Brandon’s Burns Goes for Big Bites, Earns Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Ross Barnett Reservoir
Collins’ Bond Claims Co-Angler Division Title
BRANDON, Miss. (Feb. 23, 2026) – Boater Bradley Burns of Brandon, Mississippi, caught a total of five bass weighing 27 pounds, 8 ounces, to notch his first career win at the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Ross Barnett Reservoir. The tournament was the first of five events of the season for the BFL Mississippi Division. Burns earned $3,160 for his victory.
Burns looked at the forecast for tournament day and decided to start on the main lake in an area protected from the easterly wind, hoping to get an hour or two of productivity before the wind became a factor. When he arrived at his spot, he had the area to himself and caught four keepers to start his day.
“I had three different things it came down to that I thought I could do to get some bites,” Burns said. “I just needed to look for the size I needed.
“It seemed in the morning the fish were wanting to feed, and it was somewhat of an aggressive bite,” Burns continued. “I was using a black and blue jig in shallow water with a hard bottom. There’s not a lot of wood there – it came down to finding the right angle for the presentation.”
Burns relocated to his second area and found the fish weren’t set up the same as they had been in practice.
“I made a little adjustment and started catching fish there, but the size wasn’t right,” Burns said. “We caught a good number of fish doing what I call bombing a speed worm, which is Hail Mary casting to some really shallow water. You can’t really get up to the fish; you have to stay a long way off of them.”
With a limit in the livewell, Burns moved to his third spot, a main-lake area featuring large flats, looking for big bites.
“When I got there, something had changed there, as well, and I had one or two good fish, but I felt like I needed to upgrade,” Burns said. “The wind wasn’t doing what it was forecast to do. So, I made a run down the lake to unprotected water where wind hadn’t gotten on it yet. I switched up baits and ended up culling two more times and that got me the final weight I had.
“I was using a bladed jig and basically getting a reaction bite with it,” Burns said. “I was just banging it off of stuff and having to figure out the right angle for how they were positioned.”
Burns said he weighed in three fish caught on the black and blue jig, and two that came on the bladed jig. Burns’ biggest bass, a giant 10-pound, 6-ounce largemouth, was his fourth keeper of the day, and he caught one that was close to six pounds at 3:10, just 20 minutes away from weigh-in.
“I just kept pushing and pushing for more weight,” Burns said. “I knew I had a good limit, but I wanted to keep culling, because with these one-day tournaments, anybody can have a big bag, and you never know if yours is enough.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Bradley Burns, Brandon, Miss., five bass, 27-8, $3,160
2nd: Blake Daugherty, Pope, Miss., five bass, 20-3, $1,600
3rd: Dalton Steele, Cherokee, Ala., five bass, 18-4, $770
4th: Lake Norsworthy, Brandon, Miss., five bass, 17-14, $620
5th: Noel Allen Jr., Brandon, Miss., five bass, 16-5, $550
6th: Dave Russell, Tupelo, Miss., five bass, 16-4, $480
7th: Skip Howell, Okolona, Miss., five bass, 16-1, $460
8th: Heath Gilmore, Meridian, Miss., five bass, 15-12, $440
9th: Timmy Smith, Petal, Miss., five bass, 15-4, $420
10th: Jason Cordell, Pelahatchie, Miss., five bass, 14-13, $410
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Burns also earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award honors with his 10-6 that was worth $200.
Mitchell Bond of Collins, Mississippi, won the co-angler division and the top prize of $1,490 Saturday after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 12 pounds, 13 ounces.
The top 10 co-anglers finished:
1st: Mitchell Bond, Collins, Miss., three bass, 12-13, $1,490
2nd: Randy Giles, Memphis, Tenn., three bass, 9-11, $760
3rd: Donald Adcock, Richland, Miss., three bass, 9-3, $370
4th: Jason Ivy, Canton, Miss., three bass, 8-13, $300
5th: Michael Nichols, Pearl, Miss., three bass, 8-0, $265
6th: Finn Norsworthy, Brandon, Miss., three bass, 7-14, $230
7th: John Goul, Philadelphia, Miss., three bass, 7-12, $230
8th: Reggie Thornton, Columbus, Miss., three bass, 7-10, $215
9th: Philip Moore, Batesville, Miss., three bass, 7-7, $210
10th: Javen Foster, Tupelo, Miss., three bass, 7-5, $200
Bond also earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award after landing a 7-pound even bass worth $100.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 8-10 BFL Regional tournament on Lake Eufaula in Eufaula, Alabama. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top prize of a new Phoenix 518 pro with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard, worth $33,500.
The 2026 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 co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying tournament winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top seven, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2026 BFL All-American will take place May 28-30, at Lake Murray in Columbia, South Carolina, and is hosted by Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism.
Proud sponsors of the 2026 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7 Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Buffalo, BUBBA, Cigars International, Epic Baits, Grizzly, Mercury, MillerTech, Mystik Lubricants, OFF! Deep Woods, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, PirahnO2, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, VOSKER, YETI and Yuengling.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular BFL 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, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV, Game & Fish TV and Rumble, and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Sunline Pro Takahiro Omori Powers His Way To Bass Pro Tour Victory With 16lb Sunline Shooter Fluorocarbon
Torrance, CA- When the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour visited Lake Hartwell for the first time during O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 2 Presented by Lowrance, most of the field expected a finesse driven event dominated by spotted bass and forward facing sonar. Few predicted that dirty water, bladed jigs, and shallow largemouth would determine the outcome.
But that’s exactly how Takahiro Omori claimed his long awaited first Bass Pro Tour victory leaning on 16lb Sunline Shooter to deliver the power, sensitivity, and abrasion resistance required to dissect shallow cover in the Tugaloo River and capitalize on every bite.
Omori, who never once turned on forward facing sonar during competition, committed fully to his strengths: shallow, power fishing in off colored water. Armed with a 3/8-ounce Z-Man Evergreen Jack Hammer ChatterBait paired with a 5-inch Z-Man Diesel MinnowZ trailer, he methodically picked apart creek backs and shallow cover with precision casting and unwavering confidence in his line.
Spooling his Daiwa Zillion reel with 16lb Sunline Shooter fluorocarbon, Omori needed a line capable of handling aggressive strikes from prespawn largemouth, grinding through shallow cover, and maintaining maximum sensitivity in windy, post frontal conditions. The results were decisive.
After finishing second on Day 1, Omori won the Qualifying Round and advanced directly to Championship Sunday. There, he stacked up 36 pounds, 6 ounces on 12 scorable bass to edge out the competition and secure the $125,000 victory, his first tour level win since 2018 and the ninth major title of his decorated career.
Throughout the event, Omori was one of only two anglers who never utilized forward-facing sonar, and the only one to advance beyond the Qualifying Round. By Championship Sunday, just two rods lay on his front deck, both spooled with 16lb Sunline Shooter.
“For shallow, power fishing in dirty water, I need strength and sensitivity,” Omori has long trusted Shooter for its unmatched balance of toughness and feel. In conditions where every fish counts and equipment failure is not an option, Shooter delivered.
Sunline maintains a top share in the line market in Japan, where it was founded, and exports its line to more than 40 countries worldwide. Sunline America is a subsidiary of Sunline Japan and is responsible for distribution and marketing in North American markets. For more information please visit http://www.sunlineamerica.comTop of Form
Gilbert’s Murphy Dominates in Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Murray
Hollywood, South Carolina’s Jack Daniel Hoy Earns Victory in Co-Angler Division
COLUMBIA, S.C. (Feb. 23, 2026) – Boater Michael Murphy of Gilbert, South Carolina, caught a total of five bass weighing 29 pounds, 11 ounces, to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Murray. The tournament was the first of five events of the season for the BFL South Carolina Division. Murphy earned $2,890 for his victory.
“Lake Murray isn’t fishing very typical right now,” Murphy said. “The water right now at Murray has only come up about a half a foot if any, so these fish normally would be in full-on pre-spawn mode by now. But you have fish that are still in winter mode because it’s been so cold and the water is so clear.”
Murphy added that he attributes his success recently fishing deep, winter patterns, due largely in part to his education as a fisheries biologist.
“I’ve caught fish three different ways in recent local tournaments,” Murphy said. “I’m not catching them in the same places – I just understand what they’re doing and their progression. They want to be in pre-spawn, and they’re at 9 to 12 feet, and they’re starting to get into that last two weeks before the spawn where they get really fickle.”
On tournament morning, the wind was blowing out of the northwest, and Murphy ran to spots he knew would have what he called “windy bank” situations. He fished those areas and caught a few bass, but they weren’t the quality he was looking for. So, at 8:30 he changed his mind set to fishing docks and boat ramps.
“I think the biggest key to my success was recognizing the transition quickly and smoothly,” Murphy said. “You can call it junk fishing. I call it watching the transition.”
Murphy said he ran swimbaits and a jighead minnow down the sides of docks with six feet of water on them. When rains came, Murphy switched to a spinnerbait and jig.
“It seemed like every time it rained, I caught a big one,” Murphy said. “I just really fished instinct.”
Murphy said he turned on forward-facing sonar at 12:15 and headed to the Crystal Lake and Bear Creek area to target outside grass lines in clear water. Murphy hit deeper rocks with a drop-shot, a Neko rig and a jig.
“Everywhere I went there was a big fish,” Murphy said. “I was just trying to focus and think, ‘What do big fish do?’ It was really just following the big fish. I had 15 rods on my deck, and I used 12 or 13 of them. It was controlled junk fishing, with the fish in a winter cycle and some fish wanting to pre-spawn pretty hard.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Michael Murphy, Gilbert, S.C., five bass, 29-11, $2,890
2nd: Joey Phegley, Graniteville, S.C., five bass, 22-6, $1,330
3rd: Lucas Murphy, West Columbia, S.C., five bass, 22-4, $1,200 (includes $500 Phoenix bonus)
4th: Kevin Banks, Prosperity, S.C., five bass, 21-0, $570
5th: David Fluker Sr., Lexington, S.C., five bass, 20-15, $510
6th: Andy Wicker, Cayce, S.C., five bass, 19-15, $450
7th: T.J. Souther, Brevard, N.C., five bass, 19-7, $430
8th: Logan Buttolph, Doswell, Va., five bass, 19-2, $420
9th: Paul Selle, Lexington, S.C., five bass, 19-0, $400
10th: Kevin Whitmore, Easley, S.C., five bass, 18-14, $390
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Murphy also earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award after landing a 7-pound, 5-ounce bass worth $200.
Jack Daniel Hoy of Hollywood, South Carolina, won the co-angler division and the top prize of $1,295 Saturday after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 11 pounds, 10 ounces.
The top 10 co-anglers finished:
1st: Jack Daniel Hoy, Hollywood, S.C., three bass, 11-10, $1,295
2nd: Rick Jerman, Springfield, Va., three bass, 10-14, $715
3rd: Jason Ries, Columbia, S.C., three bass, 9-15, $350
4th: Todd Huntley, Inman, S.C., three bass, 9-10, $285
5th: Zahreed McClinton, Columbia, S.C., three bass, 9-1, $255
6th: Rodney Tapp, Inman, S.C., three bass, 9-0, $325
7th: Calvin Harrison, Columbia, S.C., three bass, 8-14, $220
8th: Lenwood Sweatman Jr., Harleyville, S.C., three bass, 8-13, $210
9th: Ray Pettit, Pacolet, S.C, three bass, 8-9, $200
10th: Mike Sather, Beech Island, S.C., three bass, 8-7, $195
Justan Pressley of Whitmire, South Carolina, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award after landing a 6-pound, 2-ounce bass worth $100.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 8-10 BFL Regional tournament on Lake Eufaula in Eufaula, Alabama. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top prize of a new Phoenix 518 pro with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard, worth $33,500.
The 2026 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 co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying tournament winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top seven, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2026 BFL All-American will take place May 28-30, at Lake Murray in Columbia, South Carolina, and is hosted by Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism.
Proud sponsors of the 2026 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7 Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Buffalo, BUBBA, Cigars International, Epic Baits, Grizzly, Mercury, MillerTech, Mystik Lubricants, OFF! Deep Woods, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, PirahnO2, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, VOSKER, YETI and Yuengling.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular BFL 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, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV, Game & Fish TV and Rumble, and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Polk City’s Young Targets Canal for Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Harris Chain of Lakes
Florida’s Endris Earns Victory in Co-Angler Division
LEESBURG, Fla. (Feb. 23, 2026) – Boater Travis Young of Polk City, Florida, caught five bass weighing 28 pounds even to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on the Harris Chain of Lakes . The tournament, hosted by Discover Lake County Florida, was the second of five events of the season for the BFL Gator Division Presented by Merman’s Revenge. Young earned $7,640, including a $2,500 Phoenix bonus, for his victory.
Young said when he wants to fish for fun he heads to the Kissimmee Chain, but has put in hours at the Harris Chain as well – a ‘decent bit, but not a ton’. He said he found fish during practice holding in a canal in Little Lake Harris and he decided that would be his starting spot.
Saturday morning, he started the tournament in the canal and by 8:20 a.m. had more than 20 pounds of bass in the livewell. By 9:20 he had more than 22 pounds. At that point, he decided that canal was pretty good and decided to stay there all day.
“I was junk fishing,” Young said. “I was fishing seawall mainly. I also threw around natural stuff. I threw the tackle box – a wacky rig, buzzbait, frog, ChatterBait, underspin. I actually threw a grub for a little while, and a shaky-head rig.”
Young said he caught 20 bass during the course of the tournament, and he weighed in two bass that fell for a Chatterbait, two on a frog and one on the buzzbait.
“I knew it was going to take a bag to win,” Young went on to say. “I was thinking I needed 15 pounds for a check. I was surprised at how low the weights were. At 20 pounds, my co-angler said, ‘You should be in the top 10.’ When I hit 25 pounds he said, ‘Ok, you’ve got a trophy.’ When I hit 27 or 28, he said I should have first place, and I agreed.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Travis Young, Polk City, Fla., five bass, 28-0, $7,640 (includes $2,500 Phoenix bonus)
2nd: Sean Wooten, Umatilla, Fla., five bass, 26-11, $2,480
3rd: Tyler Sheppard, Yulee, Fla., five bass, 20-14, $1,200
4th: Kennie Steverson, Umatilla, Fla., five bass, 19-4, $950
5th: Tyler Nekolny, Coral Springs, Fla., five bass, 19-3, $1,020
6th: Roger Wheeler, Chipley, Fla., five bass, 17-7, $675
6th: Evrett Hunter, Nokomis, Fla., five bass, 17-7, $675
8th: Danny Inabnett, De Leon Springs, Fla., five bass, 16-13, $630
9th: Gage Foster, St. Cloud, Fla., five bass, 16-8, $590
10th: Robert Burlew, Inverness, Fla., five bass, 16-6, $560
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Tyler Nekolny of Coral Springs, Florida, earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award after landing a 9-pound, 12-ounce bass worth $200.
Tim Endris of Salt Springs, Florida, won the co-angler division and the top prize of $2,520 Saturday after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 15 pounds, 10 ounces.
The top 10 co-anglers finished:
1st: Tim Endris, Salt Springs, Fla., three bass, 15-10, $2,520
2nd: Chris Nickle, Sanford, Fla., three bass, 13-5, $1,340
3rd: Steve Roller, Fort Thomas, Ky., three bass, 12-14, $600
4th: Steve Cornell, Crestview, Fla., three bass, 11-5, $625
5th: Jordan Elmore, Saint Petersburg, Fla., three bass, 11-4, $410
6th: Anthony Valachovic, Coral Springs, Fla., three bass, 11-2, $345
7th: Mike Tucker, Yalaha, Fla., three bass, 10-8, $330
8th: William Norris II, Ocoee, Fla., three bass, 10-5, $315
9th: Dorian Weber, Wellington, Fla, three bass, 10-3, $300
10th: Pat Herolt, Citrus Springs, Fla., three bass, 10-1, $280
Steve Cornell of Crestview, Florida, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award after landing an 8-pound, 4-ounce bass worth $100.
After two events, Dylan Quilatan of Windermere, Florida, now leads the 7 Brew Gator Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 485 points, while Jordan Elmore of Saint Petersburg, Florida, leads the Gator Division Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 495 points.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 8-10 BFL Regional tournament on Lake Eufaula in Eufaula, Alabama. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top prize of a new Phoenix 518 pro with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard, worth $33,500.
The 2026 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 co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying tournament winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top seven, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2026 BFL All-American will take place May 28-30, at Lake Murray in Columbia, South Carolina, and is hosted by Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism.
Proud sponsors of the 2026 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7 Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Buffalo, BUBBA, Cigars International, Epic Baits, Grizzly, Mercury, MillerTech, Mystik Lubricants, OFF! Deep Woods, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, PirahnO2, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, VOSKER, YETI and Yuengling.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular BFL 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, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV, Game & Fish TV and Rumble, and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Carson-Newman Continues Control of Top Spot with Three Months Left in the Race for Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia
University of Montevallo remains in 2nd, Lander University climbs two places to 3rd
SAN ANTONIO, TX (February 23, 2026) – The Association of Collegiate Anglers announces the latest points update to the 2025-26 Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia. The latest standings reflect the results from the MLF College Series National Championship, as well as multiple School-Run events across the nation.
Top ranked Carson-Newman University remains in 1st place with 22,275 points after a good showing at the MLF College Series National Championship. The University of Montevallo trails just over 2,000 points behind in 2nd as we head into the crucial spring schedule of events, and Lander University moves up two places since the previous points update to be ranked 3rd after coming off a good showing as well at the recent MLF event.
At the MLF College Series National Championship, each school ranked in the Top 3 for the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia placed their two highest-finishing teams in the Top 10 for that tournament at Lake Murray.
Numerous teams made major moves up in the Top 25 for this latest points update, as these schools look to gain ground on the top 3 teams and solidify their place being ranked in the Top 25 teams for college fishing’s only all-encompassing National Rankings system. Here is a look at those teams:
6) Emmanuel University – Previously Ranked 8th
10) Adrian College – Previously Ranked 14th
12) LSU-Shreveport – Previously Ranked 14th
16) Murray State University – Previously Ranked 17th
20) University of Tennessee – Previously Ranked 25th
Click here to view the complete updated standings.
Also of note are two schools who moved up into the Top 25 after previously not being ranked this season. The University of Alabama moves up to 19th from 26th, and Erskine College climbs three places to 25th.
Tallassee High School Wins MLF Abu Garcia High School Fishing Presented by Tackle Warehouse Open on Lake Seminole
BAINBRIDGE, Ga. (Feb. 23, 2026) – The High School Fishing team of Eli McCraney and Jaxon Reeves, representing Tallassee High School of Tallassee, Alabama, brought five bass to the scale Saturday weighing 15 pounds, 2 ounces to win the MLF Abu Garcia High School Fishing Presented by Tackle Warehouse Open on Lake Seminole Presented by Columbia PFG in Bainbridge, Georgia.
The no-entry fee tournament was hosted by Visit Bainbridge. In MLF Abu Garcia High School Fishing competition, the top 10% of teams competing advance to the High School Fishing National Championship.
The top 3 teams that now advance to the 2026 High School Fishing National Championship are:
1st: Tallassee High School, Tallassee, Ala. – Eli McCraney and Jaxon Reeves, five bass, 15-2
2nd: Helena Fishing Team, Helena, Ala. – Isabella Stevens and Marshall Streety, five bass, 13-14
3rd: 863 Anglers – Brentley West and Kallen Williams, five bass, 13-13
Rounding out the Top 10 teams were:
4th: Lawton Chiles High School, Tallahassee, Fla. – Jackson Crawford and Bo Pearson, five bass, 13-0
5th: The Complete Student, Port Royal, S.C. – Brady Jones and Parker Jones, five bass, 12-14
6th: Heard County High School, Franklin, Ga. – Colby Senn and Ellis Turner, five bass, 12-14
7th: Lawton Chiles High School, Tallahassee, Fla. – Jackson Edenfield and Hunter Harris, five bass, 12-6
8th: Floyd County High School Bass Fishing, Rome, Ga. – Connor Caravalho and Easton Wiggins, five bass, 12-0
9th: Thomas County Central High School, Thomasville, Ga. – Jesse Mathis and Blake Rhodes, five bass, 11-15
10th: Straughn High School, Andalusia, Ala. – Brayden Rivest and Brayden Tisdale, five bass, 11-13
Complete results from the event can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
MLF Abu Garcia High School Fishing presented by Tackle Warehouse tournaments are free, two-person (team) events for students in grades 7-12 and are open to any MLF and TBF Student Angler Federation-affiliated high school club. The top 10% of teams at each Open event, along with the TBF High School Fishing state championships, advance to the High School Fishing National Championship. Tournaments held on or before May 2, 2026, advance teams to the 2026 National Championship. Tournaments held after May 2, 2026, advance teams to the 2027 National Championship.
Proud sponsors of the 2026 MLF Abu Garcia High School Fishing Presented by Tackle Warehouse include: 7 Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Columbia PFG, Epic Baits, Mercury, MillerTech, OFF! Deep Woods, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, PirahnO2, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, VOSKER and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular High School Fishing updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV, Game & Fish TV and Rumble, and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Adrian College Edges Field at Columbia PFG College Fishing Presented by Abu Garcia Tournament on Lake Seminole
BAINBRIDGE, Ga. (Feb. 23, 2026) – The Adrian College duo of Braylon Eggerding of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Brady Pinwar of Midland, Michigan, won the MLF Columbia PFG College Fishing Presented by Abu Garcia event on Lake Seminole Friday with a five-bass limit weighing 28 pounds, 1 ounce. The victory earned the Bulldogs’ bass club $2,000 and a qualification into the 2027 MLF College Fishing National Championship.
“First thing in the morning we made a pretty long run to start in an area where we had found some fish,” Eggerding said. “We weren’t really sure how big they were, but we saw some real big ones on (LiveScope) and didn’t really play around with them too much in practice.”
The team started off with a couple of 1½-pound fish then found a hole in grass that held “super clean” water and Eggerding soon caught a bass that weighed 7-2 on a jerkbait. After boating a 3-pounder, they decided to relocate to a mid-lake area that featured large flats. The team had spent time in the area during practice looking for holes in the grass, and the area soon paid off with a 6-pound bass.
“After that we left and went up the Flint River,” Eggerding said. “We had about 20 pounds with two hours left to go in the tournament. We had found some fish there in some spawning areas in clean pockets in practice. We had some big bites on a swim jig and a speed worm.
“The first spot we hit we did not get a bite,” Eggerding continued. “We ran up to the next little bay and on my first cast I lost one that was six pounds or bigger. Then Brady caught two big ones, and that let us cull two 2-pounders.”
Eggerding said the Adrian College seniors ended their day when Eggerding caught one last big bass on a swim jig with 20 minutes left to fish.
“This win really means a lot to us,” Eggerding said. “We did really well last week at the National Championship at Lake Murray and we had a lot of momentum going. I think that really helped us more than anything. It just feels good to get qualified for next year’s National Championship. We get another crack at it.”
The top 10 teams finished:
1st: Adrian College – Braylon Eggerding, Grand Rapids, Mich., and Brady Pinwar, Midland, Mich., five bass, 28-1, $2,000
2nd: University of Montevallo – Brady McCormick, Harpersville, Ala., and Peyton Sorrow, Abbeville, S.C., five bass, 27-15, $1,000
3rd: Carson-Newman University – Evan Powell, Norwalk, Iowa, and Andrew Turner, Kalispell, Mont., five bass, 23-13, $700
4th: Troy University – Barrett Choquette, Troy, Ala., and Colton Trotter, Dothan, Ala., five bass, 23-7, $600
5th: Adrian College – Paxton Giem, Boyne City, Mich., and Henry Vincent, Richmond, Ind., five bass, 23-5, $500
6th: Faulkner University – Braden Bevington, Cranberry Township, Pa., and Connor Green, Valley, Ala., five bass, 23-3
7th: Campbellsville University – Brock Catlett, Elizabethtown, Ky., and Corey Yarish, Trophy Club, Texas, five bass, 23-2
8th: Adrian College –Gerald Brumbaugh, Martinsburg, Pa., Cole Carr, New Baltimore, Mich., and Quade Lobo, Oroville, Calif., five bass, 23-0
9th: Southwestern Michigan – Bodie Bryans, Buchanan, Mich., and Joey Elliott, Chesterfield, Mich., five bass, 22-10
10th: Carson-Newman University – Trey Marco, Morrisville, Pa., and Jake Rowlands, Dalton, Pa., five bass, 22-5
Complete results for the entire field, along with the full list of National Championship Qualifier teams can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The MLF Columbia PFG College Fishing Presented by Abu Garcia event on Lake Seminole was hosted by Visit Bainbridge. The next tournament for MLF College Fishing anglers will be the Columbia PFG College Fishing Presented by Abu Garcia event on Lake Eufaula, March 13 in Eufaula, Alabama.
The 2026 MLF Columbia PFG College Fishing Presented by Abu Garcia season features college teams from across the country competing in six regular-season open tournaments, plus the Columbia PFG College Fishing Heavy Hitters all-star event. The top 15 percent of teams from each regular-season tournament advance to the 2027 Columbia PFG College Fishing Presented by Abu Garcia National Championship.
Proud sponsors of MLF Columbia PFG College Fishing Presented by Abu Garcia include: 7 Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Columbia PFG, Epic Baits, Mercury, MillerTech, OFF! Deep Woods, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, PirahnO2, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, VOSKER and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular College Fishing updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV, Game & Fish TV and Rumble, and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Takahiro Omori Earns First Bass Pro Tour Win at O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 2 at Lake Hartwell
Tokyo, Japan pro catches 12 bass weighing 36-6 in final-day Championship Round to earn top prize of $125,000
SENECA, S.C. (Feb. 22, 2026) – Prior to the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour’s first ever visit to Lake Hartwell, the prevailing expectation was that finesse techniques and spotted bass would rule O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 2 Presented by Lowrance . A few anglers have managed to contend in past tournaments on the famed fishery by catching shallow largemouth but given the Bass Pro Tour’s every-fish-counts scoring, the February timing of this event and the fact that the water is about 7 feet low, no one would have predicted that bladed jigs, dirty water and largemouth would dominate.
That included Takahiro Omori.
The angler best known for exclaiming “I knew it!” after he caught the winning fish at the 2004 Bassmaster Classic admitted that he didn’t anticipate being able to contend on Hartwell while sticking in his power fishing wheelhouse – much less earning his long-awaited first Bass Pro Tour win.
“To be honest, I had no motivation to come here,” the Tokyo, Japan, native said. “I thought I was coming here to get beat by the spots.”
But Omori never wavered from his game plan. The veteran pro spent the entire event in the Tugaloo River, using his smooth casting skills to pick apart whatever shallow cover he could find in the backs of creeks. He never even bothered to turn on forward-facing sonar.
The result was a near wire-to-wire win. After he finished Day 1 in second place, Omori topped the Qualifying Round, earning an automatic trip to Sunday’s Championship Round. There, he overcame a slow start to stack up 36 pounds, 6 ounces on 12 scorable bass. With post-frontal, windy conditions making the bite tough on everyone, that was enough to edge Jacob Walker by 2-10. His first tour-level victory since 2018 and the ninth of Omori’s decorated career earned him $125,000.
As he often does upon arriving to a fishery, Omori spent his first day of official practice looking for a pattern that would suit his strengths. He was able to generate a few bites from shallow, dirty water, but not enough to keep him from spending the second day trying finesse tactics on the main lake.
Like most of the field, Omori found the bass living in the clear sections of Lake Hartwell finicky when he could use forward-facing sonar to present his baits and downright uncooperative without it. So, he decided he was better off sticking to his strengths.
“I felt I can catch more fish just fishing shallow, power fishing,” he said. “I catch more fish the way I’m fishing than with forward-facing sonar.”
As the warm, sunny weather boosted the water temperature, Omori’s bite kept getting better. He caught 17 scorable bass for 47-7 on the first day of qualifying, more than 21 pounds of which came in the third period. On Day 2, he added another 40-12, which was just enough to outduel Justin Lucas for the Qualifying Round win by 9 ounces.
It got to the point that it wasn’t only Omori prioritizing shallow largemouth. More than half the Championship Round field spent their periods without forward-facing sonar in dirty water, many of them relying on vibrating jigs. While it’s rare for that to become the predominant pattern on Hartwell, Omori said it’s “just that time of year.”
“You can expect largemouth to come back to the backs for prespawn,” he said.
Each day he took the water, no one managed to squeeze as much out of the bladed jig bite as Omori. Part of that can be chalked up to his years of experience dissecting shallow cover and his ability to put his bait where few others can. No one else was quite as committed to the shallows, either. Omori was one of two anglers in the event who never turned on forward-facing sonar and the only one to advance past the Qualifying Round. By Sunday, he had just two rods on his front deck – identical setups save for the color of his ChatterBait trailer.
Speaking of that trailer, Omori differentiated his bladed jig by pairing it with a big, gaudy plastic. He used a 5-inch Z-Man Diesel MinnowZ in either pearl or hot chartreuse on a 3/8-ounce Z-Man Evergreen Jack Hammer ChatterBait. He wielded that on a 7-foot, medium-heavy Daiwa Tatula Elite rod with a Daiwa Zillion reel spooled with 16-pound Sunline Shooter fluorocarbon.
“Number one, I’m fishing off-colored water,” Omori said of his trailer choice. “The bigger bait, they can see better. And you’re fishing for minimum 2-pound fish. So, you need a bigger bait for 2-pounders.”
Omori was happy just to make Championship Sunday. It marked his first Top 10 in nearly three years, since REDCREST 2024 on Lay Lake. But he also understood that the opportunity to win on the Bass Pro Tour, and especially to do so fishing his way, doesn’t come often.
He knew the biggest obstacle to claiming his first BPT trophy would be falling too far behind in the first period. The vast majority of anglers opted to use their one allotted period per day with the technology during Period 1, which also happened to be when Omori’s shallow bite was slowest.
Fortunately for Omori, the chilly, blustery conditions that greeted the field shut down the main-lake bass. During the first three days of the event, at least three anglers had topped 20 pounds in Period 1 while using forward-facing sonar, with at least one cracking 30. But at the end of the first frame Sunday, Banks Shaw led with just 17-3.
The colder conditions challenged Omori, too. He caught just one scorable bass for 2-15 in the first period. But when he found himself less than 15 pounds off the lead, he liked his chances.
“I was worried about the cold,” Omori said. “But the gusting winds maybe blew the guys on the main lake. It was kind of good for me, because they can’t stay in a spot to fish for those spots. Nobody blew it away after the first period. So, it was perfect conditions for me, actually.”
Omori was the only angler to top 10 pounds during Period 2. By its end, he’d closed to within 6 pounds of Shaw. About 30 minutes into the final period, he took the lead for the first time. But he could never gain enough separation to get comfortable. Three different anglers held the top spot on SCORETRACKER® during the final period (Omori, Shaw and Walker), while Matt Becker multiple times pulled within one scorable bass of the lead.
“With this group, I expected that,” Omori said. “I know they’re going to catch fish. But it was a lot of stress.”
With the wind blowing out some of the pockets he planned to fish, Omori spent about half the Championship Round fishing spots he hadn’t previously visited during the tournament. That included his final stop, which produced a 2-11 largemouth. That fish turned a 1-ounce deficit to Walker into a 2-10 lead. Walker, who failed to boat a scorable bass during the final 45 minutes, couldn’t answer.
After getting confirmation that he’d won, the usually stoic Omori pumped both fists into the air. Upon getting off the water, he revealed that a few friends had already asked him if he planned to retire now that he’d finally checked off his first Bass Pro Tour win.
Omori assured that “I’m not quitting anytime soon.” But that shows how big an accomplishment this was to him. Between earning his first victory in 57 BPT events and doing so by fishing his way without forward-facing sonar, this win meant something special.
“I know that technology is important and efficient,” Omori said. “It’s harder and harder to just make a Top 10. So, this win means a lot. Because all of the younger guys just win everything nowadays.”
The top 10 pros at O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 2 at Lake Hartwell Presented by Lowrance finished:
1st: Takahiro Omori, Tokyo, Japan, 12 bass, 36-6, $125,000
2nd: Jacob Walker, Springville, Ala., 12 bass, 33-12, $45,000
3rd: Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Tenn., 11 bass, 29-4, $35,000
4th: Banks Shaw, Harrison, Tenn., 10 bass, 27-9, $30,000
5th: Jacob Wall, New Hope, Ala., nine bass, 23-15, $25,000
6th: Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark., nine bass, 22-6, $23,000
7th: Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala., five bass, 19-6, $22,000
8th: Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., six bass, 14-14, $21,000
9th: Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., six bass, 14-7, $20,500
10th: Justin Cooper, Zwolle, La., five bass, 13-12, $20,000
A complete list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 85 bass caught weighing 235 pounds, 11 ounces, caught by the final 10 Bass Pro Tour anglers on Sunday.
Sunday’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award was earned by Jesse Wiggins of Addison, Alabama, who caught a 5-pound, 2-ounce largemouth in the second period on a bladed swim jig. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day.
The four-day O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 2 at Lake Hartwell Presented by Lowrance was hosted by Visit Oconee SC and featured a roster of 51 of the top professional anglers in the world competing for a $125,000 top prize and their share of the $600,000 purse, along with valuable Angler of the Year (AOY) points in hopes of qualifying for the MLF Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2027, the Bass Pro Tour championship.
The 2026 Bass Pro Tour features a field of 51 of the best professional anglers in the world, competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual Heavy Hitters all-star event and the REDCREST 2027 championship.
Television coverage of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 2 at Lake Hartwell Presented by Lowrance will premiere as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Aug. 22, on Discovery. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on Outdoor Channel.
Proud sponsors of the MLF Bass Pro Tour include: Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing Co., Bass Force, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Black Buffalo, BUBBA, Cigars International, Epic Baits, Grizzly, Lowrance, Mercury, MillerTech, NITRO Boats, OFF! Deep Woods, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Star brite, Suzuki Marine, Toyota, Yuengling and Zenni.
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, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV and Game & Fish TV, Rumble and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Arkansas’ Spencer Shuffield Paces Knockout Round at MLF Bass Pro Tour O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 2 at Lake Hartwell
Shuffield races to 18 bass for 46-14 to win Knockout Round and advance, final 10 now set for Championship Sunday shootout for $125,000
SENECA, S.C. (Feb. 21, 2026) – Spencer Shuffield of Hot Springs, Arkansas , has been knocking on the door of his first Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour win for a while, having amassed eight Top-10 finishes during his first three years on the circuit. He said Lake Hartwell is one of the last places he expected the breakthrough to happen. But after Shuffield stacked up 46 pounds, 14 ounces on 18 scorable bass to pace the field through Saturday’s Knockout Round at O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 2 at Lake Hartwell Presented by Lowrance, he’ll have as good a chance as anyone to hoist his first BPT trophy on the shores of Hartwell Sunday afternoon.
Shuffield rocketed to the lead with 33-15 in Period 1 and cruised from there. It took 29-3 on the day to earn a place in Sunday’s Championship Round, with New Hope, Alabama, pro Jacob Wall claiming the ninth and final spot in dramatic fashion.
Shuffield attributed his blistering first period to a discovery he made a day prior. Like just about everyone in the field, Shuffield has opted to use his one period with forward-facing sonar during Period 1 each day of the event. With a few minutes left in the opening frame Friday, he pulled into a pocket he hadn’t fished before, and his screen lit up.
So, after his starting spot Saturday didn’t pan out, Shuffield returned to that pocket. In about 40 minutes, he caught nine scorable bass for 25-9. After an hour-long drought, he reconnected with the school and added three more in 3 minutes. His Period 1 marked the best forward-facing sonar period by any angler so far during the event.
“When I rolled in there this morning, the birds were in there diving,” Shuffield said. “I remember looking at my official, and I said, ‘Dude, it’s about to go down in here. They’re in there.’ And I pulled in there and dropped the trolling motor, and there were just hundreds of them everywhere.”
Later in the morning, Shuffield spotted bird activity in a couple other nearby pockets. That has him excited for the Championship Round. The Arkansas pro has long been one of the best on tour at using forward-facing sonar to target suspended bass, and he’s counting on a strong Period 1 again tomorrow – although he also understands how fickle Hartwell’s blueback herring-chasing bass can be, saying “they could all be gone in the morning.”
“After the ‘Scope period was over, I stayed kind of in that area the first 45 minutes of the second period,” Shuffield explained. “I pulled in two more drains that birds were diving in; they were blowing up all in [there]. So, there’s no telling the potential in those places as well.”
