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Tennessee’s Matteo Turano Takes Command at 42nd Annual Phoenix BFL All-American Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Hamilton, Eyes Final Day Victory

23-year-old boater hauls in 19-13 limit and takes 3-7 lead, final 10 boaters and co-anglers set for Championship Saturday

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (May 30, 2025) – Boater Matteo Turano of Puryear, Tennessee, caught 19 pounds, 13 ounces on Day 2 to move up from second place and take the lead in the 2025 Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) All-American Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Hamilton . After weighing 19-10 on Day 1, Turano is up to 39-7 with one day left, and he has a 3-7 lead over his roommate this week, Clint Knight of Russellville, Kentucky, who is in second with an even 36 pounds.

Behind the two LBL Division sticks, Appling, Georgia’s Tanner Hadden is in third with 33-4, and Cody Ross of Livingston, Texas, cracked 18-3 on Day 2 to move up to fourth with a 31-2 total. Dropping to fifth after leading on Day 1, Dahlonega, Georgia’s Buddy Benson only managed 10-14 on Day 2.

The final 10 boaters and co-anglers are now set, and competition will resume tomorrow morning on Championship Saturday. The three-day All-American, hosted by Visit Hot Springs and the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, showcases the nation’s best weekend grassroots anglers, and awards the winning boater a top prize of up to $120,000 – and an automatic qualification into REDCREST 2026, MLF’s most prestigious event – and the winning co-angler a top prize of $50,000.

A recent transplant to Tennessee to chase bass, Turano is one of several remarkable young anglers who grew up in Illinois. Now rigging boats for A.C.S. Marine and catching fish up and down the Tennessee River like it’s his job, Turano is on the cusp of the sort of achievement than can define a fishing career.

On Day 2, he really only needed an hour or so in the morning to put himself in the driver’s seat.

“I just started on an area where I was seeing a lot of fish yesterday,” said Turano. “I had no idea that there were any real big fish there, but I just wanted to get a limit early. And getting a limit early turned into catching an 8- to 9-pounder on my second fish. After that fish, I was just able to fish super clean the rest of the day and do what I wanted to do, and I just had no stress.”

At weigh-in, the kicker rang in at 7-15, and it was one of a number of big fish that have been caught. So far, nobody has managed to catch two giants in a day, but if someone can do it tomorrow, they might be able to charge from anywhere in the Top 10 for the win.

Turano saw some more big ones today, and he’s hoping to take another crack at them tomorrow.

“I think there's some left tomorrow,” he said. “It's going to be really hard to get a big one, but I’ve got a couple that I just couldn't get to eat, and I'm starting on one of them.”

Since the morning, Turano has started to think about what a win could mean.

“I've been fishing since I was 2 years old,” said Turano. “My mom's taken me to little kids’ fishing derbies ever since I was 4 or 5, and it's just something I've always loved. I fished my first bass tournament in high school. I think we got third place, and after that, I've just been hooked.

“I've been thinking about it all day,” he said. “This is probably the longest tournament day I've ever had to fish, just because I caught that big one so early. And, man, my mind has been racing all day, but I just had to stay in it and remember it's not over, and we still got one more day of fishing.”

The Top 10 boaters advancing to the final day of the 2025 All-American on Lake Hamilton are:

1st:        Matteo Turano, Puryear, Tenn., 10 bass, 39-7
2nd:       Clint Knight, Russellville, Ky., 10 bass, 36-0
3rd:       Tanner Hadden, Appling, Ga., 10 bass, 33-4
4th:        Cody Ross, Livingston, Texas, 10 bass, 31-2
5th:        Buddy Benson, Dahlonega, Ga., 10 bass, 31-1
6th:        Caz Anderson, Haysville, N.C., 10 bass, 30-1
7th:        Harbor Lovin, New Concord, Ky., 10 bass, 29-4
8th:        Jake Lawrence, Paris, Tenn., 10 bass, 29-1
9th:        Dillon Falardeau, Hixson, Tenn., 10 bass, 28-15
10th:     Zack Fogle, Longview, Texas, 10 bass, 28-9

Finishing in 11th through 49th are:

11th:     Bradley Sullivan, Shawnee, Okla., 10 bass, 27-11, $3,000
12th:     Jeremy York, Conyers, Ga., 10 bass, 26-13, $3,000
13th:     Logan Anderson, Sherrills Ford, N.C., 10 bass, 26-6, $3,000
14th:     Mike Bruggen, La Crosse, Wis., 10 bass, 25-2, $3,000
15th:     Brad Stalnaker, Eatonton, Ga., 10 bass, 25-1, $3,000
16th:     Chad Sykes, Killen, Ala., 10 bass, 24-11, $3,000
17th:     Gavin Clevenger, Knoxville, Tenn., 10 bass, 24-1, $3,000
18th:     Jeremy West, Hamilton, Miss., nine bass, 22-14, $3,000
19th:     Yeej Moua, Renton, Wash., 10 bass, 22-6, $3,000
20th:     Jonathan Lang, Joppa, Md., 10 bass, 22-5, $3,000
21st:      Tyler Campbell, Martin, Ga., 10 bass, 22-0, $2,000
22nd:    Nathan Reynolds, Nashville, Tenn., 10 bass, 21-12, $2,000
23rd:     Scott Wiley Jr., Bay Minette, Ala., 10 bass, 21-9, $2,000
24th:     Chris Baldwin, Lexington, N.C., 10 bass, 21-7, $2,000
25th:     Dillon Roberts, Oologah, Okla., 10 bass, 21-5, $2,000
26th:     Cody Kelley, Plainwell, Mich., 10 bass, 21-0, $2,000
27th:     Matt Thoin, Bolton, Mass., 10 bass, 20-13, $2,000
28th:     Grant Neubauer, Medford, Wis., 10 bass, 20-0, $2,000
29th:     Brandon Pritchett, Goode, Va., 10 bass, 19-12, $2,000
30th:     Kevin Powers, Unicoi, Tenn., 10 bass, 19-12, $2,000
31st:      Matt O’Connell, Brooks, Ga., 10 bass, 19-12, $1,500
32nd:    Brandon Morton, San Tan Valley, Ariz., 10 bass, 19-10, $1,500
33rd:     Trent Suratt, Lawrenceburg, Tenn., 10 bass, 19-8, $1,500
34th:     Andrew George, Poplar Branch, N.C., 10 bass, 19-4, $1,500
35th:     Jamie Fountain, East Dublin, Ga., 10 bass, 19-4, $1,500
36th:     Jake Monti, Mooresville, N.C., 10 bass, 18-14, $1,500
37th:     Adam Crigger, Le Claire, Iowa, 10 bass, 18-14, $1,500
38th:     Parker Batts, Dandridge, Tenn., 10 bass, 18-10, $1,500
39th:     Wade Grooms, Bonneau, S.C., 10 bass, 18-10, $1,500
40th:     Colby Schrumpf, Highland, Ill., 10 bass, 18-1, $1,500
41st:      Chad Poteat, Mount Airy, N.C., 10 bass, 17-14, $1,500
42nd:    Glen Bingham, Texarkana, Texas, 10 bass, 17-7, $1,500
43rd:     Vernelle Quinnie, Duncanville, Ala., 10 bass, 17-4, $1,500
44th:     Billy Shelton III, La Crosse, Wis., 10 bass, 16-15, $1,500
45th:     Mel Kennedy, Hiawassee, Ga., seven bass, 16-9, $1,500
46th:     Travis Boley, Weldon, Ill., 10 bass, 16-1, $1,500
47th:     Dustin Dyer, Johnson City, Tenn., nine bass, 14-10, $1,500
48th:     Mike Puterbaugh, Montello, Wis., six bass, 11-7, $1,500
49th:     Doug Rochelle, Texarkana, Texas, nine bass, 10-11, $1,500

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

Overall, there were 238 bass weighing 569 pounds, 14 ounces caught by the 49 boaters on Friday. The catch included 47 five-bass limits.

Co-angler Scott Standafer of Milford, Ohio, crossed the stage with a three-bass limit weighing 9 pounds even to lead the co-angler division at Lake Hamilton after Day 2, with a two-day total of six bass for 21-6. Michael Lowe of Clinton, Tennessee, sits in second place with 18-10, and Richard Williams of Sutherland, Virginia, ended the day in third with 17-0.

The Top 10 co-anglers advancing to the final day of competition at the 2025 All-American on Lake Hamilton are:

1st:        Scott Standafer, Milford, Ohio, six bass, 21-6
2nd:       D. Michael Lowe, Clinton, Tenn., six bass, 18-10
3rd:       Richard Williams, Sutherland, Va., six bass, 17-0
4th:        Robert Massey, Calhoun, La., six bass, 13-13
5th:        Kade Wesner, Lancaster, Pa., six bass, 13-9
6th:        Harold Grizzle, Gainesville, Ga., six bass, 13-4
7th:        Brad Sampson, Knoxville, Tenn., six bass, 12-15
8th:        William Easley, Pollok, Texas, six bass, 12-13
9th:        Ernest Stephens, Orrum, N.C., six bass, 12-10
10th:     Brent Jones, Okeana, Ohio, six bass, 12-9

Finishing in 11th through 49th were:

11th:     Nathan Hall, Hensley, Ark., six bass, 12-8, $1,500
12th:     Levi Allgeier, Bardstown, Ky., six bass, 11-15, $1,500
13th:     Cy Matlock, Crump, Tenn., six bass, 11-4, $1,500
14th:     Tony Stevens, Monroe, Ga., six bass, 11-2, $1,500
15th:     Bill Hockaday, Nashville, Ark., six bass, 11-1, $1,500
16th:     Brian Townley, Wyoming, Mich., four bass, 10-15, $1,500
17th:     Luke Shrader, Monticello, Ky., six bass, 10-14, $1,500
18th:     Ryan Sykes, Fairfield, Ohio, six bass, 10-14, $1,500
19th:     Cedric Jackson, Sicily Island, La., six bass, 10-11, $1,500
20th:     Tim Greene, Loganville, Ga., six bass, 10-10, $1,500
21st:      Arthur Stahlhut, Garrett, Ind., six bass, 10-10, $1,000
22nd:    Corey Smith, Hazard, Ky., six bass, 10-3, $1,000
23rd:     Andrew Rogers, Johnson City, Tenn., six bass, 10-1, $1,000
24th:     Jason Mordhorst, Hillsdale, N.J., six bass, 9-10, $1,000
25th:     Shaquille Freeman, Farmville, Va., six bass, 9-10, $1,000
26th:     Chase Johnson, Quincy, Ill., five bass, 9-10, $1,000
27th:     Logan Slaughter, Lewisville, Texas, six bass, 9-6, $1,000
28th:     Austin Abadie, St. Amant, La., six bass, 9-5, $1,000
29th:     Jeffrey Webb, Watkinsville, Ga., six bass, 8-15, $1,000
30th:     Mark Sloan, Harrison, Ark., five bass, 8-14, $1,000
31st:      Cornell Badra, Clarksburg, Md., six bass, 8-11, $750
32nd:    Jason Anderson, Heron, Mont., five bass, 8-10, $750
33rd:     Hunter Tibbetts, Centreville, Va., five bass, 8-10, $750
34th:     Chris Medlin, Dumas, Miss., four bass, 8-5, $750
35th:     Andy Morita, La Jolla, Calif., five bass, 8-2, $750
36th:     Gabe Montgomery, Jackson, Mo., six bass, 8-0, $750
37th:     Gary Haraguchi, Murfreesboro, Tenn., five bass, 7-12, $750
38th:     Dewayne Drummonds, Gray, Ky., six bass, 7-4, $750
39th:     Noah Gurkin, Pelzer, S.C., five bass, 7-1, $750
40th:     Shelton Yonce, Lexington, S.C., five bass, 7-1, $750
41st:      Joe Yocum, Commercial Point, Ohio, four bass, 6-15, $750
42nd:    Riley Smallwood, Shallotte, N.C., three bass, 6-10, $750
43rd:     Daniel Arnberg, Auburn, Ala., four bass, 6-3, $750
44th:     Billy French, Hamilton, Ohio, three bass, 5-9, $750
45th:     Justin Lemaster, Royston, Ga., four bass, 5-3, $750
46th:     Mark Folsom, Waterville, Iowa, three bass, 4-3, $750
47th:     Wes Proctor, Manhattan, Kan., three bass, 3-8, $750
48th:     Ross Davis, St. Elmo, Ill., one bass, 0-14, $750
49th:     Barrett Washburn, Hardin, Ky., zero bass, 0-0, $750

Overall, there were 121 bass weighing 222 pounds, 15 ounces caught by 45 co-anglers on Friday. The catch included 36 three-bass limits.

The final 10 boaters and co-anglers will launch Saturday at 6:30 a.m. CT from the Hulsey Hatchery Access, located at 350 Fish Hatchery Road in Hot Springs. Saturday’s Championship weigh-in will be held at the access and will begin at 2:30 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend the final day launch and weigh-in events and encouraged to follow the event’s 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 7 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. CT. MLFNOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app. The weigh-in will be live streamed starting at 2:30 p.m.

The full field of 49 boaters and 49 co-anglers competed on Days 1 (Thursday) and 2 (Friday) of the event. Now the field is cut to just the top 10 boaters and co-anglers, based on two-day total cumulative weight, and the final 10 anglers compete tomorrow on Championship Saturday. The boater and co-angler that catch the heaviest three-day total weight will be crowned the 42nd Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American Champions.

The 2024 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine was 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 event winners, advanced to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they competed to finish in the top six, which then advanced them to compete in the 2025 BFL All-American. The field also includes the top eligible finisher from each of seven The Bass Federation (TBF) divisions in the 2025 TBF National Championship.

Television coverage of the 2025 Phoenix BFL All-American Presented by T-H Marine will premiere at 10 a.m. ET, November 22, on CBS Sports. The full television air schedule can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Proud sponsors of the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sport Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Li Time Batteries, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, PiranhO2, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.

For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.

by AnglersChannel

Mega bag lands DeFelice and Ludlow atop Bassmaster College Series leaderboard at Chickamauga

May 30, 2025

DAYTON, Tenn. — Dalton DeFelice and Evan Ludlow felt confident with their Day 1 game plan, but after nearly doubling their projection with a five-bass limit of 29 pounds, 7 ounces, the University of Montevallo teammates lead the Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Chickamauga Lake presented by Bass Pro Shops.

Heading into the second of two competition days, DeFelice and Ludlow hold a lead of 2-7 over Gage King and Banks Shaw of University of North Alabama.

“It certainly exceeded our expectations; we never saw anything like that in practice,” DeFelice said of their first-round catch. “We started on a school, and we thought we could catch 15 pounds out of it. We caught a 7 and a 9 pretty quick, and we just kinda beat ‘em for a little bit.

“Evan got another 7 and then we stopped fishing at 10:30 and just looked around our area. There are a lot of 6- to 10-pound fish rolling around in the area. We wanted to find the most high percentage (spots) for those fish.”

Fishing the midlake area, the duo targeted offshore hard bottom in 10 to 20 feet of water. Using forward facing sonar, they spotted their targets and mostly cast reaction baits.

As DeFelice noted, the fish wanted a very slow presentation.

“Also, you had to make your bait hit the water as quietly as possible,” Ludlow added.

The tournament field endured a rainy morning, but DeFelice said he and his partner caught most of their better fish once the precipitation stopped. Their largest fish created an unforgettable memory.

“I threw my bait in the water, and the second it splashed I saw two big fish scream up to the surface and a 9-pounder had my bait choked,” DeFelice said. “That has never happened for me before, so it was a really cool thing that will stick with me forever.”

Ludlow said he and DeFelice capitalized on what the day offered, but he ultimately credits divine intervention.

“God has a timing for you, and when it’s your time, nothing will stop that,” he said. “That was very evident today. I caught my (personal best bass) under the trolling motor.

“Several fish chased Dalton’s bait back to the boat, and Dalton was like, ‘Dude, get on ‘em! Get on ‘em!’ I just made a little 20-foot underhand cast and there were three big ones that chased it back. I caught a 7-pounder out of that group."

DeFelice said the morning hours offered the most opportunity. After securing their weight, the leaders fished only one more time around noon, but the fish seemed to shut down and actually move away from their baits.

“Before 10:30, almost every fish we cast at bit,” DeFelice said.

Coming in 9 ounces shy of the elusive “dirty 30” may have been the only drawback to their day, but DeFelice said that detail motivates him and Ludlow to try and top their Day 1 performance during Saturday’s finale.

“I really believe we have the chance to have the same (weight) or better tomorrow,” DeFelice said. “It all depends on boat traffic. They get conditioned really quick.

“Hopefully we can get (the area) to ourselves and hold it.”

King and Shaw placed second with 27-0.

Storm Clark and Elisha Colley of University of Montevallo are in third place with 23-6.

King and Shaw lead the Big Bass standings with their 9-6.

Saturday’s takeoff is scheduled for 6 a.m. ET at Dayton Boat Dock. The weigh-in will be held at the same location at 2 p.m. The Top 10% of the field will punch their tickets to the 2025 Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops at Cherokee Lake scheduled for July 10-12. Teams will also earn points towards the Lunkers Trail Team of the Year race.

Fish Dayton is hosting the tournament.

2025 Bassmaster College Series Title Sponsor: Strike King

2025 Bassmaster College Series Presenting Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops

2025 Bassmaster College Series Platinum Sponsor: Progressive, Toyota
2025 Bassmaster College Series Premier Sponsors: Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster College Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Triton Boats, VMC, Yokohama

2025 Bassmaster College Series Youth Sponsors: Seaguar, Shimano

About B.A.S.S.

B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.

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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 256-313-0945, cgay@bassmaster.com

2025 Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Chickamauga Lake presented by Bass Pro Shops 5/30-5/31
Chickamauga Lake, Dayton TN.
Standings Day 1

Team Club/School Pts

1. Dalton DeFelice - Evan Ludlow University of Montevallo 250
Day 1: 5 29-07 Total: 5 29-07
2. Gage King - Banks Shaw University of North Alabama 249
Day 1: 5 27-00 Total: 5 27-00
3. Storm Clark - Elisha Colley University of Montevallo 248
Day 1: 5 23-06 Total: 5 23-06
4. Carter Nutt - Dylan Nutt University of North Alabama 247
Day 1: 5 21-10 Total: 5 21-10
5. Dylan May - Evan Newell Carson-Newman University 246
Day 1: 5 21-08 Total: 5 21-08
6. Sellers Odom - Grayson Ball JC Calhoun Community College 245
Day 1: 5 20-02 Total: 5 20-02
7. Cole McNeely - Cole Martin University of Montevallo 244
Day 1: 5 20-00 Total: 5 20-00
8. Jackson Paden - University of Tennessee 243
Day 1: 4 19-09 Total: 4 19-09
9. Brody Robison - Peyton Sorrow University of Montevallo 242
Day 1: 5 19-04 Total: 5 19-04
9. Owen Wheeler - Bethel University 242
Day 1: 5 19-04 Total: 5 19-04
11. Bryce Mcdonald - Ethan Elliott University of Pikeville 240
Day 1: 5 19-01 Total: 5 19-01
12. Mason Bohland - Brady Metzger Purdue University 239
Day 1: 5 18-10 Total: 5 18-10
13. Andrew Blanton - Garrett Smith Lander University 238
Day 1: 5 18-05 Total: 5 18-05
14. Brennan Berglund - Colton White University of Montevallo 237
Day 1: 5 18-01 Total: 5 18-01
15. Caleb Dugger - Kolby Gambrel King University 236
Day 1: 5 17-15 Total: 5 17-15
16. Fisher Heard - Hunter Brewer University of North Alabama 235
Day 1: 5 17-10 Total: 5 17-10
17. Nick Dumke - Connor Bell University of Montevallo 234
Day 1: 5 17-08 Total: 5 17-08
17. Carter Teune - Andrew Ready 234
Day 1: 5 17-08 Total: 5 17-08
19. Riley Nuessle - Garrett Cromer University of Montevallo 232
Day 1: 5 17-08 Total: 5 17-08
20. Turner Hart - Bryan College 231
Day 1: 5 17-07 Total: 5 17-07
21. Preston Kolisek - Smith McGregor University of North Alabama 230
Day 1: 5 17-05 Total: 5 17-05
22. Jacob Berryhill - Zach Knight Carson-Newman University 229
Day 1: 5 16-15 Total: 5 16-15
22. Nolan Gray - Riley Brown Carson-Newman University 229
Day 1: 5 16-15 Total: 5 16-15
22. Reece Keeney - Brantley Anders Kentucky Christian University 229
Day 1: 5 16-15 Total: 5 16-15
25. Garrett Christy - Corban Chenevey Catawba Valley Community College 226
Day 1: 5 15-14 Total: 5 15-14
26. Brendon Brones - Porter Welch Lamar State College Orange 225
Day 1: 5 15-13 Total: 5 15-13
27. James Sumrell - Andrew Turner Carson-Newman University 224
Day 1: 5 15-11 Total: 5 15-11
28. Kolby Angell - Michael Markham University of Montevallo 223
Day 1: 5 15-09 Total: 5 15-09
29. Bryce Dimauro - Tripp Berlinsky University of North Alabama 222
Day 1: 5 15-08 Total: 5 15-08
30. Colin Chavers - Triton Graham Southern Union State Community C 221
Day 1: 5 15-07 Total: 5 15-07
30. Caleb Edwards - Briley Mills Emmanuel College 221
Day 1: 5 15-07 Total: 5 15-07
32. Cameron Yates - Harrison McCall Lander University 219
Day 1: 5 15-05 Total: 5 15-05
33. Easton Drennon - Chase McCarter Carson-Newman University 218
Day 1: 5 15-03 Total: 5 15-03
33. Robert Miller - Levi Bolton Emmanuel College 218
Day 1: 5 15-03 Total: 5 15-03
35. Owen Barker - Carter Jerdon Ohio State University 216
Day 1: 5 15-01 Total: 5 15-01
35. Colten Drawdy - Bethel University 216
Day 1: 5 15-01 Total: 5 15-01
37. Hunter Starling - Emory Jackson Georgia Southern University 214
Day 1: 5 15-00 Total: 5 15-00
37. Joe Vaulton - Clay Bales Carson-Newman University 214
Day 1: 5 15-00 Total: 5 15-00
39. Sam Sutter - Shaden Farley Murray State College 212
Day 1: 4 14-15 Total: 4 14-15
40. Ethan Vue - Christian Vue UNC - Charlotte 211
Day 1: 5 14-12 Total: 5 14-12
41. Daylon Milam - James Dubose University of Montevallo 210
Day 1: 5 14-11 Total: 5 14-11
42. Bryson Dotson - Jaxon Humphrey Tennessee Wesleyan University 209
Day 1: 5 14-10 Total: 5 14-10
43. Hunter Slone - Cole Petroff Tennessee Tech University 208
Day 1: 5 14-10 Total: 5 14-10
44. Carty Shoen - Jordan Brewer Auburn University 207
Day 1: 4 14-10 Total: 4 14-10
45. Lane Clark - Tallis Morrison Erskine College 206
Day 1: 5 14-09 Total: 5 14-09
46. Paxton Giem - Nick Seitz Adrian College 205
Day 1: 5 14-09 Total: 5 14-09
47. Hampton Shull - Landon Surrett Lander University 204
Day 1: 5 14-06 Total: 5 14-06
47. Kyle Zainitzer - Brock Vogel University of North Alabama 204
Day 1: 5 14-06 Total: 5 14-06
49. Mason Kornegay - Miller Dowling University of Montevallo 202
Day 1: 5 14-04 Total: 5 14-04
49. Garrett Tucker - Tyler Randolph West Virginia University 202
Day 1: 5 14-04 Total: 5 14-04
51. Jeremy Monda - Will Boyd Jr Florida Gateway College 200
Day 1: 5 14-01 Total: 5 14-01
52. Alex Geroulis - William Brogan Indiana University 199
Day 1: 5 14-00 Total: 5 14-00
52. Cade Smith - Axel Pierce Murray State College 199
Day 1: 5 14-00 Total: 5 14-00
54. Avery Hammock - Tucker Pearson Georgia College 197
Day 1: 5 13-15 Total: 5 13-15
55. Colin McGough - Jeremy Etter Virginia Tech University 196
Day 1: 5 13-13 Total: 5 13-13
55. Conner Nichols - Nathanael Eubank East Tennessee State University 196
Day 1: 5 13-13 Total: 5 13-13
57. Caleb Bridges - Jonathan Fann Middle Tennessee State Universit 194
Day 1: 5 13-12 Total: 5 13-12
57. John James Coco - JD Farage LSU 194
Day 1: 5 13-12 Total: 5 13-12
57. Hunter Keller - Wes Smith II Catawba Valley Community College 194
Day 1: 5 13-12 Total: 5 13-12
60. Chris Baker - Elijah Kelley Kentucky Christian University 191
Day 1: 5 13-11 Total: 5 13-11
60. Blair Erickson - Jackson Pontius University of Montevallo 191
Day 1: 5 13-11 Total: 5 13-11
60. Nick Hawkins - Dillan Mcglothern Southeastern University 191
Day 1: 5 13-11 Total: 5 13-11
63. Kyle Knoll - Tyler Madden Auburn University 188
Day 1: 5 13-07 Total: 5 13-07
64. Storm Cline - Gabe Fishlock Carson-Newman University 187
Day 1: 5 13-07 Total: 5 13-07
65. Sawyer Brady - TJ Edwards Jr Blue Mountain Christian Universi 186
Day 1: 5 13-05 Total: 5 13-05
65. Peyton Harris - Dalton Head University of Montevallo 186
Day 1: 5 13-05 Total: 5 13-05
65. Brooks Parker - Briggs Alavezos University of Montevallo 186
Day 1: 5 13-05 Total: 5 13-05
65. Cole Taylor - Clay Taylor Lander University 186
Day 1: 5 13-05 Total: 5 13-05
69. Zachary Helton - Blake Wheat Carson-Newman University 182
Day 1: 5 13-02 Total: 5 13-02
69. Emerson Petty - Victor Alford Tennessee Wesleyan University 182
Day 1: 5 13-02 Total: 5 13-02
71. Branson James - Hunter Musick East Tennessee State University 180
Day 1: 5 13-01 Total: 5 13-01
72. Szymon Piton - Riley Faulkner Carson-Newman University 179
Day 1: 5 13-00 Total: 5 13-00
72. Will Rooker - Ben Brockwell Kentucky Christian University 179
Day 1: 5 13-00 Total: 5 13-00
74. Chance Shelby - Cayden Reily Southeastern Louisiana Universit 177
Day 1: 5 12-14 Total: 5 12-14
75. Brendin Simich - Benjamin Travis Auburn University 176
Day 1: 5 12-11 Total: 5 12-11
76. Will Hart - Logan Fisher Emmanuel College 175
Day 1: 5 12-09 Total: 5 12-09
77. Bryce Balentine - Connor Koch Florida Gateway College 174
Day 1: 3 12-08 Total: 3 12-08
78. Jon Foster - Lawton Williams Erskine College 173
Day 1: 5 12-07 Total: 5 12-07
79. Trace Antunes III - Garrett Ring University of Montevallo 172
Day 1: 5 12-07 Total: 5 12-07
80. Chris Fallon - Briar Dodson University of Montevallo 171
Day 1: 5 12-06 Total: 5 12-06
81. Caleb Neu - Anthony Cicero IV Bethel University 170
Day 1: 5 12-03 Total: 5 12-03
81. Brayden Ruckman - Zachary Wolfe Carson-Newman University 170
Day 1: 5 12-03 Total: 5 12-03
83. Cole Moulton - Jared Hubbard Lander University 168
Day 1: 5 12-02 Total: 5 12-02
83. Jacob Vanscoik - Robert Richbourg Catawba Valley Community College 168
Day 1: 5 12-02 Total: 5 12-02
85. Bryson Hatcher - Jake Lovingood Bryan College 166
Day 1: 5 12-00 Total: 5 12-00
86. Matthew Massey - Matthew Gunn Erskine College 165
Day 1: 5 11-14 Total: 5 11-14
87. Scooter Ligon Jr - Emmanuel College 164
Day 1: 5 11-13 Total: 5 11-13
88. Hudson Choquette - Drake Sturgill University of Montevallo 163
Day 1: 5 11-12 Total: 5 11-12
89. Charlie Moomau - Matthew Delaney West Virginia University 162
Day 1: 5 11-12 Total: 5 11-12
90. Hayden Williams - Luke Garofalo University of South Carolina - U 161
Day 1: 5 11-11 Total: 5 11-11
91. Phillip Herring - Parker O'Bryan University of Montevallo 160
Day 1: 5 11-10 Total: 5 11-10
91. Ryan Thomas - Nate Harper University of Pikeville 160
Day 1: 5 11-10 Total: 5 11-10
93. Peyton Dunn - Emmanuel College 158
Day 1: 5 11-10 Total: 5 11-10
93. Joe Lutz - Braden Stutts UNC - Charlotte 158
Day 1: 5 11-10 Total: 5 11-10
95. Wes Newman Jr. - Liberty University 156
Day 1: 5 11-09 Total: 5 11-09
96. Will Hammond - Parker Lambert Lander University 155
Day 1: 5 11-07 Total: 5 11-07
96. Anderson Jones - Lander University 155
Day 1: 5 11-07 Total: 5 11-07
98. Slade Davis - Neal Braddy University of Montevallo 153
Day 1: 5 11-06 Total: 5 11-06
99. Makenzie Irwin - Nicholas Palazzo King University 152
Day 1: 5 11-04 Total: 5 11-04
99. Colby Reece - Alex Gore Carson-Newman University 152
Day 1: 5 11-04 Total: 5 11-04
101. Cohen Cravey - Maxwell Johnson Brewton-Parker College 150
Day 1: 5 11-00 Total: 5 11-00
101. Nick Owens - Noah Varitek Adrian College 150
Day 1: 5 11-00 Total: 5 11-00
103. James Lamberth - Jaxon Leverette Troy University 148
Day 1: 3 11-00 Total: 3 11-00
103. Gavin Sheffer - Logan Birth Liberty University 148
Day 1: 3 11-00 Total: 3 11-00
105. Bryce Distefano - Caleb Roblin Southeastern Louisiana Universit 146
Day 1: 5 10-15 Total: 5 10-15
106. Carrson Sizemore - Dalton Blakley University of Pikeville 145
Day 1: 5 10-13 Total: 5 10-13
107. Hunter Olivet - Evan Polley Carson-Newman University 144
Day 1: 5 10-11 Total: 5 10-11
108. Jackson Mitchell - Will Shepherd Carson-Newman University 143
Day 1: 5 10-06 Total: 5 10-06
109. Tucker Dottley - Bethel University 142
Day 1: 4 10-02 Total: 4 10-02
109. Bryson Holderness - Isaac Greene University of South Carolina - U 142
Day 1: 4 10-02 Total: 4 10-02
111. Logan Hendrick - Cade Miller Lenoir Rhyne University 140
Day 1: 5 10-01 Total: 5 10-01
112. Hunter Kellogg - Owen Klein Ohio State University 139
Day 1: 4 10-01 Total: 4 10-01
113. Dylan Mcgee - Hayden Short Kentucky Christian University 138
Day 1: 4 09-15 Total: 4 09-15
114. Tanner Smith - Nicholas Giompalo University of Pikeville 137
Day 1: 5 09-12 Total: 5 09-12
115. Carson Owen - Dylan Reed Murray State College 136
Day 1: 3 09-12 Total: 3 09-12
116. Wyatt Wood - Wyatt Ford University of Montevallo 135
Day 1: 5 09-09 Total: 5 09-09
117. Austin Paulus - James Riegert Ohio State University 134
Day 1: 4 09-09 Total: 4 09-09
118. Spencer Knight - Colton Cybulski Ohio State University 133
Day 1: 4 09-08 Total: 4 09-08
119. Max Pierlott - Mike Pierlott UNC - Charlotte 132
Day 1: 5 09-07 Total: 5 09-07
120. Logan Howarter - Mason Lyons Kentucky Christian University 131
Day 1: 4 09-07 Total: 4 09-07
121. Trey Marco - Jake Rowlands King University 130
Day 1: 4 09-02 Total: 4 09-02
122. Chandler Pruett - Steven Deschene Blue Mountain Christian Universi 129
Day 1: 3 08-13 Total: 3 08-13
123. Peyton Bryant - Brezlyn Hightower Murray State College 128
Day 1: 4 08-10 Total: 4 08-10
123. Tomas Matual - Zach Widelski McKendree University 128
Day 1: 4 08-10 Total: 4 08-10
125. Nicholas DellaPorta - Drew Pitts Carson-Newman University 126
Day 1: 4 08-10 Total: 4 08-10
126. Trent Gilmore - Evan Mabrey University of Montevallo 125
Day 1: 4 08-08 Total: 4 08-08
127. Cambell Hall - Jackson Plyler NC State University 124
Day 1: 4 08-07 Total: 4 08-07
128. Drake Hemby - Ewing Minor Carson-Newman University 123
Day 1: 3 08-06 Total: 3 08-06
128. Maddux Moore - Trey Martinez LSU 123
Day 1: 3 08-06 Total: 3 08-06
130. Caleb Baynes - Konnor Sweet Liberty University 121
Day 1: 3 08-05 Total: 3 08-05
131. Kenneth Vicchio - Devon Blevins East Tennessee State University 120
Day 1: 3 08-03 Total: 3 08-03
131. Dustin Weinberg - Cade McBride Blue Mountain Christian Universi 120
Day 1: 3 08-03 Total: 3 08-03
133. Kyle Werbeck - Joseph Phillips Kent State University 118
Day 1: 3 08-02 Total: 3 08-02
134. Tanner Herndon - Bryan College 117
Day 1: 4 08-01 Total: 4 08-01
135. Cameron Dials - Blayne Leeman Kentucky Christian University 116
Day 1: 4 08-00 Total: 4 08-00
136. Cole Edwards - Brody Mitchell University of Montevallo 115
Day 1: 3 07-14 Total: 3 07-14
137. Tyler Michael - University of South Carolina - U 114
Day 1: 3 07-12 Total: 3 07-12
138. Branton Champion - Cole Guck Emmanuel College 113
Day 1: 3 07-11 Total: 3 07-11
139. Cole Bedard - NC State University 112
Day 1: 3 07-10 Total: 3 07-10
140. Colin Cooper - Cory Mitchell Liberty University 111
Day 1: 3 07-09 Total: 3 07-09
141. Dylan Thayer - Brett Boswell Georgia College 110
Day 1: 4 07-08 Total: 4 07-08
142. Braden Lankford - Tityn Miller Murray State College 109
Day 1: 3 07-06 Total: 3 07-06
142. Robie Vines Jr - Colby Bryan Catawba Valley Community College 109
Day 1: 3 07-06 Total: 3 07-06
144. Blake Bullock - John Mark Berry Blue Mountain Christian Universi 107
Day 1: 4 07-05 Total: 4 07-05
144. Mathias Dahline - Henry Vincent Adrian College 107
Day 1: 4 07-05 Total: 4 07-05
146. Austin Marley - Jack Richardson Georgia Southern University 105
Day 1: 4 07-03 Total: 4 07-03
147. Ethan Hospedales - UNC - Charlotte 104
Day 1: 2 07-02 Total: 2 07-02
148. Chandler Howell - Clayton Ellis Blue Mountain Christian Universi 103
Day 1: 3 06-15 Total: 3 06-15
149. Logan Greeno - Matthew Nichols University of Nebraska - Lincoln 102
Day 1: 3 06-14 Total: 3 06-14
150. MJ Lutz Jr - CJ Chavous Jr. University of South Carolina - U 101
Day 1: 2 06-12 Total: 2 06-12
151. Thomas Osa - Kole Costello High Point University 100
Day 1: 4 06-10 Total: 4 06-10
152. Lucas Bowers - Fisher Rodgers University of South Carolina 99
Day 1: 3 06-10 Total: 3 06-10
152. Brayden Jordan - Fischer Barber Troy University 99
Day 1: 3 06-10 Total: 3 06-10
154. Max Hondorp - Ridge Faircloth Troy University 97
Day 1: 3 06-07 Total: 3 06-07
154. Kasen Pemberton - Avery Padgett Troy University 97
Day 1: 3 06-07 Total: 3 06-07
156. Caden Gettys - Tyler Eggers Catawba Valley Community College 95
Day 1: 1 06-06 Total: 1 06-06
157. Will Holloway - Nick Pemberton University of Montevallo 94
Day 1: 3 06-04 Total: 3 06-04
158. Braydon Southerland - Tennessee Tech University 93
Day 1: 2 06-04 Total: 2 06-04
159. Diego Alea - Michael John Teate Southeastern University 92
Day 1: 3 05-15 Total: 3 05-15
159. Cameron Chapman - Dyson Lewis Catawba Valley Community College 92
Day 1: 3 05-15 Total: 3 05-15
159. Nathan Preston - Auburn University 92
Day 1: 3 05-15 Total: 3 05-15
162. Brayden Batchelor - Quinn Williams Georgia Southern University 89
Day 1: 3 05-11 Total: 3 05-11
163. Matthew Strickland - Eli Ward University of Pikeville 88
Day 1: 2 05-11 Total: 2 05-11
164. Matt Brault - Dylan Mclaughlin Erskine College 87
Day 1: 3 05-10 Total: 3 05-10
165. Hank Sturm - Matt Mosby Adrian College 86
Day 1: 2 05-04 Total: 2 05-04
166. Cody Wyatt - Fletcher Allen UNC - Charlotte 85
Day 1: 2 04-15 Total: 2 04-15
167. Connor Westerman - Michael Mcnulty West Virginia University 84
Day 1: 2 04-08 Total: 2 04-08
168. Lyndon Gaddy - Daniel Ridenour East Tennessee State University 83
Day 1: 1 04-05 Total: 1 04-05
169. Mitch Straffon - Owen Januszewski Adrian College 82
Day 1: 2 04-04 Total: 2 04-04
170. Brandon Berry - Hunter Bright University of Montevallo 81
Day 1: 2 04-02 Total: 2 04-02
170. Cole Mitchell - Hayden Mare High Point University 81
Day 1: 2 04-02 Total: 2 04-02
172. Hayden Peck - Tennessee Wesleyan University 79
Day 1: 2 04-01 Total: 2 04-01
173. Nicholas Jones - Gavin Grossman Indiana University 78
Day 1: 2 04-00 Total: 2 04-00
173. Jake Krauth - Jack Mcillwain University of North Alabama 78
Day 1: 2 04-00 Total: 2 04-00
175. Brandon Oakes - Gavyn Gamble Ohio State University 76
Day 1: 2 03-15 Total: 2 03-15
176. Seth Shuler - Aaron Mills University of Pikeville 75
Day 1: 2 03-13 Total: 2 03-13
176. Noah Strand - Max Trenz UNC - Chapel Hill 75
Day 1: 2 03-13 Total: 2 03-13
178. Chase Hubble - University of Florida 73
Day 1: 2 03-10 Total: 2 03-10
179. Carson Yero - Fisher Britt University of Montevallo 72
Day 1: 2 03-09 Total: 2 03-09
180. Nick Schaefer - Cameron Gates University of Pikeville 71
Day 1: 2 03-01 Total: 2 03-01
181. Derek Rodriguez Jr. - Gavyn Rapp Adrian College 70
Day 1: 1 03-00 Total: 1 03-00
182. Philip Smyrl - Georgia College 69
Day 1: 1 02-14 Total: 1 02-14
183. Tyler Wiggins - JD Rorex University of Alabama 68
Day 1: 1 02-13 Total: 1 02-13
184. Asa Putnam - Brett Mouw University of Montevallo 67
Day 1: 2 02-12 Total: 2 02-12
185. Wyatt Gabehart - Riley Hendricks Lander University 66
Day 1: 1 02-10 Total: 1 02-10
185. Tyler Zwick - Zach Waters Adrian College 66
Day 1: 1 02-10 Total: 1 02-10
187. Brady Pinwar - Cole Carr Adrian College 64
Day 1: 1 02-07 Total: 1 02-07
188. Alexander Blanchard - Connor Hebert LSU 63
Day 1: 1 02-06 Total: 1 02-06
189. Brady Osborn - Ryan Kahut Adrian College 62
Day 1: 1 02-02 Total: 1 02-02
190. Matthew Mitchell - University of South Carolina 61
Day 1: 1 02-01 Total: 1 02-01
191. Fisher Carver - Hunter Richie Brewton-Parker College 60
Day 1: 1 01-15 Total: 1 01-15
192. Kayden Crosier - Gavin Warholic Kent State University 59
Day 1: 1 01-14 Total: 1 01-14
192. Brandon Ward - William Hurley IV Carson-Newman University 59
Day 1: 1 01-14 Total: 1 01-14
194. Landon Brown - Owen Day Morehead State University 57
Day 1: 1 01-13 Total: 1 01-13
195. Tanner Wassilchalk - Mason Kerr West Virginia University 56
Day 1: 1 00-00 Total: 1 00-00
196. Colton Boelkes - Joshua Hayes University of North Alabama 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
196. Isaac Carlson - Max Phillpotts Grand Valley State University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
196. Rylan Green - Luke McGuffin Erskine College 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
196. Scotty Hagan - Will Copley University of Pikeville 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
196. Gabe Hannon - LSU 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
196. Jacob Highley - Kentucky Christian University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
196. Carson Holbrook - Silas Jones University of Pikeville 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
196. Cy Lambert - Kolby Clark University of North Alabama 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
196. Beau Landry - Peyton Matherne LSU 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
196. Grant Laney - University Of Montevallo 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
196. Champ Morales - Luke Lebourgeois Southeastern Louisiana Universit 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
196. John Mullins - Jacob Sledge Middle Tennessee State Universit 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
196. Matthew Norton - Ian Schroeder UNC - Charlotte 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
196. Devan Perkins - Kade Palmer LSU 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
196. Aiden Reid - Mason Sills Catawba Valley Community College 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
196. Dylan Reid - Jaxson Smoak Georgia Southern University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
196. Grant Rice - Blake Marcum Morehead State University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
196. Pete Shumaker - Rylan Houk East Tennessee State University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
196. Brantley Tate - Tyler Covington LSU 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
196. Will Wester - Jackson Thomas Emmanuel College 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
196. Calup Williams - Hunter King Blue Mountain Christian Universi 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
196. Brycen Williamson - Erskine College 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 106 768 2117-14
----------------------------------
106 768 2117-14

