).
For a first look at the new Z-Man Shadtron LT, visit Z-Man at the 2024 ICAST show (booth #4808 or On the Water media expo, 10am to 2pm on Tuesday, June 16), or at the New Product Showcase (Freshwater Soft Lure.)
TATULA Spins Another Web
NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE
DAIWA’s new versatile TATULA SV100 – with the SV BOOST System – is engineered for anglers of all skill levels.
FOOTHILL RANCH, CA (July 15, 2024) – Species and technique specific gear is a common theme in product development. Use this rod and reel for a certain situation, and this combo for another. In bass fishing, it proposes unique combos for skipping, flipping, dropshotting, punching, and every other technique imaginable.
DAIWA is an industry leader in matching rods and reels to applications, too, and offers a substantial assortment of technique-dedicated rods and reels. But what about a topflight, reasonably priced baitcasting reel that operates successfully in most instances, and more importantly, is friendly to everyday anglers? DAIWA built it…and calls the utility baitcaster TATULA SV100.
“This refreshed version of the TATULA SV100 is laden with upgrades,” said DAIWA Field Marketing Manager, Chris Martin. “Most notably is the groundbreaking SV BOOST System.”
Martin says the right-sized reel presents an onramp to DAIWA’s unequaled SV BOOST technology, previously reserved for more expensive models. “I can try to put words together about the SV BOOST System, but you really have to fish the technology to appreciate what it does.”
In words, Martin says the SV BOOST System employs a proprietary spool and paired technology that lets a novice angler cast like a pro. First, backlash is virtually eliminated as the spool self-manages resistance throughout the duration of a cast. Spool speed is controlled at the start of a cast – where backlash typically happens – and relinquishes resistance progressively as the bait flies.
Ranking right up there in improvements is the new TATULA SV100’s HYPERDRIVE System. Again, more trickle down technology formerly dedicated to more expensive models. (See the HYPERDRIVE System breakdown below.)
The end result? A smooth delivery at distances that’ll put a smile on your face. “It’s the best reel out there for learning to throw a baitcaster,” Martin submits.
“The new TATULA SV100 is an excellent multipurpose baitcasting reel,” said DAIWA Field Marketing Manager, Chris Martin. “It gives you a higher-end experience along with many of DAIWA’s top features and technologies at an attractive price.”
He goes on to say the new TATULA SV100 is ideal for bank and kayak anglers. “It’s an outstanding reel for operating in less than ideal conditions, like from a kayak or working a shoreline. SV BOOST helps manage the cast when you can’t.”
In summary, the TATULA SV100 is the new standard in reels for getting learner anglers familiarized with a baitcaster, while at the same making experienced baitcaster users that much better.
TATULA SV100 KEY FEATUES AND TECHNOLOGIES:
SV BOOST SYSTEM
Physics, sophisticated low-mass technology, and a specialized SV Spool combine to vastly improve backlash control, maximize casting distance, and advance casting accuracy, resulting in a reel that is easily operated by anglers of all skill levels.
HYPERDRIVE ARMED HOUSING
A distortion-proof aluminum frame steadfastly houses the gear unit within the reel body. The concept comprises a combination of different manufacturing techniques, which considerably improve the functioning and lifespan of the reel.
HYPERDRIVE DIGIGEAR
A technology that makes gear teeth more efficient at transferring power, resulting in a smoother, more powerful gear set that also reduces gear noise. The gears are also strengthened by larger teeth in the traction wheel. And, the gearing has three points of contact – most gearing has only two – which keeps contact between the gear teeth, creating smoothness and longer gear life.
HYPERDRIVE DOUBLE SUPPORT
The pinion gear is mounted via a ball bearing at both sides, leading to a better and more even powered transmission from the handle. As well, the surface of the pinion gear is specially treated to prevent electrostatic corrosion.
HYPERDRIVE TOUGH CLUTCH
The clutch mechanics have been optimized to remain safely in position even on hard casts.
T-WING SYSTEM (TWS)
An innovative “T” shaped mechanical aperture that the line passes through when casting and retrieving baits, which allows the line to flow freely, reducing friction and sharp angles that slow line flow.
ULTIMATE TOURNAMENT DRAG (UTD)
The sophisticated drag system uses carbon washers, alloy, stainless steel drag plates, and special lubricant to provide smooth performance. UTD prevents sticking when dragging starts and stable drag for the duration of fighting a fish.
ZERO ADJUSTER
The spool tension knob comes ideally preset at the factory to match the model and reduce backlash when casting into the wind, skipping baits, or with lighter lures. However, anglers can fine tune the spool tension to their personal preferences.
MSRP $219.99
For Daiwa’s latest color catalog and/or information on Daiwa dealers in your area, call Daiwa’s Customer Service Department at 562-375-6800 or e-mail inquiries to: CSR@Daiwa.com. The URL for Daiwa’s web site is daiwa.us
Memorial Scholarship Created to Honor Former Purdue University Angler Travis Ely
SAN ANTONIO, TX (July 15, 2024) – The Association of Collegiate Anglers, in working with the Ely family and Bass Pro Shops/White River Marine Group, announces the Travis Ely Memorial Scholarship.
Travis Ely, a former member of the Purdue University Bass Fishing Team, passed away in a car accident on October 16, 2023 while returning back to school from a bass fishing tournament.
Travis’ legacy has left a lasting impact on the fishing community. The Travis Ely Memorial Scholarship has been created to carry on Travis’ memory and will honor an active college angler for his/her impact both on the water and in the community.
The Travis Ely Memorial Scholarship is an honor that will be awarded at the Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops, with applications starting in 2024 and continuing into the future. This scholarship will be awarded to a student angler who exemplifies great success, character, sportsmanship, and work ethic, just like Travis, both on the water and around the community. To find out more information about eligibility criteria, click here.
To apply for the Travis Ely Memorial Scholarship, follow this link to the bold.org website and fully complete the application form.
Thanks to contributions made from the Ely family and Bass Pro Shops/White River Marine Group, the Travis Ely Memorial Scholarship will be a $1,500 scholarship awarded annually to one well-deserving angler.
Oklahoma’s Kyle Cortiana Picks Up First Career MLF Victory at Toyota Series at Lake Champlain Presented by Suzuki Marine
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (July 13, 2024) – Coming in to the second event of the Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats Northern Division event on Lake Champlain, Kyle Cortiana had a Major League Fishing résumé that included 12 Top 10s across multiple levels of competition, including a second-place finish in 2018 that came down to a tie-breaker that didn’t go in his favor. Now, after amassing 64 pounds, 1 ounce of Champlain smallmouth over three days, Cortiana is finally a champion.
“To go against the best Northerners up here… this field was stacked with them,” he said. “It means a lot to me to not be at home (in Oklahoma), not have a homefield advantage, and be able to out-fish the most renowned and respected guys on thew water. As an angler, you’re competitive and you want to know you got it, and that’s affirmation. (Bryan LaBelle) and (Brett) Carnright and Drew Gill – one of my good friends – affirmation everywhere I looked.”
It wasn’t just beating the top Northern pros or doing it during a tournament that proved to be an absolute slugfest full of 20-plus-pound bags and days of quite literally catching hundreds of bass. It was also knowing how proud he made his wife and traveling partner at every event, and his dad, whom he nearly lost a few years ago.
“To get it done and see the tears of joy from my wife, just to confirm how much she loves me and is happy for me to be doing what I’m doing, that means the world to me,” he said.
“My dad, I almost lost him a few years ago, right after his heart surgery. He came up here for the Pro Circuit in 2022 and I almost won one for him then. He just wanted me to win one before he dies, and I finally did. That’s how much it means to me.”
Home-pond hero LaBelle – a man known locally as one of the preeminent pros on Lake Champlain and who has a handful of previous wins under his belt on the fishery – led the event on both Days 1 and 2. It was his tournament to lose, but as is often echoed on tournament stages all over the country, when it’s your time, it’s your time. This time was for Cortiana. LaBelle weighed in just 19-13 on Day 3 and finished 1 pound shy of the win.
Ahead of LaBelle was Gill, perhaps the most talented and heralded up-and-comer in bass fishing who’s won on both the Bass Pro Tour and Tackle Warehouse Invitationals circuit already this season. Gill finished 11 ounces behind Cortiana.
This added up to close calls for Cortiana, particularly after losing multiple fish all three days that he says could have put all three bags in the 23-pound range. When it’s your time, it’s your time.
But surviving those close calls came down to making the right calls, too. On Day 1, Cortiana ran north to probe dozens of waypoints he’d accumulated from all his time fishing Champlain in recent years. He had a good day, but it could have been much, much better if not for a fish that broke him off and went airborne by the boat for a little extra salt in the wound.
“It was the biggest smallmouth I’ve seen on this lake, period,” he said. “That one broke my heart.”
Even after weighing in 20 pounds that day, Cortiana decided to switch up his program on Day 2 and make a trip south, taking advantage of his early boat draw to get on a well-known community hole near Malletts Bay. With no one else around at that point, Cortiana set up shop with his Lowrance Active Target 2 and immediately found what he estimated to be “thousands of bass” and a ton of bait among the ripping current created by recent rains.
After catching some on a hair jig and a jerkbait on Day 1, Day 2 was all about the jighead minnow in a couple sizes (1/4 and 3/8 ounces) with a couple different colors of YUM Forward Facing Sonar Minnow. Cortiana wore them out and outlasted all his competition on that community hole to the tune of 22 pounds, 3 ounces.
At that point, it was a no-brainer to use his No. 4 boat draw to get back to that spot on Championship Saturday – at least until he arrived there that morning.
“I got there and there was a huge mudline,” he said of his Day 2 spot that was nearly washed out with mud and debris from the week’s storms. “Being boat No. 4, I had to make a decision whether I wanted to leave because it was muddy or how I wanted to position my boat. I made the right decision.
“I picked the mudline side of it thinking that would create a unique feeding opportunity for the fish and I was right. I don’t know how many hundreds of fish I caught but it was unbelievable. There’s no way I can put them all in my YouTube video because no one will watch a three-hour YouTube video of a guy yanking on smallmouth and getting his drag buzzed.”
The mudline Cortiana chose to exploit was apparent even in photos, and while many anglers may have shied away from a spot like that, it was nothing compared to the other variables he had to combat there throughout the day.
“There were people who jumped off their boat and swam,” he said. “I was throwing by people who were swimming and they (the bass) were eating. I had locals that were hooking my line. I had boats parking where I was casting. It didn’t matter. Those fish were there to eat. They didn’t care.”
Cortiana caught some fish on a Carolina rig and umbrella rig, but it was mostly all about the jighead minnow. On Day 3, though, he needed to optimize his setup to catch his winning 21-pound, 14-ounce bag, which came down to selecting the right bait color thanks to some careful observation.
“I had a couple different colors on deck, but I made that gold bait change after I saw a fish cough up a gold shiner,” he said. “When they would chase bait on the mudline, I would see these golden-color river shiners skip out of the water, so I made this bait change to gold, and they ate the tar out of it.”
He also credits his Lowrance electronics for a day that saw him catch hundreds of bass in one small area. Being able to dial in his settings differently across multiple days for various fishing conditions and a forward-facing sonar pointer of his dad’s design that’s being manufactured by DD26 Fishing for lining up his casts with the transducer on his Lowrance Ghost made a big difference.
“My dad built a pointer for the Lowrance Ghost,” he said. “It helps you know exactly where you’re casting. DD26 Fishing is making them and selling them. That pointer is so awesome if you run a Ghost. It lines that cast up perfectly.”
Though he hails from Oklahoma and nearly won on Fort Gibson in 2018, Cortiana has an affinity for Champlain. It’s a lake he loves and a lake at which he’s done well in the past. It’s now also the site of his first MLF victory.
“I love this place so much,” he said. “It’s not hard going to work daylight to dark when you get to play on this place. It’s hard to get on a school of fish and leave because you know how many you can catch when you find them. It’s just such a great place.”
The top 10 pros on Lake Champlain finished:
1st: Kyle Cortiana, Broken Arrow, Okla., 15 bass, 64-1, $40,000
2nd: Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., 15 bass, 63-6, $15,500
3rd: Bryan LaBelle, Hinesburg, Vt., 15 bass, 63-1, $13,125 (includes $1,000 Phoenix Bonus)
4th: Kurt Mitchell, Milford, Del., 15 bass, 61-13, $10,000
5th: Casey Smith, Victor, N.Y., 15 bass, 61-3, $9,000
6th: Jeremy Gordon, Rutledge, Tenn., 15 bass, 61-1, $8,000
7th: Thomas Lavictoire, Jr., West Rutland, Vt., 15 bass, 61-0, $7,000
8th: Brett Carnright, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 15 bass, 60-9, $6,000
9th: Ryan Latinville, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 15 bass, 60-6, $5,000
10th: Logan Dyar, Cleveland, Ala., 15 bass, 60-4, $4,000
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Pro Stephen Draghi of Sparrow Bush, New York, earned Thursday’s $500 Berkley Big Bass Award with a bass weighing 5 pounds, 10 ounces. Pro Mark Schlarb of Dave Miller of Atwater, Ohio, earned the $500 Berkley Big Bass Award on Friday with a bass weighing in at 6 pounds even.
Cody Abbott of Woodruff, South Carolina, won the Strike King Co-angler Division Saturday with a three-day total of 15 bass weighing 57 pounds, 8 ounces. Abbott earned the top co-angler prize package worth $33,500, including a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard motor.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers on Lake Champlain finished:
1st: Cody Abbott, Woodruff, S.C., 15 bass, 57-8, Phoenix 518 Pro boat w/115-hp Mercury outboard
2nd: Adam Montani, Douglas, Mass., 15 bass, 51-8, $5,000
3rd: Jeff Turner, Morris, Ill., 15 bass, 51-5, $4,150
4th: Rein Golub, Pittsford, N.Y., 15 bass, 50-15, $3,500
5th: Mike Mueller, Mechanicsburg, Pa., 15 bass, 50-8, $3,000
6th: Rick Carpenter, Fayetteville, Ark., 14 bass, 50-7, $2,650
7th: Phillip Wade, New Haven, Vt., 15 bass, 49-12, $2,000
8th: Tim McGlenn, Welcome, Md., 15 bass, 47-15, $1,750
9th: Kevin Hesson, Seneca, Pa., 15 bass, 47-8, $1,500
10th: Dave Camp, Sterling, Ohio, 15 bass, 47-7, $1,250
Strike King Co-angler Rick Carpenter of Fayetteville, Arkansas, earned Thursday’s $150 Berkley Big Bass co-angler award with a 5-pound, 11-ounce bass, while Friday’s Day 2 $150 co-angler award went to Jeff Turner of Morris, Illinois, who weighed in a 5-pound, 13-ounce bass.
The Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats at Lake Champlain Presented by Suzuki was hosted by the City of Plattsburgh and the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau. It was the second of three regular-season tournaments for the Toyota Series Northern Division. The third and final regular-season event for Northern Division anglers will be the Toyota Series at the St. Lawrence River Presented by FX Custom Rods , Aug. 20-22 in Massena, New York. For a complete schedule of events, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The 2024 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats consists of six divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern, Southwestern and the Western Division Presented by Tackle Warehouse – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the six divisions or the Wild Card division and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship on Wheeler Lake for a shot at winning up to $235,000 and a qualification to REDCREST 2025. The winning Strike King co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard. The 2024 Toyota Series Championship on Wheeler Lake is hosted by the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Madison County Commission, and the Huntsville Sports Commission.
Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Toyota Series include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, FX Custom Rods, General Tire, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, PowerStop Brakes, REDCON1, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters, YETI.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Toyota Series updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 17 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Slow, steady approach lifts Przekurat to victory at St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Lake St. Clair
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McKinney overcomes missed opportunities to maintain lead at Bassmaster Open at Lake St. Clair
July 12, 2024
HARRISON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — It was a day that Trevor McKinney will look back on and wonder, ‘What could have been?’ But despite several hiccups, the Tackle Warehouse Elite Qualifier pro managed to land 22 pounds, 3 ounces on Day 2 of the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Lake St. Clair presented by SEVIIN to retain his lead with a two-day total of 49-15.
The Noble, Ill., native took the Day 1 lead with the tournament’s biggest bag, a 27-12 limit of smallmouth that gave him a 3-pound advantage over the field. That lead has now shrunk to 11 ounces over Jay Przekurat and Aaron Jagdfeld, who both have a two-day total of 49-4.
“It was one of those days that was a ‘What could it have been?’ day,” he explained. “I lost three 5-pounders. Yesterday was magical. Every fish just got in the boat. Today, it was like I couldn’t keep them on. I should have a sizable lead going into tomorrow, but I’m just going to have to go out and catch a big bag.”
Although a small band of rain passed over the lake mid-morning, it was an otherwise beautiful and calm day on Lake St. Clair, and the Opens anglers took advantage by landing 200 limits and more than 3,700 pounds of bass.