Shuffield’s strong first period freed him up to use the rest of the day to sample other areas and techniques. He added a couple scorable bass on a lipless crankbait, then mixed in others on a plug and a jig.
That mainly served to eliminate water, which Shuffield said is important on a lake as vast as Hartwell. He won’t have quite as many ideas floating through his mind during the Championship Round. He also gained some confidence in the lipless crankbait, which he thinks could get better if the high winds forecast for Sunday materialize.
“It kind of gave me some confidence in my lipless bite, because I did throw that a little bit in the second period, and I caught two scorable bass on it the second period with no wind,” he said. “That’s a very wind-dependent bite, and I still managed to catch two decent ones on it. Tomorrow, with the wind blowing like it is, I'm probably just going to throw my lipless all day.”
Shuffield predicted the winning weight will be 52 pounds. A few days after arriving at Hartwell with “little to no expectations,” he thinks he has a realistic shot to get there and earn his long-awaited first BPT victory.
“I want to win so bad,” he said. “It’d be a dream come true, for sure, to win one. I’ve been so close. I would love to get the job done tomorrow.”
Wheeler’s strategic mastery has been a big reason why he’s won 10 Bass Pro Tour events and four of the past five Fishing Clash Angler of the Year titles. This event will mark his 40th Top-10 finish in 61 career BPT events, which is miles ahead of everyone else ( Micheal Neal is second with 23).
His ability to think multiple steps ahead was on full display Saturday.
Wheeler, too, had a strong opening period, when he totaled 24-4 using forward-facing sonar. Within the first 90 minutes of Period 2, he’d added another 15 pounds, putting plenty of distance between himself and the Lucas Oil cut line.
At that point, he switched back into information-gathering mode. He actually caught the last scorable bass he weighed despite trying to cover his hook point. Before making another cast, he cut off the hook entirely. Later, while throwing a different bait with a hook, he caught a couple bass that looked like they might score (and give him the top spot on SCORETRACKER®), but Wheeler opted not to weigh them because a competitor was fishing nearby, and Wheeler didn’t want him to know the spot had potential.
“It’s just so nice to be able to run around,” he said. “Of course, these guys find everything. But it’s definitely really important to be able to do that.”
Finishing the day in second with 16 bass for 42-4, Jacob Wheeler has been able to use large portions of each of the past two days to explore new water. He’s fished in a different section of the lake all three days and developed three distinct patterns that he has confidence in – a forward-facing sonar bite, throwing a vibrating jig in stained water (his primary approach Saturday afternoon) and cranking in cleaner water.
Having options could be important Sunday, especially with the conditions expected to shift.
“You just have to take what this lake gives you,” Wheeler said. “I might go run and throw a vibrating jig for an hour, and it might not go down. Then, I might transition to the clean water because the conditions are right. You never can lock yourself into a game plan, especially with the conditions changing like they are.”
The challenge between now and Sunday morning will be figuring out which bite might be best at what time of day and which area of Hartwell to prioritize. Given Wheeler’s track record, it’s a safe bet he’ll take the water with a well-thought-out game plan.
“I have to figure out how I want to go about it,” he said. “But I’ll be running around, for sure, trying to figure it out.”
Saturday saw an especially chaotic fight to finish above the Lucas Oil cut line. Three anglers moved into the top nine in the final period, all on the strength of 4-plus pounders: Ott DeFoe , Jesse Wiggins and Justin Cooper . Then, needing a 2-15 to climb above the cut, Wall landed a 3-5 spotted bass in the final minute before lines out to jump into ninth and bump Mitchell Robinson to 10th.
A pair of rookies, Banks Shaw and Jacob Walker , have now made the Championship Round in each of their first two BPT events. Wheeler and Cooper have also opened the season with consecutive Top 10s.
The pros that now advance to Championship Sunday on Lake Hartwell are:
1st: Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark., 18 bass, 46-14
2nd: Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., 16 bass, 42-4
3rd: Banks Shaw, Harrison, Tenn., 14 bass, 36-1
4th: Jacob Walker, Springville, Ala., 13 bass, 34-15
5th: Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Tenn., 12 bass, 34-13
6th: Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., 12 bass, 33-9
7th: Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala., 11 bass, 31-3
8th: Justin Cooper, Zwolle, La., 10 bass, 29-10
9th: Jacob Wall, New Hope, Ala., 11 bass, 29-3
*QR Winner: Takahiro Omori, Tokyo, Japan
Eliminated from competition are:
11th: Mitchell Robinson, Landrum, S.C., 10 bass, 28-12, $15,900
12th: Brent Chapman, Lake Quivira, Kan., 11 bass, 27-12, $15,800
13th: Nick LeBrun, Bossier City, La., nine bass, 25-12, $15,700
14th: Mark Daniels Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., seven bass, 24-7, $15,600
15th: Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., eight bass, 24-4, $15,500
16th: Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., nine bass, 23-2, $15,400
17th: Keith Carson, DeBary, Fla., nine bass, 22-14, $15,300
18th: Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, six bass, 17-12, $15,200
19th: Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., six bass, 17-3, $15,100
20th: Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., four bass, 13-5, $15,000
21st: Nick Hatfield, Greeneville, Tenn., four bass, 10-6, $15,000
22nd: Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., four bass, 9-6, $15,000
23rd: Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J., three bass, 7-7, $15,000
24th: Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas, three bass, 6-12, $15,000
25th: Fletcher Shryock, Guntersville, Ala., two bass, 5-9, $15,000
A complete list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 212 bass caught weighing 583 pounds, 3 ounces, caught by the 24 Bass Pro Tour anglers on Saturday.
Saturday’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award was earned by Mitchell Robinson of Landrum, South Carolina, who caught a 5-pound, 15-ounce largemouth in the second period on a Neko rig. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day.
Hosted by Visit Oconee SC , the four-day event features a roster of 51 of the top professional anglers in the world competing for a $125,000 top prize and their share of the $600,000 purse, along with valuable Angler of the Year (AOY) points in hopes of qualifying for the MLF Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2027, the Bass Pro Tour championship.
The full field of 51 anglers competed in the two-day Qualifying Round on Thursday and Friday. After the two-day Qualifying Round was complete, the pro with the heaviest two-day total – Takahiro Omori – advanced directly to Sunday’s Championship Round. Anglers that finished 2nd through 25th competed in Saturday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round, weights were zeroed, and the remaining anglers competed to finish in the top nine to advance to Sunday’s Championship Round. In Sunday’s final-day Championship Round, weights are again zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $125,000.
The final 10 anglers will arrive Sunday morning at 5:30 a.m. ET to Seneca Creek County Park, located at 270 Seneca Creek Road in Seneca, South Carolina. The Bass Pro Tour trailering policy has been enacted for Championship Sunday due to forecasts for high, sustained winds, so anglers will depart Seneca Creek County Park Sunday morning at 6:15 a.m. to launch ramps located around the fishery. Anglers will return to Seneca Creek County Park Sunday evening following the end of competition at 3:45 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to watch the event live online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® livestream and follow along with SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live on Championship Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. MLFNOW!® will be livestreamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com , the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app and Rumble.
On Sunday, Feb. 22, from 3–6 p.m., MLF invites fans of all ages to Seneca Creek County Park, located at 270 Seneca Creek Road in Seneca, for the MLF Fan Experience & Watch Party. Fans can watch the Bass Pro Tour pros live on the MLFNOW!® big screen, enjoy free food for the first 100 fans each day, enter hourly giveaways, browse MLF merchandise and the bargain bait bin, and cheer on their favorite anglers. Youth of all ages can take part in a fishing derby (gear and bait provided, weather permitting) and a casting contest. Live music begins at 4 p.m., followed by Top 10 angler interviews and the trophy presentation at 5 p.m., including autographs and photos with Bass Pro Tour finalists. The first 50 kids ages 14 and under will receive a free rod and reel.
The O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 2 at Lake Hartwell Presented by Lowrance features 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 2026 Bass Pro Tour features a field of 51 of the best professional anglers in the world, competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual Heavy Hitters all-star event and the REDCREST 2027 championship.
Television coverage of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 2 at Lake Hartwell Presented by Lowrance will premiere as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Aug. 22, on Discovery. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on Outdoor Channel.
Proud sponsors of the MLF Bass Pro Tour include: Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing Co., Bass Force, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Black Buffalo, BUBBA, Cigars International, Epic Baits, Grizzly, Lowrance, Mercury, MillerTech, NITRO Boats, OFF! Deep Woods, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Star brite, Suzuki Marine, Toyota, Yuengling and Zenni.
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, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV and Game & Fish TV, Rumble and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
South’s record performance seals Bassmaster Open win at Sam Rayburn Reservoir
JASPER, Texas — Pake South fell a little short of an ambitious goal, but along the way, he turned in a record-breaking performance to win the Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Sam Rayburn Reservoir presented by Battery Tender with a three-day total of 96 pounds, 15 ounces.
On Day 1, the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series rookie from Winnsboro, Texas placed fifth with 28-1 and took over the lead with a Day 2 limit of 34-4. Championship Saturday saw him turn in his biggest bag — 34-10 — to seal the deal by a margin of 15-14 over Jace Lindsay.
“It was great; the lake impressed me this week,” South said. “I didn’t come into this one expecting to catch that much weight. I was expecting to have about 30 pounds a day, but to have back-to-back 34-pound days was a little bit more than I expected.”
South anchored his final limit with a 10-15 that bit shortly before 9 a.m. Knowing such quality lives in Rayburn, he said he had been looking forward to fishing this event since last fall.
“When the schedule came out last year, I said, ‘I’m gonna go try to win that one,’” South said. “I fished to win this week, not for points.”
For his efforts, South earned the $45,408 top prize. Anglers that compete in all four events of Division 1 or 2 receive an invitation to fish the 2027 Bassmaster Classic. Because South is not fishing a complete division, this event’s Classic berth goes to the Bassmaster Elite Series field.
Before the start of Day 3, South stated that he had his sights set on reaching the 100-pound mark. While that didn’t come to fruition, he still wrote his name in the record book.
South’s final weight broke the record for all-time heaviest winning total in a three-day Bassmaster event. Florida pro Scott Martin set the previous mark on February 3, 2024 by topping the Bassmaster Open at Lake Okeechobee with 90-6.
“I saw the fish to break 100 pounds on LiveScope today,” South said. “This lake is impressive.”
Notably, the event also saw Day 1 leader Riley Harris catch the heaviest five-bass limit in Bassmaster Opens history — 36-15. Harris finished eighth with 67-10.
Spending all three days in Ayish Bayou, South stayed relatively close to takeoff and maximized his fishing time. Targeting prespawn bass, he fished a drain accessing a spawning flat and worked various depths up to 15 feet.
“It was clay bottom with stumps and shellbeds; anything that looked good,” South said. “It was kind of all over the place. Some of the fish would be swimming down the edges of the drain, some of them would be swimming right down the middle.”
South caught all of his fish on a green pumpkin dice style bait. He Neko rigged the soft plastic bait on a 1/0 hook with a 3/32-ounce nail weight.
“After I got to 30 pounds, I was just throwing at big ones,” South said. “I was still seeing a lot of fish, but I wasn’t wasting time on the smaller ones. I was just hog hunting.”
When South realized he had eclipsed Martin’s record on BassTrakk’s unofficial standings, BassLIVE saw the leader boldly state: “It might get stupid. We’re at 28 pounds and I have three 3-pounders. We have a lot of room to grow.”
South’s bag certainly did grow, and while no one’s calling his effort “stupid,” that was his word and the meaning came true in a big way.
“This means the world to me,” said South, who placed eighth at the Lippert Bassmaster Elite at Lake Martin on February 15. “I’ve been so close to winning a big deal so many times. I had four or five Top 10s last year and I felt like I was right there on the verge of winning one, so it feels great to finally be able to seal the deal on one.”
Lindsay, who hails from Beckville, Texas finished second with 81-1. Holding that position all three days, his limit catches weighed 30-12, 26-9 and 23-12.
Sticking with the same game plan for three days, Lindsay looked for shallow hard spots along the side of drains. He used these spots to intercept pre spawners moving up with the favorable weather conditions.
“The fish are pulling into these drains getting ready to spawn and with this warmer weather, they’re moving out of the drains,” Lindsay said. “I was kinda cutting them off at the hard spots. I had a couple of brushpiles in the same area.”
Lindsay caught his fish on a Megabass Vision 110 +2 jerkbait, an 8-inch Deps Sakamata Shad on a 1/8-ounce jig head and a dice style bait.
Andrew Behnke of Fond Du Lac, Wis., finished third with 80-4. His daily weights were 21-4, 27-2 and 31-14.
Behnke spent most of his time in a saddle between a main lake island and a point. The spot had a drain running into it and a high, hard spot.
Shaking a 6 1/2-inch minnow on a Missile Baits Eye Roll jig head enticed several fish, but he did most of his final-round work by cranking a Strike King 8XD.
“There was a bunch of fish there; you just had to keep casting, keep casting and all of a sudden, you’d catch a big one and another big one,” Behnke said. “Then it would shut down and you’d have to wait it out.”
Harris and Behnke tied for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors, both with bass that weighed 11-14.
Lindsay leads the Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens presented by Battery Tender Division 2 points standings with 200 points. Behnke is in second with 199, followed by Brody Robison of Dawson, Ala., with 198, Kollin Crawford of Broken Bow, Okla., with 197 and Rylan Hamlin of Jackson, Mich., with 196.
Brock Bila of Republic, Mo. leads the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers presented by Bass Pro Shops standings with 363 points. Adam Rasmussen of Sturgeon Bay, Wis., is in second with 352, followed by Dillon Falardeau of Hixson, Tenn., with 351, Grant Neubauer of Medford, Wis., with 334 and Laker Howell of Guntersville, Ala., with 329.
Jasper Development District No. 1 hosted this event.
2026 Bassmaster Opens Series
2026 Bassmaster Opens Series P
2026 Bassmaster Opens Series
2026 Bassmaster Opens Series
2026 Bassmaster Opens Series
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Series presented by Battery Tender, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, 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, Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Mandy Pascal, Communications Manager, 334-414-8677, [email protected]
2026 Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Sam Rayburn Reservoir presented by Battery Tender 2/19-2/21
Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Jasper TX.
(BOATER) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Pake South Winnsboro, TX 15 96-15 0 $45,408.00
Day 1: 5 28-01 Day 2: 5 34-04 Day 3: 5 34-10
2. Jace Lindsay Beckville, TX 15 81-01 200 $18,163.00
Day 1: 5 30-12 Day 2: 5 26-09 Day 3: 5 23-12
3. Andrew Behnke Fond Du Lac, WI 15 80-04 199 $13,873.00
Day 1: 5 21-04 Day 2: 5 27-02 Day 3: 5 31-14
4. Brody Robison Dawson, AL 15 74-12 198 $12,714.00
Day 1: 5 25-04 Day 2: 5 21-14 Day 3: 5 27-10
5. Kollin Crawford Broken Bow, OK 15 70-14 197 $11,806.00
Day 1: 5 25-15 Day 2: 5 25-03 Day 3: 5 19-12
6. Fisher Anaya Eva, AL 15 70-13 0 $10,898.00
Day 1: 5 28-03 Day 2: 5 20-10 Day 3: 5 22-00
7. Rylan Hamlin Jackson, MI 15 68-00 196 $9,990.00
Day 1: 5 28-05 Day 2: 5 18-13 Day 3: 5 20-14
8. Riley Harris Orange, TX 15 67-10 195 $9,332.00
Day 1: 5 36-15 Day 2: 5 19-05 Day 3: 5 11-06
9. Colby Bryant Houston, TX 15 66-15 194 $9,082.00
Day 1: 5 26-06 Day 2: 5 23-00 Day 3: 5 17-09
10. Jack York Emory, TX 15 66-06 193 $9,082.00
Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 5 27-11 Day 3: 5 19-10
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BIG BASS OF TOURNAMENT
Riley Harris Orange, TX 11-14 $250.00
Andrew Behnke Fond Du Lac, WI 11-14 $250.00
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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 191 987 3121-09
2 190 989 2997-11
3 10 50 229-01
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391 2026 6348-05
Weekley Wins by 1 Ounce at MLF Toyota Series at Lake Guntersville
GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. (Feb. 20, 2026) – The final weigh-in of the Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats Central Division event on Lake Guntersville was can’t-miss. Out of the gate, Jimmy Neece Jr. roared into the lead from 22nd with 28 pounds, 11 ounces. In full command of the hot seat, Neece was finally bumped by Benjamin Travis, who dropped 25-13 for a 70-10 total to take over the lead, with only Day 2 leader Kane Weekley left.
Needing his biggest bag of the week to get it done, Weekley didn’t disappoint. He weighed 25-7 for a 70-11 total to win by an ounce.
The event, which was presented by Suzuki and hosted by Marshall County Tourism & Sports, was only Weekley’s fifth tournament with MLF. For the win, the 21-year-old earned $50,500 plus locked in his spot in the Toyota Series Championship on nearby Pickwick Lake this fall.
Going into the tournament, most everyone expected that it would take a mix of tactics to win. While Guntersville is a great lake to fish traditionally, it’s also a great place to use LiveScope, and given the rules in the Toyota Series this year, this seemed like a perfect event for an all-around angler to triumph.
As it turned out, Weekley made the mix work to perfection. On Day 1, he weighed all fish caught from grass; on Day 2 he weighed all fish caught in his three-hour LiveScope period; and on the final day, he weighed four ‘Scope fish and caught the winning 5-pounder on his last cast with a lipless crankbait.
Weekley leaned on two areas about 30 miles apart – one that he ‘Scoped in the morning, and the other that he worked over with a lipless and a ChatterBait in the afternoon.
“In the area where I was LiveScoping, it was a grass edge, but there were a lot of fish on bait balls and just suspended maybe 100 to 200 feet from the grass edge,” he said. “I knew the area was getting better and better day by day, and nobody knew about it – I was alone all week. I found the fish in practice when they were just starting to get there. Day 2 and Day 3, it just kept getting better and better – more fish pulling up in there, bigger fish pulling up in there.”
For his ‘Scope fish, Weekley used a 5-inch Big Bag Outdoors Gyotaku Shad on 3/32- and 1/8-ounce heads with a 7-foot, 1-inch U-Call Midnight Series rod. Notably, he put serious effort into finding the right area.
“I ‘Scoped 90 percent of my practice probably, just trying to find a good area where I could catch 20 or 25 pounds,” he said. “I know you can get right quick on this lake if you have the right area. You can catch 25 pounds in 40 minutes, maybe even less.”
That proved true on the final day.
“Today, they were just in there,” he said. “I had 24 1/2 pounds in there, and it was pretty stupid. I started on the grass edge, and then saw some birds diving, and they were just everywhere. I couldn’t tell you why, but they were just biting. It was crazy.”
In the grass, which provided all his weight on Day 1 plus the winning bite, Weekley knew what he wanted.
“Grass fishing comes natural to me – throwing a ChatterBait, throwing a Rat-L-Trap. Growing up in Florida, I wasn’t too worried about that,” he said. “I only had one grass area, but I knew it was the right type of grass – it had to be good, green grass, and hydrilla was better than eelgrass, obviously.”
In the grass, his primary bait was a 1/2-ounce BOOYAH One Knocker in ghost, and he added in a red one on Day 3. He also used a 3/8- and 1/2-ounce Z-Man Evergreen ChatterBait JackHammer. He used fire craw with a green pumpkin Gambler Komodo trailer in the 1/2-ounce size, and his 3/8 model was Hite’s hot craw, which he matched with the same trailer.
With only a year of fishing triple-A events under his belt and no highly decorated college fishing run, Weekley took on a full plate in 2026, and he’s already made it pay off.
“I fished the [Bassmaster] Opens last year, and I fished the Toyota Series on Lake Seminole, and I loved fishing it,” he said. “It felt like a fun tournament, so I decided to fish the Southern and Central divisions this year – they’re close to me.”
He came into Guntersville with high hopes.
“Lake Guntersville is a grass lake. I figured I’d do pretty good because it was a grass lake, and I ended up catching them ‘Scopin’,” he said. “I was excited for it. I practiced five days, and this place is just amazing. Monday and Tuesday I didn’t catch much; it was a little tough. But early and on the weekend, I caught ‘em pretty dang good.”
On stage, after edging ahead by an ounce, Weekley was finally able to breathe.
“This week has been so stressful the last three days, I’ve been going to bed stressing every night. It was just a weight lifted off my shoulders,” he said. “The biggest thing is confidence, believing you can do it. Being in the right mindset, the right headspace, is a huge thing in bass fishing, and really anything. Going out there and basically knowing you’re going to win before you win. A lot of times it doesn’t happen, but if you believe it, it can happen. If you’re thinking you’re not going to win, you’re probably not going to win.”
After this, it ought to be even easier for Weekley to believe he’s going to win in the next one, which could make him pretty dangerous when he launches the boat at the Kissimmee Chain.
The top 10 pros at the Toyota Series at Lake Guntersville finished:
1st: Kane Weekley, Lakeland, Fla., 15 bass, 70-11, $50,500
2nd: Benjamin Travis, Guntersville, Ala., 15 bass, 70-10, $20,000
3rd: Jimmy Neece Jr., Bristol, Tenn., 15 bass, 68-4, $15,250
4th: Cal Lane, Grant, Ala., 15 bass, 64-4, $12,250
5th: Matteo Turano, Puryear, Tenn., 15 bass, 63-14, $11,250
6th: Andrew Jeffers, Athens, Ohio, 15 bass, 63-10, $9,125
7th: Austin Pemberton, Tuscola, Texas, 15 bass, 63-0, $7,900
8th: Logan Dyar, Cleveland, Ala., 15 bass, 61-11, $6,900
9th: Gavin Cloutier, Johnson City, Tenn., 15 bass, 61-4, $6,100
10th: Hunter Keller, Morganton, N.C., 15 bass, 61-2, $4,500
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Pro Clark Warren of Jefferson City, Tennessee, earned Thursday’s $500 Berkley Big Bass Award with a bass weighing 7 pounds, 6 ounces, while pro Kane Weekley of Lakeland, Florida, won Friday’s $500 Berkley Big Bass, with a 7-pound, 11-ounce lunker to earn the $500 award.
Jason Sandidge of Centerton, Arkansas, won the co-angler division Friday at Lake Guntersville with a three-day total of 15 bass weighing 58 pounds, 2 ounces. Sandidge earned the top co-angler prize package worth $33,500, including a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard motor.
The top 10 co-anglers at the Toyota Series at Lake Guntersville finished:
1st: Jason Sandidge, Centerton, Ark., 15 bass, 58-2, Phoenix 518 Pro boat w/115-hp Mercury outboard
2nd: Alan Hults, Gautier, Miss., 15 bass, 55-5, $6,125
3rd: Marc Huffaker, Dandridge, Tenn., 15 bass, 52-7, $4,900
4th: Josh McKinney, Tullahoma, Tenn., 15 bass, 51-10, $3,950
5th: Gary Meredith II, Decatur, Ala., 15 bass, 49-2, $3,450
6th: Stephen Mickle, Pell City, Ala., 15 bass, 48-12, $2,950
7th: Wesley Hall, Berry, Ala., 15 bass, 48-5, $2,450
8th: Benton Peoples, Dayton, Ky., 15 bass, 45-14, $1,975
9th: Lenny Bays, Dayton, Ky., 13 bass, 45-7, $1,590
10th: Curtis Cline, Hartsville, Tenn, 14 bass, 45-5, $1,350
Co-angler Rocky Williams of Portland, Tennessee, earned the first Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of the week on Thursday with a 9-pound, 5-ounce largemouth to earn the $150 prize, while Friday’s Day 2 $150 co-angler award went to Eric Stafford of Section, Alabama, who weighed in a 6-pound, 12-ouncer.
The three-day Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats at Lake Guntersville was hosted by Marshall County Tourism & Sports. It was the first of three regular-season tournaments for the Toyota Series Central Division. The next event for Toyota Series Anglers will be the Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Presented by Suzuki Marine, March 4-6 in Kissimmee, Florida. For a complete schedule of events, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The 2026 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats consists of five divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern and Southwestern – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the five divisions or the Wild Card division and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning up to $235,000 and a qualification to REDCREST 2027. The winning co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard. The 2026 Toyota Series Championship will be held Nov. 5-7 on Pickwick Lake in Counce, Tennessee, and is hosted by Explore Pickwick Lake & Hardin County Tourism.
Proud sponsors of the 2026 MLF Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats include: 7 Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Buffalo, BUBBA, Cigars International, Epic Baits, Grizzly, Mercury, MillerTech, OFF! Deep Woods, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, PirahnO2, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, VOSKER, YETI and Yuengling.
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, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV, Game & Fish TV and Rumble, and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
South’s adjustments deliver lead at Bassmaster Open at Sam Rayburn
JASPER, Texas — Pake South knows there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to bass fishing and following that principle yielded a big Day 2 limit that moved him into the lead in the Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Sam Rayburn Reservoir presented by Battery Tender with a two-day total of 62 pounds, 5 ounces.
Day 1 saw the Progressive Bassmaster Elite rookie from Winnsboro, Texas place fifth place with 28-1. Adding a Day 2 limit of 34-4, he leads Jace Lindsay of Beckville, Texas by 5 pounds.
“It’s been an awesome week; it feels like I’m back home at Lake Fork catching big ones,” South said. “I’m just enjoying myself. It’s a blast and I’m ready to go out there tomorrow and see what else I can catch.”
South said he followed the same game plan as yesterday — tracking down prespawn bass in Rayburn’s standing timber. Key areas are the drains running from adjacent spawning flats into the timber.
“I kinda look at it like a highway system for the fish,” South said. “They’re headed to go spawn and they’re following those drains back up to the shallow water. Most of my bites were in 8-12 feet.”
Less than a week from his eighth-place finish at the Lippert Bassmaster Elite at Lake Martin on February 15, South said he was happy with his first-round effort, but he used Day 1 to explore his area and identify the key spots.
“I only got a day and a half of practice for this tournament, so I was still trying to figure out where they all were,” he said. “I wasn’t 100 percent dialed in. I got dialed in kinda midday yesterday, so this morning, I already knew where to start.”
Anchoring his bag with an 8 1/2-pounder, South reported good bites throughout his day. He caught 20 keepers and had his limit by 8 a.m. and made his last cull with a 7-pounder at 1.
“There are little feeding windows when I’ll catch two or three and then it will be dead for an hour and I’ll catch two or three,” he said. “It’s not like a morning or afternoon deal. It’s just all throughout the day.”
South has caught all of his fish on a single unnamed bait. He attributes his success to awareness and adaptation.
“It was just paying attention to what the fish is doing on LiveScope,” he said. “Every fish is different. Some are super aggressive and you have to work it really fast, but some are really sluggish and you have to work it way slower.
“It’s just being able to adapt to each fish on every cast and knowing how to work each one. It seems like when they’re in one of those little feeding windows, they’re all more aggressive.”
The first angler to the scales on Day 1, South had a later boat number for Day 2. That yielded more fishing time, so he made the most of his longer day.
“I was in the same area today — the mid-lake area,” South said. “I just had more time to fish for them.
“I’m not making a super long run. I probably won’t have to put gas in my boat for tomorrow.”
Lindsay buoyed his 57-5 total with a Day 1 bag of 30-12 that put him in second. Adding 26-9 kept him in that spot.
Lindsay also repeated his Day 1 game plan and caught quality fish, but couldn’t cull out two 4-pounders. Focusing on had bottom areas, he has done all of his work with a mix of reaction baits.
“I had to switch the direction I set up from because the switched directions on us,” Lindsay said. “I kept that nose into the wind so I didn’t blow up on them. They’re really smart out here and you can’t get up on them.
“It was blowing a little harder yesterday but it slicked off in the middle of the day. I think that hurt me a little bit. I like a little ripple out there.”
Day 1 leader Riley Harris of Orange, Texas followed his massive first-round limit of 36-15 with 19-5 and slipped to third with 56-4.
“It was frustrating today; all of my fish left,” Harris said. “This is just the time of year when they’re gonna start moving. I had been anticipating this all week.
“It was a grind all day. I ran all over the lake and burned almost all of my gas. I went to one spot I had been saving and I was able to get two good ones, about 6 pounds each, off of it. I just kept culling ounces.”
After catching his fish on reaction baits in the first round, Harris said he had to change tactics and use a dragging presentation.
“I’m gonna swing for it tomorrow,” he said. “I’m gonna check my spot and see if my school showed back up and if not, I’ll run around and do some othe things.”
Harris holds the Phoenix Boats Big Bass lead with his 11-14.
Saturday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. CT at Umphrey Family Pavilion. The weigh-in will be held at the same location at 3 p.m.
Jasper Development District No. 1 is hosting this event.