by AnglersChannel

Montevallo Wins the 2024-25 Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia

SAN ANTONIO, TX (May 30, 2025) – The Association of Collegiate Anglers announces the latest update to the points standings for the 2024-25 Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia. Following the completion of the Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops, the ACA has contested its final points eligible event for this season. The ACA’s historic 20^th National Championship was worth triple points.

The University of Montevallo is in 1^st place with a season total of 40,575 points. The University of North Alabama stays in 2^nd, and McKendree University rounds out the Top 3.

At Lake Hartwell, the University of Montevallo earned the most points of any school to compete in the Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops. Montevallo’s three highest-placing teams finished in 1^st, 3^rd, and 9^th.

1^st) Peyton Harris & Dalton Head

3^rd) Brody Robison & Peyton Sorrow

9^th) Brennan Berglund & Colton White

Those three Top 10 finishes earned Montevallo 7,300 points. That bumps Montevallo’s season points total to 40,575, mathematically eliminating any other team from finishing the year ranked number one.

The victory in 2024-25 marks Montevallo’s fifth-straight title as Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025). No other school has ever won more than two titles.

Teams competing at Lake Hartwell were able to earn upwards of 7,000 points, depending on the placement of their highest-finishing teams. Here is a look at several schools that were able to improve their ranking since the previous points update:

5) Campbellsville University – Previously Ranked 7^th

6) Wabash Valley College – Previously ranked 8^th

8) Drury University – Previously Ranked 9^th

10) Adrian College – Previously Ranked 12^th

Click here to view the complete updated rankings.

Two teams moved up into the Top 25 after previously being on the outside looking in. Troy University moved up two places from 26^th to 24^th, and Murray State College also climbed two spots from 27^th to 25^th.

Only one more points eligible event remains to count towards the 2024-25 Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia. The Bassmaster College Series is set to host an event at Chickamauga Lake later this week. Seven of the Top 25 ranked teams have an opportunity to earn points at this tournament. Two of those are 2^ndranked University of North Alabama and 4^th ranked Carson-Newman University. The ACA will release the final points standings next week, following the conclusion of this event.

by AnglersChannel

Fish Tip Friday - Find a Hard Edge

By Vance McCullough, AC Insider

I’m watching the Bassmaster Elite Series guys jerk dinks on top of dinks out of the Sabine River in hopes of plucking 5 keepers, hopefully a kicker of 3 pounds to anchor hopefully a double-digit limit.

Tommy Sanders takes us back to an Elite Series stop, years ago, at the host city of Orange, Texas where Carl Jocumsen had missed the cut and was providing commentary on Day 3.

“Find a hard edge,” Sanders recalled Jocumsen saying. “That’s why I’m not fishing today is because, in all this high water, I couldn’t find enough of those spots.”

Jocumsen’s advice is dead on the money for those fishing in free-flowing rivers and tidewater environs. In fact, as I write this, he paces the entire field with an 8-pound, 8-ounce limit as competition nears the midpoint of the opening round.

I live a short ride from the St Johns River but not the famous part of it where good fisherfolk go when they die. No, I live near the schizophrenic, semi-salted north end where largemouth share water with redfish, sea trout and flounder. As the old saying goes, the only constant here is change.

And so it goes with any fishery where water flows relentlessly, and in the case of tidal sections, reverses flow twice a day and floods acres of inaccessible ground. In North Florida we see the tide swing up and down sometimes as much as 6 vertical feet along the coast. Again, this happens twice daily. If it spills back into the trees, you often can’t follow far enough to get a lure to the fish that rode up with it.

But you can find those hard edges. ‘Containment banks’ such as seawalls and the docks that squat along them, are obvious targets. Corners are prime. It could be a right angle in the seawall that forms an ambush point or an inside turn that traps bait and accumulates wolf packs of hungry bass working against the clock as the tide ebbs and flows, ceaseless as the sun passing overhead, creating a sense of urgency that makes these fish impulsive yet predictable. At the very least, you can present a bait to these fish.

But what about the sand bars, shell beds and firm banks that held fish at low tide – or in low water situations of any sort? They can produce some of your most memorable days. While smaller fish may run as far back in the woods as the rising water will allow, the biggest bass in an area will often cling to the same structural feature they favored on low water but that still deflects flow when the current is ripping.

Electronics can help, but a good pair of polarized glasses and a low water scouting trip are all an angler generally needs on small rivers and tidal creeks.

Next time you’re out during low water, take note of those subtle hard edges that most anglers will miss. And when the waters rise, so will your catch rate.

by AnglersChannel

Georgia’s Buddy Benson Boats 9-6 Kicker to Vault into lead on Day 1 of 42nd Annual Phoenix BFL All-American Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Hamilton

Three-time All-American Qualifier catches 20-pound, 3-ounce limit to take early lead in the race for $120,000

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (May 29, 2025) – Day 1 of the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Hamilton impressed at the scales – six boaters caught more than 15 pounds, and big bass hit the scales pretty steadily throughout weigh-in. In the lead, boater Buddy Benson of Dahlonega, Georgia, weighed 20 pounds, 3 ounces, thanks in large part to a mammoth 9-6 he wrangled midway through the day. In second, Matteo Turano of Puryear, Tennessee, weighed 19-10, and Appling, Georgia’s Tanner Hadden and Clint Knight of Russellville, Kentucky, both caught more than 18 pounds to finish the day in third and fourth, respectively.

Day 2 should prove critical, as the standings below seventh are stacked as tight as can be – 9-12 is good for 26th place and 13-12 currently stands in eighth. Making the Top 10 is going to be a real rodeo, especially considering the size of the fish that are evidently available on Hamilton at the moment.

The three-day All-American, hosted by Visit Hot Springs and the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism,, showcases the nation’s best weekend grassroots anglers, and awards the winning boater a top prize of up to $120,000 – and an automatic qualification into REDCREST 2026, MLF’s most prestigious event – and the winning co-angler a top prize of $50,000.

Despite his young age, Benson is fishing his third consecutive All-American, and after finishes of third and fourth, he’s looking to do just a little better this time. Today, the midday kicker propelled him to the top of the leaderboard.

“I caught it at probably 12 o’clock,” Benson said. “I had 12 1/2 pounds on my scale and then I pulled up on a little clay point. I thought it was, like, a carp or something, laying on a little brush pile in probably 5 or 6 foot of water. I pitched over there and it came up.

“I told my told my co-angler when I hooked it, I didn't know if it was a bass or a catfish or what it was, but I just knew it was giant. And it came up and could only get, like, part of its head out of the water, and I fought it, fought it, fought it; finally got it in. I literally could barely stand up for, like, five or 10 minutes.”

That fish obviously vaulted Benson into an enviable position, but 12 pounds was still a pretty good start – plenty of other anglers would have loved 12 pounds today.

“I thought I was going to do at least solid,” Benson said of his practice. “I thought I would have at least 12 or 13 pounds, but I didn't see a lot of big ones in practice. I didn't know if I could get much more than that, but I knew there were big ones in here to be caught. I felt like I got a little something figured out that's a little different, but at the same time, a 9-pounder changes everything.”

As the event goes on, one thing that Benson has going for him is his comfort with the fishery. Though his Georgia address doesn’t make him a local, Benson is a modern angler, and Day 1 of the event seemed to play into the hands of the more youthful anglers in the field.

“I definitely feel like [Hamilton] fishes pretty good to my strengths, just being clear, and the fish like to roam around on bait, which is a lot like home,” he said. “So, I definitely feel pretty comfortable here. And I always like fishing grass, so when I saw there was grass in here, that kind of made me smile a little bit.”

He’ll be smiling a lot if he can maintain for two more days – with the last two winners being Georgia products, he’s seen how far an All-American win can go first-hand.

“It would mean everything,” Benson said of the prospect. “Especially watching the last two people win it from the hometown, just seeing what it did for them. It would mean everything; it would truly be crazy.”

The Top 20 boaters after Day 1 of the 2025 All-American on Lake Hamilton are:

1st:        Buddy Benson, Dahlonega, Ga., five bass, 20-3
2nd:      Matteo Turano, Puryear, Tenn., five bass, 19-10
3rd:       Tanner Hadden, Appling, Ga., five bass, 18-8
4th:        Clint Knight, Russellville, Ky., five bass, 18-1
5th:        Zack Fogle, Longview, Texas, five bass, 17-15
6th:        Harbor Lovin, New Concord, Ky., five bass, 15-4
7th:        Jake Lawrence, Paris, Tenn., five bass, 14-15
8th:        Mike Bruggen, La Crosse, Wis., five bass, 13-12
9th:        Mel Kennedy, Hiawassee, Ga., five bass, 13-6
10th:     Cody Ross, Livingston, Texas, five bass, 12-15
11th:     Dillon Roberts, Oologah, Okla., five bass, 12-11
12th:     Dillon Falardeau, Hixson, Tenn., five bass, 12-10
13th:     Jeremy York, Conyers, Ga., five bass, 12-4
14th:     Yeej Moua, Renton, Wash., five bass, 12-3
15th:     Brad Stalnaker, Eatonton, Ga., five bass, 12-2
16th:     Logan Anderson, Sherrills Ford, N.C., five bass, 11-11
17th:     Jonathan Lang, Joppa, Md., five bass, 11-4
18th:     Caz Anderson, Haysville, N.C., five bass, 10-12
19th:     Mike Puterbaugh, Montello, Wis., five bass, 10-7
20th:     Chad Sykes, Killen, Ala., five bass, 10-2
20th:     Bradley Sullivan, Shawnee, Okla., five bass, 10-2
20th:     Kevin Powers, Unicoi, Tenn., five bass, 10-2

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

Overall, there were 242 bass weighing 532 pounds, 15 ounces caught by the 49 boaters on Thursday. The catch included 46 five-bass limits.

Co-angler Scott Standafer of Milford, Ohio, grabbed the early lead in the co-angler division at Lake Hamilton on Thursday with a three-bass limit weighing 12 pounds, 6 ounces, anchored by a nice 8-pound, 6-ounce kicker bass. Standafer will start Day 2 of competition Friday with a slim 11-ounce lead over second-place co-angler Richard Williams of Sutherland, Virginia, who weighed in three bass totaling 11 pounds, 11 ounces.

The Top 20 co-anglers after Day 1 of the 2025 All-American on Lake Hamilton are:

1st:        Scott Standafer, Milford, Ohio, three bass, 12-6
2nd:       Richard Williams, Sutherland, Va., three bass, 11-11
3rd:       Brian Townley, Wyoming, Mich., three bass, 9-11
4th:        Robert Massey, Calhoun, La., three bass, 8-8
5th:        Nathan Hall, Hensley, Ark., three bass, 6-11
6th:        Kade Wesner, Lancaster, Pa., three bass, 7-3
7th:        Bill Hockaday, Nashville, Ark., three bass, 6-11
8th:        Brent Jones, Okeana, Ohio, three bass, 6-6
9th:        Tony Stevens, Monroe, Ga., three bass, 6-4
9th:        Andy Morita, La Jolla, Calif., three bass, 6-4
11th:     Harold Grizzle, Gainesville, Ga., three bass, 6-2
12th:     Brad Sampson, Knoxville, Tenn., three bass, 6-0
13th:     Luke Shrader, Monticello, Ky., three bass, 5-15
14th:     Tim Greene, Loganville, Ga., three bass, 5-13
15th:     Ryan Sykes, Fairfield, Ohio, three bass, 5-11
16th:     Ernest Stephens, Orrum, N.C., three bass, 5-10
16th:     Cy Matlock, Crump, Tenn., three bass, 5-10
18th:     Andrew Rogers, Johnson City, Tenn., three bass, 5-8
19th:     Arthur Stahlhut, Garrett, Ind., three bass, 5-6
19th:     Cornell Badra, Clarksburg, Md., three bass, 5-6

Overall, there were 132 bass weighing 252 pounds, 5 ounces caught by 48 co-anglers on Thursday. The catch included 38 three-bass limits.

Anglers will launch each day at 6:30 a.m. CT from the Hulsey Hatchery Access, located at 350 Fish Hatchery Road in Hot Springs. Weigh-in each day will be held at the access and will begin at 2:30 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and weigh-in events and encouraged to follow the event’s online coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The full field of 49 boaters and 49 co-anglers will compete on Days 1 (Thursday) and 2 (Friday) of the event. After two days of competition, the field is cut to just the top 10 boaters and co-anglers, based on two-day total cumulative weight, and the final 10 anglers compete on Championship Saturday. The boater and co-angler that catch the heaviest three-day total weight will be crowned the 42nd Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American Champions.

The 2024 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine was a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, advanced to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they competed to finish in the top six, which then advanced them to compete in the 2025 BFL All-American. The field also includes the top eligible finisher from each of seven The Bass Federation (TBF) divisions in the 2025 TBF National Championship.

Television coverage of the 2025 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine All-American will premiere at 10 a.m. ET, November 22, on CBS Sports. The full television air schedule can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Proud sponsors of the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sport Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Li Time Batteries, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.

by AnglersChannel

2025 Toyota Bonus Bucks Owners Tournament Set for Lake Guntersville

Guntersville, AL (May 29, 2025) – Legendary Lake Guntersville will host the 14^th annual Toyota Bonus Bucks Owners Tournament for the first time this fall, on October 25-26, 2025. Located in northeast Alabama, in the heart of bass fishing country, Guntersville is hallowed ground for tournament anglers and has been home to bass fishing’s biggest events, like the Bassmaster Classic and Major League Fishing REDCREST.

With its spectacular views, proximity for so many Bonus Bucks members, and fertile fish-filled waters, Lake Guntersville will serve as an excellent location for this amateur-only tournament celebrating all things Toyota and bass fishing.

This exciting weekend features a no-entry fee team tournament, gift bags full of Toyota swag for registered teams, prize drawings, meet & greets with Team Toyota pro anglers, and more. The first-place prize is a guaranteed $5,000 payout, with cash prizes awarded to the top 31 teams.

“The annual Bonus Bucks Owners Tournament is an event that Toyota looks forward to every year,” said Dedra DeLilli, Vice President of marketing communications, Toyota Motor North America. “We cherish the opportunity to celebrate and spend time with people who depend on Toyota vehicles to pursue their passion for fishing and the outdoors. We’re super excited to bring this event to Lake Guntersville for the first time in its 14-year history.”

More than just a fishing competition, this event “has a family reunion feel” according to Team Toyota pro Mike Iaconelli, with an emphasis on fellowship and camaraderie.

The weekend begins Saturday afternoon with a registration meeting at Goosepond Colony Marina, where Team Toyota pro anglers will be on hand to greet guests. B.A.S.S. tournament staff will conduct the tournament and be onsite Saturday afternoon for angler registration, where participants will receive an arm-full of free gear, along with a complimentary dinner.

“This event and Lake Guntersville are a match made in heaven,” said Gerald Swindle, Guntersville local and Team Toyota pro. “Toyota tow vehicles and Guntersville are both synonymous with tournament bass fishing. It’s great to finally pair these two icons together for what will be an amazing weekend of fellowship and fishing.”

Tournament eligibility is contingent on meeting two requirements: at least one of the two team members must be currently registered in the Toyota Bonus Bucks program, and the eligible team must use the Bonus Bucks team member’s Toyota truck as the primary tow vehicle during the event.

The deadline to register is October 17, 2025. To get signed up or for more details, please visit https://ownersevent.toyotatrucksbonusbucks.com/. If you have questions, or need assistance, contact the Toyota Bonus Bucks Headquarters via email: bonusbucks@dynamicsponsorships.com.

Visit toyotafishing.com for more program details. Bassmaster Elite Series, MLF Bass Pro Tour, MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, and NPFL anglers are not eligible to participate in the Toyota Owners Tournament. Participants are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible for this prize-rich event. Registration is limited to 300 teams.

About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs nearly 64,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 49 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants. In spring 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 32 electrified options.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

by AnglersChannel

Calvert City, Kentucky Readies for MLF Bass Pro Tour Lowrance Stage 5 at Kentucky Lake Presented by Mercury

66 Anglers to Compete for $150,000 Top Prize on Kentucky Lake, Follow the Competition Live All Four Days at MajorLeagueFishing.com

CALVERT CITY, Ky. (May 28, 2025) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour continues its 2025 season next week, June 5-8, in Calvert City, Kentucky, with Lowrance Stage 5 at Kentucky Lake Presented by Mercury.

Hosted by the Kentucky Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Calloway County Tourism Commission, the four-day tournament will feature 66 of the world’s top professional anglers competing for a $150,000 top prize, crucial points in the Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) race and coveted qualification spots for the Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2026.

"We are thrilled to welcome Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Tour to Kentucky Lake for Stage 5," said Elena Blevins, Executive Director of the Kentucky Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau. "This event not only highlights our rebounding fishery on a national stage but also drives significant economic impact to our local communities. From lodging and dining to fuel and retail, every corner of our region benefits when we get the chance to host an event like this because of the ripple effect that it has on our community. Be sure to tune in online or head to Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, June 5-8.”

The all-star field will feature top pros and local fan favorites, including previous Kentucky Lake Toyota Series champion pro Jake Lawrence of Paris, Tennessee, REDCREST 2025 Champion Dustin Connell and reigning Fishing Clash AOY Jacob Wheeler, along with Kentucky pros John Hunter of Shelbyville, Kentucky, and Bradley Roy of Lancaster, Kentucky, both eager to capitalize on their home-state advantage.

“The national television and digital coverage of the Major League Fishing Stage 5 event puts Kentucky Lake back in the spotlight as one of the premier bass fishing destinations in the country,” said Jeremy Whitmore, Executive Director of the Calloway County Tourist Commission. “People want to fish where these tournaments are held, and we’re excited to afford them the opportunity to catch the same fish as the pros. We’re proud to partner together to make this event a success and showcase all that our areas have to offer.”

The tournament will feature the MLF catch, weigh, immediate-release format, in which anglers catch as much weight as they can each day, while also feeling the pressure and intensity of the SCORETRACKER® leaderboard. The tournament is being filmed for broadcast later this year on Discovery.

Although MLF has hosted more than 250 tournaments on Kentucky Lake across its various circuits – making it the most frequented fishery in MLF history – Stage 5 marks the first time the Bass Pro Tour will visit this iconic venue. Several anglers competing in the event have already found past success on Kentucky Lake. Lawrence captured back-to-back Toyota Series wins in 2023 and 2024, while Anthony Gagliardi, Jeremy Lawyer and Dave LeFebre have each earned over $100,000 in tournament winnings on the fishery across various circuits in the past.

Kentucky Lake has also delivered some standout big-bass moments, including a 9-pound, 9-ounce giant caught by Cole Floyd, an 8-8 landed by Lawrence, and a 7-8 reeled in by Matt Becker over the years.

With the Bass Pro Tour making its long-awaited debut on Kentucky Lake, local pro Jake Lawrence said he is particularly excited to see the national spotlight return to a fishery he knows well – and believes is on the rebound.

“I’m really looking forward to finally being able to showcase the new Kentucky Lake on a level like the Bass Pro Tour,” Lawrence said. “Our lake has gone through cycles over many years, and we’re currently on the high end of the upswing.”

According to the rookie angler – who’s first Bass Pro Tour season is off to a strong start, with four top-10 finishes in his first five events, including a dynamic Stage 4 win on Lake Chickamauga – the lake’s resurgence in recent years has been significant, not just in largemouth numbers, but in smallmouth growth as well.

“Everything is still growing. A lot of new populations have formed in the last couple years across all species,” he explained. “Our smallmouth population has really come back strong over the past five years, and it fishes entirely differently from the past 15 to 20 years.”

The timing of the event could play into the hands of versatile anglers, with seasonal transition and changing conditions opening the door to a range of tactics.

“We’re in that late-spawn, early post-spawn period, so fish will be doing a little bit of everything,” Lawrence continued. “There’s going to be a lot of different techniques in play. It’ll be fun to see everyone find their own path on what this fishery gives us that week.”

While recent rains have made predicting exact conditions difficult, Lawrence emphasized that water level will be a critical factor.

“We’ve been getting a ton of rain lately, and the water level is absolutely going to dictate how the fishery shows out – and what patterns are going to dominate,” he noted.

Having already found success at Kentucky Lake with Toyota Series wins in 2018, 2023, and 2024, Lawrence understands the lake’s potential better than most.

“I've been very fortunate here. To go back-to-back in 2023 and 2024 was special, and I think this lake is going to surprise a lot of people,” he said. “I expect a ton of bass to be caught. With the 1-8 minimum scoreable weight next week, there’s going to be a high volume of catchable, scoreable fish. I’d guess the top five or eight anglers each day will be up around the 60-pound mark.”

He added that while it’s tough to nail down weights too far in advance, 35 to 45 pounds per day should typically be enough to advance through each round.

Lawrence said he’s also looking forward to the off-the-water festivities and fan engagement outside the competition.

“I think this is going to be a great venue for our watch party and fan activation events,” Lawrence said. “I’ve been spreading the word as much as possible – Saturday and Sunday should be a huge crowd. It’s going to be a lot of fun for the kids and for people of all ages.”

Anglers will launch at 7:15 a.m. CT from the Kentucky Dam Marina, located at 466 Marina Drive in Gilbertsville, Kentucky. The takeout will be held at the same location beginning at 3:45 p.m. daily. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com .

On Wednesday, June 4, prior to the start of the tournament, MLF fans are invited to a Meet & Greet featuring 19 MLF pros from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jet-A-Marina, located at 4616 US-62 in Calvert City, Kentucky. Pros will be available to swap fish stories, take photos and sign autographs with fans.

On Saturday and Sunday, June 7-8, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF welcomes fans of all ages to visit the Kentucky Dam Swim Beach at 466 Marina Drive in Gilbertsville for the MLF Fan Experience & Watch Party. Fans can watch the pros live on the MLFNOW! big screen, enjoy free food, enter to win hourly giveaways, listen to live music and cheer on their favorite pros. The first 50 kids 14 and under will receive a free Abu Garcia rod and reel each day. The event also includes a youth fishing derby and a casting contest. The Bass Pro Tour anglers will be on hand both days to meet and greet fans, sign autographs and take selfies.

The Lowrance Stage 5 at Kentucky Lake Presented by Mercury will feature anglers competing with a 1-pound, 8-ounce minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. The MLF Fisheries Management Division determines minimum weights for each body of water that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.

The 2025 Bass Pro Tour features a field of 66 of the top professional anglers in the world, competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual Heavy Hitters all-star event and the REDCREST 2026 championship.

The full field of anglers will compete in the two-day Qualifying Round on Thursday and Friday. 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 20th 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 $150,000.

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

Television coverage of the Lowrance Stage 5 at Kentucky Lake Presented by Mercury will premiere as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Oct. 25 on Discovery, with the Championship Round premiering on Saturday, Nov. 1. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on Outdoor Channel.

Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Bass Pro Tour include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, Bass Force, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, E3 Sport Apparel, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Lowrance, Mercury, MillerTech, Mossy Oak Fishing, NITRO, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Power-Pole, Rapala, Star brite, Suzuki and Toyota.

For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Bass Pro Tour, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

by AnglersChannel

PiranhO₂ Named Official Sponsor of MLF5 and MLF Fisheries Management Division Fish Care Program

BENTON, Ky. (May 27, 2025) – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world's largest tournament fishing organization, today announced PiranhO2 as a sponsor of its MLF5 leagues and the MLF Fisheries Management Division (FMD) Fish Care program. This strategic partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing fish health and sustainability at every level of the sport.

As part of the agreement, PiranhO2 has been integrated into all MLF live-release boats and is actively being used in the fish care tanks this week at the Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) All-American on Lake Hamilton. PiranhO2 will also play a key role in MLF’s FMD Fish Care initiatives, supporting the organization’s efforts to responsibly manage and protect fisheries during MLF tournaments.

“We are constantly looking for ways to improve fish care practices, and the introduction of PiranhO2 is a significant step forward,” said Steven Bardin, Fisheries Biologist and Director of MLF’s Fisheries Management Division. “The advanced oxygenation and water-quality benefits provided by PiranhO2 represent the next evolution in tournament conservation.”

PiranhO2’s system uses a patented delivery process that diffuses pure oxygen and stabilizes water conditions in livewells and holding tanks. The result is improved fish vitality, reduced stress, and better post-release survival rates – core goals of MLF’s conservation mission.

"PiranhO2 could not be more excited to partner with an organization that aligns with our mission and shares our common goals," said Joseph Krawczyk, President and CEO of PiranhO2. "At the forefront of our development of PiranhO2 was the goal to combine our expertise and scientific knowledge with conservation efforts for the long-term sustainability and health of fish populations. We are committed to educating the public about the importance of sustainable practices in recreational fishing."

As a sponsor, PiranhO2 will benefit from visibility across the MLF5 circuits, which include Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, Toyota Series presented by Phoenix Boats, Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine, Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI and Abu Garcia High School Fishing presented by Tackle Warehouse. PiranhO2 will be featured in PR and media coverage, prominent exposure in MLF5 eNewsletters, and branding integrated throughout MLF5 digital properties. The brand will also be showcased in MLF5 television broadcasts and featured in all MLF5 livestreams. PiranhO2 will engage with fans on-site at events and provide product gifting at key championship tournaments.

PiranhO2 already has a strong presence in the professional bass fishing world through partnerships with MLF Toyota Series anglers Billy McDonald and Kyle Cortiana.

“PiranhO2 has made a huge difference in how I manage fish care on the water,” said McDonald. “I love the fact that they are the designer and manufacturer of the product, all in-house. I’ve seen firsthand how much better my fish look when I bring them across the weigh-in stage. It gives me peace of mind knowing I’m doing everything I can to preserve the resource.”

Cortiana added, “From hot summer days to long runs across the lake, PiranhO2 keeps my livewell conditions stable. The PiranhO2 system triples the amount of dissolved oxygen in my livewells. It’s a game-changer for responsible anglers who care about conservation.”

For more information about PiranhO2, visit PiranhO2.com. To learn more about Major League Fishing and its conservation efforts, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.

About PrOO2
As a pioneering subsidiary of Nidek Medical Products, Inc., PRO O2, LLC was established in 2017 to revolutionize oxygen-based solutions across all nonmedical industries. With a footprint spanning over 50 countries on six continents, PRO O2 delivers cutting-edge oxygen concentrators and other gas separation systems tailored across a wide array of applications, including water treatment, food processing/agriculture, aquaculture, veterinary care and beyond. Our acclaimed product lines exemplify engineering excellence, combining innovation with dependability to exceed industry demands, while we remain at the forefront of continuing innovation & scientific advancements in our realms of operation. Manufactured exclusively in Birmingham, Alabama, USA using EPA-compliant components, PRO O2 is dedicated to advancing oxygen technology through our collective 39 years of design & engineering experience while also maintaining a steadfast commitment to quality and sustainability.

About PiranhO2 systems:
The oxygen concentrator systems provide the weigh-in tanks with 95% medical-grade oxygen, generated on-site from a small and highly mobile device. The oxygen implementation will not only result in lower stress rates to fish, but it will also support much larger fish weights in confined spaces while also ensuring clean and odor-free water for the duration of the tournament. PiranhO2 will be partnering with MLF to bring these same oxygen-generating solutions onto their live-release boats, as well as ensuring continual high-quality care is provided to fish even after weigh-in.

by AnglersChannel

Schlapper Secures Yamaha Power Pay at the Sabine River

Pat Schlapper won his first Elite Series title at the MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite on the Sabine River in southeast Texas this weekend, taking home an additional $4,000 bonus from Yamaha’s Power Pay contingency program. His winning weight of 38-lbs 12-oz is officially the lightest four-day winning weight in Elite Series history, a title that Schlapper welcomes.