In his two days of fishing, the 2020 College Classic Bracket champion has focused much of his attention on one big area of Lake St. Clair that features a hard sandy bottom and patches of cabbage grass in 10 to 12 feet of water.
A 2.5 Crush City Mayor in the gizzard shad color, a new bait which will be released at ICAST, is the only bait McKinney has used all week. He rigs it on a ¼-ounce VMC tungsten jighead, also an ICAST release. With little supply, McKinney has been trying to save as many baits as he can, even needing to glue some together today.
“It is honestly the best smallmouth bait I’ve ever thrown in my life,” McKinney said. “Usually, I am a last-minute guy, but I rigged up all of my rods early and this was a bait I looked at and thought, ‘This is a perfect profile for smallmouth.’ It was the first bait I picked up when I got here and the only bait I’ve thrown all week.”
McKinney found the smallmouth hunkered down on clean bottom both days of the tournament, but on Friday he caught several more bass out of the cabbage grass. He also noticed the bass were not acting as aggressively as they had on Day 1.
“The fish just didn’t react to my bait like they did yesterday,” he said. “When I threw my bait in the water yesterday, every bass that saw it, ate it. Today, I had to really work for the bites I got. I had a lot of really big fish look at my bait and didn’t get it. They just put their nose on it and swam back down. A lot of that is because of the pressure on the lake in general.”
McKinney returned to his Day 1 sweet spot, forcing him to expand and explore some of the different areas he found in practice. There were several more boats fishing around him on Friday as well.
Along with the increase in fishing pressure, McKinney felt the calm conditions also hurt his bite.
“I had to really expand on my pattern today and run different stuff because of the boat traffic,” McKinney said. “Honestly, I caught most of the fish that lived in the areas I fished.
“In fishing in general, you need a little wind,” he said. “It makes it a lot tougher when it is calm, especially when the water is clear like it is here. The bass can see your boat a lot more and your bait a lot better.”
While McKinney has burned many of his spots, he has plenty more waypoints to check on Championship Saturday, giving him confidence that he could repeat his Day 1 success one more time.
“I have at least 50 waypoints I haven’t hit. I’m not really saving them; I just haven’t made it to them,” he said. “In an eight-hour day you can only fish so much, and I have some stuff for tomorrow I can expand on, too.”
With bags of 24-3 and 25-1, Przekurat continued his impressive track record at St. Clair and is in the hunt for his first trophy as a boater in the Bassmaster Opens. In his two previous trips to the fishery, he and his father finished fifth in a Bass Pro Shops qualifier followed by an 11th place during last year's Elite event.
The day did not start well for the Elite Series champion from Plover, Wis., however. Przekurat estimated that he lost 23 pounds of smallmouth in the opening hours of Day 2 before righting the ship around midday.
“I lost 23 pounds at the boat. I set the hook, and they came off. My hook broke on one of them. It was a (mess) of a morning. I did get one good one out of the whole catastrophe, and at 11 o’clock I pretty much caught my whole bag in less than 45 minutes. It was a quick flurry, and they were all big ones.”
In one of the more popular areas of the lake, Przekurat has focused on clean spots near patches of grass in 10 to 13 feet of water. He has only found groups of smallmouth in small sections of his primary area. A drop shot accounted for much of Przekurat’s early success, but as the week has gone on a Strike King Baby Z Too rigged on a jighead has generated more bites.
“You seem to go through the same areas multiple times, and every time you go through you see two or three more,’ he explained. “But then if you get outside of that area, you have a hard time seeing them.”
Jagdfeld, an Adrian College graduate, added 25-0 on Day 2 to his 24-4 performance on Day 1 to remain in third place in his first Bassmaster Open. He anchored his bag with a 5-13 smallmouth.
“I love this lake. I saw the Open was coming here and wanted to jump in and see where I was at skills wise. Practice was pretty incredible, so I knew I had a shot if everything went right to be in the Top 10.”
Jagdfeld is focusing on a group of smallies on the Canadian side of the lake in 19 to 24 feet of water. Two baits, a Damiki-style bait and a drop shot, have produced all of his bites. Similarly to Day 1, Jagdfeld arrived at his starting area and found the smallies grouped up and aggressive.
Along with the 5-13, which was his second bass of the day, Jagdfeld caught 22 pounds in the first hour of the day.
“It was every cast for the first hour and a half. They are pretty much wadded up on the bottom,” he said. “After that, they separate into singles and pairs, and I can’t catch anything over 3 pounds. I pulled up to a spot at the end of the day and culled out a 4-pounder with a 5-pounder.”
Bentonville, Ark., pro Greg Bohannan landed the Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Day, a 6-2 smallmouth.
Arron Kowalczyk of Newport, Mich., claimed the co-angler title with a two-day total of 22-14, earning $19,721 in the process. He landed in 32nd on Day 1 with a limit measuring 10-6 before vaulting up the leaderboard with a 12-8 Day 2 bag. He caught all of his bass using either a Berkley MaxScent Flatworm or a Z-Man Scented Jerk ShadZ.
“I’ve been waiting 10 years to fish this tournament,” he said. “I was waiting for the Northern Open to come back to Lake St. Clair and it finally happened. It is the first one I ever fished, and it is unbelievable.”
Eric Polenz of Trenton, Mich., finished second with 22-12 and Joe Digiovanni of Sterling Heights, Mich., finished third with 22-12. Ronald Young of New Braunfels, Texas, caught the Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Tournament, a 5-9 he caught on Day 2.
Easton Fothergill of Grand Rapids, Minn., leads the Tackle Warehouse Elite Qualifier points race currently with 1,033 points. Dakota Ebare of Brookeland, Texas, is second with 1,032 and Idaho’s Cody Meyer is third with 1,002 points. Alabama’s Tucker Smith is fourth with 994 points, Texas pro Jack York is fifth with 993 points and Canadian Evan Kung is sixth with 989 points. Andrew Loberg (983), Bobby Bakewell (960), Matt Adams (948) and Emil Wagner (947) round out the Top 10.
The Top 10 pros will launch from Harley Ensign boat ramp beginning at 6 a.m. ET and return for weigh-in at 2 p.m. The winner will earn a spot in the 2025 Bassmaster Classic given they are signed up for the remaining events in Division III.
Bassmaster LIVE coverage will begin on FS1 starting at 8 a.m. ET until 1 p.m. before moving to Bassmaster.com for the final hour of competition.
The Detroit Sports Commission is hosting the tournament.
2024 Bassmaster Opens Series Title Sponsor: St. Croix
2024 Bassmaster Opens Series Presenting Sponsor: SEVIIN
2024 Bassmaster Opens Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2024 Bassmaster Opens Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2024 Bassmaster Opens Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
About B.A.S.S.B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
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Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 256-424-2390, cgay@bassmaster.
2024 St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Lake St. Clair presented by SEVIIN 7/11-7/13
Lake St. Clair, Harrison Township MI.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Trevor McKinney Noble, IL 10 49-15 200
Day 1: 5 27-12 Day 2: 5 22-03
2. Jay Przekurat Plover, WI 10 49-04 199
Day 1: 5 24-03 Day 2: 5 25-01
3. Aaron Jagdfeld Rochester Hills, MI 10 49-04 198
Day 1: 5 24-04 Day 2: 5 25-00
4. Jamie Bruce Kenora Ontario CANADA 10 47-11 197
Day 1: 5 20-13 Day 2: 5 26-14
5. Taku Ito Dalton GA JAPAN 10 47-05 196
Day 1: 5 23-02 Day 2: 5 24-03
6. Trey Schroeder Theodosia, MO 10 46-11 195
Day 1: 5 23-02 Day 2: 5 23-09
7. Jack York Emory, TX 10 46-10 194
Day 1: 5 24-12 Day 2: 5 21-14
8. Blake Smith Lakeland, FL 10 46-08 193
Day 1: 5 22-00 Day 2: 5 24-08
9. Kenta Kimura Osaka OK JAPAN 10 46-05 192
Day 1: 5 23-06 Day 2: 5 22-15
10. Brett Cannon Kiln, MS 10 45-15 191
Day 1: 5 23-11 Day 2: 5 22-04
11. Paul Marks Cumming, GA 10 45-14 190 $8,855.00
Day 1: 5 22-08 Day 2: 5 23-06
12. Jacob Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 10 45-10 189 $6,887.00
Day 1: 5 22-00 Day 2: 5 23-10
13. Masayuki Matsushita Porter TX JAPAN 10 45-07 188 $5,903.00
Day 1: 5 21-02 Day 2: 5 24-05
14. Joseph Titus Bemidji, MN 10 45-05 187 $4,919.00
Day 1: 5 21-13 Day 2: 5 23-08
15. Tucker Smith Birmingham, AL 10 45-03 186 $4,919.00
Day 1: 5 22-01 Day 2: 5 23-02
16. Billy Gilbert Hamburg, NY 10 44-13 185 $4,919.00
Day 1: 5 22-06 Day 2: 5 22-07
17. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 10 44-12 184 $4,919.00
Day 1: 5 21-14 Day 2: 5 22-14
18. Emil Wagner Marietta, GA 10 44-10 183 $4,919.00
Day 1: 5 22-03 Day 2: 5 22-07
19. Sam Hanggi Knoxville, TN 10 44-07 182 $4,919.00
Day 1: 5 21-06 Day 2: 5 23-01
20. Cole Zagrzebski Stevens Point, WI 10 44-05 181 $4,919.00
Day 1: 5 20-10 Day 2: 5 23-11
21. Seth Feider New Market, MN 10 44-04 180 $4,919.00
Day 1: 5 23-00 Day 2: 5 21-04
22. Nick Trim Galesville, WI 10 44-00 179 $4,919.00
Day 1: 5 20-01 Day 2: 5 23-15
23. Chris Hellebuyck White Lake, MI 10 43-14 178 $4,919.00
Day 1: 5 22-12 Day 2: 5 21-02
24. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 10 43-12 177 $4,919.00
Day 1: 5 22-13 Day 2: 5 20-15
25. Joey Nania Cropwell, AL 10 43-11 176 $4,919.00
Day 1: 5 22-02 Day 2: 5 21-09
26. Andrew Loberg Grant, AL 10 43-10 175 $4,919.00
Day 1: 5 20-14 Day 2: 5 22-12
27. Tadd Johnson Lakeville, MN 10 43-07 174 $4,919.00
Day 1: 5 19-10 Day 2: 5 23-13
28. Lucas Murphy West Columbia, MI 10 43-02 173 $4,919.00
Day 1: 5 22-14 Day 2: 5 20-04
29. Yui Aoki Minamitsurugun JAPAN 10 43-02 172 $4,919.00
Day 1: 5 22-07 Day 2: 5 20-11
30. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 10 43-00 171 $4,919.00
Day 1: 5 20-15 Day 2: 5 22-01
31. Bobby Bakewell Orlando, FL 10 42-13 170 $3,935.00
Day 1: 5 21-13 Day 2: 5 21-00
32. Elijah Benson Dahlonega, GA 10 42-12 169 $3,935.00
Day 1: 5 20-11 Day 2: 5 22-01
33. Austin Anderson Ashley, IN 10 42-09 168 $3,935.00
Day 1: 5 19-12 Day 2: 5 22-13
34. Lance Keene Manistee, MI 10 42-09 167 $3,935.00
Day 1: 5 20-00 Day 2: 5 22-09
35. Justin Eger Monticello, IN 10 42-09 166 $3,935.00
Day 1: 5 21-00 Day 2: 5 21-09
36. Brad Leuthner Victoria, MN 10 42-04 165 $3,935.00
Day 1: 5 21-14 Day 2: 5 20-06
37. Tai Au Glendale, AZ 10 42-03 164 $3,935.00
Day 1: 5 22-10 Day 2: 5 19-09
38. Dakota Ebare Brookeland, TX 10 42-03 163 $3,935.00
Day 1: 5 22-04 Day 2: 5 19-15
39. Andrew Hargrove Moody, TX 10 42-00 162 $3,935.00
Day 1: 5 19-14 Day 2: 5 22-02
40. Jacob Bigelow Cecil, WI 10 41-15 161 $3,935.00
Day 1: 5 21-01 Day 2: 5 20-14
41. Kollin Crawford Broken Bow, OK 10 41-14 160 $3,935.00
Day 1: 5 21-06 Day 2: 5 20-08
42. Connor Jacob Auburn, AL 10 41-12 159 $3,935.00
Day 1: 5 21-13 Day 2: 5 19-15
43. Bart Stanisz Austin, TX 10 41-11 158 $3,935.00
Day 1: 5 20-04 Day 2: 5 21-07
44. Tristan McCormick Burns, TN 10 41-11 157 $3,935.00
Day 1: 5 20-14 Day 2: 5 20-13
45. Andrew Harp Linden, TX 10 41-06 156 $3,935.00
Day 1: 5 19-09 Day 2: 5 21-13
46. Easton Fothergill Grand Rapids , MN 10 41-06 155
Day 1: 5 19-11 Day 2: 5 21-11
47. Tyler Lubbat Wheeling, IL 10 41-05 154
Day 1: 5 23-06 Day 2: 5 17-15
48. Beau Browning Hot Springs National Pa 10 41-03 153
Day 1: 5 18-10 Day 2: 5 22-09
49. Dustin Bliss Brooklyn Park, MN 10 41-02 152
Day 1: 5 19-15 Day 2: 5 21-03
50. Brock Belik Orchard, NE 10 41-01 151
Day 1: 5 20-08 Day 2: 5 20-09
51. Trey Swindle Cleveland, AL 10 40-09 150
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 21-10
52. Cody Meyer Eagle, ID 10 40-09 149
Day 1: 5 21-02 Day 2: 5 19-07
53. Reece Keeney Winneconne, WI 10 40-08 148
Day 1: 5 20-05 Day 2: 5 20-03
54. Kyoya Fujita Yamanashi CA JAPAN 10 40-05 147
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 22-12
55. Keith Tuma Brainerd, MN 10 40-05 146
Day 1: 5 20-10 Day 2: 5 19-11
56. Adam Rasmussen Sturgeon Bay, WI 10 40-03 145
Day 1: 5 20-01 Day 2: 5 20-02
57. Manny Sciberras Liberty Twp, OH 10 40-02 144
Day 1: 5 19-00 Day 2: 5 21-02
58. Chris Beaudrie Princeton, KY 10 40-02 143
Day 1: 5 19-12 Day 2: 5 20-06
59. Christian Ostrander Turlock, CA 10 40-01 142
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 22-11
60. Laker Howell Guntersville, AL 10 40-01 141
Day 1: 5 20-12 Day 2: 5 19-05
61. Brayden Rakes Winston Salem, NC 10 39-15 140
Day 1: 5 19-07 Day 2: 5 20-08
62. Mike McClelland Blue Eye, MO 10 39-11 139
Day 1: 5 21-11 Day 2: 5 18-00
63. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 10 39-09 138
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 21-15
64. Austin Cranford Norman, OK 10 39-09 137
Day 1: 5 19-12 Day 2: 5 19-13
65. Evan Kung Pickering Ontario CANAD 10 39-07 136
Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 5 20-14
66. Jimmy Washam Stantonville, TN 10 39-07 135
Day 1: 5 20-07 Day 2: 5 19-00
67. Cole Drummond Effingham, SC 10 39-04 134
Day 1: 5 18-10 Day 2: 5 20-10
68. Cody Steckel Las Vegas, NV 10 39-00 133
Day 1: 5 20-12 Day 2: 5 18-04
69. Tommy Parker Delano, MN 10 38-15 132
Day 1: 5 18-12 Day 2: 5 20-03
70. Bo Thomas Edwardsburg, MI 10 38-15 131
Day 1: 5 20-02 Day 2: 5 18-13
71. Zach Goutremout Chaumont, NY 10 38-14 130
Day 1: 5 20-05 Day 2: 5 18-09
72. Ish Monroe Oakdale, CA 10 38-13 129
Day 1: 5 23-14 Day 2: 5 14-15
73. Darold Gleason Many, LA 10 38-13 128
Day 1: 5 20-12 Day 2: 5 18-01
74. Kyle Austin Ridgeville, SC 10 38-09 127
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 20-06
75. Kenny Mittelstaedt Minnetonka, MN 10 38-07 126
Day 1: 5 20-15 Day 2: 5 17-08
76. Andrew Upshaw Hemphill, TX 10 38-07 125