2026 Bassmaster Opens Series
2026 Bassmaster Opens Series P
2026 Bassmaster Opens Series
2026 Bassmaster Opens Series
2026 Bassmaster Opens Series
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Series presented by Battery Tender, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, 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, Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Mandy Pascal, Communications Manager, 334-414-8677, [email protected]
2026 Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Sam Rayburn Reservoir presented by Battery Tender 2/19-2/21
Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Jasper TX.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Pake South Winnsboro, TX 10 62-05 0
Day 1: 5 28-01 Day 2: 5 34-04
2. Jace Lindsay Beckville, TX 10 57-05 200
Day 1: 5 30-12 Day 2: 5 26-09
3. Riley Harris Orange, TX 10 56-04 199
Day 1: 5 36-15 Day 2: 5 19-05
4. Kollin Crawford Broken Bow, OK 10 51-02 198
Day 1: 5 25-15 Day 2: 5 25-03
5. Colby Bryant Houston, TX 10 49-06 197
Day 1: 5 26-06 Day 2: 5 23-00
6. Fisher Anaya Eva, AL 10 48-13 0
Day 1: 5 28-03 Day 2: 5 20-10
7. Andrew Behnke Fond Du Lac, WI 10 48-06 196
Day 1: 5 21-04 Day 2: 5 27-02
8. Rylan Hamlin Jackson, MI 10 47-02 195
Day 1: 5 28-05 Day 2: 5 18-13
9. Brody Robison Dawson, AL 10 47-02 194
Day 1: 5 25-04 Day 2: 5 21-14
10. Jack York Emory, TX 10 46-12 193
Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 5 27-11
11. Aaron Jagdfeld Rochester Hills, MI 10 46-07 0 $8,174.00
Day 1: 5 25-01 Day 2: 5 21-06
12. Zane Parker Kingwood, TX 10 46-02 192 $6,357.00
Day 1: 5 23-00 Day 2: 5 23-02
13. Ethan Fields Carlyle, IL 10 45-13 191 $5,449.00
Day 1: 5 25-05 Day 2: 5 20-08
14. Andrew Jones Trussville, AL 10 44-10 190 $4,541.00
Day 1: 5 22-03 Day 2: 5 22-07
15. Yui Aoki Minamitsurugun JAPAN 10 44-08 189 $4,541.00
Day 1: 5 23-09 Day 2: 5 20-15
16. Hunter Crossland San Angelo, TX 10 44-02 188 $4,541.00
Day 1: 5 23-02 Day 2: 5 21-00
17. Dakota Ebare Brookeland, TX 10 43-09 0 $4,541.00
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 25-07
18. TJ Edwards Jr Tremont, MS 10 43-04 187 $4,541.00
Day 1: 5 22-05 Day 2: 5 20-15
19. Brock Bila Republic, MO 10 43-03 186 $4,541.00
Day 1: 5 15-14 Day 2: 5 27-05
20. Brennan Flick West Monroe, LA 10 42-10 185 $4,541.00
Day 1: 5 20-08 Day 2: 5 22-02
21. Erik Brztowski Lemont, IL 10 42-09 184 $4,541.00
Day 1: 5 24-08 Day 2: 5 18-01
22. Cole McAusland Tuscaloosa, AL 10 42-02 183 $4,541.00
Day 1: 5 23-00 Day 2: 5 19-02
23. Chris Hellebuyck White Lake, MI 10 41-15 182 $4,541.00
Day 1: 5 21-07 Day 2: 5 20-08
24. Hugh Cosculluela Spring, TX 10 41-14 181 $4,541.00
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 24-08
25. Wyatt Burkhalter Coker, AL 10 41-11 180 $4,541.00
Day 1: 5 22-12 Day 2: 5 18-15
26. Dylan Fogarty Mechanicsburg, PA 10 41-09 179 $4,541.00
Day 1: 5 21-01 Day 2: 5 20-08
27. Doug Chapin Tigerton, WI 10 41-05 178 $4,541.00
Day 1: 5 25-13 Day 2: 5 15-08
28. Cameron Mattison Benton, LA 10 41-03 177 $4,541.00
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 23-11
29. Laker Howell Guntersville, AL 10 40-07 176 $4,541.00
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 25-13
30. Dillon Falardeau Hixson, TN 10 40-04 175 $4,541.00
Day 1: 5 25-04 Day 2: 5 15-00
31. Brock Reinkemeyer Warsaw, MO 10 40-03 174 $3,633.00
Day 1: 5 22-03 Day 2: 5 18-00
32. Jay Przekurat Plover, WI 10 39-10 0 $3,633.00
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 21-08
33. Riley Nielsen Salt Lake City, UT 10 39-08 173 $3,633.00
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 24-13
34. Jacob Lang Winona, TX 10 39-05 0 $3,633.00
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 5 27-03
35. Ty Faber Pagosa Springs, CO 10 39-03 172 $3,633.00
Day 1: 5 17-13 Day 2: 5 21-06
36. Wesley Baxley Conroe, TX 10 38-11 171 $3,633.00
Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 5 23-05
37. Anthony Garcia Los Angeles, CA 10 38-09 170 $3,633.00
Day 1: 5 22-15 Day 2: 5 15-10
38. Adam Rasmussen Sturgeon Bay, WI 10 38-06 169 $3,633.00
Day 1: 5 21-04 Day 2: 5 17-02
39. Sam Ausbrooks Loogootee, IN 10 38-01 168 $3,633.00
Day 1: 5 19-06 Day 2: 5 18-11
40. Harmon Marien Eagle River, WI 10 37-15 167 $3,633.00
Day 1: 5 17-00 Day 2: 5 20-15
41. Sam Hanggi Knoxville, TN 10 37-09 0 $3,633.00
Day 1: 5 19-15 Day 2: 5 17-10
42. Dalton Head Moody, AL 10 37-07 166 $3,633.00
Day 1: 5 20-13 Day 2: 5 16-10
43. Garrett McWilliams Florence, MS 10 37-03 165 $3,633.00
Day 1: 5 18-11 Day 2: 5 18-08
44. Grant Neubauer Medford, WI 10 36-13 164 $3,633.00
Day 1: 5 22-07 Day 2: 5 14-06
45. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 10 36-11 163 $3,633.00
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 18-09
46. Bailey Gay Union, KY 10 36-09 162
Day 1: 5 21-04 Day 2: 5 15-05
47. Dylan Wright Murfreesboro, TN 10 36-07 0
Day 1: 5 21-10 Day 2: 5 14-13
48. Rick Harris Jr Carlsbad, NM 10 36-06 161
Day 1: 5 13-14 Day 2: 5 22-08
49. Nick Marsh White Lake, MI 10 36-05 160
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 5 20-09
50. Lane Stephens Owasso, OK 10 36-00 159
Day 1: 5 23-14 Day 2: 5 12-02
51. Trey Schroeder Theodosia, MO 10 36-00 158
Day 1: 5 15-14 Day 2: 5 20-02
52. James Chandler Liberty, TX 10 35-15 157
Day 1: 5 23-11 Day 2: 5 12-04
53. Colby Dark West Monroe, LA 10 35-05 156
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 16-14
54. Tommy Dickerson Orange, TX 10 35-04 155
Day 1: 5 22-15 Day 2: 5 12-05
55. Frank Scalish Mount Gilead, OH 10 34-11 154
Day 1: 5 19-11 Day 2: 5 15-00
56. Travis Pogue Peterborough CANADA 10 34-05 0
Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 18-03
57. Ian Waterer East Selkirk CANADA 10 34-05 153
Day 1: 5 17-15 Day 2: 5 16-06
58. Peyton Harris Birmingham, AL 10 34-04 152
Day 1: 5 20-09 Day 2: 5 13-11
59. Wyatt Marler Oldfield, MO 10 34-04 151
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 5 19-01
60. Jordan Knutson Saint Croix Falls, WI 10 34-00 150
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 15-14
61. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 10 33-15 149
Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 5 18-06
62. Dave Parsons Yantis, TX 10 33-14 148
Day 1: 5 20-10 Day 2: 5 13-04
63. Dylan Welton Middleville, MI 10 33-12 147
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 5 18-09
64. Jonathan Pimentel Camdenton, MO 10 33-09 146
Day 1: 5 17-14 Day 2: 5 15-11
65. Josh Wiesner Fon du Lac, WI 10 33-05 0
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 5 18-02
66. Jordan Hartman Benton, KY 10 33-04 0
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 18-14
67. Chris Miller Spirit Lake, IA 10 32-15 145
Day 1: 5 14-14 Day 2: 5 18-01
68. Blake Schroeder Bullard, TX 10 32-10 144
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 20-15
69. Darold Gleason Leesville, LA 10 32-09 143
Day 1: 5 16-00 Day 2: 5 16-09
70. Kevin Ledoux Choctaw, OK 10 32-05 142
Day 1: 5 17-11 Day 2: 5 14-10
71. Brian Post Janesville, WI 10 32-01 141
Day 1: 5 19-00 Day 2: 5 13-01
72. Joseph Hardy China Spring, TX 10 31-15 140
Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 5 17-00
73. Matt Pangrac Shawnee, OK 10 31-14 139
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 17-01
74. Jason Bonds Lufkin, TX 10 31-12 138
Day 1: 5 15-10 Day 2: 5 16-02
75. Evan Kung Pickering Ontario CANAD 10 31-09 0
Day 1: 5 14-08 Day 2: 5 17-01
76. Jeremy Lawyer Sarcoxie, MO 10 31-04 137
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 16-14
77. Jamie Bruce Kenora Ontario CANADA 10 31-03 0
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 12-11
78. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 10 31-03 136
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 13-09
79. Tristan McCormick Bon Aqua, TN 10 31-02 135
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 5 17-13
80. Nick Lawler Ava, MO 10 31-00 134
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 17-06
81. Nathan Reynolds Nashville, TN 10 30-15 133
Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 5 14-08
82. Daylon Smith Frazier Park, CA 10 30-11 0
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 15-04
83. Hayden Marbut Birmingham, AL 10 30-10 132
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 12-03
84. Jacob Welch Roach, MO 10 30-08 131
Day 1: 5 17-00 Day 2: 5 13-08
85. Matt Stefan Junction City, WI 10 30-07 130
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 5 14-02
86. Ryan Salzman Huntsville, AL 10 30-06 129
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 17-00
87. Chris Beaudrie Princeton, KY 10 30-03 128
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 14-00
88. Tyler Wolf Creston, IA 10 30-02 127
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 18-02
89. Casey Scanlon Eldon, MO 10 29-14 126
Day 1: 5 19-08 Day 2: 5 10-06
90. Tommy Parker Delano, MN 10 29-14 125
Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 5 13-07
91. Billy Gilbert Hamburg, NY 10 29-12 124
Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 5 12-14
92. Andy Newcomb Camdenton, MO 10 29-12 123
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 14-05
93. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 10 29-10 122
Day 1: 5 17-05 Day 2: 5 12-05
94. Keith Brashers Rogers, AR 10 29-10 121
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 15-08
95. Joey Punko Broomfield, CO 10 29-09 120
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 16-08
96. Clay Henderson Purdy, MO 10 29-07 119
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 5 18-00
97. Zachary Ward Cabot, AR 10 29-04 118
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 16-11
98. Jeremiah Kindy Benton, AR 10 29-00 117
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 15-05
99. Josh Giroldi Beachville Ontario CANA 10 28-14 116
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 16-06
100. Trevor McKinney Noble, IL 10 28-13 115
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 13-09
101. Isaac Peavyhouse Monroe, TN 10 28-12 114
Day 1: 5 12-12 Day 2: 5 16-00
102. Brad Jelinek Lincoln, MO 10 28-10 113
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 14-15
103. Mike McClelland Blue Eye, MO 10 28-09 112
Day 1: 5 12-12 Day 2: 5 15-13
104. Clark Reehm Elm Grove, LA 10 28-08 111
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 11-15
105. Ish Monroe Oakdale, CA 10 28-08 110
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 5 13-05
106. Jacob Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 10 28-05 109
Day 1: 5 15-00 Day 2: 5 13-05
107. Ryan Thompson Seymour, MO 10 28-02 108
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 14-08
108. Seiji Kato Forney TX JAPAN 10 28-01 107
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 11-08
109. Trace Freeman Northport, AL 10 27-15 106
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 5 12-02
110. Joe Wieberg Freeburg, MO 10 27-13 105
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 5 16-11
111. Alex Heintze Denham Springs, LA 10 27-13 104
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 14-04
112. Bryan Partak Marseilles, IL 10 27-12 103
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 15-12
113. Evan Cox-VanVliet Loveland, CO 10 27-11 102
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 13-07
114. Grae Buck Green Lane, PA 10 27-10 101
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 12-06
115. Bo Thomas Edwardsburg, MI 10 27-10 100
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 5 13-10
116. John Engler III Vinton, IA 10 27-09 99
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 16-14
117. Nic Rand Paw Paw, MI 10 27-08 98
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 15-15
118. Cody Bertrand Dyer, IN 10 27-07 97
Day 1: 5 16-13 Day 2: 5 10-10
119. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 10 27-06 96
Day 1: 5 17-02 Day 2: 5 10-04
120. Kenji Yamada Chattanooga, TN 10 27-05 0
Day 1: 5 15-14 Day 2: 5 11-07
121. Chris Lewis Hallsville, TX 10 27-05 95
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 5 12-02
122. David Brand Dittmer, MO 10 27-04 94
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 5 16-08
123. Chris Johnson Farmington, AR 10 27-03 93
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 09-09
124. Ryan Michl Newton, IL 10 27-03 92
Day 1: 5 15-08 Day 2: 5 11-11
125. Lonnie Cochran Section, AL 10 27-03 91
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 12-09
126. Nate Caldwell Fort Collins, CO 10 26-15 90
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 13-14
127. David Boelkins Waukesha, WI 9 26-14 89
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 4 12-11
128. John Mark Berry Mount Olive, MS 10 26-14 88
Day 1: 5 12-12 Day 2: 5 14-02
129. Chase Clarke Virginia Beach, VA 10 26-14 87
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 13-03
130. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 10 26-12 86
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 13-11
131. Justin Latham Reelsville, IN 10 26-11 85
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 13-05
132. Steve Tennison Lexington, OK 10 26-06 84
Day 1: 5 13-12 Day 2: 5 12-10
133. Dylan Mayo Athens, TX 10 26-06 0
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 12-11
134. Sho Egawa Osaka JAPAN 10 26-05 83
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 5 13-10
135. Rick Pierce Mountain Home, AR 10 26-04 82
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 11-15
136. Freddy Palmer Estill Springs, TN 10 26-02 81
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 5 10-15
137. Niko Romero Coldspring, TX 10 26-02 80
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 5 12-05
138. Kyle Palmer Elora, TN 10 26-01 79
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 11-14
139. Scott Nielsen Murray, UT 10 25-14 78
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 14-08
140. Easton Lindus Woodville, WI 10 25-14 77
Day 1: 5 13-08 Day 2: 5 12-06
141. Josh Pladies Lees Summit, MO 10 25-12 76
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 13-14
142. Kyle Metzger Pearl River, LA 10 25-12 75
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 12-11
143. Kristine Fischer Weeping Water, NE 10 25-10 74
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 5 14-08
144. Cody Bird Granbury, TX 10 25-10 73
Day 1: 5 13-02 Day 2: 5 12-08
145. David Perdue Wirtz, VA 10 25-09 72
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 13-02
146. Brandon Ackerson Afton, OK 10 25-06 71
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 12-07
147. John Branch Magnolia, KY 9 25-02 70
Day 1: 5 15-10 Day 2: 4 09-08
148. James Campise Brookeland, TX 10 24-15 69
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 11-08
149. Luke Kerstetter Seymour, TN 10 24-13 68
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 5 12-09
150. Jim Moynagh Outing, MN 10 24-12 67
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 12-04
151. Anthony Johnson Excelsior Springs, MO 10 24-08 0
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 11-08
152. Chris Whitson Louisville, TN 10 24-07 66
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 5 09-11
153. Lucas Toliver Paw Paw, MI 10 24-05 65
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 11-06
154. Brien Vaughn Lampe, MO 10 24-04 64
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 12-01
155. Connor Cunningham Springfield , MO 10 24-02 63
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 5 11-14
156. Tanner Visco Antioch, IL 10 24-00 62
Day 1: 5 11-12 Day 2: 5 12-04
157. Yukihiro Sawamura Harker Heights, TX 10 23-10 61
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 10-09
158. Jim Dillard West Monroe, LA 10 23-08 60
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 09-15
159. Samuel Culver Carlsbad, NM 10 23-06 59
Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 5 12-15
160. Dylan Minch Stevens Point, WI 10 23-03 58
Day 1: 5 11-12 Day 2: 5 11-07
161. Kyle Zacharuk Keswick Ontario CANADA 10 23-00 57
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 5 12-10
162. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 10 22-15 56
Day 1: 5 13-02 Day 2: 5 09-13
163. Eddie Carper Valliant, OK 10 22-14 55
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 10-05
164. Byron Hill Clermont, FL 10 22-12 54
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 09-13
165. Wyatt Wisian Ardmore, OK 10 22-10 53
Day 1: 5 13-02 Day 2: 5 09-08
166. Blaine Bunney Claremore, OK 10 22-08 52
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 09-08
167. Nathan Thompson Eagan, MN 10 22-08 51
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 5 11-04
168. Danny Ramsey Trinidad, TX 10 22-07 50
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 11-14
169. Mikey Weems Hull, TX 9 22-02 49
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 4 08-12
170. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 9 22-01 48
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 4 07-13
171. James Biggs Comanche, TX 10 22-01 47
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 5 09-13
172. Lance Crawford Broken Bow, OK 10 21-11 46
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 5 10-09
173. Brent Shores Savannah, TN 9 21-09 45
Day 1: 4 09-03 Day 2: 5 12-06
174. Satoshi Egawa Belton, TX 10 21-07 0
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 5 09-03
175. Brad Ragsdale Fairland, OK 10 21-05 44
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 5 10-11
176. Joey Hanna Corsicana, TX 10 21-02 43
Day 1: 5 10-08 Day 2: 5 10-10
177. Kurt Dove Del Rio, TX 10 21-01 42
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 08-10
178. Wyatt Wimberley Broaddus, TX 10 21-01 0
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 5 10-15
179. Matt Keezer Kirkland Quebec CANADA 10 21-01 41
Day 1: 5 10-03 Day 2: 5 10-14
180. Ty Kenyon Dodgeville, WI 10 20-15 0
Day 1: 5 09-00 Day 2: 5 11-15
181. Cory Williams Greenville, KY 10 20-14 0
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 09-05
182. Anastasia Patterson Sumter, SC 10 20-14 40
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 5 09-10
183. Darrell Ivey Lebanon, MO 10 20-13 39
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 08-06
184. Teb Jones Yalaha, MS 10 20-11 38
Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 5 10-07
185. Andy Beloat Montgomery, TX 9 20-05 37
Day 1: 5 12-05 Day 2: 4 08-00
186. Chris Bailey Eddy, TX 10 20-02 36
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 10-05
187. Tim Sprouse Clarksville, TN 10 19-04 35
Day 1: 5 09-07 Day 2: 5 09-13
188. Wade Denney Nampa, ID 10 19-02 34
Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 5 08-13
189. Jaron Burr Bowling Green, KY 9 17-14 33
Day 1: 4 06-12 Day 2: 5 11-02
190. Gary Hall Wardville, OK 8 17-04 32
Day 1: 3 07-09 Day 2: 5 09-11
191. Bj Miller Adams, NE 8 16-12 31
Day 1: 3 05-12 Day 2: 5 11-00
192. Ken Day Kennewick, WA 8 15-11 30
Day 1: 3 07-07 Day 2: 5 08-04
193. Johnny Grice Arp, TX 7 13-14 29
Day 1: 2 03-10 Day 2: 5 10-04
194. Hunter Muncrief Brookeland, TX 5 13-11 0
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
195. Lance Owen Greer, SC 7 13-07 28
Day 1: 2 04-04 Day 2: 5 09-03
196. Michael Harlin Osage Beach, MO 5 12-09 27
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 12-09
197. Timmy Reneau Richland Springs, TX 5 10-06 26
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
198. Frank Mixon Abilene, TX 4 10-05 25
Day 1: 2 04-07 Day 2: 2 05-14
199. Neal Gilmore Magnolia, TX 5 09-10 24
Day 1: 5 09-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
200. Clay Dyer Fayetteville, TN 5 09-10 23
Day 1: 3 05-15 Day 2: 2 03-11
201. Dean Gilbert Jr. Sherman, TX 5 09-05 0
Day 1: 5 09-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
202. Jason Pruess Haysville, KS 5 08-15 22
Day 1: 1 02-02 Day 2: 4 06-13
203. Jason Adams Guthrie, OK 4 08-10 21
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 4 08-10
204. Steven Doolittle Chelsea, OK 4 08-03 20
Day 1: 2 03-06 Day 2: 2 04-13
205. Tracy Mitchell Springfield, MO 3 05-10 19
Day 1: 1 02-00 Day 2: 2 03-10
206. A.J. Menssen Bloomington, IL 3 05-00 18
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 05-00
207. Justin Blackert Olathe, KS 2 04-01 17
Day 1: 2 04-01 Day 2: 0 00-00
208. Bryan Hoffman Andrews, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
208. Naohiro Maruo Ayagawa Town Ayauta Kag 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
208. Ace Outhier Fulshear, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
208. Jeremy Simmons Warsaw, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 191 987 3121-09
2 190 989 2997-11
------------------------------
381 1976 6119-04
Takahiro Omori Tops Qualifying Round at MLF Bass Pro Tour O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 2 at Lake Hartwell
Tokyo, Japan pro advances directly to Championship Round with two-day total of 31 bass weighing 88-3, 2nd through 25th advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round
SENECA, S.C. (Feb. 20, 2026) – It’s not every Bass Pro Tour event that we see a true fight for the Qualifying Round win. Often, one angler builds a sizable lead, and the other contenders concede the automatic trip to the Championship Round; or, the top Day 1 performers decide it’s more advantageous to explore new water instead of burning bass.
But all the pros who got near the top of SCORETRACKER® during Day 2 at the Major League Fishing (MLF) O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 2 at Lake Hartwell Presented by Lowrance vocalized a desire to win the round. Ultimately, it turned into a two-man showdown between Tokyo, Japan’s Takahiro Omori and Guntersville, Alabama’s Justin Lucas . Seemingly every time Lucas caught a scorable bass to get close to the lead, Omori answered with one of his own. Omori wound up with one more scorable bass and 9 more ounces, finishing with a two-day total of 88 pounds, 3 ounces on 31 scorable bass compared to 87-10 for Lucas.
As a result, Omori will advance straight to Sunday’s Championship Round, where he’ll hope to claim his first career Bass Pro Tour trophy. Lucas and the rest of the Top 25 finishers will return to the water with weights zeroed for Saturday’s Knockout Round.
Getting official confirmation that he’d won the round prompted a fist pump from the normally stoic Omori. The dyed-in-the-wool power fisherman understands that opportunities for him to win while fishing his way don’t come around too often. This marks his first Top 10 in almost two years, since REDCREST 2024 on Lay Lake.
“This is the only time of the year I might get to out-fish those guys (who use forward-facing sonar),” said Omori, who hasn’t bothered unlocking his forward-facing sonar transducers through two days of competition. “Because the prespawn fish are coming back to the shallows.”
Hartwell is best known for its prolific spotted bass population, but 30 of Omori’s 31 scorable bass have been largemouth. He’s looking for dirty water in shallow pockets way up a river and using his trademark casting accuracy to pick apart any cover he can find – the exact type doesn’t seem to matter.
“Shallow stuff, whatever I see,” Omori said when asked what he’s been targeting. “Boat docks, laydown trees, brushpiles, whatever. Just power-fishing shallow.”
Omori, who started the day about 4 1/2 pounds back of Day 1 leader Ott DeFoe , slipped to sixth after a slow first period. But as the near-80-degree air temperatures warmed the shallow water, his bite kept getting better. Around the midpoint of Period 2, Omori caught a 6-1 largemouth – easily his biggest of the event so far – to take the lead. He would only relinquish it for a few seconds the rest of the way.
“I was expecting to catch them all day,” Omori said. “For some reason this morning I had a couple of missed bites, and I only caught two in the first period. All those forward-facing sonar guys catch them so good, so I had to catch up later.”
As he kept getting updates that Lucas was closing in, Omori found himself away from his best area. There are only so many places that have the ingredients he’s looking for, and they’re spread apart, so he didn’t want to waste time running there. Still, he managed to catch three key scorable bass in the last 35 minutes. After totaling 40-12 Friday, Omori is the only angler in the field to top 40 pounds on both Days 1 and 2.
“I was not in the best area,” he said. “I kind of ran out of places to fish. But I made it up all right.”
Omori seems pretty committed to his game plan. He told MLFNOW! viewers that he’d rigged up eight identical rods Friday. But he left open the possibility that he could tweak his strategy a bit on Championship Sunday, when it’s supposed to get colder and windier.
“Who knows?” he said. “I’ve got all day tomorrow to think about it.”
Lucas didn’t start Friday with any aspirations of contending for the Qualifying Round win. His Day 1 total of 26-0 had him inside the Lucas Oil cut line, but not by much, so his primary objective was just to ensure his spot in the Knockout Round.
It didn’t take him long to check that box. Like most of the field, Lucas opted to use his forward-facing sonar during Period 1 and caught nine scorable bass for 25-5. He didn’t make any strategic shift from Day 1, when he caught four for 10-4 during his ‘Scope period. Lucas said he “just fished better.” That gave him a lot more breathing room over the cut and allowed him to run new water in Periods 2 and 3.
“I caught so much weight, I felt like I was good,” Lucas said. “And so I just went practicing and started catching a lot of fish.”
Despite changing tactics after locking up his transducers, Lucas kept his momentum rolling. A five-fish flurry late in Period 2 put him just 1 ounce back of Omori entering the final period. He wound up totaling 12 scorable bass for more than 35 pounds without forward-facing sonar. His Day 2 total of 61-10 is the best by any angler so far during the event.
Lucas attributed his big day to continuing to fine-tune his pattern. He said it’s impossible to break down a fishery the size of Hartwell in just two days of practice. Over the course of the Qualifying Round, he’s slowly zeroed in on the right areas of the lake, the right cover and the right baits.
“I’m just eliminating a lot of water, getting dialed in on what the exact pattern is with the fish,” he explained.
While Lucas would have loved to skip the Knockout Round, his grasp of that pattern has him excited entering the weekend. He said he “feels a lot better about the tournament right now than I did this morning.” He’s also not concerned about a potential weather shift hurting his bite, although he knows the bass swimming in Hartwell’s clear water can be fickle.
“My confidence is very high right now,” he said. “I feel good about it. But I also know how quickly things can change. I still have to go out there and catch their freakin’ butts tomorrow.”
Pro Keith Carson made the biggest rally, catching 15 bass weighing 42-2 to end the day in 12th after starting in 40th place, but he wasn’t the only angler to start the day below the Lucas Oil Cut Line and move into the Top 25. Six anglers did so in total, including pros Nick Hatfield and Fletcher Shryock, both of whom caught 4-pounders in the final 30 minutes to seal their spots in the Knockout Round.
The top 25 pros that now advance in competition on Lake Hartwell are:
*1st: Takahiro Omori, Tokyo, Japan, 31 bass, 88-3 – ADVANCES TO CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND
2nd: Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala.,30 bass, 87-10
3rd: Mitchell Robinson, Landrum, S.C., 24 bass, 68-10
4th: Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J., 21 bass, 68-8
5th: Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., 24 bass, 68-5
6th: Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 23 bass, 65-14
7th: Justin Cooper, Zwolle, La., 23 bass, 65-9
8th: Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., 22 bass, 63-6
9th: Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., 23 bass, 62-15
10th: Mark Daniels Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., 21 bass, 61-10
11th: Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., 24 bass, 61-7
12th: Keith Carson, DeBary, Fla., 21 bass, 59-9
13th: Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Tenn., 21 bass, 59-2
14th: Jacob Wall, New Hope, Ala., 22 bass, 58-1
15th: Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala., 20 bass, 56-8
16th: Brent Chapman, Lake Quivira, Kan., 21 bass, 56-4
17th: Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., 19 bass, 56-2
18th: Jacob Walker, Springville, Ala., 18 bass, 54-6
19th: Banks Shaw, Harrison, Tenn., 19 bass, 53-10
20th: Nick LeBrun, Bossier City, La., 17 bass, 52-3
21st: Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, 17 bass, 50-4
22nd: Nick Hatfield, Greeneville, Tenn., 17 bass, 48-10
23rd: Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark., 20 bass, 48-7
24th: Fletcher Shryock, Guntersville, Ala., 15 bass, 46-15
25th: Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas, 16 bass, 46-9
A complete list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 393 bass caught weighing 1,107 pounds, 10 ounces, caught by the 51 Bass Pro Tour anglers on Friday.
Friday’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award was earned by Keith Carson of DeBary, Florida, who caught a 7-pound, 3-ounce largemouth in the first period on a jighead minnow. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day.
Hosted by Visit Oconee SC , the four-day event features a roster of 51 of the top professional anglers in the world competing for a $125,000 top prize and their share of the $600,000 purse, along with valuable Angler of the Year (AOY) points in hopes of qualifying for the MLF Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2027, the Bass Pro Tour championship.
The full field of 51 anglers competed in the two-day Qualifying Round on Thursday and Friday. With the two-day Qualifying Round now complete, the pro with the heaviest two-day total – Takahiro Omori – now advances directly to Sunday’s Championship Round. Anglers that finished 2nd through 25th now advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed, and the remaining anglers compete to finish in the top nine to advance to Sunday’s Championship Round. In the final-day Championship Round, weights are again zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $125,000.
Anglers will arrive each morning at 6:15 a.m. ET to Seneca Creek County Park, located at 270 Seneca Creek Road in Seneca, South Carolina. Anglers will return to Seneca Creek County Park each evening following the end of competition at 3:45 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to watch the event live online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® livestream and follow along with SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live on all four days of competition from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. MLFNOW!® will be livestreamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com , the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app and Rumble.
On Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 21-22, from 3–6 p.m., MLF invites fans of all ages to Seneca Creek County Park, located at 270 Seneca Creek Road in Seneca, for the MLF Fan Experience & Watch Party. Fans can watch the Bass Pro Tour pros live on the MLFNOW!® big screen, enjoy free food for the first 100 fans each day, enter hourly giveaways, browse MLF merchandise and the bargain bait bin, and cheer on their favorite anglers. Youth of all ages can take part in a fishing derby (gear and bait provided, weather permitting) and a casting contest. Live music begins at 4 p.m., followed by Top 10 angler interviews and the trophy presentation at 5 p.m., including autographs and photos with Bass Pro Tour finalists. The first 50 kids ages 14 and under will receive a free rod and reel each day.
The O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 2 at Lake Hartwell Presented by Lowrance features 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 2026 Bass Pro Tour features a field of 51 of the best professional anglers in the world, competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual Heavy Hitters all-star event and the REDCREST 2027 championship.
Television coverage of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 2 at Lake Hartwell Presented by Lowrance will premiere as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Aug. 22, on Discovery. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on Outdoor Channel.
Proud sponsors of the MLF Bass Pro Tour include: Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing Co., Bass Force, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Black Buffalo, BUBBA, Cigars International, Epic Baits, Grizzly, Lowrance, Mercury, MillerTech, NITRO Boats, OFF! Deep Woods, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Star brite, Suzuki Marine, Toyota, Yuengling and Zenni.
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, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV and Game & Fish TV, Rumble and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Casting for the Next Generation: MLF Pros Hook Ravenel Elementary Students With Conservation Message
SENECA, S.C. (Feb. 20, 2026) – Third graders at Ravenel Elementary School got an early taste of Bass Pro Tour (BPT) excitement Wednesday morning as Major League Fishing (MLF) launched O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 2 at Lake Hartwell Presented by Lowrance with an interactive school visit centered on conservation, outdoor stewardship and careers in professional fishing.
Bass Pro Tour standouts Matt Becker of Ten Mile, Tennessee, and Drew Gill of Mount Carmel, Illinois, joined MLF Competition Officials Butch Lansford and Brian Poppe and MLF Sr. Manager of PR and Communications Charity Muehlenweg for an interactive program that connected the fast-paced action of the sport with lessons in environmental stewardship and future opportunities in the fishing industry.
Photos from the Ravenel Elementary School visit can be found here .
Students got a front-row look at how the sport’s most advanced format works, watching demonstrations of the catch, weigh and immediate-release system used on the BPT. With an MLF Competition Official serving as the on-the-water referee, the group showed how every bass is carefully handled, weighed and returned to its habitat, reinforcing the idea that protecting the resource is just as important as catching the fish.
The message quickly turned from the pros’ responsibilities to the students’ role in caring for their own lakes and waterways, highlighting MLF’s Fisheries Management Division initiatives and the simple, real-world actions – from recycling used fishing line and picking up litter to practicing proper fish-handling techniques – that show how even young anglers can make a lasting difference.
Becker told the students that the habits they form now can shape the future of the outdoors.
“Conservation isn’t something you have to wait until you’re older to care about,” Becker explained. “You can start right now – the next time you’re at the lake, the next time you see a piece of trash, the next time you go fishing. And the same goes for your dreams. If you love being outside, there are so many ways that passion can become part of your life, whether that’s fishing, making videos, designing equipment, working in events or helping protect our fisheries. It all starts with learning and getting involved at your age.”
Along with conservation, the program introduced students to the many moving parts behind a professional fishing event. Through photos and behind-the-scenes examples, they learned how careers in media, marketing, tournament operations, officiating and content creation all play a role in bringing the Bass Pro Tour to fans around the world.
The gymnasium turned into a competition arena during a fast-paced casting challenge, with students divided into teams to cheer on their favorite angler. A trivia session and open Q&A gave the third graders the chance to show off what they had learned and walk away with MLF gear, while also giving the pros a glimpse of the sport’s next generation of fans.
The school visit served as an early kickoff to a week that will bring the sport’s top anglers and a national television audience to Oconee County.
Competition at the O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 2 at Lake Hartwell Presented by Lowrance began Thursday, Feb. 19, and runs through Sunday, Feb. 22. The four-day event, hosted by Visit Oconee SC , features 51 of the world’s best professional anglers competing for a top prize of $125,000 and critical Angler of the Year points.
Fans can watch the action live all four days of competition on MLFNOW! at MajorLeagueFishing.com and on the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.
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, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV, Game & Fish TV, Rumble and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Z-Man® SWAG™ LT Swimbait
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Harris’ mega bag leads Bassmaster Open at Sam Rayburn Reservoir
JASPER, Texas — The water is low, but Riley Harris’ spirits were high when he weighed in a 5-bass limit of 36 pounds, 15 ounces to lead Day 1 of the Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Sam Rayburn Reservoir presented by Battery Tender.
After an action-packed first round produced a dozen bags over 25 pounds, Harris leads Jace Lindsay by 6-3.
Drought conditions have dropped the Sam Rayburn water level by approximately 9 feet. This decline has left many of the normally productive area drained and unproductive, but Harris said he entered the event comfortable with the situation.
“Honestly, you just have to trust yourself,” said the pro from Orange, Texas. “I’ve fished out here for a long time and I kinda had an idea where they would be. They’ve been there and I’m super thankful to have these fish.”
Harris said the key to catching a mega sack was rotating through groups of fish. Securing a limit around 10 o’clock, he worked on upgrading throughout the rest of his day.
“I just had some schools and then I caught some roamers,” Harris said. “I ran around a good bit today and once I had a good bag, I started trying to fish for a really big one.”
Harris’ big opportunity came late in the day when a huge bite delivered a game-changing upgrade.
“Around 2:15, I pulled up to one of my spots where I had caught one that was about 5, and I was able to get my biggest fish,” Harris said. “I was able to cull out one that I really wanted to get rid of. I culled one that was about 4 1/2 with an 11-14.
“It was kind of a blur. I was reeling my bait back in and I had two fish shoot up off the bottom and she was the one that got it.”
Harris kept his bait details under wraps, but he described a junk fishing day built on versatility. Ultimately, seven different baits produced keepers today.
“I think I had 20 rods on the deck and it was one of those things where one might work one day and one might not the next,” he said. “That was kinda the case in practice. I had a couple of baits that I really thought (would produce), but they didn’t want it, so I picked up some other stuff and they ate it.
“I was really trying to be at 30 pounds or a little above and I knew I had it with that one that was just under 12.”
Harris said he entered the event with an aggressive plan and no regrets.
“I fished for big ones today and I didn’t want to do anything else,” Harris said. “If I zero and I’m still fishing for big ones trying to win, I’m okay with that. We fished for big ones today and it worked out.
“There is the potential for the same weight tomorrow, but it’s super hard to replicate something like that. I know they’re there, but it’s just about getting them to react. We may only catch 10 pounds tomorrow, but we’re gonna go try to do the same thing.”
Hailing from Beckville, Texas, Lindsay is in second place with 30-12. Anchoring his limit with two 7 1/4-pounders, Lindsay said he saw several of what he called the “mega giants” on his sonar, but he could not get those big fish to commit.
Lindsay attributed his success to local knowledge — specifically, knowing the depth zone Rayburn fish prefer this time of year.
“These fish like a certain depth range and you just have to stay in that depth range,” he said. “They’re gonna pull back to that depth range, no matter how the water fluctuates and you just have to keep you boat in that range.
“I was in the areas where these prespawners are gonna be right before they pull up. I know where they’re gonna go to spawn, so I’m just trying to pick them off before they get there.”
Lindsay caught his fish on what he caught “subtle reaction” presentations. The fish he’s targeting are highly pressured, so he had to strike the right balance of stealth and enticement.
“I caught two that I weighed in early this morning, and then I upgraded all throughout the day,” Lindsay said.
Rylan Hamlin of Jackson, Mich., is in third place with 28-5. Hamlin anchored his bag with a milestone catch.
“That 11-7 was my personal best,” Hamlin said. “My previous personal best was also in last year’s Open here. I beat it by 2 ounces.
“On my first cast of the morning, I lost one as big as that one. It was hard to shake that one off, but a cast or two after that one, I caught that 11-7. That made me feel a little better.”
Hamlin targeted big schools of bass holding over hard bottom spots, where he rotated through crankbaits and jigs. He caught his big fish on a hair jig.
Harris holds the Phoenix Boats Big Bass lead with his 11-14.
Friday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. CT at Umphrey Family Pavilion. The weigh-in will be held at the same location at 3 p.m.
Jasper Development District No. 1 is hosting this event.