The Eleva, Wisconsin native had to scrap and claw for every ounce on the Sabine River, much like he had to do to earn his spot amongst his Elite Series peers. Schlapper’s story is one of perseverance that resonates with many who aspire to fish at the highest level. It’s easy to root for a guy like Pat Schlapper.

Schlapper, who went to college for elementary education, started working part time for Scheels in their fishing department in 2004 while pursuing his degree. When he graduated and teaching positions were tough to come by, he made the decision to become the full-time fishing manager at the Eau Claire Scheels store in 2006.

A position he held until he won the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship in 2020 and double qualified in the Bassmaster Opens that same year, earning his spot to compete on the Elite Series. Scheels, his one-time employer turned into the title sponsor on the side of his Skeeter boat when he became a full-time pro angler in 2021. Since that time Schlapper has qualified for four Classics, notched half a dozen top ten finishes and is now an Elite Series champion.

A story you could find next to the definition of ‘The American Dream.’

But Schlapper will be the first to tell you his career has not been all sunshine and rainbows. With the peaks, there have come plenty of valleys that Schlapper worked through with midwestern grit and a never give up attitude. Through the highs and lows, one foundation Schlapper has always leaned on is confidence in his equipment.

“The first boat I owned was a 2004 Skeeter with an old Yamaha VMAX that my dad and I put who knows how many hours on,” Schlapper recalled. “Since then, I’ve owned several boats, but every single one of them has had a Yamaha Outboard on the back. No matter how long or sketchy the run is, I never have to worry about my Yamaha. That trust is invaluable no matter what level you fish.”

The vast area anglers had available to them at the Sabine River, including the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, is a fishery that tested anglers’ equipment to the max. Schlapper was making a one-hour run each way to get to his fish during competition, through both big water and narrow sloughs, and his Yamaha 250hp VMAX SHO performed flawlessly.

Not only did Schlapper’s Yamaha get him to and from his fish each day, but it also earned him some extra income through the free-to-enter Power Pay program for being the highest finishing angler running a Yamaha motor purchased within the past 60-months.

“I tell people all the time that they are crazy if they aren’t signed up for Power Pay,” Schlapper said with a smile. “The program pays out to something like 600+ events and of all levels, too. I won a bunch of extra cash through Power Pay when I fished the B.A.S.S. Nation and Opens, and now again on the Elites. You make extra money to run what is already the best product out there.”

For more information, a full list of supported events, or to sign up and start reaping the rewards of Yamaha Power Pay like Pat Schlapper, follow this link: https://yamahapowerpay.com/. Whether you compete in team tournament trails, high school or college events, at the triple AAA level or in select walleye and saltwater competitions you can start taking advantage of Power Pay today.

by AnglersChannel

Canterbury Seals the Deal on Douglas Lake

Final-Day Flurry and Big Fish Lock in First NPFL Win

With light wind and shifting water levels across Douglas Lake, anglers were once again forced to adjust on the final day of Stop #3 of the NPFL season. The offshore bite never really came back after Day One, and while shallow patterns remained the deal, water color and stability varied depending on where you were.

When the dust settled, Scott Canterbury, who shared the lead heading into Showdown Saturday, showed up when it counted. He started the morning fishing floating docks around a marina and connected with a 4-pound, 14-ounce kicker—his biggest of the week—then backed it up with another solid keeper to put him over 8 pounds right out of the gate. From there, he returned to his flooded bushes, where he’d caught fish all week, and made key culls to build his final-day bag of 19 pounds, the biggest of the event.

He kicked things off with 17 pounds, 6 ounces on Day One to take the lead, then added 14 pounds, 3 ounces on Day Two—his slowest day of the week. On Saturday, he slammed the door shut, weighing the tournament’s heaviest bag to earn his first NPFL win and take home the Douglas Lake NPFL Shield.

Kyle Welcher, the reigning Progressive AOY, came out swinging and put together a solid bag of 16 pounds, 10 ounces, finishing in second place with 48 pounds, 3 ounces for three days. Barron Adams finished in third place with 43 pounds, 2 ounces, adding his biggest limit of the event on the final day.

Canterbury Closes Strong

After holding a share of the lead through two days, tied with Kyle Welcher and Tim Cales, Canterbury knew the final day would come down to decision-making. As it turned out, a choice he made in practice—and another first thing Saturday morning—helped seal the deal.

“Where I caught those big fish this morning, I actually had 15 pounds in there on Day One, but yesterday I only caught one fish,” he said. “The 5-pounder and the 3.5 really got me going this morning and settled me down. I kept it honest each day and was rewarded today.”

The other key decision came several days earlier. With only a day and a half of practice, Canterbury committed to a 3- to 5-mile stretch of the lake and went all in on the bushes and trash mats.

“I spent most of my practice driving around that area and marking places that had 4 to 7 feet of water in the pockets. I was just looking for what looked right,” he said. “Today, I noticed the main stretches I was fishing had the trash mats blown out, away from the bushes. When the mats are there, fish can be anywhere. But when they blow out, those fish slide to the first bush nearby—and today, it was game on.”

Everywhere he stopped on the final day, he got bit. And everywhere he had marked debris mats earlier in the week, he caught fish today. He rotated through 20 to 25 spots on Showdown Saturday and had his best day of the tournament when it mattered most.

“I tried to find as many spots in that one area as I could that would let me run around during the event,” he added. “Some ended up being sneaky, and some I knew would get fished. But I knew a few might be mine. I love fishing this way—when I won on Beaver Lake years ago, it was almost exactly the same deal. Today, everywhere I stopped I caught a fish.”

Growing up on the Coosa River, Canterbury learned how to be efficient picking apart shallow cover. As the water rose during practice, it created the perfect storm. Like Welcher, he left the dock on Day Three fired up and ready to go fishing.

“One other big thing for me this week was using Fishlife First Aid Fish Treatment and their Livewell Treatment,” he said. “I saved a 4-pounder on the first day, and every time I hooked one that started bleeding, I was able to get it back healthy. It was an incredible week out here on Douglas.”

Canterbury’s one-two punch was flipping a Khaotic Custom Rod rigged with either a Dirty Jigs Scott Canterbury Flipping Jig or a Matt Herren Flipping Jig, swapping to a Reaction Innovations Beaver when needed. His setup was rounded out with a Spearpoint Flipping Hook and an Epic Tungsten weight.

Welcher Falls to Second

Alabama pro Kyle Welcher continued to get better as the week went on. After starting in seventh with 15 pounds, 1 ounce on Day One, he jumped into a tie for the lead with 16-8 on Day Two, then wrapped up his tournament with a strong 16-10 limit to finish in second place with 48 pounds, 3 ounces—increasing his weight each day.

He got off to a fast start on Showdown Saturday, locking in a solid limit early and settling into a groove. The area he had dialed in all week continued to produce, and while he ran some new water during the event, it was this stretch on Douglas that held the best quality and became his go-to zone.

“I really don’t know why it got better each day, but I stuck with it because the quality was better than anywhere else I tried to fish,” he said. “I would leave and come back and catch one. The area had everything I liked to fish all in one stretch.”

His main approach—no surprise to anyone—was relying on the Rapala Bronco Bug, a bait that’s earned him a lot of money in 2025 and one he trusts more than anything else. He mixed in a frog to try and trigger a few bigger bites, but in the end, all 15 bass he weighed came on the Bronco Bug.

“Each day it was different, and I don’t know why. One day they were inside on the trees, then outside, then in the debris mats, and some along the vegetation,” he said. “That Bronco Bug is really special. The hinge system makes it unique, and that thin section between the body and tail gives it tons of movement on the fall.”

After a long stretch on the road and a slower practice, heading out on Day Three with a legit shot to win meant a lot—but even more because it let him fish the way he loves.

“I was fired up for the one-day shootout. Whoever got them the best today was going to win—hats off to Scott,” he added. “Fishing shallow cover is something I consider a strength, and to get to fish that way this week was super special.”

A total of 105 anglers weighed five-fish limits all three days, and 113 anglers recorded a catch overall. Tim Cales earned Big Bass honors with a 5-pound, 2-ounce largemouth from Day One.

Top Ten:
Scott Canterbury 50-9

Kyle Welcher 48-3
Barron Adams 43-2

Tim Cales 42-7

Brandon Cobb 42-5

Nick Brown 41-12

Brad Staley 41-11

Caleb Kuphall 41-1

Hunter Sales 40-11

Lendell Martin 40-4

by AnglersChannel

Canterbury, Cales, and Welcher in Three-Way Tie at the Top on Douglas Lake

Nail-Biter Set for Showdown Saturday

Improved weather brought calmer conditions on Day Two, but the offshore bite took a hit. Dirtier water in key areas made it tough for anglers to lean on ledge schools, while the shallow bite—though not lights-out—proved to be the more consistent option.

In rare fashion, the NPFL heads into Showdown Saturday with a three-way tie at the top. Reigning AOY Kyle Welcher, Day One leader Scott Canterbury, and veteran Tim Cales all sit at 31 pounds, 9 ounces after two days of competition. The trio will lead the pack at takeoff and be the final three to check in, setting the stage for a dramatic finish at Stop #3 on Douglas Lake.

Canterbury kicked things off with 17 pounds, 6 ounces on Day One and followed it up with 14-3 to stay in the mix. The Alabama pro stuck with the shallow bite, picking apart brush and mixing in new water to keep momentum on his side. Cales, steady as ever, backed up his 15-15 on Day One with 15-10 on Day Two to stay right there at the top.

Welcher made the biggest move of the day, jumping from 7th into a share of the lead with a strong 16-8 bag, building on his 15-1 from Day One. All three anglers will launch side by side Saturday with everything on the line.

A total of 107 anglers have weighed in five-fish limits each day, and Tim Cales still holds Big Bass honors with his 5-2 largemouth from Day One. The check line is currently around 23 pounds after two days, and just 4.5 pounds separate 100th from 40th—proving how tight Douglas Lake is fishing this week.

Canterbury Keeps Pace

If not for a late-afternoon mishap losing a quality fish, Scott Canterbury might have had the solo lead going into Saturday. After leading on Day One, he stayed committed to the shallow bite and stuck with what brought him success—covering water and fishing his style.

“I stayed shallow today and tried to capitalize on the tail end of the shad spawn, but that just isn’t happening out here right now,” said Canterbury. “My program is pretty simple; I am covering as much water as I can with a Scott Canterbury Dirty Jigs and rotating through a bunch of different plastics. The key is to keep moving, without moving too fast.”

The Alabama pro caught a few early on a spinnerbait, but noted that bite, once strong during practice, has faded with the full moon phase ending. On Day Two, he ran a lot of new water and plans to do the same on Saturday.

“You know, this tournament is going to come down to making the right decision tomorrow,” he added. “We’ve got some weather changes coming, and I’ll have to adapt on the fly. Whoever makes the right call is going to win this thing.”

Welcher Climbs to the Top

Practice was anything but consistent for Kyle Welcher, but once the event started, things began to fall into place. On Day One, he got into better quality fish and used a run-and-gun approach to start figuring things out. Despite a scattered practice, both tournament days were much more productive.

“Practice was pretty random, honestly—I never really got into anything that made me feel solid,” said Welcher. “But once the tournament started, I started figuring out where they were and how they were setting up. That allowed me to slow down a bit and fish more effectively.”

On Day Two, he adjusted to a shift in fish positioning and covered new water as the wind changed direction. He pieced together 16 pounds, 8 ounces, moving from 7th place into the three-way tie.

“I’m excited for tomorrow, and if the wind lays down, I think it’ll help the bite.”

Cales Sticks to the Brush and Stays in the Hunt

Getting on the shallow bite early in practice, Tim Cales has executed his chunk-and-wind pattern flawlessly through two days of competition. Like much of the field, Cales hasn’t relied on flipping, instead picking apart shoreline brush and docks across several stretches of the lake.

“The place I started had no pressure this morning, but after that I was sharing some water with other anglers,” he said. “I really don’t know if I’m doing anything different to catch better quality, or if it’s just a right place, right time kind of thing.”

After culling up to his Day Two weight—and putting on a clinic during Live Coverage—Cales pulled the plug and left his water alone. Going into the final day, he plans to lean on the same stretches that got him to this point while mixing in some areas from practice he hasn’t yet touched.

“I’m going about as far as anyone wants to run right now at some point in the day, but my fish are scattered. I’m hopeful there are still some left—and that the areas I’ve saved will produce,” he added.

Top Ten After Day Two:
Scott Canterbury – 31-9
Tim Cales – 31-9
Kyle Welcher – 31-9
Lendell Martin – 28-14
Brad Staley – 28-8
John Cox – 28-0
Hunter Sales – 27-10
Caleb Kuphall – 27-7
Tavin Napier – 27-7
Barron Adams – 27-6

by AnglersChannel

Peyton Harris & Dalton Head from Top Ranked Montevallo Win the 2025 Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops

Bryce & Tripp from UNA take 2nd, and Brody & Peyton with Montevallo finish in 3rd

ANDERSON, SC (May 23, 2025) – The Association of Collegiate Anglers’ historic 20th National Championship is complete, as competition has concluded and a winner crowned at the 2025 Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops. The full field of 200 anglers competed again on Lake Hartwell for Day 2, with weigh-in taking place at Green Pond Landing in Anderson, SC.

Peyton Harris & Dalton Head from number one ranked University of Montevallo claim the National Championship title with a two-day total weight of 37.14 pounds. Tripp Berlinsky & Bryce DiMauro from 2nd ranked University of North Alabama finish in 2nd, and Brody Robison & Peyton Sorrow with Montevallo finish in 3rd.

View the complete final standings here.

The Montevallo pairing of Harris & Head entered the final day of tournament competition at Lake Hartwell in 6th, just over two pounds behind 1st place. On Day 2 of tournament competition for the Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops, Harris & Head weighed in the largest limit of bass for the entire event. The two brought in a five bass limit for 21.29 pounds. That impressive weight helped them to best 2nd place by more than four pounds. For the victory, the two anglers receive $5,000. They also earned T-H Marine Atlas Awards ($500), and the ACA logo contingency ($1,000). All total, the winners received $6,500 in prizes and contingencies.

Finishing in 2nd place are Bryce DiMauro & Tripp Berlinsky. Representing 2nd ranked University of North Alabama, the two anglers weighed in a two-day total weight of 32.92 pounds. Berlinsky & DiMauro earned $2,500 for the 2nd place finish.

Rounding out the Top 3 are Brody Robison & Peyton Sorrow from Montevallo. After entering the day in 26th, the pair climbed 23 places to end the event in 3rd. On Day 1, they weighed in 13.34 pounds. Robison & Sorrow rounded out the event by weighing 17.64 pounds on Day 2. The 3rd place finish awarded them $1,500.

The University of Montevallo earned the most points of any team to compete at the Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops. Montevallo’s Top 3 highest-placing teams finished in 1st, 3rd, and 9th. The three Top 10 finishes earned Montevallo 7,300 points. Those valuable triple points take Montevallo’s season total to 40,575. The victory in 2025 marks Montevallo’s historic 5th straight title as Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia. The complete points update will be released next week.

Special thanks to the host site of Visit Anderson and the team at Green Pond Landing for great hospitality and assistance all throughout Championship Week.

by AnglersChannel

CANTERBURY COMMANDS NPFL LEAD AT DOUGLAS LAKE

Decisions Define Day One at Stop Three

Day One is in the books at Douglas Lake, and the leaderboard is stacked. With rising water pushing fish shallow and a handful of offshore schools in play, anglers were faced with the decision: go to the bushes or commit to the ledges.

Alabama pro Scott Canterbury made the right call, weighing 17 pounds, 6 ounces to take the early lead at Stop Three of the NPFL season. After splitting his practice time between deep and shallow, Canterbury made the right decisions this morning that paid off in a big way.

Just behind him, Buddy Gross brought in 16 pounds, 9 ounces to lock in second place after leaning on four offshore areas he located during practice. Despite changing conditions, Gross is optimistic heading into Day Two.

Tim Cales sits in third with 15 pounds, 15 ounces, thanks in part to the Day One Big Fish—a 5-pound, 2-ounce kicker that anchored his limit.

Of the 115 anglers on Day One, 112 recorded a catch—and all but two of those brought in a five-bass limit. With the unofficial check line sitting around 11 pounds, 9 ounces, just a two-pound difference in weight equates to a swing of more than 45 spots in the standings. One quality bite could be the difference-maker as this tournament unfolds.

Canterbury Cruises to Day One Lead

With a Day One weight of 17 pounds, 6 ounces, Alabama pro Scott Canterbury leads the charge at Stop #3 on Douglas Lake. After only two days of practice and splitting his time between offshore and shallow water, it was a last-minute call at takeoff that set the tone for his day.

“I split practice in half and fished both deep and shallow, and this morning when I took off I had to see where other anglers were before deciding where to start,” said Canterbury. “I fished shallow first thing and then made a move offshore around 11 a.m.”

Getting into a good rotation is everything on TVA lakes, and that can make or break your tournament before it even gets rolling. With boats nearby at nearly every stop, Canterbury still managed to find solid quality and exceeded his own expectations on Day One.

“You know, I went out this morning and would’ve been happy with 13 pounds—honestly, that’s a good bag here right now,” he said. “But getting 17 was fortunate. I was in a good rotation and that helped. You can fish behind someone who just caught them on an offshore spot, or pull up shallow and the one fish you wanted gets caught right before you get there—you just never know. It’s hard to catch bigger fish, and tomorrow I’ll just have to see how things lay out and go with what feels right.”

Gross Commits to the Ledges

With just two days of practice, Buddy Gross leaned on experience and made the call to stay offshore. Fighting the urge to chase shallow fish in flooded bushes, the Georgia pro put in the time idling and found several schools—enough to land 16 pounds, 9 ounces and end Day One in second place.

Gross rotated through four of his nine areas, catching around 15 keepers and keeping a close eye on how the schools were shifting throughout the day. While things didn’t fire quite like they had in practice, he’s optimistic about what Day Two might bring.

“There just aren’t a lot of fish out there,” said Gross. “I only sampled a few of my areas today but the wind kind of messed things up and the schools got smaller. In practice it went from a few in one school to a bunch, but today it was less.”

After a productive morning, Gross spent most of his afternoon idling and watching how fish repositioned with changing conditions. While he’s all-in on the ledges for now, he knows he has other options.

“I know I can get bit if I go to the bank, but I’m not going to do it unless I absolutely have to. I’m excited to get back out there tomorrow.”

Top Ten:

Scott Canterbury 17-6

Buddy Gross 16-9

Tim Cales 15-15

Lendell Martin 15-12

Tim Fredrick 15-4

Brandon Cobb 15-2

Kyle Welcher 15-1

Cody Bird 14-10

Jason Reyes 14-7

Nick Brown 14-3

by AnglersChannel

Rodriguez & Osborn From 12th Ranked Adrian College Take Day 1 Lead

ANDERSON, SC (May 22, 2025) – Tournament competition is complete for Day 1 of the Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops. 200 teams comprised of close to 400 elite college anglers competed on Lake Hartwell in Anderson, SC for the Association of Collegiate Anglers’ historic 20th National Championship tournament.

Derek Rodriguez & Brady Osborn from 12th ranked Adrian College are in 1st place with 17.96 pounds. Bryce DiMauro & Tripp Berlinsky from 2nd ranked University of North Alabama are in 2nd with 17.40 pounds, and Brennan Berglund & Colton White with top ranked University of Montevallo are in 3rd with 17.08 pounds.

Click here to view the complete Day 1 standings.

The Top 3 teams are separated by less than one pound. 5th through 31st are distanced by approximately three pounds. There is a lot of room for teams to make major moves on the final day of tournament competition. One big bite can be the difference in a team moving way up in the standings, or slipping outside of the Top 40.

This week’s event is a triple points tournament to count towards the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia. Schools have the opportunity to earn close to 7,000 points, depending on how high their top teams finish. Top ranked University of Montevallo has two teams in the Top 10 (3rd, 6th). 2nd ranked UNA also has two teams in the Top 10 (2nd, 5th). 17th ranked Emmanuel University leads the way with three teams currently in the Top 10 (7th, 8th, 10th).

Lake Hartwell is a famed fishery known for a great quality and quantity of fish. Anglers are able to target all different types of areas with a variety of baits to get bites. Many anglers found success using topwater lures and other shad impersonation baits. Targeting wind blown banks allowed the anglers to get additional bites.

The full field of anglers will compete again on Day 2 of the Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops, with takeoff set for 6:00 AM at Green Pond Landing. Follow along with live blog coverage bright and early tomorrow morning, as well as tune in for live weigh-in beginning at 2:00 PM. Following the conclusion of competition tomorrow, the ACA will award more than $30,000 in prizes and contingencies, including paying out the Top 40, numerous exact places, a Power-Pole to the overall big bass, and triple points to count towards the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia.

by AnglersChannel

Nick Hatfield Cruises to First Bass Pro Tour Win at B&W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters on Smith Mountain Lake

Jeff Sprague Earns $100,000 Big Bass Award

Tennessee pro catches 12 bass for 42-12 in Championship Round to earn $100,000 top prize, Sprague catches 6-2 largemouth to earn $100,000 Berkley Big Bass Award

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. (May 22, 2025) – Entering the Championship Round at B&W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters Presented by Bass Pro Shops, Nick Hatfield didn’t really believe he had much of a chance of leaving with the title belt. Sure, he tried to talk himself into a scenario in which every other angler struggled and he found a magic school of Smith Mountain Lake bass. But given that he’d never led at any point during his first three days of competition and squeaked into the Top 10 by finishing eighth in the Knockout Round, his focus was more on winning the $100,000 Berkley Big Bass award up for grabs on the final day.

Yet Hatfield took the lead 5 minutes after lines in Thursday and never looked back. He stacked up 42 pounds, 12 ounces on 12 scorable bass to top Justin Lucas by 13-12 for his first Bass Pro Tour victory. That earned him not only the championship belt but a $100,000 paycheck, plus an extra $10,000 for catching the biggest bass during his second day of qualifying.

Hatfield wasn’t the only angler to leave Smith Mountain with a six-figure payday. While Jeff Sprague caught just two scorable bass on the day, one of them tipped the scales at 6-2. More than a pound heavier than the next-largest bass, that easily earned Berkley Big Bass honors, netting Sprague his second career $100,000 big bass bonus.

Hatfield never felt farther away from the Heavy Hitters title than at the end of his first day competing on Smith Mountain Lake. During Group A’s first day of the Qualifying Round, he mustered just five scorable bass for 15-1, which had him nearly 10 pounds back of the elimination line.

Yet that lackluster day laid the foundation for Hatfield’s win. He’d caught all his weight off the same spot during the first period – a flat, main-lake point where both largemouth and smallmouth were ambushing spawning blueback herring. However, having never competed on Smith Mountain before, when his bite slacked, he set off in search of something better. He never caught another scorable bass on the day.

That taught Hatfield, who had little experience fishing for herring eaters entering this event, that he’d be better off staying put and waiting out the lulls. So, when he returned to the water, Hatfield parked himself on the point where he’d caught his Day 1 weight and stacked up nearly 56 pounds on 17 scorable bass, vaulting all the way from 11^th place to third and catching a 5-6 that won Big Bass honors in the process.

“Day 1, I started pretty much where I ended up winning the tournament,” Hatfield said. “I caught 15 pounds pretty quick and then bailed on it. I thought, ‘Man, they’re catching them pretty quick; I’ve got to go do something else.’ And I’d had several bites up shallow, just fishing the bank, and I went and did that, and I never caught another one the rest of the day. So, I found myself in a hole right off the rip.

“Day 2, I’m like, I’m going to stick it out here, and that was really when I was like, dang, there’s a lot of fish on these places.”

At that point, even though most of the top performers were catching their fish off steep banks on the more riverine upper end of the lake, Hatfield knew his best bet was to stick with his flat point pattern. The bite wasn’t quite as strong during the Knockout Round, when Hatfield totaled 41-13, but he was at least able to finish among the Top 10 and find a few new spots to add to his rotation.

“I didn’t have anything else, and I’d already seen some big ones in practice,” he said. “So, I thought that was my best chance to try and win and catch a big one for the big fish. I just stuck it out. Regardless of what happened today, I was going to do that no matter what.”

Entering the Championship Round, Hatfield assumed he’d milked the spot that produced his Qualifying Round weight for all it was worth. He planned to start on one of the new places he’d identified Wednesday. However, during the 30-minute ride around prior to lines in, he saw that no other boats were sitting on the point, and he couldn’t pass it up.

That turned out to be a prudent decision. Hatfield caught his first scorable bass, a 3-15, just 5 minutes after lines in. Twelve minutes later, he landed a 3-9 and a 4-5 back-to-back.

Then, Hatfield ran to his second spot and hit the flurry that really separated him from the pack. He caught four scorable bass totaling 13-10 in the span of 5 minutes. At that point, he had 25-7 on seven scorable bass. With a scorable bass needing to weigh 3 pounds or more, the rest of the field had landed just four fish total, with no other angler catching more than one.

Hatfield duped all four of those bass on a bait that’s not usually associated with the herring spawn – a SPRO Aruku Shad lipless crankbait. He admitted he didn’t even tie on a lipless before the start of the event. But, while he found some success mixing up more typical herring-imitating staples during the event – a Megabass 110 SR jerkbait, a jointed swimbait, a jighead minnow, a few different dragging presentations – he needed something he could reel fast and keep out of the slimy grass on the bottom to fool the well-educated bass.

“I wanted something that I could burn really fast,” he explained. “Because if you threw just a regular swimbait or a topwater, it wasn’t fast enough. It had to be moving really fast to get them to react to it and bite it.

“It fit what I needed to catch the fish where they were, because I needed it to go really fast, and I needed it to stay out of the grass and just move really quick. And it was kind of surprising to me that they bit it, too, because they wouldn’t bite a whole lot of other things.”

Hatfield added a 3-pounder in the final minute of the first period, then plucked four more fish during the second frame to extend his lead over Lucas to more than 13 pounds. He figured if he could just catch two or three more scorable bass, he’d have his first BPT win.

Instead, he never got another bite. Hatfield spent the entire final period convinced that someone would find a fired-up school and run him down. But Lucas, who was also targeting herring-eaters on points, couldn’t add to his total either.

“It was the longest 2 ½ hours of my life, for sure,” he said. “I kept asking, ‘Any changes? Any changes?’ And (my boat official) said no every time. I really couldn’t believe it. You know how good this group of guys are. It's really unbelievable that they struggled and didn’t catch me, because this lake is a good enough fishery, you pull up to the right place, right time, where somebody hasn’t messed with them, and you’re going to get right in a hurry.”

Given that Hatfield didn’t see this win coming, it probably shouldn’t come as a surprise that, shortly after receiving his title belt, he said it hadn’t sunk in yet. But the 31-year-old acknowledged that landing his first Bass Pro Tour win gives him a jolt of confidence that he’s good enough to sustain a career fishing at the highest level.

“To get a win against that group of guys, it means a lot,” he said. “It really helps your confidence, and it just lets me know that I can compete with them. I knew I could, because I’ve had some good finishes so far. But to actually seal the deal on one of them, it really just helps me boost my confidence to know that I’m for sure where I need to be.”

Sprague was one of the many anglers who got to the Championship Round by fishing up the Roanoke River. Whether due to a shift in the conditions, mounting pressure or both, that bite finally fizzled out Thursday – none of the six competitors who spent most of their time in that area cracked the 20-pound mark.

But Sprague made up for an otherwise trying day in one hookset. Early in Period 2, the 6-2 that would earn him $100,000 bit his bladed jig tipped with a Lake Fork Pro Craw. It wasn’t until Sprague got the fish next to the boat and saw it that he realized just how big it was.

“She rolled, and I saw it was a good one, and I told my boat official and my cameraman, ‘That’s a 5-pounder-plus, guys. That’s a big fish,’” Sprague said. “Long story short, it worked out, and we got our hands on her jaw and brought her in the boat. And she was beat up and beautiful.”

Sprague credited an adjustment for producing the lucrative bite. Whereas he had been keying on steep, main-river banks where bass seemed to be feeding on spawning shad in previous days, he started venturing into more coves and pockets once he saw that bite had tapered off. The second one he tried produced the 6-pounder, which he believes was a late spawner.

“Something changed in the areas that we were fishing – not just one area, but the whole entire deal,” he said. “For me, anyway, I couldn’t get the quality bites. I was still getting bites, but to get a 3-plus-pounder was a little bit harder. So, I started running some secondary stuff that I had fished in practice and just tried to change it up.”

While this event marked Sprague’s 15^th Championship Round appearance without a Bass Pro Tour win, it’s his second time cashing in $100,000 for a big bass. Sprague also caught the biggest bass of the Championship Round on Shearon Harris Reservoir at the 2021 Heavy Hitters.

“It was right place, right time,” he said. “I had some big bites in practice and it just never materialized during the event until today, and we were just super blessed that it did today when it counted the most.”

The top 10 pros at the B&W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters 2025 Presented by Bass Pro Shops on Smith Mountain Lake finished:

1st: Nick Hatfield, Greeneville, Tenn., 12 bass, 42-12, $100,000
2nd:        Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., eight bass, 29-0, $25,000
3rd: Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., six bass, 22-15, $20,000
4th:         Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, five bass, 19-14, $18,000
5th:         Edwin Evers, Talala, Okla., four bass, 16-10, $15,000
6th:         Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., four bass, 14-13, $14,500
7th:         Matt Stefan, Junction City, Wis., three bass, 11-3, $13,500
8th:         Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., three bass, 10-10, $12,500
9th:         Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas, two bass, 9-15, $11,000
10th: Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., two bass, 6-5, $8,000

Full results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Overall, there were 49 bass weighing 184 pounds, 1 ounce caught by the 10 pros on Thursday, which included one 6-pounder, one 5-pounder and 12 4-pounders caught from Smith Mountain Lake.

The six-day B& W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters Presented by Bass Pro Shops at Smith Mountain Lake was hosted by Visit Franklin County, Virginia and Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, and showcased the top 30 pros that qualified via the Bass Pro Tour competing for massive daily Berkley Big Bass Bonuses and a payout of $100,000 to the winner.

Berkley Big Bass Bonus Award Winners:

Group A Day 1: Dave Lefebre, Erie, Pa. and Fred Roumbanis, Russellville, Ark. (6-7), $10,000
Group B Day 1: Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., and Britt Myers, Lake Wylie, S.C. (5-4), $10,000
Group A Day 2: Nick Hatfield, Greeneville, Tenn. (5-6), $10,000
Group B Day 2: Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio (6-2), $10,000
Knockout Round: Matthew Stefan, Junction City, Wis. (5-15), $30,000
Championship Round: Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas, (6-2), $100,000

The 15 Anglers in Group A competed in their two-day qualifying round on Saturday and Monday – the 15 anglers in Group B on Sunday and Tuesday. After each two-day qualifying round was complete, the top eight anglers from both groups advanced to Wednesday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round weights were zeroed, and the remaining 16 anglers competed to finish in the Top 10 and advance to the Championship Round. In Thursday’s final-day Championship Round, weights were zeroed, and the highest one-day total earned the top prize of $100,000.

Television coverage of B&W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters 2025 Presented by Bass Pro Shops will be showcased across six two-hour episodes, premiering at 7 a.m. ET, July 19 and running each Saturday – except Shark Week – through Aug. 30 on Discovery. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on the Outdoor Channel.

Proud sponsors of the 2025 B&W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Barbasol, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, E3 Sport Apparel, Kubota, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, MillerTech, Mossy Oak Fishing, NITRO Boats, Onyx, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Star brite, Toyota, YETI and Zenni.

by AnglersChannel

B.A.S.S., Daiwa announce three-year renewal as supporting sponsor

B.A.S.S., Daiwa announce three-year renewal as supporting sponsor

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. announced today that Daiwa, a worldwide leader in fishing gear, has signed a three-year renewal as supporting sponsor. As part of the agreement, Daiwa will be featured on-site at Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series events showcasing and selling products to fishing enthusiasts across the country.

“Daiwa is pleased to renew our sponsorship with B.A.S.S. for another three years. We see tremendous potential for growth in the fishing industry, as well as exciting opportunities to elevate the Daiwa brand,” said Marc Mills, Senior Marketing Manager for Daiwa Corporation.

“Our activations at B.A.S.S. events have proven to be invaluable, providing us with direct engagement opportunities with our customers. B.A.S.S. continues to offer the premier platform for expanding our reach and growing our popularity within the angling community.

“We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with B.A.S.S. in the years ahead.”

Daiwa's first spinning reel rolled off the assembly line in 1955, and they have grown into one of the largest and most influential tackle companies in the world. Today they continue the tradition, creating and delivering to anglers the most advanced and dynamic fishing gear the world has to offer.

“We are proud to extend our partnership with Daiwa as a supporting sponsor,” said Phillip Johnson, B.A.S.S. Chief Operating Officer. “Daiwa’s reputation among anglers, from top-level pros to beginning enthusiasts, is well-respected. This relationship between Daiwa and B.A.S.S. has proven to be mutually beneficial, and we look forward to working together for years to come.”

About Daiwa Corporation

Daiwa's first spinning reel rolled off the assembly line in 1955. Since then, the company has grown into one of the largest and most influential tackle companies in the world today. To handle sales and distribution in the United States, Daiwa Corporation first opened its doors on September 26, 1966, operating from a small facility in Culver City, California. Today, based in Foothill Ranch, Calif., Daiwa Corporation sells tackle throughout the United States and Canada. From the very beginning, Daiwa's emphasis has been upon innovation and quality. The result is a long list of product features, design and materials that have become standards for the fishing tackle industry. Daiwa’s long-standing record of innovation has left a visible mark on the majority of tackle manufactured today and continues to advance the sport of fishing. Learn more at daiwa.us.

About B.A.S.S.

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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 205-313-0950, cgay@bassmaster.com

by AnglersChannel

B.A.S.S., Yamaha Marine announce four-year renewal of premier sponsorship, title sponsorship of Redfish Cup Championship

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. announced today that Yamaha Marine, a worldwide leader in outboard marine products, has signed a four-year renewal as a premier sponsor as well as the title sponsorship for the Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship. B.A.S.S. and Yamaha have a long partnership history that dates back to the mid-2000s.

“Yamaha’s sponsorship of the annual Redfish Cup reinforces our strong, long-standing relationship with B.A.S.S.,” said Scott Higgins, Marketing Division Manager, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. “The unique format of this tournament brings together the freshwater and saltwater competitive fishing worlds, allowing B.A.S.S. fans and anglers alike to expand their knowledge of fishing in new waters. Yamaha looks forward to this great annual event and wishes the competing teams the best during the 2025 Redfish Cup.”

“Yamaha’s support of B.A.S.S. represents our strong commitment to competitive fishing,” said Mark Tracy, Vice President, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. “B.A.S.S. continues to evolve to meet the challenges necessary to grow the sport while also sharing a legacy of excellence with the next generation of anglers. Yamaha shares that passion for competitive fishing and looks forward to working with B.A.S.S. as we build upon our long-standing relationship.”

As part of the sponsorship, Yamaha products, representatives and pro anglers will be featured prominently at Bassmaster events throughout the tournament season, and fishing fans will have the opportunity to experience the Yamaha brand firsthand.