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 20-07
77. Dalton Smith Taylorsville, KY 10 38-05 124
Day 1: 5 18-13 Day 2: 5 19-08
78. Chris Blanchette Edisto Island, SC 10 38-04 123
Day 1: 5 16-08 Day 2: 5 21-12
79. Jack Tindel III Orange, TX 10 38-01 122
Day 1: 5 17-15 Day 2: 5 20-02
80. Cliff Pace Ovett, MS 10 38-00 121
Day 1: 5 17-02 Day 2: 5 20-14
81. Greg Bohannan Bentonville, AR 10 37-12 120
Day 1: 5 15-01 Day 2: 5 22-11
82. Matt Pangrac Shawnee, OK 10 37-09 119
Day 1: 5 18-06 Day 2: 5 19-03
83. Lafe Messer Warfield, KY 10 37-09 118
Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 5 19-00
84. Brady Vernon Sterrett, AL 10 37-08 117
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 20-02
85. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 10 37-08 116
Day 1: 5 19-15 Day 2: 5 17-09
86. Cade Laufenberg Onalaska, WI 10 37-08 115
Day 1: 5 19-06 Day 2: 5 18-02
87. Matt Messer Warfield, KY 10 37-07 114
Day 1: 5 20-11 Day 2: 5 16-12
88. Jeffrey Copley Marengo, OH 10 37-07 113
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 19-00
89. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 10 37-06 112
Day 1: 5 19-09 Day 2: 5 17-13
90. Freddy Palmer Estill Springs, TN 10 37-05 111
Day 1: 5 17-13 Day 2: 5 19-08
91. Tim Frederick Leesburg, FL 10 37-02 110
Day 1: 5 17-02 Day 2: 5 20-00
92. Ty Faber Pagosa Springs, CO 10 37-02 109
Day 1: 5 19-12 Day 2: 5 17-06
93. Jason Elliott Warsaw, IN 10 37-01 108
Day 1: 5 19-09 Day 2: 5 17-08
94. Brandon McMillan Clewiston, FL 10 37-00 107
Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 5 18-15
95. Billy McDonald Greenwood, IN 10 36-15 106
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 18-15
96. Bailey Bleser Burlington, WI 10 36-14 105
Day 1: 5 19-07 Day 2: 5 17-07
97. Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 10 36-13 104
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 18-11
98. Cody Salzmann Southgate, MI 10 36-12 103
Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 5 18-11
99. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 10 36-11 102
Day 1: 5 20-02 Day 2: 5 16-09
100. John Voyles Petersburg, IN 10 36-11 101
Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 5 19-08
101. Nathan Thompson Eagan, MN 10 36-11 100
Day 1: 5 19-03 Day 2: 5 17-08
102. Daisuke Kita Ostu Shiga JAPAN 10 36-11 99
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 18-04
103. Matt Adams Oxford, AL 10 36-08 98
Day 1: 5 19-08 Day 2: 5 17-00
104. Jeremy Radford Huntly, VA 10 36-07 97
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 18-07
105. Zack Williams Shell Knob, MO 10 36-07 96
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 18-07
106. Cody Donato Burlington, MI 10 36-06 95
Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 5 19-03
107. Jackson Swisher Lake City, FL 10 36-06 94
Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 5 17-05
108. Brian Post Janesville, WI 10 36-05 93
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 19-12
109. Jack Dice Lynchburg, VA 10 36-04 92
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 18-14
110. Casey Scanlon Eldon, MO 10 36-04 91
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 18-01
111. Garrett Warren Scottsboro, AL 9 36-02 90
Day 1: 5 21-08 Day 2: 4 14-10
112. Jason Lambert Savannah, TN 10 36-02 89
Day 1: 5 15-14 Day 2: 5 20-04
113. James Watson Lampe, MO 10 36-02 88
Day 1: 5 17-11 Day 2: 5 18-07
114. Joe Wieberg Freeburg, MO 10 36-01 87
Day 1: 5 20-12 Day 2: 5 15-05
115. Randy Huffman Charleston, WV 10 36-00 86
Day 1: 5 16-12 Day 2: 5 19-04
116. Danny McGarry Newcastle CANADA 10 36-00 85
Day 1: 5 19-03 Day 2: 5 16-13
117. Lance Crawford Broken Bow, OK 10 36-00 84
Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 18-09
118. Sam George Athens, AL 10 35-14 83
Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 18-07
119. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 10 35-13 82
Day 1: 5 19-08 Day 2: 5 16-05
120. Tommy Dunaway Havana, FL 10 35-10 81
Day 1: 5 17-15 Day 2: 5 17-11
121. Kyle Palmer Winchester, TN 10 35-02 80
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 16-10
122. Alex Heintze Denham Springs, LA 10 35-01 79
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 16-09
123. Chase Clarke Virginia Beach, VA 10 35-00 78
Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 17-09
124. Adam Bartusek Clearwater, MN 10 34-14 77
Day 1: 5 20-06 Day 2: 5 14-08
125. Derrick Sadlowski Monaca, PA 10 34-14 76
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 19-07
126. Andrew Julson Stoughton, WI 10 34-14 75
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 16-14
127. Rich Lindgren Lakeville, MN 10 34-13 74
Day 1: 5 21-06 Day 2: 5 13-07
128. Scout Echols Monticello, AR 10 34-11 73
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 17-05
129. Jason Borofka Lavon, TX 10 34-10 72
Day 1: 5 15-15 Day 2: 5 18-11
130. Logan Johnson Jasper, AL 10 34-09 71
Day 1: 5 16-13 Day 2: 5 17-12
131. Adam Debono Washington, MI 10 34-07 70
Day 1: 5 19-07 Day 2: 5 15-00
132. Josh Douglas Isle, MN 10 34-07 69
Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 5 18-00
133. Alexander Welter Onalaska, WI 10 34-04 68
Day 1: 5 18-14 Day 2: 5 15-06
134. Andy Newcomb Camdenton, MO 10 34-04 67
Day 1: 5 17-05 Day 2: 5 16-15
135. Jim Moynagh Remer, MN 10 34-01 66
Day 1: 5 18-13 Day 2: 5 15-04
136. Cody Stahl Barnsville, GA 10 34-00 65
Day 1: 5 19-04 Day 2: 5 14-12
137. Blake Schroeder Whitehouse, TX 10 33-15 64
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 17-12
138. Sean Clayton Seneca, SC 10 33-13 63
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 19-04
139. Josh Butler Hayden, AL 10 33-13 62
Day 1: 5 15-10 Day 2: 5 18-03
140. Kyle Minke Lindsrom, MN 10 33-11 61
Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 5 16-13
141. Evan Poroznik Nestleton Station Ontar 10 33-06 60
Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 18-04
142. Ed Czerwinski Crown Point, IN 10 33-02 59
Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 5 15-15
143. Fernando Lobato Sparta, WI 10 33-02 58
Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 5 16-04
144. Cody Dawson Mount Vernon, OH 8 32-13 57
Day 1: 5 22-03 Day 2: 3 10-10
145. Mitchell Jacobs Prior Lake, MN 10 32-11 56
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 14-09
146. Dylan Mayo Athens, TX 10 32-10 55
Day 1: 5 15-11 Day 2: 5 16-15
147. Clark Reehm Elm Grove, LA 10 32-09 54
Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 5 15-06
148. Mike Mayo Athens, TX 10 32-07 53
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 5 17-11
149. Parker Knudsen Minnetonka, MN 10 32-05 52
Day 1: 5 15-01 Day 2: 5 17-04
150. Andrew Behnke Fond Du Lac, WI 10 31-11 51
Day 1: 5 15-10 Day 2: 5 16-01
151. Ethen Preston Tower City, ND 10 31-06 50
Day 1: 5 19-12 Day 2: 5 11-10
152. Dave Parsons Yantis, TX 10 31-04 49
Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 5 16-05
153. Kevin Langlands Macomb, MI 10 31-03 48
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 5 14-14
154. Andy Dassow Medford, WI 10 30-13 47
Day 1: 5 16-15 Day 2: 5 13-14
155. Vue Thao Madison, WI 10 30-05 46
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 15-10
156. Tripp Noojin Bryant, AL 10 30-04 45
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 16-14
157. Chancy Walters West Des Moines, IA 10 30-01 44
Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 12-10
158. Randy Ramsey Burlington, MI 10 29-15 43
Day 1: 5 18-13 Day 2: 5 11-02
159. Richard Lowitzki Fort Myers, FL 10 29-15 42
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 5 18-12
160. Randall Tharp Port St. Joe, FL 10 29-12 41
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 13-09
161. Brady Hanna Silvis, IL 10 29-09 40
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 5 13-12
162. Derek Lehtonen Woodruff, SC 10 29-08 39
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 15-15
163. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 10 29-07 38
Day 1: 5 15-08 Day 2: 5 13-15
164. Jordan Knutson Saint Croix Falls, WI 10 29-05 37
Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 5 19-00
165. Tyler Smith Portage, MI 10 29-03 36
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 5 17-06
166. Kevin Ledoux Choctaw, OK 10 29-03 35
Day 1: 5 15-15 Day 2: 5 13-04
167. Teb Jones Yalaha, MS 10 28-12 34
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 5 17-11
168. Phillip Kroll Otego, NY 10 28-12 33
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 11-03
169. Chris Miller Spirit Lake, IA 10 28-11 32
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 14-09
170. Chris Kingree Inverness, FL 10 28-10 31
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 14-01
171. Kevin Dritschler Prosper, TX 10 28-08 30
Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 5 13-02
172. Andrew Smith Chesterfield, MI 10 28-07 29
Day 1: 5 13-12 Day 2: 5 14-11
173. Paul Browning Monahans, TX 10 28-03 28
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 13-10
174. Bryan Partak Marseilles, IL 9 28-02 27
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 4 11-13
175. Avery Williams Murrells Inlt, SC 10 28-02 26
Day 1: 5 16-01 Day 2: 5 12-01
176. Chad Grigsby Maple Grove, MN 10 28-02 25
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 14-00
177. Whitney Stephens Waverly, OH 10 28-00 24
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 5 15-06
178. Tom Monsoor La Crosse, WI 10 28-00 23
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 14-05
179. Mark Tonjum Spencer, IA 10 27-13 22
Day 1: 5 13-15 Day 2: 5 13-14
180. Bryan Finch Belton, TX 10 27-09 21
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 15-01
181. Keith Brumfield Vicksburg, MS 10 27-08 20
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 12-01
182. Mike Surman Boca Raton, FL 10 27-07 19
Day 1: 5 13-02 Day 2: 5 14-05
183. Kyle Weisenburger Columbus Grv, OH 10 27-05 18
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 5 15-03
184. Scott Kerslake Okeechobee, FL 10 27-02 17
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 5 14-08
185. Scott Isaacs Ladonia, TX 10 27-01 16
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 12-13
186. Dan Welsh Elko New Mrkt, MN 7 26-14 15
Day 1: 2 06-13 Day 2: 5 20-01
187. Louis Moratti Rockford, MI 10 26-14 14
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 15-09
188. Brad Swan North Ridgeville, OH 9 26-14 13
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 4 11-11
189. Allan Nail Sand Springs, OK 8 26-06 12
Day 1: 3 08-12 Day 2: 5 17-10
190. Steven Caldwell Whitesboro, TX 10 26-05 11
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 10-14
191. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 10 26-04 10
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 14-09
192. Danny Ramsey Trinidad, TX 7 26-02 9
Day 1: 5 20-03 Day 2: 2 05-15
193. Brian Bengtson Bloomington, MN 10 25-14 8
Day 1: 5 13-15 Day 2: 5 11-15
194. Lance Owen Greer, SC 10 25-00 7
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 13-05
195. Tim Tyndell Mineola, TX 9 24-02 6
Day 1: 4 08-02 Day 2: 5 16-00
196. Jody Gardner Tippecanoe, OH 10 23-10 5
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 11-07
197. Matt Thompson Stacy, MN 9 23-09 4
Day 1: 4 11-09 Day 2: 5 12-00
198. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 8 23-06 3
Day 1: 3 06-10 Day 2: 5 16-12
199. Richard Kaluba Litchfield, OH 10 23-05 2
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 11-05
200. Daniel Larson Onamia, MN 9 22-13 1
Day 1: 4 10-10 Day 2: 5 12-03
201. Doc Wootton Collierville, TN 8 22-03 0
Day 1: 3 08-13 Day 2: 5 13-06
202. Kelvin Wilcox Hazlehurst, GA 9 21-13 0
Day 1: 4 07-15 Day 2: 5 13-14
203. Philip Roesener Choctaw, OK 8 20-14 0
Day 1: 3 08-03 Day 2: 5 12-11
204. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR 8 20-06 0
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 3 06-15
205. David Bromenshenkel Sauk Centre, MN 8 20-01 0
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 3 08-08
206. Travis Turcotte Pembroke CANADA 5 17-10 0
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
207. Brady Schran Zumbrota, MN 6 17-03 0
Day 1: 2 05-09 Day 2: 4 11-10
208. Caden Cowan Stephenville, TX 5 16-13 0
Day 1: 5 16-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
208. Patrick Goodman Sturgis, MI 5 16-13 0
Day 1: 5 16-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
210. Ralph Blasey Pinckney, MI 5 16-07 0
Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
211. Jason Abram Piney Flats, TN 5 15-07 0
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
212. Scott Noel Loveland, OH 6 15-07 0
Day 1: 2 06-04 Day 2: 4 09-03
213. Dale Salzmann Hazel Green, WI 5 14-13 0
Day 1: 3 07-08 Day 2: 2 07-05
214. Brent Shores Boise, ID 5 13-14 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 13-14
215. Cody Bird Granbury, TX 5 12-10 0
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
216. Tony Dumitras Winston, GA 4 11-06 0
Day 1: 4 11-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
217. Clint Leonard Jr Saint Cloud, FL 7 09-12 0
Day 1: 2 03-14 Day 2: 5 05-14
218. Wayne Hall Cottonwood, AZ 4 09-10 0
Day 1: 4 09-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
219. A.J. Menssen Bloomington, IL 4 09-08 0
Day 1: 3 08-04 Day 2: 1 01-04
220. Joey Hanna Corsicana, TX 2 04-12 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 04-12
221. Paul Bouvier Kingston CANADA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 202 1060 3814-14
2 200 1036 3748-03
------------------------------
402 2096 7563-01
2024 St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Lake St. Clair presented by SEVIIN 7/11-7/13
Lake St. Clair, Harrison Township MI.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Arron Kowalczyk Newport, MI 6 22-14 200 $19,721.00
Day 1: 3 10-06 Day 2: 3 12-08
2. Eric Polenz Trenton, MI 6 22-12 199 $4,641.00
Day 1: 3 09-11 Day 2: 3 13-01
3. Joe Digiovanni Sterling Heights, MI 6 22-12 198 $3,481.00
Day 1: 3 12-01 Day 2: 3 10-11