2026 Bassmaster Opens Series
2026 Bassmaster Opens Series P
2026 Bassmaster Opens Series
2026 Bassmaster Opens Series
2026 Bassmaster Opens Series
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Series presented by Battery Tender, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, 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, Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
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Media Contact: Mandy Pascal, Communications Manager, 334-414-8677, [email protected]
2026 Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Sam Rayburn Reservoir presented by Battery Tender 2/19-2/21
Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Jasper TX.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Riley Harris Orange, TX 5 36-15 200
Day 1: 5 36-15
2. Jace Lindsay Beckville, TX 5 30-12 199
Day 1: 5 30-12
3. Rylan Hamlin Jackson, MI 5 28-05 198
Day 1: 5 28-05
4. Fisher Anaya Eva, AL 5 28-03 0
Day 1: 5 28-03
5. Pake South Winnsboro, TX 5 28-01 0
Day 1: 5 28-01
6. Colby Bryant Houston, TX 5 26-06 197
Day 1: 5 26-06
7. Kollin Crawford Broken Bow, OK 5 25-15 196
Day 1: 5 25-15
8. Doug Chapin Tigerton, WI 5 25-13 195
Day 1: 5 25-13
9. Ethan Fields Carlyle, IL 5 25-05 194
Day 1: 5 25-05
10. Dillon Falardeau Hixson, TN 5 25-04 193
Day 1: 5 25-04
10. Brody Robison Dawson, AL 5 25-04 193
Day 1: 5 25-04
12. Aaron Jagdfeld Rochester Hills, MI 5 25-01 0
Day 1: 5 25-01
13. Erik Brztowski Lemont, IL 5 24-08 191
Day 1: 5 24-08
14. Lane Stephens Owasso, OK 5 23-14 190
Day 1: 5 23-14
15. James Chandler Liberty, TX 5 23-11 189
Day 1: 5 23-11
16. Yui Aoki Minamitsurugun JAPAN 5 23-09 188
Day 1: 5 23-09
17. Hunter Crossland San Angelo, TX 5 23-02 187
Day 1: 5 23-02
18. Cole McAusland Tuscaloosa, AL 5 23-00 186
Day 1: 5 23-00
18. Zane Parker Kingwood, TX 5 23-00 186
Day 1: 5 23-00
20. Tommy Dickerson Orange, TX 5 22-15 184
Day 1: 5 22-15
20. Anthony Garcia Los Angeles, CA 5 22-15 184
Day 1: 5 22-15
22. Wyatt Burkhalter Coker, AL 5 22-12 182
Day 1: 5 22-12
23. Grant Neubauer Medford, WI 5 22-07 181
Day 1: 5 22-07
24. TJ Edwards Jr Tremont, MS 5 22-05 180
Day 1: 5 22-05
25. Michael Harlin Osage Beach, MO 5 22-04 179
Day 1: 5 22-04
26. Andrew Jones Trussville, AL 5 22-03 178
Day 1: 5 22-03
26. Brock Reinkemeyer Warsaw, MO 5 22-03 178
Day 1: 5 22-03
28. Dylan Wright Murfreesboro, TN 5 21-10 0
Day 1: 5 21-10
29. Chris Hellebuyck White Lake, MI 5 21-07 176
Day 1: 5 21-07
30. Andrew Behnke Fond Du Lac, WI 5 21-04 175
Day 1: 5 21-04
30. Bailey Gay Union, KY 5 21-04 175
Day 1: 5 21-04
30. Adam Rasmussen Sturgeon Bay, WI 5 21-04 175
Day 1: 5 21-04
33. Dylan Fogarty Mechanicsburg, PA 5 21-01 172
Day 1: 5 21-01
34. Dalton Head Moody, AL 5 20-13 171
Day 1: 5 20-13
35. Dave Parsons Yantis, TX 5 20-10 170
Day 1: 5 20-10
36. Peyton Harris Birmingham, AL 5 20-09 169
Day 1: 5 20-09
37. Brennan Flick West Monroe, LA 5 20-08 168
Day 1: 5 20-08
38. Sam Hanggi Knoxville, TN 5 19-15 0
Day 1: 5 19-15
39. Frank Scalish Mount Gilead, OH 5 19-11 167
Day 1: 5 19-11
40. Casey Scanlon Eldon, MO 5 19-08 166
Day 1: 5 19-08
41. Sam Ausbrooks Loogootee, IN 5 19-06 165
Day 1: 5 19-06
42. Jack York Emory, TX 5 19-01 164
Day 1: 5 19-01
43. Brian Post Janesville, WI 5 19-00 163
Day 1: 5 19-00
44. Garrett McWilliams Florence, MS 5 18-11 162
Day 1: 5 18-11
45. Jamie Bruce Kenora Ontario CANADA 5 18-08 0
Day 1: 5 18-08
46. Colby Dark West Monroe, LA 5 18-07 161
Day 1: 5 18-07
46. Hayden Marbut Birmingham, AL 5 18-07 161
Day 1: 5 18-07
48. Dakota Ebare Brookeland, TX 5 18-02 0
Day 1: 5 18-02
48. Jordan Knutson Saint Croix Falls, WI 5 18-02 159
Day 1: 5 18-02
48. Jay Przekurat Plover, WI 5 18-02 0
Day 1: 5 18-02
48. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 5 18-02 159
Day 1: 5 18-02
52. Ian Waterer East Selkirk CANADA 5 17-15 157
Day 1: 5 17-15
53. Jonathan Pimentel Camdenton, MO 5 17-14 156
Day 1: 5 17-14
54. Ty Faber Pagosa Springs, CO 5 17-13 155
Day 1: 5 17-13
55. Kevin Ledoux Choctaw, OK 5 17-11 154
Day 1: 5 17-11
56. Chris Johnson Farmington, AR 5 17-10 153
Day 1: 5 17-10
56. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 5 17-10 153
Day 1: 5 17-10
58. Cameron Mattison Benton, LA 5 17-08 151
Day 1: 5 17-08
59. Hugh Cosculluela Spring, TX 5 17-06 150
Day 1: 5 17-06
60. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 5 17-05 149
Day 1: 5 17-05
61. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 5 17-02 148
Day 1: 5 17-02
62. Harmon Marien Eagle River, WI 5 17-00 147
Day 1: 5 17-00
62. Jacob Welch Roach, MO 5 17-00 147
Day 1: 5 17-00
64. Billy Gilbert Hamburg, NY 5 16-14 145
Day 1: 5 16-14
65. Cody Bertrand Dyer, IN 5 16-13 144
Day 1: 5 16-13
66. Seiji Kato Forney TX JAPAN 5 16-09 143
Day 1: 5 16-09
66. Clark Reehm Elm Grove, LA 5 16-09 143
Day 1: 5 16-09
68. Tommy Parker Delano, MN 5 16-07 141
Day 1: 5 16-07
68. Nathan Reynolds Nashville, TN 5 16-07 141
Day 1: 5 16-07
70. Matt Stefan Junction City, WI 5 16-05 139
Day 1: 5 16-05
71. Chris Beaudrie Princeton, KY 5 16-03 138
Day 1: 5 16-03
72. Travis Pogue Peterborough CANADA 5 16-02 0
Day 1: 5 16-02
73. Darold Gleason Leesville, LA 5 16-00 137
Day 1: 5 16-00
74. Brock Bila Republic, MO 5 15-14 136
Day 1: 5 15-14
74. Trey Schroeder Theodosia, MO 5 15-14 136
Day 1: 5 15-14
74. Kenji Yamada Chattanooga, TN 5 15-14 0
Day 1: 5 15-14
77. Trace Freeman Northport, AL 5 15-13 134
Day 1: 5 15-13
78. Nick Marsh White Lake, MI 5 15-12 133
Day 1: 5 15-12
79. Jason Bonds Lufkin, TX 5 15-10 132
Day 1: 5 15-10
79. John Branch Magnolia, KY 5 15-10 132
Day 1: 5 15-10
81. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 5 15-09 130
Day 1: 5 15-09
82. Ryan Michl Newton, IL 5 15-08 129
Day 1: 5 15-08
83. Andy Newcomb Camdenton, MO 5 15-07 128
Day 1: 5 15-07
83. Daylon Smith Frazier Park, CA 5 15-07 0
Day 1: 5 15-07
85. Wesley Baxley Conroe, TX 5 15-06 127
Day 1: 5 15-06
86. Grae Buck Green Lane, PA 5 15-04 126
Day 1: 5 15-04
86. Trevor McKinney Noble, IL 5 15-04 126
Day 1: 5 15-04
88. Chris Lewis Hallsville, TX 5 15-03 124
Day 1: 5 15-03
88. Wyatt Marler Oldfield, MO 5 15-03 124
Day 1: 5 15-03
88. Ish Monroe Oakdale, CA 5 15-03 124
Day 1: 5 15-03
88. Freddy Palmer Estill Springs, TN 5 15-03 124
Day 1: 5 15-03
88. Dylan Welton Middleville, MI 5 15-03 124
Day 1: 5 15-03
88. Josh Wiesner Fon du Lac, WI 5 15-03 0
Day 1: 5 15-03
94. Jacob Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 5 15-00 119
Day 1: 5 15-00
95. Joseph Hardy China Spring, TX 5 14-15 118
Day 1: 5 14-15
96. Chris Miller Spirit Lake, IA 5 14-14 117
Day 1: 5 14-14
97. Matt Pangrac Shawnee, OK 5 14-13 116
Day 1: 5 14-13
98. Chris Whitson Louisville, TN 5 14-12 115
Day 1: 5 14-12
99. Riley Nielsen Salt Lake City, UT 5 14-11 114
Day 1: 5 14-11
100. Lonnie Cochran Section, AL 5 14-10 113
Day 1: 5 14-10
100. Laker Howell Guntersville, AL 5 14-10 113
Day 1: 5 14-10
102. Evan Kung Pickering Ontario CANAD 5 14-08 0
Day 1: 5 14-08
103. Jordan Hartman Benton, KY 5 14-06 0
Day 1: 5 14-06
103. Jeremy Lawyer Sarcoxie, MO 5 14-06 111
Day 1: 5 14-06
105. Rick Pierce Mountain Home, AR 5 14-05 110
Day 1: 5 14-05
106. Evan Cox-VanVliet Loveland, CO 5 14-04 109
Day 1: 5 14-04
106. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 5 14-04 109
Day 1: 5 14-04
108. David Boelkins Waukesha, WI 5 14-03 107
Day 1: 5 14-03
108. Kyle Palmer Elora, TN 5 14-03 107
Day 1: 5 14-03
110. Keith Brashers Rogers, AR 5 14-02 105
Day 1: 5 14-02
111. Bo Thomas Edwardsburg, MI 5 14-00 104
Day 1: 5 14-00
112. Rick Harris Jr Carlsbad, NM 5 13-14 103
Day 1: 5 13-14
113. Niko Romero Coldspring, TX 5 13-13 102
Day 1: 5 13-13
114. Steve Tennison Lexington, OK 5 13-12 101
Day 1: 5 13-12
115. Chase Clarke Virginia Beach, VA 5 13-11 100
Day 1: 5 13-11
115. Brad Jelinek Lincoln, MO 5 13-11 100
Day 1: 5 13-11
115. Jeremiah Kindy Benton, AR 5 13-11 100
Day 1: 5 13-11
115. Dylan Mayo Athens, TX 5 13-11 0
Day 1: 5 13-11
115. Hunter Muncrief Brookeland, TX 5 13-11 0
Day 1: 5 13-11
120. Nickolas Lawler Ava, MO 5 13-10 97
Day 1: 5 13-10
120. Ryan Thompson Seymour, MO 5 13-10 97
Day 1: 5 13-10
122. Jim Dillard West Monroe, LA 5 13-09 95
Day 1: 5 13-09
122. Alex Heintze Denham Springs, LA 5 13-09 95
Day 1: 5 13-09
124. Easton Lindus Woodville, WI 5 13-08 93
Day 1: 5 13-08
125. James Campise Brookeland, TX 5 13-07 92
Day 1: 5 13-07
126. Justin Latham Reelsville, IN 5 13-06 91
Day 1: 5 13-06
126. Ryan Salzman Huntsville, AL 5 13-06 91
Day 1: 5 13-06
126. Mikey Weems Hull, TX 5 13-06 91
Day 1: 5 13-06
129. Tristan McCormick Bon Aqua, TN 5 13-05 88
Day 1: 5 13-05
130. Cody Bird Granbury, TX 5 13-02 87
Day 1: 5 13-02
130. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 5 13-02 87
Day 1: 5 13-02
130. Wyatt Wisian Ardmore, OK 5 13-02 87
Day 1: 5 13-02
133. Nate Caldwell Fort Collins, CO 5 13-01 84
Day 1: 5 13-01
133. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 5 13-01 84
Day 1: 5 13-01
133. Kyle Metzger Pearl River, LA 5 13-01 84
Day 1: 5 13-01
133. Joey Punko Broomfield, CO 5 13-01 84
Day 1: 5 13-01
133. Yukihiro Sawamura Harker Heights, TX 5 13-01 84
Day 1: 5 13-01
138. Blaine Bunney Claremore, OK 5 13-00 79
Day 1: 5 13-00
138. Anthony Johnson Excelsior Springs, MO 5 13-00 0
Day 1: 5 13-00
140. Brandon Ackerson Afton, OK 5 12-15 78
Day 1: 5 12-15
140. Byron Hill Clermont, FL 5 12-15 78
Day 1: 5 12-15
140. Lucas Toliver Paw Paw, MI 5 12-15 78
Day 1: 5 12-15
143. John Mark Berry Mount Olive, MS 5 12-12 75
Day 1: 5 12-12
143. Mike McClelland Blue Eye, MO 5 12-12 75
Day 1: 5 12-12
143. Isaac Peavyhouse Monroe, TN 5 12-12 75
Day 1: 5 12-12
146. Sho Egawa Osaka JAPAN 5 12-11 72
Day 1: 5 12-11
147. Eddie Carper Valliant, OK 5 12-09 71
Day 1: 5 12-09
147. Zachary Ward Cabot, AR 5 12-09 71
Day 1: 5 12-09
149. Josh Giroldi Beachville Ontario CANA 5 12-08 69
Day 1: 5 12-08
149. Jim Moynagh Outing, MN 5 12-08 69
Day 1: 5 12-08
151. Kurt Dove Del Rio, TX 5 12-07 67
Day 1: 5 12-07
151. Darrell Ivey Lebanon, MO 5 12-07 67
Day 1: 5 12-07
151. David Perdue Wirtz, VA 5 12-07 67
Day 1: 5 12-07
154. Andy Beloat Montgomery, TX 5 12-05 64
Day 1: 5 12-05
155. James Biggs Comanche, TX 5 12-04 63
Day 1: 5 12-04
155. Connor Cunningham Springfield , MO 5 12-04 63
Day 1: 5 12-04
155. Satoshi Egawa Belton, TX 5 12-04 0
Day 1: 5 12-04
155. Luke Kerstetter Seymour, TN 5 12-04 63
Day 1: 5 12-04
159. Brien Vaughn Lampe, MO 5 12-03 60
Day 1: 5 12-03
160. Jacob Lang Winona, TX 5 12-02 0
Day 1: 5 12-02
161. Bryan Partak Marseilles, IL 5 12-00 59
Day 1: 5 12-00
161. Tyler Wolf Creston, IA 5 12-00 59
Day 1: 5 12-00
163. Josh Pladies Lees Summit, MO 5 11-14 57
Day 1: 5 11-14
164. Dylan Minch Stevens Point, WI 5 11-12 56
Day 1: 5 11-12
164. Tanner Visco Antioch, IL 5 11-12 56
Day 1: 5 11-12
166. Blake Schroeder Bullard, TX 5 11-11 54
Day 1: 5 11-11
167. Nic Rand Paw Paw, MI 5 11-09 53
Day 1: 5 11-09
167. Cory Williams Greenville, KY 5 11-09 0
Day 1: 5 11-09
169. Clay Henderson Purdy, MO 5 11-07 52
Day 1: 5 11-07
170. Scott Nielsen Murray, UT 5 11-06 51
Day 1: 5 11-06
171. Anastasia Patterson Sumter, SC 5 11-04 50
Day 1: 5 11-04
171. Nathan Thompson Eagan, MN 5 11-04 50
Day 1: 5 11-04
173. Lance Crawford Broken Bow, OK 5 11-02 48
Day 1: 5 11-02
173. Kristine Fischer Weeping Water, NE 5 11-02 48
Day 1: 5 11-02
173. Joe Wieberg Freeburg, MO 5 11-02 48
Day 1: 5 11-02
176. David Brand Dittmer, MO 5 10-12 45
Day 1: 5 10-12
177. John Engler III Vinton, IA 5 10-11 44
Day 1: 5 10-11
178. Brad Ragsdale Fairland, OK 5 10-10 43
Day 1: 5 10-10
179. Danny Ramsey Trinidad, TX 5 10-09 42
Day 1: 5 10-09
180. Joey Hanna Corsicana, TX 5 10-08 41
Day 1: 5 10-08
181. Samuel Culver Carlsbad, NM 5 10-07 40
Day 1: 5 10-07
182. Timmy Reneau Richland Springs, TX 5 10-06 39
Day 1: 5 10-06
182. Kyle Zacharuk Keswick Ontario CANADA 5 10-06 39
Day 1: 5 10-06
184. Wade Denney Nampa, ID 5 10-05 37
Day 1: 5 10-05
185. Teb Jones Yalaha, MS 5 10-04 36
Day 1: 5 10-04
186. Matt Keezer Kirkland Quebec CANADA 5 10-03 35
Day 1: 5 10-03
187. Wyatt Wimberley Broaddus, TX 5 10-02 0
Day 1: 5 10-02
188. Chris Bailey Eddy, TX 5 09-13 34
Day 1: 5 09-13
189. Neal Gilmore Magnolia, TX 5 09-10 33
Day 1: 5 09-10
190. Tim Sprouse Clarksville, TN 5 09-07 32
Day 1: 5 09-07
191. Dean Gilbert Jr. Sherman, TX 5 09-05 0
Day 1: 5 09-05
192. Brent Shores Savannah, TN 4 09-03 31
Day 1: 4 09-03
193. Ty Kenyon Dodgeville, WI 5 09-00 0
Day 1: 5 09-00
194. Gary Hall Wardville, OK 3 07-09 30
Day 1: 3 07-09
195. Ken Day Kennewick, WA 3 07-07 29
Day 1: 3 07-07
196. Jaron Burr Bowling Green, KY 4 06-12 28
Day 1: 4 06-12
197. Clay Dyer Fayetteville, TN 3 05-15 27
Day 1: 3 05-15
198. Bj Miller Adams, NE 3 05-12 26
Day 1: 3 05-12
199. Frank Mixon Abilene, TX 2 04-07 25
Day 1: 2 04-07
200. Lance Owen Greer, SC 2 04-04 24
Day 1: 2 04-04
201. Justin Blackert Olathe, KS 2 04-01 23
Day 1: 2 04-01
202. Johnny Grice Arp, TX 2 03-10 22
Day 1: 2 03-10
203. Steven Doolittle Chelsea, OK 2 03-06 21
Day 1: 2 03-06
204. Jason Pruess Haysville, KS 1 02-02 20
Day 1: 1 02-02
205. Tracy Mitchell Springfield, MO 1 02-00 19
Day 1: 1 02-00
206. Jason Adams Guthrie, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
206. Bryan Hoffman Andrews, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
206. Naohiro Maruo Ayagawa Town Ayauta Kag 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
206. A.J. Menssen Bloomington, IL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
206. Ace Outhier Fulshear, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
206. Jeremy Simmons Warsaw, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 192 992 3143-13
------------------------------
192 992 3143-13
DeFoe Tops 50 Pounds After Day 1 at MLF Bass Pro Tour O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 2 at Lake Hartwell Presented by Lowrance
Tennessee pro catches 19 bass weighing 52 pounds even to grab early lead, full field to compete in Friday’s Qualifying Round
SENECA, S.C. (Feb. 19, 2026) – In its first day ever hosting the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour (BPT), Lake Hartwell surprised a few anglers. For some, that curveball wasn’t so welcome. But for pro Ott DeFoe of Blaine, Tennessee, who leads after Day 1 of O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 2 Presented by Lowrance, his success came as a pleasant surprise.
“I did not see that coming whatsoever,” DeFoe admitted shortly after lines out. “I’m very thankful, very tickled that today went as well as it did.”
DeFoe totaled 52 pounds even on 19 scorable bass Thursday. He leads Tokyo, Japan’s Takahiro Omori by 3-9. The leaderboard is tightly packed from there: less than 5 pounds separates Mark Daniels Jr. in third (43-1) from Jacob Wall in eighth (38-3), setting up what should be a close contest for the Qualifying Round win and the automatic trip to the Championship Round that comes with it.
After the pros’ two days of practice, the prevailing expectation seemed to be that anglers would be able to catch a decent number of fish while using forward-facing sonar, but tricking Hartwell’s well-educated bass during the two periods without it would be a challenge. DeFoe launched Thursday morning thinking he could catch 15 to 20 pounds while using modern sonar in Period 1 and hoping he could add just a few more scorable bass from there.
So, when DeFoe only caught four scorable bass for 8-7 during the first frame, he “felt like I was behind the eight ball.” But with air temperatures climbing into the 70s and wind increasing as the day progressed, the shallow bite turned on better than DeFoe (and many others) anticipated.
“Hartwell and most clear reservoirs are very condition-oriented, and when you get a day that’s warm and windy this time of the year, it really changes the dynamic,” DeFoe explained. “I want to say I somewhat expected that. But when practice is so tough, it’s like, okay, yeah, it sounds good, but is it actually going to materialize?”
Materialize it did, and that allowed DeFoe to fish right in his wheelhouse – namely, cranking a Rapala DT-6 . He found one key spot that produced about half his weight. First, it yielded a flurry of fish early in Period 2; then he circled back a few hours later and caught a few more.
“I’ve got one special place,” he said. “So, it’s not a deal where everywhere I go after that I expect to catch them like that. I was able to go back to it today and catch some fish again. I’d love to have five of those spots, but that’s not the case currently. And I don’t truly know that five of them exist. It’s a unique place.”
DeFoe said he might rethink his strategy tomorrow, keeping open the option of using his period with forward-facing sonar later in the day or not using it at all. But one thing’s decided: He wants to win the Qualifying Round.
We’ve seen some anglers opt not to seriously pursue the automatic trip to the Championship Round, using Day 2 to scout new water instead of burning more fish. DeFoe didn’t hesitate. He wants to skip the Knockout Round.
“I will absolutely try to win the round,” he said. “There’s no question about it. That will be my goal starting at lines in.”
With conditions forecast to change once again as a cold front arrives this weekend, DeFoe said he wants to take the points and paycheck that are guaranteed by making the Top 10. He also thinks it would be beneficial to let his best spot rest on Saturday before he really needs to lean on it with $125,000 up for grabs.
“I’ve fished tournaments before where I’ve had a really good spot, and then I was able to win off of it by not having to fish it the Knockout Day and the Championship Day, two days in a row,” DeFoe said. “This spot does not have that potential by itself, but boy, it could get you off to a really good start.”
DeFoe was far from the only angler to stack up impressive weight without the aid of forward-facing sonar, and no one did so better than Omori. One of two anglers who never bothered taking the lock box off his sonar transducers all day, Omori boated 17 scorable bass for 47-7.
Omori, too, stuck in his comfort zone, running up a river to find dirtier water and fishing shallow pockets filled with cover – not an unheard-of tournament strategy on Hartwell, but one that many anglers likely wrote off given the Bass Pro Tour’s every-fish-counts scoring. The more the afternoon sunshine warmed the water, the better he found his bite. He caught seven bass for 21-4 in the third period, including three for 8-11 in the last 15 minutes before lines out.
“It warmed up in the afternoon, so the afternoon bite just took off for me,” Omori said.
Omori is hopeful that more fresh fish will swim to the shallows as the water continues to warm. But even if the areas he fished Thursday don’t reload, he’s confident he can find other spots that work for his technique.
“I have so many places to go that I didn’t touch today,” he said. “This lake is huge, and I’m expecting more fish to move up every day. It looks like weather-wise this should get better for me. So, I’m very optimistic.”
Like DeFoe, Omori is all-in on trying to win the Qualifying Round, noting that he hasn’t contended in a Championship Round in nearly two years, since REDCREST 2024 on Lay Lake.
“I want to win tomorrow,” he said. “I have not made a Top 10 in a while, so I’m ready to make a Top 10.”
The fight to finish above the Lucas Oil Cut Line is shaping up to be even more crowded than usual. After Day 1, Jeff Sprague sits in 25th place with 23-14. Nine anglers lurk within 3 pounds of his total, while Sprague is just 2-2 back of 20th place. That makes 15 anglers separated by just 5 pounds.
The top 25 pros after Day 1 on Lake Hartwell are:
1st: Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., 19 bass, 52-0
2nd: Takahiro Omori, Tokyo, Japan, 17 bass, 47-7
3rd: Mark Daniels Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., 14 bass, 43-1
4th: Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 14 bass, 43-0
5th: Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J., 13 bass, 41-15
6th: Mitchell Robinson, Landrum, S.C., 14 bass, 41-6
7th: Justin Cooper, Zwolle, La., 14 bass, 39-6
8th: Jacob Wall, New Hope, Ala., 14 bass, 38-3
9th: Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala., 13 bass, 37-7
10th: Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., 12 bass, 35-8
11th: Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., 12 bass, 35-4
12th: Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., 12 bass, 32-9
13th: Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., 12 bass, 31-2
14th: Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark., 10 bass, 30-12
15th: Anthony Gagliardi, Prosperity, S.C., 11 bass, 30-5
16th: Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Tenn., 11 bass, 29-14
17th: Andy Montgomery, Blacksburg, S.C., nine bass, 29-5
18th: Nick LeBrun, Bossier City, La., 10 bass, 28-4
19th: Bradley Roy, Lancaster, Ky., 10 bass, 28-1
20th: Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., nine bass, 26-0
21st: Jacob Walker, Springville, Ala., nine bass, 25-13
22nd: Bryan Thrift, Shelby, N.C., 11 bass, 25-13
23rd: Banks Shaw, Harrison, Tenn., 10 bass, 25-13
24th: Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn., eight bass, 24-11
25th: Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas, eight bass, 23-14
A complete list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 453 bass caught weighing 1,287 pounds, 11 ounces, caught by the 51 Bass Pro Tour anglers on Thursday.
Thursday’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award was earned by Edwin Evers of Talala, Oklahoma, who caught a 6-pound, 6-ounce largemouth in the third period throwing a crankbait. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day.
Hosted by Visit Oconee SC , the four-day event features a roster of 51 of the top professional anglers in the world competing for a $125,000 top prize and their share of the $600,000 purse, along with valuable Angler of the Year (AOY) points in hopes of qualifying for the MLF Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2027, the Bass Pro Tour championship.
The full field of 51 anglers compete in the two-day Qualifying Round on Thursday and Friday. After the two-day Qualifying Round is complete, the pro with the heaviest two-day total will advance directly to Sunday’s Championship Round. Anglers that finish 2nd through 25th will advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed, and the remaining anglers compete to finish in the top nine to advance to Sunday’s Championship Round. In the final-day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $125,000.
Anglers will arrive each morning at 6:15 a.m. ET to Seneca Creek County Park, located at 270 Seneca Creek Road in Seneca, South Carolina. Anglers will return to Seneca Creek County Park each evening following the end of competition at 3:45 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to watch the event live online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® livestream and follow along with SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live on all four days of competition from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. MLFNOW!® will be livestreamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com , the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app and Rumble.
On Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 21-22, from 3–6 p.m., MLF invites fans of all ages to Seneca Creek County Park, located at 270 Seneca Creek Road in Seneca, for the MLF Fan Experience & Watch Party. Fans can watch the Bass Pro Tour pros live on the MLFNOW!® big screen, enjoy free food for the first 100 fans each day, enter hourly giveaways, browse MLF merchandise and the bargain bait bin, and cheer on their favorite anglers. Youth of all ages can take part in a fishing derby (gear and bait provided, weather permitting) and a casting contest. Live music begins at 4 p.m., followed by Top 10 angler interviews and the trophy presentation at 5 p.m., including autographs and photos with Bass Pro Tour finalists. The first 50 kids ages 14 and under will receive a free rod and reel each day.
The O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 2 at Lake Hartwell Presented by Lowrance features 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 2026 Bass Pro Tour features a field of 51 of the best professional anglers in the world, competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual Heavy Hitters all-star event and the REDCREST 2027 championship.
Television coverage of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 2 at Lake Hartwell Presented by Lowrance will premiere as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Aug. 22, on Discovery. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on Outdoor Channel.
Proud sponsors of the MLF Bass Pro Tour include: Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing Co., Bass Force, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Black Buffalo, BUBBA, Cigars International, Epic Baits, Grizzly, Lowrance, Mercury, MillerTech, NITRO Boats, OFF! Deep Woods, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Star brite, Suzuki Marine, Toyota, Yuengling and Zenni.
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, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV and Game & Fish TV, Rumble and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
AFTCO Walleye Throwdown Returns For 2026
Walleye anglers will have the chance to win a brand-new Ford Maverick truck and score free AFTCO fishing apparel this July while competing on legendary Lake Oahe. AFTCO, in conjunction with the South Dakota Walleye Classic, is excited to announce the 2026 AFTCO Walleye Throwdown, taking place July 25–26, 2026, in Akaska, South Dakota.
The South Dakota Walleye Classic has a long history as a premier event, but 2025 marked a major surge in both participation and prize payouts. The format shifted to biggest walleye, and Lake Oahe delivered in a big way, with a 13.95 lb. walleye caught by Toby Hofer claiming the top prize. Even better, every angler who entered early for $200 received a free AFTCO clothing package valued at over $200.
The 2025 advertised payout was $10,000, but the winner ultimately took home $15,000 in cash. In 2026, the stakes climb even higher, with first place winning a brand-new Ford Maverick truck. One cast could win a truck. The single biggest walleye weighed in during the two-day event will take home the grand prize Ford Maverick. It gets even better — just like last year, there are eight bi-hourly payouts during the event for additional cash prizes. Each day of competition includes four bi-hourly weigh-ins, giving anglers multiple chances to win every day. Multiple special prizes are available for fish of all sizes as well. The Buckley Schilling Pontoon Award pays $3,000 to the largest walleye caught from a pontoon boat. The Kent Kramer Youth Award pays $1,000 to the biggest fish caught by a youth angler, and the highest-finishing female angler also receives $1,000. There are also exact weight awards at 3.00 lb., 4.00 lb., and 5.00 lb., each paying $1,000 for the walleye closest to each exact weight.
South Dakota rules and regulations apply for length and daily limits. See the full rules information here. If the chance at major prizes wasn’t enough, every registered angler will receive a $200 AFTCO swag pack just for entering, essentially covering the cost of entry. Anglers must be registered by June 30, 2026, to be eligible for the swag pack. Check-in for the event will take place July 24, 2026, at the Akaska Community Center in Akaska, SD, from 2pm to 7 pm. You may fish alone or with family and friends; however, each competing angler must be individually registered to weigh fish. This format is ideal for casual anglers and serious competitors alike and accommodates boats of all types with every participant having a legitimate chance to win the Ford Maverick truck. For more information, visit the event page here or register directly for the event here. Event page, http://www.aftco.com/pages/aftco-walleye-throwdown.
About AFTCO
Family owned and operated, the American Fishing Tackle Company (AFTCO) represents unparalleled quality, performance, and reliability when it counts most. Worn across the globe, AFTCO's fishing clothing and fishing rain gear is designed to handle the harshest elements. Whether you are a tournament bass angler looking to stay dry in a late fall downpour or an offshore weekend warrior seeking protection from the sun's harmful UV rays, AFTCO keeps you fishing comfortably.
AFTCO reflects a legacy of firsts. From former company Chairman Milt Shedd's pioneering conservation achievements, to the invention of the roller guide and the introduction of the world's first pair of true fishing shorts, AFTCO provides conservation leadership and innovative products proven to deliver performance on the water. Our passion for the outdoors goes beyond our product offering because of an unwavering commitment to help protect our fishing resources and angler rights. Through our 10% Pledge to Protect and Conserve, your purchase of any AFTCO product directly supports conservation initiatives.
Clear Water, Dirty Secrets: Mark Daniels Jr. Eyes Largemouth Edge at Lake Hartwell
By Walker Smith, Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships / Photo: MLF
The red clay banks of Lake Hartwell glow a little different in late winter, when the mornings break cold and gray and the promise of spring rides low across the water. This popular South Carolina reservoir can make a bass fisherman feel equal parts hopeful and humbled. Right now, Team Toyota pro Mark Daniels Jr. admits he’s feeling a touch of both.
With Stage Two of the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour set to kick off on Hartwell, Daniels has spent long practice days idling over clear-water points, scanning timber-lined pockets and easing up into stained river runs in search of the right mix. What he’s found so far has tested both his patience and perspective.
“I’m not going to lie,” Daniels Jr. said. “It’s been a tough practice. It has been really heavy on the spotted bass which are fun to catch but they just don’t weigh much in most situations. There are still some big spotted bass to be had on this lake, but I think a good largemouth is going to be very important in this tournament.”
Hartwell has a healthy population of spotted bass, fish that roam the main lake and suspend over timber in the clear, blue-green water. They often bite willingly, especially when anglers can see them with modern electronics. But in a format where ounces matter, Daniels believes the green-backed largemouth may tell the story before it’s all said and done.
“The main lake has really clear water,” he said. “That seems to be where the spots hang out. But if you go up some of the rivers and into the off-colored water, that’s where you might run into big largemouth. I know they’re in here and I think that dirty water is where you’re likely to find them.”
It’s a tale as old as Southern impoundments, clear water for the roamers, stained water for the ambushers. The upper reaches of Hartwell’s rivers offer that subtle color change that can position a better-than-average bite. Daniels Jr. has spent part of practice pushing into those areas, watching his electronics closely but also keeping an eye on the shoreline for the telltale signs of prespawn movement.
Water temperatures have hovered in a range that puts the fish squarely on the cusp of change.
“Water temperatures are 49 in the mornings and top out at about 55 degrees,” MDJ said. “The fish are staging for sure. I think we’ll also see some big fish caught out of laydowns leading into spawning areas. I think a vibrating jig and flat-sided crankbaits are going to become a player as well.”
In that 49- to 55-degree window, bass often group up near the first available cover outside spawning flats. Secondary points, brushpiles, dock walkways and fallen trees that stretch a little farther into the channel. It’s a time when reaction baits can shine, particularly in water with a touch of stain. A flat-sided crankbait can hunt tight along rock and wood, while a vibrating jig can trigger a reflex strike from fish that are feeding up before the spawn.
But for all the talk of staging fish and shallow targets, Daniels knows this event will likely be defined by what’s happening offshore and by the glowing screens mounted on the bows of nearly every boat in the field.
“This is definitely going to be a forward-facing sonar event,” he said. “It will be dominated by that. You’re going to have to do well in your forward-facing sonar period. There is absolutely no doubt about that.”
FFS has reshaped competitive bass fishing in recent years, allowing anglers to see individual fish in real time and present baits with surgical precision. On a lake like Hartwell where spotted bass suspend over timber and roam open water, the technology can turn a vast expanse into a series of calculated opportunities.
Daniels, like most of the sport’s top pros, has embraced the tools while recognizing their impact.
“When the field is not using forward-facing sonar, I would suspect most of us are going to be fishing boat docks,” he said.
Boat docks line much of Hartwell’s shoreline, offering shade, vertical cover and under the right conditions, a reliable bite. Skipping a jig or soft plastic under cables and floats has long been a staple here. In a tournament where periods restrict FFS, versatility will matter.
MDJ’s approach appears to be shaping into a two-pronged strategy: capitalize on offshore spotted bass with forward-facing sonar when allowed and hunt for quality largemouth in stained water and around visible cover when it’s not.
The challenge lies in balancing numbers with size. There’s also the mental grind. Tough practices can seed doubt, but they can just as easily sharpen focus. Daniels Jr. has weathered enough tour-level events to understand that what happens in practice doesn’t always mirror what unfolds once competition begins.
On Hartwell, conditions can shift quickly. A warm rain can stain the rivers overnight. A cold front can reposition suspended fish or tighten their strike window. The angler who reads not only his electronics but also the wind, the light and the subtle changes in watercolor will likely separate from the pack.
For now, though, it’s still practice. The sun dips low over Hartwell’s long points and MDJ idles back to the ramp, replaying the day in his mind. The arcs that followed but didn’t commit, the laydowns that felt right but didn’t produce, the one or two better bites that hint at possibility.
In the sultry stillness of a Southern evening, hope lingers just above the water’s surface. And for Mark Daniels Jr., that hope is enough. The fish are staging. The docks are waiting. The screens will glow.
And somewhere in that off-colored river water, he believes, a big largemouth is holding tight and ready to tip the scales when it matters most.
Rather Outdoors to Showcase New Products and Pro Anglers at the Bassmaster Classic Expo
Rather Outdoors will participate in the upcoming Bassmaster Classic Expo, inviting fans and industry partners to visit booth #1300 for an immersive, family-friendly experience featuring legendary anglers, exclusive products, and hands-on activities.
As part of its Classic presence, Rather Outdoors will host appearances and meet-and-greets with some of the most iconic names in professional bass fishing, including Kevin VanDam, Bill Dance, Shaw Grigsby, and additional special guests throughout the weekend.
Attendees visiting booth #1300 can expect:
- New product showcases from across the Rather Outdoors brand portfolio
- Pro angler meet-and-greets
- A custom painted crankbait giveaway from the Strike King Custom Shop
- Zebco® kids casting pond, offering young anglers a fun, interactive way to get into fishing
- The first 100 youth anglers to the Zebco® booth each day will receive a giveaway rod and reel combo
The Bassmaster Classic Expo, often referred to as the Super Bowl of bass fishing, will take place March 13-15 in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Lake Hartwell selected to host 2026 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Lowrance
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. announced today that Lake Hartwell in Anderson, S.C., will serve as the host site for the 2026 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Lowrance which will be held November 18-21, bringing one of the organization’s most prestigious grass-roots events back to a proven championship venue.
Competition will launch from Green Pond Landing, one of the Southeast’s premier tournament facilities, as top anglers from across the country compete for a national title and the opportunity to advance to bass fishing’s highest levels.
The stakes at the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship are significant. The overall champion will secure an invitation to compete on the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, joining the sport’s most accomplished anglers on bass fishing’s biggest professional stage. In addition, the Top 3 finishers will qualify for the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, fulfilling lifelong dreams for grass-roots competitors chasing a berth in the sport’s most iconic event.
“Lake Hartwell has repeatedly proven itself as a world-class championship fishery, and Green Pond Landing provides an outstanding experience for our anglers and fans,” said Phillip Johnson, B.A.S.S. Chief Operating Officer. “The B.A.S.S. Nation Championship represents the heart and soul of our organization — the dedicated club anglers who compete at the grass-roots level with dreams of reaching the Elite Series and the Bassmaster Classic. We are excited to return to Anderson and once again showcase these talented competitors on a national stage.”
Straddling the border of South Carolina and Georgia, Lake Hartwell is a 56,000-acre U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir on the Savannah River. Known for its healthy populations of both largemouth and spotted bass, Hartwell offers a diverse playing field of deep timber, rocky points, docks and expansive creek arms. The fishery has hosted numerous major Bassmaster events, including Bassmaster Classics and Elite Series tournaments, and is widely regarded for producing competitive weights and dramatic finishes.
For Anderson County and the city of Anderson, the championship represents both a celebration of grass-roots competition and a significant economic impact for the region.
“We're very excited to be able to announce the return of the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship to Anderson County, Green Pond Landing and Lake Hartwell,” said Neil Paul, executive director of Visit Anderson. “The leadership of Anderson County continues the development of Green Pond Landing and provides us the resources to bring Championship events to our community. This marks the fourth time that the B.A.S.S. Nation has been decided in our community. The B.A.S.S. Nation represents the grass-roots competitors chasing the dream of fishing the Classic or qualifying for the Elites. We've enjoyed tremendous success in our community when hosting the B.A.S.S. Nation competitors, their families, sponsors, media and staff and we look forward to extending our best efforts and hospitality to the B.A.S.S. Nation and Anderson County later this year.”
The Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Lowrance features qualifiers from B.A.S.S. Nation events across the United States and internationally, showcasing the strength and depth of competition at the club level. For many anglers, the championship represents the culmination of years of dedication and the opportunity to turn lifelong dreams into reality.
Additional event details, including competition dates, daily takeoff and weigh-in times, will be announced at a later date on Bassmaster.com.
With a berth in the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series and three coveted spots in the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour on the line, the 2026 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship promises high drama and unforgettable moments on the waters of Lake Hartwell.
Visit Anderson will host this event.
2026 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Title Sponsor: Mercury
2026 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Presenting Sponsor: Lowrance
2026 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Platinum Sponsor: Progressive, Toyota
2026 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mountain Dew, Nitro Boats, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2026 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Lew's, Lowrance, Phoenix Boats, VMC, Yokohama
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Series presented by Battery Tender, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, 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, Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Clarendon County Set to host Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by MillerTech Event – Stop 2 at Santee Cooper Lakes
CLARENDON COUNTY, S.C. (Feb. 17, 2026) – The second regular-season Major League Fishing (MLF) Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by MillerTech event of 2026 is set to visit Summerton, South Carolina, next week, Feb. 26-28, for a tournament on Santee Cooper Lakes – the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Stop 2 on Santee Cooper Lakes.
The three-day Pro Circuit tournament, hosted by Destination Clarendon, will feature 150 professional bass anglers competing for a top prize of up to $135,000. Anglers will take to Santee Cooper to catch their five biggest bass each day, and the winner will be determined by the heaviest three-day cumulative total.
"Clarendon County is excited to be able to host the Major League Fishing Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit event on Santee Cooper Lake,” said Walt Ackerman, Clarendon County Administrator. “This tournament will not only help to showcase Clarendon County as one of the premier fishing destinations in the country but also have a major economic impact for our local hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, and other businesses. We are proud to support this partnership and look forward to continuing to invest in opportunities that strengthen our economy while showcasing Clarendon County."