“We are thrilled to extend the partnership with Yamaha for another four years,” said Phillip Johnson, B.A.S.S. Chief Operating Officer. “This long-standing relationship of two leaders in the industry is one bass anglers and fans expect to see at tournament events across the country each year. We look forward to continuing to build both the freshwater and saltwater bond with Yamaha for years to come.”

Yamaha also features the Yamaha Power Pay Program, a contingency program for tournament anglers who own and run with a Yamaha outboard motor on their boat (pro, semi-pro and amateur anglers) and post the highest-placing finish of those who have registered for the Yamaha Power Pay Program. Select tournament trails pay the top two highest finishes.

About Yamaha

Yamaha Marine products are marketed throughout the United States and around the world. Yamaha Marine Engine Systems, based in Kennesaw, Ga., supports its 2,000 U.S. dealers and boat builders with marketing, training and parts for Yamaha’s full line of products and strives to be the industry leader in reliability, technology and customer service. Yamaha Marine is the only outboard brand to have earned NMMA^®’s C.S.I. Customer Satisfaction Index award every year since its inception. Visit yamahaoutboards.com.

About B.A.S.S.

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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 256-424-2390, cgay@bassmaster.com

by AnglersChannel

Smallmouth, largemouth will both play at Kayak Series event at Tenkiller

COOKSON, Okla. — After hosting last year’s Bassmaster Kayak Series National Championship, Lake Tenkiller will welcome anglers from across the country for the Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, a tournament that will likely be determined by postspawn and early summer patterns.

“You’ll see good limits come from the dam all the way up the river,” 2024 Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series National Championship scored by TourneyX qualifier Jimmy Thomas said. “There won’t be (one) spot that is just better than another.”

Tournament days are scheduled for May 31 through June 1. Competitors will launch from any approved public launch on the lake in this catch-measure-release-style event and the top finishers will claim a spot in the 2026 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series National Championship presented by Native Watercraft to be held in conjunction with the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour in Knoxville.

While often overshadowed by Grand Lake in eastern Oklahoma, Tenkiller features a strong population of smallmouth and largemouth bass. The Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series visited this fishery for the first time back in 2019, where Australian pro Carl Jocumsen won the late-summer event with a four-day total weighing 54 pounds, 15 ounces.

The early summer event will provide the opportunity for several different patterns to develop, and Thomas believes much of the lake will hold quality bass.

“We will definitely be postspawn,” the Tahlequah, Okla., native said. “A lot of the bigger fish have moved out to some of our ledges. An early topwater bite is really good that time of year. Personally, I’d start the morning off with a buzzbait or a spook and then switch over to a big worm around brushpiles.”

A productive smallmouth bite could be going on up the river, but Thomas said it could get crowded, limiting how well one individual angler could do.

“There will be some good largemouth up there too,” he said. “Whoever wins will have a mixed bag, for sure. There’s an abundance of baitfish and crawfish in the river.”

Rock structure and cover is available throughout much of the lake. Chunk rock and transition banks around bluffs are prominent, as well as docks and brushpiles.

“They will suspend under the shade of the docks. All of our docks seemed to be over deeper water, which helps in the summer as well,” Thomas said.

Big worms, jigs, crankbaits and topwater baits will be popular selections, as well as big spoons and swimbaits.

In the early spring, the lake was about 4 feet lower than full pool, according to Thomas. If the water rises enough to flood some of the cover on the banks, there is potential for an even better bite.

“It could make fishing really nice if the water would come up and get in the buckbrush and murky it up,” he said. “Tenkiller is clear. I consider it part of the Ozark foothill lakes. Those are hard to fish for a lot of people who don’t fish there regularly.”

2025 Bassmaster Kayak Series Title Sponsor: Newport

2025 Bassmaster Kayak Series Presenting Sponsor: Native Watercraft2025 Bassmaster Kayak Series Angler of the Year Sponsor: Dakota Lithium

2025 Bassmaster Kayak Series Platinum Sponsors: Progressive, Toyota
2025 Bassmaster Kayak Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster Kayak Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Triton Boats, VMC, Yokohama

About B.A.S.S.

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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 205-313-0945, cgay@bassmaster.com

by AnglersChannel

Costa Sunglasses Announces 2nd Annual Costa Bass Derby

In partnership with sporting goods retailer Scheels, Costa invites anglers to Grand Lake, Oklahoma to participate in its amateur-only bass tournament

JUPITER, Fla. – (MAY 22, 2025) – Mark your calendars, the Costa Bass Derby, a bass fishing team tournament, is set to return to scenic Grand Lake in the northeast corner of Oklahoma on Sunday, October 26, 2025. The second iteration of the tournament will be hosted in partnership with Tulsa Scheels, and anglers from across the country are invited to participate for a chance to win the $20,000 first-place payout and enjoy a weekend of fellowship, fun and bass fishing.

The tournament serves as an extension of Costa’s longtime support of bass fishing and its Compete + Conserve contingency program, which not only awards the highest placing angler wearing Costa Sunglasses in select tournament trails, but also donates to freshwater conservation on the winning angler’s behalf.

“Last year’s inaugural Costa Bass Derby was a huge success, so we’re excited to be bringing it back for our amazing bass fishing community,” said Jed Larkin, Costa Sunglasses' Brand Marketing Director. “We hope to see an even bigger and better turn out this year. It’s such a great opportunity for anglers to be recognized for doing what they love, while also playing a part in protecting our waters.”

Open to amateur teams only (see Rules), the tournament is highlighted by an incredible $20,000 first-place prize, which includes a special $5,000 Costa Compete + Conserve bonus to the highest placing team with both anglers wearing Costa shades. Additionally, through Costa Compete + Conserve, a $1,000 donation will be made in the winning anglers’ names to one of five designated freshwater conservation organization s of their choice. Oklahoma natives Micah Littlejohn and Preston Cook won the inaugural event last fall with over 19-pounds of Grand Lake largemouth and look forward to another great experience at the 2025 Costa Bass Derby.

“This event had such an awesome atmosphere last year,” Littlejohn said. “There is nothing like this that comes to Grand Lake for us weekend anglers. From the gift bags at registration, to having pros like Jason Christie hanging out and the payouts being good from top to bottom, it was truly a great experience.”

Along with the tournament on Grand Lake, Costa Sunglasses will be set up on Friday, October 24th and Saturday, October 25th at the Tulsa Scheels location with product displays, exclusive in-store promotions for tournament participants, product raffles, and insight on Costa’s latest frame and lens technology.

Additionally, on Saturday, October 25th, Costa will host an optional Tournament Welcome / Registration at The Regatta on Grand. Here, anglers will pick up swag bags (valued at $200 and guaranteed for the first 150 boats to register), be treated to dinner, live music, meet & greet with Costa pros , and enjoy some fellowship before a brief rules meeting.

The tournament will launch from Wolf Creek Park in Grove, OK at safe light (7:00AM) on

October 26th and weigh-in will begin at 3:00PM.

To register for Costa Bass Derby, visit costacompeteandconserve.com/bass-derby/. The tournament entry fee is $200 per team with 100% payback. Registration closes Friday, October 20th and will be capped at 300 boats. Teams are limited to two anglers per boat, and at least one team member must own a pair of Costa Sunglasses and be registered for the free-to-enter Compete + Conserve contingency program. To register for Costa Compete + Conserve, visit costacompeteandconserve.com.

To check out Costa Sunglasses’ full collection of performance, lifestyle and optical eyewear, and learn more about its commitment to conservation, visit costasunglasses.com.

About Costa Sunglasses: More than 40 years ago, a group of anglers created Costa Sunglasses to stand up to the harsh light, unforgiving salt and rough conditions of a day at sea. The gear they made was up to the task, and it’s been on the water ever since. Today, Costa combines its superior 580® lens technology with unparalleled fit and durability to make the highest-quality sunglasses and prescription eyewear for adventures on the water. Committed to protecting the watery world it calls home, sustainability and conservation is woven throughout everything they do. From building products made of responsible materials, to Costa-owned initiatives like Kick Plastic® and #OneCoast, and its partnerships with 40+ mission-aligned conservation organizations, Costa inspires its community to help protect the earth’s resources and #SeeWhatsOutThere. Find out more on Costa’s website and join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter at @CostaSunglasses.

SCHEELS History:

Three acres of potatoes were the seed for the first SCHEELS store in 1902. Frederick A. Scheel, a German immigrant, used the $300 he earned from that first harvest as the down payment on the first SCHEELS, a small hardware store in Sabin, Minn. Over the years, SCHEELS opened in surrounding communities including Fargo in 1930, where the Campus is located today. Customer interest grew and sports lines were added to the product mix.

Today, SCHEELS is a 34-store operation with stores in 16 states including North Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Nevada, Illinois, Utah, Kansas, Colorado, Texas, Arizona, Idaho, and Oklahoma. Currently, Steve D. Scheel, the great grandson of SCHEELS founder, is the company's Chairman Emeritus. Matt Hanson, CEO, Michelle Killoran CFO, and Todd Anderson, President oversee SCHEELS daily operations of more than 13,000 associates. Tulsa SCHEELS is the company's 34th location, opening in 2024, and employs more than 400 associates.

As an employee owned company giving back to our local communities and fueling passion for local sports and activities are central to Scheels culture.

by AnglersChannel

Registration set to open for 2025 Bassmaster High School Combine

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — One hundred young anglers will have the opportunity to showcase their on-the-water skills and network with 25 of the best colleges in the country when the fifth-annual Bassmaster High School Combine presented by Skeeter returns to Wheeler Lake in Decatur, Ala., Sept. 5-7. The weekend will feature multiple skills challenges and recruiting visits with college coaches in hopes of reeling in fishing scholarship money. Registration will open on Wednesday, May 28 at 9 a.m. CT.

“This amazing event has offered great opportunities for young anglers looking to fish at the next level,” said Glenn Cale, B.A.S.S. Nation tournament manager for the Bassmaster College, High School and Junior Series. “Over the past five years, we have seen interest in the Bassmaster High School Combine grow greatly amongst high school anglers and college coaches.

“We look forward to seeing great relationships formed between 25 of the best colleges in the country and 100 hopeful anglers looking to expand their fishing careers at the collegiate level,” Cale added.

The Bassmaster High School Combine presented by Skeeter will be a three-day event where anglers will perform multiple tasks to showcase their skills not only on the water, but also display their knowledge of the sport as a whole. Each of the disciplines will operate on a point system and will be timed by an official judge. Each angler will accumulate points to determine an overall winner. After the first day, colleges will have the opportunity to select anglers for a “second look” where they can further explore everything that angler has to offer and see if they would be the perfect fit for their fishing program. Only colleges who offer fishing scholarships are invited to participate in the High School Combine.

“When I look back at my experience at the Combine, I think about all of the opportunities that were presented to me while I was there,” said Briley Mills, 2023 Bassmaster High School Combine participant. “It was a very eye-opening experience for me. The Combine made it easy to connect with coaches and present myself and my skills to them. I was able to learn a lot about the ins and outs of college fishing and how different coaches run their programs.

“I was also blessed to make some friends along the way,” she continued. “While I was attending the Combine, I found my perfect fit, which was Emmanuel University. The Combine helped prepare me to take my fishing career to the next level.”

The weekend’s activities will take place at Ingalls Harbor and Pavilion in Decatur, Ala., which is conveniently located on the shores of Wheeler Lake.

Registration for the Bassmaster High School Combine presented by Skeeter will open at 9 a.m. CT on May 28 and remain open until 100 participants have registered. The $650 registration fee includes accommodations for two nights and four meals. Anglers can register by clicking this link.

For more information, visit Bassmaster.com/high-school.

2025 Bassmaster High School Series Title Sponsor: Strike King

2025 Bassmaster High School Series Platinum Sponsor: Progressive, Toyota
2025 Bassmaster High School Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster High School Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC, Yokohama

2025 Bassmaster High School Series Youth Sponsors: Seaguar, Shimano

About B.A.S.S.

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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 256-424-2390, cgay@bassmaster.com

by AnglersChannel

Stefan Wins $30K Big Bass award, Lucas Leads Final 10 into Championship Day at Major League Fishing’s B&W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters

Wisconsin pro Matt Stefan boats 5-pound, 11-ounce largemouth to win Knockout Round Berkley Big Bass, Lucas tops Knockout Round with 64-4, Final 10 anglers set for Thursday’s Championship Round

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. (May 21, 2025) – Everything has gone to plan so far for Justin Lucas at B&W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters Presented by Bass Pro Shops. His last remaining objective on Smith Mountain Lake: claim the title belt he’s coveted for the past three years and at least one of the $100,000 paychecks up for grabs on Championship Thursday.

Lucas totaled 64 pounds, 4 ounces on 21 scorable bass during the Knockout Round. With less than 2 minutes left before lines out, he boated a 3-13 smallmouth that put him atop SCORETRACKER®, 1-8 ahead of Zack Birge.

Meanwhile, even though he finished the day in third place, the biggest winner was Matthew Stefan. The Wisconsin pro earned $30,000 for catching the Berkley Big Bass of the day, a 5-15 that ate a bladed jig.

Lucas will lead the Top 10 into what’s shaping up to be a wide-open Championship Round, where $100,000 will be up for grabs for both the tournament winner and the angler who catches the biggest bass.

Lucas’ Knockout Round unfolded much like his Qualifying Round. He got off to a strong start, putting plenty of distance between himself and the elimination line early, then spent some time scouting for the next round.

While most of his closest competition plied steep banks on the riverine end of Smith Mountain, Lucas stuck with his approach of targeting schools of bass ambushing blueback herring around the flat points on the lower end of the lake. He amassed more than 27 pounds in the opening period, climbed above the 50-pound mark in the opening minutes of the third frame, then eased off the gas and spent the rest of the day in practice mode.

“I would say the day went better than I expected it to go,” the Alabama resident said. “There was still some fish on some stuff from a few days ago, so that was nice to see. Found a few more spots. And feel decent about it tomorrow.”

One of the few anglers catching roughly equal numbers of largemouth and smallmouth, Lucas rotated between a jighead minnow, a soft-plastic jerkbait and various swimbaits. Thanks to the fact that he was able to spend virtually all of his second day of qualifying as well as Period 3 on Wednesday in recon mode, he should have plenty of schools at his disposal for the Championship Round.

“I probably have 15 spots to fish, I would say,” he said. “And I’ll just rotate through those.”

Lucas’ primary concern is whether the wind that’s forecast to whip up on Thursday will help or hinder his bite. Another variable the Top 10 pros will have to contend with during the Championship Round is a 3-pound minimum scorable bass weight, up from 2 pounds to this point in the event. Had the 3-pound minimum been in effect during the Knockout Round, Birge actually would have led with 41-14 compared to 38-14 for Lucas.

Still, despite the increased minimum weight and the $100,000 big bass bonus that will be up for grabs, Lucas doesn’t plan to do anything different in an effort to generate bigger bites.

“I’ve caught plenty of 3-pounders,” he said. “I feel like I’m going to try and win the tournament, and if I catch big bass, it’ll happen the way I’m fishing. I’m not going to do something different to try and catch one fish.”

Lucas, who finished as the runner-up by 12 ounces at Heavy Hitters 2022 and was the top qualifier for this year’s event, hasn’t been shy about admitting how badly he wants to take home a title belt. More than the wind or the 3-pound minimum, he’ll have to overcome a loaded Championship Round field to make it happen.

In addition to Lucas, three other anglers topped 45 pounds through the first two periods Wednesday – Birge, Stefan and Edwin Evers. That doesn’t include Cole Floyd and Michael Neal , both of whom won their respective Qualifying Rounds and advanced to the Championship Round with relative ease, or three-time REDCREST winner Dustin Connell, who has a well-earned reputation as the best closer on the Bass Pro Tour.

Lucas knows it’ll be a dogfight to earn both $100,000 payouts, but more than anything, he’s excited to have a shot at them, especially in a no-entry-fee event. Given how well his game plan has played out thus far, he couldn’t hope to be in a better position.

“I’m pumped,” Lucas said. “That’s what we came here to do. To have a chance on the final day is all you can really ask for.”

Stefan boats Big Bass, keeps momentum rolling
For much of the first period, Stefan found himself tied with Evers for Big Bass honors, the two of them having caught twin 5-12s just 2 minutes apart. About 30 minutes into Period 2, he took the title for himself by boating a 5-15. That fish wound up topping Dustin Connell’s 5-13 by 2 ounces to earn him $30,000.

“Man, that’s the best big bass I’ve ever caught,” Stefan said.

Twenty-four hours prior to catching that fish, it looked like a long shot that Stefan would even be competing in the Knockout Round. A brutal first day of qualifying, during which he caught just two scorable bass for 5-1, had him in last place in Group B, more than 20 pounds behind the elimination line.

Stefan admitted that he panicked after his slow start on Day 1 and abandoned his game plan of fishing main-river banks, instead picking up a glide bait in hopes of getting a big bite. When he returned to the water, he hunkered down in his initial area and racked up nearly 38 pounds during the last 3 ½ hours – part of a 20-fish, 56-pound day that propelled him into the Knockout Round.

Now, after stacking up 59-5 on 18 bass Wednesday, including three over 5 pounds, he enters the Championship Round feeling like he has a legitimate shot at both $100,000 payouts.

“The crazy thing is, the first day of the tournament, I had a really bad day,” Stefan said. “And the couple fish I caught were doing exactly what I’m doing, and I gave up on it because I heard the scoreboard ticking, and you feel like you’ve got to go find something else. And then I started throwing a big glide bait around to try and win the big fish award, and the reality is, I should have just stuck with my guns and continued doing what I’m doing, because that’s what I did on Day 2.

“I’m sitting in a position where I feel like I actually have a shot at this thing tomorrow.”

The top 10 pros from the Knockout Round that now advance to Thursday’s Championship Round on Smith Mountain Lake are:

1st:        Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., 21 bass, 64-4
2nd:       Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., 20 bass, 62-12
3rd:       Matt Stefan, Junction City, Wis., 18 bass, 59-5
4th:        Edwin Evers, Talala, Okla., 15 bass, 51-4
5th:        Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, 17 bass, 49-6
6th:        Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas, 15 bass, 44-8
7th:        Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 14 bass, 41-11
8th:        Nick Hatfield, Greeneville, Tenn., 13 bass, 41-9
9th:        Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., 14 bass, 40-12
10th:     Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., 14 bass, 32-8

Eliminated from competition after the Knockout Round on Smith Mountain Lake are:

11th:     Jonathon VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., nine bass, 27-3
12th:     Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala., 10 bass, 26-1
13th:     Shin Fukae, Osaka, Japan, seven bass, 22-14
14th:     Mark Daniels Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., eight bass, 21-4
15th:     Fred Roumbanis, Russellville, Ark., five bass, 18-4
16th:     Cliff Crochet, Pierre Part, La., five bass, 14-6

Full results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Overall, there were 205 bass weighing 617 pounds, 15 ounces caught by the 16 pros on Wednesday, which included eight 5-pounders and 19 4-pounders caught from Smith Mountain Lake.

Berkley Big Bass Bonus Award Winners:

Group A Day 1: Dave Lefebre, Erie, Pa.. and Fred Roumbanis, Russellville, Ark. (6-7), $10,000
Group B Day 1: Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., and Britt Myers, Lake Wylie, S.C. (5-4), $10,000
Group A Day 2: Nick Hatfield, Greeneville, Tenn. (5-6), $10,000
Group B Day 2: Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio (6-2), $10,000
Knockout Round: Matthew Stefan, Junction City, Wis. (5-15), $30,000
Championship Round: TBD, $100,000

The 15 Anglers in Group A competed in their two-day qualifying round on Saturday and Monday – the 15 anglers in Group B on Sunday and Tuesday. After each two-day qualifying round was complete, the top eight anglers from both groups advanced to Wednesday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round weights were zeroed, and the remaining 16 anglers competed to finish in the Top 10 and advance to the Championship Round. In Thursday’s final-day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.

Hosted by Visit Franklin County, Virginia and Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge , the B&W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters at Smith Mountain Lake Presented by Bass Pro Shops features the MLF catch, weigh, immediate-release format, in which anglers catch as much weight as they can each day, while also feeling the pressure and intensity of the SCORETRACKER® leaderboard. A bass must meet the 2-pound minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable in the Qualifying and Knockout Rounds, but for the final day Championship Round a bass must weigh at least 3 pounds to be deemed scorable.

In addition to overall tournament awards, Berkley Big Bass bonuses are awarded in each round of competition with payouts of $10,000 for the single biggest bass on each day of Group A & B Qualifying, $30,000 for the biggest bass in the Knockout Round and $100,000 for the biggest bass in the Championship Round.

The final 10 anglers will depart Trinity Ecumenical Parish Thursday morning at 6:15 a.m. to one of five launch ramps located around the fishery. Anglers will return to Trinity Ecumenical Parish following the end of competition at 3:45 p.m. Fans are encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLFNOW! live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

To qualify for B&W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters, the weight of an angler’s single-largest bass from each event of the seven 2024 Bass Pro Tour events was recorded. The 30 anglers with the heaviest total from those seven bass qualified to compete in this event.

The MLFNOW! broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live on each day of competition from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. MLFNOW! will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app, and Rumble.

by AnglersChannel

Cole Floyd Paces Field in Group B Qualifying Round, Earns $10K Big Bass Award at Major League Fishing’s B&W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters on Smith Mountain Lake

Wednesday’s Knockout Round field set as eight anglers advance from Group B

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. (May 20, 2025) – If Cole Floyd had to pick his favorite way to catch a bass, it’d be on a topwater frog. To have big ones blowing up on his frog one after another – and to earn $10,000 with one of those bites – doesn’t get more fun.

Such was the case for Floyd during the second morning of qualifying for Group B at B&W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters Presented by Bass Pro Shops. Shortly after lines in, the Ohio pro used his frog to whip the Smith Mountain Lake largemouth into a frenzy. He boated 10 scorable bass totaling 37 pounds, 10 ounces in the opening period alone, including a 6-2 largemouth that earned him the $10,000 daily Berkley Big Bass bonus.

“It was freakin’ wicked,” Floyd said.

That strong start erased his nearly 35-pound deficit to leader Justin Lucas entering the day. With Lucas safely above the elimination line and spending the day in scouting mode, Floyd maintained the top spot from there. He wound up totaling 53-13 on 15 bass and bringing his two-day weight to 85-1.

Floyd wasn’t the only angler who found the Smith Mountain bass willing to bite, especially early. In fact, he didn’t even post the best day on the water. That honor went to Matthew Stefan, who rocketed all the way from 15th place at the start of the day to sixth and earned a spot in the Knockout Round on the strength of 20 scorable bass for 56-5. Stefan and Floyd were among a group of four anglers who topped 48 pounds on the day.

Floyd’s charge to the top of SCORETRACKER® actually started Sunday afternoon. He struggled to gain traction during Group B’s first day of qualifying, catching just one scorable bass during the opening period and sitting below the elimination line after two frames. However, in the third period, he boated six of his 11 scorable bass on the day to climb all the way to second place.

When he returned to the water Tuesday, he kept the momentum rolling, surpassing his Day 1 weight in the first period alone. Interestingly, Floyd did it by fishing the same banks with the same bait as his first morning of competition. This time, the bass were more willing to play along.

“It’s crazy, I fished a lot of the same exact stuff today,” Floyd said. “I threw a frog 90% of the day that first day, and today I did the same thing. They just bit better. I was on the right stuff; they just didn’t cooperate that day.”

Floyd said he found the frog bite during official practice, when he estimates he generated 50 blowups in one day.

On Sunday, though, the waves from the recreational boat traffic crashed against the steep banks he was plying and killed his frog bite. His third-period rally came after he put down the bait in favor of sub-surface presentations.

With calmer conditions Tuesday, the bass were more willing to engulf Floyd’s frog – and big ones, too. He landed six bass over 4 pounds. The other 14 anglers combined to catch 15. Not only did he catch the biggest bass on the day, but the second biggest, as well – a 5-10. He caught 5 ounces more on the day than Zack Birge, who finished the round in second place, despite the fact that Birge boated four more scorable bass.

Floyd thinks he’s simply fishing in an area with a strong average size, which would bode well if he can advance to the Championship Round, when the minimum weight for a scorable bass will jump to 3 pounds.

“I think it’s mainly just the area I’m at, and I think the water color has a lot to do with it,” he said. “I’m catching a lot of females, just postspawn females that are feeding on shad and bluegill, and the size has been great. It’s been an average of 3 pounds. In practice one day, I probably had 50 bites on a frog, and I’m going to say a dozen of them were over 4 pounds. So, it hasn’t changed at all.”

Floyd’s biggest bite came just 35 minutes after lines in. He didn’t see the fish when it hit, so he didn’t realize just how big it was until he swung it into the boat. While he had to sweat out another 7 1/2 hours of competition, no one ever really threatened to dethrone him and steal the big bass cash.

“I threw up under an overhang, and I heard him blow up,” Floyd said. “I never saw a fish or anything. I really didn’t know what I had. I set the hook, and I got him out, and I was like, ‘holy crap.’”

Floyd closed the first period by catching a 5-10 and a 3-5 in the final two minutes. At that point, as hard as it was to leave the frog bite, he knew he needed to conserve those fish for the Knockout Round. He spent the rest of the day checking a few banks where he’d gotten bit in practice, running new water and tinkering with his lure selection.

“I left a handful of them out there,” Floyd said. “And I did find some new stuff.”

Floyd is optimistic he’ll be able to continue his momentum into the Knockout and Championship Rounds. He doesn’t think the bass he’s targeting are on the move, and he’s identified a few different ways to trigger bites based on the conditions. Perhaps most important, he’s “fishing the way I love to fish.”

“I don’t see the fish going anywhere,” he said. “I’m just going to have to adjust. That first day, I had to adjust a little bit and throw something under the surface. … I see them biting again, hopefully.”

The top eight pros from Qualifying Group B that now advance to Wednesday’s Knockout Round on Smith Mountain Lake are:

1st: Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, 26 bass, 85-1
2nd:        Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., 29 bass, 80-10
3rd:        Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., 25 bass, 76-13
4th:         Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala., 22 bass, 64-3
5th:         Jonathon VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., 23 bass, 61-13
6th: Matt Stefan, Junction City, Wis., 22 bass, 61-6
7th: Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 20 bass, 57-1
8th: Shin Fukae, Osaka, Japan, 20 bass, 55-0

Finishing the event in 9th through 15th place are:

9th: Marshall Robinson, Landrum, S.C., 17 bass, 48-9
10th:      Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla., 15 bass, 47-11
11th:      Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., 15 bass, 45-12
12th:      Britt Myers, Lake Wylie, S.C., 14 bass, 39-4
13th:      Martin Villa, Charlottesville, Va., 15 bass, 38-14
14th:      Nick LeBrun, Bossier City, La., eight bass, 21-9
15th:      Luke Clausen, Spokane, Wash., seven bass, 19-6

Full results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Overall, there were 147 bass weighing 430 pounds, 15 ounces caught by the 15 pros on Tuesday, which included one six-pounder, five 5-pounders and 15 4-pounders caught from Smith Mountain Lake.

The 15 Anglers in Group A competed in their two-day qualifying round on Saturday and Monday – the 15 anglers in Group B on Sunday and Tuesday. Now that each two-day qualifying round is complete, the top eight anglers from both groups advance to Wednesday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round weights are zeroed, and the remaining 16 anglers compete to finish in the Top 10 to advance to the Championship Round. In Thursday’s final-day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.

The Bass Pro Tour trailering policy has been enacted for this event, so anglers will depart Trinity Ecumenical Parish each morning at 6:15 a.m. to one of five launch ramps located around the fishery. Anglers will return to Trinity Ecumenical Parish each evening following the end of competition at 3:45 p.m. Fans are encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLFNOW! live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Television coverage of B&W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters 2025 Presented by Bass Pro Shops will be showcased across six two-hour episodes, premiering at 7 a.m. ET, July 26 and running each Saturday through Aug. 30 on Discovery. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on the Outdoor Channel.

by AnglersChannel

Hot Springs and Lake Hamilton Set to Host 42nd Annual Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American Presented by T-H Marine

Major League Fishing’s Annual Grassroots Bass-Fishing Championship Showcasing Top Weekend Anglers to Take Place Next Week in Hot Springs at Hulsey Hatchery Access

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (May 20, 2025) – Major League Fishing (MLF) is set to return to Hot Springs, Arkansas, next week, May 29-31, for the 42nd annual Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) All-American Championship Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Hamilton. The three-day tournament, hosted by Visit Hot Springs and the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, will showcase the nation’s best weekend grassroots anglers, and awards the winning boater a top prize of up to $120,000, and a top prize of $50,000 for the winning co-angler.

“Hot Springs is eagerly awaiting its seventh time to be the host city for the Phoenix BFL All-American Championship,” Visit Hot Springs CEO Steve Arrison said. “We’re looking forward to showing some good old-fashioned Hot Springs hospitality to these weekend anglers as they take to Lake Hamilton for some great championship fishing.

“The All-American is one of the most prestigious and longest-running championships in bass fishing and Hot Springs knows how to make an already-great event even more exciting and enjoyable for the anglers and our residents alike,” Arrison continued. “Hot Springs will reap tremendous media attention from the event, and we owe thanks to the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism for partnering with us to bring the Phoenix BFL All-American back to Hot Springs. The Championship will focus national attention on the unrivaled outdoor recreation we enjoy here in The Natural State.”

This event marks the seventh All-American to be held in Hot Springs, and the sixth on Lake Hamilton – both MLF records for the most times a city and fishery have hosted the event. The championship was previously held on Lake Hamilton in 2000, 2001, 2004, 2008 and 2022, and on DeGray Lake in 2010.

Former All-American champions who currently compete on the Bass Pro Tour and the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals include Shaw Grigsby (1984), Jacob Wheeler (2011), Jeremy Lawyer (2016), Nick LeBrun (2018), Emil Wagner (2022) and Paul Marks Jr. (2024).

Local pro and noted Lake Hamilton hammer Spencer Shuffield of Hot Springs won’t be competing – he’ll be heading to Kentucky Lake to prep for the next event on the Bass Pro Tour. But his deep knowledge of the fishery paints an interesting picture of what competitors can expect next week, and according to Shuffield, it’s “the best he’s ever seen the lake.”

“There’s never been more grass in it,” Shuffield said. “We’re talking milfoil, hydrilla, coontail – some of it growing in 18 feet of water, five to six feet tall. It’s been more than 15 years since we’ve seen that kind of vegetation in places like the fish hatchery and White Oak Basin.”

That resurgence of grass, along with improved Florida-strain genetics, has led to a booming big-bass population.

“There’s been a 10- to 12-pounder caught every week for the last six months,” he added. “It’s a totally different lake than it was five years ago.”

Still, tournament timing presents a unique challenge.

“It’s the beginning of summer, so managing the boat traffic is going to be a challenge,” Shuffield said. “They’ll bite early, but once the wakes start rolling, it’s going to get tough. Someone will have to find something in the grass or stay out deep and get sneaky.”

While shallow brush, schooling fish, and bream bed patterns may factor briefly, Shuffield believes forward-facing sonar and suspended fish will likely dominate.

“It’s probably going to be won scoping with a Damiki rig or a minnow-style bait,” he said. “Those fish are grouped up and chasing bait in 20 to 35 feet of water, and if someone figures out a unique presentation they could absolutely blow the field away.

“It might only take 13 pounds a day to win if guys don’t adjust, but if they figure it out, it could easily take 16 a day or more,” Shuffield predicted. “This lake is full of sevens, and I’d be shocked if we don’t see at least a few eights or bigger cross the stage.”

The 2024 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine was a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, advanced to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they competed to finish in the top six, which then advanced them to compete in the 2025 BFL All-American. The field also includes the top eligible finisher from each of seven The Bass Federation (TBF) divisions in the 2025 TBF National Championship.

Proud sponsors of the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sport Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Li Time Batteries, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.

by AnglersChannel

Michael Neal Tops Qualifying Round for Group A, Hatfield Earns $10K Big Bass Award at Major League Fishing’s B&W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters

Tennessee pro paces field for top eight anglers advancing in competition, 15 Anglers in Group B to wrap Qualifying Round Tuesday

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. (May 19, 2025) – After racking up more than 75 pounds on Day 1, Michael Neal didn’t need to catch another bass during Group A’s second day of qualifying to maintain his spot atop SCORETRACKER® at B&W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters Presented by Bass Pro Shops . The Tennessee pro went ahead and added seven scorable bass for 22 pounds, 5 ounces anyway, bringing his two-day total to 98-3 to win the group’s Qualifying Round by nearly 25 pounds.

While Neal’s lead afforded him a stress-free day exploring new water on Smith Mountain Lake, plenty of drama unfolded further down the standings. Jeff Sprague and Nick Hatfield both put together huge days to rally from below the elimination line and qualify for the Knockout Round. Hatfield’s 17 scorable bass included a 5-6 largemouth that earned him $10,000 as the biggest bass of the day.

Meanwhile, the elimination line jumped all the way from 24-9 at the start of the day to 53-11 at lines out. With less than 20 minutes left, Cliff Crochet boated a 3-8 to leap past Bass Pro Tour stars Jacob Wheeler and Alton Jones Jr. and claim the final Knockout Round berth. He and the rest of the top eight finishers from the group will return to the water Wednesday, when the big bass of the day will be worth $30,000 and the Top 10 finishers will earn a trip to the Championship Round.

Neal spent the day trying to expand and refine the bite that produced his big Day 1. He started out fishing new banks in the same general area of the riverine upper end of the lake, trying to ascertain exactly how much room he’ll have to work with during the Knockout Round.

While he didn’t find much new productive water – he didn’t catch his first scorable bass until the final minutes of Period 1 – he was at least able to eliminate certain sections based on water temperature.

“I went out with the game plan just to expand basically as far away as I could and still do the same exact thing in the same general area,” he explained. “The water temperature was way different, way colder. No signs of a bait spawn or anything like that. … Just kept working my way closer to where I was and got about to where I really anticipated that it would start picking up again. The water temperature warmed up and started getting bit again.”

From there, Neal focused on dialing in his bait choice. Whereas he caught almost all his Day 1 weight on a spinnerbait, all but one of his scorable bass Monday ate topwater lures, primarily a frog and a buzzbait. He found that the amount of shade dictated the best presentation.

“I feel like the amount of shade that’s on the bank determines what bait you need to be throwing,” Neal said. “When you get in a bunch of shade, you need to be winding something, and when you get in them little pockets, that’s when a frog or a little popper – something that stays in place more – is coming into play. And that helps me going into this next round know when I can cover more water and when I can’t.”

Armed with that knowledge, Neal said he is “100% committed” to fishing the rest of the event in the zone that’s produced for him so far. While fishing pressure is a concern, he’s optimistic that the bass shouldn’t be leaving the area anytime soon – if anything, more should be coming to him.

“They're on the main drag, on the steepest banks on the main drag, so really the only choice that they’ve got is to go suspend,” he said. “Otherwise, they have nowhere else to go as far as more toward a summer pattern.