4. Richard Simmons Pewamo , MI 6 22-04 197 $2,610.00
Day 1: 3 11-05 Day 2: 3 10-15
5. Kevin Newcomb Saint Albans, WV 6 22-03 196 $2,436.00
Day 1: 3 10-13 Day 2: 3 11-06
6. Scott Dondlinger Scottsboro, AL 6 21-15 195 $2,320.00
Day 1: 3 11-11 Day 2: 3 10-04
7. Brandon Troupe Chicago, IL 6 21-12 194 $2,204.00
Day 1: 3 11-10 Day 2: 3 10-02
8. Niko Romero Coldspring, TX 6 21-08 193 $2,088.00
Day 1: 3 12-13 Day 2: 3 08-11
9. Jeff Somers Crystal, MN 6 21-07 192 $1,914.00
Day 1: 3 11-13 Day 2: 3 09-10
10. Ronald Young New Braunfels, TX 6 21-06 191 $1,990.00
Day 1: 3 10-10 Day 2: 3 10-12
11. Corey Gue Huntington, WV 6 21-04 190 $1,624.00
Day 1: 3 09-12 Day 2: 3 11-08
12. Danny Mancini Necedah, WI 6 21-03 189 $1,508.00
Day 1: 3 10-15 Day 2: 3 10-04
13. Tom Stark III Angola, IN 6 20-13 188 $1,276.00
Day 1: 3 09-15 Day 2: 3 10-14
14. Jimmy Obrien Southampton, NY 6 20-10 187 $1,160.00
Day 1: 3 11-09 Day 2: 3 09-01
15. Tom Lyskawka Arlington Heights , IL 6 20-10 186 $1,044.00
Day 1: 3 10-11 Day 2: 3 09-15
16. John Bolen Marshall, MI 6 20-09 185 $928.00
Day 1: 3 10-14 Day 2: 3 09-11
17. Gary Emery III Gladwin, MI 6 20-09 184 $870.00
Day 1: 3 10-04 Day 2: 3 10-05
18. Gabe Sowash Gainesville, GA 6 20-08 183 $870.00
Day 1: 3 07-12 Day 2: 3 12-12
19. Brad Goetz Waunakee, WI 6 20-06 182 $870.00
Day 1: 3 11-05 Day 2: 3 09-01
20. Kevin Yeska Madison, WI 6 20-04 181 $870.00
Day 1: 3 11-00 Day 2: 3 09-04
21. Andy Bulson Highland, MI 6 20-02 180 $812.00
Day 1: 3 11-04 Day 2: 3 08-14
22. Philip Castrodale West Bloomfield, MI 6 20-01 179 $812.00
Day 1: 3 06-15 Day 2: 3 13-02
23. Shane Kuehn Bennington, NE 6 20-01 178 $812.00
Day 1: 3 10-13 Day 2: 3 09-04
24. Bee Carchidi Baden CANADA 6 19-15 177 $812.00
Day 1: 3 09-04 Day 2: 3 10-11
25. Jed Lamb Chapel Hill, TN 6 19-14 176 $812.00
Day 1: 3 11-03 Day 2: 3 08-11
26. Kristian Johnson Belvidere, NJ 6 19-14 175 $696.00
Day 1: 3 10-11 Day 2: 3 09-03
27. Randal Burr Chesterfield, MI 6 19-14 174 $696.00
Day 1: 3 09-07 Day 2: 3 10-07
28. Tony Grubb Ann Arbor, MI 6 19-14 173 $696.00
Day 1: 3 09-13 Day 2: 3 10-01
29. Riku Hayashi Ritto Shiga JAPAN 6 19-13 172 $696.00
Day 1: 3 10-05 Day 2: 3 09-08
30. Travis Bradley Hurricane, WV 6 19-12 171 $696.00
Day 1: 3 11-00 Day 2: 3 08-12
31. Tiffany Leal Austin, TX 6 19-12 170 $638.00
Day 1: 3 09-14 Day 2: 3 09-14
32. Christopher Majerle Trenton, MI 6 19-11 169 $638.00
Day 1: 3 08-10 Day 2: 3 11-01
33. Adam Yeagley Mulberry, IN 6 19-11 168 $638.00
Day 1: 3 10-00 Day 2: 3 09-11
34. Stephen Wolownik Bloomingdale, MI 6 19-09 167 $638.00
Day 1: 3 08-09 Day 2: 3 11-00
35. Chad Stahl Barnesville, GA 6 19-06 166 $638.00
Day 1: 3 10-09 Day 2: 3 08-13
36. Mike Steckel Las Vegas, NV 6 19-03 165 $638.00
Day 1: 3 09-15 Day 2: 3 09-04
37. Tadd Davis Colon, MI 6 19-02 164 $638.00
Day 1: 3 08-08 Day 2: 3 10-10
38. Sean O'Brien Norman, OK 6 19-02 163 $638.00
Day 1: 3 09-12 Day 2: 3 09-06
39. Mark Lyons Marion, IN 6 19-01 162 $638.00
Day 1: 3 10-12 Day 2: 3 08-05
40. Bob Morin Seymour, TN 6 18-15 161 $638.00
Day 1: 3 10-06 Day 2: 3 08-09
41. Eric Nitz Lawton, MI 5 18-14 160
Day 1: 2 06-11 Day 2: 3 12-03
42. Cody Harris Grand Blanc, MI 6 18-14 159
Day 1: 3 09-10 Day 2: 3 09-04
43. Kevin Lewis Lexington, KY 6 18-13 158
Day 1: 3 09-10 Day 2: 3 09-03
44. Jim Murphy Walker, MI 6 18-09 157
Day 1: 3 09-06 Day 2: 3 09-03
45. Eugene Kim Lindenhurst, IL 6 18-08 156
Day 1: 3 10-03 Day 2: 3 08-05
46. Ron Norris Portage, MI 6 18-08 155
Day 1: 3 09-12 Day 2: 3 08-12
47. Michael Leach Shenandoah, TX 6 18-08 154
Day 1: 3 08-13 Day 2: 3 09-11
48. Garry Osborn Kalamazoo, MI 6 18-07 153
Day 1: 3 08-12 Day 2: 3 09-11
49. Scott Bannerman Stratford CANADA 5 18-06 152
Day 1: 3 11-02 Day 2: 2 07-04
50. Jon Linneman Joliet, IL 6 18-03 151
Day 1: 3 08-02 Day 2: 3 10-01
51. Benjamin Antoniewicz Kronenwetter, WI 6 18-01 150
Day 1: 3 11-03 Day 2: 3 06-14
52. Mike Elkins Kalamazoo, MI 6 18-01 149
Day 1: 3 09-09 Day 2: 3 08-08
53. Cullan Parker Avon Lake, OH 6 17-15 148
Day 1: 3 10-08 Day 2: 3 07-07
54. Charlie Gabbeart Plymouth, MI 6 17-15 147
Day 1: 3 10-06 Day 2: 3 07-09
55. Brandon Newman Arlington, IN 6 17-15 146
Day 1: 3 08-02 Day 2: 3 09-13
56. Martin Terveer Otsego, MN 6 17-14 145
Day 1: 3 08-00 Day 2: 3 09-14
57. Dai Kitajima Otsu-Shi JAPAN 6 17-13 144
Day 1: 3 09-04 Day 2: 3 08-09
58. Michael Hrynewycz Goshen, IN 6 17-13 143
Day 1: 3 08-12 Day 2: 3 09-01
59. Jeff Jones West Seneca, NY 6 17-12 142
Day 1: 3 09-03 Day 2: 3 08-09
60. Todd Robbins Chelsea, MI 5 17-11 141
Day 1: 2 08-11 Day 2: 3 09-00
61. Jimmy Fellegy Mustang, OK 6 17-09 140
Day 1: 3 10-07 Day 2: 3 07-02
62. Owen Atchison Van Buren, OH 6 17-08 139
Day 1: 3 08-00 Day 2: 3 09-08
63. Chip Wright Gobles, MI 6 17-05 138
Day 1: 3 07-12 Day 2: 3 09-09
64. Thy Dinh Charleston, WV 6 17-05 137
Day 1: 3 09-06 Day 2: 3 07-15
65. Jimmy Brumfield Madison, MS 6 17-05 136
Day 1: 3 08-08 Day 2: 3 08-13
66. Michael Willbur Battle Creek, MI 6 17-04 135
Day 1: 3 08-00 Day 2: 3 09-04
67. Jason Barber Gun Barrel City, TX 6 17-01 134
Day 1: 3 08-07 Day 2: 3 08-10
68. Perry See Rochester, MN 6 16-15 133
Day 1: 3 09-08 Day 2: 3 07-07
69. Matt Kelley Detroit, MI 5 16-12 132
Day 1: 2 07-11 Day 2: 3 09-01
70. John Davis Dowagiac, MI 6 16-10 131
Day 1: 3 08-07 Day 2: 3 08-03
71. Dawson Wisner Palatka, FL 5 16-09 130
Day 1: 3 10-11 Day 2: 2 05-14
72. Erik Fossum Porter, ME 6 16-08 129
Day 1: 3 09-15 Day 2: 3 06-09
73. Levi Warner Hilbert, WI 6 16-07 128
Day 1: 3 05-08 Day 2: 3 10-15
74. Brad Thieman Sioux City, IA 6 16-07 127
Day 1: 3 07-10 Day 2: 3 08-13
75. Ken Bassler Clarkston, MI 6 16-06 126
Day 1: 3 09-06 Day 2: 3 07-00
76. Hiroya Hyodo Funabashi city Chibaken 5 16-05 125
Day 1: 3 07-08 Day 2: 2 08-13
77. Keith Gunsauls Dandridge, TN 6 16-04 124
Day 1: 3 07-06 Day 2: 3 08-14
78. Andrew Williams Fenton, MI 6 16-04 123
Day 1: 3 08-06 Day 2: 3 07-14
79. Kenny Stelter Forest Lake, MN 5 16-03 122
Day 1: 3 07-13 Day 2: 2 08-06
80. Pete Pisello Phillipsburg, NJ 5 16-02 121
Day 1: 3 10-10 Day 2: 2 05-08
81. Greg Shaughnessy Miami, FL 6 16-01 120
Day 1: 3 07-10 Day 2: 3 08-07
82. Joshua Sokol Orland Park, IL 5 16-00 119
Day 1: 2 05-08 Day 2: 3 10-08
83. Andrew Shores Boise, ID 6 16-00 118
Day 1: 3 06-10 Day 2: 3 09-06
84. Kenneth Taylor Shelby Township, MI 6 16-00 117
Day 1: 3 07-11 Day 2: 3 08-05
85. Ty Kenyon Dodgeville, WI 6 15-15 116
Day 1: 3 08-04 Day 2: 3 07-11
86. Gary Dennis Ravenswood, WV 5 15-13 115
Day 1: 3 10-12 Day 2: 2 05-01
87. Gary Haraguchi Murfreesboro, TN 6 15-12 114
Day 1: 3 09-14 Day 2: 3 05-14
88. Jared Choiniere South Lyon, MI 5 15-09 113
Day 1: 3 10-06 Day 2: 2 05-03
89. Patrick Bartley Waconia, MN 4 15-09 112
Day 1: 2 06-14 Day 2: 2 08-11
90. Kenny Piper Spring Lake, MI 6 15-07 111
Day 1: 3 06-08 Day 2: 3 08-15
91. Austin Koleszar Detroit, MI 6 15-07 110
Day 1: 3 06-11 Day 2: 3 08-12
92. Phil Cowan Fort Worth, TX 5 15-06 109
Day 1: 3 09-10 Day 2: 2 05-12
93. David Riggs Highland, IL 4 15-01 108
Day 1: 1 02-09 Day 2: 3 12-08
94. Craig Hanna Powell, OH 4 15-01 107
Day 1: 3 11-05 Day 2: 1 03-12
95. Steve Grove Granger, IN 5 15-00 106
Day 1: 2 06-01 Day 2: 3 08-15
96. Jason Gibson Iron Station, NC 5 14-14 105
Day 1: 2 04-08 Day 2: 3 10-06
97. Mark Saunders Sr Valley City, OH 6 14-14 104
Day 1: 3 06-11 Day 2: 3 08-03
98. Darren Gates Macon, IL 4 14-07 103
Day 1: 3 10-00 Day 2: 1 04-07
99. Lonnie Mesar Colfax, WI 5 14-06 102
Day 1: 2 04-12 Day 2: 3 09-10
100. Russell Vandiver Greenfield, IN 5 14-04 101
Day 1: 3 09-09 Day 2: 2 04-11
101. Patrick Ricchi Waterford, MI 6 14-01 100
Day 1: 3 07-06 Day 2: 3 06-11
102. Hunter Brinkman Wolcottville, IN 5 14-00 99
Day 1: 3 09-13 Day 2: 2 04-03
103. Joseph Nega Chicago, IL 5 13-14 98
Day 1: 2 04-14 Day 2: 3 09-00
104. Chris Stelter Chisago City, MN 5 13-13 97
Day 1: 2 05-06 Day 2: 3 08-07
105. Rich Bleser Burlington, WI 6 13-11 96
Day 1: 3 07-08 Day 2: 3 06-03
106. Jonathan Jackson Las Vegas, NV 5 13-08 95
Day 1: 3 08-14 Day 2: 2 04-10
107. James Simmons Terre Haute, IN 5 13-08 94
Day 1: 2 04-12 Day 2: 3 08-12
108. Eric Breitkreutz Sheboygan, WI 5 13-07 93
Day 1: 3 08-01 Day 2: 2 05-06
109. Doug Clifford Crooksville, OH 5 13-05 92
Day 1: 3 07-13 Day 2: 2 05-08
110. Tim White Welaka, FL 5 12-14 91
Day 1: 2 04-05 Day 2: 3 08-09
111. Jacob Collins Hillsboro, IL 5 12-14 90
Day 1: 2 06-07 Day 2: 3 06-07
112. Jay Jackson Clio, MI 3 12-12 89
Day 1: 3 12-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
113. Steven Robbins Piketon, OH 4 12-12 88
Day 1: 2 05-10 Day 2: 2 07-02
114. Bradley Watts Mount Ayr, IN 4 12-11 87
Day 1: 1 02-07 Day 2: 3 10-04
115. Greg Davis Reynoldsburg, OH 4 12-09 86
Day 1: 3 10-05 Day 2: 1 02-04
116. David Waack Cary, NC 4 12-05 85
Day 1: 1 02-01 Day 2: 3 10-04
117. Richard Greene Ocala, FL 5 12-05 84
Day 1: 3 07-11 Day 2: 2 04-10
118. Nathan Oxenberg Woodstock CANADA 5 12-00 83
Day 1: 3 07-11 Day 2: 2 04-05
119. Daniel Vasquez Boynton Beach, FL 4 11-15 82
Day 1: 2 06-15 Day 2: 2 05-00
120. Hayden Spradling Gilbert, AZ 4 11-13 81
Day 1: 3 10-06 Day 2: 1 01-07
121. Larry Thomas Lambertville, MI 4 11-12 80
Day 1: 1 02-11 Day 2: 3 09-01
122. Tanner Visco Chicago, IL 4 11-11 79
Day 1: 3 09-07 Day 2: 1 02-04
123. Todd Mason Three Rivers, MI 6 11-11 78
Day 1: 3 09-01 Day 2: 3 02-10
124. Jon Jezierski Troy, MI 3 11-07 77
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 11-07
125. Jerry Adamski Chicago, IL 4 11-05 76
Day 1: 3 09-13 Day 2: 1 01-08
126. Don Kimmel Fishers, IN 4 11-02 75
Day 1: 1 03-07 Day 2: 3 07-11
127. Rich Soderquist South Haven, MI 4 11-00 74
Day 1: 2 06-04 Day 2: 2 04-12
128. Aaron Anders Oakland FL CANADA 5 10-14 73
Day 1: 3 08-14 Day 2: 2 02-00
129. Alex Grimbos Innisfil CANADA 3 10-12 72
Day 1: 2 06-08 Day 2: 1 04-04
130. Brian Forcier Akron, IA 3 10-11 71
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 10-11
131. Mark Wolownik Paw Paw, MI 3 10-11 70
Day 1: 2 08-00 Day 2: 1 02-11
132. Klaus Kuester Forest Park, IL 3 10-10 69
Day 1: 3 10-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
133. Doug Lezman Zeeland, MI 4 10-10 68
Day 1: 1 01-09 Day 2: 3 09-01
134. Jeffrey Cummins Marion, OH 5 10-10 67
Day 1: 2 05-06 Day 2: 3 05-04
135. Tyler Pursley Mattawan, MI 3 10-04 66
Day 1: 1 04-04 Day 2: 2 06-00
136. Stephen Syrett Howell, MI 4 10-02 65
Day 1: 1 03-01 Day 2: 3 07-01
137. Patrick Andres Long Grove, IL 4 10-02 64
Day 1: 1 03-07 Day 2: 3 06-11
138. Eric Gates Laurel, IN 3 10-01 63
Day 1: 3 10-01 Day 2: 0 00-00
139. Robert Wingate Lake, MI 4 09-11 62
Day 1: 3 06-00 Day 2: 1 03-11
140. Darwin Griva Hampton, IN 3 09-10 61
Day 1: 3 09-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
141. Amir Rahimpour Macomb, MI 4 09-09 60
Day 1: 1 03-07 Day 2: 3 06-02
142. Richard Jarasun Taylor, MI 3 09-08 59
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 09-08
142. Landon Lawson Jonesborough, TN 3 09-08 59
Day 1: 3 09-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
144. Maggie Carsello Stoughton, WI 4 09-08 57
Day 1: 1 01-15 Day 2: 3 07-09
145. Tatsuhiko Tsugaru Tachikawa JAPAN 5 09-05 56
Day 1: 3 05-13 Day 2: 2 03-08
146. Bill Bauman Westland, MI 3 09-03 55
Day 1: 2 05-05 Day 2: 1 03-14
147. Alex Gleason Cincinnati, OH 4 08-11 54
Day 1: 2 04-11 Day 2: 2 04-00
148. Mohammad Rahimpour Oxford, MI 3 08-09 53
Day 1: 3 08-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
149. Ethan Street Coal Valley, IL 3 08-06 52
Day 1: 3 08-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
150. Kevin Fetzer Waterford, MI 4 08-05 51
Day 1: 2 03-07 Day 2: 2 04-14
151. Mark Jusick Jackson, MI 3 08-02 50
Day 1: 2 05-15 Day 2: 1 02-03
152. Bailey Rothrock Milan, MI 3 07-15 49
Day 1: 3 07-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
153. Steven Pennington Delton, MI 3 07-12 48
Day 1: 3 07-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
154. Bradley Pierce Gretna, NE 3 07-03 47
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 07-03
155. Albert Jones Jr Covington, GA 3 06-13 46
Day 1: 2 03-09 Day 2: 1 03-04
156. David Roche Center Line, MI 3 06-12 45
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 06-12
157. Charles Johnson Newberry, MI 2 05-15 44
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 05-15
158. Justin Oppegard Eagan, MN 3 05-11 43
Day 1: 1 01-10 Day 2: 2 04-01
159. Jimmy Fryer Thornville, OH 2 05-10 42
Day 1: 1 02-13 Day 2: 1 02-13
160. Michael Chorazyczewski St Clr Shores, MI 2 05-08 41
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 05-08
161. Todd Coombs Shell Lake, WI 2 05-04 40
Day 1: 2 05-04 Day 2: 0 00-00
162. Jeff Caruthers Ashford, WV 2 05-00 39
Day 1: 2 05-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
162. Edwin Perrier Kenora CANADA 2 05-00 39
Day 1: 2 05-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
164. Masaya Yamaguchi New York, NY 1 04-01 37
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 04-01
165. George Sterkel Jr Brookpark, OH 1 03-12 36
Day 1: 1 03-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
166. Dan Minor Norwalk, OH 2 03-08 35
Day 1: 2 03-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
167. Coltan Morris Cropwell, AL 1 03-08 34
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 03-08
168. Mike Fedio Fenton, MI 1 03-04 33
Day 1: 1 03-04 Day 2: 0 00-00
169. Nathan Majiros Horseheads, NY 1 02-11 32
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-11
170. Dennis Duffy Westmont, IL 1 02-01 31
Day 1: 1 02-01 Day 2: 0 00-00
171. Travis Wise Rootstown, OH 1 02-00 30
Day 1: 1 02-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
172. Danny Hanna Jr Corsicana, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
172. Nick LaRosa St Clair Shores, MI 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
172. Ryoji Mogi West Bloomfield, MI 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 116 421 1292-09
2 111 403 1206-14
------------------------------
227 824 2499-07
Patrick Walters Earns Fourth NPFL Shield with Victory on Pickwick Lake
Patrick Walters' goal for championship Friday was to burn it all to the ground. With 24 pounds even on the final day and a 4-pound margin of victory, that is exactly what he did.