A guide on Santee and one of the standout rookies on the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit this year, Kyle Austin of Ridgeville, South Carolina, has high expectations for this event.
“Right now, every species in the lake is thriving, and the eelgrass and the hydrilla has a lot to do with it,” he said. “We didn’t have a hurricane this year. The lake is in really good shape, the water is clear; there’s potential we’re going to absolutely wreck them.”
As is the case for any early-season event, especially somewhere without a robust deep bite, the weather will matter a lot.
“It all depends on the weather,” Austin said. “If it stays cold, it’s going to be very prespawn, there’s not going to be a lot of fish up. But if we get some rain, it gets muddy, and we get some warm weather, it’s going to be a spinnerbait, ChatterBait, up shallow prespawn beatdown.”
One key factor this year will be the grass in the lake, which is much more present than in years past. Now, Santee has a good amount of hydrilla and eelgrass offshore, which has added a dimension to the usual game plan of running cypress trees.
“It used to be more of a milk run lake,” Austin said. “But now with the grass, you can get in one area and stay all day. I don’t have the local advantage I used to, because of the grass. You can find one area in the grass that is the best spot in the lake that week.”
Still, regardless of the weather, the grass, or anything else, expect to see some big bass caught on big string.
“They’re going to weigh a lot,” Austin said. “I could see it taking 26 to 28 a day to win.”
Anglers will launch at 7 a.m. ET each day from the John C. Land III Landing, located at 4404 Greenall Road in Summerton, South Carolina. Weigh-ins will also be held at the John C. Land III Landing and will begin at 3 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 2026 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by MillerTech features a field of 150 professional anglers competing across six tournaments around the country, for a total purse of $3.8 million and valuable 7 Brew Angler of the Year (AOY) points to qualify for the Pro Circuit Championship, set for Sept. 18-20 on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes in Kissimmee, Florida, and a coveted spot on the MLF Bass Pro Tour – the sport’s premier circuit.
In Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit competition, the full field of 150 pros compete in the two-day opening round on Thursday and Friday in a five-fish, weigh-in format. Only the top 50 pros, based on their two-day cumulative weight, advance to the final round on Championship Saturday. The winner is determined by heaviest cumulative weight from all three days and they will be awarded the grand prize of up to $115,000. Forward-facing and/or 360-degree sonar is limited to only 3 hours of competition each day.
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 p.m. ET. MLFNOW! will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app and Rumble.
Television coverage of the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by MillerTech Stop 2 on Santee Cooper will air as a two-hour episode, premiering at 9 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Sept. 13 on Vice TV.
Proud sponsors of the 2026 MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by MillerTech include: 7 Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Buffalo, Bubba, Cigars International, Epic Baits, Grizzly, Mercury, MillerTech, OFF! Deep Woods, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, PirahnO2, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, VOSKER, YETI and Yuengling.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Old Grubs and a New Tundra Win Hank Cherry Money at Guntersville
Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships
Watching Hank Cherry win the FXR Bassmaster Elite at Lake Guntersville with a few packs of old-school chartreuse grubs on a jighead was simply spectacular. Not to take away from the crop of prodigal young anglers and the innovative technology that has been dominating a large percentage of bass tournaments lately; but seeing a veteran like Cherry catch the biggest bag of the week with a lure that likely sat in your grandpa’s tacklebox enroute to winning the first non-forward-facing-sonar Elite Series tournament ever was ironically fitting.
In the hallowed halls of bass fishing history, tournament lore will fondly remember Cherry’s throwback win on iconic Lake Guntersville.
“The pack of grubs I was using on Sunday is forever old… I’m talking like 20-years old,” Cherry said with a smile. “I ran out of the grubs I had been using earlier in the week and was down to a package I think I got out of big sale-bin at a tackle store back home with my dad years ago. We use those things (grubs) to catch more than bass, too. Flounder, redfish, and sea trout will smash that thing.”
One of the best parts about fishing is it can be as complicated or as simple as you want it to be. High end bass boats, state of the art electronics, and fined-tuned equipment will help you catch more bass. But it’s nice to know you can wind a grub around shallow grass, the same way Cherry did when he was a kid, and still win at the highest level.
In addition to his $100,000 first-place payout, Cherry was rewarded $4,000 from Toyota Bonus Bucks for being the highest finishing angler towing their boat with a 2022 or newer Toyota tow vehicle. Cherry is no stranger to Toyota’s renowned contingency program, the 2024 Tundra he’s currently towing his BassCat boat with is the seventh Toyota tow vehicle he’s purchased.
While he’s won a boatload of extra money through Bonus Bucks over his 15-years as a full-time pro angler, this one is unique, as he is the first Elite angler to win under Bonus Bucks’ expanded angler payouts for the 2026 season.
“Toyota vehicles have always been reliable for me and my family,” Cherry said. “We just visited the folks at Scott Clark Toyota to get a Tacoma for my son. My wife drives a Land Cruiser; I drive a Tundra. Across the board, Toyota makes a reliable vehicle, which gives me peace of mind. Knowing we can pop into Scott Clark and get taken care of is huge, too.”
Buying seven consecutive Tundras over the years speaks volumes to Cherry’s loyalty, but trusting Toyota as a daily driver for both his wife and son is a true testament to the Cherry’s confidence in the brand.
Things like reliability, rewards, and loyalty mean a lot to the five-time B.A.S.S. winner from North Carolina.
“It seems to me, if you are going to be in a sport, you should support the brands who also support the sport,” Cherry explained. “Toyota has been consistently supporting bass fishing for as long as I can remember.”
Toyota Bonus Bucks is applicable to tournament anglers of all levels, with the program paying out on over 620 supported tournaments every single year. Follow this link: https://www.toyotatrucksbonusbucks.com/ for a full list of events, more information or to get registered and start stacking rewards today.
“Road to The Opens” Tournament Series Launches with a Guaranteed Spot in the 2027 Bassmaster Opens
Strike King announces Road to The Opens, a tournament series designed to accommodate a wide range of competitors. The series includes online digital tournaments and in-person “Big Bass” challenges, culminating in a Championship Event at Table Rock Lake where the overall winner will earn a paid, guaranteed spot in the 2027 Bassmaster Opens.
This allows anglers to compete through two distinct pathways. The digital tournaments run monthly from March 1 through May 31, providing a flexible option for competitors to fish in their local regions with a $20 entry fee. Simultaneously, the series will host three in-person Big Bass Challenges at premier fisheries, scheduled for Eagle Mountain on March 1, Lake Murray on March 29, and Kentucky Lake on April 26, each with a $100 entry fee.
Anglers qualify for the championship based on their performance in the qualifying events. In the digital division, the top 25 finishers in each region for any of the three tournaments will advance, creating a pool of 300 potential qualifiers. For the in-person events, qualification is secured by finishing in the top five of any pay period across the three tournaments, offering 60 additional spots. Payouts for these qualifying events will be staggered and determined based on the total number of registered anglers.
The season will conclude with the championship event at Table Rock Lake in September. This two-day tournament will feature a five-bass limit format and is restricted to bass boats only.
While the championship will test skill and consistency, the ultimate reward is a paid, guaranteed spot in the 2027 Bassmaster Opens, allowing the winner to compete without entry fees.
About Rather Outdoors
Rather Outdoors is a global outdoors corporation uniting some of the most recognizable brands in the fishing space. With historic and iconic brands such as Lew’s, Strike King, Quantum, Zebco, Fox, Matrix, Salmo, and Fox Rage, Rather Outdoors provides a wide assortment of fishing products worldwide in an effort to enhance angler’s success and the enjoyment of outdoor pursuits. To learn more about the Rather Outdoors brands, visit
Patience Pays Off With Win for Athens’ Yarbrough at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Guntersville
Tennessee’s Suratt Earns Title in Co-Angler Division
SCOTTSBORO, Ala. (Feb. 16, 2026) – Boater Ben Yarbrough of Athens, Alabama, caught a total of five bass weighing 24 pounds, 13 ounces, to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Guntersville. The tournament was the first of five events of the season for the BFL Choo Choo Division. Yarbrough earned $7,750 for his victory.
Yarbrough’s practice paid off, as he approached the tournament patiently with a wait-for-it approach.
“I sat in one pocket where there were about 15 boats until about 10 o’clock,” Yarbrough said. “I had pre-fished, and I knew the fish weren’t going to be right until the sun got to a certain position, whether it was cloudy or not.”
Time passed and Yarbrough sat patiently waiting on the sun. The deepest water the pocket had was 8 feet and was covered in grass. He said he knew the fish were out in the middle in the morning feeding on shad, but they were smaller fish. His bait of choice for the bass was a BOOYAH lipless crankbait.
“I sat there and didn’t catch a fish, a couple of boats left, and then the sun pulled up and the big fish turned on, and I caught five fish in 30 minutes,” Yarbrough said. “They were almost on the surface. I imagine you could almost catch them on a topwater bait. Once the sun pulled up, the bigger fish would come up to 4 feet, and I could burn that bait across the grass. As soon as my bait hit the water, I had to reel it fast with an 8:1 ratio reel. And that’s just typical Guntersville.
“I used my scoping period the last three hours of the day,” Yarbrough went on to say. “I wanted to save that as my last resort. I needed to upgrade. I had 20 pounds at that point and knew I needed 22 to 23 pounds to even have a chance at a top-5 finish. I caught two more that helped me out.”
Yarbrough relocated closer to the weigh-in ramp and had a chance to put a giant kicker in his livewell.
“I missed a 10-pounder,” Yarbrough said. “It rolled up on the water and straightened my hooks out.”
The missed fish was a heartbreaker for Yarbrough, but it turned out he didn’t need it to secure his first BFL win.
“This is wonderful,” Yarbrough said. “I’ve been trying to win a BFL for four years now. I told somebody, ‘I know this sounds crazy, but I’m more tickled about the trophy than the money.’”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Ben Yarbrough, Athens, Ala., five bass, 24-13, $7,750
2nd: Cal Lane, Grant, Ala., five bass, 23-9, $4,190 (includes $500 Phoenix Bonus)
3rd: Hunter Davidson, Reform, Ala., five bass, 23-5, $1,660
4th: Jed Lamb, Guntersville, Ala., five bass, 22-1, $1,155
4th: Tyler Pendergrass, Cullman, Ala., five bass, 22-1, $1,255
6th: Bo Quinnie, Duncanville, Ala., five bass, 22-0, $860
7th: Walt Roberts, Gautier, Miss., five bass, 21-14, $810
8th: Kade Harper, Section, Ala., five bass, 21-12, $760
9th: Sam Morgan, Coalmont, Tenn., five bass, 21-10, $710
10th: Jimmy Neece Jr., Bristol, Tenn., five bass, 21-9, $535
10th: Alex Davis, Albertville, Ala., five bass, 21-9, $535
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Austin Smith of Attalla, Alabama, earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award after landing a 8-pound, 14-ounce bass worth $200.
Kade Suratt of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, won the co-angler division and the top prize of $3,875 Saturday after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 17 pounds, 8 ounces.
The top 10 co-anglers finished:
1st: Kade Suratt, Lawrenceburg, Tenn., three bass, 17-8, $3,875
2nd: Tyson Giesbrecht, Gurley, Ala., three bass, 16-12, $1,845
3rd: Kevin McWithey, Flintville, Tenn., three bass, 15-14, $830
4th: Jeff Collins, Albertville, Ala., three bass, 14-2, $630
5th: Josh Moore, Decatur, Ala., three bass, 13-1, $675
6th: Elliott Gault, Leesburg, Ala., three bass, 12-13, $430
7th: Jonathan Majors, Chelsea, Ala., three bass, 12-3, $410
8th: Isaac Brown, Lexington, Ala., three bass, 11-14, $380
9th: Joe Gionti, Stevenson, Ala., three bass, 11-13, $360
10th: Zac Brewer, Scottsboro, Ala., three bass, 11-8, $330
Josh Moore of Decatur, Alabama, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award after landing a 7-pound, 7-ounce bass worth $100.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 8-10 BFL Regional tournament on Lake Eufaula in Eufaula, Alabama. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top prize of a new Phoenix 518 pro with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard, worth $33,500.
The 2026 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 co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying tournament winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top seven, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2026 BFL All-American will take place May 28-30, at Lake Murray in Columbia, South Carolina, and is hosted by Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism.
Proud sponsors of the 2026 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7 Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Buffalo, BUBBA, Cigars International, Epic Baits, Grizzly, Mercury, MillerTech, Mystik Lubricants, OFF! Deep Woods, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, PirahnO2, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, VOSKER, YETI and Yuengling.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular BFL 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, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV and Game & Fish TV, and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Troutman’s Buchmann Cruises to Victory at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Norman
South Carolina’s Huntley Earns Win in Co-Angler Division
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (Feb. 16, 2026) – Boater Kaden Buchmann of Troutman, North Carolina, caught a total of five bass weighing 19 pounds, 8 ounces, to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Norman. The tournament, hosted by Visit Lake Norman, was the first of five events of the season for the BFL North Carolina Division. Buchmann earned $3,150 for his victory.
Buchmann said he targeted “high-percentage” areas in the south end of Lake Norman, like an offshore brushpile in clear water he described as “not super deep.” As the day progressed, he made his way north and said he landed a total of 10 to 12 keepers.
“It all happened pretty quickly,” Buchmann said. “I pulled up to a place and pulled a couple of rods out of the rod locker, but the water was too clear and too shallow, so I kept moving. I pulled up on my second place and caught a couple of 2-pounders and lost a big one. My next place I caught a couple of 3½-pounders and lost another big one.
“At that point it was still early in the morning, about 10 or 10:30, so I settled down and caught one more big one on a Shane’s Baits 5th Element Umbrella Rig,” Buchmann went on to say. “After that I just tried to help my co-angler out the rest of the day.”
Buchmann felt pretty confident in his chances of securing a win due to tough conditions – no wind and clear skies. He also said what he had in his livewell was better than any weight he had seen come across the scale in recent tournaments.
“This win was awesome,” Buchmann said. “I told my co-angler at one point in the morning, ‘Man, I may not even turn my LiveScope on today. I may as well win it without it. I’ve got a pretty good chance to do that.’ So, I did.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Kaden Buchmann, Troutmann, N.C., five bass, 19-8, $3,150
2nd: Shane Lineberger, Lincolnton, N.C., five bass, 17-15, $2,090 (includes $500 Phoenix bonus)
3rd: Jake Monti, Mooresville, N.C., five bass, 16-3, $810
4th: Chad Sims, Lancaster, S.C., five bass, 15-14, $850
5th: Michael Stephens, Gastonia, N.C., five bass, 14-6, $580
6th: Aaron Digh, Maiden, N.C., five bass, 14-1, $500
7th: Chris Goodwin, Charlotte, N.C., five bass, 13-12, $480
8th: Christian Johnson, Denver, N.C., five bass, 13-11, $460
9th: Cole Huskins, Gastonia, N.C., five bass, 13-3, $440
10th: Brandon Trulli, Evans, Ga., five bass, 12-15, $420
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Chad Sims of Lancaster, South Carolina, earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award after landing a 5-pound, 13-ounce bass worth $200.
Todd Huntley of Inman, South Carolina, won the co-angler division and the top prize of $1,575 Saturday after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 9 pounds, 3 ounces.
The top 10 co-anglers finished:
1st: Todd Huntley, Inman, S.C., three bass, 9-3, $1,575
2nd: Harley Rudisill, Cherryville, N.C., three bass, 8-10, $795
3rd: Kiel Guin, Hickory, N.C., three bass, 8-9, $405
4th: John Richardson, Winston-Salem, N.C., two bass, 7-8, $425
5th: Jason Pulver, Mooresville, N.C., three bass, 7-4, $290
6th: Dale Surrett, Midland, N.C., three bass, 7-3, $250
7th: Wayne Smelser, Wytheville, Va., three bass, 6-4, $240
8th: Mark Hughes, Salisbury, N.C., three bass, 5-13, $230
9th: Travis Ruff, Connelly Springs, N.C., three bass, 5-10, $220
10th: Colby Shuping, Boomer, N.C., two bass, 5-9, $210
John Richardson of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award after landing a 5-pound, 2-ounce bass worth $100.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 15-17 BFL Regional tournament on Clarks Hill Lake in Appling, Georgia. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top prize of a new Phoenix 518 pro with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard, worth $33,500.
The 2026 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 co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying tournament winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top seven, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2026 BFL All-American will take place May 28-30, at Lake Murray in Columbia, South Carolina, and is hosted by Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism.
Proud sponsors of the 2026 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7 Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Buffalo, BUBBA, Cigars International, Epic Baits, Grizzly, Mercury, MillerTech, Mystik Lubricants, OFF! Deep Woods, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, PirahnO2, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, VOSKER, YETI and Yuengling.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular BFL 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, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV and Game & Fish TV, and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Appling’s Burnett Gets Home-Water Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Clarks Hill Lake
South Carolina’s Cutshall Earns Victory in Co-Angler Division
APPLING, Ga. (Feb. 16, 2026) – Boater Emery Burnett of Appling, Georgia, caught a total of five bass weighing 22 pounds, 1 ounce, to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Clarks Hill Lake. The tournament, hosted by Columbia County, Georgia, was the first of five events of the season for the BFL Savannah River Division. Burnett earned $2,420 for his victory.
Burnett lives 15 minutes from his home waters of Clarks Hill Lake and said he formed his tournament-day strategy during practice when he found a pattern that he believed would pay off.
“I found some schools of good fish out deep – 30 to 35 feet,” Burnett said. “That’s really what I targeted during the tournament – ditches and offshore structure.”
Burnett fished the depths with a Greenfish Tackle Bad Little Shad and a Greenfish Tackle Big Rubber Jig.
“On the Bad Little Shad I used Spike-It Sonic Coat so I could really see my bait further out at 90 to 100 feet,” Burnett said. “I fished the main lake and caught a total of 10 to 15 keepers. I did most of my damage during the forward-facing period but caught a few keepers later in the day that helped.
“I had all my weight by 11 o’clock,” Burnett went on to say. “It was 10:30 when I caught a big one that weighed 6-11. After that I had a good feeling I might have won it.”
In the past, Burnett had fished local tournaments with his father, but felt he wanted to branch out and compete in BFL events in 2026.
“This win feels amazing,” Burnett said. “To see my dad and grandpa there… was priceless. They are the ones that taught me a ton about fishing.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Emery Burnett, Appling, Ga., five bass, 22-1, $2,420
2nd: Tanner Hadden, Appling, Ga., five bass, 19-6, $1,160
3rd: Andrew Allen, Waterloo, S.C., five bass, 17-14, $630
4th: Tim Watson, Martin, Ga., five bass, 16-10, $530
5th: Jeremy York, Conyers, Ga., five bass, 15-11, $695
5th: Anthony Marks, Spartanburg, S.C., five bass, 15-11, $445
7th: Darren Ashley, Calhoun Falls, S.C., five bass, 15-7, $410
8th: Tab Anderson, Pendleton, S.C., five bass, 15-0, $385
8th: Robbie Mills, Appling, Ga., five bass, 15-0, $385
10th: Daniel Atkins, Anderson, S.C., five bass, 14-9, $370
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Emery Burnett of Appling, Georgia, earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award after landing a 6-pound, 11-ounce bass worth $200.
Ronnie Cutshall of Piedmont, South Carolina, won the co-angler division and the top prize of $1,210 Saturday after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 10 pounds, 7 ounces.
The top 10 co-anglers finished:
1st: Ronnie Cutshall, Piedmont, S.C., three bass, 10-7, $1,210
2nd: Greg West, Powder Springs, Ga., three bass, 10-1, $447
2nd: Chris Coleman, Ware Shoals, S.C., three bass, 10-1, $447
4th: Brennan Gunther, Johns Island, S.C., three bass, 9-14, $265
5th: Chris Pfrogner, Dawsonville, Ga., three bass, 9-11, $235
6th: Shaun Nelson, Canton, N.C., three bass, 8-7, $210
7th: David Allen, Mableton, Ga., three bass, 8-2, $210
8th: Mark Garrett, Six Mile, S.C., three bass, 7-9, $195
9th: Benjie Winkler, Cleveland, Ga., three bass, 7-5, $190
10th: Andy Burgess, Pickens, S.C., three bass, 7-2, $167
10th: Kevin Underwood, Gillsville, Ga., three bass, 7-2, $167
Ronnie Cutshall of Piedmont, South Carolina, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award after landing a 6-pound, 12-ounce bass worth $100.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 22-24 BFL Regional tournament on Watts Bar Lake in Spring City, Tennessee. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top prize of a new Phoenix 518 pro with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard, worth $33,500.
The 2026 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 co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying tournament winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top seven, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2026 BFL All-American will take place May 28-30, at Lake Murray in Columbia, South Carolina, and is hosted by Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism.
Proud sponsors of the 2026 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7 Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Buffalo, BUBBA, Cigars International, Epic Baits, Grizzly, Mercury, MillerTech, Mystik Lubricants, OFF! Deep Woods, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, PirahnO2, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, VOSKER, YETI and Yuengling.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular BFL 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, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV and Game & Fish TV, and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Leech Lake to host 2026 Strike King Bassmaster College Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. announced today that the 2026 Strike King Bassmaster College Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops will be held Aug. 20-22 on Minnesota’s famed Leech Lake in Walker, marking the first time the prestigious collegiate event has visited the storied fishery.
College anglers from across the country will compete for a national title on one of the Upper Midwest’s premier bass fisheries, adding a new chapter to the championship’s history while showcasing the continued growth of the Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops.
Located in north-central Minnesota, Leech Lake is the third-largest lake entirely within the state, spanning more than 112,000 acres with 195 miles of shoreline. Known for its diverse structure — including expansive weed beds, rocky points, sand flats and large bays — Leech Lake offers a dynamic playing field for anglers. While widely recognized as a world-class walleye destination, the lake also features a strong and growing largemouth and smallmouth bass population, making it an ideal venue for a late-summer championship event.
“Leech Lake is an incredible fishery that will challenge every team in the field and reward anglers who can adapt,” said Glenn Cale, B.A.S.S. Tournament Manager for the College, High School and Junior Series. “We are excited to bring the College Championship to Minnesota for the first time and to showcase Leech Lake to a national audience. This will be the first College tournament held on Leech Lake, and we believe it will provide a memorable and competitive championship experience for these student-anglers.”
The Strike King Bassmaster College Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops features the top teams from across the nation who have advanced through the Bassmaster College Series. Throughout the season, teams compete in qualifying events in both the Legends and Lunkers Divisions to earn points toward a berth in the championship, where a national title and coveted opportunity to advance to the Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Lew's are on the line.
In August, competitors can expect classic northern patterns to come into play. With water temperatures typically warm and vegetation at its peak, largemouth bass are often found relating to thick grass, docks and shallow cover, while smallmouth bass may group up on rock structure, mid-lake humps and points. The expansive nature of Leech Lake will reward teams who can manage long runs, locate productive areas and adjust to changing wind conditions, which can play a significant role on the broad, open basins.
Walker, Minn., located on the shores of Leech Lake, offers a welcoming host community with a strong outdoor heritage. The area has extensive experience hosting major fishing events and provides convenient access, ample lodging and fan-friendly viewing opportunities.
Full tournament details, including takeoff and weigh-in locations, will be announced at a later date. Fans will be able to follow the action through live coverage, daily weigh-ins and updates on Bassmaster.com.
With a national championship on the line and a legendary northern fishery awaiting, the 2026 Strike King Bassmaster College Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops promises three days of intense competition and an unforgettable experience for the next generation of bass fishing stars.
Leech Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting this event.
2026 Bassmaster College Series
2026 Bassmaster College Series
2026 Bassmaster College Series
2026 Bassmaster College Series
2026 Bassmaster College Series
2026 Bassmaster College Series
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Series presented by Battery Tender, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, 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, Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Anaya saves his best for last, claims Elite title at Lake Martin
ALEXANDER CITY, Ala. — Fisher Anaya has officially arrived.
Thanks to a dazzling Championship Sunday performance, the 20-year-old rookie from Eva, Ala., earned his first Elite Series victory at the Lippert Bassmaster Elite at Lake Martin with a four-day total of 54 pounds, 6 ounces.
Opening the tournament with 11-6, Anaya worked his way into the Top 10 on Day 2 with a limit weighing 12-13 before claiming the Day 3 lead with a sack weighing 14-7. Entering the day with a 2-ounce lead over Brock Mosely, Anaya landed the biggest bag of the tournament on Championship Sunday, a 15-12 limit of spotted bass to secure the title.
His Championship Sunday limit was the biggest bag he’s ever weighed on Lake Martin.
“This feels awesome,” Anaya said. “I didn’t know if I’d ever win one of these. My buddy Gerald Swindle always tells me it's not easy to win one of these, so if you get a shot to win, you better make it work. I knew this one would set up in my wheelhouse, I just had to get the bites and land them.”
After winning the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier presented by Bass Pro Shops Angler of the Year, Anaya made his much-anticipated debut last week at Lake Guntersville. That ended with a disappointing 65th place finish.
Lake Martin has always suited Anaya’s fishing style, however, thanks to a lot of time on Lewis Smith Lake. He was able to get even more dialed into the Tallapoosa River impoundment by winning a tournament before the off-limits period went into effect.
“I won a small local tournament here that paid $5,000, and won Phoenix money,” he explained. “I had right at 15 pounds with all spotted bass and thought, ‘Maybe I can make something work down here.’ I fished the same exact way, just in different areas.”
Anaya spent his tournament targeting prespawn staging areas in big pockets on the south end of Lake Martin, a much cleaner section of the lake. Once he arrived, he would put his trolling motor down and hunt with his Garmin LiveScope for bigger than average bass.
The majority of his spotted bass were located on rockpiles in less than 10 feet of water, but on the final day he found a lot of the bass were staging on stumps.
“A lot of the females were staging on rockpiles in 5 to 7 feet of water and the males were really shallow,” he said. “The females were staging on any piece of cover they could find before they went up to spawn.”
An unnamed 13 mm dice-style bait rigged on a VMC Redline treble hook and a 1/32-ounce nail weight produced all of his best bites. He tossed that bait on a 7-foot-4 13 Fishing Myth spinning rod with 16-pound mainline braid and 12-pound Suffix fluorocarbon leader. In most instances, Anaya needed to keep the bait above the spotted bass.
LiveScope was imperative for making accurate casts, but Anaya also sight-fished several key bass, especially on Day 3.
“Staying my distance away from them was (important). I tried to hit them from 50 to 70 feet away to give them time to see the bait and not the boat,” Anaya said. “Some of them would come up and blow up on it and others I’d have to force feed it to them.”
Most days, it has taken most of the day for any angler to work up to the 13- or 14-pound mark, but Anaya put his foot on the gas amidst the pouring rain, something he assumed would hurt his bite.
“I thought the rain and clouds would make it tougher, but it honestly made it better,” he said. “It was quick. Like every cast I was catching one over 2 1/2, so I can’t complain when I’m doing that.”
After filling out a limit early on with two 2 1/2-pounders, Anaya landed an almost 4-pound spotted bass just before 9 a.m., a bass that ate his bait 5 feet away from the boat.
“As soon as my bait hit the water, I saw her open her mouth and close on it,” Anaya said. “I set the hook and freaked out a little. A 4-pounder out here is major. I’ve never caught a spot that’s 4 pounds out here before.”
About an hour later, he landed another 3-pound spotted and upgraded one more time in the afternoon with a 2 1/2-pounder. While he felt comfortable with the weight he caught, Anaya wasn’t convinced he had won until he got back to weigh-in.
“I thought I had caught enough to make it happen, but in the back of my mind I kept thinking Brock had caught a 6-pounder on spinnerbait,” he said.
Mosley, meanwhile, notched his sixth second-place finish as a Bassmaster Elite Series angler with a four-day total weighing 52-14. The Mississippi pro lead the first two days of the tournament with mixed bags weighing 15-7 and 10-15. He fell to second on Day 3 after landing 12-2 before catching 14-6 on the final day.
“I went shallow all day and caught a pretty good one early on,” Mosley said. “The bite wasn’t as good as I thought it was going to be. There was no wind and the rain quit, and the bass started slapping my bait. I knew they were going to catch them ’Scoping. Finally when it rained this afternoon, they committed to it again and I put a good stringer in the boat.”
Mosley’s best bites during the tournament came in the afternoon, and the final day was no different. Around 1 p.m., he landed a largemouth that was almost 4 pounds and late in the day, he added a 2-pounder and a 3-pounder, but it wasn’t enough to unseat Anaya.
“Hats off to him, he beat me,” Mosley said.
Mosley’s best bites during the week came in shallow pockets with dirtier water on the northern end of the lake. Secondary points, docks and wood cover all held bass. A 3/8-ounce Z-Man Evo Tungsten ChatterBait paired with a Yamamoto Zako shined the final two days, while a spinnerbait, a Bill Lewis ATV squarebill and a Buckeye Lures Thump Jig also produced key bites.
With daily totals weighing 11-1, 14-10, 11-12 and 13-6, Georgia pro Emil Wagner finished third with a total of 50-13. The Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series sophomore targeted shallow prespawn staging areas.
The final day, Wagner caught over 50 bass on a fluke before moving to his primary pattern. He culled out those five bass during the rest of the day, including two spots weighing 3 pounds as the tournament ended.
Several baits produced bites for Wagner, including a Berkley Magnum Hit Worm, a Berkley The General rigged on a shaky head and a dice-style bait. Power-Pole Vision was also key.
“I can look at Google Earth, so I went back in time and found new places to fish,” Wagner said. “The bass were in different places every day. The second day they wanted to be on points and today I caught some on short points with chunk rock.”
Canadian pro Cory Johnston leads the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year race with 180 points followed by Illinois pro Trey McKinney in second with 175 points. Mosley is third with 174 points, Kyle Welcher is fourth with 173 points and Stetson Blaylock is fifth with 170 points. Caleb Hudson, John Garrett, Drew Cook, Cody Meyer and Matt Robertson round out the Top 10.
Hudson leads the Pro-Guide Batteries Bassmaster Rookie of the Year race with 168 points followed by Anaya in second with 138 points and Pake South in third with 129 points.
Pitts Grove, N.J., pro Mike Iaconelli won Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Tournament honors with his 5-3 largemouth from Day 2, earning a $2,000 bonus.
Anaya won the $2,000 Rapala CrushCity Monster Bag with his final day limit weighing 54-6.
Mosley won the $4,000 Toyota Bonus Bucks contingency award for the highest-placing eligible angler while Wagner earned $3,000 for being the second-highest finishing entrant.
Wagner won the $2,500 Yamaha Power Pay contingency award for the highest-placing eligible angler while Minnesota pro Easton Fothergill earned $1,500 for being the second-highest finishing entrant.
Texas pro Lee Livesay earned the $1,000 BassTrakk Contingency prize for the angler whose BassTrakk estimates are closest to their official weight.
The tournament was hosted by Explore Lake Martin and Tallapoosa County Tourism.
2026 Bassmaster Elite Series
2026 Bassmaster Elite Series
2026 Bassmaster Elite Series
2026 Bassmaster Elite Series
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Series presented by Battery Tender, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, 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, Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Anaya nabs the Day 3 lead at Lake Martin
ALEXANDER CITY, Ala. — Each time Fisher Anaya has fished a tournament at Lake Martin, he has left with a top finish. Now, Anaya is five bass away from claiming his first Elite Series trophy in just his second attempt.
The Eva, Ala., rookie leads the Lippert Bassmaster Elite at Lake Martin with a three-day total of 38 pounds, 10 ounces after landing 14-7 of spotted bass on Semifinal Saturday, the day's biggest bag. His lead over second-place Brock Mosley is only 2 ounces.
“I knew I needed to get my momentum back (after Guntersville), and the first day was a struggle,” he said. “I ended up scrapping up a decent bag and after that, every move I have made has been right.”
The style of fishing at Lake Martin suits Anaya, who claimed a win and two second place finishes during his high school career on the Tallapoosa River impoundment.
“I like fishing shallow and these bass live shallow and on cover,” the 20-year-old explained. “They are pretty easy to pick out; you just have to troll around and find them.”
Anaya has been lurking in the shadows up until this point. He landed 11-6 on Day 1 to land in 15th before catching 12-13 on Day 2 to jump into sixth. The 2025 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier presented by Bass Pro Shops Angler of the Year has been targeting prespawn staging areas, mostly in 10 feet of water or less. One finesse-style presentation has produced most of his bites.
“Most of my bass are coming off of shallow rockpiles,” Anaya explained. “You can’t see them until you cast the bait over and pull them up.”
Forward-facing sonar has revealed most of the bass he has landed this week, but on Day 3 when the sun peaked out from behind the clouds, he caught three of his spotted bass sight fishing.
“They are trying to get up and spawn,” he said. “As the week has gone on, more and more are getting up there. I haven’t sight-fished at all this week, but today I saw three of my big ones. They are slowly moving shallower, I just need them to keep coming.
On Day 3, Anaya caught 10 pounds pretty quickly, but broke off a big fish under a dock that would have given him an even bigger bag. After a long lull, Anaya moved to a stretch where he caught several good fish on Day 2 and upgraded with a 3 1/2-pounder and a 2 1/2-pounder.
“It was unreal,” he said. “I saw a big one that came up from under a dock that didn’t bite. I saw another one, caught it and it was a 2 1/2 and then saw another one and it was 3 1/2. I knew that one was the one I needed at the time. She came up and bit with ease.”
Then with 10 minutes to go before check-in, Anaya landed another 3-pound spotted bass that ultimately gave him the lead.
“I’ve been running back up to Wind Creek with 20 minutes to go every afternoon to give myself a couple casts,” Anaya said. “I’ve been stopping on a different spot each time. I put the trolling motor down and she was 20 feet in front of me just swimming around.”
After three days of sunshine, a big front is forecasted to move through the area on Championship Sunday, bringing rain, wind and a chance of storms to the lake for the first time this week.
“I think it will make it tougher,” Anaya said. “If it doesn’t lightning, I’ll be all good. If there’s lightning, all my bass are going to leave. Pray to God for no lightning and no thunder. Just let it rain.”
After leading the first two days of the tournament, Mosley dropped to second with a three-day total of 38-8. The Mississippi pro opened the tournament with 15-7, still the Rapala CrushCity Monster Bag of the Tournament, before landing 10-15 and 12-2 the next two days.
Mosley has been switching between an offshore brushpile pattern and a shallow power fishing pattern. The offshore pattern produced a solid limit weighing over 7 pounds before he moved back to dirtier water to hunt for a kicker largemouth.
Just before 1 p.m., Mosley hooked up with that kicker, a 4-pound largemouth that ate his ChatterBait.
“It was on a textbook spot. The wind was blowing in on the secondary point before a shallow flat. She was sitting there staging,” Mosley said.
Mosley's biggest bites all week have come in less than 5 feet of water around similar secondary staging areas. A rotation of baits has come into play, but a ChatterBait paired with a Yamamoto Zako was his best bait on Day 3.
With bags of 11-1, 14-10 and 11-12, Georgia's Emil Wagner is third with 37-7. The Lake Lanier guide has been targeting prespawn staging areas in 5 to 15 feet of water using several different finesse tactics. He has also fished several super shallow docks that have produced key bites.
“It was a grind today,” he said. “I’m going to fish all new water tomorrow. I kept telling myself I was going to do that today and I didn’t, and that’s why I didn’t catch anything early on.”
Despite a tough day, Wagner made an important move at the end of the day that produced a nearly 3-pound spotted bass.
“It was the highlight of my day,” he said. “I pulled into a pocket I marked on Google Earth. I had never fished in there, but there was one dock in the back, and I panned out into the pocket and there was a big ole fish glowing. I thought it was too good to be true. I threw it over there, and she shot up and ate it.”
North Carolina pro Shane LeHew caught the Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Day, a 4-7 largemouth, earning him a $1,000 bonus. Mike Iaconelli still leads the Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Tournament, a 5-3 largemouth he landed on Day 3.
Canadian pro Cory Johnston leads the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year with 180 points followed by Illinois pro Trey McKinney in second with 175 points. Mosley is third with 174 points, Kyle Welcher is fourth with 173 points and Caleb Hudson is fifth with 171 points. Stetson Blaylock, John Garrett, Drew Cook, Cody Meyer and Matt Robertson round out the Top 10.
Hudson leads the Pro-Guide Batteries Bassmaster Rookie of the Year race with 171 points followed by Anaya in second with 138 points and Pake South in third with 133 points.