“I know the fish are there, even for more than one boat, for somebody to win.”

The top eight pros from Qualifying Group A that now advance to Wednesday’s Knockout Round on Smith Mountain Lake are:

1st:        Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., 33 bass, 98-3
2nd:       Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas, 25 bass, 73-9
3rd:       Nick Hatfield, Greeneville, Tenn., 22 bass, 70-15
4th:        Fred Roumbanis, Russellville, Ark., 19 bass, 66-11
5th:        Edwin Evers, Talala, Okla., 24 bass, 63-12
6th:        Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., 23 bass, 61-12
7th:        Mark Daniels Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., 23 bass, 58-15
8th:        Cliff Crochet, Pierre Part, La., 18 bass, 53-11

Finishing the event in 9th through 15th place are:

9th:        Alton Jones Jr., Waco, Texas, 19 bass, 52-15
10th:     Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., 19 bass, 51-11
11th:     Dave Lefebre, Erie, Pa., 14 bass, 42-14
12th:     Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Tenn., 13 bass, 39-13
13th:     Dylan Hays, Hot Springs, Ark., six bass, 19-4
14th:     Alton Jones, Lorena, Texas, seven bass, 18-15
15th:     Andy Morgan, Dayton, Tenn., seven bass, 18-11

Full results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Overall, there were 133 bass weighing 394 pounds, 8 ounces caught by the 15 pros on Monday, which included five 5-pounders and 10 4-pounders caught from Smith Mountain Lake.

The 15 Anglers in Group A competed in their two-day qualifying round on Saturday and Monday – the 15 anglers in Group B on Sunday and Tuesday. After each two-day qualifying round is complete, the top eight anglers from both groups advance to Wednesday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round weights are zeroed, and the remaining 16 anglers compete to finish in the Top 10 to advance to the Championship Round. In Thursday’s final-day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.

by AnglersChannel

Poteat Fundraising Tournament Canceled Due to Weather

DANDRIDGE, Tenn.—The National Professional Fishing League has canceled the Chad Poteat ALS Fundraiser tournament due to potentially dangerous weather conditions on Cherokee Lake for Wednesday, May 21. The decision was made after tournament officials reviewed National Weather Service data and determined that imminent weather conditions are likely to make boating unsafe.

“It’s disappointing to cancel any event, but especially tough to cancel a fundraiser like this,” said NPFL president Brad Fuller. “Chad Poteat is one of our own, and we want to do all we can to support Chad and his family during this difficult time. Despite this setback, we’ll find other ways to help, and we’re confident that fishing fans will join us in that effort.”

Those who have already signed up for the fundraiser will have their donations refunded in full, and the NPFL will announce other means of donating to the cause.

Poteat has competed in the NPFL since 2024 and was recently diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rare and devastating neurodegenerative disorder that results in the progressive loss of muscle control. It’s better known as “Lou Gehrig’s disease” after being contracted by baseball’s legendary hall of famer in the 1930s.

About the National Professional Fishing League

The National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) was founded to bring competitive fishing to a broader audience and offer anglers a platform to compete at the highest level. The NPFL is committed to fostering integrity, competition, and innovation in the sport, providing anglers and fans alike with an exciting and unique experience.

Media Contact: Ken Duke — (407) 574-1898 or ken@tnpfl.com.

by AnglersChannel

Banks Shaw Leverages Yamaha Power Pay and a Lifelong Passion for Fishing

By Walker Smith, Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships

When it comes to chasing bass at the collegiate level, few anglers embody passion and precision like Banks Shaw. A junior at the University of North Alabama, Shaw is more than just a geography major—he’s a student of the game, both on and off the water. With roots dug deep in Chickamauga, Tennessee and a competitive edge sharpened through years of hands-on experience, Shaw has emerged as a rising star in college fishing—and a proud beneficiary of Yamaha’s Power Pay contingency program.

“I’m originally from Chickamauga and go back and forth from there and Pickwick where I go to school at North Alabama,” Shaw explained. “I’ll probably move back to Chickamauga once I graduate.”

That connection to Chickamauga isn’t just sentimental—it’s foundational. Shaw grew up on its banks, quite literally learning the water before he learned to drive.

“I would say what makes me so confident at Chickamauga is the time I’ve spent on the fishery,” he said. “The experience I’ve had out there is just crazy compared to everywhere else I’ve fished. Ever since I could walk, I’d go to Lake Chickamauga and go fishing. When I got home from school, I’d go fishing. As soon as I could get my boater’s license, my grandpa would drop me off in a little John boat with two trolling motors and I’d fish down to the next boat ramp and he’d pick me up.”

It’s the kind of upbringing that instills both instinct and discipline; two traits that define successful tournament anglers. Shaw’s love for “old-school” techniques further sets him apart in an era where forward-facing sonar and finesse tactics tend to dominate headlines.

“No doubt, my comfort zone is flipping a jig on any type of cover,” he said. “Boat docks with a jig is just my favorite thing in the world. There are a lot of techniques that are new now, but I really love old-school fishing. A 3/8-ounce or 1/2-ounce jig in green pumpkin-orange is my favorite. I’ve always liked a trailer that has a flapping action to it, something with some paddles. Man, I’ve caught some great big ones with that combination.”

Though Shaw is chasing bass with fierce determination, he hasn’t lost sight of the academic path he’s on. His major in geography plays directly into his angling acumen and could open doors in the future.

“What I can potentially do with my degree is a lot of topographical and contour mapping,” he said. “My major helps me a lot with fishing. What it could do, if I do want to use my major, I could work for a fish-mapping related company and do things like that. But I definitely want to fish for a living. That’s absolutely my dream and main goal.”

That goal was brought into sharp focus in 2021 when Shaw won the Bassmaster High School National Championship on Chickamauga. It was a milestone he still considers among the most satisfying wins of his young career.

“I’ve won some other open-type tournaments but that one propelled me to where I am now,” he said.

Shaw’s story isn’t just one of trophies and technique. It’s also about being smart with opportunities and particularly financial ones. For many college anglers, tournament winnings barely cover the costs of travel, gear and entry fees. But Shaw has found a winning formula with Yamaha’s Power Pay contingency program, which rewards eligible Yamaha owners for their tournament finishes.

“I’ve won tens of thousands of dollars through Yamaha Power Pay,” he said. “One of my favorite things about Yamaha Power Pay is that contingency money is about the only money we really get to keep as college anglers.”

The program, which is open to anglers competing in sanctioned events, provides significant payouts that can be the difference between staying on the road or staying home. For Shaw, it’s been a crucial resource in continuing to fish at a high level without breaking the bank.

But more than just the money, it’s about trust and reliability. Shaw runs Yamaha motors exclusively and for good reason.

“The best thing about my Yamaha is this is my fifth Yamaha motor, and I don’t know what a beep sounds like,” he said with a laugh. “I don’t know what it sounds like when it throws a code because it never messes up or has problems. And the Power Pay contingency is a gigantic bonus. It seems like they’re indestructible.”

That confidence in his equipment allows Shaw to focus on what matters most; learning, growing and competing. And when it comes to learning, Shaw is a vocal advocate for college fishing as the ultimate proving ground.

“College fishing is the best way you can prepare for future big tournaments,” he said. “There’s no other trail out there that has the diversity of fisheries like the college ranks does. You can travel around and learn for free almost. There’s no better opportunity to learn. Being on a team, being able to talk and compare notes with your buddies… you just learn so much and it’s totally invaluable.”

Whether it’s flipping a jig into shaded boat docks, breaking down a new lake with a map in hand or cashing in on contingency programs that reward preparation and performance, Banks Shaw has laid out quite the blueprint for young anglers.

His story is one of rooted tradition and modern savvy. One that blends the past, present and future of competitive bass fishing. If he keeps fishing the way he’s been, don’t be surprised if you see that name—Banks Shaw—at the top of leaderboards across the country for years to come.

by AnglersChannel

Tragic Loss of Angler Ryon Mora at BAM Lake Almanor Kayak Event

ALMANOR, California — It is with profound sorrow that the Bass Angler Magazine (BAM) Tournament Trail confirms the passing of kayak angler Ryon Mora, 38, during the BAM Kayak Series event held at Lake Almanor on May 17, 2025.

The day began like any other tournament morning, under cloudy skies and a light 3–4 mph breeze. At 6:37 a.m., BAM Tournament Director Michael Bray received an urgent call reporting an unmanned kayak on the lake. BAM staff, including CEO Mark Lassagne, immediately responded to the GPS location provided and located Ryon Mora in the water at approximately 6:42 a.m.

Mora, who was wearing his personal flotation device (PFD), was quickly pulled into the BAM media boat and found unresponsive. 911 was called immediately, and CPR was initiated while en route to meet emergency responders. Paramedics were met at a nearby dock at approximately 6:47 a.m. and worked tirelessly for over 45 minutes to revive Ryon. Despite their efforts, he could not be resuscitated.

The cause of death is currently under investigation by the Plumas County Sheriff's Department.

In response to the tragic loss, the event was immediately canceled. An update regarding the BAM Kayak Series schedule will be shared in the coming days.

Ryon was a respected competitor, fellow sportsman, and beloved friend to many in the kayak fishing community. He took all proper safety precautions and was participating in a sanctioned event. This heartbreaking incident is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the outdoors.

The entire BAM family extends our deepest condolences to Ryon’s loved ones. We ask that the community join us in keeping his family in their thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

Further updates will be made available pending official release from the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office.

Contact:
Bass Angler Magazine Tournament Trail
mark@bassmag.com

by AnglersChannel

A Look at the Past Winners of the Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops

ANDERSON, SC (May 19, 2025) – The Association of Collegiate Anglers’ National Championship, the Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops, is college fishing’s longest-running National Championship. The 2025 edition will mark the ACA’s historic 20th National Championship tournament. Leading up to this week’s tournament, we take a look at the past winners of this prestigious event:

2006: Christopher Craven & Alexander Freeman – North Carolina State University

2007: Justin Rackley & Trevor Knight – Texas A&M University

2008: Bodie Drake & Kazuki Kitajima – University of Arkansas

2009: Kalem Tippett & Vincent Campisano – Murray State University

2010: Bo Page & Ben Cleary – University of Georgia

2011: Sonar Burghoff & Casey O’Donnell – University of Central Florida

2012: Ben Dziwulski & Ethan Cox – North Carolina State University

2013: Zach Parker & Matthew Roberts – Bethel University

2014: Byron Kenney & William Treadwell – University of Georgia

2015: Brandon Houston & Brandon Knapmeyer – Northern Kentucky University

2016: Cole Burdeshaw & Mitchell Jennings – Auburn University

2017: Sloan Pennington and Hunter McCarty – University of North Alabama

2018: Carter McNeil & Cole Floyd – Bethel University

2019: Carter McNeil & Cole Floyd – Bethel University

2020: Bailey Fain & Preston Kendrick – Bryan College

2021: Noah Skolnick & Garrett Torres – Texas Christian University

2022: Bryar Chambers & Clent Blackwood – Wallace State Community College

2023: Tucker Smith & Hayden Marbut – Auburn University

2024: Dylan Nutt & Carter Nutt – University of North Alabama

The first ACA National Championship was contested at Lake Lewisville in Texas during the fall of 2006. That tournament was won by Christopher Craven & Alexander Freeman from North Carolina State University. Including that first event in 2006, a total of 19 ACA National Championship tournaments have been contested.

A total of 13 different schools have won the Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops. Five different schools have won the event multiple times:

– Bethel University (3)

- North Carolina State University (2)

– University of Georgia (2)

– Auburn University (2)

– University of North Alabama (2)

Bethel University is the only school to have won the tournament three times. Past team members Cole Floyd and Carter McNeil are also the only two angler pairing to take the crown multiple times. The pair won college fishing’s longest-running National Championship in back-to-back seasons (2018, 2019).

The 2025 Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops will take place at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, SC on May 22-23. Who will take home the title at the ACA’s historic 20th National Championship? We will find out in just a few short days!

by AnglersChannel

Rockwood’s Pelfrey Posts Second Career Win at Sunday’s Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Cherokee Lake

Mountain City’s Norris Tops Co-Angler Division

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. (May 19, 2025) – Boater Dale Pelfrey of Rockwood, Tennessee, caught a five-bass limit weighing 17 pounds, 2 ounces, Sunday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Cherokee Lake . The tournament, hosted by Visit Jefferson County, Tennessee, was the fourth event of the season for the BFL Volunteer Division. Pelfrey earned $5,613, including the lucrative $2,500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus, for his victory.

Pelfrey hadn’t been to Cherokee in months prior to launching for the tournament, so he just splashed the boat and went fishing. He wound up putting together a two-part pattern to get the win.

“The shad spawn was the big deal this morning,” he said. “I caught my two best fish on a shad spawn. And then I backed it up with a drop-shot later in the day. It was tough to get bit today. I ended up catching eight keepers total. I think three of the ones I weighed in were on a (swim) jig, and the other two were on the drop-shot.”

Pelfrey targeted the shad spawn around marinas but said that bite fizzled out pretty quick. He left the marinas and stayed in the same general area of the lake after he switched to the finesse pattern. His limit was comprised of five largemouth bass.

The top 11 boaters finished the tournament:

1st:        Dale Pelfrey, Rockwood, Tenn., five bass, 17-2, $5,613 (includes $2,500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
2nd:      Justin Botts, Bluff City, Tenn., five bass, 13-12, $1,557
3rd:       Bobby Drinnon, Rogersville, Tenn., five bass, 13-6, $1,037
4th:        Jeremy Gordon, Rutledge, Tenn., five bass, 13-2, $726
5th:        Greg McDavid, Blountville, Tenn., five bass, 13-0, $623
6th:        Travis Bowen, Duffield, Va., five bass, 12-6, $571
7th:        Ben Cully, Jefferson City, Tenn., five bass, 12-5, $519
8th:        Corey Smith, Hazard, Ky., five bass, 12-3, $467
9th:        Zachary Francis, Abingdon, Va., four bass, 11-9, $415
10th:     Ryan Davidson, Branchland, W.Va., four bass, 11-8, $345
10th:     Bryce McDonald, Paintsville, Ky., five bass, 11-8, $345

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Dustin Dyer of Johnson City, Tennessee, caught a bass that weighed 4 pounds, 14 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $365.

Timmy Norris of Mountain City, Tennessee, won the co-angler division and $1,739 Sunday, after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 9 pounds, 3 ounces.

The top 10 co-anglers finished:

1st:        Timmy Norris, Mountain City, Tenn., three bass, 9-3, $1,739
2nd:       Brad Barton, Middlesboro, Ky., three bass, 7-8, $778
3rd:       Chris Seese, Ten Mile, Tenn., three bass, 7-7, $521
4th:        Tim Martin, Jonesborough, Tenn., three bass, 7-5, $337
4th:        Brent Jones, Ashland, Ky., three bass, 7-5, $337
6th:        Kirk Miles, Crossville, Tenn., three bass, 6-14, $285
7th:        Owen Stamm, Morristown, Tenn., three bass, 6-7, $259
8th:        Joey Boling, Walland, Tenn., three bass, 6-3, $320
8th:        Kasey Hunley, Sharps Chapel, Tenn., three bass, 6-3, $220
10th:     Isaac Mueller, Knoxville, Tenn., two bass, 6-2, $182

Timmy Norris of Mountain City, Tennessee, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $182, catching a bass that weighed in at 4 pounds, 9 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.

After four events, Jeremy Gordon of Rutledge, Tennessee, now leads the Fishing Clash Volunteer Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 987 points, while Kasey Hunley of Sharps Chapel, Tennessee, leads the Fishing Clash Volunteer Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 964 points.

The next event for BFL Volunteer Division anglers will be held Sept. 20-21, at Watts Bar in Spring City, Tennessee. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.

The top 60 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 24-25 BFL Regional tournament on Dale Hollow Lake in Byrdstown, Tennessee. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $20,000.

The 2025 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 134 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 60 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying tournament winners, will advance to one of 12 BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top three, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2025 BFL All-American will take place May 29-31, 2025, at Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is hosted by hosted by Visit Hot Springs and the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.

Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sport Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Li Time Batteries, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.

by AnglersChannel

Onalaska’s Laufenberg Posts 11th Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at the Mississippi River Presented by Lew’s

Ontario’s Wittren Tops Co-Angler Division

LA CROSSE, Wis. (May 19, 2025) – Boater Cade Laufenberg of Onalaska, Wisconsin, caught a five-bass limit weighing 20 pounds, 1 ounce, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on the Mississippi River Presented by Lew’s . The tournament, hosted by Explore La Crosse, was the second event of the season for the BFL Great Lakes Division. Laufenberg earned $6,132, including the lucrative $2,500 Phoenix Bonus, for his victory.

Laufenberg is well known in his region as a skilled river rat and has enjoyed success throughout his career. This is his 11th win across MLF and FLW competition as a boater, co-angler and collegiate angler, and it’s his eighth BFL victory fishing from the front of the boat.

“It just came together perfect,” he said. “My boat number was a big deal. I had an early boat draw. I was just looking for fish that were coming off the beds and getting into that postspawn stage. It’s the same way I’ve won a lot of my tournaments this time of year. I was dragging a really small, lightweight Texas rig. This time it was all about the Strike King Scounbug.”

Laufenberg’s postspawn fish were all smallmouth bass. With his early boat draw, he was able to get on the right group of fish and had his weight by 9 a.m. He spent the rest of the day hunting largemouth but never did upgrade.

“It’s just something I have a lot of confidence in, going after postspawn smallmouth this time of year,” Laufenberg said. “They’re just more predictable (than largemouth), I guess, the way that I’m fishing for them. When they’re guarding fry and stuff like that, they use trees a lot. The fry get on the trees, and the fish will roam on the ends of those trees.”

That’s where the Texas rig factors in. It’s weedless, so it can be fished in and around wood cover. When paired with a 1/8-ounce weight, the rig flutters slowly down in front of fry-guarding fish (and fish just recuperating from their spawn), tormenting them into biting. Some of the key areas were 6 to 10 feet deep.

The bites don’t always come easy. There are packs of bluegills in the area foraging on fry and drawing attention from the bass. It can be challenging to get the bass to shift their attention to an artificial lure. Laufenberg counters by making repeating casts and slowly working the bait through the zone.

“It’s a lot of running and gunning,” he added. “Basically, you’re only going to get one or two bites off of each area.

“(The key was) just keeping a clear head and being really persistent on some of those fish that I knew were there but were hard to catch. Some of them took quite a while to get the bite I was looking for.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

1st:        Cade Laufenberg, Onalaska, Wis., five bass, 20-1, $6,132 (includes $2,500 Phoenix Bonus)
2nd:      Wyatt Becker, West Salem, Wis., five bass, 19-4, $1,816
3rd:       Clayton Weber, West Salem, Wis., five bass, 19-2, $1,210
4th:        Tom Monsoor, La Crosse, Wis., five bass, 19-1, $847
5th:        Darren Zumach, Onalaska, Wis., five bass, 18-6, $726
6th:        Dan Mohn, Lansing, Iowa, five bass, 17-8, $766
7th:        Tyler Fitch, Fall River, Wis., five bass, 17-6, $605
8th:        Nick Trim, Galesville, Wis., five bass, 17-0, $545
9th:        Zach Williamson, Stoddard, Wis., five bass, 16-12, $454
9th:        Jerry Robackouski, Joliet, Ill., five bass, 16-12, $454

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Mike Feldermann of Galena, Illinois, caught a bass that weighed 4 pounds, 13 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $465.

Timothy Wittren of Ontario, Wisconsin, won the co-angler division and $2,098 Saturday, after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 13 pounds, 2 ounces.

The top 10 co-anglers finished:

1st:        Timothy Wittren, Ontario, Wis., three bass, 13-2, $2,098
2nd:      Hertz Skaer, Holmen, Wis., three bass, 10-6, $1,008
3rd:       David Pospisil, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, three bass, 9-15, $606
4th:        Jason Swanson, Waterloo, Iowa, three bass, 9-12, $424
5th:        Clint Goodwin, La Crescent, Minn., three bass, 9-11, $363
6th:        Ma Xiong, Menomonee Falls, Wis., three bass, 9 - 10 $318
6th:        Adam Beckwith, Madison, Wis., three bass, 9-10, $318
8th:        Jeff Ripp, Sparta, Wis., three bass, 9-9, $272
9th:        Trevor Gnotke, Pine Island, Minn., three bass, 9-8, $242
10th:     Kevin Clark, Lancaster, Wis., three bass, 9-7, $212

Timothy Wittren of Ontario, Wisconsin, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $232, catching a bass that weighed in at 5 pounds – the largest co-angler catch of the day.

After two events, Tom Monsoor of La Crosse, Wisconsin, now leads the Fishing Clash Great Lakes Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 496 points, while Trevor Gnotke of Pine Island, Minnesota, leads the Fishing Clash Great Lakes Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 487 points.

The next event for BFL Great Lakes Division anglers will be held June 14, at the Mississippi River out of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.

The top 60 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 3-4 BFL Regional tournament on the Mississippi River in Quad Cities, Illinois. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $20,000.

by AnglersChannel

Marysville’s Scythes Dissects Single Spot for Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at the Ohio River Presented by Lew’s

Cincinnati’s Schlegel Tops Co-Angler Division

LAWRENCEBURG, Ind. (May 19, 2025) – Boater Greg Scythes of Marysville, Ohio, caught a five-bass limit weighing 12 pounds, 5 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on the Ohio River Presented by Lew’s. The tournament was the first event of the season for the BFL Buckeye Division. Scythes earned $4,026 for his victory.

Fluctuating water conditions throughout the Ohio Valley have challenged anglers this spring. It was no different in the Buckeye Division opener. The weekend before the tournament, the water was 5 to 6 feet high around Tanners Creek. By Wednesday, levels had returned to normal. Then by the tournament, it was back up a foot and a half or so and climbing.

“That kind of drop (mid-week) really freaks out those river fish and pulls them off the bank,” Scythes said. “But we also last Monday night had the full moon, so these fish are just dying to get on the bed. But none of the fish I caught were on the bed. They were cruising.”

Knowing the fish might be in a funk from all the weather changes, Scythes slowed way down. He spent the entire day working over the same 40-yard stretch, pitching soft plastics and slowly dragging them back. Some of his fish were right on the bank. The deepest came from about 2 feet of water.

“Honestly, I didn’t think there was that much there, so I ran straight there and I sat on it all day,” Scythes said. “I just worked back and forth, back and forth. My co-angler caught his last fish at 1 o’clock. I culled most of the day until my smallest one was 1-15, and it’s pretty hard to cull a 1-15 on the river.”

According to Scythes, the winning spot was flooded riprap. But more importantly, it had all the right ingredients for this time of year – cleaner water, hard bottom, a good spawning area and it was full of shad. He said a tube was his primary lure.

“I think just not leaving the fish, really, that was the key,” he said. “I think we’ve all done this; I’ve definitely done it in the past – went to an area, caught a couple and left it. I caught my two biggest ones off that bank after I already had a limit.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

1st:        Greg Scythes, Marysville, Ohio, five bass, 12-5, $4,026
2nd:      Jamie Cunnagin, New Lebanon, Ohio, five bass, 11-2, $1,963
3rd:       Nick Leonard, Amelia, Ohio, five bass, 10-0, $1,309
4th:        Chris Wilkinson, Farmersburg, Ind., five bass, 9-4, $916
5th:        Dick Shaffer, Rockford, Ohio, five bass, 9-0, $785
6th:        Dave Fricke, Hamilton, Ohio, five bass, 8-15, $687
6th:        Chris Martinkovic, Hamilton, Ohio, five bass, 8-15, $1,312
8th:        Nick Ryan, Cleves, Ohio, five bass, 8-12, $556
8th:        Stacey Edwards, Milton, Ky., five bass, 8-12, $556
10th:     Nico Urso, Union, Ky., five bass, 8-11, $458

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Jonathan Hall of Florence, Kentucky, caught a bass that weighed 4 pounds, 7 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $530.

Dan Schlegel of Cincinnati, Ohio, won the co-angler division and $1,963 Saturday, after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 5 pounds, 6 ounces.

The top 10 co-anglers finished:

1st:        Dan Schlegel, Cincinnati, Ohio, three bass, 5-6, $1,963
2nd:      Travis Cole, Somerville, Ohio, three bass, 5-5, $981
3rd:       Jeff Campbell, Fairfield, Ohio, three bass, 4-15, $655
4th:        Jesse Foster, Franklin, Ohio, three bass, 4-12, $425
4th:        Brandon Houston, Lakeside Park, Ky., three bass, 4-12, $425
6th:        Travis Lakes, Miamisburg, Ohio, three bass, 4-11, $360
7th:        Jim Feathers, Vermilion, Ohio, three bass, 4-9, $327
8th:        Brent Jones, Okeana, Ohio, three bass, 4-8, $444
9th:        Jordan Smith, Middletown, Ohio, three bass, 4-7, $262
10th:     Nate Kelly, Mason, Ohio, one bass, 4-6, $494

Nate Kelly of Mason, Ohio, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $265, catching a bass that weighed in at 4 pounds, 6 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.

In addition to winning the event, Scythes now has the early lead in the Fishing Clash Buckeye Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 250 points, while Dan Schlegel of Cinncinati, Ohio, leads the Fishing Clash Buckeye Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 250 points.

The next event for BFL Buckeye Division anglers will be held June 14, at Mosquito Lake out of Cortland, Ohio. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.

The top 60 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 3-4 BFL Regional tournament on Lake Erie out of Sandusky, Ohio. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $20,000.

by AnglersChannel

Southside’s Frink Cranks His Way to Victory at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Guntersville

Cullman’s Stidham Tops Co-Angler Division

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. (May 19, 2025) – Boater Tom Frink of Southside, Alabama, caught a five-bass limit weighing 25 pounds, 12 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Guntersville . The tournament, hosted by Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce, was the fourth event of the season for the BFL Choo Choo Division. Frink earned $6,417, including the lucrative $2,500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus, for his victory.

Guntersville has been fishing well lately, and Frink took advantage, throwing a Strike King Series 5 crankbait on a hard-bottom stretch within some grass. The best area was about 8 feet deep and about 25 yards long, rimmed by shallower and deeper grass.

“Sometimes you’d catch them on the edge of the grass, but the main spot was bare,” he said. “It was a lot of fun. It was loaded.”

Frink said the fish were so packed into this zone that he could feel his crankbait deflecting off them.

“The first fish I caught there this morning was like a 3 1/2, and there was a 5 trying to get the crankbait out of its mouth,” he said. “My co-angler almost netted both fish. That’s how close they were. I lost another one 3 1/2 or 4. When it jumped, the crankbait hit the water, I started reeling it and another one ate it.”

Frink actually started the day on some deeper holes and had a small limit before he went to what became his primary area. He didn’t realize the quality that was there until he dialed it in over the tournament. And even after catching 25-12, Frink didn’t think he had enough.

“Honestly, when it came to weigh-in, I thought I could probably get a top five,” he said. “I didn’t think I’d win because of how this lake has been fishing. I really thought somebody would catch a 27- or 28-pound bag. I was pleasantly surprised that was enough.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

1st:        Tom Frink, Southside, Ala., five bass, 25-12, $6,417 (includes $2,500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
2nd:      Westin Moss, Jasper, Tenn., five bass, 25-9, $1,958
3rd:       Matt O’Connell, Brooks, Ga., five bass, 25-2, $1,827
4th:        Logan Dyar, Cleveland, Ala., five bass, 24-4, $914
5th:        Seth Davis, Dayton, Tenn., five bass, 23-13, $883
6th:        Josh M. Butler, Hampton Cove, Ala., five bass, 22-14, $718
7th:        Tanner Barclay, Section, Ala., five bass, 22-8, $653
8th:        Brody Robison, Dawson, Ala., five bass, 22-7, $588
9th:        Matt Vanmeter, Grant, Ala., five bass, 21-10, $522
10th:     Keith Miller, Scottsboro, Ala., five bass, 21-8, $457

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Matt O’Connell of Brooks, Georgia, caught a bass that weighed 6 pounds, 12 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $520.

Paul Stidham of Cullman, Alabama, won the co-angler division and $1,958 Saturday, after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 13 pounds, 1 ounce.

The top 10 co-anglers finished:

1st:        Paul Stidham, Cullman, Ala., three bass, 13-1, $1,958
2nd:      George Headden, Oakdale, Tenn., three bass, 12-9, $979
3rd:       Kyle Holt, Section, Ala., three bass, 12-4, $653
4th:        Pop Catalin, Cookeville, Tenn., three bass, 11-14, $424
4th:        Brent Cook, Gardendale, Ala., three bass, 11-14, $424
6th:        Darren Kelly, Wartburg, Tenn., three bass, 11-7, $459
7th:        Matt Adcock, Somerville, Ala., three bass, 11-6, $293
7th:        Rodney Bolte, Bloomington, Ind., three bass, 11-6, $293
7th:        Benjamin Roop, Tullahoma, Tenn., three bass, 11-6, $293
10th:     Alex Roberts, Columbia, Tenn., three bass, 11-5, $228

Belinda Towry of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $260, catching a bass that weighed in at 5 pounds, 13 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.

After four events, Keith Miller of Scottsboro, Alabama, now leads the Fishing Clash Choo Choo Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 930 points, while Paul Stidham of Cullman, Alabama, leads the Fishing Clash Choo Choo Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 953 points.

The next event for BFL Choo Choo Division anglers will be held Sept. 20-21, at Lake Guntersville in Scottsboro, Alabama. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.

The top 60 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 10-11 BFL Regional tournament on Logan Martin Lake in Lincoln, 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 award of $20,000.

by AnglersChannel

Knoxville’s McGaha Posts Third Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Cherokee Lake

Rutledge’s Caudill Tops Co-Angler Division

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. (May 19, 2025) – Boater Justin McGaha of Knoxville, Tennessee, caught a five-bass limit weighing 17 pounds, 14 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Cherokee Lake. The tournament, hosted by Visit Jefferson County, Tennessee, was the third event of the season for the BFL Mountain Division. McGaha earned $2,748 for his victory.

During practice for Cherokee, McGaha worked a glide bait around floating docks, taking advantage of the bait’s knack for getting bass to follow – but not bite – to figure out which docks were holding fish.

Then, in the tournament, he returned to those docks and caught the winning limit with a big swimbait and swim jig. McGaha’s limit was comprised entirely of postspawn largemouth bass, which he plucked from the shade way back under the docks.

“I probably hit 30 or more docks all day long,” McGaha said. “They weren’t docks all the way back (in the creeks). It would be docks on points or individual docks.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

1st:        Justin McGaha, Knoxville, Tenn., five bass, 17-14, $2,748
2nd:      Clint Brodsky, Burlington, Ky., five bass, 17-10, $2,109 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
3rd:       John Hunter, Shelbyville, Ky., five bass, 14-12, $882
4th:        J.R. Henard, Rogersville, Tenn., five bass, 14-0, $618
5th:        Andrew Napier, Fisherville, Ky., five bass, 13-12, $530
6th:        Tony Wilson, Barbourville, Ky., five bass, 13-11, $485
7th:        Jeremy Gordon, Rutledge, Tenn., five bass, 13-0, $441
8th:        Matthew Rock, Bristol, Va., five bass, 12-4, $397
9th:        Branden Grubb, Lily, Ky., 12-2, $353
10th:     Lee Sinclair, Albany, Ky., five bass, 11-15, $309

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Clint Brodsky of Burlington, Kentucky, caught a bass that weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $285.

Elijah Caudill of Rutledge, Tennessee, won the co-angler division and $1,324 Saturday, after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 8 pounds, 1 ounce.

The top 10 co-anglers finished:

1st:        Elijah Caudill, Rutledge, Tenn., three bass, 8-1, $1,324
2nd:       Kasey Hunley, Sharps Chapel, Tenn., three bass, 7-13, $662
3rd:       Glenn Smith Jr., Corbin, Ky., three bass, 7-9, $440
4th:        Brian Kich, Berea, Ohio, three bass, 7-4, $309
5th:        Tracy Helton, London, Ky., three bass, 6-7, $265
6th:        Robert Duncan, Stearns, Ky., three bass, 6-5, $243
7th:        Robert Jones, Whitley City, Ky., three bass, 6-2, $221
8th:        Allen Neal, Whitley City, Ky., three bass, 6-0, $199
9th:        Ryan Lee, Pound, Va., three bass, 5-10, $177
10th:     Joshua Cloutier, Glasgow, Ky., three bass, 5-2, $154

Shane Bowman of Caryville, Tennessee, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $142, catching a bass that weighed in at 3 pounds, 13 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.

After three events, Branden Grubb of Lily, Kentucky, now leads the Fishing Clash Mountain Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 716 points, while Allen Neal of Whitley City, Kentucky, leads the Fishing Clash Mountain Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 728 points.

The next event for BFL Mountain Division anglers will be held June 7, at Dale Hollow Lake on Byrdstown, Tennessee. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.

The top 60 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 10-11 BFL Regional tournament on Douglas Lake in Dandridge, Tennessee. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $20,000.

by AnglersChannel

Phoenix’s McFaul Gets the Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Potomac River Presented by Suzuki Marine

West Virginia’s Lloyd Tops Co-Angler Division

MARBURY, Md. (May 19, 2025) – Boater Rick McFaul of Phoenix, Maryland, caught a five-bass limit weighing 18 pounds, 11 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on the Potomac River Presented by Suzuki Marine . The tournament, hosted by Charles County Recreation, Parks, and Tourism, was the third event of the season for the BFL Shenandoah Division. McFaul earned $4,584 for his victory.

Mother Nature tried her best to foil McFaul’s plans today, forcing him to default from Plan A all the way to “Plan C,” he said. But it ended up working in his favor.

“We had some extreme weather conditions today,” McFaul said. “The recent rains had a flooding effect on the river. There was a massive amount of dirty water and debris flowing down the river. So everything I had found in practice was taken out by the conditions – the wind and the dirty water. So I found a little patch of cleaner water on the Virginia side of the river and literally Power-Poled down and just fished one 50-yard stretch for about five hours.”

The 50-yard stretch is a community hole grass bed ranging from 3 to 5 feet deep. After catching about 15 pounds from that spot, McFaul headed back toward the weigh-in in Mattawoman Creek. It was about 1:30 when he left. Because he gave himself plenty of time to deal with rough water, McFaul arrived early and had time to make one last stop in Mattawoman. He pulled up on a stretch of wood and promptly boxed two fish over 4 pounds each to cull up to the winning weight.

“I think one of the reasons why I was able to do well today was there was no place to go,” he said. “I really think the conditions forced me to settle down and not move because I didn’t have any other options, really. One of the mistakes I always make, and I think it’s just my personality – I tend to move around a little too much and get impatient.”

McFaul fished three primary presentations on the wood and grass. He fished a swim jig, a soft stick bait and a Z-Man Evergreen ChatterBait Jack Hammer Baby Jack. At just 1/4 ounce, the Baby Jack stayed right above the top of the grass for an effective presentation. It’s also the lure that produced his biggest fish.

