BAM News: Mah, Ostrander and Monroe Talk Cal Delta Tactics

BAM Is Back At The Legendary California Delta For A Pro-Am Showdown

The 2^nd stop of the BAM Trail western division Pro-Am is set to launch the first weekend of May out of Big Break Marina to bring together top anglers from across the West. High expectations surround the BAM Vexus Boats Pro-Am presented by Tackle Warehouse, the City of Oakley, and conservation sponsor Fisherman’s Warehouse.

In late April, the California Delta often rewards predictability with warming trends, defined tides, and bass settling into seasonal patterns. However, recent unstable conditions could make the 1,000 miles of waterways difficult to predict.

Three experienced Delta locals – Ish Monroe of Oakdale, Ken Mah of Elk Grove, and Christian Ostrander of Turlock don’t necessarily agree on if the tidal water venue will play nice. Their perspectives form a clear picture of a fishery that is both thriving and unpredictable.

What The Fishery Has Revealed

Monroe sees the inconsistency as the defining factor.

“There’s fish showing up in north, south, east and even rumors of… the west getting good again,” he stated. “Usually at the end of April, we have pretty consistent weather, and we have not had that. We’re getting every single possible weather condition and that screws the fish up.”

Mah acknowledges the same instability but points to recent tournament results that suggest the Delta is still producing at a high level.

“It’s been pretty consistent all spring, that it’s taking anywhere between 23- to 26-pounds to win almost every team tournament,” he said.

Christian takes a longer view, focusing less on the daily swings and more on the overall health of the system.

“The Delta looks like it used to look,” he said. “There is grass everywhere, bluegill everywhere, fry everywhere – bass everywhere.”

The Tide Still Dictates Everything

When weather loses its predictability, the tide becomes the last reliable structure. For Monroe, timing that movement is critical.

“Right now, they’re pre-spawn, post-spawn and spawning fish, so I’d be hoping for a high outgoing,” he said. “You want the high tide in the morning. It’ll make the bass more active to eating.”

Mah builds on that idea, emphasizing that success won’t come from a single window.

“The biggest factor is the tide,” he said. “You got high tide early and then it’s falling pretty much all day long. The person that is going to do well is going to have to find a way to catch them at low tide. That will be the difference.”

Adjusting Without Overreacting

In unstable conditions, many anglers try to cover more water. Monroe argues for restraint instead.

“You get in an area that has fish in it, and you stick in that area and fish through the tides,” he suggested.

Mah’s adjustment is more about technique than location.

“You’re not going to be able to just catch fish for the first hours of the high tide and then not be productive the rest of the day,” he warned.

Versatility is a major factor in Mah’s advice.

“It could be sight fishing, it could be topwater or it could be anything in between, “he speculated.

Tools and Execution

Monroe’s approach leans on confidence baits that allow him to fish efficiently through changing conditions.

“Missile Baits in Paradise Potion would be my go-to,” he shared. “Punching it, flipping it and then obviously a JackHammer with the Paradise Potion on it..”

Mah outlines a broader system, especially for co-anglers who need to capitalize on limited opportunities.

“For the co-angler, it’s going to be the standard. Maybe power shotting a purple margarita Robo Worm,” he said. “I would definitely have a Yamamoto Senko tied on, a ChatterBait, and maybe even a walking bait or a squarebill crankbait.”

Christian simplified the outcome rather than the method.

“Everyone’s gonna catch fish,” he said. “A lot of people are gonna catch nice fish, three- to four-pounders, but only some guys are going to catch the right fish.”

What It Will Take to Win

Despite the unpredictable setup, all three anglers anticipate a similar expectation for winning weights.

“Twenty pounds a day being about the average right now,” Monroe said.

“I actually think 19- to 20-pounds a day is going to be really strong and give you an opportunity at winning,” Mah added.

Christian distills it even further.

“A few guys are gonna find over 20 pounds a day,” he remarked.

The outlook on big fish follows the same restrained tone.

“I think there’ll be multiple eights caught, but I don’t think there’s going to be a 10-plus,” Monroe said.