The Top 10 anglers will launch from Wind Creek State Park beginning at 7 a.m. CT and return for weigh-in at 3 p.m. The winner will earn the $100,000 first-place prize and a coveted blue trophy.
FS1 will carry Bassmaster LIVE starting at 8 a.m. ET until 11 a.m. while Live Cast will run on Bassmaster.com during those hours. Bassmaster.com takes full live coverage at 11 a.m. ET and will continue until 3 p.m.
The tournament is being hosted by Explore Lake Martin and Tallapoosa County Tourism.
2026 Bassmaster Elite Series
2026 Bassmaster Elite Series
2026 Bassmaster Elite Series
2026 Bassmaster Elite Series
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Series presented by Battery Tender, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, 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, Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Lander University’s Knopp & Russell Win Columbia PFG College Fishing Presented by Abu Garcia 2026 National Championship on Lake Murray
COLUMBIA, S.C. (Feb. 14, 2026) – Sometimes the biggest wins are determined by the smallest things. You can ask Lander University teammates Matthew Knopp and Logan Russell about that, because their shiny new Columbia PFG College Fishing Presented by Abu Garcia National Championship trophies are the direct result of some small things that produced giant results.
Leaning heavily on a 3/4-inch-thick dice bait throughout the week and capitalizing on a couple of subtle final-day adjustments that helped them improve on their Day 2 bag by 2 1/4 pounds, Knopp and Russell sacked up 23 pounds, 10 ounces Saturday to boost their three-day total to 70-10 and claim the 2026 National Championship on Lake Murray.
The Lander duo will take the Natty trophies for a 55-mile ride west to campus in Greenwood, South Carolina, after outpacing James Dubose and Dylan Milam of the University of Montevallo (69-7) and Nolan Gray and Riley Brown of Carson-Newman University (67-12). The Montevallo duos of Brennan Berglund and Colton White (67-11) and Brody Robison and Peyton Sorrow (67-10) rounded out a tightly bunched Top 5.
“We really didn’t know what to expect this week,” Russell admitted. “(Days 1 and 3) are the two biggest bags I’ve ever weighed in my life. When we qualified at Lake Hartwell (in 2025) to fish this event, knowing that Lake Murray was so close to home, I thought, ‘We really need to try hard’. We’ve spent so many hours out on that lake, almost every weekend. It finally paid off.”
Russell and Knopp started the week knowing that their entire tournament would hinge on their ability to capitalize on “sneaky spots” where pressure was more manageable than main-lake go-tos – no small feat considering the amount of attention that Lake Murray receives from both locals and the 150-plus college teams in the tournament.
They started off at a stout pace on Day 1, shaking various sizes of Hideup Coike Creature Bait around docks, stumps, grass, cane and brushpiles to the tune of 25-10 – a 5-pound average that put them in fifth place on a day where 14 bags of 23 pounds or more hit the scales. Day 2 was noticeably tougher for most of the field, including Russell and Knopp.
“Day 2 was a struggle,” Knopp said. “We just couldn’t make it work like we had on Day 1. It was a roller coaster of emotions. I cast to a brushpile and hooked one that we knew was a good one with about 15 minutes left. That fish came out of the water and did a flip – it was nerve wracking. It turned out to be almost a 6-pounder that gave us a 3-pound cull. That fish probably saved our tournament.”
The Lander duo finished Day 2 with 21-6 to climb to third, just 1-2 behind the LSU-Shreveport team of Levi Thibodaux and Miles Smith, but knowing that they’d have to make some changes to clear their Day 2 funk and position themselves for a run at the National Championship on the final day.
“We kind of got lucky on Day 2 with that big fish at the end, but that last fish clued us in a little,” Russell said. “We definitely had to do some regrouping and rethinking, because we weren’t going to have a real shot at winning if we didn’t make some adjustments.”
Their key adjustments: pick up the pace and commit to more spots that they’d never fished before.
Russell and Knopp had dedicated the better part of their pre-practice free time in December and January to blanketing the lower end of Lake Murray, graphing and searching for any sneaky spots with enough nuance to make them less obvious than the standard stumps, boulders and brushpiles that they knew the field would focus on come championship week. They mentally committed to the Coike during pre-practice, rightfully predicting that Lake Murray’s fish would see a steady buffet of jighead minnows during the tournament, and collected an impressive amount of waypoints and options that they knew would serve them well in the Natty.
On Saturday, however, Russell and Knopp blazed through several new spots during a day-long run-and-gun blitz that saw them peppering as many likely looking brushpiles, cane stands, rocks, docks and grass clumps as they could.
“We knew that it was going to be hard to get the stump fish to go, because all of the stumps down there had been run though,” Knopp said. “We starting hitting cane and brushpiles and some spots we hadn’t fished before. One cast and go. One cast and go. One cast and go. We’d pull a 4-pounder off of a spot and go to the next one. The trick is just getting these fish to bite. Your boat has to be in the perfect position, and you have to make a perfect cast, because they’re so smart. You get one cast at them and they’re gone.”
The top 10 teams at the MLF Columbia PFG College Fishing Presented by Abu Garcia National Championship on Lake Murray finished:
1st: Lander University – Matthew Knopp, Mercer, Pa., and Logan Russell, Clyde, N.C., 15 bass, 70-10, Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard + $10,000
2nd: University of Montevallo – James DuBose, Sharpsburg, Ga., and Daylon Milam, Newnan, Ga., 15 bass, 69-7, Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard
3rd: Carson-Newman University – Nolan Gray, Russellville, Tenn., and Riley Brown, Whitefish, Mont., 15 bass, 67-12, $4,000
4th: University of Montevallo – Brennan Berglund, Zimmerman, Minn., and Colton White, Moore, Okla., 15 bass, 67-11, $3,000
5th: University of Montevallo – Brody Robison, Dawson, Ala., and Peyton Sorrow, Abbeville, S.C., 15 bass, 67-10, $2,000
6th: Lander University – Drew Kuhnle, Amherst, Ohio, and Landon Rollison, Greenwood, S.C., 15 bass, 66-15, $1,000
7th: University of Tennessee – Matthew Dettling, El Macero, Calif., and Cody Domingos, Knoxville, Tenn., 15 bass, 66-13, $1,000
8th: Carson-Newman University – Zach Wolfe, Mokena, Ill., and Brayden Ruckman, Freeland, Mich., 15 bass, 63-14, $1,000
9th: Emmanuel University – Michael Avery, Cumming, Ga., and Peyton Dunn, Fitzgerald, Ga., 15 bass, 63-3, $1,000
10th: Louisiana State University-Shreveport – Levi Thibodaux, Thibodaux, La., and Miles Smith, Houma, La., 14 bass, 61-6, $1,000
For a full list of results, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 49 bass weighing 204 pounds, 5 ounces caught by the final 10 teams Saturday. The catch included nine five-bass limits.
In addition to the boat packages, both members of the winning Lander team – Knopp and Russell, and the runner-up team of James DuBose and Daylon Milam from the University of Montevallo now advance to the 2026 Toyota Series Championship, where they’ll compete as pros for a top prize of up to $235,000. In addition, the highest finishing team member between Knopp and Russell at the Toyota Series Championship will advance to REDCREST 2027 to compete against the world’s best pros for the sport’s top prize of $300,000.
Both members of the third-place team – Nolan Gray and Riley Brown from Carson-Newman University – now advance to the 2026 Toyota Series Championship to compete as co-anglers for a shot at winning a $33,500 Phoenix 518 pro with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.
Hosted by the Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board , the 17th annual College Fishing National Championship featured 151 teams of the nation’s top collegiate anglers competing for a $43,500 prize package, including a new Phoenix 518 pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard, an additional $10,000 and the opportunity to advance to the 2026 Toyota Series Championship and REDCREST 2027 – MLF’s most prestigious championship – to fish for top prizes of $235,000 and $300,000, respectively.
“This has truly been a record-breaking weekend for Lake Murray, and we couldn’t be more proud,” says Vickie Davis, Executive Director of Capital City/Lake Murray Country. “It’s an honor to showcase our world-class fishery and passionate community on a national stage, and we’re grateful to MLF for continuing to choose Lake Murray as a championship destination.”
Proud sponsors of the 2026 MLF Columbia PFG College Fishing Presented by Abu Garcia include: 7 Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Columbia PFG, Epic Baits, Mercury, MillerTech, OFF! Deep Woods, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, PirahnO2, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, VOSKER and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular College Fishing updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
About Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board:
CCLMC is the official source for all things Lake Murray Country. Explore The Top Southern Destinations of Columbia, Lake Murray, Lexington, Newberry, Richland, and Saluda . To plan your next trip, find information on attractions, dining, hotels, outdoor recreation, fishing, golf, and events. For more information about CCLMC, visit LakeMurrayCountry.com or call 803-781-5940 | 1-866-SC-JEWEL. Stay up-to-date with trip ideas, events, and more by following us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and YouTube.
LSU-Shreveport’s Thibodaux & Smith Jump to Lead on Day 2 of MLF’s Columbia PFG College Fishing Presented by Abu Garcia National Championship on Lake Murray
COLUMBIA, S.C. (Feb. 13, 2026) – If you’re looking for a three-day, championship-level bass tournament that’s a dependable battle royale, the Columbia PFG College Fishing Presented by Abu Garcia circuit has evolved into about the closest thing in the sport to a sure thing.
Five of the last seven College Fishing National Championship trophies have been won by less than a pound and a half, including three by 1 ounce. And once the dust settled after weigh-in on Day 2 of the 2026 version of the College Fishing “Big Dance” on Lake Murray, it became clear that the Natty battle royale is about to go another round.
Powered by a 21-pound, 15-ounce bag on Friday to add to their 26-3 from Day 1, the LSU-Shreveport duo of Levi Thibodaux and Miles Smith eased into the lead with a two-day total of 48-2. Matthew Dettling and Cody Domingos of the University of Tennessee jumped from ninth to second with 47-11, followed close behind by Matthew Knopp and Logan Russell of Lander University (47-0) and the Carson-Newman University team of Zach Wolfe and Brayden Druckman (46-13). James Dubose and Dylan Milam of Montevallo University (46-12) rounded out the top five.
In addition, defending national champs Peyton Sorrow and Brody Robison of Montevallo finished Day 2 with 46-11, meaning six teams will head onto Lake Murray on Saturday within 2-1 of the lead.
“We never got a big bite all day, as crazy as that sounds for catching almost 22 pounds,” Thibodaux said.
“Everything we caught was pretty much cookie cutters, 4 to 4 1/2 pounds. We caught a bunch of fish – maybe 30 bass – but (Thursday) we had a 6-pounder and a couple of 5-pounders. We didn’t see anything like that today.”
Just as they had on Day 1, Thibodaux and Smith caught the majority of their key fish early in the day, but they connected with a couple of slightly heavier 4-pounders later in the day to push them 1 ounce shy of the 22-pound mark.
“We made some key culls,” Smith said. “We didn’t want to burn our fish, but we knew we still needed to catch ‘em pretty good.”
Both raised on the shallow waters of southeast Louisiana, the first day of practice for the Natty was the first time that either Smith or Thibodaux laid eyes on Lake Murray. The two had driven 6 1/2 hours to Columbia from Central Florida the night before, where they both fished the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit event on the Harris Chain. They practiced with very little advance knowledge of Murray, and have been learning on the fly all week long.
“It’s treating us well so far,” Thibodaux joked. “We didn’t really know if we were on the right deal in practice because there’s only us and one other guy (from LSUS) here this week. Guntersville and Seminole are a little similar, just with the quality of fish. But we just kinda ran with the little bit that we figured out in practice.”
“It’s definitely a very healthy fishery,” Smith added. “The areas we’re fishing have a lot of life – gizzard shad, threadfin shad, plenty of fish. It sets up pretty good for us.”
With a half-dozen teams bearing down on the final day within roughly 2 1/2 pounds, Thibodaux and Smith will be looking to hold serve and possibly split the difference between their Day 1 and Day 2 weights.
“There’s some big ones in here, so we know what’s possible,” Thibodaux said. “It seems like the conditions will be about the same (Saturday) as (Friday). I’d feel good about winning if we could get anything over 23 pounds. I’d feel like that would give us a really, really good shot.”
The top 10 teams that now advance to the final day of competition at the MLF Columbia PFG College Fishing Presented by Abu Garcia National Championship on Lake Murray are:
1st: Louisiana State University-Shreveport – Levi Thibodaux, Thibodaux, La., and Miles Smith, Houma, La., 10 bass, 48-2
2nd: University of Tennessee – Matthew Dettling, El Macero, Calif., and Cody Domingos, Knoxville, Tenn., 10 bass, 47-11
3rd: Lander University – Matthew Knopp, Mercer, Pa., and Logan Russell, Clyde, N.C., 10 bass, 47-0
4th: Carson-Newman University – Zach Wolfe, Mokena, Ill., and Brayden Ruckman, Freeland, Mich., 10 bass, 46-13
5th: University of Montevallo – James DuBose, Sharpsburg, Ga., and Daylon Milam, Newnan, Ga., 10 bass, 46-12
6th: University of Montevallo – Brody Robison, Dawson, Ala., and Peyton Sorrow, Abbeville, S.C., 10 bass, 46-1
7th: Lander University – Drew Kuhnle, Amherst, Ohio, and Landon Rollison, Greenwood, S.C., 10 bass, 45-5
8th: University of Montevallo – Brennan Berglund, Zimmerman, Minn., and Colton White, Moore, Okla., 10 bass, 45-0
9th: Carson-Newman University – Nolan Gray, Russellville, Tenn., and Riley Brown, Whitefish, Mont., 10 bass, 44-10
10th: Emmanuel University – Michael Avery, Cumming, Ga., and Peyton Dunn, Fitzgerald, Ga., 10 bass, 43-10
For a full list of results, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 537 bass weighing 1,865 pounds even caught by 121 teams Friday. The catch included 85 five-bass limits.
The final 10 teams will take off from Dreher Island State Park, located at 3677 State Park Road, in Prosperity, South Carolina, at 7:30 a.m. ET on Championship Saturday. The final championship weigh-in will be held at the State Park starting at 3:45 p.m. and will be livestreamed. Fans are welcome to attend the event or tune in to the weigh-in and follow the online coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The MLFNOW! broadcast team of Chad McKee and Rob Newell will break down the extended action live on Championship Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. ET. MLFNOW! will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app and Rumble.
Hosted by the Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board , the 17th annual College Fishing National Championship features 151 teams of the nation’s top collegiate anglers competing for a $43,500 top prize package that includes a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and an additional $10,000. The second-place team will also earn a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard, meaning two boats are up for grabs in the biggest MLF College Fishing event of the season. Every team that finishes in the top 10 will take home at least $1,000 in the no-entry-fee Championship.
In addition to the new boats, both members of the winning team and the runners-up will advance to the 2026 Toyota Series Championship where they will compete as boaters for a top prize of up to $235,000. The winning team’s highest finishing team member at the Toyota Series Championship will also advance to REDCREST 2027 to compete against the world’s best pros for the sport’s top prize of $300,000.
Both members of the third-place team at the College Fishing National Championship will advance to the 2026 Toyota Series Championship to compete as co-anglers for a shot at winning a $33,500 Phoenix 518 pro with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.
The 2025 MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI season featured college teams from across the country competing in six regular-season tournaments. The top 15 percent of teams from each regular-season tournament qualified to compete in the 2026 Columbia PFG College Fishing Presented by Abu Garcia National Championship.
Proud sponsors of the 2026 MLF Columbia PFG College Fishing Presented by Abu Garcia include: 7 Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Columbia PFG, Epic Baits, Mercury, MillerTech, OFF! Deep Woods, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, PirahnO2, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, VOSKER and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular College Fishing updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
High hopes in low water defines outlook for Bassmaster Open at Sam Rayburn
JASPER, Texas — Some of what Sam Rayburn normally has to offer will not be available during the Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Sam Rayburn Reservoir presented by Battery Tender. However, local pro Keith Combs said that what remains should be more than enough to fuel an exciting East Texas showdown.
Competition days will be February 19-21 with daily takeoffs from Umphrey Family Pavilion at 7 a.m. CT and weigh-ins each day at the same location at 3 p.m.
Combs, the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series veteran from Huntington, Texas has guided on Rayburn for about a decade, but he’s fished the lake competitively and recreationally for 35 years. Combs is not fishing this year’s event, but he won the 2022 Bassmaster Central Open on Sam Rayburn, so he knows this 114,500-acre Angelina River reservoir’s tendencies.
Most notable, he said, is the water level. About a week before the tournament, Rayburn stood at 155.06 feet, nearly 9 1/2 feet below full pool.
“I’ve never seen the lake this low in February,” Combs said. “Looking back, 1996 was the only time I’ve seen it not in the bushes in February. It’s gonna be a totally different Rayburn because there’s a lack of shallow vegetation due to the water level.”
On the upside, the lake’s shrunken playing field takes a lot of area out of the picture. Combs said he believes this could deliver great opportunities.
“You’re taking a massive lake and making it much smaller, so there’s gonna be a lot more concentrations of fish,” he said. “I think that’s gonna be the key, if someone gets around a concentration of fish.”
Notably, Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Division 1 and Division 2 will both include two events with forward facing sonar and two without. Sam Rayburn, the first event of Division 2, will allow anglers to use this technology.
“Anglers will have to use forward facing sonar to catch fish just because of the way they’re gonna have to set up,” Combs said. “You’re not gonna have fish in patchy grass. There’s a couple of areas where that could play, but not for the win.”
Combs predicts deeper offshore patterns will dominate the event. Big main-lake points are popular late winter spots, while other fish will be relating to shad schools in drains and channels.
Rayburn has a lot of standing timber, especially in its shallower upper end, and Combs believes this habitat feature also could come into play.
“I think there will be a lot of fish suspended in the timber,” he said. “Maybe not big groups of fish, but big single fish. I think that could be the way to go.”
For the deep points, crankbaits, swimbaits, jighead minnows and Carolina rigs typically excel, while jerkbaits and jighead minnows do the job for those shad chasers. The latter two will also deliver in the timber.
Weather always factors into fishing tournament outcomes, but Combs notes a couple of particular points that could impact Rayburn. Probably the most significant detail will be the daytime highs in the upper 70s the week before the event and much of the tournament week.
“The main body of the lake has very good color to it,” he said. “We’ve had some recent rains, so the upper portions of the creek arms are going to be stained. Also, the warm weather is gonna make some fish move up shallow, especially into some of those stained areas.
“By the time the tournament starts, the water temperature will be in the 60s and there definitely will be some fish caught in that shallow mud. I don’t see that being the winning pattern, but I can see a good finish coming that way."
While Rayburn occasionally sees early spawners bedding in February, Combs does not anticipate seeing anglers spending any significant time on such pursuits. Rather, he believes the year’s weather patterns will set up well for a prespawn scenario.
“We had a pretty mild winter, then back-to-back major cold fronts, but the water temperatures stayed pretty warm,” Combs said. “The week before the event will warm up the surface and the shallow water big time. I really do think there will be a big prespawn push.”
Combs isn’t ruling out the winter patterns, but with the week’s warming conditions, he’s expecting a shallower movement. That being said, anglers taking a contrarian approach could surge ahead of the field.
“There will be some big groups of big wintertime fish that are just out in the lake’s main body,” Combs said. “If somebody can find those, then they’re gonna have an advantage, because most people are going to look in that mid-range. They’ll be able to find some prespawn fish in that midrange, but they’ll be dealing with other people pressuring those fish as well.”
Good news is the entire lake should be in play. By contrast, years where Rayburn’s water level remains closer to normal and the grass flourishes, often find small stretches delivering most of the bites. This year, Combs believes the win could come from practically anywhere.
Offering a leaderboard outlook, Combs predicts it will take a two-day total of at least 40 pounds to reach Championship Saturday. His prediction for the winning weight — 74 pounds.
“The lake is fishing extremely good,” Combs said. “It’s been some of the best fishing we’ve had in the last 10 years.”
Jasper Development District No. 1 is hosting this event.
2026 Bassmaster Opens Series
2026 Bassmaster Opens Series P
2026 Bassmaster Opens Series
2026 Bassmaster Opens Series
2026 Bassmaster Opens Series
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Series presented by Battery Tender, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, 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, Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
University of Montevallo’s Robison & Sorrow Lead on Day 1 of MLF’s Columbia PFG College Fishing Presented by Abu Garcia National Championship on Lake Murray
COLUMBIA, S.C. (Feb. 12, 2026) – The caliber of anglers competing in the Columbia PFG College Fishing Presented by Abu Garcia ranks has made major waves in recent years. It’s become common to see collegians cashing big checks at the Toyota Series level and even qualifying for national tours while still enrolled in school.
So, when the best college teams in the country arrived at one of the premier largemouth fisheries in South Carolina’s Lake Murray for the College Fishing National Championship, competitors expected a slugfest. Yet defending champion Peyton Sorrow of the University of Montevallo, who hails from South Carolina and regularly fishes Murray, didn’t see this coming: Five tandems topped 25 pounds on Day 1 and 23 broke the 22-pound mark.
All of them are once again looking up at Sorrow and his partner, Brody Robison, who got off to a great start in their quest to be the first back-to-back champs since the first two editions of the National Championship in 2010 and 2011. Robison and Sorrow sacked up 26 pounds, 6 ounces. They lead Levi Thibodaux and Miles Smith of LSU-Shreveport by just 3 ounces, while a pair of Carson-Newman University duos are tied for third with 25-12.
“Definitely expected for there to be some really big bags caught, but not the caliber that this has been,” Sorrow said. “These are probably some of the most unreal Murray weights that I’ve seen in a long time. I don’t know, actually, if I’ve ever seen them like this before.
“But what do you expect? The college guys came to town, and they smashed ‘em, per usual.”
Considering Robison and Sorrow won last year’s National Championship on Wheeler Lake, plus Sorrow’s knowledge of Murray, the Montevallo pair entered this event as one of the clear teams to beat. But after a slow practice, they didn’t take off Thursday morning with sky-high expectations.
“We were kind of unsure,” Sorrow said. “We had a very tough practice with very, very few bites. Didn’t really honestly catch any big ones until the last day of practice; we got a couple bites to kind of clue us in.”
The pair started Day 1 at the one spot where they’d gotten multiple quality bites and fared better than they anticipated. They put more than 20 pounds in the livewell during the first hour. From there, they ran new water, keying on areas that set up similarly, and made two big culls.
“We fished a lot of new water,” Robison said. “We did a lot of hunting and just using the clues we gained from our start and tried to replicate it through different parts of the lake – places that Peyton knows large fish live and places that relate to what we’re doing. So, we were able to fish some new water and caught about a 5 1/2 mid-day and a 4 1/2.”
Even on this stage, Robison and Sorrow are comfortable fishing new water during competition. During their win at Wheeler, they dedicated big portions of Days 1 and 2 to idling new areas.
“We kind of changed our whole style right before that Wheeler tournament last year – just how we practice, how we go through tournaments,” Robison said. “Our biggest thing is just not having a plan. We have a starting hole, and we let the fish tell us what to do from there.”
While Sorrow’s Murray knowledge helped the pair expand their pattern, he said the lake is fishing differently than he’s seen it in past Februarys. Robison said they leaned just as much on their experience fishing for big winter bass in Alabama, where Montevallo is located.
“We’ve spent a lot of time messing around with oversized largemouth in cold water,” Robison said. “That’s some of our favorite stuff to do. I live on Guntersville, and the fish there act pretty similar to the fish here, and we fish some other smaller lakes around the house, and we’ve spent a lot of time working on this type of fishing – maybe not a highland reservoir, but just cold water, big largemouth. So, getting to do it in a big-scale tournament is really fun.”
Sorrow has no doubt that he and Robison will be able to put baits in front of more quality fish on Day 2. The challenge will be getting them to bite. Bass in the clear waters of Murray tend to be fickle, and they could get tougher as pressure mounts from the 153-boat event.
“We’re around some really, really big fish,” Sorrow said. “We’re not worried about catching size; we’re worried about catching five. That’s our main issue. If we get five bites, we’re going to have a big bag.”
Sorrow and Robison aren’t feeling any pressure as the defending champs. Sorrow said they’re “laid back like we always are.”
However, they recognize that extending Montevallo’s stranglehold over the sport by winning the Falcons’ third National Championship in the past four years would be big for the program.
“It would be absolutely amazing to pull it off,” Robison said. “We’ve got a long ways to go, but that would just be a really good opportunity for us to showcase our abilities and show off the university and the talent that’s went through the program in the last couple years.”
The top 10 teams after Day 1 of the MLF Columbia PFG College Fishing Presented by Abu Garcia National Championship on Lake Murray are:
1st: University of Montevallo – Brody Robison, Dawson, Ala., and Peyton Sorrow, Abbeville, S.C., five bass, 26-6
2nd: Louisiana State University-Shreveport – Levi Thibodaux, Thibodaux, La., and Miles Smith, Houma, La., five bass, 26-3
3rd: Carson-Newman University – Nolan Gray, Russellville, Tenn., and Riley Brown, Whitefish, Mont., five bass, 25-12
4th: Carson-Newman University – Zach Wolfe, Mokena, Ill., and Brayden Ruckman, Freeland, Mich., five bass, 25-12
5th: Lander University – Matthew Knopp, Mercer, Pa., and Logan Russell, Clyde, N.C., five bass, 25-10
6th: Kentucky Christian University – Ethan Burnette, Monticello, Ky., and Cameron Dials, Lovely, Ky., five bass, 24-3
7th: Adrian College – Nick Owens, Eau Claire, Wis., and Mitchell Straffon, Fenton, Mich., five bass, 24-0
8th: Murray State University – Levi Kohl, Edinburg, Ill., and Grant Meisenhelter, Decatur, Ill., five bass, 23-15
9th: University of Tennessee – Matthew Dettling, El Macero, Calif., and Cody Domingos, Knoxville, Tenn., five bass, 23-12
10th: University of Montevallo – Cole Edwards, Grant, Ala., and Brody Mitchell, Huntsville, Ala., five bass, 23-8
For a full list of results, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 669 bass weighing 2,412 pounds, 7 ounces caught by 147 teams Thursday. The catch included 118 five-bass limits.
Anglers will take off from Dreher Island State Park, located at 3677 State Park Road, in Prosperity, South Carolina, at 7:30 a.m. ET each day of competition. Weigh-ins will be held at the State Park starting at 3:45 p.m. and will be livestreamed daily. Fans are welcome to attend the event or tune in to the weigh-in and follow the online coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The MLFNOW! broadcast team of Chad McKee and Rob Newell will break down the extended action live on Championship Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. ET. MLFNOW! will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app and Rumble.
Hosted by the Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board , the 17th annual College Fishing National Championship features 151 teams of the nation’s top collegiate anglers competing for a $43,500 top prize package that includes a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and an additional $10,000. The second-place team will also earn a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard, meaning two boats are up for grabs in the biggest MLF College Fishing event of the season. Every team that finishes in the top 10 will take home at least $1,000 in the no-entry-fee Championship.
In addition to the new boats, both members of the winning team and the runners-up will advance to the 2026 Toyota Series Championship where they will compete as boaters for a top prize of up to $235,000. The winning team’s highest finishing team member at the Toyota Series Championship will also advance to REDCREST 2027 to compete against the world’s best pros for the sport’s top prize of $300,000.
Both members of the third-place team at the College Fishing National Championship will advance to the 2026 Toyota Series Championship to compete as co-anglers for a shot at winning a $33,500 Phoenix 518 pro with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.
The 2025 MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI season featured college teams from across the country competing in six regular-season tournaments. The top 15 percent of teams from each regular-season tournament qualified to compete in the 2026 Columbia PFG College Fishing Presented by Abu Garcia National Championship
Proud sponsors of the 2026 MLF Columbia PFG College Fishing Presented by Abu Garcia include: 7 Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Columbia PFG, Epic Baits, Mercury, MillerTech, OFF! Deep Woods, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, PirahnO2, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, VOSKER and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular College Fishing updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Mosley junks his way to the lead on Day 1 at Lake Martin
ALEXANDER CITY, Ala. — Brock Mosley never caught a 2-pounder in practice for the Lippert Bassmaster Elite at Lake Martin, but all the ingredients came together for a magical Day 1.
The Collinsville, Miss., pro landed 15 pounds, 7 ounces to take the lead at the Tallapoosa River impoundment, anchoring his bag with a 4-pound largemouth. In total, Mosley brought three largemouth and two spotted bass to weigh-in, which were 12 ounces heavier than Drew Cook’s second-place limit.
“I didn’t have a great practice, but I didn’t have a terrible practice,” the 2023 Sabine River champion said. “At Lake Martin, you are liable to catch 6 or 7 pounds. I didn’t catch but one or two good ones in practice, but I kept an open mind and went fishing today.”
As anticipated, the weights throughout the field are super tight. Fifteen of the 101 anglers caught between 11 and 13 pounds while 30 more caught bags weighing between 10 and 11 pounds.
After last week’s cold spell, water temperatures have climbed several degrees from the start of practice to tournament day, which has the bass moving towards their prespawn and spawning patterns. On Day 1, air temperatures were close to 70 degrees, and Mosley found the prespawners ready to bite on Day 1.
“Several of the bass I caught today were full of eggs and right where they should be before they go up to start the spawning process,” he said.
He rotated between four different baits and several locations, mixing in forward-facing sonar techniques as well as traditional tactics.
“I started looking for a certain type of deal, and I caught some offshore and some up shallow,” Mosley said. “I kind of junk fished and put a bag together. I’m putting my head down and fishing for what is in front of me. I may fish a point, I may ’Scope out some brushpile, or I might catch suspended bass.”
Every stop Mosley made during the day, he caught bass, but not always the same quality. Although it was a post-front day, the bright sunshine warmed the water, which Mosley felt was particularly important.
“The sun helped a lot today,” he said. “The last couple days have been cloudy. Things changed today, and for the better for me.”
The forecast calls for more sunshine and warmer temperatures, at least until Championship Sunday, which Mosley believes will have more bass moving towards prespawn staging areas as well as towards the bank.
This could play right into his hands.
“If the sun stays out and it stays warm, I could see myself throwing a buzzbait before the week is over,” Mosley said.
Cook landed 14-11 to open his tournament, a bag made up of four spotted bass and a largemouth.
“I tried to stay away from the numbers game and went for the quality instead of quantity,” the Cairo, Ga., pro said. “I was fortunate enough to get (two) big bites and a couple decent bites.”
He got settled into the day at his second stop by landing a 3 1/2-pounder before rounding up the rest of his limit. No one piece of cover stood out more than another. Cook said he landed a bass on everything from clay banks, brush, docks to rock banks using three different baits. Anything less than 18 feet of water produced good bites.
The bass he caught were aggressive.
“It is March weather, but it is February, and it was freezing last week,” he said. “They are getting warm and starting to move a lot more. I think a lot of fish are going to move as the tournament goes on with the weather we are going to have.
“We are going to keep everything honest.”
Cole Sands used his east Tennessee prowess to land 13-4 and finish Day 1 in third. An area change on the final day of practice keyed the Johnson City pro into his primary pattern.
“In the last hour, I made a move to an area and caught 14 pounds in an hour. I had a decent practice, but I scraped everything I learned before that. It was a swing for the fence type of deal, and thankfully I landed on the right side of it.”
In the morning, Sands noticed the bass in more of a prespawn face, but once the water warmed up, he said the bass started moving towards their spawning areas. In his region of the lake, water temperatures are still between 50 and 53 degrees, but he caught several fish that have indicated to him the spawn is coming.
“I know the water is still cold for it, but I caught some (males) that were actually peeing,” he said. “It is getting close. I will have to change every day this week, but it is a super great start. Consistency is everything on this lake.”
Clanton, Ala., pro Wesley Gore landed the Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Day, a 4-6 largemouth that earned him a $1,000 bonus.
Carbondale, Ill.’s, Trey McKinney leads the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings with 186 points, followed by Cook in second with 182 points and Matt Robertson in third with 178 points. Mosley is fourth with 175 points and Canadian Jeff Gustafson rounds out the Top 5 with 174 points.
Georgia’s Caleb Hudson leads the Pro-Guide Batteries Bassmaster Rookie of the Year race with 146 points followed by Kentucky’s Matt Messer in second with 136 points and Alabama’s Fisher Anaya in third with 124 points.
The full field of pros will launch from Wind Creek State Park beginning at 7 a.m. CT and return for weigh-in starting at 3 p.m. The Top 50 pros after the Day 2 weigh-in will compete on Semifinal Saturday before the Top 10 advance to Championship Sunday.
Bassmaster LIVE coverage begins at 8 a.m. ET until 3 p.m. on Bassmaster.com and Roku before moving to FS1 on Saturday morning. Live weigh-in coverage will be available starting at 4 ET on Bassmaster.com.
The tournament is being hosted by Explore Lake Martin and Tallapoosa County Tourism.