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

1st:        Rick McFaul, Phoenix, Md., five bass, 18-11, $4,584
2nd:      Todd Langford, Great Falls, Va., five bass, 17-9, $2,292
3rd:       Robert Henderson, King George, Va., five bass, 16-13, $2,129 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
4th:        Roy Dixon, Welcome, Md., five bass, 16-8, $1,070
5th:        Brian Laclair, Denton, Md., five bass, 16-4, $917
6th:        Brian Warfel, Woodbridge, Va., five bass, 15-11, $840
7th:        Ron Rousseau, Raleigh, N.C., five bass, 15-7, $726
7th:        Andrew George, Poplar Branch, N.C., five bass, 15-7, $1,401
9th:        Joe A. Zombek II, Scranton, Pa., five bass, 15-4, $611
10th:     Travis Garrett, Charlottesville, Va., five bass, 14-14, $535

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Andrew George of Poplar Branch, North Carolina caught a bass that weighed 5 pounds, 9 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $675.

Steven Lloyd of Summit Point, West Virginia, won the co-angler division and $2,355 Saturday, after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 10 pounds, 13 ounces.

The top 10 co-anglers finished:

1st:        Steven Lloyd, Summit Point, W.Va., three bass, 10-13, $2,355
2nd:      John Robinson, Montpelier, Va., three bass, 10-5, $1,152
3rd:       Jason Hensley, Chesterfield, Va., three bass, 10-4, $768
4th:        Zhengrong Tang, Berwyn, Pa., three bass, 9-15, $538
5th:        Richard Williams, Sutherland, Va., three bass, 9-14, $461
6th:        Melvin Smitson, Baltimore, Md., three bass, 9-8, $423
7th:        John Lambert, Fredericksburg, Va., three bass, 9-7, $719
8th:        Ashton Crickenberger, Charlottesville, Va., three bass, 9-6, $326
8th:        Matthew Ross, Barton, Md., three bass, 9-6, $326
10th:     Brayden Fong, Bluefield, W.Va., three bass, 9-4, $269

John Lambert of Fredericksburg, Virginia, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $335, catching a bass that weighed in at 5 pounds, 3 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.

After three events, Ben Reynolds of Callands, Virginia, now leads the Fishing Clash Shenandoah Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 713 points, while David Rosenbaum of Leesburg, Virginia, leads the Fishing Clash Shenandoah Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 695 points.

The next event for BFL Shenandoah Division anglers will be held July 19, at the James River out of Henrico, Virginia. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.

The top 60 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 3-4 BFL Regional tournament on the James River in Richmond, Virginia. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $20,000.

by AnglersChannel

Lucas Leaps Out to Early Lead for Group B, Splits $10K Big Bass with Myers on Day 2 of B&W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters on Smith Mountain

Alabama Pro Catches 22 Bass Weighing 65 Pounds, 15 ounces to Pace Group B Qualifying Round on Day 2, 15 Anglers in Group A Set to Resume Competition on Monday

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. (May 18, 2025) – For the second day in a row, one angler unlocked the bite better than the rest during his first day on Smith Mountain Lake. Like Michael Neal in Group A, Justin Lucas amassed a big lead by mid-morning of Group B’s first day of qualifying on Sunday at B&W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters Presented by Bass Pro Shops, and he never looked back. Lucas stacked up 65 pounds, 15 ounces on 22 scorable bass, which has him 34-11 ahead of Cole Floyd, who made a late charge to move into second place.

Underscoring the diversity of Smith Mountain Lake, while Neal did all his damage pitching a spinnerbait to steep banks up the Roanoke River, Lucas fished flat points with spinning tackle on the lower end of the lake. Not only did he more than double the weight of any other angler on the water on Day 2, Lucas cashed in on the big bass bonus offered every day during Heavy Hitters. He and Britt Myers each caught a 5-4 largemouth to split the $10,000 prize, earning $5,000 apiece.

Behind Lucas, the standings are tight, with third through 10th place separated by less than 4 pounds. And, of course, with weights set to zero before the Knockout and Championship Rounds, everyone is still in contention.

All 30 anglers who qualify for Heavy Hitters circle the event on the calendar, but this one is particularly personal for Lucas. In Heavy Hitters 2022 on Lake Palestine, Lucas lost to Ott DeFoe by 12 ounces – and he hooked and lost a big one late on the final day. Since then, Lucas – the top qualifier for this year’s event – has coveted the title belt awarded to the Heavy Hitters champion.

“This is a special tournament,” he said. “Everybody that’s here always has a great time. It’s just kind of the most fun bonus tournament of the year. Not a lot of pressure at all. And I had the fish on to win at Palestine, so I would love to be able to actually win this event, not finish second again.”

He’s off to a good start. Lucas said he found a few schools of bass ambushing spawning blueback herring around points during the two-day practice period, but he didn’t have any idea how productive they would be until Sunday morning.

“With two days of practice, you don’t really learn how good spots are,” he said. “You just learn if there’s a few fish there, and in the tournament is when you really start to learn – when you set the hook on them and you’re sitting there milking it for all it’s worth. So, I learned a lot today.”

After picking a few bass off the first couple spots he hit, Lucas caught fire toward the end of Period 1. Between 9:33 and 9:57 a.m., he hauled in seven scorable bass totaling 22-13 to move to the top of SCORETRACKER®. He added a 4-pound smallmouth in the final minutes of the frame, then opened Period 2 with the aforementioned 5-4 largemouth.

“It was awesome,” Lucas said. “(Largemouth and smallmouth) were running in packs together, schooled up together.”

Following a hot morning bite, the action slowed dramatically for much of the field. But Lucas, who primarily threw a jighead minnow, was able to trigger a few more flurries throughout the day. He probably could have stacked on even more weight but opted to try and preserve some fish for the rest of the six-day event.

“I just think I had a few really good spots,” he said. “Probably a couple spots might be the best spots on the whole lake right now, honestly.”

Lucas said he found a few new spots Sunday, and there’s still some other areas he located in practice that he hasn’t revisited. With a buffer of more than 40 pounds over the elimination line, he’s looking forward to using Group B’s second day of competition to further expand his pattern.

Given the field’s collective lack of experience on Smith Mountain, he called that opportunity “a huge advantage.” Plus, while he will likely refrain from catching multiple fish off any one spot Tuesday, that will give him another chance to add to his big bass earnings tab.

Between the success of his initial pattern – which he thinks could continue to get better as more fish leave their spawning areas and head offshore – and the opportunity to build on it, Lucas is optimistic he’s found a program that can carry him into Thursday’s Championship Round, and possibly to the Heavy Hitters belt he nearly won three years ago.

“I really hope so,” he said. “I know other guys are going to figure it out. But I think with the warm weather we’ve had, so many of these fish are done spawning. They’re really starting to feed up on the herring, and to be honest, even some fish could be prespawn eating those herring still. So, I think you get a lot of postspawn, and maybe even a little mixture of prespawn in there.”

Second perhaps only to his decision to target schooling bass around points in the first place, Lucas’ most clutch call of the day came after he boated his biggest fish. The lunker largemouth, which he caught early in Period 2, initially weighed in at 5-3. Knowing the benchmark for big bass had already been set at 5-4, Lucas put the bass back on the BUBBA scale, and he got the extra ounce he needed.

“That was a $5,000 decision,” he said. “I figured at the worst it could go to 5-2, and I lose an ounce. At the most, it reweighs at 5-4 and I gain 5 grand. So, that was clutch.”

Myers caught his 5-4 on a fluke within the first 40 minutes of competition. While just the third time ever one of the big bass prizes at Heavy Hitters has been split between two anglers, it’s the second day in a row with a tie, as Dave Lefebre and Fred Roumbanis both landed a 6-7 on Saturday.

The big bass award will remain at $10,000 for each of the remaining two Qualifying Round days before jumping to $30,000 for the Knockout Round and a whopping $100,000 during the Championship Round.

The 15 anglers in Group B will now have the day off Monday, while the 15 anglers in Group A will conclude their two-day Qualifying Round. Group B will complete their two-day Qualifying Round of competition on Tuesday.

The standings for the 15 pros from Qualifying Group B after Day 1 on Smith Mountain Lake are:

1st:          Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., 22 bass, 65-15
2nd: Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, 11 bass, 31-4
3rd: Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 10 bass, 28-4
4th:         Martin Villa, Charlottesville, Va., 10 bass, 27-9
5th:         Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., 10 bass, 27-2
6th:         Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., nine bass, 26-13
7th:         Jonathon VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., 11 bass, 25-15
8th:         Britt Myers, Lake Wylie, S.C., nine bass, 25-12
9th:         Marshall Robinson, Landrum, S.C., eight bass, 24-11
10th: Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla., eight bass, 24-5
11th: Shin Fukae, Osaka, Japan, six bass, 16-9
12th: Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala., five bass, 15-6
13th: Nick LeBrun, Bossier City, La., five bass, 14-14
14th: Luke Clausen, Spokane, Wash., four bass, 10-8
15th: Matt Stefan, Junction City, Wis., two bass, 5-1

Full results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Overall, there were 130 bass weighing 370 pounds even caught by the 15 pros on Sunday, which included three 5-pounders and six 4-pounders caught from Smith Mountain Lake.

The 15 Anglers in Group A compete in their two-day qualifying round on Saturday and Monday – the 15 anglers in Group B on Sunday and Tuesday. After each two-day qualifying round is complete, the top eight anglers from both groups advance to Wednesday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round weights are zeroed, and the remaining 16 anglers compete to finish in the Top 10 to advance to the Championship Round. In Thursday’s final-day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.

by AnglersChannel

Schlapper claims first Bassmaster Elite title in wire-to-wire win at Sabine River

Schlapper claims first Bassmaster Elite title in wire-to-wire win at Sabine River

ORANGE, Texas — A marathon, not a sprint. You’d be hard pressed to find a more fitting phrase to describe Pat Schlapper’s wire-to-wire win at the MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at the Sabine River.

Schlapper set the early mark with a Day 1 limit of 12 pounds, 2 ounces. The pro from Eleva, Wis., would follow with daily weights of 8-7, 8-9 and 9-10 for a winning total of 38-12.

Edging fellow Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series pro Patrick Walters by a margin of 2-4, Schlapper collected the top prize of $101,000.

“This means a lot to me that my friends and family surprised me and showed up,” said Schlapper, whose brother passed away last year. “This is for my family and my brother.”

A week after 62-11 earned him a 32nd-place finish in the Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork, Schlapper endured the notoriously challenging Sabine River’s stingy ways.

“I caught my fish a few different ways; I had figured out different things and knowing when to do (each one) was the key,” Schlapper said. “I think one of the biggest reasons I out-fished a lot people in the area is that I was fishing a lot faster.

“A lot of people were fishing really slow, but I was just covering as much water as I could. I think that made a big difference.”

With cloudy, windy weather creating classic largemouth feeding conditions, Schlapper enjoyed his best morning of the week. Getting off to a quick start, Schlapper had a limit that went a little more than 9 pounds by 9 a.m.

As soon as he reached his first spot, he experienced an intense flurry that jump started his big morning.

“It was unbelievable the way that happened this morning,” Schlapper said. “That was actually the first spot that I found (in practice). I pulled in and the wind was just perfect to throw a Brazalo clacking buzzbait. It had a big gold blade and a black toad on the back.

“I just got to whompin’ on ’em for about 20 minutes and they were all quality fish. I missed one, but the rest of them choked it.”

Schlapper did all of his Day 1 work on the foundations holding a set of elevated pipes that crossed a canal off Taylor Bayou. On Day 2, he fished the pipe crossing, but also worked open bank.

Days 3 and 4 mostly comprised bank fishing, where he targeted grass, wood and undercut points. The first three days, Schlapper caught fish on a homemade 3/8-ounce Do-it Molds compact finesse jig with a Big Bite Baits chunk trailer, a dropshot and a Texas-rigged creature bait.

“I felt really good going into this tournament for some reason,” Schlapper said. “I was super confident, super calm. I feel like I made all the right moves and all the right decisions.

“I love the Sabine River.”

Walters of Summerville, S.C. finished second with 36-8. With his first three days yielding limits of 7-6, 7-2 and 9-9, respectively, Walters entered Championship Sunday in 10th place. Finishing strong with 12-7 — the event’s second heaviest (behind John Crews’ 12-9) — Walters gained eight spots.

Describing the key to his final-round success, Walters said: “Decision making. The Sabine is all about making decisions. You put some baits in your hand that you feel confident in and covering a lot of water until you find the fish.”

Walters caught most of his fish on a spinnerbait. Given the level of fishing pressure his main area had received, the final round presented an opportunity to make a bold decision that worked out as well as Walters could have ever hoped.

“I had been catching all my fish in Taylor Bayou, but today, I didn’t see it happening,” Walters said. “It wasn’t going to pan out because we had beaten it too much. The second day, there were 78 boats over there.

“That was way too many people over there, so I decided to stay close and fish close. The water had been dropping and clearing up and we just ran into them. I lost one good one, but I can’t complain.”

Japan's Kyoya Fujita finished third with 36-8. (Ties are broken by heaviest single day weight.) His daily limits went 8-8, 11-3, 8-9 and 8-4.

Fujita, who placed fourth last week at Lake Fork, caught his fish on a Texas-rigged Jackall Pine Shrimp and a Neko-rigged Jackall 4.5 Yammy. Spending most of his time targeting reeds in Taylor Bayou, Fujita kept his foot on the trolling motor.

“I did not catch my fish on forward facing sonar; I caught all of my fish power fishing,” Fujita said. “Speed is important. I made more casts, more casts, more casts to cover water.”

John Crews of Salem, Va., won the $2,000 Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors for his Day 2 4-14.

Wisconsin's Jay Przekurat won the $1,000 award for leading the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings.

Minnesota's Austin Felix won the $1,000 BassTrakk contingency award.

Crews also won the $2,000 Rapala CrushCity Monster Bag award for his Day 2 limit of 12-9.

Japan’s Taku Ito took home an additional $3,000 for being the highest-placing entrant in the Toyota Bonus Bucks program, while Alabama’s Kyle Welcher earned $2,000 for being the second-highest placing entrant.

As part of the Yamaha Power Pay program, Schlapper earned an additional $4,000, while Walters claimed an additional $1,500 for being the second-highest placing entrant.

Jay Przekurat of Plover, Wis., leads the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings with 544 points. Chris Johnston of Otonabee, Canada is in second with 502, followed by Fujita with 494, Trey McKinney of Carbondale, Ill., with 487, and Will Davis Jr. of Sylacauga, Ala., with 480.

Paul Marks of Cumming, Ga., leads the Dakota Lithium Elite Series Rookie of the Year standings with 418 points.

The MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River was hosted by the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce.

2025 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Progressive, Toyota
2025 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Triton Boats, VMC, Yokohama

About B.A.S.S.

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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 256-424-2390, cgay@bassmaster.com

2025 MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River 5/15-5/18
Sabine River , Orange TX.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 4

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

1. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 20 38-12 104 $101,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 5 08-07 Day 3: 5 08-09 Day 4: 5 09-10
2. Patrick Walters Eutawville, SC 20 36-08 103 $21,000.00
Day 1: 5 07-06 Day 2: 5 07-02 Day 3: 5 09-09 Day 4: 5 12-07
3. Kyoya Fujita Yamanashi CA JAPAN 20 36-08 102 $15,000.00
Day 1: 5 08-08 Day 2: 5 11-03 Day 3: 5 08-09 Day 4: 5 08-04
4. Taku Ito Dalton GA JAPAN 19 36-02 101 $12,500.00
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 4 05-06 Day 3: 5 08-04 Day 4: 5 11-07
5. Kyle Welcher Valley, AL 20 35-03 100 $11,750.00
Day 1: 5 07-11 Day 2: 5 07-00 Day 3: 5 11-03 Day 4: 5 09-05
6. Cooper Gallant Bowmanville Ontario CAN 20 34-03 99 $11,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 5 10-03 Day 3: 5 07-05 Day 4: 5 06-09
7. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 20 31-09 98 $10,500.00
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 05-14 Day 3: 5 07-01 Day 4: 5 07-05
8. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 20 31-09 97 $10,300.00
Day 1: 5 06-13 Day 2: 5 06-15 Day 3: 5 11-00 Day 4: 5 06-13
9. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 19 31-09 96 $10,200.00
Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 4 05-12 Day 3: 5 08-06 Day 4: 5 07-02
10. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 18 30-06 95 $15,000.00
Day 1: 5 05-07 Day 2: 5 12-09 Day 3: 5 07-01 Day 4: 3 05-05
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 04-05 $1,000.00
2 John Crews Jr Salem, VA 04-14 $1,000.00
3 Bryan New Leesville, SC 04-01 $1,000.00
4 Patrick Walters Eutawville, SC 04-09 $1,000.00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
John Crews Jr Salem, VA 04-14 $2,000.00
RAPALA CRUSHCITY MONSTER BAG

John Crews Jr Salem, VA 12-09 $2,000.00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 69 434 664-15
2 62 427 623-01
3 34 215 313-03
4 9 48 84-03
----------------------------------
174 1124 1685-06

by AnglersChannel

Mark Daniels Jr. Tackles Smith Mountain Lake at 2025 Heavy Hitters

Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships

2025 B&W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters is underway on Virginia’s Smith Mountain Lake and Mark Daniels Jr. is navigating uncharted waters. Known for its scenic beauty and diverse opportunities, this sprawling highland reservoir presents a unique challenge for MDJ, who is fishing the lake for the first time.

With a mix of largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, coupled with the influence of spawning herring, Daniels is leaning on his adaptability to compete in this high-stakes event.

“This is my first time on this lake. I’ve never been here and it’s absolutely beautiful to the eye,” Daniels Jr. said. “Lots of bass, as well. Figuring out the stage of these fish is the most critical thing. About 15 percent of the bass are still spawning. It’s also important to understand that this is a herring lake and that changes the game for these bass.”

Smith Mountain Lake, a 20,600-acre impoundment nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a fishery defined by its steep banks, clear water and robust herring population. For Daniels Jr., the parallels to South Carolina fisheries like Lake Murray or Clarks Hill are striking. The behavior of the herring, he notes, is a driving force behind the bass’ movements.

“How these herring act dictate a lot about what these bass do,” MDJ said. “The bass get around shallow water cover and the herring are wanting to start spawning. It’s almost like the bass are staging to wait for the herring to start spawning as well. It’s been a strange dynamic. Those herring-oriented bass seemingly get a lot of fishing pressure as well.”

Anglers are allowed to use forward-facing sonar across all three periods during Heavy Hitters — Qualifying, Knockout and Championship rounds. This technology could be a game-changer on a lake as vast as Smith Mountain, where finding isolated fish is key.

Daniels Jr., however, was able to avoid the crowds and tap into a solid pattern on day one that has him holding down the second place spot.

“I’m trying to get into some zones where there aren’t a ton of boats,” he said. “A lot of locals were out this weekend, and they absolutely have the right to be there. No problem at all on that. But that’s going to be most of the fishing pressure, in my opinion. This lake fishes pretty big and I honestly didn’t see many other competitors on my first day.”

Unlike fisheries with flatter, more traditional spawning grounds, Smith Mountain Lake’s terrain makes it trickier to locate stereotypical bluegill beds, which often attract bass during the spawn.

“Some bluegill are spawning but I haven’t seen many bass on the beds,” Daniels Jr. said. “This place is super steep, so it’s hard to find those stereotypical flat, shallow bluegill pockets.”

With bass in a transitional phase—some still spawning, others staging for the herring or bluegill spawn— MDJ anticipates a variety of techniques will produce early in the tournament. The allowance of forward-facing sonar opens the door for precise presentations, but the herring factor could shift the game entirely.

“I think we’ll see a hodge podge of minnows, drop shots, Neko rigs, jerkbaits and topwater in the early stages of this tournament,” Daniels Jr. said. “You can catch ‘em just fishing down the banks, too. But it all depends on what this herring deal does. If that takes off, a lot of guys are going to do that, which will include a lot of topwater.”

The Team Toyota pro’s game plan is grounded in simplicity and progression. Rather than chasing a specific pattern from the outset, he’s focused on staying adaptable and making one cut at a time.

“My gameplan is fairly simple going into this one: let’s just make the Knockout Round and then take baby steps,” he said. “If I had it my way, I’d fish boat docks from start to finish, but this lake is in a major transition right now based on what I’ve seen.”

The fisheries diversity—supporting largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass—requires anglers to make calculated decisions about which species to target. Largemouth often hold tight to shallow cover like docks and laydowns, while smallmouth and spotted bass may roam deeper, chasing schools of bait.

MDJ’s ability to read the lake’s conditions and adjust his approach could be the difference between a paycheck or a championship run.

Forward-facing sonar, a hot topic in competitive fishing, will undoubtedly continue to shape strategies across the field. The technology allows anglers to locate fish in real time, spotting suspended bass or schools chasing herring. For Daniels Jr., it’s a tool to complement his instincts, not replace them.

You’d think the freedom to use FFS would lead to a fast-paced, tech-driven event but MDJ’s focus on less-pressured zones suggests he’s aiming to blend technology with old-school angling savvy. By targeting areas away from the crowds, he hopes to find unpressured fish that haven’t seen a barrage of boats.

MDJ’s strategy to seek solitude on the lake’s 500 miles of shoreline has proven wise thus far, as he out fished his group with the excepetion of Michael Neal during his first day on the water. Smith Mountain Lake’s size offers plenty of room to spread out and Daniels Jr. is banking on finding pockets of fish that others overlook.

So far, so good for MDJ as his chances to make the Knockout Round are strong based on his day one efforts. Daniels Jr. plans to remain focused on stacking some more weight to the SCORETRACKER, along with targeting a big bite in hopes to take advantage of the huge payouts for the big bass each day of competition.

by AnglersChannel

Tennessee’s Peavyhouse Holds on to Win Toyota Series at Lake Guntersville Presented by Suzuki Marine

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. (May 16, 2025) – Blasting off on Championship Friday with a lead of more than 4 pounds over his nearest pursuer, Isaac Peavyhouse could taste his first Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats win. When he returned to Goose Pond eight hours later, he was convinced he’d let it slip away.

Peavyhouse had blasted 28 pounds, 6 ounces of Lake Guntersville largemouth on Day 1, which had him in second place, then moved into the lead with 24-8 on Day 2. On Day 3, he once again topped the 20-pound mark, but with the legendary lake kicking out heavy bags like usual in the Central Division season finale, he didn’t think it would be enough. He got even more nervous when Hayden O’Barr placed a 28-8 mega bag on the scales.

“Coming in, with the weight I had, I thought I gave it away, honestly,” Peavyhouse said.

Turns out, Peavyhouse’s final-day limit of 20-15 was enough to edge O’Barr by 15 ounces. His three-day total of 73-13 earned him $40,000, while O’Barr had to settle for his third runner-up finish in a Toyota Series event in the past three months.

A resident of Jamestown, Tennessee, Peavyhouse has tasted most of his tournament success on nearby Dale Hollow Lake and other highland reservoirs in the area. He’d only competed on Guntersville a few times prior to this event, and never during the postspawn.

Knowing the reputation of the lake’s river channel ledges, Peavyhouse figured fishing offshore would be the way to win, so he committed to idling during practice and searching for schools. He had no trouble locating them, but when he started running those spots on Day 1, he found competitors already sitting on just about all of them.

“All three days of practice, I idled the whole time,” he said. “I had about 30 schools marked, but apparently 28 of them were community holes, because you couldn’t never get on them.”

Peavyhouse eventually found a school that he had to himself. That spot turned out to be all he needed, as he caught all 15 of his keepers there.

“It was a really sneaky spot,” he said. “It was just a little drain on a flat, and the fish were in about 20 foot on the edge of the grass. I was side-scanning a spot that I’ve caught them here in February on a jerkbait and just saw the school on my side scan. In practice, I made one cast in there, caught a 5-pounder and left. I didn’t know it was that good, but it panned out.”

On Day 1, Peavyhouse caught about 25 pounds right away from the school before trying to run new water and eventually returning to cull a couple more times. He found the bite a bit tougher on Day 2, but he still managed a strong limit.

Friday, the lake threw him a curveball. A floating eelgrass mat had settled over the spot, making it impossible for Peavyhouse to get his bait down to the fish. He left and tried to fish elsewhere but didn’t catch a keeper. Finally, he returned and found the mat had moved just enough for him to make the proper presentation.

“I finally got one cast down to them – because that eelgrass would bow it up – and first cast I got down to them, I caught a 5 1/4, and second cast I got a 4.40,” Peavyhouse said. “And then it blew back in there, and I never could get it back to them again.”

Peavyhouse caught those two fish on a Strike King 10XD crankbait, his most productive lure all week. He then used a Yank-Um Custom Tackle structure jig and a jighead minnow to fish around the eelgrass and fill out the rest of his limit. He threw all his baits on Yank-Um Custom Tackle rods.

The win was the first for Peavyhouse outside of the Phoenix Bass Fishing League and by far the most lucrative of his young career.

“It’s awesome, man,” Peavyhouse said. “I’ve won two BFLs and placed high in a bunch of Toyotas and some other tournaments, but I’ve never had a bigger win like this. So, it’s a blessing.”

The top 10 pros at the Toyota Series at Lake Guntersville finished:

1st:        Isaac Peavyhouse, Jamestown, Tenn., 15 bass, 73-13, $40,000
2nd:       Hayden O’Barr, Scottsboro, Ala., 15 bass, 72-14, $16,500 (includes $1,000 Phoenix Bonus)
3rd:       Matteo Turano, Puryear, Tenn., 15 bass, 70-14, $12,250
4th:        Cal Lane, Grant, Ala., 15 bass, 70-13, $10,000
5th:        Carter Nutt, Nashville, Tenn, 15 bass, 68-14, $9,000
6th:        Caz Anderson, Haysville, N.C., 15 bass, 68-10, $8,000
7th:        Broderick Luckey, Lynchburg, Va., 15 bass, 67-13, $7,000
8th:        Clint Knight, Russellville, Ky., 15 bass, 67-12, $6,000
9th:        Banks Shaw, Harrison, Tenn., 15 bass, 67-0, $5,000
10th:     Preston Kolisek, Loretto, Tenn., 15 bass, 66-14, $4,000

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Pro Steve Lopez of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, earned Thursday’s $500 Berkley Big Bass Award with a bass weighing 7 pounds, 12 ounces, while pro Kyle Lusk of Scottsboro, Alabama won Friday’s $500 Berkley Big Bass, weighing in a 7-pound, 5-ouncer to earn the $500 award.

Despite the dominance of pro Dylan Nutt of Nashville, Tennessee, who won both of the first two Central Division events of the season on Pickwick and Chickamauga, the Fishing Clash Angler of the Year race remained in doubt entering the finale. With Nutt finishing 26th and barely missing out on Day 3 at Guntersville, it turned into a showdown between himself and two of his teammates at the University of North Alabama: his twin brother, Carter Nutt, and Banks Shaw.

Shaw’s ninth-place finish ultimately earned him the crown and $5,000 payday that comes with it. Combined with finishes of fourth on Pickwick and eighth on Chickamauga, he wound up 4 points ahead of Carter, who finished fifth on Guntersville, and 7 points clear of Dylan.

Shaw will hope that’s not the last AOY check he cashes from Fishing Clash. The 21-year-old continued his breakout season by winning last week’s Tackle Warehouse Invitationals stop on Pickwick Lake and moving into the AOY lead on that circuit.

Ryan Lecompte of Picayune, Mississippi, won the co-angler division at Lake Guntersville Friday with a three-day total of 15 bass weighing 55 pounds, 1 ounce. Lecompte 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:        Ryan Lecompte, Picayune, Miss., 15 bass, 55-1, Phoenix 518 Pro boat w/115-hp Mercury outboard
2nd:       Roger Crain, Louisville, Ky., 15 bass, 53-15, $5,000
3rd:       Finn Taylor, Lake Placid, Fla., 15 bass, 51-10, $4,000
4th:        James Ramsey, Boaz, Ala., 14 bass, 49-0, $3,500
5th:        Alex Moore, Chester, Ill., 15 bass, 48-3, $3,000
6th:        Todd Mowery, Madison, Ala., 13 bass, 48-0, $2,575
7th:        Dylan Quilatan, Windermere, Fla., 15 bass, 47-15, $2,000
8th:        Alex Roberts, Columbia, Tenn., 15 bass, 47-4, $1,750
9th:        Larry Franks Jr., Wilsonville, Ala., 15 bass, 46-13, $1,700
10th:     Chuck Huggins, Englewood, Ohio, 15 bass, 46-9, $1,250

Co-angler Stanislav Sedletskii of Springfield, Missouri, earned the first Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of the event on Wednesday with a 7-pound, 13-ounce bass to earn the $150 prize, while Thursday’s Day 2 $150 co-angler award was split by Stephen Mickle of Eatonton, Georgia, and Todd Mowery of Madison, Alabama, who both weighed in bass totaling 6 pounds, 1 ounce.

The Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats at Lake Guntersville Presented by Suzuki Marine was hosted by the Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce. It was the third and final regular-season tournament for the Toyota Series Central Division. The next event for Toyota Series Central Division anglers will be the Toyota Series Championship, Nov. 6-8, at Grand Lake in Grove, Oklahoma. For a complete schedule of events, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The 2025 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats consists of five divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern and the Southwestern – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the five divisions or the Wild Card division and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning up to $235,000 and a qualification to REDCREST 2026. The winning co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard. The 2025 Toyota Series Championship will be held Nov. 6-8 on Grand Lake in Grove, Oklahoma, and is hosted by the City of Grove Convention & Tourism Bureau.

Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Toyota Series include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Deep Dive App, E3 Sport Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Humminbird, Lew’s, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, WIX Filters and YETI.

For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Toyota Series updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

by AnglersChannel

Michael Neal Takes Early Lead in Group A, Lefebre/Roumbanis Split $10K Big Bass Award on Day 1 of Major League Fishing’s B&W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters

Tennessee Pro Catches 26 Bass Weighing 75 Pounds, 14 ounces to Pace Group A Qualifying Round on Day 1, 15 Anglers in Group B Set to Compete Sunday

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. – Saturday’s opening day of qualifying for Group A at B&W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters Presented by Bass Pro Shops also marked the first time Virginia’s Smith Mountain Lake has appeared on the national tournament stage since 2015. Even though the field of 15 pros had to contend with a morning storm that gave way to windy, high-pressure conditions (as well as the boat traffic you’d expect on a sunny Saturday), the fishery produced plenty of chunky largemouth and smallmouth.

No one caught them better than Dayton, Tennessee’s Michael Neal, who spent nearly the entire day winding a spinnerbait around steep banks and hauling in bass. He stacked up 75 pounds, 14 ounces on 26 scorable bass to take a commanding early lead, 28-8 ahead of pro Mark Daniels Jr. of Tuskegee, Alabama, in second.

Like many anglers, Neal admitted he doesn’t reach for a spinnerbait too often these days, especially on a clear-water fishery like Smith Mountain. He felt good about a few of the areas up the Roanoke River he’d located during practice, but he started Saturday morning throwing a topwater.

It wasn’t until he saw some baitfish flickering in the area that he picked up a spinnerbait and unleashed a beatdown reminiscent of a past Heavy Hitters performance, when Alton Jones Jr. romped the field with a spinnerbait to win the Championship Round on Bussey Brake in 2023.

“It’s been a while,” Neal said when asked the last time he’d experienced a spinnerbait bite like that. “I really hardly even throw one anymore besides just dirty water. But there’s not much better than a good, hard spinnerbait bite.”

Neal caught all but two of his scorable bass on a shad-colored Spro Blade spinnerbait with a Big Bite Baits Kamikaze Swimon split-tail trailer. Initially, he figured the bait was working so well because of an ongoing shad spawn – he said he could see and feel baitfish bumping his lure as he retrieved it. However, shad spawns typically wane after the early morning hours. Neal’s bite just kept getting better.

After catching 10 scorable bass for 30-1 in the opening period, which gave him a lead of 3-10 over Jones, he added 12 more bass totaling 34-3 during Period 2. That pushed his advantage all the way to 27-6. Once he crossed the 75-pound mark with about an hour left in the day, he left his area and went searching for a big bass.

Neal admitted he was surprised the spinnerbait continued to produce, but he’s not questioning it.

“I wish I knew if it was a shad or a herring deal, because I feel like if that was just threadfins (spawning) like they do at home, I feel like it would have been done by lines in, or at least halfway through the first period when the sun came out,” he said. “But they bit it on up into the third period, too. So, I don’t know if that's a blueback thing or what.

“The bass were literally touching the bank. I don’t know if they just sit there and wait until something comes by, if they swim that tight to the bank all day or what they really do, but I’m not going to try and figure it out a whole lot. I’m just going to keep slinging.”

Once Neal identified the right banks, he spent most of the day running water he hadn’t practiced. He’s cautiously optimistic those areas can continue to produce across the six-day event.

“I don’t think it will go away real soon,” he said. “The shad spawn usually lasts a week or two. Of course, I don’t know how long it’s been going on here. I don’t know if we’re just starting, if we’re in the middle, if we’re at the tail end. But I really don’t think the fish are going to move a whole lot based on where they’re at now. So, I feel like it can be a sustainable pattern, shad spawn or not, throughout the tournament.”

Good news for Neal is that, with a cushion of more than 50 pounds over the elimination line, he’ll be free to utilize Group A’s second day of qualifying to search out new water and chase the big bass bonus offered each day during Heavy Hitters. He plans to do a bit of both on Monday.

“I’m going to go explore some stuff,” he said. “I’m going to keep working on expanding that area out as far as I can go each direction. But also, I want to try to catch a big one.”

The first of the big bass prizes up for grabs each day during Heavy Hitters will be split between two anglers. Pros Dave Lefebre and Fred Roumbanis each caught largemouth that weighed 6-7, so both will receive $5,000.

According to SCORETRACKER INSIDER™ Presented by Strike King, Lefebre caught his 6-7 around the midpoint of the second period on a fluke. For three and a half hours, it looked like that fish would be big enough to earn him $10,000, but with 50 minutes left before lines out, Roumbanis boated a 6-7 of his own on a glide bait.

The 15 anglers in Group A will now have the day off Sunday, while the 15 anglers in Group B will begin their Day 1 Qualifying Round. Group A will complete their two-day Qualifying Round of competition on Monday.

The standings for the 15 pros from Qualifying Group A after Day 1 on Smith Mountain Lake are:

1st:        Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., 26 bass, 75-14
2nd:       Mark Daniels Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., 18 bass, 47-6
3rd:       Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., 15 bass, 40-12
5th:        Edwin Evers, Talala, Okla., 12 bass, 33-2
4th:        Cliff Crochet, Pierre Part, La., 11 bass, 31-8
6th:        Alton Jones Jr., Waco, Texas, 10 bass, 26-7
8th:        Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., nine bass, 25-4
7th:        Fred Roumbanis, Russellville, Ark., seven bass, 24-9
9th:        Dave Lefebre, Erie, Pa., eight bass, 23-2
10th:     Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Tenn., five bass, 16-4
11th:     Nick Hatfield, Greeneville, Tenn., five bass, 15-1
12th:     Alton Jones, Lorena, Texas, four bass, 11-9
13th:     Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas, four bass, 10-5
14th:     Andy Morgan, Dayton, Tenn., three bass, 8-8
15th:     Dylan Hays, Hot Springs, Ark., two bass, 7-8

Full results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Overall, there were 139 bass weighing 397 pounds, 3 ounces caught by the 15 pros on Saturday, which included two 6-pounders, two 5-pounders and eight 4-pounders caught from Smith Mountain Lake.

by AnglersChannel

Late-day kicker keeps Schlapper in the lead at the Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River

ORANGE, Texas — Pat Schlapper felt the moment slipping away, but he patiently persevered and found a late-day kicker that kept him in the lead of the MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at the Sabine River.

The Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series pro from Eleva, Wis., took the early lead with a Day 1 limit of 12 pounds, 2 ounces and then remained in the top spot with a second-round bag that went 8-7. Catching a Semifinal Saturday limit of 8-9, Schlapper made it three days straight with a leading total of 29-2.

Coming off a 32nd-place finish last week in the Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork, Schlapper heads into Championship Sunday with a 14-ounce lead over Kyoya Fujita. Schlapper attributes his Texas success to a rejuvenated perspective.

“It’s been a tough year, but I’ve kinda changed my mindset; I’m trying to have fun and I’m fishing to win,” Schlapper said. “We hear that all the time, but I’m really fishing to win this week.”

Schlapper demonstrated the determination requisite of blue trophy ownership by enduring a lean third day. Round 1 saw him catch all of his fish at a bridge near Taylor Bayou. That structure produced part of his Day 2 limit, with the rest coming from shallow shoreline cover.

Schlapper tried his bridge again on Day 3, but it did not yield any keeper bites.

“I started on some other stuff and then went (to the bridge) and didn’t catch ’em, then I just started fishing the way I did in practice,” Schlapper said. “I’m not counting on the bridge anymore. I’ll fish it tomorrow and think I can still catch some there, but I’m focused on the other way I’m catching them.”

That other pattern simply comprises covering water and flipping shallow habitat features. Schlapper said he’s fishing a mix of natural targets with a Texas-rigged creature bait and a jig.

“It could be grass, it could be wood, it could be a little undercut point,” he said. “I’m just trying to get my bait in front of as many fish as I can.

“It took me all day to get those five keepers,” Schlapper said. “I had six keeper bites and only I caught five of them.”

Grinding through a stingy day, Schlapper found himself with only four fish for a little over 5 pounds at 1 o’clock.

Coming close to missing his Top 10 spot, Schlapper’s day took a dramatic turn when he caught a 3-5 shortly after 1:00. That fish lifted him back into the (unofficial BassTrakk) lead — a point later confirmed at the Day 3 weigh-in.

Confident with his game plan, but aware that his lead is far from safe, Schlapper said Day 4 will mirror his third day's work.

“I have a good plan for tomorrow,” Schlapper said. “It’s going to be a shootout, but that’s the way I like it; I’m a pretty good shot. I think anyone has a shot to win.

“If you have one of those days like I had the first day, with a couple of those difference makers, that’s all it takes to have a good tournament. I’ve been fortunate to get six quality bites and get them in the boat in this tournament.”

Hailing from Yamanishi, Japan, Fujita is in second place with 28-4. After finding himself in a three-way tie for 18th place with a Day 1 limit of 8-8, Fujita added a second-round bag of 11-3 and rose to third.

Fujita gained one more spot with a Semifinal Saturday limit that went 8-9.

A well-established technology ace, Fujita stressed that he’s not catching his fish off of forward facing sonar. Rather, he’s power fishing with Texas-rigged plastics. He hopes that this strategy will serve him well in the final round.

“I’ll (continue) bank fishing and I hope to catch five big fish tomorrow,” Fujita said.

Cooper Gallant of Bowmanville, Ontario is in third place with 27-10. He placed seventh on Day 1 with 10-2, then added 10-3 a day later and rose to second. Gallant caught 7-5 on Day 3 and slipped to third.

Gallant has been flipping shallow cover with a 3/8-ounce hand-tied flipping jig and a 3/8-ounce Outkast Tackle Cage Feider jig. He fits both with a X Zone Lures Adrenaline Craw Jr.

“Coming into this tournament, I wasn’t sitting very good in (Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year) points and I was like, ‘Man, I gotta catch ’em,” Gallant said. “At the same time, I just want to survive to get a Top 50.

“As the week’s gone on, it’s like, ‘Holy smokes, I caught ’em on Day 1. On Day 2, it didn’t look like I was gonna catch ’em and I caught another 10 pounds. Tomorrow, I’ll have a chance to bring a blue trophy back home to Canada and there’s not much more you can ask for.”

John Crews of Salem, Va., is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his Day 2 4-14.

Jay Przekurat of Plover, Wis., leads the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings with 544 points. Chris Johnston of Otonabee, Canada is in second with 502, followed by Fujita with 495, Trey McKinney of Carbondale, Ill., with 487, and Will Davis Jr. of Sylacauga, Ala., with 480.

Paul Marks of Cumming, Ga., leads the Dakota Lithium Rookie of the Year standings with 435 points.

Sunday’s takeoff is scheduled for 6:30 a.m. CT at City of Orange Boat Ramp. The weigh-in will be held at the same location at 2:30 p.m.

Bassmaster LIVE coverage of the MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River will be available on FS1 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. before heading over to Bassmaster.com in the afternoon.

The MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River is being hosted by the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce.

About B.A.S.S.

-30-

Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 256-424-2390, cgay@bassmaster.com

2025 MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River 5/15-5/18
Sabine River , Orange TX.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 3

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

1. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 15 29-02 104 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 5 08-07 Day 3: 5 08-09
2. Kyoya Fujita Yamanashi CA JAPAN 15 28-04 103
Day 1: 5 08-08 Day 2: 5 11-03 Day 3: 5 08-09
3. Cooper Gallant Bowmanville Ontario CAN 15 27-10 102
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 5 10-03 Day 3: 5 07-05
4. Kyle Welcher Valley, AL 15 25-14 101
Day 1: 5 07-11 Day 2: 5 07-00 Day 3: 5 11-03
5. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 15 25-01 100 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 05-07 Day 2: 5 12-09 Day 3: 5 07-01
6. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 15 24-12 99
Day 1: 5 06-13 Day 2: 5 06-15 Day 3: 5 11-00
7. Taku Ito Dalton GA JAPAN 14 24-11 98
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 4 05-06 Day 3: 5 08-04
8. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 14 24-07 97
Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 4 05-12 Day 3: 5 08-06
9. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 15 24-04 96
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 05-14 Day 3: 5 07-01
10. Patrick Walters Eutawville, SC 15 24-01 95
Day 1: 5 07-06 Day 2: 5 07-02 Day 3: 5 09-09
11. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 14 24-01 94 $7,000.00
Day 1: 5 08-06 Day 2: 5 07-09 Day 3: 4 08-02
12. Tyler Williams Belgrade, ME 15 24-00 93 $7,000.00
Day 1: 5 09-00 Day 2: 5 07-05 Day 3: 5 07-11
13. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 15 23-15 92 $7,000.00
Day 1: 5 06-13 Day 2: 5 10-02 Day 3: 5 07-00
14. Easton Fothergill Grand Rapids , MN 15 23-14 91 $7,000.00
Day 1: 5 08-02 Day 2: 5 08-01 Day 3: 5 07-11
15. Bryan New Leesville, SC 13 23-13 90 $8,000.00
Day 1: 5 05-13 Day 2: 4 08-12 Day 3: 4 09-04
16. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 15 23-12 89 $6,500.00
Day 1: 5 07-15 Day 2: 5 08-03 Day 3: 5 07-10
17. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 15 23-02 88 $6,500.00
Day 1: 5 05-08 Day 2: 5 11-09 Day 3: 5 06-01
18. Cody Huff Ava, MO 15 23-02 87 $6,500.00
Day 1: 5 06-08 Day 2: 5 08-01 Day 3: 5 08-09
19. Bob Downey Detroit Lakes, MN 15 22-15 86 $6,500.00
Day 1: 5 07-08 Day 2: 5 08-02 Day 3: 5 07-05
20. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 15 22-11 85 $6,500.00
Day 1: 5 08-07 Day 2: 5 07-03 Day 3: 5 07-01
21. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 14 22-01 84 $6,000.00
Day 1: 4 07-07 Day 2: 5 09-08 Day 3: 5 05-02
22. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 15 22-01 83 $6,000.00
Day 1: 5 08-08 Day 2: 5 07-09 Day 3: 5 06-00
23. Emil Wagner Marietta, GA 15 22-00 82 $6,000.00
Day 1: 5 06-15 Day 2: 5 07-10 Day 3: 5 07-07
24. Robert Gee Knoxville, TN 15 21-12 81 $6,000.00
Day 1: 5 06-00 Day 2: 5 08-02 Day 3: 5 07-10
25. Jay Przekurat Plover, WI 14 21-08 80 $6,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 4 05-02 Day 3: 5 05-10
26. Jeff Gustafson Kenora, ON Ontario CANA 15 21-08 79 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 07-10 Day 2: 5 08-09 Day 3: 5 05-05
27. Logan Parks Auburn, AL 14 21-06 78 $5,500.00
Day 1: 4 06-13 Day 2: 5 07-06 Day 3: 5 07-03
28. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 15 21-05 77 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 07-00 Day 2: 5 07-08 Day 3: 5 06-13
29. Trey McKinney Carbondale, IL 13 21-03 76 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 07-15 Day 2: 5 08-15 Day 3: 3 04-05
30. Beau Browning Hot Springs National Pa 13 21-01 75 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 07-04 Day 2: 5 09-15 Day 3: 3 03-14
31. Cliff Pace Ovett, MS 14 21-01 74 $5,500.00
Day 1: 4 07-01 Day 2: 5 05-13 Day 3: 5 08-03
32. Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 14 21-00 73 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 09-05 Day 2: 5 07-05 Day 3: 4 04-06
33. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 15 20-15 72 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 08-00 Day 2: 5 06-01 Day 3: 5 06-14
34. JT Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 13 20-10 71 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 09-02 Day 2: 5 07-14 Day 3: 3 03-10
35. John Cox Debary, FL 15 20-07 70 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 06-04 Day 2: 5 08-02 Day 3: 5 06-01
36. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 15 20-04 69 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 07-01 Day 2: 5 06-14 Day 3: 5 06-05
37. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 15 20-03 68 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 08-08 Day 2: 5 05-12 Day 3: 5 05-15
38. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TN AUSTRALIA 12 20-02 67 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 09-04 Day 2: 4 07-15 Day 3: 3 02-15
39. Buddy Gross Chattanooga, TN 13 20-02 66 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 08-03 Day 2: 3 05-02 Day 3: 5 06-13
40. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 13 19-13 65 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 07-09 Day 2: 4 05-08 Day 3: 4 06-12
41. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 13 19-10 64 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 08-13 Day 2: 5 06-04 Day 3: 3 04-09
42. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 15 19-10 63 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 07-12 Day 2: 5 06-01 Day 3: 5 05-13
43. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 12 19-06 62 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 07-00 Day 2: 5 09-07 Day 3: 2 02-15
44. Will Davis Jr Sylacauga, AL 15 19-05 61 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 07-10 Day 2: 5 05-12 Day 3: 5 05-15
45. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 13 18-14 60 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 07-12 Day 2: 5 08-04 Day 3: 3 02-14
46. Dakota Ebare Brookeland, TX 10 16-10 59 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 09-02 Day 2: 5 07-08 Day 3: 0 00-00
47. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 12 16-05 58 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 06-08 Day 2: 5 07-06 Day 3: 2 02-07
48. Ben Milliken Omaha, NE 10 16-03 57 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 10-03 Day 2: 2 02-13 Day 3: 3 03-03
49. Kenta Kimura Osaka OK JAPAN 11 16-03 56 $5,500.00
Day 1: 4 05-15 Day 2: 5 07-13 Day 3: 2 02-07
50. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 12 15-08 55 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 06-04 Day 2: 5 06-12 Day 3: 2 02-08
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 04-05 $1,000.00
2 John Crews Jr Salem, VA 04-14 $1,000.00
3 Bryan New Leesville, SC 04-01 $1,000.00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 69 434 664-15
2 62 427 623-01
3 34 215 313-03
----------------------------------
165 1076 1601-03

by AnglersChannel

Adjustments keep Schlapper atop Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River

May 16, 2025

Adjustments keep Schlapper atop Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River

ORANGE, Texas — Pat Schlapper knew he had to return to the scene of his first-round success, but knowing when and how to adjust enabled him to maintain his lead on Day 2 of the MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at the Sabine River.

Schlapper took the top spot on Day 1 with a limit of 12 pounds, 2 ounces. Day 2 was less generous and the Progressive Elite Series pro from Eleva, Wis., added a smaller limit that went 8-7. With a two-day total of 20-9, Schlapper heads into Semifinal Saturday 4 ounces ahead of Cooper Gallant.

“It was a tougher day, but I got one good quality bite and five other keeper bites that I landed,” Schlapper said. “The Sabine River is a tough playing field, but it’s kinda cool because you get a couple of those quality bites and that’s what can make your whole tournament.

“It’s easy to have really bad tournament, but it’s also easy to have a good tournament if you get a couple of those good bites.”

Day 1 saw Schlapper spend his entire day fishing a bridge near the Taylor Slough area. He gave that spot first crack again today, but ended up making a few relocations.

“I started there and I caught a small keeper and then I caught a good one and missed a couple more,” Schlapper said. “Then I left, went and flipped a stretch, and caught a keeper. Then, I came back to the bridge and once I switched baits, I caught two keepers immediately.

“After I caught those two, I left the bridge again. I had a limit and I need it for tomorrow. The bridge is definitely running out of fish but I know there are still some more there.”

Along with his location changes, Schlapper also adjusted his bait presentations. Day 1 saw him catch all of his fish on a 3/8-ounce Do-it Molds compact finesse jig with a Big Bite Baits chunk trailer.

Schlapper tried the jig again on Day 2, but the response was less enthusiastic.

“I fished my normal stuff and they didn’t touch it,” Schlapper said.

When he realized his jig was not happening, Schlapper switched to a finesse presentation and a Texas-rigged creature bait.

Pondering his Day 3 options, Schlapper said he’ll definitely give his bridge another chance to produce, but he’ll likely precede that with a morning stop.

“In practice, I had been getting a good morning bite in other areas, but I haven’t fished them (during the tournament) because I wanted to get right up to that bridge,” Schlapper said. “Now, I’m not super worried about anyone else going there; I think it’s been established. No one else has fished there.

“I’m going to run a couple of things in the morning on the way up and seen if I can pick off a few. Then I’m going to go up to the bridge and see what’s left.”

Despite what he believes is a dwindling bridge opportunity, Schlapper’s optimistic about his overall chances.

“I still have a shot at it; I need to make a little more magic happen,” Schlapper said. “We’re in the game and that’s all you can ask for after two days here.”

Gallant, who lives in Bowmanville, Ontario has turned in the most consistent performance thus far. After placing seventh on Day 1 with 10-2, Gallant added 10-3 on Day 2 and rose to second place with 20-5.

Anchoring his second-round limit with a 4-7, Gallant said his second day’s success came as a pleasant surprise.

“It’s funny, this morning I was saying, I’ve never been sitting in the Top 10 going into Day 2 thinking: ‘Hopefully, I catch a bass,’” Gallant said. “In the morning, I was like, ‘I need 4 pounds; I need to make the cut.’

“To catch 4 pounds out here is not easy, but as the day goes on, I’m like, ‘Holy smokes, I might be on the winning deal, I might be in the winning area. Your mindset goes from making Day 3 to, I want to try and win this thing.’”

Gallant caught all of his fish flipping shallow cover. He’s alternating between a 3/8-ounce hand-tied flipping jig and a 3/8-ounce Outkast Tackle Cage Feider jig, both with X Zone Lures Adrenaline Craw Jr. trailers.

“I feel like every day I’m figuring out more and more and I’m getting more confident in my area and expanding on it,” Gallant said. “Those big bites go a long way in this tournament. If you can figure out how to get one of those big bites a day, that’s probably what’s going to win this tournament.”

Kyoya Fujita of Yamanishi, Japan is in third place with 19-11. A Day 1 limit of 8-8 put him in a three-way tie for 18th place, but Fujita stepped up his performance on Day 2 and added 11-3.

Known for his technological prowess, Fujita made an important clarification: “I didn’t use forward facing sonar today. It was all power fishing.”

Targeting mostly reeds in 1-2 feet of water, Fujita caught his fish by flipping Texas-rigged plastics. With big bites few and far between, he found that fishing fast and covering water was the key to running into the quality fish.

“Speed (was important),” Fujita said. “More casts, more casts, more casts. I caught many little fish, but maybe seven or eight keepers.”

John Crews of Salem, Va., is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 4-14.

Jay Przekurat of Plover, Wis., leads the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings with 544 points. Chris Johnston of Otonabee, Canada is in second with 505, followed by Trey McKinney of Carbondale, Ill. with 504, Kyoya Fujita of Yamanashi, Japan with 494, and Will Davis Jr. of Sylacauga, Ala. with 479.

Paul Marks of Cumming, Ga., leads the Dakota Lithium Rookie of the Year standings with 435 points.

Saturday’s takeoff is scheduled for 6:30 a.m. CT at City of Orange Boat Ramp. The weigh-in will be held at the same location at 2:30 p.m.

Bassmaster LIVE coverage of the MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River will be available on FS1 on Days 3 and 4 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET before heading over to Bassmaster.com in the afternoon.

The MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River is being hosted by the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce.

About B.A.S.S.

-30-

Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 256-424-2390, cgay@bassmaster.com

2025 MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River 5/15-5/18
Sabine River , Orange TX.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 2

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

1. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 10 20-09 104 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 5 08-07
2. Cooper Gallant Bowmanville Ontario CAN 10 20-05 103
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 5 10-03
3. Kyoya Fujita Yamanashi CA JAPAN 10 19-11 102
Day 1: 5 08-08 Day 2: 5 11-03
4. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 10 18-00 101 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 05-07 Day 2: 5 12-09
5. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 10 17-03 100
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 05-14
6. Beau Browning Hot Springs National Pa 10 17-03 99
Day 1: 5 07-04 Day 2: 5 09-15
7. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TN AUSTRALIA 9 17-03 98
Day 1: 5 09-04 Day 2: 4 07-15
8. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 10 17-01 97
Day 1: 5 05-08 Day 2: 5 11-09
9. JT Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 10 17-00 96
Day 1: 5 09-02 Day 2: 5 07-14
10. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 10 16-15 95
Day 1: 5 06-13 Day 2: 5 10-02
11. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 9 16-15 94
Day 1: 4 07-07 Day 2: 5 09-08
12. Trey McKinney Carbondale, IL 10 16-14 93
Day 1: 5 07-15 Day 2: 5 08-15
13. Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 10 16-10 92
Day 1: 5 09-05 Day 2: 5 07-05
14. Dakota Ebare Brookeland, TX 10 16-10 91
Day 1: 5 09-02 Day 2: 5 07-08
15. Taku Ito Dalton GA JAPAN 9 16-07 90
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 4 05-06
16. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 10 16-07 89
Day 1: 5 07-00 Day 2: 5 09-07
17. Tyler Williams Belgrade, ME 10 16-05 88
Day 1: 5 09-00 Day 2: 5 07-05
18. Jeff Gustafson Kenora, ON Ontario CANA 10 16-03 87
Day 1: 5 07-10 Day 2: 5 08-09
19. Easton Fothergill Grand Rapids , MN 10 16-03 86
Day 1: 5 08-02 Day 2: 5 08-01
20. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 10 16-02 85
Day 1: 5 07-15 Day 2: 5 08-03
21. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 9 16-01 84
Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 4 05-12
22. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 10 16-01 83
Day 1: 5 08-08 Day 2: 5 07-09
23. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 10 16-00 82
Day 1: 5 07-12 Day 2: 5 08-04
24. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 10 15-15 81
Day 1: 5 08-06 Day 2: 5 07-09
25. Jay Przekurat Plover, WI 9 15-14 80
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 4 05-02
26. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 10 15-10 79
Day 1: 5 08-07 Day 2: 5 07-03
27. Bob Downey Detroit Lakes, MN 10 15-10 78
Day 1: 5 07-08 Day 2: 5 08-02
28. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 10 15-01 77
Day 1: 5 08-13 Day 2: 5 06-04
29. Kyle Welcher Valley, AL 10 14-11 76
Day 1: 5 07-11 Day 2: 5 07-00
30. Bryan New Leesville, SC 9 14-09 75
Day 1: 5 05-13 Day 2: 4 08-12
31. Cody Huff Ava, MO 10 14-09 74
Day 1: 5 06-08 Day 2: 5 08-01
32. Emil Wagner Marietta, GA 10 14-09 73
Day 1: 5 06-15 Day 2: 5 07-10
33. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 10 14-08 72
Day 1: 5 07-00 Day 2: 5 07-08
34. Patrick Walters Eutawville, SC 10 14-08 71
Day 1: 5 07-06 Day 2: 5 07-02
35. John Cox Debary, FL 10 14-06 70
Day 1: 5 06-04 Day 2: 5 08-02
36. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 10 14-04 69
Day 1: 5 08-08 Day 2: 5 05-12
37. Logan Parks Auburn, AL 9 14-03 68
Day 1: 4 06-13 Day 2: 5 07-06
38. Robert Gee Knoxville, TN 10 14-02 67
Day 1: 5 06-00 Day 2: 5 08-02
39. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 10 14-01 66
Day 1: 5 08-00 Day 2: 5 06-01
40. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 10 13-15 65
Day 1: 5 07-01 Day 2: 5 06-14
41. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 10 13-14 64
Day 1: 5 06-08 Day 2: 5 07-06
42. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 10 13-13 63
Day 1: 5 07-12 Day 2: 5 06-01
43. Kenta Kimura Osaka OK JAPAN 9 13-12 62
Day 1: 4 05-15 Day 2: 5 07-13
44. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 10 13-12 61
Day 1: 5 06-13 Day 2: 5 06-15
45. Will Davis Jr Sylacauga, AL 10 13-06 60
Day 1: 5 07-10 Day 2: 5 05-12
46. Buddy Gross Chattanooga, TN 8 13-05 59
Day 1: 5 08-03 Day 2: 3 05-02
47. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 9 13-01 58
Day 1: 5 07-09 Day 2: 4 05-08
48. Ben Milliken Omaha, NE 7 13-00 57
Day 1: 5 10-03 Day 2: 2 02-13
49. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 10 13-00 56
Day 1: 5 06-04 Day 2: 5 06-12
50. Cliff Pace Ovett, MS 9 12-14 55
Day 1: 4 07-01 Day 2: 5 05-13
51. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 10 12-12 54
Day 1: 5 05-11 Day 2: 5 07-01
52. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 8 12-11 53
Day 1: 5 07-04 Day 2: 3 05-07
53. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 10 12-09 52
Day 1: 5 07-12 Day 2: 5 04-13
54. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 8 12-08 51
Day 1: 3 03-05 Day 2: 5 09-03
55. Logan Latuso Gonzales, LA 10 12-07 50
Day 1: 5 07-00 Day 2: 5 05-07
56. Kyle Patrick Cooperstown, NY 10 12-07 49
Day 1: 5 06-13 Day 2: 5 05-10
57. Paul Marks Cumming, GA 9 12-05 48
Day 1: 4 05-07 Day 2: 5 06-14
58. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 8 12-04 47
Day 1: 3 04-08 Day 2: 5 07-12
59. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 10 12-03 46
Day 1: 5 06-09 Day 2: 5 05-10
60. Cody Meyer Eagle, ID 9 12-01 45
Day 1: 5 06-12 Day 2: 4 05-05
61. Wesley Gore Clanton, AL 7 12-00 44
Day 1: 3 06-11 Day 2: 4 05-05
62. Cory Johnston Otonabee CANADA 10 11-15 43
Day 1: 5 05-12 Day 2: 5 06-03
63. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 8 11-14 42
Day 1: 5 08-11 Day 2: 3 03-03
64. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 10 11-13 41
Day 1: 5 07-00 Day 2: 5 04-13
65. Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 8 11-11 40
Day 1: 5 07-11 Day 2: 3 04-00
66. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 9 11-06 39
Day 1: 4 04-14 Day 2: 5 06-08
67. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 8 11-05 38
Day 1: 3 04-02 Day 2: 5 07-03
68. Andrew Loberg Guntersville, AL 8 11-05 37
Day 1: 5 06-07 Day 2: 3 04-14
69. Chris Zaldain Boyd, TX 7 11-02 36
Day 1: 5 09-01 Day 2: 2 02-01
70. Wes Logan Springville, AL 8 11-01 35
Day 1: 3 04-04 Day 2: 5 06-13
71. Matty Wong Honolulu, HI 8 10-15 34
Day 1: 5 07-00 Day 2: 3 03-15
72. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 7 10-11 33
Day 1: 5 08-14 Day 2: 2 01-13
73. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 8 10-10 32
Day 1: 5 07-01 Day 2: 3 03-09
74. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 7 10-06 31
Day 1: 5 08-03 Day 2: 2 02-03
75. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 9 10-06 30
Day 1: 4 05-00 Day 2: 5 05-06
76. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 8 10-05 29
Day 1: 5 06-10 Day 2: 3 03-11
77. Seth Feider Elko New Market, MN 7 10-04 28
Day 1: 5 07-08 Day 2: 2 02-12
78. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 9 10-04 27
Day 1: 5 05-00 Day 2: 4 05-04
79. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 7 10-02 26
Day 1: 3 04-04 Day 2: 4 05-14
80. Cole Sands Johnson City, TN 8 10-02 25
Day 1: 4 04-06 Day 2: 4 05-12
81. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 6 10-01 24
Day 1: 5 08-14 Day 2: 1 01-03
82. Evan Kung Pickering Ontario CANAD 7 10-00 23
Day 1: 5 07-08 Day 2: 2 02-08
83. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 8 09-09 22
Day 1: 5 06-01 Day 2: 3 03-08
84. John Garrett Union City, TN 7 09-06 21
Day 1: 4 05-04 Day 2: 3 04-02
85. Tucker Smith Birmingham, AL 6 09-05 20
Day 1: 1 01-11 Day 2: 5 07-10
86. Jason Christie Dry Creek, OK 7 09-03 19
Day 1: 2 02-11 Day 2: 5 06-08
87. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 7 09-00 18
Day 1: 2 02-10 Day 2: 5 06-06
88. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 5 09-00 17
Day 1: 2 04-01 Day 2: 3 04-15
89. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 7 08-15 16
Day 1: 2 03-00 Day 2: 5 05-15
90. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 6 08-05 15
Day 1: 1 01-12 Day 2: 5 06-09
91. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 7 08-01 14
Day 1: 3 03-00 Day 2: 4 05-01
92. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 5 07-04 13
Day 1: 2 03-04 Day 2: 3 04-00
93. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 6 07-00 12
Day 1: 3 03-07 Day 2: 3 03-09
94. Jordan Lee Cullman, AL 5 06-11 11
Day 1: 1 01-03 Day 2: 4 05-08
95. Blake Capps Muskogee, OK 4 06-07 10
Day 1: 2 04-13 Day 2: 2 01-10
96. Timothy Dube Nashua , NH 4 06-00 9
Day 1: 1 01-09 Day 2: 3 04-07
97. Kyle Norsetter Cottage Grove, WI 4 05-15 8
Day 1: 2 02-13 Day 2: 2 03-02
98. Jonathan Kelley Old Forge, PA 5 05-12 7
Day 1: 4 04-07 Day 2: 1 01-05
99. Jake Whitaker Hendersonville, NC 5 05-06 6
Day 1: 3 03-02 Day 2: 2 02-04
100. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 5 05-02 5
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 05-02
101. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 4 05-02 4
Day 1: 3 04-02 Day 2: 1 01-00
102. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 3 04-08 3
Day 1: 1 01-15 Day 2: 2 02-09
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 04-05 $1,000.00
2 John Crews Jr Salem, VA 04-14 $1,000.00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 69 434 664-15
2 62 427 623-01
----------------------------------
131 861 1288-00

by AnglersChannel

Lake Hartwell to be Playing Field for Historic 20th ACA National Championship

SAN ANTONIO, TX – The Association of Collegiate Anglers is set to host its 20^th National Championship event in approximately one week. The 2025 Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops will take place at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, SC on May 22-23.

This will mark the second time in which the ACA has contested college fishing’s longest-running National Championship event at Lake Hartwell. The last time the Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops was contested at Lake Hartwell was in 2023. That tournament was won by Tucker Smith & Hayden Marbut from Auburn University with a two-day total weight of 35.24 pounds.

The ACA returned to Lake Hartwell in April of 2024 to contest the Hartwell Slam. Over 200 teams competed for two days. More than 1,000 pounds of fish were brought to the scales each day, meaning almost every team caught a limit during both days of tournament competition. The winning weight at the Hartwell Slam was 34.48 pounds, brought in by Easton Fothergill & Nick Dumke with the University of Montevallo.

Lake Hartwell is a great fishery that boasts both quantity and quality when it comes to catching bass. The lake spans 56,000 acres and is made up of a variety of fish holding habitat. Different types of cover in the lake include wood, rock, docks, offshore structure, and more. Each of these areas and types of cover hold fish year-round, making them key targets for anglers to fish during tournament competition.

A strong population of baitfish and forage is another contributing factor to Lake Hartwell’s healthy fish population. One of the unique baitfish present in this fishery is blueback herring. These baitfish are like filet mignon for bass. While they may be somewhat evasive for bass to track down, blueback herring provide a filling meal for fish.

Taking into account the fish holding habitat and prevalent baitfish population in Lake Hartwell, anglers can use a variety of patterns and techniques to get bites during the early summer. Starting with the early morning bite, anglers can likely find success with topwaters and shad/herring impersonation baits. Those baitfish will be active up shallow during the low light conditions. Long bars and shallow points will be popular areas for these baitfish to be congregated on.

Once the sun gets up, anglers will likely have to downsize their presentations and even mix in finesse tactics to get bites. The baitfish will begin to move deep and spread out. The bass will then follow them, as they hunt for an easy meal throughout the day. Utilizing their electronics, like Garmin LiveScope, anglers can track these bass throughout the day and present their baits with success to get bites.

The current weather forecast projects a slight warming trend through practice, leading up to the start of tournament competition. High temperatures will average in the mid to upper 80’s, with partial clouds, varying winds, and an occasional chance for thunderstorms. Warming temperatures and sunshine will continue to push bass into their typical early summer patterns, making them set up in a manner which anglers should be able to predict and strategize a successful gameplan.

by AnglersChannel

Schlapper’s solitude delivers Day 1 lead in Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River

ORANGE, Texas — Pat Schlapper had the right tool for the job and that homemade bait played a key role in delivering a 12-pound, 2-ounce limit that leads Day 1 of the MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at the Sabine River.

On a day that saw 69 of 102 competitors fill their 5-bass limit, the pro from Eleva, Wis., heads into Day 2 with a 13-ounce lead over Arkansas pro Stetson Blaylock.

The Sabine holds a good population of fish, but the average size is significantly less than what anglers found during last week’s Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork. Aware of the fish he’d be targeting, and the shallow cover that typically dominates the Sabine action, Schlapper made a batch of jigs specifically for this event.

“I caught most of my fish on a little Do-it Molds compact finesse jig that I make myself and a Big Bite Baits chunk trailer,” Schlapper said. “It’s a 3/8-ounce jig, but it has a really short shank 2/0 hook. It’s really compact and I tied it with fine cut skirt material so it’s really lifelike.

“The jig is black and blue with a sapphire blue trailer. They like sapphire blue down here; I learned that the first year I fished here. The (entire bait) is not even 3 inches long. I made it specifically for this tournament.”

Schlapper said he made an hour run and caught an early limit. He then moved to his main area and caught a cluster of quality fish, including his biggest — a 4-5.

“There were other people that I think were in that area in practice, but I went there late yesterday and had a couple good bites,” Schlapper said. “I almost didn’t run there right away because I was boat 49 and I thought someone would be there, but nobody was anywhere close.

“Once the sun came up, I caught four good ones in an hour span and lost a couple other nice ones.”

Schlapper said he ran to the back of his area and targeted what he described as the last prominent habitat feature. With few options, the fish seem to be concentrated.

“I know there’s a good amount of fish there because I caught some other ones and I kinda figured out the sweet spot,” Schlapper said. “I just don’t think it’ll replenish. I think it just has resident fish.

“I know there are some other nice ones because the couple good ones I caught in practice, I didn’t catch today and I had another nice one that I shook off in practice.”

Sizing up his Day 2 outlook, Schlapper said: “Nobody was around me today, so hopefully, it stays like that tomorrow. I don’t know if I can catch what I caught today; any limit would be good.

“If I can get left alone in my area tomorrow, things could get ugly.”

Hailing from Benton, Ark. Blaylock is in second place with 11-5. Mentally prepared for a challenging event, Blaylock said he considered his 4-pounder a bonus.

“I was actually satisfied even before I caught that 4-pounder,” he said. “It wasn’t a good bag at that point, but when you have a tough practice, which most of us did, you know you’re looking for one key thing to put you over the top.”

Blaylock said he’s fishing one of the Sabine’s traditionally popular areas. He has plenty of company, but bouncing around and picking off the right bites was his formula for success.

“A big one late in the day is what puts you where you want to be,” Blaylock said of his afternoon kicker. “I don’t expect to catch another 4-pounder, but it’s possible. I saw some nice ones in practice in this area.

“A lot of guys didn’t catch any big ones; they caught a lot of keepers, but I know there are still some big ones to be caught. Who knows what’ll happen, if they’re moving up or moving out. We just have to put it together as we’re going the next couple of days.”

Blaylock fished a mix of reaction and slow baits. He attributes his big fish catch to slowing down and fishing more methodically.

“I had been moving pretty quickly and I had caught a lot of fish moving quickly, but with that particular bite came when I slowed down,” Blaylock said. “I felt like I had worked through an area that had some fish in it and I wan’t getting any bites.”

Taku Ito of Chiba, Japan is in third place with 11-1. Ito, who finished third in the 2021 Bassmaster Elite at the Sabine River, spent his day in a crowded area and had to keep moving to find fishable spots.

“It was a very tricky day, but I moved around and caught a couple good ones,” Ito said. “It was tough. I fished shallow cover, brushpiles, everything.

“At the Sabine River, current is always very important. Hopefully, tomorrow I’ll get big ones again.”

Schlapper is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 4-5.

Jay Przekurat of Plover, Wis., leads the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings with 565 points. Trey McKinney of Carbondale, Ill., is in second with 489, followed by Will Davis Jr. of Sylacauga, Ala., with 489, Kyoya Fujita of Yamanashi, Japan with 479, and Bill Lowen of Brookville, Ind., with 466.

Paul Marks of Cumming, Ga., leads the Dakota Lithium Elite Series Rookie of the Year standings with 418 points.

Friday’s takeoff is scheduled for 6:30 a.m. CT at City of Orange Boat Ramp. The weigh-in will be held at the same location at 2:30 p.m.