Early in the event, Walters realized he had located a school of bass on one of the biggest community holes on the lake, and to his surprise, he was the only angler in the area.
He caught 20 pounds, 3 ounces on day one to start strong and added 25 pounds, 15 ounces on day two, rotating between the community hole and a few other spots. With nothing left to save fish for, he had free range of his Tennessee River ledges and added 24 pounds on the final day, slamming the door shut on his fourth NPFL victory.
“I think the biggest key to this week was the lack of pressure in my areas, and capitalizing on the community holes that had nobody else fishing it,” he said. “On day one, I caught three of my fish there, two more on day two, and today I caught two fish there. It really allowed me to supplement my bags with my other areas. I truly have no idea why nobody else found those fish.”
Despite fishing for an early limit on days one and two, the South Carolina pro focused on big fish only today, and was fortunate to get together a solid bag quickly, taking some pressure off and allowing him to settle in and headhunt.
“I had some piles and hard spots saved and basically was trying to get on a good rotation today. I moved to some of those areas and the wind had baitfish moved in and I focused on big fish, and ended up getting two of them – a four and five-pounder.”
Then, as the afternoon progressed, and the current started to move, so did the wind. It blew against the current and made things tough, but the deed was already done by that point, and Walters knew he had done his job on the final day.
“I knew if I could catch one more big fish it would have been game over,” he concluded. “To catch big ones out here, the conditions need to be right, and they were not for us today. I did my job and knew that they would have needed to catch them to beat me. It was a great week; I am looking forward to heading up north and putting some largemouth rods away for a while.”
Drew Cook
Georgia pro Drew Cook started strong, taking the lead on day one with 22 pounds, 13 ounces. He followed up with 21 pounds, 10 ounces on day two, and added 21 pounds, 11 ounces today, bringing his total weight to 66 pounds, 2 ounces. Cook finished the tournament in second place. While the majority of the field opted for the ledge bite, Cook found out quickly in practice he was looking at the wrong waypoints, and turned his attention shallow.
“My spot was super shallow, and it was hard to graph,” he said. “It is a spot they are not supposed to be on now. I started fishing deeper in practice and did not like what I saw.”
The Georgia pro moved towards the bank and quickly found signs that he was fishing the wrong depth.
“I graphed some shallow stumps and they had bass. I started running my April/May waypoints and found two key areas that played throughout the tournament. They both were less than 5 feet of water and are typically places they go to after spawning – most of my fish had bloody tails.”
On day one, he sacked up a quick 18-pounds on one bar before moving to the second. In short order, he culled his entire bag and brought 22 pounds, 13 ounces to the scales and took the early lead. On day two he was able to catch over 20 pounds fairly quickly but laid off his area soon after.
“I thought it was going to be a tougher day for everyone and I stopped fishing,” he added. “That was a mistake and cost me the opportunity to make this closer at the end. Today, after I had caught a bunch, the fish scattered off and never got set back up due to pressure from other anglers. It was a great week regardless.”
Isaac Peavyhouse
Isaac Peavyhouse finished in third place with a total weight of 63 pounds, 12 ounces. On day one, he brought in 22 pounds, 7 ounces, including a 6-pound, 7-ounce kicker. He added 23 pounds, 2 ounces on day two, and 18 pounds, 3 ounces today. When his area dried up, he knew he had to make a change and opted to run new water to salvage the day.
“Everything I had was pressured and the fish got super smart. I scrapped it and fished new water, stuff I never even practiced,” he said. “I made the right adjustments this week and I am happy with it. If you told me after practice I would end up in third, I probably would have taken it. I would get a bite and leave, so I never knew what I had until the event started.”
Peavyhouse rotated between two key baits - a drop shot – and a damiki rig, with the majority of fish coming on the latter.
John Soukup
John Soukup finished in fourth place with a total weight of 61 pounds, 8 ounces. He started with 18 pounds, 13 ounces on day one, followed by 18 pounds, 12 ounces on day two, and recorded his biggest bag of the week today with 23 pounds, 15 ounces.
Kyle Welcher
Alabama pro Kyle Welcher ended the tournament in fifth place with a total weight of 61 pounds, 3 ounces. He kicked off with 18 pounds, 2 ounces on day one, followed by an impressive 22 pounds, 12 ounces on day two, and concluded with 20 pounds, 5 ounces today.
Corey Casey earns the Power Pole Big Bass award for his 9-pound, 10-ounce largemouth. Matt Looney earned $5,000 for being the highest placing Bass Cat Boat Owner.
Rest of the Best
Corey Casey 61-1
Trent Palmer 58-10
Bailey Gay 58-2
Hunter Sales 57-10
John Branch 57-10
Patrick Walters Surges to NPFL Lead at Pickwick
After a decent practice, Walters felt like Pickwick might be setting up to put out some heavy weights. After two days of competition and 46-pounds, 2-ounces later, the three-time NPFL champion Patrick Walters from South Carolina is one day away from adding number four.
Walters started strong with 20 pounds, 3 ounces on day one, and added an impressive 25 pounds, 15 ounces on day two. After some misfortune on day one that cost him several pounds, Walters opted to save some of his better areas for later in the event and focused on catching all he could elsewhere.
On day two, he fished several of the same spots and added a few more, resulting in the event's largest bag thus far, and a 9-ounce lead heading to Friday. “I am super excited for tomorrow,” he said. “Mostly because I saved some of my best places, but also because it’s the final day, and there is nothing left to save – we are going to burn everything to the
ground out there.”
Despite sharing some “community holes” with other anglers, Walters is pretty much being left alone. He focused on locating key areas in normally productive sections of the lake that he believes other anglers may have overlooked.
“I think it is a combo of things; it’s a different type of spot that I am looking for, and I think I have most of it to myself. Like the others, I am throwing the kitchen sink at them. Today, I weighed in five bass on five different baits. It is going to be fun out there tomorrow!”
Isaac Peavyhouse
Isaac Peavyhouse sits in second place after two days with a total of 45 pounds, 9 ounces. He weighed in 22 pounds, 7 ounces on day one, and followed up with 23 pounds, 3 ounces on day two. Relying on a big bite on day one, Peavyhouse waited until late in the day today to notch another lunker, culling him up over 3 pounds.
“I am still shaking,” he laughed. I spent 2.5 hours this afternoon running around practicing for tomorrow and ran into the big one 30 minutes ago. It was unreal.”
Peavyhouse started the day with a small limited by 1 pm but kept on with this “typical ledge” pattern. He culled a smaller fish with a 4-pounder shortly after and pulled the plug. “It was about the same for me today – around 10 to 12 keepers again,” he added. “I am certainly not smoking them but when I make one bite, it’s been pretty decent quality. Aside from my starting spot, which I shared with one guy this morning, everything else I had to myself. I look forward to getting out there on the final day.”
Opting to keep his bait selection under wraps for one more day, Peavyhouse, like others, has been rotating through several different baits. He did note, however, that two of his better presentations have been “semi-finesse.”
Drew Cook
Georgia pro Drew Cook holds third place at Pickwick Lake in the NPFL tournament with a two-day total of 44 pounds, 7 ounces. Cook started strong with 22 pounds, 13 ounces on day one, and added 21 pounds, 10 ounces today.
After catching his biggest fish of the day on his first cast this morning, another angler idling through busted the school up and scattered the fish. Once they settled back in, Cook went to work before laying off his key area with one more day to go tomorrow.
“I didn’t think they would catch them as well as they did and laid off the school once I got up over 19 pounds,” he said on stage. “I caught five bass yesterday, probably ten today, and tomorrow, I am going to catch every single one of them.”
Kyle Welcher
Alabama pro Kyle Welcher had a solid start with 18 pounds, 2 ounces on day one. He added an impressive 22 pounds, 12 ounces on day two, bringing his two-day total to 40 pounds, 14 ounces. Welcher sits in the fourth-place spot going into the final day tomorrow.
Focusing on a pattern he found late in practice, despite not catching any bigger fish, Welcher is keying in on sweet spots in areas with the presence of baitfish. He is rotating through several areas and capitalizing on the bass that are willing to bite.
“The biggest key to my event is I am fishing areas with the most bait, in the areas of the lake that have better quality fish,” he said. “I am rotating through a lot of different spots each day and capitalizing on the fish that are aggressive when I pull up.”
Welcher is letting the fish dictate his presentation and estimates he is rotating through around ten baits. “Everything I have out here I have fished now throughout two days of the event,” he added. “I have checked it all by now; when I pull up, I am gauging how the fish are and presenting different baits until I can get a bite. I plan on running my best stuff tomorrow and keeping moving.”
Trent Palmer
Georgia pro Trent Palmer secures fifth place at Pickwick Lake in the NPFL tournament with a total weight of 38 pounds, 11 ounces. Palmer started with 15 pounds, 2 ounces on day one, and significantly improved with 23 pounds, 9 ounces on day two.
Louis Fernandes
California pro Louis Fernandes brought in 17 pounds, 7 ounces on day one, and added 21 pounds, 4 ounces on day two, for a two-day total of 38 pounds, 11 ounces, putting him in 6th place, due to tiebreakers. After two and a half days of practice on the ledges, Fernandes did what he does and utilized his last few hours to make some shallow cover.
“I am fishing shallow and I love it,” he said. “Today I had a 3-pounder in my bag and hooked one over 6-pounds. I fought it around the boat and it popped off in my hand. I could have really moved up today, but I am happy.”
On day one, Fernandes never made a cast in his main area due to time constraints and has been fishing waypoints each day to catch his fish. He is slowly figuring out his best dots and is confident they are reloading with fish daily as the pressure on the ledges pushes fish in his direction.
“There was less wind today and I think it got them closer to the cover where I could get them,” he added. “And, I think those fish are getting beat on and are just moving off. I can see guys fishing ledges close by; I am fishing just off the side where the fish can roam and chase bait around, but quickly pull in to rest.”
With one day left in the event, Fernandes is confident there are more big fish in his area and he is looking forward to one more day on Pickwick.
Missouri angler Brock Bila took over the Power Pole big bass with a 7-pound, 13-ounce largemouth.
Rest of the Best
Trent Palmer 38-11
Hunter Sales 37-15
John Branch 37-13
Joey Bloom 37-0
John Soukup 37-9
Jason Burroughs 37-6
McKinney utilizes secret bait to take Day 1 lead at Bassmaster Open at Lake St. Clair
July 11, 2024
HARRISON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Trevor McKinney had never been to Lake St. Clair before the start of practice for the St. Croix Bassmaster Open presented by SEVIIN. But after one of the best days of fishing he’s ever experienced, he’s already planning return vacations in his head.
“I’ve never been somewhere as unique as St. Clair,” he said. “I’ll definitely be back. I was telling my wife that I’m going to start coming up here in the summers just to vacation. It’s an incredible place.”
On a day where 64 bags over 20 pounds hit the scales and 202 limits were weighed in, McKinney stood above the rest by catching a remarkable 27 pounds, 12 ounces to lead after one day of competition at the renowned smallmouth factory. The Noble, Ill., angler holds a 3-pound advantage over second-place Jack York.
After the remnants of Hurricane Beryl created treacherous conditions the final day of practice, sunny skies and lighter winds prevailed on Day 1, allowing the Opens boaters to catch more than 3,800 pounds of bass. Sunny conditions are expected to continue the rest of the tournament as well.
The 2020 College Bracket Champion had a good feeling about this tournament almost the moment he began practice. He caught more than 20 pounds of bass each day of the warm-up period but didn’t expect an increase in quality during the tournament.
“Everywhere I went in practice, I caught big ones,” McKinney said. “My worst day of practice I had 22 pounds. I was so excited to start this tournament, but I didn’t know I was going to catch 27 pounds.”
McKinney credited much of his success to an unreleased bait. That one presentation accounted for all 40 of his keeper bass Day 1, including three smallies that hit the 5-11 mark.
“I have a bait really dialed in,” he said. “I don’t know what it is about it, but they eat it. Every one I throw at bites, and they are all big. I think I caught probably 40 smallmouth. I caught 15 over 4 pounds and was culling constantly. It was unbelievable.”
While there is some grass around his primary area, McKinney has noticed the smallmouth are relating to a hard sand bottom between 8 and 12 feet of water and one sweet spot within that area is attracting more of the quality bass. Surprisingly, it’s an area he has mostly to himself.
Using his forward-facing sonar in practice involved learning to tell the difference between a drum and a smallmouth. Now that he knows what to look for, the McKendree University graduate can identify the bigger smallies in the area and make accurate pitches to them.
“There’s probably 100 there,” McKinney said. “To get my weight, I bet I made 100 casts. I made 50 casts where I didn’t catch one, and the other 50 casts I caught one. I don’t cast unless I see one, and I don’t cast unless it's big. There are quite a few little ones in the area, but a lot of big ones too.
“They are pretty tight to the bottom.”
McKinney filled out a limit around 8 a.m. and was constantly culling during the morning hours. By 11, McKinney stopped fishing in his primary area and started looking for new water he may need as the tournament progresses.
“After I caught the last 5 pounder, I couldn’t do it anymore. I went and did something else and kept catching 4-pounders after that. I’m pretty optimistic about tomorrow. My best area, I didn’t even hit it.”
Coming off a Top 10 at Lake Eufaula, York landed 24-12 in his Lake St. Clair debut. Unlike McKinney, however, York did not have the same level of confidence about catching over 20 pounds. The Lake Fork guide only picked up his trolling motor one time on Day 1, electing to mill around one popular area of Lake St. Clair. He caught bass between 9 and 12 feet of water.
“I picked up the trolling motor one time today, and that was to come to the weigh-in. I found the area I wanted to hunker down in. I felt like if I was running around a bunch, I would just be missing out on bass. I hunkered down and made the most of it.”
Three baits contributed to York’s success, notably a 6th Sense Party Minnow that landed four of the five smallies in his final tally, which included a 5-pounder.
“I literally don’t make a cast until I see a bass.”
York was able to separate himself from other competitors in two different ways. For one, he has located several sweet spots that other anglers haven’t fished. One particular sweet spot is loaded with perch, crawfish and goby.
“It’s the mecca of life there,” York said. “I’m not seeing a lot of bass in there, but when I get bit, it is a good one. Hopefully we can go catch some 4-pounders and then get a few key bites.”
York has noticed the smallmouth are nomadic and tend to show up randomly, so he is fishing faster than others in the area in an attempt to pick off as many as he can.
“They are random. You’ll try and get keyed in on ‘Oh, they are floating today,’ or ‘Oh, they are on bottom,’ but I haven’t been able to get anything like that keyed in. I just roll around as fast as I can. I went twice as fast as everyone else.”
Aaron Jagdfeld took advantage of his local knowledge to catch 24-4 and land in third place after Day 1. It is the first Open for the Rochester Hills, Mich., native, who is hoping to reach the Elite Series in the near future.
“I love this place,” he said. “I was super pumped when the schedule came out last year. I was coming to the tail end of my college career, and this is the path I want to take. There’s not a better way to start it than on Lake St. Clair.”
A recent Adrian College graduate, Jagdfeld targeted smallmouth located around a ½-mile stretch of hard sand and cabbage grass in 19 to 24 feet of water. There is plenty of bait for the smallmouth to feed on as well, including perch.