“Probably seven- to eight-pounds,” Mah said in response to the what the big would be.

Christian was unequivocal when asked if there was any chance of a double-digit.

“Zero,” he said flatly.

A Healthy System That Won’t Be Easy

If there’s one point of agreement, it’s that the Delta is in a better place biologically, even if it’s harder to break down competitively.

“I think the Delta’s fishing healthier this year than it has the last two years,” Mah said.

That health shows up in numbers, in size, and in distribution. But it also creates a paradox: more fish doesn’t always mean easier fishing.

In a Delta system adjusting, the edge won’t necessarily come from finding fish. It may come from understanding when, and why, they decide to bite.

Tune in to the BAM social and follow the drama as it unfolds.

Big Bass, Big Stakes on the Iconic California Delta

California Delta – Big Break Marina, Oakley, CA — The West’s top bass anglers will compete May 1– May 3, 2026, on one of America’s most legendary bass fisheries — the California Delta. The BAM Vexus Boats Pro-Am, presented by Tackle Warehouse and the City of Oakley, promises an action-packed weekend with trophy-class bass, big payouts, and live tournament coverage streamed on

BAMTrail.com, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.

Event Overview

Competition Days: May 1 – May 3
Location: Big Break Marina, California Delta, Oakley, CA
Weigh-ins: Daily at 3:00 PM – Open to the public and streamed live on BAM TRAIL, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.
Pro-Am Title Sponsor: Vexus Boats
Presented By: Tackle Warehouse and the City of Oakley

This premier three-day event features professional and co-angler divisions competing on the ever-challenging California Delta. Spectators are welcome on-site at Big Break Marina or can tune in live online to follow the leaderboard drama as it unfolds.

by AnglersChannel

Anders Earns Victory at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Keowee

Georgia’s Grizzle Wins Co-Angler Division

SENECA, S.C. (April 27, 2026) – Boater Joe Anders of Easley, South Carolina, boated five bass weighing 15 pounds even Sunday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Keowee . The tournament, hosted by Visit Oconee SC, was the fourth of five events of the season for the BFL Savannah River Division, and the second of a back-to-back BFL tournament weekend on Lake Keowee. Anders earned $9,240, including the lucrative $7,000 Phoenix contingency bonus, for his victory.

Anders capitalized on his local knowledge of Lake Keowee, focusing on mid-lake areas where slightly warmer water had fish feeding. With the bass beginning to key in on bream, he targeted those zones to generate quality bites throughout the day.

“I caught them mid-lake where the water was a little warmer,” Anders said. “The fish were starting to feed on bream up there.”

He built his limit with a strong topwater approach early, relying on a buzzbait and a Zoom Horny Toad skipped under docks to draw aggressive strikes. As conditions shifted, Anders mixed in a finesse presentation to round out his bag.

“I caught them on a buzzbait in the morning, and skipping a Horny Toad up under the docks,” he said. “I did catch a couple on a shaky-head rig there that helped later in the day.”

Anders credited his familiarity with the fishery as the ultimate difference-maker against a tough field of competitors.

“Man, extensive knowledge of the lake,” he said. “These guys are good, but there’s probably only a couple of guys in there that have fished it more than I have over the years.”

He also noted that tournament conditions played in his favor, allowing him to maximize his strengths.

“I caught two big ones not using forward-facing sonar, so that helped,” Anders went on to say. “If guys could’ve scoped all day, they may have caught more weight than that.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

1st: Joe Anders, Easley, S.C., five bass, 15-0, $9,240 (includes $7,000 Phoenix Bonus)
2nd: William Bates, Alpharetta, Ga., five bass, 13-15, $1,080
3rd: Logan Buttolph, Doswell, Va., five bass, 12-14, $600
4th:         Jeremy York, Conyers, Ga., five bass, 12-13, $750
5th:         Tim Watson, Martin, Ga., five bass, 12-11, $450
6th:         Austin Davis, Pelzer, S.C., five bass, 12-5, $400
7th:         Rusty Smith, Liberty, S.C., five bass, 11-11, $390
8th:         Kyle Herrman, Topeka, Kan., five bass, 11-6, $380
9th:         Jesse Dodson, Greenville, S.C., five bass, 11-2, $370
10th: Cliff Humphreys, Candler, N.C., five bass, 11-1, $360

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Anders also earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award honors with a 4-pound, 7-ounce bass worth $200.