Bassmaster LIVE coverage of the MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River will be available on Bassmaster.com Days 1 and 2 starting at 8 a.m. ET and ending at 3 p.m. FS1 will carry the morning action on Days 3 and 4 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. before heading over to Bassmaster.com in the afternoon.

The MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River is being hosted by the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce.

About B.A.S.S.

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Connect with #Bassmaster on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Media Contact: Chad Gay, Communications Manager, 256-424-2390, cgay@bassmaster.com

2025 MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River 5/15-5/18
Sabine River , Orange TX.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1

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

1. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 5 12-02 104 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-02
2. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 5 11-05 103
Day 1: 5 11-05
3. Taku Ito Dalton GA JAPAN 5 11-01 102
Day 1: 5 11-01
4. Jay Przekurat Plover, WI 5 10-12 101
Day 1: 5 10-12
5. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 5 10-05 100
Day 1: 5 10-05
6. Ben Milliken Omaha, NE 5 10-03 99
Day 1: 5 10-03
7. Cooper Gallant Bowmanville Ontario CAN 5 10-02 98
Day 1: 5 10-02
8. Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 5 09-05 97
Day 1: 5 09-05
9. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TN AUSTRALIA 5 09-04 96
Day 1: 5 09-04
10. Dakota Ebare Brookeland, TX 5 09-02 95
Day 1: 5 09-02
10. JT Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 5 09-02 95
Day 1: 5 09-02
12. Chris Zaldain Boyd, TX 5 09-01 93
Day 1: 5 09-01
13. Tyler Williams Belgrade, ME 5 09-00 92
Day 1: 5 09-00
14. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 5 08-14 91
Day 1: 5 08-14
14. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 08-14 91
Day 1: 5 08-14
16. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 08-13 89
Day 1: 5 08-13
17. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 5 08-11 88
Day 1: 5 08-11
18. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 5 08-08 87
Day 1: 5 08-08
18. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 5 08-08 87
Day 1: 5 08-08
18. Kyoya Fujita Yamanashi CA JAPAN 5 08-08 87
Day 1: 5 08-08
21. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 5 08-07 84
Day 1: 5 08-07
22. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 5 08-06 83
Day 1: 5 08-06
23. Buddy Gross Chattanooga, TN 5 08-03 82
Day 1: 5 08-03
23. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 5 08-03 82
Day 1: 5 08-03
25. Easton Fothergill Grand Rapids , MN 5 08-02 80
Day 1: 5 08-02
26. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 5 08-00 79
Day 1: 5 08-00
27. Trey McKinney Carbondale, IL 5 07-15 78
Day 1: 5 07-15
27. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 5 07-15 78
Day 1: 5 07-15
29. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 5 07-12 76
Day 1: 5 07-12
29. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 5 07-12 76
Day 1: 5 07-12
29. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 5 07-12 76
Day 1: 5 07-12
32. Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 5 07-11 73
Day 1: 5 07-11
32. Kyle Welcher Valley, AL 5 07-11 73
Day 1: 5 07-11
34. Jeff Gustafson Kenora, ON Ontario CANA 5 07-10 71
Day 1: 5 07-10
35. Will Davis Jr Sylacauga, AL 5 07-10 70
Day 1: 5 07-10
36. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 5 07-09 69
Day 1: 5 07-09
37. Bob Downey Detroit Lakes, MN 5 07-08 68
Day 1: 5 07-08
37. Seth Feider Elko New Market, MN 5 07-08 68
Day 1: 5 07-08
37. Evan Kung Pickering Ontario CANAD 5 07-08 68
Day 1: 5 07-08
40. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 4 07-07 65
Day 1: 4 07-07
41. Patrick Walters Eutawville, SC 5 07-06 64
Day 1: 5 07-06
42. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 5 07-04 63
Day 1: 5 07-04
42. Beau Browning Hot Springs National Pa 5 07-04 63
Day 1: 5 07-04
44. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 5 07-01 61
Day 1: 5 07-01
45. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 5 07-01 60
Day 1: 5 07-01
46. Cliff Pace Ovett, MS 4 07-01 59
Day 1: 4 07-01
47. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 5 07-00 58
Day 1: 5 07-00
47. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 5 07-00 58
Day 1: 5 07-00
47. Logan Latuso Gonzales, LA 5 07-00 58
Day 1: 5 07-00
47. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 5 07-00 58
Day 1: 5 07-00
47. Matty Wong Honolulu, HI 5 07-00 58
Day 1: 5 07-00
52. Emil Wagner Marietta, GA 5 06-15 53
Day 1: 5 06-15
53. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 5 06-13 52
Day 1: 5 06-13
53. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 5 06-13 52
Day 1: 5 06-13
53. Kyle Patrick Cooperstown, NY 5 06-13 52
Day 1: 5 06-13
56. Logan Parks Auburn, AL 4 06-13 49
Day 1: 4 06-13
57. Cody Meyer Eagle, ID 5 06-12 48
Day 1: 5 06-12
58. Wesley Gore Clanton, AL 3 06-11 47
Day 1: 3 06-11
59. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 5 06-10 46
Day 1: 5 06-10
60. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 5 06-09 45
Day 1: 5 06-09
61. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 5 06-08 44
Day 1: 5 06-08
61. Cody Huff Ava, MO 5 06-08 44
Day 1: 5 06-08
63. Andrew Loberg Guntersville, AL 5 06-07 42
Day 1: 5 06-07
64. John Cox Debary, FL 5 06-04 41
Day 1: 5 06-04
64. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 5 06-04 41
Day 1: 5 06-04
66. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 06-01 39
Day 1: 5 06-01
67. Robert Gee Knoxville, TN 5 06-00 38
Day 1: 5 06-00
68. Kenta Kimura Osaka OK JAPAN 4 05-15 37
Day 1: 4 05-15
69. Bryan New Leesville, SC 5 05-13 36
Day 1: 5 05-13
70. Cory Johnston Otonabee CANADA 5 05-12 35
Day 1: 5 05-12
71. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 5 05-11 34
Day 1: 5 05-11
72. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 5 05-08 33
Day 1: 5 05-08
73. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 5 05-07 32
Day 1: 5 05-07
74. Paul Marks Cumming, GA 4 05-07 31
Day 1: 4 05-07
75. John Garrett Union City, TN 4 05-04 30
Day 1: 4 05-04
76. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 5 05-00 29
Day 1: 5 05-00
77. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 4 05-00 28
Day 1: 4 05-00
78. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 4 04-14 27
Day 1: 4 04-14
79. Blake Capps Muskogee, OK 2 04-13 26
Day 1: 2 04-13
80. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 3 04-08 25
Day 1: 3 04-08
81. Jonathan Kelley Old Forge, PA 4 04-07 24
Day 1: 4 04-07
82. Cole Sands Johnson City, TN 4 04-06 23
Day 1: 4 04-06
83. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 3 04-04 22
Day 1: 3 04-04
83. Wes Logan Springville, AL 3 04-04 22
Day 1: 3 04-04
85. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 3 04-02 20
Day 1: 3 04-02
85. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 3 04-02 20
Day 1: 3 04-02
87. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 2 04-01 18
Day 1: 2 04-01
88. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 3 03-07 17
Day 1: 3 03-07
89. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 3 03-05 16
Day 1: 3 03-05
90. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 2 03-04 15
Day 1: 2 03-04
91. Jake Whitaker Hendersonville, NC 3 03-02 14
Day 1: 3 03-02
92. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 3 03-00 13
Day 1: 3 03-00
93. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 2 03-00 12
Day 1: 2 03-00
94. Kyle Norsetter Cottage Grove, WI 2 02-13 11
Day 1: 2 02-13
95. Jason Christie Dry Creek, OK 2 02-11 10
Day 1: 2 02-11
96. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 2 02-10 9
Day 1: 2 02-10
97. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 1 01-15 8
Day 1: 1 01-15
98. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 1 01-12 7
Day 1: 1 01-12
99. Tucker Smith Birmingham, AL 1 01-11 6
Day 1: 1 01-11
100. Timothy Dube Nashua , NH 1 01-09 5
Day 1: 1 01-09
101. Jordan Lee Cullman, AL 1 01-03 4
Day 1: 1 01-03
102. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 04-05 $1,000.00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 69 434 664-15
----------------------------------
69 434 664-15

by AnglersChannel

MLF General Tire Team Series Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup to Premiere Saturday on Outdoor Channel

Headwaters Lake, Stick Marsh and Lake Garcia to be Showcased, New episodes of Team Series premiere every Saturday from 2-4 p.m. ET

INDIAN RIVER CO., Fla. (May 15, 2025) – The ultimate team challenge in professional bass fishing will be broadcast to living rooms around the world this weekend, as two-man teams of Major League Fishing (MLF) pros take on Headwaters Lake, Stick Marsh and Lake Garcia in East Florida.

The first episode of the 2024 Major League Fishing (MLF) General Tire Team Series event filmed in Indian River Co., Florida, last fall – the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches Elimination Match 1 – is set to premiere this Saturday, May 17, at 2 p.m. ET on Outdoor Channel.

The 2024 Team Series was comprised of four Cup events, each featuring 12 two-man teams of Bass Pro Tour anglers competing from the same boat and working together to claim part of a season purse of more than $720,000. The Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches – hosted by Visit Indian River County and Play Treasure Coast Sports Tourism – was filmed in the fall of 2024 and showcased anglers competing on Headwaters Lake, Stick Marsh and Lake Garcia.

“Play Treasure Coast Sports Tourism and Visit Indian River County were proud to partner with Major League Fishing and the General Tire Team Series to host the Summit Cup,” said Rick Hatcher, President & CEO at Play Treasure Coast Sports Tourism. “We extend our sincere thanks to Major League Fishing for bringing some of the nation’s top anglers to experience the pristine waters and stunning natural beauty of Indian River County for this prestigious event.”

The Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches, in Indian River Co., Florida, was the fourth and final event of the season for the four-event Team Series.

In keeping with traditional MLF Cup protocols, Indian River Co., Florida, was not revealed to Team Series anglers until 30 days prior to the start of the tournament. All fishable waters within 60 miles of Indian River Co. then went off limits to anglers, and the competitors discovered exactly where they were competing only after arriving at the boat ramp on the morning of competition.

The complete Outdoor Channel air schedule for the General Tire Team Series Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches in Indian River Co., Florida, is:

May 17 – Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Elimination Match 1 (Headwaters Lake)
May 24 – Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Elimination Match 2 (Headwaters Lake)
May 31 – Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Elimination Match 3 (Headwaters Lake)
June 7 – Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Knockout Round Match 1 (Stick Marsh)
June 14 – Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Knockout Round Match 2 (Stick Marsh)
June 21 – Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Championship Round (Lake Garcia)

Each episode will air as a two-hour broadcast, premiering each Saturday from 2-4 p.m. ET. Repeats of each episode will air Sundays from 4-6 p.m. and on Fridays from 9-11 a.m.

The complete television air schedule for the 2025 General Tire Team Series on Outdoor Channel can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF General Tire Team Series included: 7 Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Barbasol, Bass Boat Technologies, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, Builders FirstSource, C-MAP, Coign, Epic Baits, Ferguson, Fishing Clash, General Tire, Knighten Industries, Kubota, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Nitro Boats, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala Baits, REDCON1, Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff, Star brite, Toyota, USAA, WIX Filters and YETI.

For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the General Tire Team Series Presented by Bass Pro Shops, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

by AnglersChannel

Zenni Optical becomes Official Eyewear of Major League Fishing

BENTON, Ky. (May 15, 2025) – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced today a new partnership with Zenni Optical, the world’s leading online eyewear retailer. As part of the partnership, Zenni now becomes the Official Eyewear of Major League Fishing and title partner of Bass Pro Tour Zenni Stage 6 at the Potomac River , held June 26-29 in Marbury, Maryland.

This strategic partnership unites two innovative brands, combining Zenni’s industry leadership in accessible, high-quality eyewear with MLF’s passionate and growing audience of anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. Together, MLF and Zenni are committed to providing affordable, stylish eyewear for anglers across the globe, while promoting the importance of eye health and protection on and off the water.

In a first-of-its-kind collaboration for MLF, Zenni and the league will curate a custom line of eyewear specifically designed for anglers and fans, featuring frames that will be customizable for both prescription and non-prescription lenses, offering innovative technologies including Blokz® blue light-blocking lenses, EyeQLenz™ light-adaptive lenses and polarized sunglasses – an essential tool for serious fishing. MLF fans will also enjoy a special offer for 10% off all purchases using the promo code: MLF.

“Zenni Optical is a proven leader in innovative and affordable eyewear, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to the MLF family,” said Jake Wittkop, MLF Vice President and Managing Director of Sponsorship and Business Development. “Whether you’re in need of polarized, prescription lenses for finding bass on beds or blue-light blocking lenses for streaming MLF at home, Zenni offers eyewear for every need. This partnership will not only elevate the visibility of the Zenni brand but also enhance the experience for anglers and fans alike.”

Zenni is no stranger to elite partnerships across the sports and entertainment landscape. In addition to MLF, Zenni is the Official Eyewear of Monster Jam, Major League Pickleball, the San Francisco 49ers and the reigning NBA Champion Boston Celtics – further solidifying its place at the intersection of performance, lifestyle and fan engagement.

“We are proud to partner with Major League Fishing, an organization that shares our passion for performance, precision and innovation,” said Robb Chiarini, Head of Partnerships, Licensing, & Events at Zenni Optical. “We’re excited to collaborate with MLF and introduce a line of eyewear and accessories built to meet the unique demands of the fishing lifestyle while providing enthusiasts and fans premium, but affordable, corrective and preventative options.”

Zenni will receive integrated branding across MLF’s expansive media platforms, including television and livestream broadcasts, on-site event signage, an activation presence and features on MLF’s digital and social media platforms. As the Title Sponsor of Bass Pro Tour Stage 6, Zenni will be featured prominently throughout the event, with exclusive coverage on MLFNOW! and in upcoming television broadcasts on Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel and MyOutdoorTV (MOTV).

For more information about MLF and its sponsors, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. To explore Zenni’s complete line of customizable eyewear, visit Zenni.com.

About Zenni Optical
Zenni pioneered the online eyewear industry in 2003 with a mission to make eyewear affordable and accessible to everyone. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Zenni offers adults and children the freedom to express their personality through a large collection of high-quality prescription, non-prescription and protective glasses and sunglasses curated with a sense of fashion and dynamic style. With complete prescription pairs starting at under $10, the company has brought massive price disruption to the traditional retail model. With over 51 million frames sold worldwide, Zenni is proud to be the Official Eyewear of the San Francisco 49ers, Boston Celtics, Monster Jam, Major League Pickleball, Ghost Gaming and more. Zenni has worked with designers and tastemakers on curations and collections, including Chase Stokes, Jrue Holiday, Sam Cassell and George and Claire Kittle. For more information, please visit zenni.com/press.

by AnglersChannel

Swindle Says ‘It’s All for The Fans’

Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships

After thirty successful years as a pro fisherman, Gerald Swindle isn’t afraid to tell it like it is. “G Man” wasn’t afraid to admit that he wasn’t expecting to smash a big bag in the MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite on the Sabine River based on his three days of practice, but he still had plenty to look forward to.

Much like the rest of his peers, Swindle found the Sabine to be fishing tougher than usual, and Swindle is accustomed to this fishery being a difficult puzzle to solve. The two-time Angler of the Year covered what he estimated to be a 120-mile area during official practice, sampling creeks and sloughs he knows have been productive in the past.

Swindle intends to put on his grinders helmet in search for five keeper bass each day, but perhaps what he’s looking forward to most will be waiting at the City of Orange Boat Ramp at the end of the day… And that’s the fans.

“The Sabine River might be synonymous with tiny bass and tough fishing but when I think of this place I think of big crowds and rowdy fans,” Swindle said with a smile. “The fans here are our medicine at the end of a long day of work. The Texas and Louisiana folks around here are amazing.”

It’s true; this community embraces Elite Series pros and Bassmaster events like few others. Regardless of the size of anglers’ fish, huge crowds show up and show out to cheer on their favorite fishermen. Like years past, the City of Orange is putting on the Orange County River Festival in conjunction with the tournament. Featuring free concerts, a carnival, a plethora of local booths and free activities for the whole family.

Simply stated, this community does it right. Something the veteran Swindle appreciates more at this stage of his career. The Team Toyota pro notched his 59^th top ten finish to start the 2025 season at the St. Johns River, and while weighing in on day four of the event he had a heartfelt message for bass fishing afficionados.

“Thanks to the fans for always supporting me and LuLu,” Swindle said, with emotion welling in his voice. “These days, we’re out here for you guys. She’ll tell ya, there are days on the road when we’re tired and beat down from the grind of this lifestyle… and I look at her and say I don’t know, hunny. She always says; for the fans, do it for the fans. So, this year, it’s all for the fans.”

Swindle may have one of the biggest personalities in the sport, but he has one of the biggest hearts, too. The loyal support he and his wife LeAnn (LuLu) receive from fans across the country mean every bit as much as titles or accolades these days for the Swindles’.

“Knowing you have people there at the stage to cheer you on and slap your back regardless of what you catch means the world,” Swindle offered.

Sabine strategy

As for Swindle’s strategy to add to his over $2.5 million dollars in career winnings this week, the Alabama pro plans to keep his trolling motor down and embrace the grind.

“Don’t run a lot when you ain’t got a lot to fish, is something I’ve told myself a lot this week,” Swindle said. “This is going to be an old school grinder of a bass derby, so I’m not going to run around like my bald heads on fire. I’m going to keep a topwater, spinnerbait, and a flipping bait in my hands and make as many casts as I can.”

According to Swindle, the conditions aren’t working in the angler’s favor right now on the Sabine. With high, muddy water steadily flowing into the system and a stout south wind blowing against the flows, Elite pros will have to earn every keeper bite.

As vast and sprawling as the Sabine River system is, Swindle expects this event to fish extremely small as there just aren’t many stable areas with biting bass.

“It’s like the Johnny Cash song around here… ‘How high’s the water papa?’ It’s four feet high and rising,” Swindle said with a laugh. “This place is fishing as tough as I’ve ever seen, but someone still has to win. A tough bite makes tough men, and I ain’t saying I’m going to blast them, but I promise you I’m going to keep my head down and give ‘em my best.”

With 331 B.A.S.S. tournaments to his name, Swindle’s seen it all and has excelled whether it takes 100+ pounds to win after four days or less than 40-pounds. With predictions for this event trending towards the latter, he’ll work hard every minute he’s on the water and look forward to getting back to weigh-in to cut up and share some laughs with bass fishing’s amazing fanbase.

by AnglersChannel

Brandon Palaniuk’s Big-Bass Blitz at Lake Fork and the Grind ahead on the Sabine River

By Walker Smith, Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships

The Bassmaster Elite Series trail can be a grind, a test of versatility that separates the good from the great. Few anglers embody that adaptability like Team Toyota pro Brandon Palaniuk. The Idaho native, a two-time Angler of the Year and six-time Elite Series winner, has built a career on tackling diverse fisheries with a blend of instinct, preparation and raw talent.

His performance at the 2025 Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork showcased his ability to chase individual giant bass, while the upcoming tournament on the Sabine River will demand a completely different approach.

Let’s break down Palaniuk’s Lake Fork finish, compare it to the Sabine River’s unique challenges and explore how he’s gearing up for the shift.

Lake Fork: Chasing giants with a two-pronged attack

Lake Fork, Texas, is a bass-fishing Mecca. It’s a place where 10-pounders are expected, and 30-pound bags can still leave you outside the Top 10. Palaniuk’s performance was a masterclass in targeting big bass on a fishery that rewards precision and adaptability.

“Lake Fork is one of my favorite places to fish,” Palaniuk said. “I’ve had some really good events there. I love how it has so many big ones; you can do a lot of different things. We hit it at a time of year when they were doing everything. I had a two-pronged approach where I was fishing offshore with a deep crankbait and also shallower with a big, 9-inch glide bait. When I was fishing shallow, it was less than 10-feet, and they were kind of staging for a gizzard shad spawn. I knew I wasn’t going to get a bunch of bites, but I thought I could catch big ones. And I did, but I don’t know if I was around the fish to win. I don’t think my pattern was consistent enough for 6-pounders.”

Palaniuk’s strategy leaned on Lake Fork’s reputation for producing giants. His deep-crankbait game targeted bass holding on structure, while the 9-inch glide bait tempted shallow fish keying on the gizzard shad spawn.

“I lost big ones every day,” he admitted, a reminder that even the best can’t always seal the deal on Fork’s fickle giants.

Looking to the Sabine River: A grinder’s paradise

The Sabine River in Orange, Texas, is about as far from Lake Fork’s big-bass bonanza as you can get. Narrow canals, tidal influences and sprawling floodwaters create a fishery where 2-pounders are gold, and a 5-pounder is a game changer. The 2025 MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite, set for May 15-18, will test anglers’ finesse, patience and mental toughness.

Palaniuk, no stranger to tough fisheries, is ready to embrace the challenge.

“It’s a big mental shift going into the Sabine River,” Palaniuk said. “The single-largest fish last week on Fork, if you caught that one fish for your limit you’d be in the Top 10.

“I think if you catch 12 pounds per day, you’d be really hard to beat. I love these kinds of tournaments. I’m ready to grind for it.”

The Sabine’s conditions this year add another layer of complexity. Recent flooding has transformed the fishery, pushing water into the trees and scattering bass across a vast, muddy expanse.

“I’ve never made the run to Houston on the Sabine,” Palaniuk said. “I’ll probably stay closer. The actual Sabine right now is super flooded. The places that are normally stable are dirty and high. It’s so flat down here, the water is in trees for miles, so it spreads the fish out big time. Then you can go to a couple rivers over and the water almost looks low. It’s crazy.”

Palaniuk’s decision to avoid the long run to Houston—a strategy some anglers employ to find clearer water or less pressure—reflects his focus on efficiency. The Sabine rewards anglers who can dissect small, productive areas and maximize every bite.

Palaniuk’s versatility: The key to success

What makes Palaniuk a perennial threat is his ability to pivot from chasing 10-pounders with glide baits to grinding out 2-pounders with finesse gear.

The flooded conditions and scattered fish will test his patience but his knack for making quick decisions gives him an edge. He’s not chasing a single big bite like at Fork; he’s hunting for five consistent keepers a day—a puzzle that suits his grinder’s mentality. Palaniuk’s journey from Lake Fork’s big-bass battleground to the Sabine River’s finesse fest underscores why he’s one of the sport’s elite.

As he puts it, “I’m ready to grind for it.”

And when Brandon Palaniuk is ready to grind, the bass—and his competitors—better watch out

by AnglersChannel

Travel Tuesday - "SAFE" Kayaking in Florida

By Vance McCullough, AC Insider

In recent days we’ve seen a Florida Man rescue a drowning bald eagle from a wild, gator-infested lake, an unfortunate 89-year-old man and his dog get killed by black bears in Collier County and, regrettably, a lady fall out of her kayak and suffer a fatal attack by a big gator near the state park on Lake Kissimmee.

Wildlife encounters will continue to rise as Eden continues to get loved to death by visitors and paradise is further paved to make way for more permanent future residents.

A bear was even seen strolling through downtown St Augustine’s Historic District, heavily peopled by tourists, this past week.

But historically speaking, kayaking inland and nearshore waters is a fairly safe activity. Staying inside the kayak helps. Not sure how the lady lost her seat, but I have accidentally parked my kayak right on top of a 9-foot gator before. I’m not sure who was more frightened, but it nearly induced an accident of a different sort. As soon as the water settled and we both escaped unharmed, I had to giggle uncontrollably. It was fun. My kayak got bucked into the air, me atop. It took me back to younger days, getting thrown from a horse, crashing my bike, trying to block a football opponent who stood 6’ 9” and weighed 295 pounds.

In that moment when time stands still – and everything else is a warp speed blur – you know real fear. And then the nervous system kicks in with endorphins and there’s an afterglow. ‘I made it through! I’m ok. That was amusing.’

There are parks, probably too many now, that pepper the I-4 corridor and exist for the simple purpose of amusement. Sure, it’s a blast to get dropped 13 stories or accelerate from 0-to-60 at a rate which humans aren’t supposed to.

But if you want a real experience, you must get out to the wilds of Florida. And you should do so while there are still mysteries to explore in a virile state that is being castrated by developers, some of whom actually ‘serve’ in leadership capacities on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Indeed, development has displaced many animals and forced many of their conflicts with humans. You simply can’t turn that many people loose on this peninsula and not expect them to cross paths with wild things. My son had a close encounter with a mother bear and cub last month while camping near Rodman Reservoir.

What this means for you who visit Florida and fish from whatever craft you choose is that some of the increase in conflicts is just a numbers game. If more people play the lottery, more people will win the lottery. The odds that it will happen to any given individual remain the same. Practically zero.

And as more people enjoy Florida’s bountiful outdoors, more will suffer attacks from bears, panthers, gators, saltwater crocodiles, pythons (there are more here now than there are in their native home range), four species of poisonous snakes, sharks, jellyfish, stingrays, 14-year-olds on jet skis and presidents of homeowners’ associations.

But the odds that you will suffer an attack from any of these are low to begin with and can be greatly reduced by taking reasonable precautions. By no means am I placing blame on the fine people who recently died in animal attacks. My heart hurts for them and their families and friends. What I am doing is encouraging you to wear your life jacket and whistle, have appropriate safety lights (so the jet skier sees you) file a float plan or at least let someone know what ramp you’re launching from, and be extra attentive during low light hours around daybreak and dusk - great times to be on the water; not in it.

Always keep a hold of little people and pets which are both on the menu for large carnivores.

Be smart. Be safe. And come on down and fish with us!

by AnglersChannel

NPFL to Hold Fundraising Tournament for Chad Poteat

WILKESVILLE, Ohio—Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare and devastating neurodegenerative disorder that results in the progressive loss of muscle control. It’s better known as “Lou Gehrig’s disease” after being contracted by baseball’s legendary hall of famer in the 1930s. More recently, it took the life of astrophysicist Stephen Hawking. Recently National Professional Fishing Legue angler Chad Poteat of Mount Airy, North Carolina has been diagnosed with ALS, and it is already impacting his quality of life.

“Our hearts go out to Chad and his family,” said NPFL President Brad Fuller. “He’s been a member of the NPFL family since joining the league in 2024, and we want to support him in any way we can. That starts with a fundraising event. All proceeds will go to Chad and his family as they battle ALS.”

The Chad Poteat ALS Fundraiser tournament involves NPFL professional anglers who will be taking donor co-anglers out on Cherokee Lake on Wednesday, May 21. The tournament will launch at the Cherokee Dam boat ramp on Renfro Road in Jefferson City, Tennessee.

Two paired donor co-anglers will be randomly assigned to a professional’s boat, and the boat will compete as a team. There is a three bass limit.

A donation of $200 per pair of co-anglers is required to participate and they will be paired together with an NPFL professional. Dozens of NPFL pros are donating their time, expertise and energies to the event, but space is limited. The top three teams as determined by cumulative weight will earn prize packages.

Basic NPFL tournament rules apply. Co-angler participants must supply their own gear and personal flotation devices. They should be on-site to meet their assigned professional angler no later than 7:00 a.m. ET at the Cherokee Dam boat ramp. Official launch begins at 8:00 a.m. ET and the tournament ends at 12:00 noon ET.

To participate, complete the online registration form. The entry fee is $200 per paired co-anglers and all proceeds go to Chad Poteat and his family. Deadline for entries is Monday, May 19 at 8:00 a.m. ET.

About the National Professional Fishing League
The National Professional Fishing League was founded to bring competitive fishing to a broader audience and offer anglers a platform to compete at the highest level. The NPFL is committed to fostering integrity, competition, and innovation in the sport, providing anglers and fans alike with an exciting and unique experience.

For more information, contact Ken Duke at (407) 574-1898 or ken@tnpfl.com.

by AnglersChannel

Gore Gets Toyota Bonus Bucks for 7th place at Lake Fork

Courtesy Dynamic Sponsorships

Seven just might be Wesley Gore’s lucky number on Lake Fork, as he has finished in the number seven spot both in 2024 and now the 2025 Bassmaster Elite Series event on the iconic fishery in northeast Texas. Gore’s seventh place effort this past weekend was enough to earn him a $3,000 payday from Toyota Bonus Bucks, making an already good week even better.

Gore employed a three-prong approach that focused on an early morning shad spawn, a mid-day pattern targeting offshore schools, and then ended competition days using FFS to locate bedding bass in deep water that couldn’t be seen with the naked eye.

Whether he was boat flipping 8-pound beasts in shallow water or picking off Lake Fork bigguns off the bank, Gore proved having multiple productive patterns to be profitable this week.

“Late April into the first few weeks of May has always been one of my favorite times to fish,” Gore explained. “A lot of guys struggle this time of year because the fish are scattered everywhere, shallow to deep, and most anglers want to key in on one primary thing. Personally, I go into every practice trying to find at least three bite windows to capitalize on. I like to mix it up and have options. That worked to a tee at both Hartwell and Fork.”

Gore’s shallow pattern got stronger each day of the event. The Clanton, Alabama native keyed in on short pockets on the north end of Lake Fork, not major creek arms but small main lake coves, when keying in on the early morning shad spawn bite.

After filling an early limit on a swimjig, Gore would utilize electronics, whether it was FFS or side-scan, to make key culls each afternoon.

“After the morning flurry would subside, usually around 8:30AM, I would go check a few offshore groups of fish I had found,” Gore said. “Those offshore fish were definitely setting up better later in the day, but I could still pick a few off on LiveScope even if they weren’t schooled up. And they’d be good ones. Then the final hour or two I’d spend ‘scoping deeper bed fish. I caught at least one key fish each day that way.”

This approach helped Gore catch more than 107-pounds over the course of four days and notch his second top ten finish in a row. The sophomore Elite Series pro is riding high on momentum and a reliable tow vehicle heading into the MAXAM Tire Elite on the Sabine River.

“Man, I can’t say enough about the reliability of my Tundra,” Gore offered. “I’ve put this thing through the ringer the past few years and it always answers the call. It tows my boat better than any truck I previously owned and most importantly it gets to me the lake, and home, every single time. I’m actually looking for a new Tundra right now, to buy for next year.”

Gore currently drives a 2021 Toyota Tundra but knows this is the final year of his trucks’ eligibility for the popular Bonus Bucks program, which rewards the highest finishing angler driving an eligible tow vehicle in a supported tournament, whether it’s a Bassmaster Elite or one of the over 620 other tournaments Bonus Bucks pays out to.

The Mountain Dew sponsored pro doesn’t want to miss out on free money, therefore he plans to purchase a newer style Tundra this fall before the 2026 season so he can continue to reap the rewards of this contingency program.

If you want to cash in like Wesley Gore, follow this link for more information, a full list of supported events, or to sign up for Toyota Bonus Bucks today: https://www.toyotatrucksbonusbucks.com/overview.

by AnglersChannel

Bartlesville’s Hughes Wins on Custom Glide Bait at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Broken Bow

Delaware’s Hewitt Tops Co-Angler Division

BROKEN BOW, Okla. (May 12, 2025) – Boater Roger Hughes of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, caught a five-bass limit weighing 17 pounds, 7 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Broken Bow Lake. The tournament was the third event of the season for the BFL Okie Division. Hughes earned $4,619 for his victory.

“With the water rising and coming up, I just practiced with my wife, and we just kind of broke it down and figured it out,” Hughes said. “They definitely were on the steeper embankments, and I had to get up there where there wasn’t any water behind the structure.”

Hughes caught his fish using two tactics. He flipped shallow cover and he threw a glide bait. The glide is a custom bait he paints and sells under the brand name Lucky H Lures. His company can be found on social media and an auction app called Whatnot. Hughes’ glide baits have a knocker in them for a little extra attraction.

“I sell the bigger glides for $25 and the little ones for $20, so you don’t go broke with them – and they work,” he said. “I put my own twist on the paint jobs.”

As for the fishing, Hughes stayed on the steep banks and worked the glide bait down the outside of flooded bushes. He used a gizzard shad pattern in clear areas and a bone color where visibility was reduced. His flipping approach was to pick apart shallow brush and rock.

“It was big chunky bluff rock and green buckbrush that had water over the top of it,” he said. “There were a million cypress trees and not a fish wanted in the cypress. There was nothing in willows. They were all bush-related, either out in front of the bushes or on the real chunky bluff rock.”

To make his win even sweeter, Hughes got to see his cousin, Thad Hewitt, get the W on the co-angler side.

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

1st:        Roger Hughes, Bartlesville, Okla., five bass, 17-7, $4,619
2nd:       Nick Kincaid, Brookeland, Texas, five bass, 16-2, $2,559 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
3rd:       Ian Leybas, McAlester, Okla., five bass, 15-13, $2,064
4th:        Paul Davis, Newalla, Okla., five bass, 15-8, $961
5th:        Titan Hobson, Idabel, Okla., five bass, 14-4, $824
6th:        Jeremy Johnson, Sapulpa, Okla., five bass, 13-13, $755
7th:        Brendon McDonald, Claremore, Okla., five bass, 13-5, $686
8th:        Kiel Dean, Broken Bow, Okla., five bass, 12-15, $618
9th:        Ben Blaschke, Roland, Okla., five bass, 12-13, $549
10th:     Justin Barbour, Tulsa, Okla., five bass, 12-10, $480

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Ian Leybas of McAlester, Oklahoma, caught a bass that weighed 6 pounds, 11 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $565.

Thad Hewitt of Delaware, Oklahoma, won the co-angler division and $2,741 Saturday, after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 14 pounds, 1 ounce.

The top 10 co-anglers finished:

1st:        Thad Hewitt, Delaware, Okla., three bass, 14-1, $2,741
2nd:      Markus Mills, Norman, Okla., three bass, 9-14, $1,030
3rd:       Doug Camp, Talihina, Okla., three bass, 8-15, $687
4th:        Alan Bernicky, Dardanelle, Ark., three bass, 8-14, $480
5th:        James West, Spiro, Okla., three bass, 8-3, $412
6th:        Steve Cummins, Bartlesville, Okla., three bass, 8-1, $378
7th:        David See, Tulsa, Okla., three bass, 7-12, $343
8th:        Mark Taylor, Oklahoma City, Okla., three bass, 7-2, $274
8th:        Blake Gunderson, Claremore, Okla., three bass, 7-2, $274
8th:        Andrew Kuppinger, Owasso, Okla., three bass, 7-2, $274

Hewitt also earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $282, catching a bass that weighed in at 6 pounds, 13 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.

After three events, Nick Kincaid of Brookeland, Texas, now leads the Fishing Clash Okie Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 736 points, while James West of Spiro, Oklahoma, leads the Fishing Clash Okie Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 708 points.

The next event for BFL Okie Division anglers will be held June 21, at the Arkansas River out of Muskogee, Oklahoma. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.

The top 60 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 10-11 BFL Regional tournament on Grand Lake in Grove, Oklahoma. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $20,000.

by AnglersChannel

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