In the morning hours, he found the smallmouth were in big groups. In fact, Jagdfeld said there were three or four groups of 50 to 100 smallmouth in the area. As the day wore on, the bass spread out.
“It was insane. When you panned over on the ‘Scope, you could just see them stacked up on the bottom. I was throwing a drop shot and a Damiki-style bait and I would cast it in there, and 20 or 30 of them would come up to fight over it. That lasted an hour before they broke up.”
His first catch of the day was a 4½-pounder, and he caught the majority of his bass within the first hour and a half of the day. Late in the day, he caught a 4¾-pound smallmouth close to the ramp to upgrade one final time.
New Market, Minn., pro Seth Feider landed the Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Day, a 6-1 lunker smallmouth.
Niko Romero of Coldspring, Texas, leads the nonboater division with a three-bass limit measuring 12-13. Jay Jackson of Clio, Mich., is second with 12-12 and Joe Digiovanni of Sterling Heights, Mich., is third with 12-1. Kevin Newcomb of Saint Albans, W.V., caught a 5-2, which leads the Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Tournament honors.
The full field of anglers will launch from the Harley Ensign boat ramp beginning at 6 a.m. ET and will return for weigh-in beginning at 2 p.m. The Top 10 pros after the Day 2 weigh-in will advance to the final day while the co-angler champion will be crowned at the end of Friday’s festivities.
Tournament coverage begins Saturday at 8 a.m. on FS1 and runs through 1 p.m. Bassmaster LIVE will be streaming on Bassmaster.com daily. All coverage times are ET.
The Detroit Sports Commission is hosting the tournament.
2024 Bassmaster Opens Series Title Sponsor: St. Croix
2024 Bassmaster Opens Series Presenting Sponsor: SEVIIN
2024 Bassmaster Opens Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2024 Bassmaster Opens Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2024 Bassmaster Opens Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
About B.A.S.S.B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
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Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 256-424-2390, cgay@bassmaster.
2024 St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Lake St. Clair presented by SEVIIN 7/11-7/13
Lake St. Clair, Harrison Township MI.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Trevor McKinney Noble, IL 5 27-12 200
Day 1: 5 27-12
2. Jack York Emory, TX 5 24-12 199
Day 1: 5 24-12
3. Aaron Jagdfeld Rochester Hills, MI 5 24-04 198
Day 1: 5 24-04
4. Jay Przekurat Plover, WI 5 24-03 197
Day 1: 5 24-03
5. Ish Monroe Oakdale, CA 5 23-14 196
Day 1: 5 23-14
6. Brett Cannon Kiln, MS 5 23-11 195
Day 1: 5 23-11
7. Kenta Kimura Osaka OK JAPAN 5 23-06 194
Day 1: 5 23-06
7. Tyler Lubbat Wheeling, IL 5 23-06 194
Day 1: 5 23-06
9. Taku Ito Dalton GA JAPAN 5 23-02 192
Day 1: 5 23-02
9. Trey Schroeder Theodosia, MO 5 23-02 192
Day 1: 5 23-02
11. Seth Feider New Market, MN 5 23-00 190
Day 1: 5 23-00
12. Lucas Murphy West Columbia, MI 5 22-14 189
Day 1: 5 22-14
13. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 5 22-13 188
Day 1: 5 22-13
14. Chris Hellebuyck White Lake, MI 5 22-12 187
Day 1: 5 22-12
15. Tai Au Glendale, AZ 5 22-10 186
Day 1: 5 22-10
16. Paul Marks Cumming, GA 5 22-08 185
Day 1: 5 22-08
17. Yui Aoki Minamitsurugun JAPAN 5 22-07 184
Day 1: 5 22-07
18. Billy Gilbert Hamburg, NY 5 22-06 183
Day 1: 5 22-06
19. Dakota Ebare Brookeland, TX 5 22-04 182
Day 1: 5 22-04
20. Cody Dawson Mount Vernon, OH 5 22-03 181
Day 1: 5 22-03
20. Emil Wagner Marietta, GA 5 22-03 181
Day 1: 5 22-03
22. Joey Nania Cropwell, AL 5 22-02 179
Day 1: 5 22-02
23. Tucker Smith Birmingham, AL 5 22-01 178
Day 1: 5 22-01
24. Blake Smith Lakeland, FL 5 22-00 177
Day 1: 5 22-00
24. Jacob Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 5 22-00 177
Day 1: 5 22-00
26. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 5 21-14 175
Day 1: 5 21-14
26. Brad Leuthner Victoria, MN 5 21-14 175
Day 1: 5 21-14
28. Bobby Bakewell Orlando, FL 5 21-13 173
Day 1: 5 21-13
28. Connor Jacob Auburn, AL 5 21-13 173
Day 1: 5 21-13
30. Joseph Titus Bemidji, MN 5 21-13 171
Day 1: 5 21-13
31. Mike McClelland Blue Eye, MO 5 21-11 170
Day 1: 5 21-11
32. Garrett Warren Scottsboro, AL 5 21-08 169
Day 1: 5 21-08
33. Kollin Crawford Broken Bow, OK 5 21-06 168
Day 1: 5 21-06
33. Sam Hanggi Knoxville, TN 5 21-06 168
Day 1: 5 21-06
33. Rich Lindgren Lakeville, MN 5 21-06 168
Day 1: 5 21-06
36. Masayuki Matsushita Porter TX JAPAN 5 21-02 165
Day 1: 5 21-02
36. Cody Meyer Eagle, ID 5 21-02 165
Day 1: 5 21-02
38. Jacob Bigelow Cecil, WI 5 21-01 163
Day 1: 5 21-01
39. Justin Eger Monticello, IN 5 21-00 162
Day 1: 5 21-00
40. Kenny Mittelstaedt Minnetonka, MN 5 20-15 161
Day 1: 5 20-15
40. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 5 20-15 161
Day 1: 5 20-15
42. Andrew Loberg Grant, AL 5 20-14 159
Day 1: 5 20-14
42. Tristan McCormick Burns, TN 5 20-14 159
Day 1: 5 20-14
44. Jamie Bruce Kenora Ontario CANADA 5 20-13 157
Day 1: 5 20-13
45. Darold Gleason Many, LA 5 20-12 156
Day 1: 5 20-12
45. Laker Howell Guntersville, AL 5 20-12 156
Day 1: 5 20-12
45. Joe Wieberg Freeburg, MO 5 20-12 156
Day 1: 5 20-12
48. Cody Steckel Las Vegas, NV 5 20-12 153
Day 1: 5 20-12
49. Elijah Benson Dahlonega, GA 5 20-11 152
Day 1: 5 20-11
50. Matt Messer Warfield, KY 5 20-11 151
Day 1: 5 20-11
51. Keith Tuma Brainerd, MN 5 20-10 150
Day 1: 5 20-10
51. Cole Zagrzebski Stevens Point, WI 5 20-10 150
Day 1: 5 20-10
53. Brock Belik Orchard, NE 5 20-08 148
Day 1: 5 20-08
54. Jimmy Washam Stantonville, TN 5 20-07 147
Day 1: 5 20-07
55. Adam Bartusek Clearwater, MN 5 20-06 146
Day 1: 5 20-06
56. Zach Goutremout Chaumont, NY 5 20-05 145
Day 1: 5 20-05
56. Reece Keeney Winneconne, WI 5 20-05 145
Day 1: 5 20-05
58. Bart Stanisz Austin, TX 5 20-04 143
Day 1: 5 20-04
59. Danny Ramsey Trinidad, TX 5 20-03 142
Day 1: 5 20-03
60. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 5 20-02 141
Day 1: 5 20-02
60. Bo Thomas Edwardsburg, MI 5 20-02 141
Day 1: 5 20-02
62. Adam Rasmussen Sturgeon Bay, WI 5 20-01 139
Day 1: 5 20-01
63. Nick Trim Galesville, WI 5 20-01 138
Day 1: 5 20-01
64. Lance Keene Manistee, MI 5 20-00 137
Day 1: 5 20-00
65. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 5 19-15 136
Day 1: 5 19-15
65. Dustin Bliss Brooklyn Park, MN 5 19-15 136
Day 1: 5 19-15
67. Andrew Hargrove Moody, TX 5 19-14 134
Day 1: 5 19-14
68. Austin Anderson Ashley, IN 5 19-12 133
Day 1: 5 19-12
68. Chris Beaudrie Princeton, KY 5 19-12 133
Day 1: 5 19-12
68. Austin Cranford Norman, OK 5 19-12 133
Day 1: 5 19-12
68. Ty Faber Pagosa Springs, CO 5 19-12 133
Day 1: 5 19-12
68. Ethen Preston Tower City, ND 5 19-12 133
Day 1: 5 19-12
73. Easton Fothergill Grand Rapids , MN 5 19-11 128
Day 1: 5 19-11
74. Tadd Johnson Lakeville, MN 5 19-10 127
Day 1: 5 19-10
75. Jason Elliott Warsaw, IN 5 19-09 126
Day 1: 5 19-09
75. Andrew Harp Linden, TX 5 19-09 126
Day 1: 5 19-09
75. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 5 19-09 126
Day 1: 5 19-09
78. Matt Adams Oxford, AL 5 19-08 123
Day 1: 5 19-08
78. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 5 19-08 123
Day 1: 5 19-08
80. Bailey Bleser Burlington, WI 5 19-07 121
Day 1: 5 19-07
80. Adam Debono Washington, MI 5 19-07 121
Day 1: 5 19-07
80. Brayden Rakes Winston Salem, NC 5 19-07 121
Day 1: 5 19-07
83. Cade Laufenberg Onalaska, WI 5 19-06 118
Day 1: 5 19-06
84. Cody Stahl Barnsville, GA 5 19-04 117
Day 1: 5 19-04
85. Danny McGarry Newcastle CANADA 5 19-03 116
Day 1: 5 19-03
85. Nathan Thompson Eagan, MN 5 19-03 116
Day 1: 5 19-03
87. Jackson Swisher Lake City, FL 5 19-01 114
Day 1: 5 19-01
88. Manny Sciberras Liberty Twp, OH 5 19-00 113
Day 1: 5 19-00
89. Trey Swindle Cleveland, AL 5 18-15 112
Day 1: 5 18-15
90. Alexander Welter Onalaska, WI 5 18-14 111
Day 1: 5 18-14
91. Jim Moynagh Remer, MN 5 18-13 110
Day 1: 5 18-13
91. Randy Ramsey Burlington, MI 5 18-13 110
Day 1: 5 18-13
91. Dalton Smith Taylorsville, KY 5 18-13 110
Day 1: 5 18-13
94. Tommy Parker Delano, MN 5 18-12 107
Day 1: 5 18-12
95. Cole Drummond Effingham, SC 5 18-10 106
Day 1: 5 18-10
96. Beau Browning Hot Springs National Pa 5 18-10 105
Day 1: 5 18-10
97. Evan Kung Pickering Ontario CANAD 5 18-09 104
Day 1: 5 18-09
97. Lafe Messer Warfield, KY 5 18-09 104
Day 1: 5 18-09
99. Alex Heintze Denham Springs, LA 5 18-08 102
Day 1: 5 18-08
99. Kyle Palmer Winchester, TN 5 18-08 102
Day 1: 5 18-08
101. Jeffrey Copley Marengo, OH 5 18-07 100
Day 1: 5 18-07
101. Daisuke Kita Ostu Shiga JAPAN 5 18-07 100
Day 1: 5 18-07
103. Matt Pangrac Shawnee, OK 5 18-06 98
Day 1: 5 18-06
104. Kyle Austin Ridgeville, SC 5 18-03 97
Day 1: 5 18-03
104. Casey Scanlon Eldon, MO 5 18-03 97
Day 1: 5 18-03
106. Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 5 18-02 95
Day 1: 5 18-02
106. Mitchell Jacobs Prior Lake, MN 5 18-02 95
Day 1: 5 18-02
108. Brandon McMillan Clewiston, FL 5 18-01 93
Day 1: 5 18-01
108. Cody Salzmann Southgate, MI 5 18-01 93
Day 1: 5 18-01
110. Andrew Julson Stoughton, WI 5 18-00 91
Day 1: 5 18-00
110. Billy McDonald Greenwood, IN 5 18-00 91
Day 1: 5 18-00
110. Jeremy Radford Huntly, VA 5 18-00 91
Day 1: 5 18-00
110. Andrew Upshaw Hemphill, TX 5 18-00 91
Day 1: 5 18-00
110. Zack Williams Shell Knob, MO 5 18-00 91
Day 1: 5 18-00
115. Tommy Dunaway Havana, FL 5 17-15 86
Day 1: 5 17-15
115. Jack Tindel III Orange, TX 5 17-15 86
Day 1: 5 17-15
117. Freddy Palmer Estill Springs, TN 5 17-13 84
Day 1: 5 17-13
118. James Watson Lampe, MO 5 17-11 83
Day 1: 5 17-11
119. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 5 17-10 82
Day 1: 5 17-10
120. Travis Turcotte Pembroke CANADA 5 17-10 81
Day 1: 5 17-10
121. Kyoya Fujita Yamanashi CA JAPAN 5 17-09 80
Day 1: 5 17-09
121. Phillip Kroll Otego, NY 5 17-09 80
Day 1: 5 17-09
123. Chase Clarke Virginia Beach, VA 5 17-07 78
Day 1: 5 17-07
123. Lance Crawford Broken Bow, OK 5 17-07 78
Day 1: 5 17-07
123. Sam George Athens, AL 5 17-07 78
Day 1: 5 17-07
123. Chancy Walters West Des Moines, IA 5 17-07 78
Day 1: 5 17-07
127. Jack Dice Lynchburg, VA 5 17-06 74
Day 1: 5 17-06
127. Scout Echols Monticello, AR 5 17-06 74
Day 1: 5 17-06
127. Brady Vernon Sterrett, AL 5 17-06 74
Day 1: 5 17-06
130. Christian Ostrander Turlock, CA 5 17-06 71
Day 1: 5 17-06
131. Andy Newcomb Camdenton, MO 5 17-05 70
Day 1: 5 17-05
132. Ed Czerwinski Crown Point, IN 5 17-03 69
Day 1: 5 17-03
132. Clark Reehm Elm Grove, LA 5 17-03 69
Day 1: 5 17-03
132. John Voyles Petersburg, IN 5 17-03 69
Day 1: 5 17-03
135. Cody Donato Burlington, MI 5 17-03 66
Day 1: 5 17-03
136. Cliff Pace Ovett, MS 5 17-02 65
Day 1: 5 17-02
137. Tim Frederick Leesburg, FL 5 17-02 64
Day 1: 5 17-02
138. Andy Dassow Medford, WI 5 16-15 63
Day 1: 5 16-15
139. Fernando Lobato Sparta, WI 5 16-14 62
Day 1: 5 16-14
140. Kyle Minke Lindsrom, MN 5 16-14 61
Day 1: 5 16-14
141. Caden Cowan Stephenville, TX 5 16-13 60
Day 1: 5 16-13
141. Patrick Goodman Sturgis, MI 5 16-13 60
Day 1: 5 16-13
141. Logan Johnson Jasper, AL 5 16-13 60
Day 1: 5 16-13
144. Randy Huffman Charleston, WV 5 16-12 57
Day 1: 5 16-12
145. Brian Post Janesville, WI 5 16-09 56
Day 1: 5 16-09
146. Chris Blanchette Edisto Island, SC 5 16-08 55
Day 1: 5 16-08
147. Ralph Blasey Pinckney, MI 5 16-07 54
Day 1: 5 16-07
147. Josh Douglas Isle, MN 5 16-07 54
Day 1: 5 16-07
149. Kevin Langlands Macomb, MI 5 16-05 52
Day 1: 5 16-05
149. Bryan Partak Marseilles, IL 5 16-05 52
Day 1: 5 16-05
151. Blake Schroeder Whitehouse, TX 5 16-03 50
Day 1: 5 16-03
151. Randall Tharp Port St. Joe, FL 5 16-03 50
Day 1: 5 16-03
153. Avery Williams Murrells Inlt, SC 5 16-01 48
Day 1: 5 16-01
154. Jason Borofka Lavon, TX 5 15-15 47
Day 1: 5 15-15
154. Kevin Ledoux Choctaw, OK 5 15-15 47
Day 1: 5 15-15
156. Jason Lambert Savannah, TN 5 15-14 45
Day 1: 5 15-14
157. Brady Hanna Silvis, IL 5 15-13 44
Day 1: 5 15-13
158. Dylan Mayo Athens, TX 5 15-11 43
Day 1: 5 15-11
159. Andrew Behnke Fond Du Lac, WI 5 15-10 42
Day 1: 5 15-10
159. Josh Butler Hayden, AL 5 15-10 42
Day 1: 5 15-10
161. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 5 15-08 40
Day 1: 5 15-08
162. Jason Abram Piney Flats, TN 5 15-07 39
Day 1: 5 15-07
162. Keith Brumfield Vicksburg, MS 5 15-07 39
Day 1: 5 15-07
162. Steven Caldwell Whitesboro, TX 5 15-07 39
Day 1: 5 15-07
165. Derrick Sadlowski Monaca, PA 5 15-07 36
Day 1: 5 15-07
166. Kevin Dritschler Prosper, TX 5 15-06 35
Day 1: 5 15-06
167. Brad Swan North Ridgeville, OH 5 15-03 34
Day 1: 5 15-03
168. Evan Poroznik Nestleton Station Ontar 5 15-02 33
Day 1: 5 15-02
169. Greg Bohannan Bentonville, AR 5 15-01 32
Day 1: 5 15-01
170. Parker Knudsen Minnetonka, MN 5 15-01 31
Day 1: 5 15-01
171. Dave Parsons Yantis, TX 5 14-15 30
Day 1: 5 14-15
172. Mike Mayo Athens, TX 5 14-12 29
Day 1: 5 14-12
173. Vue Thao Madison, WI 5 14-11 28
Day 1: 5 14-11
174. Chris Kingree Inverness, FL 5 14-09 27
Day 1: 5 14-09
175. Paul Browning Monahans, TX 5 14-09 26
Day 1: 5 14-09
175. Sean Clayton Seneca, SC 5 14-09 26
Day 1: 5 14-09
177. Scott Isaacs Ladonia, TX 5 14-04 24
Day 1: 5 14-04
178. Chad Grigsby Maple Grove, MN 5 14-02 23
Day 1: 5 14-02
178. Chris Miller Spirit Lake, IA 5 14-02 23
Day 1: 5 14-02
180. Brian Bengtson Bloomington, MN 5 13-15 21
Day 1: 5 13-15
180. Mark Tonjum Spencer, IA 5 13-15 21
Day 1: 5 13-15
182. Andrew Smith Chesterfield, MI 5 13-12 19
Day 1: 5 13-12
183. Tom Monsoor La Crosse, WI 5 13-11 18
Day 1: 5 13-11
184. Derek Lehtonen Woodruff, SC 5 13-09 17
Day 1: 5 13-09
185. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR 5 13-07 16
Day 1: 5 13-07
186. Tripp Noojin Bryant, AL 5 13-06 15
Day 1: 5 13-06
187. Mike Surman Boca Raton, FL 5 13-02 14
Day 1: 5 13-02
188. Cody Bird Granbury, TX 5 12-10 13
Day 1: 5 12-10
188. Scott Kerslake Okeechobee, FL 5 12-10 13
Day 1: 5 12-10
188. Whitney Stephens Waverly, OH 5 12-10 13
Day 1: 5 12-10
191. Bryan Finch Belton, TX 5 12-08 10
Day 1: 5 12-08
192. Jody Gardner Tippecanoe, OH 5 12-03 9
Day 1: 5 12-03
193. Kyle Weisenburger Columbus Grv, OH 5 12-02 8
Day 1: 5 12-02
194. Richard Kaluba Litchfield, OH 5 12-00 7
Day 1: 5 12-00
195. Tyler Smith Portage, MI 5 11-13 6
Day 1: 5 11-13
196. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 5 11-11 5
Day 1: 5 11-11
196. Lance Owen Greer, SC 5 11-11 5
Day 1: 5 11-11
198. David Bromenshenkel Sauk Centre, MN 5 11-09 3
Day 1: 5 11-09
199. Matt Thompson Stacy, MN 4 11-09 2
Day 1: 4 11-09
200. Tony Dumitras Winston, GA 4 11-06 1
Day 1: 4 11-06
201. Louis Moratti Rockford, MI 5 11-05 0
Day 1: 5 11-05
202. Richard Lowitzki Fort Myers, FL 5 11-03 0
Day 1: 5 11-03
203. Teb Jones Yalaha, MS 5 11-01 0
Day 1: 5 11-01
204. Daniel Larson Onamia, MN 4 10-10 0
Day 1: 4 10-10
205. Jordan Knutson Saint Croix Falls, WI 5 10-05 0