Harold Grizzle of Gainesville, Georgia, won the co-angler division Sunday and the top prize of $1,020 after catching three bass totaling 7 pounds, 4 ounces.

The top 10 co-anglers finished:

1st: Harold Grizzle, Gainesville, Ga., three bass, 7-4, $1,020
2nd: Trevor Huneycutt, Whitmire, S.C., three bass, 6-15, $540
3rd: Kevin Underwood, Gillsville, Ga., three bass, 6-12, $350
4th:         Adam Johnson, Duluth, Ga., three bass, 6-7, $250
5th:         Bill Odell, Hodges, S.C., three bass, 6-6, $225
6th:         John Kinard, Moore, S.C., three bass, 6-4, $200
7th:         Colby Matthews, Newborn, Ga., three bass, 6-2, $295
7th:         James Ezell, Mountain Rest, S.C., three bass, 6-2, $195
9th:         Ray Pettit, Pacolet, S.C., three bass, 6-0, $190
10th: Corey Veal, Royston, Ga., three bass, 5-15, $180

Ashton Mabery of Lyman, South Carolina, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award after landing a 3-pound, 14-ounce bass worth $100.

After four events, Tim Watson of Martin, Georgia, now leads the 7 Brew Savannah River Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 987 points, while Mark Garrett of Lyman, South Carolina, leads the Savannah River Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 972 points.

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 22-24 BFL Regional tournament on Watts Bar Lake in Spring City, Tennessee. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top prize of a new Phoenix 518 pro with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard, worth $33,500.

The 2026 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying tournament winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top seven, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2026 BFL All-American will take place May 28-30, at Lake Murray in Columbia, South Carolina, and is hosted by Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism.

Proud sponsors of the 2026 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7 Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Buffalo, BUBBA, Cigars International, Epic Baits, Grizzly, Mercury, MillerTech, Mystik Lubricants, OFF! Deep Woods, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, PirahnO2, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, VOSKER, YETI and Yuengling.

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

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

by AnglersChannel

Goodwin and Dixon Tie for Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Greers Ferry Lake

Alexander’s Knight Earns Co-Angler Division Victory

GREERS FERRY, Ark. (April 27, 2026) – Boaters Shonn Goodwin of Moore, Oklahoma, and Wayne Dixon of Morrilton, Arkansas , both brought five-bass limits to the scale totaling 14 pounds, 14 ounces, to tie for the win Saturday at the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Greers Ferry Lake. The tournament was the third of five events of the season for the BFL Arkie Division. The duo split the top payout, with Dixon taking home $2,510 and Goodwin taking home $2,610 after contingency bonuses.

Goodwin and Dixon employed two very different approaches to arrive at the same winning weight, each adjusting to conditions on Greers Ferry Lake to capitalize on postspawn fish.

Fishing the clearer, southern portion of the lake, Goodwin started the morning with a topwater bite in mind but quickly recognized it wasn’t developing.

“I thought I could just throw topwater all day, but it was not on,” Goodwin said. “I changed up pretty quickly and went to a Ned rig and fished main-lake points, targeting postspawn fish.”

That adjustment proved critical, especially late in the morning when he turned elected to use his 3-hour forward-facing sonar period and quickly dialed in bigger bites.

“My first cast with it was a 4-pounder, and I caught two other good ones after that,” Goodwin added. “The main thing was getting off the topwater quickly and not trying to force it.”

Dixon, meanwhile, committed to a slower, more methodical presentation, dragging a Texas-rigged worm in mid-lake areas throughout the day. Targeting fish holding in a specific depth range, he focused on maintaining contact with the bottom and staying in productive water.