2026 Bassmaster Elite Series
2026 Bassmaster Elite Series
2026 Bassmaster Elite Series
2026 Bassmaster Elite Series
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Series presented by Battery Tender, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, 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, Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
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Media Contact: Mandy Pascal, Communications Manager, 334-414-8677, [email protected]
2026 Lippert Bassmaster Elite Series at Lake Martin 2/12-2/15
Lake Martin, Alexander City AL.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 5 15-07 101
Day 1: 5 15-07
2. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 5 14-11 100
Day 1: 5 14-11
3. Cole Sands Johnson City, TN 5 13-04 99
Day 1: 5 13-04
4. Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 5 12-15 98
Day 1: 5 12-15
5. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TN AUSTRALIA 5 12-11 97
Day 1: 5 12-11
6. Luke Palmer Atoka, OK 5 12-10 96
Day 1: 5 12-10
7. Easton Fothergill Grand Rapids , MN 5 12-06 95
Day 1: 5 12-06
7. Jordan Lee Cullman, AL 5 12-06 95
Day 1: 5 12-06
9. Trey McKinney Carbondale, IL 5 12-03 93
Day 1: 5 12-03
10. Kyle Patrick Cooperstown, NY 5 11-15 92
Day 1: 5 11-15
11. Patrick Walters Eutawville, SC 5 11-10 91
Day 1: 5 11-10
12. Jeff Gustafson Kenora, ON Ontario CANA 5 11-09 90
Day 1: 5 11-09
13. Jay Przekurat Plover, WI 5 11-08 89
Day 1: 5 11-08
14. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 5 11-07 88
Day 1: 5 11-07
15. Fisher Anaya Eva, AL 5 11-06 87
Day 1: 5 11-06
16. Kyle Norsetter Cottage Grove, WI 5 11-05 86
Day 1: 5 11-05
17. Pake South Winnsboro, TX 5 11-03 85
Day 1: 5 11-03
18. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 5 11-02 84
Day 1: 5 11-02
19. Will Davis Jr Sylacauga, AL 5 11-01 83
Day 1: 5 11-01
19. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 5 11-01 83
Day 1: 5 11-01
19. Emil Wagner Marietta, GA 5 11-01 83
Day 1: 5 11-01
22. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 5 11-00 80
Day 1: 5 11-00
23. Robert Gee Knoxville, TN 5 10-15 79
Day 1: 5 10-15
23. Cody Meyer Eagle, ID 5 10-15 79
Day 1: 5 10-15
23. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 5 10-15 79
Day 1: 5 10-15
26. Kyle Welcher Valley, AL 5 10-14 76
Day 1: 5 10-14
27. Aaron Jagdfeld Rochester Hills, MI 5 10-12 75
Day 1: 5 10-12
28. Austin Cranford Moore, OK 5 10-11 74
Day 1: 5 10-11
28. Taku Ito Dalton GA JAPAN 5 10-11 74
Day 1: 5 10-11
28. Cliff Pace Ovett, MS 5 10-11 74
Day 1: 5 10-11
28. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 5 10-11 74
Day 1: 5 10-11
32. Kyoya Fujita Yamanashi CA JAPAN 5 10-10 70
Day 1: 5 10-10
32. Caleb Hudson Lincolnton, GA 5 10-10 70
Day 1: 5 10-10
32. Paul Marks Cumming, GA 5 10-10 70
Day 1: 5 10-10
32. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 5 10-10 70
Day 1: 5 10-10
36. Wesley Gore Clanton, AL 5 10-09 66 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-09
36. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 5 10-09 66
Day 1: 5 10-09
38. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 5 10-07 64
Day 1: 5 10-07
39. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 5 10-06 63
Day 1: 5 10-06
39. Bryan New Leesville, SC 5 10-06 63
Day 1: 5 10-06
41. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 5 10-05 61
Day 1: 5 10-05
41. Cooper Gallant Bowmanville Ontario CAN 5 10-05 61
Day 1: 5 10-05
41. Tristan McCormick Bon Aqua, TN 5 10-05 61
Day 1: 5 10-05
41. Matt Messer Warfield, KY 5 10-05 61
Day 1: 5 10-05
45. John Cox Debary, FL 5 10-03 57
Day 1: 5 10-03
45. Evan Kung Pickering Ontario CANAD 5 10-03 57
Day 1: 5 10-03
45. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 5 10-03 57
Day 1: 5 10-03
48. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 5 10-02 54
Day 1: 5 10-02
49. Tucker Smith Birmingham, AL 5 10-01 53
Day 1: 5 10-01
49. Jake Whitaker Hendersonville, NC 5 10-01 53
Day 1: 5 10-01
49. Tyler Williams Belgrade, ME 5 10-01 53
Day 1: 5 10-01
52. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 10-00 50
Day 1: 5 10-00
52. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 5 10-00 50
Day 1: 5 10-00
52. Chris Zaldain Boyd, TX 5 10-00 50
Day 1: 5 10-00
55. Buddy Gross Chattanooga, TN 5 09-15 47
Day 1: 5 09-15
56. Dakota Ebare Brookeland, TX 5 09-13 46
Day 1: 5 09-13
57. Cody Huff Ava, MO 5 09-12 45
Day 1: 5 09-12
57. Andrew Loberg Guntersville, AL 5 09-12 45
Day 1: 5 09-12
57. Brock Reinkemeyer Warsaw, MO 5 09-12 45
Day 1: 5 09-12
60. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 5 09-11 42
Day 1: 5 09-11
60. Sam Hanggi Knoxville, TN 5 09-11 42
Day 1: 5 09-11
62. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 5 09-10 40
Day 1: 5 09-10
62. John Garrett Union City, TN 5 09-10 40
Day 1: 5 09-10
62. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 5 09-10 40
Day 1: 5 09-10
65. Beau Browning Hot Springs National Pa 5 09-09 37
Day 1: 5 09-09
65. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 5 09-09 37
Day 1: 5 09-09
65. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 5 09-09 37
Day 1: 5 09-09
65. JT Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 5 09-09 37
Day 1: 5 09-09
69. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 5 09-08 33
Day 1: 5 09-08
70. Bob Downey Detroit Lakes, MN 5 09-07 32
Day 1: 5 09-07
70. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 5 09-07 32
Day 1: 5 09-07
70. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 5 09-07 32
Day 1: 5 09-07
70. Nick Trim Galesville, WI 5 09-07 32
Day 1: 5 09-07
74. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 5 09-06 28
Day 1: 5 09-06
75. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 5 09-05 27
Day 1: 5 09-05
75. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 09-05 27
Day 1: 5 09-05
77. Seth Feider Elko New Market, MN 5 09-02 25
Day 1: 5 09-02
77. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 5 09-02 25
Day 1: 5 09-02
79. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 5 09-01 23
Day 1: 5 09-01
80. Cory Johnston Otonabee CANADA 5 09-00 22
Day 1: 5 09-00
81. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 5 08-14 21
Day 1: 5 08-14
81. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 08-14 21
Day 1: 5 08-14
81. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 5 08-14 21
Day 1: 5 08-14
84. Wes Logan Springville, AL 5 08-12 18
Day 1: 5 08-12
84. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 5 08-12 18
Day 1: 5 08-12
86. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 5 08-11 16
Day 1: 5 08-11
86. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 08-11 16
Day 1: 5 08-11
86. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 5 08-11 16
Day 1: 5 08-11
89. Blake Capps Muskogee, OK 5 08-08 13
Day 1: 5 08-08
89. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 5 08-08 13
Day 1: 5 08-08
91. Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 5 08-07 11
Day 1: 5 08-07
92. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 5 08-05 10
Day 1: 5 08-05
93. Logan Parks Auburn, AL 5 08-04 9
Day 1: 5 08-04
93. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 5 08-04 9
Day 1: 5 08-04
95. Kenta Kimura Osaka OK JAPAN 5 08-03 7
Day 1: 5 08-03
96. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 5 08-01 6
Day 1: 5 08-01
97. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 5 07-14 5
Day 1: 5 07-14
98. Jason Christie Dry Creek, OK 5 07-11 4
Day 1: 5 07-11
98. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 5 07-11 4
Day 1: 5 07-11
100. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 5 07-10 2
Day 1: 5 07-10
101. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 5 07-07 1
Day 1: 5 07-07
------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Wesley Gore Clanton, AL 04-06 $1,000.00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 101 505 1022-00
------------------------------
101 505 1022-00
Drew Gill is Winning Everything
Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships
We are witnessing a rare run of on-the-water performances from 23-year-old Drew Gill. In the last three tournaments he has fished, Gill hasn’t finished lower than second, including a pair of dominant victories on both the Bass Pro Tour and the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit to start the 2026 season.
The event he finished in second, he did so via tiebreaker after he caught enough weight to win the Toyota Series Championship on Grand Lake last November. In the process, he became the MLF’s youngest bass fishing millionaire. Gill came into 2026 with confidence and momentum in spades, which lined up with his ultimate goal for the year.
“Consistency is the undertone of everything I do on the water, and I’d be lying if I didn’t say the BPT Angler of the Year is my focal point,” Gill shared. “AOY is a coveted prize and it’s so tough to do with the caliber of anglers on the Bass Pro Tour. I’ve finished in 2nd and 3rd in that race the past two seasons, and I’d really like to know what it feels like to win.”
If you’ve watched Gill fishing LIVE or listened to him in podcasts and interviews, it’s easy to tell that his brain doesn’t work like most of the population or even most of his pro angling peers. Gill approaches bass fishing like a mathematician mixed with a mad scientist. He’s calculated, cerebral, and focused every time he launches his boat.
He very well may be the best in the world with forward facing sonar technology, but his understanding of bass behavior has expanded to a point that he continues to dominate in the blended formats he navigates in MLF competition.
“From a strategy perspective I love the blended FFS format of the BPT and Pro Circuits,” Gill explained. “It has become an intricate game of chess and its perfect for my style. It has kind of unexpectedly created a unique dilemma that I seem to gel with. With limited hours ‘scoping each day, I don’t have to show my hand as much, which has led to higher finishes in multi-day events.”
While online naysayers would love to point to Gill’s FFS prowess to detract from his domination the past several years, his success in the blended format both last season and to start 2026 has left the haters with no leg to stand on. The proof is in the pudding, or on the leaderboard… Gill is a special talent.
Along with trophies, accolades, and big pay days Gill has racked up $7,000 in extra cash from Toyota Bonus Bucks in the past month. Gill became the first to reap the rewards of the new payout structure from Toyota’s popular contingency program, winning $4,000 for being the highest placing angler driving a Toyota tow vehicle at Stage One on Lake Guntersville, followed by a $3,000 reward for his win at the Harris Chain in the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit competition.
Gill was still driving his 2024 Toyota Tundra SR5 to start the season at Lake Guntersville and then flew to Oklahoma to buy himself a new 2026 Tundra Limited package. Bonus Bucks has been good to Gill the past few years, which was a main factor in his tow vehicle consideration.
“As a tournament bass angler, you aren’t just buying a truck to tow your boat when you buy a Toyota, you’re recycling value,” Gill said. “The money I invest into my new truck comes back into the industry in the form of Toyota’s support for bass fishing, and then through Bonus Bucks for me as an individual angler. Factor in that these trucks hold their value, their super reliable, and just incredible vehicles. There was no question and no doubts for me when it came to what truck I’m buying.”
Gill has a unique perspective on trucks much like his extraordinary mind for bass fishing. He is one of one, and it’s not a stretch to predict we will all be witness to his ascendence in tournament fishing for years to come.
Thankfully, you don’t have to be a bass fishing phenom to cash in on opportunities with Toyota Bonus Bucks. If you tournament fish, you just need to own or lease a 2022 or newer Toyota tow vehicle, register for the free-to-join program, and compete in one of the over 620 supported events. Follow this link to learn more https://www.toyotatrucksbonusbucks.com/, or send an email with any questions to [email protected].
MLF Announces Expanded Partnership with VOSKER
VOSKER becomes Official Sponsor of MLF5 for 2026
BENTON, Ky. (Feb. 12, 2026) – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced today a new sponsorship agreement with VOSKER, a leader in cellular security camera technology designed for remote, off-grid surveillance. As part of the partnership, VOSKER becomes an Official Sponsor of MLF5 for the 2026 season, further expanding the brand’s presence across MLF’s competitive and grassroots platforms.
As part of the agreement, VOSKER cellular security cameras will once again be utilized in every Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit boat throughout the season, allowing tournament officials to remotely monitor every competitor throughout each day of competition. The cameras provide an extra layer of security to ensure fair competition and consistent enforcement of league rules.
Additionally, VOSKER will support anglers across all MLF5 circuits with a VOSKER Championship Bonus Cash Award contingency program. At each MLF5 Championship, the highest-finishing boater that owns a VOSKER VKX camera and with an active monthly or annual VOSKER subscription will earn a bonus cash award, adding another incentive for top performance on championship stages.
As part of the partnership’s youth-focused initiatives, VOSKER will also offer high school anglers a unique on-the-water opportunity through the VOSKER Pro for a Day Experience. One selected high school-aged angler will spend a day fishing with VOSKER pro Matt Becker , gaining firsthand insight into professional-level competition, preparation and decision-making.
High school anglers can enter for a chance to win by visiting the VOSKER booth at the REDCREST 2026 Outdoor Sports Expo in Springfield, Missouri, April 17-19. The Pro for a Day Experience will take place April 25, 2026, on a lake in Northwest Arkansas or southwest Missouri. The winner will be announced and notified on April 19, 2026.
“We’re proud to continue growing our partnership with Major League Fishing and to support anglers at every level,” said Justin Lanclos, VOSKER Sr. Product Evangelist. “From championship bonus incentives to hands-on experiences for high school anglers, this partnership reflects our commitment to innovation, outdoor passion and giving back to the fishing community.”
VOSKER will receive integrated exposure across MLF5’s extensive media platforms, including television and livestream broadcasts, on-site branding and activations, digital and social media features and continued visibility throughout MLF5 league competition for the 2026 season.
For more information about MLF and its sponsors, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. To explore VOSKER’s complete line of cellular security products, visit VOSKER.com.
About VOSKER
VOSKER is a leading provider of innovative surveillance solutions, committed to empowering individuals and organizations with cutting-edge technology to protect what matters most. With a focus on quality, reliability and sustainability, VOSKER continues to push the boundaries of surveillance technology, ensuring safety and peace of mind in an ever-changing world. To learn more visit www.vosker.com
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, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV and Game & Fish TV, and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
PATTERN, PATIENCE AND A PLUG: MENENDEZ EYES MARTIN AS HIS KIND OF FIGHT
Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships / Photo: Shane Durrance/Bass
If you’ve ever spent a spring morning on Lake Martin, you know there’s something about that stretch of Alabama water that settles into a man’s bones. It’s the way the mist hangs low over Kowaliga. The way the ridgelines hold the first blush of daylight. The way the water, clear as a church window, seems to promise more than it gives.
And for Yamaha pro and Elite Series veteran Mark Menendez, Lake Martin isn’t just another tournament stop. It’s personal.
“Lake Martin is my favorite lake in the country,” Menendez said. “I know that might sound crazy to some but the first time I ever launched a boat in this lake, I caught over 100 bass. That was in the fall of 1992 if my memory is correct.”
Over 100 bass. That’ll make a believer out of anybody.
Menendez has fished more water than most folks will ever see in a lifetime. From sprawling Tennessee River impoundments to stingy Ozark highland reservoirs, he’s built a career on figuring them out. But Lake Martin has always stood apart. It’s not the biggest fish factory on tour. It’s not known for 25-pound fireworks. What it is, however, is honest.
“It’s one of the best pattern lakes in the country. No matter what,” he said. “You can find something in one part of the lake and replicate it throughout the entire fishery.”
That’s high praise in a sport built on adjustments and intuition. Pattern lakes reward anglers who pay attention. The ones who notice how a bank sets up, how the wind hits a point, how the rock transitions from chunk to pea gravel. Find the ingredients once and you can cook that same recipe from dam to river.
For an experienced hand like Menendez, that’s right in his wheelhouse.
This week’s Elite Series event won’t require heroics. It will require discipline.
“The key to this place is catching 2 1/2-pounders,” Menendez explained. “12 pounds or so per day will have you in position to win this event. The last time we were here, I caught an 18-pound limit on day one and that really carried me throughout the tournament.”
On many fisheries, 12 pounds feels like survival weight. On Lake Martin, it’s currency. String together three or four days of it and you’re likely shaking hands on Championship Sunday.
Catching a limit won’t be the challenge.
“Those kicker largemouth are going to be a huge deal for all of us,” he said. “Catching a limit will not be a problem, I can promise you that.”
Lake Martin is famous for its spotted bass. Scrappy, bronze-backed fighters that rarely break the 3-pound mark but bite with reliability. They’ll keep an angler honest. They’ll keep him busy. But they won’t necessarily win him a blue trophy.
“The largemouth are the ‘X-factor’ in my opinion,” Menendez said. “That’s where you can fool around and catch a 5-pounder. If you can find a big largemouth, you’re in a great place. The smaller spotted bass won’t be hard at all to capture.”
It’s a tale as old as tournament fishing itself. The steady keeper bite versus the elusive kicker. Spots will fill the livewell. Largemouth will tilt the scales. And conditions may decide which species holds court.
A big moon looms over the event, stirring speculation about spawning waves and shallow movements. Menendez is watching it all with the patience of someone who knows Lake Martin rarely rushes.
“I would hope the big moon would help the fish come shallow,” he said. “Not all of them, because I don’t think we’re late enough in the year yet. We’re supposed to get some rain at some point, which would be fantastic for my fishing style. I’d like some color in the water. I’ve run all up the rivers of this lake and it’s gin-clear everywhere you go.”
Gin-clear water can be beautiful. It can also be cruel. In 10 feet of visibility, bass get educated quickly. They inspect every offering. They shy away from mistakes. A little stain changes everything.
“I want to see them positioned in about 5 to 7 feet,” Menendez said. “Right now, you can go out with your forward-facing sonar and find them in 70 feet. That’s a big difference.”
That sentence captures the crossroads of modern bass fishing. Yes, forward-facing sonar will be a player this week. There’s no denying it.
“There’s a big chance it will be won with forward-facing technology,” Menendez admitted.
Anglers can idle over deep timber, watch fish react in real time and drop a bait directly to them. It’s efficient. It’s precise. And on clear highland reservoirs, it can be hard to beat. But if Menendez gets his wish, the script may flip.
“I want sun, a little rain and I plan on winding a plug shallow to catch a big pre-spawner,” he said. “And heck, on this lake, a ‘big’ fish may be a 2 1/2-pound spotted bass.”
There’s something poetic about that image. A seasoned pro with decades of history on a beloved lake, leaning into a crankbait, feeling it deflect off rock in five feet of water. No screens. No hovering. Just wind, cast, retrieve.
Menendez has always trusted his instincts. And on Lake Martin, those instincts are seasoned by memory. By that first trip in 1992, by the 18-pound day that carried him in 2018, by countless runs up river arms searching for just the right combination of depth, cover and life.
Lake Martin may not give up giants in bunches. It may not headline record books. But it rewards anglers who understand it. Who respect its patterns, its clarity, its subtle shifts. For Mark Menendez, that understanding runs deep.
Major League Fishing Introduces Columbia PFG College Fishing Heavy Hitters
New all-star event to reward big-bass excellence and elevate the MLF College Fishing pathway
COLUMBIA, S.C. (Feb. 11, 2026) – Major League Fishing, the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced today on the eve of the 2026 College Fishing National Championship details surrounding the new MLF Columbia PFG College Fishing Heavy Hitters event, an all-star event designed to reward college fishing teams that excel at catching big bass while further elevating the pathway from the college ranks to the sport’s highest levels.
The inaugural event will take place Oct. 25, 2026, on Douglas Lake in Dandridge, Tennessee, and will be hosted by Visit Jefferson County, TN. A total of 18 teams will qualify for the event exclusively based on big-bass performance during the 2026 College Fishing regular season, mirroring the big-bite, earn-your-way-in Heavy Hitters format used on the Bass Pro Tour.
“This event is all about rewarding teams who produce the biggest bites,” said Kevin Hunt, Senior Director of Tournament Operations for MLF College Fishing. “Just like Heavy Hitters at the Bass Pro Tour, there is no other way in. Teams earn their spot by catching big bass throughout the season, and that makes this event such a special accomplishment for college anglers.”
The field will consist of the top three teams with the heaviest single bass from each of the six 2026 MLF Columbia PFG Presented by Abu Garcia College Fishing regular-season tournaments. Competition in the Columbia PFG Heavy Hitters will feature MLF’s catch, weigh and immediate-release format, where every scorable bass over the two-pound minimum counts toward a team’s total weight. In addition to cumulative weight determining the overall champion, a separate Big Bass award will be presented to the team that catches the single heaviest bass of the event.
Official practice and the pretournament meeting will take place Saturday, Oct. 24, with competition scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 25. Takeoff and the awards ceremony will be held at the Dandridge Boat Dock & Ramp, located at 157 Public Drive in Dandridge. Fans will be able to follow the leaderboard through SCORETRACKER LIVE®, bringing the excitement of college-level Heavy Hitters competition to fans in real time.
Proud sponsors of the 2026 MLF Columbia PFG College Fishing include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Columbia PFG, Epic Baits, Lew’s, Mercury, MillerTech, OFF! Deep Woods, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, PirahnO2, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, VOSKER and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular College Fishing updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV and Game & Fish TV, and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Bassmaster’s 1st Tuesday Night LIVE
KIMBERLING CITY, Mo. — If you’ve ever experienced the fast-paced fun of an evening bass tournament, April 21 is going to deliver that excitement to fans in a whole new way on Table Rock Lake. Bass fishing fans are in for a truly unique event as Tuesday Night LIVE on Table Rock delivers a fun, fast-paced, grass-roots-style showdown featuring some of the biggest names in professional bass fishing. The first Bassmaster Team Tournament and first ever Tuesday Night Bassmaster Tournament brought to you by AFTCO, Beatdown Outdoors, Gamakatsu, SPRO and Sunline.
On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, eight Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series pros will trade the national stage for a down-home competition at Mill Creek Boat Ramp in Kimberling City, Missouri. With four boats, two legendary hosts, and five powerhouse sponsors, the event blends top-tier talent with the relaxed atmosphere of a local Tuesday night jackpot tournament.
The evening begins at 4 p.m. CT as competitors arrive at the ramp to prepare their gear and exchange some friendly trash talk with entertaining hosts of Dave Mercer and Mark Zona. At 4:30 p.m., its blast-off time, and the teams will hit Table Rock Lake for a high-energy, three-hour shootout. At 7:30 PM, the boats return to the ramp for a traditional, no-frills weigh-in — just like the weekly tournaments anglers across the country know and love.
“This event is all about getting back to the roots of tournament fishing,” said Mark Zona. “No big stage, no big production, just great anglers, great competition, and a fun night on one of America’s most iconic bass lakes.”
Phillip Johnson, B.A.S.S. Chief Operating Officer, said the organization is excited to bring a live Tuesday night event directly to fans in a fresh and accessible format.
“We’re thrilled to bring Tuesday Night LIVE to our fans and showcase these incredible anglers in a format that feels authentic and close to home,” Johnson said. “This event captures the spirit of local jackpot tournaments while still featuring the very best talent in the sport. It’s another way for us to connect directly with our audience and deliver live bass fishing in a fun, innovative way.”
The event will feature limited commercial interruptions and will be streamed live on Bassmaster.com, the Bassmaster YouTube channel and the Bassmaster Channel on Roku, Plex and Freebie TV.
Adding to the excitement, the tournament will follow a traditional team format, pairing one boater with one non-boater. While the four boaters have already been selected, fans will have the chance to determine the pairings through online voting, giving them a direct role in shaping the competition. Fans are going to have a lot of opportunities to get involved ahead of the event and chances to win some great prizes. Fan voting will determine the pairings of the eight selected anglers and fans will have a chance to submit team names and possibly win thousands of dollars in prizes.
The eight-man field is stacked with an all-star mix of established legends and rising stars. Leading the boater lineup is Drew Cook, the 2019 Bassmaster Elite Rookie of the Year and an Elite Series event champion known for his consistency and sight-fishing prowess. If the fish are spawning, Cook will be a major threat to find the biggest bites on Table Rock. Joining him is Drew Benton, the 2016 Rookie of the Year and two-time Elite Series winner, a proven performer who is especially dangerous during the month of April.
Bryan New brings momentum and versatility to the event, having burst onto the Elite Series scene with a victory in his very first tournament. As the 2020 Bassmaster Opens Angler of the Year, New has shown he can win in any format. Rounding out the boaters is Kyle Welcher, the 2023 Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year, whose record-shattering performances and deep roots in jackpot-style tournaments make him a perfect fit for this competition.
The non-boater side is just as impressive. Chris Johnston, a back-to-back Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year, is widely regarded as one of the most consistent anglers in the sport and will be a valuable partner for any team. Bassmaster legend Mike Iaconelli adds star power and passion to the event. A Bassmaster Classic champion and Angler of the Year, Ike has announced that 2026 will be his final Elite Series season, making this a special opportunity for fans to see him compete in a relaxed, fun environment.
Jason Christie, a Bassmaster Classic champion and multiple-time Elite winner, is known as one of the fiercest and most intense competitors in professional bass fishing. His relentless drive ensures he’ll be taking this event just as seriously as any major tournament. Completing the field is rising Elite Series pro Kyle Patrick, whose versatile skill set and confident attitude make him an exciting wildcard no matter who he is paired with.
Fans can catch every minute of the action live from 4 to 8 p.m. CT on Bassmaster.com, with a simulcast on the Bassmaster YouTube channel and the Bassmaster Channel on Roku, Plex and Freebie TV. Spectators are also welcome to attend the weigh-in in person at Mill Creek Boat Ramp to experience the excitement up close.
With no big stage, no frills, and nothing on the line but bragging rights and a winner take all cash prize, the Tuesday Night LIVE on Table Rock is designed to feel just like your local weekday tournament, only with some of the biggest names in the sport.
Mark your calendar for April 21 and join the action, watch live online or come experience it in person. This is one Tuesday night on Table Rock you won’t want to miss.
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Series presented by Battery Tender, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, 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, Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
B.A.S.S. announces 2026 BassmastHER workshop schedule
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. is proud to unveil the 2026 BassmastHER workshop schedule, offering a nationwide series of events designed to bring together women and girls who share a passion for bass fishing. The immersive workshops will take place alongside some of the most anticipated tournaments and championship events of the season, providing hands-on learning opportunities, expert instruction, and lasting community connections.
“BassmastHER gave me a community I didn't even realize I was missing, and it means the world to me that I get to be a part of it,” said BassmastHER Ambassador Kylee Short. “This program has brought together so many women and girls that share the same love for this sport and just want to share knowledge. It's so important to have a safe space where growth feels possible for every experience level and every angler belongs.”
Now in its continued expansion, the 2026 BassmastHER workshop series creates spaces on the water and off where anglers of all ages and skill levels can grow their confidence, improve their techniques and forge friendships within a supportive environment. Whether participants are new to bass fishing or seasoned anglers seeking to sharpen their skills, each workshop offers opportunities to connect, learn and celebrate time on the water together.
BassmastHER 2026 Workshop Dates and Locations:
- Feb. 14: Bassmaster Elite Series at Lake Martin — Alexander City, Ala.
- March 14: Bassmaster Classic at Tennessee River — Knoxville, Tenn.
- May 16: Bassmaster Elite Series at Santee Cooper Lakes — Clarendon County, S.C.
- June 13: Bassmaster Elite Series at Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound — Elizabeth City, N.C.
- July 29: Bassmaster High School & Junior Championship at Kentucky Lake — Paris, Tenn.
- Aug. 29: Bassmaster Elite Series at St. Lawrence River — Clayton, N.Y.
Each workshop is curated to provide engaging, relevant content with instruction from experienced anglers and authentic opportunities to explore new techniques, tackle and approaches to bass fishing. Attendees can expect a blend of classroom-style learning and on-water demonstrations, designed to bolster both knowledge and confidence.
Created to serve as a support system for education, travel, inspiration and community for female anglers everywhere, BassmastHER is more than a series of workshops — it is a movement that fosters belonging, growth and empowerment within the bass fishing community. The initiative encourages women and girls of all experience levels to embrace the sport and connect with those who share their passion.
For more information on the 2026 BassmastHER workshop schedule, to register to attend an event, or to learn how you can get involved, visit Bassmaster.com/BassmastHER.
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Series presented by Battery Tender, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, 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, Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Tennessee Tourism to support 2026 Bassmaster Classic, High School National Championship
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. officials announced that Tennessee Department of Tourist Development has been named a Local Classic Partner for the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, which will be held in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee Tourism will also serve as the presenting sponsor of the Strike King Bassmaster High School National Championship, scheduled for July 30-Aug. 1 on Kentucky Lake out of Paris, Tennessee.
The partnership highlights Tennessee’s long-standing commitment to fishing, conservation and outdoor recreation while connecting Bassmaster fans and families with some of the most diverse and accessible fisheries in the country.
Tennessee is a world-class outdoor destination with stunning natural resources, premier fishing opportunities and family-friendly travel experiences. With hundreds of thousands of miles of fishable waters, including 18 Bill Dance Signature Lakes, the state has become a destination of choice for anglers at every level — from youth competitors and weekend families to Elite Series professionals.
“We’re excited to welcome visitors and showcase why Tennessee is a world-class fishing destination,” said Dennis Tumlin, chief customer officer for Tennessee Tourism. “Through our Fish Tennessee partnership with the Bassmaster Classic and Bassmaster High School National Championship, we’re highlighting the state’s 500,000 miles of rivers, lakes and streams — offering something for every angler, from trophy smallmouth and giant largemouth to native trout. We’re excited to share Tennessee’s great outdoors with visitors across the globe.”
The Bassmaster tournaments will bring together the nation’s top anglers at every age to compete on Tennessee fisheries, underscoring the state’s long-term investment in fisheries enhancement, angler access and youth development.
“Tennessee Tourism is a perfect partner for B.A.S.S. because they share our commitment to growing the sport, supporting conservation and creating meaningful experiences for anglers and their families,” said Phillip Johnson, chief operating officer of B.A.S.S. “From hosting the Bassmaster Classic to investing heavily in fisheries and youth programs, Tennessee continues to set the standard for how states can support competitive fishing at every level.”
For more information on the 2026 Bassmaster Classic or the Bassmaster High School National Championship, visit Bassmaster.com.
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Series presented by Battery Tender, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, 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, Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Oconee County Readies for MLF Bass Pro Tour O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 2 at Lake Hartwell Presented by Lowrance
51 pros to compete on Lake Hartwell, competition live all four days at MajorLeagueFishing.com
SENECA, S.C. (Feb. 10, 2026) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour (BPT) will head to South Carolina next week, Feb. 19-22, for a landmark event as the circuit makes its long-awaited debut on Lake Hartwell at O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 2 Presented by Lowrance.
Hosted by Visit Oconee SC, t he four-day tournament will feature 51 of the world’s top professional anglers competing for a $125,000 top prize and their share of a $600,000 purse, along with valuable Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) points in hopes of qualifying for REDCREST 2027 – the Bass Pro Tour championship – and the MLF Heavy Hitters all-star event. Competition will unfold under MLF’s catch, weigh, immediate-release format, where every bass over the 2-pound minimum counts and SCORETRACKER® – the MLF live leaderboard – keeps the pressure on throughout the day.
“We are thrilled to welcome Major League Fishing’s first-ever Bass Pro Tour event to Lake Hartwell and Oconee County,” said Phil Shirley, President and CEO of Visit Oconee SC. “This landmark event showcases not only the world-class fishing Lake Hartwell is known for, but also the natural beauty, hospitality and outdoor recreation opportunities that define Oconee County. Hosting the MLF Bass Pro Tour places our community on a national stage and reinforces our region’s reputation as a premier destination for anglers and visitors alike.”
The field brings together an impressive blend of elite talent and compelling storylines, led by reigning Bass Pro Tour AOY and 10-time BPT champion Jacob Wheeler and back-to-back REDCREST champion Dustin Connell. Established winners and fan favorites such as Alton Jones, Jr., Edwin Evers and Ott DeFoe anchor the roster, while a dynamic rookie class stands ready to leave its mark on the Bass Pro Tour stage. Newcomers this season include Mitchell Robinson, Jacob Walker, Banks Shaw and Dustin Smith, who made their Bass Pro Tour debut at Stage 1 last month, where Walker finished in second place and Shaw in fifth.
While Lake Hartwell is one of the most storied fisheries in the country, hosting nearly 100 MLF events over the past three decades, the Stage 2 event will mark the first-ever Bass Pro Tour stop on the expansive reservoir – adding a new chapter to a lake that continues to test anglers in unique ways and opening the door for a compelling mix of history and momentum. Three anglers in the Stage 2 field have previously earned victories on Lake Hartwell on the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit – Brent Ehrler (2012), Casey Ashley (2014) and Mitchell Robinson (2025) – each proving capable of unlocking the lake’s ever-changing patterns.
Ashley, who hails from Donalds, South Carolina, said he is excited to be fishing his home lake for this event and expects the Bass Pro Tour format to push weights higher than many fans might anticipate.
“Lake Hartwell is fishing really good right now, and we’ve never fished one of the Bass Pro Tour every-fish-counts tournaments there, so this event should be really interesting,” said Ashley. “It’s a huge lake, but the cool thing is it’s good end to end. You could fish the whole four days and never see another boat, and it could be won anywhere.”
Lake Hartwell’s size and diversity are expected to play a major role, especially with both spotted bass and largemouth bass in play.
“It’s got a massive population of both spots and largemouth,” Ashley said. “You can catch them deep, shallow – it’s just a great lake with a lot of good fish in it. The two-pound minimum is really going to showcase the spotted bass in this fishery. In a five-fish tournament, guys don’t always target them, but in this event, you’re really going to see what lives in Hartwell.”
Ashley believes the format will highlight contrasting approaches throughout the day, from deepwater finesse to shallow-water power fishing.
“You’ll see guys catching them 40 feet deep on the bottom, and you’ll also see guys shallow cranking in the backs of creeks in dirty water,” he explained. “That’s what makes Hartwell so unique – you can fish your strengths here. Drop-shot rigs, shaky heads and jigs will play, but shallow crankbaits, spinnerbaits and flat-sides will be in the mix as well.”
As a blueback herring fishery, Lake Hartwell presents an added layer of unpredictability that could reshape the leaderboard daily.
“All the lakes in this region have blueback herring, which are really nomadic fish,” Ashley said. “The bass at Lake Hartwell sometimes act more like striper than bass – you can catch them great one day and it can be a ghost town the next because they just follow the bait. That can help you or hurt you in a hurry.
“I expect whoever’s leading to finish around 60 to 65 pounds per day,” Ashley continued. “On the Championship Round, after four days of fishing, it’ll probably still take 50 pounds or more to come out on top.”
Anglers will arrive each morning at 6:15 a.m. ET to Seneca Creek County Park, located at 270 Seneca Creek Road in Seneca, South Carolina. Anglers will return to Seneca Creek County Park each evening following the end of competition at 3:45 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to watch the event live online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® livestream and follow along with SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
On Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 21-22, from 3–6 p.m., MLF invites fans of all ages to Seneca Creek County Park, located at 270 Seneca Creek Road in Seneca, for the MLF Fan Experience & Watch Party. Fans can watch the Bass Pro Tour pros live on the MLFNOW!® big screen, enjoy free food for the first 100 fans each day, enter hourly giveaways, browse MLF merchandise and the bargain bait bin, and cheer on their favorite anglers. Youth of all ages can take part in a fishing derby (gear and bait provided, weather permitting) and a casting contest. Live music begins at 4 p.m., followed by Top 10 angler interviews and the trophy presentation at 5 p.m., including autographs and photos with Bass Pro Tour finalists. The first 50 kids ages 14 and under will receive a free rod and reel each day.
The O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 2 at Lake Hartwell Presented by Lowrance 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 2026 Bass Pro Tour features a field of 51 of the best professional anglers in the world, competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual Heavy Hitters all-star event and the REDCREST 2027 championship.
The full field of anglers will compete in the two-day Qualifying Round on Thursday and Friday. After the two-day Qualifying Round is complete, the pro with the heaviest two-day total will advance directly to Sunday’s Championship Round. Anglers who finish 2nd through 25th will advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed, and the remaining anglers compete to finish in the top nine to advance to Sunday’s Championship Round. In the final-day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $125,000.
The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live on all four days of competition from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. MLFNOW!® will be livestreamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com , the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app and Rumble.
Television coverage of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 2 at Lake Hartwell Presented by Lowrance will premiere as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Aug. 22, on Discovery. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on Outdoor Channel.
Proud sponsors of the MLF Bass Pro Tour include: Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing Co., Bass Force, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Black Buffalo, BUBBA, Cigars International, Epic Baits, Grizzly, Lowrance, Mercury, MillerTech, NITRO Boats, OFF! Deep Woods, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Star brite, Suzuki Marine, Toyota, Yuengling and Zenni.
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, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV and Game & Fish TV, and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Springville’s Walker Uses Home-Water Knowledge to Win Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lay Lake
Georgia’s Ford Earns Victory in Co-Angler Division
COLUMBIANA, Ala. (Feb. 9, 2026) – Boater Jacob Walker of Springville, Alabama, caught a total of five bass weighing 23 pounds even to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lay Lake . The tournament was the second of five events of the season for the BFL Bama Division. Walker earned $10,540, including a $7,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus, for his victory.
Walker, a rookie on the Bass Pro Tour, grew up and learned how to fish on the Warrior River just a couple of hours’ drive from Lay Lake and currently resides one hour and 10 minutes from Lay to the south and Guntersville Lake to the north. He calls the Coosa River his home waters, and he found he had to rely on home-water experience during the BFL event.
“I practiced for three days this week for the tournament, and it was really cold,” Walker said. “We had brutal conditions. The water temperature was mid-40s. I would use my LiveScope for a couple of hours in the morning, then I would go and look around to try to find something else. I never really found anything too good.”
Walker approached the tournament by planning to throw a 6-inch Deps Sakamata Shad Heavy Weight Soft Jerkbait on a 3/16-ounce Owner Range Roller Jig Head while utilizing his LiveScope and then switching to a Big Texan-colored Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver 4.20 secured to a ½-ounce tungsten weight on 50-pound-test Sunline Braid to flip grass.
“That 6-inch bait is usually big for a spotted bass, and most people will not throw something that big for spotted bass,” Walker said. “I might not get as many bites with it as somebody throwing something smaller, but when I do get a fish to commit on that bait it’s usually one you’re going to weigh in.”
“I used the three hours of LiveScope from 7:10 to 10:10 and caught seven fish,” Walker went on to say. “I had a bunch of 4-pounders for 20 pounds. After my scoping was done, I went and flipped grass the rest of the day. I got five bites flipping, and I landed three of them, one of which was a 6-13 at 2:45.”
Although Walker knew his approach was a solid one, conditions played a major factor in the tournament and forced Walker to lean on past experience on the water.
“It was just a tough day,” Walker said. “Understanding current and the effect it has on water levels played a big factor. When they run some current and the water is already low, the bottom end of the lake is typically lower than it is mid- to up-river, so that’s where the grass fishing was better for me, because the water was a little bit higher up there. I’m talking four inches made a big difference. I just had to have faith to fish some of the stuff I’ve caught big fish on in the past and know where to go flip for six hours and have the confidence to get the right three bites. The weights have been really good on the lake, so I was worried. Even after I caught that big one I was still worried I wasn’t going to win.”