Day 1: 5 10-05
206. Wayne Hall Cottonwood, AZ 4 09-10 0
Day 1: 4 09-10
207. Doc Wootton Collierville, TN 3 08-13 0
Day 1: 3 08-13
208. Allan Nail Sand Springs, OK 3 08-12 0
Day 1: 3 08-12
209. A.J. Menssen Bloomington, IL 3 08-04 0
Day 1: 3 08-04
210. Philip Roesener Choctaw, OK 3 08-03 0
Day 1: 3 08-03
211. Tim Tyndell Mineola, TX 4 08-02 0
Day 1: 4 08-02
212. Kelvin Wilcox Hazlehurst, GA 4 07-15 0
Day 1: 4 07-15
213. Dale Salzmann Hazel Green, WI 3 07-08 0
Day 1: 3 07-08
214. Dan Welsh Elko New Mrkt, MN 2 06-13 0
Day 1: 2 06-13
215. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 3 06-10 0
Day 1: 3 06-10
216. Scott Noel Loveland, OH 2 06-04 0
Day 1: 2 06-04
217. Brady Schran Zumbrota, MN 2 05-09 0
Day 1: 2 05-09
218. Clint Leonard Jr Saint Cloud, FL 2 03-14 0
Day 1: 2 03-14
219. Paul Bouvier Kingston CANADA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
219. Joey Hanna Corsicana, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
219. Brent Shores Boise, ID 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 202 1060 3814-14
------------------------------
202 1060 3814-14
2024 St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Lake St. Clair presented by SEVIIN 7/11-7/13
Lake St. Clair, Harrison Township MI.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Niko Romero Coldspring, TX 3 12-13 200
Day 1: 3 12-13
2. Jay Jackson Clio, MI 3 12-12 199
Day 1: 3 12-12
3. Joe Digiovanni Sterling Heights, MI 3 12-01 198
Day 1: 3 12-01
4. Jeff Somers Crystal, MN 3 11-13 197
Day 1: 3 11-13
5. Scott Dondlinger Scottsboro, AL 3 11-11 196
Day 1: 3 11-11
6. Brandon Troupe Chicago, IL 3 11-10 195
Day 1: 3 11-10
7. Jimmy Obrien Southampton, NY 3 11-09 194
Day 1: 3 11-09
8. Brad Goetz Waunakee, WI 3 11-05 193
Day 1: 3 11-05
8. Craig Hanna Powell, OH 3 11-05 193
Day 1: 3 11-05
8. Richard Simmons Pewamo , MI 3 11-05 193
Day 1: 3 11-05
11. Andy Bulson Highland, MI 3 11-04 190
Day 1: 3 11-04
12. Benjamin Antoniewicz Kronenwetter, WI 3 11-03 189
Day 1: 3 11-03
12. Jed Lamb Chapel Hill, TN 3 11-03 189
Day 1: 3 11-03
14. Scott Bannerman Stratford CANADA 3 11-02 187
Day 1: 3 11-02
15. Travis Bradley Hurricane, WV 3 11-00 186
Day 1: 3 11-00
15. Kevin Yeska Madison, WI 3 11-00 186
Day 1: 3 11-00
17. Danny Mancini Necedah, WI 3 10-15 184
Day 1: 3 10-15
18. John Bolen Marshall, MI 3 10-14 183
Day 1: 3 10-14
19. Kevin Newcomb Saint Albans, WV 3 10-13 182
Day 1: 3 10-13
20. Shane Kuehn Bennington, NE 3 10-13 181
Day 1: 3 10-13
21. Gary Dennis Ravenswood, WV 3 10-12 180
Day 1: 3 10-12
21. Mark Lyons Marion, IN 3 10-12 180
Day 1: 3 10-12
23. Kristian Johnson Belvidere, NJ 3 10-11 178
Day 1: 3 10-11
23. Dawson Wisner Palatka, FL 3 10-11 178
Day 1: 3 10-11
25. Tom Lyskawka Arlington Heights , IL 3 10-11 176
Day 1: 3 10-11
26. Klaus Kuester Forest Park, IL 3 10-10 175
Day 1: 3 10-10
26. Pete Pisello Phillipsburg, NJ 3 10-10 175
Day 1: 3 10-10
26. Ronald Young New Braunfels, TX 3 10-10 175
Day 1: 3 10-10
29. Chad Stahl Barnesville, GA 3 10-09 172
Day 1: 3 10-09
30. Cullan Parker Avon Lake, OH 3 10-08 171
Day 1: 3 10-08
31. Jimmy Fellegy Mustang, OK 3 10-07 170
Day 1: 3 10-07
32. Jared Choiniere South Lyon, MI 3 10-06 169
Day 1: 3 10-06
32. Charlie Gabbeart Plymouth, MI 3 10-06 169
Day 1: 3 10-06
32. Arron Kowalczyk Newport, MI 3 10-06 169
Day 1: 3 10-06
32. Bob Morin Seymour, TN 3 10-06 169
Day 1: 3 10-06
32. Hayden Spradling Gilbert, AZ 3 10-06 169
Day 1: 3 10-06
37. Greg Davis Reynoldsburg, OH 3 10-05 164
Day 1: 3 10-05
37. Riku Hayashi Ritto Shiga JAPAN 3 10-05 164
Day 1: 3 10-05
39. Gary Emery III Gladwin, MI 3 10-04 162
Day 1: 3 10-04
40. Eugene Kim Lindenhurst, IL 3 10-03 161
Day 1: 3 10-03
41. Eric Gates Laurel, IN 3 10-01 160
Day 1: 3 10-01
42. Darren Gates Macon, IL 3 10-00 159
Day 1: 3 10-00
42. Adam Yeagley Mulberry, IN 3 10-00 159
Day 1: 3 10-00
44. Erik Fossum Porter, ME 3 09-15 157
Day 1: 3 09-15
44. Tom Stark III Angola, IN 3 09-15 157
Day 1: 3 09-15
44. Mike Steckel Las Vegas, NV 3 09-15 157
Day 1: 3 09-15
47. Gary Haraguchi Murfreesboro, TN 3 09-14 154
Day 1: 3 09-14
47. Tiffany Leal Austin, TX 3 09-14 154
Day 1: 3 09-14
49. Jerry Adamski Chicago, IL 3 09-13 152
Day 1: 3 09-13
49. Tony Grubb Ann Arbor, MI 3 09-13 152
Day 1: 3 09-13
51. Hunter Brinkman Wolcottville, IN 3 09-13 150
Day 1: 3 09-13
52. Corey Gue Huntington, WV 3 09-12 149
Day 1: 3 09-12
52. Ron Norris Portage, MI 3 09-12 149
Day 1: 3 09-12
52. Sean O'Brien Norman, OK 3 09-12 149
Day 1: 3 09-12
55. Eric Polenz Trenton, MI 3 09-11 146
Day 1: 3 09-11
56. Phil Cowan Fort Worth, TX 3 09-10 145
Day 1: 3 09-10
56. Darwin Griva Hampton, IN 3 09-10 145
Day 1: 3 09-10
56. Cody Harris Grand Blanc, MI 3 09-10 145
Day 1: 3 09-10
56. Kevin Lewis Lexington, KY 3 09-10 145
Day 1: 3 09-10
60. Mike Elkins Kalamazoo, MI 3 09-09 141
Day 1: 3 09-09
60. Russell Vandiver Greenfield, IN 3 09-09 141
Day 1: 3 09-09
62. Landon Lawson Jonesborough, TN 3 09-08 139
Day 1: 3 09-08
62. Perry See Rochester, MN 3 09-08 139
Day 1: 3 09-08
64. Tanner Visco Chicago, IL 3 09-07 137
Day 1: 3 09-07
65. Randal Burr Chesterfield, MI 3 09-07 136
Day 1: 3 09-07
66. Ken Bassler Clarkston, MI 3 09-06 135
Day 1: 3 09-06
66. Thy Dinh Charleston, WV 3 09-06 135
Day 1: 3 09-06
66. Jim Murphy Walker, MI 3 09-06 135
Day 1: 3 09-06
69. Bee Carchidi Baden CANADA 3 09-04 132
Day 1: 3 09-04
69. Dai Kitajima Otsu-Shi JAPAN 3 09-04 132
Day 1: 3 09-04
71. Jeff Jones West Seneca, NY 3 09-03 130
Day 1: 3 09-03
72. Todd Mason Three Rivers, MI 3 09-01 129
Day 1: 3 09-01
73. Aaron Anders Oakland FL CANADA 3 08-14 128
Day 1: 3 08-14
73. Jonathan Jackson Las Vegas, NV 3 08-14 128
Day 1: 3 08-14
75. Michael Leach Shenandoah, TX 3 08-13 126
Day 1: 3 08-13
76. Michael Hrynewycz Goshen, IN 3 08-12 125
Day 1: 3 08-12
76. Garry Osborn Kalamazoo, MI 3 08-12 125
Day 1: 3 08-12
78. Todd Robbins Chelsea, MI 2 08-11 123
Day 1: 2 08-11
79. Christopher Majerle Trenton, MI 3 08-10 122
Day 1: 3 08-10
80. Mohammad Rahimpour Oxford, MI 3 08-09 121
Day 1: 3 08-09
80. Stephen Wolownik Bloomingdale, MI 3 08-09 121
Day 1: 3 08-09
82. Jimmy Brumfield Madison, MS 3 08-08 119
Day 1: 3 08-08
82. Tadd Davis Colon, MI 3 08-08 119
Day 1: 3 08-08
84. Jason Barber Gun Barrel City, TX 3 08-07 117
Day 1: 3 08-07
84. John Davis Dowagiac, MI 3 08-07 117
Day 1: 3 08-07
86. Ethan Street Coal Valley, IL 3 08-06 115
Day 1: 3 08-06
86. Andrew Williams Fenton, MI 3 08-06 115
Day 1: 3 08-06
88. Ty Kenyon Dodgeville, WI 3 08-04 113
Day 1: 3 08-04
89. Jon Linneman Joliet, IL 3 08-02 112
Day 1: 3 08-02
89. Brandon Newman Arlington, IN 3 08-02 112
Day 1: 3 08-02
91. Eric Breitkreutz Sheboygan, WI 3 08-01 110
Day 1: 3 08-01
92. Owen Atchison Van Buren, OH 3 08-00 109
Day 1: 3 08-00
92. Martin Terveer Otsego, MN 3 08-00 109
Day 1: 3 08-00
92. Michael Willbur Battle Creek, MI 3 08-00 109
Day 1: 3 08-00
95. Mark Wolownik Paw Paw, MI 2 08-00 106
Day 1: 2 08-00
96. Bailey Rothrock Milan, MI 3 07-15 105
Day 1: 3 07-15
97. Doug Clifford Crooksville, OH 3 07-13 104
Day 1: 3 07-13
97. Kenny Stelter Forest Lake, MN 3 07-13 104
Day 1: 3 07-13
99. Gabe Sowash Gainesville, GA 3 07-12 102
Day 1: 3 07-12
99. Chip Wright Gobles, MI 3 07-12 102
Day 1: 3 07-12
101. Steven Pennington Delton, MI 3 07-12 100
Day 1: 3 07-12
102. Richard Greene Ocala, FL 3 07-11 99
Day 1: 3 07-11
102. Nathan Oxenberg Woodstock CANADA 3 07-11 99
Day 1: 3 07-11
102. Kenneth Taylor Shelby Township, MI 3 07-11 99
Day 1: 3 07-11
105. Matt Kelley Detroit, MI 2 07-11 96
Day 1: 2 07-11
106. Greg Shaughnessy Miami, FL 3 07-10 95
Day 1: 3 07-10
106. Brad Thieman Sioux City, IA 3 07-10 95
Day 1: 3 07-10
108. Rich Bleser Burlington, WI 3 07-08 93
Day 1: 3 07-08
108. Hiroya Hyodo Funabashi city Chibaken 3 07-08 93
Day 1: 3 07-08
110. Keith Gunsauls Dandridge, TN 3 07-06 91
Day 1: 3 07-06
110. Patrick Ricchi Waterford, MI 3 07-06 91
Day 1: 3 07-06
112. Philip Castrodale West Bloomfield, MI 3 06-15 89
Day 1: 3 06-15
113. Daniel Vasquez Boynton Beach, FL 2 06-15 88
Day 1: 2 06-15
114. Patrick Bartley Waconia, MN 2 06-14 87
Day 1: 2 06-14
115. Austin Koleszar Detroit, MI 3 06-11 86
Day 1: 3 06-11
115. Mark Saunders Sr Valley City, OH 3 06-11 86
Day 1: 3 06-11
117. Eric Nitz Lawton, MI 2 06-11 84
FREE Media Kit Template for Aspiring Anglers
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Looking to take your angling career to the next level? NPAA wants to help you navigate the waters of sponsorship with precision. |
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Forestville, WI (July 11, 2024) – Getting ahead in this fast-paced world means separating yourself from the pack – whether that’s finding a new job or advancing your position as an angling professional. And, when those two things collide, you’ve got to have your ducks in a row. There are literally thousands of anglers knocking at sponsors’ doors, so to help anglers stand out from the crowd, the NPAA has created the FREE NPAA Media Kit Template. Solid sponsorships are a necessity for aspiring professional anglers, with the reality of expenses like gas, food, and lodging—not to mention hefty entry fees for tournament anglers. So, unless you’re independently wealthy (which most of us aren’t), it’s best to seek out advice from a trusted source on how to present yourself professionally to build a network of sponsors that can help you achieve your professional dreams. Who knows what it takes to get sponsors? The NPAA does, an organization staffed by folks with decades of industry and professional angling experience who are there with the programs and services they know you need to be successful. That said, NPAA’s Pat Neu, EJ Saunders of Blaze Digital, and a group of successful pros sat down and listed out exactly what aspiring tournament and career anglers need to include in an effective media kit. |
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What’s a media kit? Look at it like a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) you’d use to apply for a job in the competitive work world. A media kit lists professional and personal history and lets your potential sponsors understand who you are, what you want to achieve, and what you will do for their business. For starters, stop the me, me, me, attitude that’s pervasive in the current digital era. Your focus needs to be on how you can help potential sponsors increase their sales – not what they can do for you! |
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What’s the best way to do that? Use the FREE NPAA Professional Angler Media Kit Template that was just released this week. Using it will save literally hours of research and will help you build a digital document that will help you stand out with tackle and marine manufacturers and even non-industry/non-endemic companies. The NPAA’s Pat Neu comments: “This template is designed to help you rise above the noise that exists in today’s world. First impressions are everything, and this media kit will give you the edge needed to make a lasting first impression.” Blaze Digital CEO, social media guru, and hardcore angler, EJ Saunders, adds: “We put a lot of work into creating the right template for helping aspiring tournament anglers and guides take the next steps to becoming a fulltime pro. It’s easy to use, streamlined, and you’ll end up with a turnkey document that will impress potential sponsors. It would be a mistake for anglers not to use it.” But the FREE NPAA MEDIA KIT isn’t just for aspiring pros, it’s for Guide/Captains, Angling Educators, and Content Creators and Reviewers. It’s the first step in a progression you need to take to be a successful pro. |
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The Next, Next Step You are proving seriousness about your future as a pro by downloading the FREE NPAA Media Kit Template. The next step is joining the NPAA... Not only will you get direct assistance with setting up your media kit, but you’ll also gain access to a full suite of member benefits that go beyond the basics. Here’s what some of the top names in the fishing business have had to say about the benefits of NPAA membership for a mere $100 a year. |
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The testimonials by successful anglers speak volumes about what NPAA can do for your angling career. If you’re serious about turning your passion into a profession, joining NPAA is your next big step. “If you’re looking at making a career in professional fishing, whether that’s as a tournament fisherman or a guide, one of the best places to find the tools you need is the NPAA organization.” Keith Kavajecz-Tournament Angler/The Next Bite Host “The people I’ve met through being a member of this organization have been truly invaluable to my career. I’ve got people I can call all over the country if I need advice. It’s a must to be a member of this organization.” Angie Scott, Woman Angler and Adventure podcast host “NPAA can really help you in with your career. They have a lot of resources that really help speed you along in the learning curve.” Gene Gilliland, Conservation Director for BASS “You want to be a member all year long. Catch all of the educational videos, catch all the information that’s out there shared with members across this network.” Dan Dannenmueller, Crappie Now and Catfish Now |
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Joining NPAA isn’t just about getting help with your media kit. It’s about:
If you’re still on the fence about becoming an NPAA member, we understand. But at only $100 annually, an NPAA membership is an investment that will pay dividends for years to come. So, we ask that you join us today and start advancing your angling career with NPAA by your side. |
Sonar Science Meets Next Level Lure Design
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Premium Line, Attractive Price
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DAIWA’s new 100% fluorocarbon J-FLUORO Mainline performs exquisitely and with today’s budgets in mind. |
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FOOTHILL RANCH, CA (July 11, 2024) – For years, DAIWA’s J-FLUORO Leader Material has been a mainstay for freshwater and saltwater anglers alike. And by popular demand, DAIWA introduces the economically priced J-FLUORO Mainline, also constructed with premium 100% fluorocarbon material and extruded with precision. “Made in Japan using a strict extrusion process, this 100% fluorocarbon mainline allows everyday anglers to experience the excellence of fishing with this style of line,” said DAIWA Field Marketing Manager, Chris Martin. Martin continued: “Despite its attractive price, J-FLUORO Mainline stands above the competition. For one, the formula for our mainline makes the finished product softer in heavier pound tests and stiffer in lighter strengths, while both maintain little to no stretch.” The benefits being manageability, as knots are much easier to tie. Moreover, backlash is significantly reduced, no matter what pound test you’re fishing. “J-FLUORO Mainline has a fast sink rate, too,” added Martin. Fluorocarbon has a higher specific gravity than water, so it helps lures like crankbaits achieve maximum diving depths. A faster sink rate also lets you fish baits deeper with heavier line, as well as keeping lighter baits down because of less bowing in the line. J-FLUORO is less visible to fish than other lines, too. “Fluorocarbon has a similar light-refraction index to water,” said Martin. “This can lead to more bites, especially in clear water. And, because fluorocarbon is less affected by UV light than monofilament, it lasts longer on your reel.” |
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The merits of DAIWA’s J-FLUORO Mainline don’t end there, either… Again, compared to monofilament, fluorocarbon is far more abrasion resistant. It can withstand contact with rocks, wood, gravel, etc., that monofilament cannot handle. Sensitivity is another hallmark of J-FLUORO Mainline. The line effectively transmits vibrations, letting you feel a bait’s movements as well as fish striking, even in deeper water. Lack of stretch is another benefit. Fluorocarbon stretches less than monofilament, improving feel as well as hook penetration. Specific to J-FLURO Mainline, you’ll appreciate the compact spool, as it holds more yardage at the same price. In fact, a filler spool of DAIWA’s J-FLUORO holds 200-yards and at only $14.99. And if you don’t spool it all, there’s a handy elastic band to hold the tag end, eliminating that all-to-familiar explosion of line. J-FLUORO Mainline FEATURES:
MSRP $14.99 |
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For Daiwa’s latest color catalog and/or information on Daiwa dealers in your area, call Daiwa’s Customer Service Department at 562-375-6800 or e-mail inquiries to: CSR@Daiwa.com. The URL for Daiwa’s web site is daiwa.us |
ABT Hires its First-Ever Media/Communications Director
Decatur, Ala. (July 11, 2024) - The Alabama Bass Trail (ABT) announces the addition of Angela Cross as the Media/Communications Director, a newly created role for the largest team trail tournament fishing organization in the Southeast. She assumed the position July 8, 2024.
In her role as Media/Communications Director, Cross reports to ABT Director Kay Donaldson and is responsible for the development and execution of the social media accounts, LIVE stream, paid broadcasting and communication plans for the Alabama Bass Trail Tournament Series and Alabama Bass Trail 100 Series.
Cross joins the ABT from Power-Pole®, a leading manufacturer in the fishing industry, where she spent four years developing brand strategic plans for marketing campaigns across various media channels and administering all streams of HR for approximately 200 employees. Prior to joining Power-Pole®, she was the HR manager and later promoted to vice president of operations for Coastal Marina Management.
According to ABT Director Kay Donaldson “The ABT is very excited to be adding an individual with the skill and experience needed to continue to grow the trail and tournament series. Angela brings a unique perspective shaped by her many years in the fishing industry, and along with her professional experience, her passion for the outdoors will help increase the Trail’s impact throughout the southeastern United States and beyond.”
Cross steps in the role of media/communications director with 16 years of operations, special events production, budget management, payroll administration, brand creation and management and streamline messaging experience in the fishing industry. Originally hailing from Texas, Angela's journey in the industry began in the scenic Florida Panhandle, where she established herself as a prominent figure in the marina management, billfish tournament and boat show industry.
After making her mark in the Panhandle, Angela made a move to the Tampa area. It was here that she joined forces with Power-Pole® where she has taken on various roles in marketing, media planning and buying, project management and sponsorships.
Cross said, “I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter as Alabama Bass Trail Media/Communications Director leveraging my extensive experience and expertise gained over a long and successful career in the fishing industry. I am eager to contribute to the team's efforts in the growth and development of the Alabama Bass Trail.”
In addition to her professional achievements, Cross is actively involved in community initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable fishing practices and conservation efforts including CAST Net Committee, CCA Florida, Tampa Bay Watch and Alaqua Animal Refuge.
Beyond her professional achievements, Cross's personal life is equally fulfilling. She is happily married and shares her home with two beloved dogs who undoubtedly rule the house. Angela's adventurous spirit shines through during her weekend adventures which include activities such as boating, fishing, camping, and mountain biking. Her love for the outdoors fuels her drive to contribute to the growth and development of the Alabama Bass Trail.
Cross may be reached at angela@alabamabasstrail.org.
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About Alabama Bass Trail
The Alabama Bass Trail is a program of the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association. Its mission is to promote Alabama as a year-round fishing destination, to preserve natural resources for generations to come, and to educate high school and college-aged students to be good stewards of natural resources. The 13 bass fishing lakes consist of Lake Guntersville, Wheeler Lake, Pickwick Lake, Lewis Smith Lake, Neely Henry Lake, Weiss Lake, Lake Martin, Lay Lake, Logan Martin Lake, Lake Jordan, Alabama River, Lake Eufaula, and the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. For more information, visit www.alabamabasstrail.org.
COOK TAKES DAY ONE LEAD AT PICKWICK LAKE
Story by Justin Brouillard | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons
Setting the pace on day one, Drew Cook of Cairo, Georgia takes the lead at Pickwick Lake with a total weight of 22 pounds, 13 ounces. Cook went to work fast and furious this morning on an area he had “mostly to himself.” After catching a solid limit, he left his main area and practiced for the final two days of the event.
“It was a good day and about what I expected,” he said. “I caught them pretty quick this morning and left them alone. I can’t wait to get out there tomorrow.”
Isaac Peavyhouse
Hailing from Jamestown, TN, Isaac Peavyhouse secures second place on day one at Pickwick Lake with 22 pounds, 7 ounces, anchored by a big bass weighing 6 pounds, 7 ounces.
Peavyhouse is focusing on “typical TVA River” stuff and has figured out how to get bites fishing behind other anglers. He is rotating through seven to ten spots and looking for quality bass.
“You need to get a big bite on a place like this, and I was fortunate to get one today,” he said. “Hopefully I can go out there tomorrow and get another one to keep the pace.”
Patrick Walters
South Carolina angler Patrick Walters sits in the third-place spot with a total weight of 20 pounds, 3 ounces on day one. Fishing how he wants to be on Pickwick Lake, Walters worked an offshore pattern and looks forward to getting going on day two.
John Branch
John Branch started strong on day one of the NPFL tournament at Pickwick Lake, hauling in a 20-pound, 1-ounce catch and sitting in fourth place. The angler from Magnolia, Kentucky, rode a productive practice to get off to a solid start with two days of competition remaining.
Branch spent the majority of his practice period doing a lot of looking and not a lot of casting. Like many others, he did not find a lot of places, but the places he did find was exactly what he was looking for.
“I got into them first thing and had to make a few key adjustments; once I did, it was game on,” he said. “I was done fishing around 1 pm and then had to play a little bit of defense for the afternoon.”
He is focusing on “offshore” areas and working over key spots. “I have a couple of areas I am confident in, as of now, that I can get a bite,” he added. “Ledge fishing is not my favorite way to fish, but I have been teaching myself to do it, and today it worked out.”
JT Russell
With a day one weight of 19 pounds, 10 ounces, JT Russell sits in fifth place after day one. The Alabama pro rallied after a tough practice and managed to put together five bites on spots he fished years ago.
“I fished here a bit in high school and college, but it was a tough few practice days for me,” he said. “I fished about a 5-mile stretch of the river where I have around ten spots and only got through four spots before I finished out my limit and caught my fifth fish.”
Russell is unsure what day two will bring but is confident he can get some bites for the rest of the tournament.
“Timing is key out here, and you only have so much time to do work when the water starts moving,” he added. “I did not see a ton of boats around, so hopefully that stays that way for me.”
Michael Yoder and Lonnie Cochran are tied for the Power-Pole Big Bass Award with a 7-pound, 5-ounce bass.
Rest of the Best:
Michael Yoder 19-7
Dustin Perry 18-13
John Soukup 18-13
Thomas Shelton 18-5
Zack Birge 18-4
Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Grants to Fund Eight Habitat Projects in U.S. and Canada
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – For Immediate Release – July 10, 2024 – As part of its mission to celebrate, promote and preserve the sport of bass fishing, the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors is again providing financial support to numerous conservation projects that will enhance fisheries in New Mexico, Illinois, Kansas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Virginia and Ontario, Canada.
Over the past five years, the BFHOF’s Board has reached out to local and state bass fishing clubs working with state agencies to provide needed funding for various conservation projects they initiated.
“With these new grants, we’ll have committed more than $140,000 in support of fishery enhancement projects,” said BFHOF conservation committee chair Gene Gilliland. “These bass clubs have boots-on-the-ground members who donate their sweat equity on these projects, while the Hall provides financial support for needed equipment, fish-holding underwater structures, and other needed gear to help make the projects a reality.”
The eight fishing organizations and bass clubs receiving Bass Fishing Hall of Fame grants in 2024 to enhance and preserve bass fishing are:
New Mexico – The Canadian River Bass Club will engage members as well as area youth anglers to utilize abundant driftwood to create a new means of establishing man-made fish habitat in Cochiti Lake.
Illinois – The Friends of Everbloom, with help from Illinois DNR and area youth anglers, are enhancing various forms of habitat ranging from vegetation to MossBack Fish Habitat, at Lake Bloomington and Evergreen Lake.
Kansas – The Leavenworth Bass Club will build a 20–feet–by–24–feet greenhouse to propagate native aquatic plants to be planted along three miles of shoreline at Banner Creek Reservoir.
Kansas – The World Fishing Tour, Lady Bass Anglers Association and the Kansas B.A.S.S. Nation are working together to build a live release trailer with four 150-gallon tanks to serve 40 events a year in the Sunflower State.
Tennessee – The Tennessee B.A.S.S. Nation, its youth anglers, and TWRA fisheries personnel, are working together to further a decade-long habitat enhancement crusade at fisheries such as Halford Lake, Percy Priest, Normandy, Tims Ford and Watts Barr.
South Carolina – The Clarks Hill Committee of the CSRA is working with help from local high school fishing teams to establish viable eel grass colonies.
Virginia – Youth anglers will be building and placing habitat marked with shared GPS locations for use by the general angling public in Northeastern Virginia.
Ontario – The Ontario B.A.S.S. Nation plans to establish 140 brush piles in seven watersheds of the Ontario Great Lakes, an effort with nine successful years of positive impact to date.
The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame will hold its annual induction dinner on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Mo. There will also be a concurrent auction (visit www.BassFishingHOF.com for details) as part of the annual Celebrate Bass Fishing Week with funds raised going to assist the Board with funding conservation grants such as these and other worthy endeavors benefiting the sport of bass fishing.
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About the BFHOF -- The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization led by a volunteer board of directors and is dedicated to celebrating, promoting and preserving the sport of bass fishing. Since 2017, the Hall’s inductees and memorabilia representing the history of bass fishing is showcased in Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri, where it has rapidly become a popular destination.
For more information about the Hall, its mission, and to become a supporting member,
visit www.BassFishingHOF.com,
or contact BFHOF executive director Barbara Bowman at bbowman@bassfishinghof.com
13th Annual Toyota Bonus Bucks Owners Tournament - Registration is OPEN!
The 13th Annual Toyota Bonus Bucks Owners Tournament is set for October 26-27th, 2024 and qualified anglers can register NOW.
According to tournament rules, "In order to be eligible to participate in the Toyota Bonus Bucks Owners Tournament, one member of the registered team must be a current, eligible Toyota Bonus Bucks Program member and team boat must be towed to event with the Toyota Bonus Bucks participant’s eligible Toyota tow vehicle. (2020 or newer Toyota Tundra, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Sequoia, or Toyota 4Runner). Amateur teams only—Bassmaster Elite, Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour and Major League Fishing Invitational Pros are not eligible to participate in the Toyota Bonus Bucks Owners Tournament."
The 2024 event will be hosted at Green Pond Landing on Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina.
Check out this video and more details below!
Registration for this NO ENTRY FEE event is open to the first 300 qualified teams to register. You can sign up here: https://ownersevent.toyotatrucksbonusbucks.com/registration/