“I am a professional fisherman,” Walker went on to say. “I realize that. But I don’t feel that way. All of the people I fished against in this tournament are people I’ve fished against since I was 12 years old. I mean, there are local legends there. I don’t fish at home much anymore. It’s hard to compete at home because everybody there is so good. They know exactly what’s going on day to day. And being on the road you lose touch with that. So, I was shocked to win this, honestly.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Jacob Walker, Springville, Ala., five bass, 23-0, $10,540 (includes $7,000 Phoenix Bonus)
2nd: Hunter Davidson, Reform, Ala., five bass, 19-10, $1,680
3rd: Tristen Price, Madison, Ala., five bass, 18-3, $850
4th: Bobby McCaa, Selma, Ala., five bass, 17-4, $680
5th: Chris Hensley, Marbury, Ala., five bass, 16-11, $600
6th: Dalton Cochran, McCalla, Ala., five bass, 16-6, $520
7th: Matthew Bennett, Eclectic, Ala., five bass, 16-0, $500
8th: Phillip Herring, Richton, Miss., five bass, 15-10, $480
9th: Josh Statum, Jackson’s Gap, Ala., five bass, 15-2, $460
10th: James Willoughby, Gulfport, Miss., five bass, 15-0, $430
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Walker also earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award after landing a 6-pound, 13-ounce bass worth $200.
Jeffrey Ford of Trion, Georgia, won the co-angler division and the top prize of $1,670 Saturday after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 10 pounds, 6 ounces.
The top 10 co-anglers finished:
1st: Jeffrey Ford, Trion, Ga., three bass, 10-6, $1,670
2nd: Timothy Shockley, Booneville, Miss., three bass, 10-0, $840
3rd: Michael Hester, Ohatchee, Ala., three bass, 8-10, $425
4th: Scott Noles, Woodland, Ala., three bass, 8-6, $340
5th: Corey Wyrosdick, Phenix City, Ala., three bass, 8-0, $300
6th: Roger Shirey, Ashland, Ala., three bass, 7-13, $260
7th: Alvin Shirey, Talladega, Ala., three bass, 7-9, $250
8th: David Rhudy, Calera, Ala., three bass, 7-7, $240
9th: Randy Wiggins, Birmingham, Ala, three bass, 7-6, $230
10th: Phillip Easterling, Clanton, Ala., three bass, 7-5, $215
Joseph Chilcott of Williamson, Georgia, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award after landing a 5-pound, 7-ounce bass worth $100.
After two events, Tristen Price of Madison, Alabama, now leads the 7 Brew Bama Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 493 points, while Jeffrey Ford of Trion, Georgia, leads the Bama Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 494 points.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 22-24 BFL Regional tournament on Watts Bar Lake in Spring City, Tennessee. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top prize of a new Phoenix 518 pro with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard, worth $33,500.
The 2026 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 co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying tournament winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top seven, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2026 BFL All-American will take place May 28-30, at Lake Murray in Columbia, South Carolina, and is hosted by Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism.
Proud sponsors of the 2026 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7 Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Cigars International, Epic Baits, Grizzly, Lew’s, Mercury, MillerTech, Mystik Lubricants, OFF! Deep Woods, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, PirahnO2, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, VOSKER, YETI and Yuengling.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular BFL 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, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV and Game & Fish TV, and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Cox ready to measure up at Martin
With light weights and fish measuring mishaps at the Elite Series opener on Guntersville in his rearview mirror, the always happy John Cox begins round two of the season at Lake Martin this week with nothing but positive vibes and numerous measuring accessories on board his aluminum Vexus®.
Q: First things first, did you make sure there’s a measuring board in your boat?
Cox: I borrowed one from a buddy at Guntersville. I hope he doesn’t want it back. (laughs) Plus, my buddies at Vexus gave me a hard time, and bought me a tape measure and one of those soft tapes that tailors and seamstress use.
Q: After a brutal Day 1 at Guntersville, you managed to catch nearly 18 pounds on Day 2. What was the difference?
Cox: It was like I got up on the wrong side of the bed last Thursday. Ice was freezing in my rod guides and reels, and I got spun out mentally fighting casting issues. Things thawed out on Friday, I went back to the same areas with the same lures and caught a decent limit.
Q: Let’s move on to Lake Martin. Do you have any history on that 100-year old reservoir?
Cox: A little bit. I fished it once when I was 18-years old and did terrible, but went back as an FLW angler and cashed a check.
Q: This is a forward-facing sonar event, and lots of 10-12-pound spotted bass limits are likely to be weighed-in, with a 14-pound limit generally being highly regarded. What will your approach be?
Cox: I’ll probably try to find a place to catch a limit, and then go hunt a bigger largemouth to separate myself from the pack.
Q: Will the spinnerbait and buzzbait be key for you at Martin?
Cox: I hope so. They’re both classic pre-spawn baits that allow me to cover a ton of water to keep up with the ‘scopers’ -- and we’re facing a big warming trend that should also make them players.
Note: Five years ago, Cox won $100,000 at this time of year on Smith Lake, another well-known Alabama fishery full of spotted bass. Hopefully some of the similarities will translate to a magnificent week on Lake Martin for the lighthearted Florida pro.
Wes Logan Loads Boat with Yamaha Power Pay
Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships
Wes Logan bested 96 six of his peers to finish fifth in the FXR Bassmaster® Elite on Lake Guntersville, earning an additional $2,500 of extra cash from the Yamaha Power Pay program for his efforts. The 32-year-old Alabama native has now fished three Elite Series tournaments on this iconic fishery, and he’s never finished lower than fifth.
Logan’s quiet confidence and consistent results on Lake Guntersville mirror the efficiency and reliability of the Yamaha 250-horsepower V MAX SHO® on the back of his Falcon Boat. Yamaha’s renowned dependability was paramount for Logan this week, as extremely cold air and water temperatures were a major storyline throughout practice and competition for the Elite Series season opener.
The air temperature was a brutal nine degrees on day one of practice and Logan said he was reading 36-degree water temps when he launched his boat, by far the coldest water temperatures Logan had ever fished for bass in. Even amid the harsh conditions, Logan said he never worried about the motor that had his back.
“That Yamaha SHO on the back of my boat gives me absolute peace of mind,” Logan said. “Whether it’s ten degrees or 100 degrees, I know if I take care of my Yamaha it’ll take care of me. When temperatures dip below freezing like we faced at Guntersville, you need to be mindful of the conditions. Let your motor idle and warm up a bit first thing in the morning before you blast off and make sure you drain all water from your motor at the end of the day.”
Logan emphasizes that with proper maintenance and care, he knows he can count on his outboard to get him to the fish and back to the boat ramp without issue every single time. Which, at the end of the day, is the most important thing whether you are fishing at the highest level or you’re on the water for a short trip with your family.
Another major perk of running a Yamaha is if you compete in one of the nearly 600 supported bass, walleye, or saltwater tournaments you’ll have the opportunity for bonus money through Yamaha’s Power Pay contingency. You don’t need to be a pro like Wes Logan to enjoy the rewards of Power Pay.
“I’ll tell any angler who will listen, if you fish tournaments you need to be running a Yamaha,” Logan offered. “It pays to run the best, literally, through the Power Pay program but also in the sense that you get the best performing and most reliable outboard on the market. It really is an easy decision.”
Anglers of all levels are eligible to win through Power Pay. High school and college competition, team trails, grassroots events and more are included in the full list of supported tournaments. For more information, follow this link https://yamahapowerpay.com/registration or send us an email at [email protected] and get signed up today.
Keystone State’s Ryan Matylewicz locks up key Kayak Series win at Kissimmee Chain
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Ryan Matylewicz didn’t come close to catching the best bag of bass in the Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series at Kissimmee Chain presented by Native Watercraft. That honor went to fellow Pennsylvanian Dylan Crystaloski whose Day 2 total of 114.75 inches broke the record for the largest one-day limit in Bassmaster Kayak Series history.
Despite those fireworks, Matylewicz proved consistency wins the race.
The 38-year-old Tunkhanook, Pa., resident caught a 98.75-inch limit on Saturday and closed with a limit of 95.5 inches Sunday to give him 10 bass measuring 194.25 inches overall, which was more than enough length to top the field of 242 anglers competing this weekend in central Florida.
Matylewicz earned $11,500 for the victory, part of a $48,400 cash purse awarded to top performers on the Kissimmee Chain. The tournament was the first of six regular season stops for the series in 2026.
“Being consistent was the name of the game,” Matylewicz said. “I found some fish in practice on the north end of Lake Tohopekaliga, and I stayed up there both days of the tournament. I threw an Alabama rig the whole time and I feel like I threw it about 6 million times. I was hurting overnight and maxed out on ibuprofen. It’s not easy throwing that thing as many times as I did, but that’s what they were hitting.”
Chucking the A-rig was a necessity, Matylewicz said, following a bitter cold front that blanketed the East Coast last week. Water temperatures plummeted and still were at 52 degrees on Sunday morning for Day 2 of the derby. Florida provided plenty of its signature sunshine, though, and the water warmed rapidly as the final day progressed.
“It got to 59, 60 degrees eventually,” Matylewicz said. “The fish were lethargic and really slow to bite. But with that big rig whizzing over their heads, I was getting some reaction bites. I was close enough, so they thought they’d take a chance on some free food.”
A variety of lures worked with the Alabama rig, but Matylewicz said basic shad-colored plastics worked best. He fished over hard spots and small rockpiles in anywhere from 4 to 8 feet of water.
“I stayed near some pre-spawn locations that were close to winter spots,” he said. “The fish wanted to spawn, but the water temperature dropped so much with that cold front, the fish were disoriented. Where I was worked, but it got less productive as thy day went on. I wouldn’t have a lot of confidence going to that spot again if we had to fish tomorrow.”
Rounding out the Top 5 at the Kissimmee Chain are, second, North Carolina’s Wyatt Hammond, 190.75 inches, $5,250; third, Pennsylvania’s Greg Polec, 190.50, $3,250; fourth, Crystaloski, 182.75, $2,855; and fifth, Connecticut’s Ryan Nye, 180, $2,655.
Of that quintet, only Crystaloski was outside the Top 5 after Day 1, when he caught four fish measuring 68 inches. He crashed the party on Championship Sunday, though, with eight total catches, including a pair of 24-inch toads. He also had bass of 22.5, 22.25 and 22 inches to round out his record-setting haul. Bassmaster Kayak Series Director Steve Owens said five bass totaling 114.75 inches is equivalent to about 35 pounds.
“It was the best day of my life on the water,” said Crystaloski, a 25-year-old native of Greensburg, Pa.
“I caught a 9 1/2-pound, 26-inch largemouth in practice right outside a spawning flat using a DT6 Rapala crankbait. “When the tournament started, I sat on that same point all day and knew it was either sink or swim … I knew I had to go there and swing on them again today. They just kept reloading. I couldn’t ask for a better start to the season.”
The previous one-day record in a Bassmaster Kayak Series event was 112.25 inches caught by Mark Pendegraf in the 2021 Championship on Possum Kingdom Lake in Texas.
The Top 5 anglers in each of this year’s kayak tournaments advance to the 2026 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship presented by Native Watercraft, which will be held later this year at a location not yet announced. The Bassmaster College Kayak Series will be held in conjunction with that championship.
Garin Butler, of Duluth, Ga., caught a 24.75-inch bass on Saturday and won the $500 Big Bass Award. Also, for the first time in the Bassmaster Kayak Series, a $100 Hourly Big Bass prize was awarded to the competitor who caught the longest bass in each hour of the tournament.
Scoring for the week will be available via TourneyX.
The Kissimmee Sports Commission hosted this event.
2026 Bassmaster Kayak Series
2026 Bassmaster Kayak Series Presenting Sponsor: Native Watercraft
2026 Bassmaster Kayak Series Angler of the Year Sponsor: Pro-Guide Batteries
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Series presented by Battery Tender, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, 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, Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Illinois’ Drew Gill Earns Fifth Career Win at Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Stop 1 Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches
Gill catches final day limit weighing 26 pounds even Sunday to earn $100,000 top prize
LEESBURG, Fla. (Feb. 8, 2026) – Mount Carmel, Illinois, pro Drew Gill kicked off the 2026 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by MillerTech season the same way he kicked off the 2026 Bass Pro Tour season – with a superlative win and a $100,000-plus payday. In the first few weeks of the fishing season, the young superstar has now won two national-level events and consequently leads in Angler of the Year (AOY) points on both of MLF’s top circuits.
This week at Stop 1 at the Harris Chain of Lakes Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches , Gill had a killer gameplan for big bites and weighed three fish over 8 pounds on the week. After catching three for an even 21 pounds on Day 1, Gill took a big lead on Day 2 with a 19-4 limit and closed Sunday with an even 26 pounds (including an 8-pounder and a 9-pounder) for a dominating 66-4 total. Gill topped 2nd-place finisher Brody Campbell by nearly 18 pounds and weighed either the biggest or second-biggest bag every day of the event. For the win, Gill pocketed $100,500 (including a $500 Berkley Big Bass Bonus) and also qualified for REDCREST 2027, which is at least a level of insurance for the BPT standout.
Fishing for suspended, offshore fish in Lake Beauclair, Gill showed off a master gameplan and did what he does best at a level nobody else could touch.
The Pro Circuit field is not lacking in exceptional offshore anglers or anglers skilled with forward-facing sonar – in fact, Bobby Bakewell and Aaron Yavorsky both have some major success on the Harris Chain, and major skills with the beam. Banks Shaw made the Top 50 cut, as well as Alec Morrison, two modern pros will a full skillset and winners of the last two Pro Circuit AOY awards. However, Gill fished at a level that was a cut – or maybe two cuts, even – above his competition throughout the entire event.
One of Gill’s big keys was an umbrella rig, with caught all his fish over 8 pounds, and which he was more committed to than any other angler.
“When I showed up here, the water was 48 degrees in the lake I started in,” he said. “That’s ridiculously cold, and a cold bass is a cold bass. A cold bass has always, will always, eat an A-rig. The first fish I threw it at was almost a 6-pounder. From there, I kept it in my back pocket, ordered a bunch and had it ready.
“The big, big ones just would not respond to the minnow,” he said. “I caught three over 8 on the week, and all of them bit the A-rig. That was the ticket: When the water is so dirty, you need something that has drawing power to make it worth it. And when they’re suspended, they don’t generally want to go to the bottom.”
On Day 1, Gill caught about half the fish he saw. He caught about a quarter of the fish he saw on Day 2, and nearly a third of the fish he saw on Day 3. A slightly worse catch rate might have seen him battling instead of cruising, or maybe, in the sort of situation that Yavorsky ended up in, catching big ones but never enough of them.
“Using ‘Scope, fishing offshore for suspended fish in Florida, it comes down to fish identification and understanding your approach,” he outlined. “Picking your approach is really important. With an A-rig, the big thing is you’ve got about six inches of metal in front of those swimbaits. You’ve got a lot of ‘not look so good’ that is in front of the part you want them interested in. Picking your cast right to make sure the first thing they engage with is not the front of the rig, but the back of it, is super important. Being very meticulous about how I approached those big, big ones was very important. Those giant ones didn’t want to bite anything else.”
Gill used a YUM YUMbrella Flash Mob Jr. rig with 3 1/2-inch swimbaits – on two screwlocks, two 1/8-ounce heads and a 1/16-ounce head. He threw it on 25-pound Seaguar Tatsu and never had an issue handling any of the giants he hooked. Gill also caught some fish on a 4.8-inch Big Bite Baits Spotlight Minnow on a 1/8-ounce head, as well as several key fish on 3/8- and 1/2-ounce ChatterBaits.
Gill ran Kissimmee grass edges with the ChatterBait, which put key fish in the boat on the last two days. It continued his trend of mastering whatever forward-facing sonar bite exists on competition waters and then figuring out the rest of the gameplan.
“I didn’t spend a lot of time trying to figure it out in practice,” he said. “I tried to figure it out in the tournament. The first day, I ran too much, I fished too little. I think on the Harris Chain right now it is an efficiency deal. I regrouped and just got on the trolling motor on the edge of the Kissimmee grass and put that ChatterBait in my hand, and I got meaningful bites on it the last two days.”
Fishing the Pro Circuit is an important avenue for Gill to win money and promote his sponsors, but it’s also a lot of fun for the young pro. He’s willing to take risks he might not on the Bass Pro Tour, and this week showed that off. He didn’t chase some sort of moonshot plan. He never went to a limit hole and AOY points never crossed his mind.
“There weren’t a lot of bites to be had this week on the Harris Chain,” Gill said. “The only way to overcome that was to do it on really big fish. It’s really hard to intentionally manufacture three 8-plus bites, but I knew I was around big ones this week. There were a couple places in Dora where I knew I could go catch some fish, but I never bailed to them; I spent every minute of my ‘Scope period looking for big ones, and it worked out.
“This was a big risk, but it was a big risk because it wasn’t a likely positive outcome,” he said. “They were kind of unpredictable. They didn’t have a pattern of where they would go; it’s really wind susceptible and there were a lot of variables that could have destroyed it. The beauty of five-fish tournaments with a high-risk pattern is when you only have one idea, you commit. I didn’t have a backup plan.”
On Day 3, Gill had it wrapped up early, maybe when he caught his first 8-pounder, definitely when he caught his 9-pounder. And with it, he added yet another accolade to his already overflowing resume.
“It’s a hard place to win and this was an incredible field of anglers,” he said. “I’m ecstatic. The fact that this happens, that it continues to happen, it baffles me.”
The top 20 pros at the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Stop 1 at the Harris Chain of Lakes Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches finished:
1st: Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., 13 bass, 66-4, $100,000
2nd: Brody Campbell, Oxford, Ohio, 15 bass, 48-14, $25,000
3rd: Aaron Yavorsky, Palm Harbor, Fla., nine bass, 43-3, $20,000
4th: Connor Jacob, Peoria, Ill., 15 bass, 42-12, $18,000
5th: Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala., 15 bass, 39-13, $17,000
6th: Jared Lintner, Covington, Ga., 15 bass, 39-4, $16,000
7th: Chad Mrazek, Montgomery, Texas, 14 bass, 36-15, $15,000
8th: Broderick Luckey, Lynchburg, Va., 14 bass, 36-11, $14,000
9th: Marshall Robinson, Landrum, S.C., 15 bass, 36-4, $13,000
10th: Ryan Lachniet, Gum Spring, Va., 15 bass, 36-3, $12,000
11th: Jack Daniel Williams, Kingsport, Tenn., 15 bass, 33-10, $10,000
12th: Samuel Fish, Chelsea, Ala., 14 bass, 33-7, $10,000
13th: Will Harkins, Blairsville, Ga., 15 bass, 31-11, $10,000
14th: Terry Scroggins, San Mateo, Fla., 15 bass, 31-5, $10,000
15th: Gary Klein, Mingus, Texas, 15 bass, 30-15, $10,000
16th: Dylan Nutt, Nashville, Tenn., 13 bass, 30-12, $10,000
17th: Tyler Campbell, Martin, Ga., 12 bass, 30-1, $10,000
18th: Drew Boggs, Lebanon, Tenn., 12 bass, 29-14, $10,000
19th: Colby Miller, Elmer, La., eight bass, 29-12, $10,000
20th: Matt Massey, Saint Augustine, Fla., 13 bass, 29-10, $10,000
Complete results for the entire tournament can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 180 bass weighing 417 pounds, 3 ounces caught by 44 pros Sunday. The catch included 25 five-bass limits.
The three-day Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Stop 1 at the Harris Chain of Lakes Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches, hosted by Discover Lake County Florida, featured professional pro anglers competing for a top prize of up to $135,000. Pros were also vying for valuable points to qualify for the 2026 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Championship, hosted by Experience Kissimmee , set for Sept. 18-20 on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes in Kissimmee, Florida, as well as REDCREST 2027 qualification and a coveted spot on the MLF Bass Pro Tour – the sport’s premier circuit.
“Closing out the final day of competition at the 2026 Major League Fishing Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Stop 1 was an incredible moment for Lake County and the City of Leesburg,” said Ryan Ritchie, Director, Office of Tourism-Discover Lake County. “The anglers delivered an unforgettable finish on our waters, and the excitement on shore matched every ounce of intensity that carried throughout the tournament. We’re grateful to stand alongside the City of Leesburg, the Lake County Board of County Commissioners, our Tourist Development Council and the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, and we appreciate the partnership that helped deliver an event that brought national attention and meaningful economic impact to our community.”
The full field competed in the two-day opening round on Friday and Saturday in a five-fish, weigh-in format. Only the top 50 pros, based on their two-day cumulative weight, advanced to the final round on Championship Sunday, where they competed for the grand prize of up to $135,000.
Television coverage of the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by MillerTech Stop 1 at the Harris Chain Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches will air as a two-hour episode, premiering at 9 a.m. ET, on Sunday, Sept. 6 on VICE TV.
The next event for 2026 is the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Stop 2 at Santee Cooper Lakes, set for Feb. 26-28 in Clarendon County, South Carolina.
Proud sponsors of the 2026 MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by MillerTech include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Bubba, Cigars International, Epic Baits, Grizzly, Mercury, MillerTech, OFF! Deep Woods, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, PiranhO2, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, VOSKER, YETI and Yuengling.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit 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, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV and Game & Fish TV, and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
Cherry conquers Bassmaster Elite at Lake Guntersville
SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — Hank Cherry, turned 52 today, so it’s fitting that the pro from Lincolnton, N.C., employed a straight-up old-school technique to win the FXR Bassmaster Elite at Lake Guntersville with 88 pounds, 11 ounces.
Cherry caught the majority of his fish on a 3-inch hand-poured chartreuse curly tail grub rigged on a 1/8-ounce ball-head jig. Dedicating his win to his father Harold, Sr., Cherry said he was thrilled to claim the victory with a bait from his childhood.
“I felt like I was 10-years-old again; it was incredible fishing,” Cherry said with a quaking voice. “I was throwing a bait that’s older than (much) of the field. I’ve been waiting my whole life to be able to fish a major tournament and do that.
“My dad has been feeling under the weather, but he’s the one that taught me how to fish and he started this thing.”
Cherry’s slower start amplified his win. A frigid Day 1 impeded his signature jerkbait efforts and left Cherry in 64th place with 16 pounds, 3 ounces. The following day, Cherry sacked up 22-11 and rocketed into 18th.
On Semifinal Saturday, Cherry continued his climb with a limit of 22-2, which moved him into sixth place and secured his Championship Sunday berth. In the final round, Cherry added 27-11 — the event’s heaviest bag — to claim the blue trophy.
Edging Stetson Blaylock of Benton, Ark., by 1-13, Cherry won the $100,000 top prize.
“I love this game, I was born to do this game and I thank God that he gave me the ability to do what I do,” Cherry said. “This is incredible. This is just another check mark on a lifelong dream that I’ve been living.”
Cherry devoted his tournament to the Alred Creek area, where the abundance of baitfish and the scarcity of boats presented a promising scenario. He caught his fish by casting and slowly swimming the grub along the grass edge.
“Once you learn how to move the bait, it’s very easy,” Cherry said. “The bite’s simple. You don’t lose a lot, except when they straighten out your hook.
“I just paid attention to one grassline and anytime I went over a group of bait or a group of fish with my DownScan, I would mark it and come back through. I knew today was my day when I looked up in the grass 30 yards away, and (the fish) were just boiling.”
When Cherry left his main area, he was unsure of his overall standing. Fortunately, a late-day decision sealed the deal.
“I was second guessing leaving, but the afternoon has been so bad,” Cherry said. “I came up here (near the tournament site at Goose Pond) with 10 minutes to go and fished a Bassmooch HC 115 jerkbait on a bluff and caught my last one, which was right at 5 pounds.
“I said, ‘If I get beat, I just get beat.’”
This win marks Cherry’s fifth Bassmaster victory. Most recently, he won back-to-back Bassmaster Classic titles at the 2021 event at Lake Ray Roberts and the 2020 Classic on Lake Guntersville.
Cherry also won the 2013 Elite Series All-Star Week and Championship at Muskegon Lake and White Lake. A year prior, he topped the Southern Open at Smith Lake.
Only three other anglers have claimed consecutive Classic titles: Rick Clunn (1976-77), Kevin VanDam (2010-2011) and Jordan Lee (2017-2018). On the theme of repetition, Cherry said his underlying sense of familiarity helped deliver a second Guntersville title.
“Anytime I’m on this lake, I feel like I have a chance to win,” Cherry said. “I knew that with that bait and these conditions, this would be the one time I was really gonna have a chance.
“I just feel comfortable here. I don’t know why; I just have a peace when I come here.”
Improving from third on Day 3, Blaylock finished second with 86-14. His daily weights were 18-12, 22-14, 22-11 and 22-9.
Working in the back of Alred Creek, Blaylock fished a ditch running through the grass. Targeting prespawn bass, he threw a 5-inch YUM Money Minnow rigged on a 3/8-ounce Scottsboro Tackle swimbait head.
“One mistake I made was I did not fish the area I caught them in the last three days on the first day,” Blaylock said. “If I would have done that, it would have been a little different outcome.”
On Day 4, Blaylock also worked a Booyah One Knocker and an unnamed jig head minnow into his rotation.
Matt Robertson of Kuttawa, Ky., finished third with 85-13. He caught limits of 23-11, 16-5, 23-9 and 22-4.
“On Day 3, I was throwing a Berkley Cull Shad and I caught a couple, then I missed two,” Robertson said. “I put my Power-Poles down and picked up a Berkley Stunna jerkbait. The grass was so shallow, I just made a short pitch out there and kept my rod tip up, twitched it three or four times and I caught a few.
“I thought, ‘If they’re not gonna miss the jerkbait, I’ll just keep throwing it.’”
Cooper Gallant of Bowmanville Ontario won the $2,000 Phoenix Boats Big Bass award with his 8-4.
Cherry won the $2,000 Rapala CrushCity Monster Bag with his 27-11.
Cherry won the $4,000 Toyota Bonus Bucks contingency award for the highest-placing eligible angler.
Wes Logan of Springville, Ala., won the $4,000 Yamaha Power Pay contingency award for the highest-placing eligible angler.
Jacob Powroznik of North Prince George, Va., the BassTrakk Contingency prize for the angler whose BassTrakk estimates are closest to their official weight.
This event was hosted by Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce.
2026 Bassmaster Elite Series
2026 Bassmaster Elite Series
2026 Bassmaster Elite Series
2026 Bassmaster Elite Series
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Series presented by Battery Tender, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, 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, Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
Media Contact: Mandy Pascal, Communications Manager, 334-414-8677, [email protected]
2026 FXR Bassmaster Elite Series at Lake Guntersville 2/5-2/8
Lake Guntersville, Scottsboro AL.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 4
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 20 88-11 101 $102,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 22-11 Day 3: 5 22-02 Day 4: 5 27-11
2. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 20 86-14 100 $22,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-12 Day 2: 5 22-14 Day 3: 5 22-11 Day 4: 5 22-09
3. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 20 85-13 99 $15,000.00
Day 1: 5 23-11 Day 2: 5 16-05 Day 3: 5 23-09 Day 4: 5 22-04
4. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 20 85-11 98 $12,500.00
Day 1: 5 20-12 Day 2: 5 23-04 Day 3: 5 23-00 Day 4: 5 18-11
5. Wes Logan Springville, AL 20 82-07 97 $11,750.00
Day 1: 5 20-08 Day 2: 5 20-09 Day 3: 5 24-01 Day 4: 5 17-05
6. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 20 80-13 96 $11,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-06 Day 2: 5 20-10 Day 3: 5 19-15 Day 4: 5 19-14
7. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 20 80-09 95 $10,500.00
Day 1: 5 21-14 Day 2: 5 19-04 Day 3: 5 19-04 Day 4: 5 20-03
8. Kyle Welcher Valley, AL 20 80-06 94 $10,300.00
Day 1: 5 20-07 Day 2: 5 24-09 Day 3: 5 17-05 Day 4: 5 18-01
9. Trey McKinney Carbondale, IL 20 79-09 93 $10,200.00
Day 1: 5 19-02 Day 2: 5 16-08 Day 3: 5 24-04 Day 4: 5 19-11
10. Dakota Ebare Brookeland, TX 20 74-04 92 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 5 17-08 Day 3: 5 24-05 Day 4: 5 13-14
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PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Wesley Gore Clanton, AL 08-01 $1,000.00
2 Cooper Gallant Bowmanville Ontario CANADA08-04 $1,000.00
3 Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 07-07 $1,000.00
4 Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 06-11 $1,000.00
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PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Cooper Gallant Bowmanville Ontario CANADA08-04 $2,000.00
RAPALA CRUSHCITY MONSTER BAG
Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 27-11 $2,000.00
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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 85 469 1670-10
2 82 466 1596-06
3 40 233 802-06
4 10 50 200-03
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217 1218 4269-09
Hartman eyeing second title in Bassmaster Elite lead at Lake Guntersville
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Drew Gill Jumps to Day 2 Lead at Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Stop 1 Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches
Mount Carmel, Illinois pro paces field into Championship Sunday with 7-pound, 15-ounce lead
LEESBURG, Fla. (Feb. 7, 2026) – Day 2 of the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by MillerTech Stop 1 on the Harris Chain Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches finished better than Day 1, with quite a bit better weather. The field managed 54 limits on the day, up from 46 on Day 1, and the pros caught 906 pounds of bass, up from 878 pounds – certainly not up to the usual Florida standards, but definitely better on a tough Harris Chain.
Consistency was tough to come by, and those who stayed steady were rewarded. The best of the bunch, Drew Gill backed up his three-bass, 21-pound effort from Day 1 with a limit for 19-4, bringing his total to 40-4 – nearly 8 pounds ahead of second place. Brody Campbell rolled up the leaderboard with 17-11 to claim the second position at 32-5, while Keith Poche maintained his third place position with another limit to get to 30 pounds even.
To make the 50-angler cut and advance to Championship Sunday, it took 14-8 for two days. Lucas Black, who caught three bass for less than 3 pounds on Day 1 and backed it up with five for 11-12 on Day 2, claimed the final spot.
Coming in off a win in the first Bass Pro Tour derby of the year at Lake Guntersville, it’s looking highly likely that Gill will bank over $200,000 in the first two events of the season. Fishing offshore and mostly making hay during his three hours of forward-facing sonar use, the young pro is in the midst of proving yet again that nobody ‘Scopes like he does.
Fishing roughly the same area as several other anglers on Day 1, Gill caught three giants to start out in second place. On Day 2, with at least as many competitors around, he again outstripped his competition.
“There was an absolute horde of boats in the area where I’d planned on starting. It took me an hour and 45 minutes to catch one fish – I was way off pace,” he said of his start to the day. “It was pretty rough, but I was able to rally and put some solid ones in the boat to end my ‘Scope period.”
Then, Gill hit the bank, winding a vibrating jig up shallow, where he caught two bass, including a 5-pounder. Without that fish, Gill probably still leads, but his ability to manufacture bites the old-fashioned way gave him a lot more breathing room.
As for Day 3, Gill doesn’t think anything is guaranteed, as the fish are far from reliable at the moment.
“Day 1, I saw six bass in three hours,” he explained. “Today, I saw almost 30. There’s more fish now than there were. The problem is, the reason there are more fish is not that there are more showing up. Fish that were out deep are getting pulled up by the boat traffic. They’re engaging with baits, they’re engaging with boats, and they become very hard to catch. The problem tomorrow is probably not going to be seeing fish; it’s going to be getting them to bite.”
Plenty of other pros had that issue Saturday – there were anglers fishing the same water as Gill who only caught one or two fish. But if Gill can be himself for one more day, he stands a good chance to take home his fifth major win since February 2024.
“I’ve fished my areas pretty hard the last couple days, and I don’t think there will be a lack of boat traffic there tomorrow,” he said. “So, I’ve got a pretty good gap, but I’m not remotely ready to call this. The Harris Chain has been very unpredictable this week. I could believe it if I had 4 pounds tomorrow, and I’d honestly believe it if I had 26. It’s really, really hard to tell, but by about 11 o’clock, I should have a good idea of how the day is going.”
Last year on the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, Campbell finished one point away from qualifying for the Bass Pro Tour. This week, he’s showing again that he’s bound for the next level sooner or later, having put together a very clean couple days of fishing.
“I started in Lake Harris; I caught four bass and lost two,” he outlined. “I’ve got a little starting spot where I can catch a couple. Then, I rolled out to Beauclair and caught a big one ‘Scoping. Then, I came back to Harris and culled three times.”
On both Days 1 and 2, plying Bird Dog Rods, Campbell has weighed four fish from Harris, which he caught without LiveScope, and one from Beauclair. He’ll follow the same blueprint on Day 3.
“I’m going to run the same plan,” he said. “It’s what got me here. I’m going to start on a hole; it’s guaranteed that I’ll catch a couple. Then, I’ll head down there and hope to crack a bag. And hopefully somebody cuts Drew Gill’s LiveScope cords or something.”
Though Campbell knows a win might be a longshot, he’s not totally counting himself out, and he loves the points regardless.
“We’ll see tomorrow. I need to catch 29 1/2 pounds to win,” he said. “But I can catch a limit, no doubt, to maintain. And the main goal is qualifying for the Bass Pro Tour, so I want to stay up there and not sacrifice any points. If Drew Gill messes up, hey, I might catch 20.”
The top 20 pros advancing to Championship Sunday on the Harris Chain of Lakes are:
1st: Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., eight bass, 40-4
2nd: Brody Campbell, Oxford, Ohio, 10 bass, 32-5
3rd: Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala., 10 bass, 30-0
4th: Aaron Yavorsky, Palm Harbor, Fla., six bass, 29-14
5th: Marshall Robinson, Landrum, S.C., 10 bass, 27-12
6th: Broderick Luckey, Lynchburg, Va., nine bass, 27-8
7th: Ryan Lachniet, Gum Spring, Va., 10 bass, 27-0
8th: Caz Anderson, Haysville, N.C., 10 bass, 25-8
9th: Colby Miller, Elmer, La., six bass, 24-14
10th: Marshall Hughes, Hemphill, Texas, 10 bass, 24-11
11th: Drew Boggs, Lebanon, Tenn., 10 bass, 24-6
12th: Jared Lintner, Covington, Ga., 10 bass, 24-5
13th: Jack Daniel Williams, Kingsport, Tenn., 10 bass, 23-13
14th: Connor Jacob, Peoria, Ill., 10 bass, 22-12
15th: Dylan Nutt, Nashville, Tenn., eight bass, 21-2
16th: Chad Mrazek, Montgomery, Texas, nine bass, 21-2
17th: Mike Mayo, Athens, Texas, seven bass, 21-1
18th: Will Harkins, Blairsville, Ga., 10 bass, 21-1
19th: Teimuraz (Tom) Balachvili, Brooklyn, N.Y., 10 bass, 20-13
20th: Gary Klein, Mingus, Texas, 10 bass, 20-8
To view all 50 competitors advancing to Championship Sunday and complete results for the entire field, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Overall, there were 447 bass weighing 906 pounds, 3 ounces caught by 145 pros Saturday. The catch included 54 five-bass limits.
Pro Bobby Bakewell of Orlando, Florida, earned the Day 2 Berkley Big Bass award of $500 after bringing a bass that weighed 8 pounds, 14 ounces to the scale.
The three-day Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Stop 1 at the Harris Chain of Lakes Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches is hosted by Discover Lake County Florida and features professional bass anglers competing for a top prize of up to $135,000.
“We are thrilled to be hosting Major League Fishing in Lake County this week as part of the region’s expanding lineup of premier sporting events,” said Jason Siegel, President & CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission. “Events of this caliber reinforce the strength of our community’s venues and our ability to deliver a first-class experience. As the second day of competition comes to a close, we’re confident the anglers and their families will continue to enjoy their time here, and we thank the City of Leesburg and Discover Lake County for their ongoing partnership and collaboration.”
In Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit competition, the full field competed in the two-day opening round on Friday and Saturday in a five-fish, weigh-in format. Only the top 50 pros, based on their two-day cumulative weight, now advance to the final round on Championship Sunday, where they will compete for the grand prize of up to $135,000. The winner of the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Stop 1 at the Harris Chain of Lakes Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches will be determined by the heaviest three-day cumulative weight.
Anglers will launch at 7:30 a.m. ET on Championship Sunday from Ski Beach at Venetian Gardens, located at 201 E. Lake Harris Drive in Leesburg, Florida. Weigh-ins will be held at the same location and will begin at 3:30 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 on Championship Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET. MLFNOW! will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app and Rumble.
Television coverage of the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by MillerTech Stop 1 at the Harris Chain Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches will air as a two-hour episode, premiering at 9 a.m. ET, on Sunday, Sept. 6 on VICE TV.
Proud sponsors of the 2026 MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by MillerTech include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Bubba, Cigars International, Epic Baits, Grizzly, Mercury, MillerTech, OFF! Deep Woods, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, PiranhO2, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, VOSKER, YETI and Yuengling.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit 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, Outdoor Channel, VICE, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, RFD-TV and Game & Fish TV, and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