“I caught all my fish dragging a JP custom worm on a Texas rig,” Dixon said. “They were in about 12 to 14 feet all day long.”

Dixon’s consistency paid off, as he boated an estimated 30 to 40 fish over the course of the day. He said the key was recognizing exactly where the fish were positioned and sticking with it.

“Just paying attention to what zone the fish were in,” he said. “I could go shallow and not get bit, go deeper and not get bit – they were just locked in that 12 to 14 range.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

1st:         Shonn Goodwin, Moore, Okla., five bass, 14-14, $2,610
1st:         Wayne Dixon, Morrilton, Ark., five bass, 14-14, $2,510
3rd: Blake Wilson, Benton, Ark., five bass, 12-9, $850
4th:         Matt Baker, Glenwood, Ark., five bass, 12-0, $930
5th:         Cody Burke, Greenbrier, Ark., five bass, 11-3, $800
6th:         Fisher Davis, Mount Ida, Ark., five bass, 11-2, $520
7th:         Justin Howard, Austin, Ark., five bass, 11-1, $500
8th:         Larry Nixon, Quitman, Ark., five bass, 11-0, $480
9th:         Shawn Gordon, Russellville, Ark., five bass, 10-15, $445
9th:         Randy Pickrell, Carlisle, Ark., five bass, 10-15, $445

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Burke earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award honors with a 3-pound, 15-ouncer, worth $200.

Alexander, Arkansas, native Christian Knight won the co-angler division and the top prize of $1,770 Saturday after bringing three bass to the scale that weighed in at 9 pounds, 4 ounces.

The top 10 co-anglers finished:

1st: Christian Knight, Alexander, Ark., three bass, 9-4, $1,770
2nd: Larry Ivens, Hot Springs, Ark., three bass, 7-12, $632
2nd: Tony Thompson, Marshall, Texas, three bass, 7-12, $632
4th:         Don Billiot, Hot Springs Village, Ark., three bass, 7-11, $340
5th:         Keagan Harrison, Sulphur Rock, Ark., three bass, 7-8, $300
6th:         Daryl Powell, Leesville, La., three bass, 7-6, $260
7th:         Steve Lee, Benton, Ark., three bass, 7-4, $300
8th:         Edward Hendricks, Conway, Ark., three bass, 7-2, $240
9th:         Joey Villines, Compton, Ark., three bass, 7-0, $230
10th: Marc Maroney, Rison, Ark., three bass, 6-14, $215

Knight also earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award after landing a 4-pound, 12-ounce bass worth $100.

After three events, Matt Baker of Glenwood, Arkansas, now leads the 7 Brew Arkie Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 744 points, while Christian Knight of Alexander, Arkansas, leads the Arkie Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 740 points.

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 22-24 BFL Regional tournament on 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 prize of a new Phoenix 518 pro with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard, worth $33,500.

by AnglersChannel

Martinkovic Earns Win No. 7 at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine Event at Lake Monroe

Scottsburg’s Cornett Wins Co-Angler Division

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (April 27, 2026) – Boater Chris Martinkovic of Hamilton, Ohio, brought a five-bass limit to the stage Saturday weighing in at 18 pounds, 4 ounces, to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Monroe . The tournament was the first of five events of the season for the BFL Hoosier Division. Martinkovic earned $4,700 for the victory – the seventh of his career.

Martinkovic said he relied on a run-and-gun approach to secure his victory, targeting fish along the main-lake stretch from the causeway to the dam. Keying in on an early-morning shad spawn, he covered water with moving baits to locate active fish and build his limit.

“I mainly just threw a spinnerbait and targeted the shad spawn,” Martinkovic said. “The key was just covering a lot of water.”

A white and shad-colored spinnerbait did the majority of the work, but Martinkovic also mixed in a Heddon Zara Spook to capitalize on feeding fish. He looked for less-pressured areas to separate himself from the field.

“It wasn’t easy, but I was doing my best to try to stay away from the other boats,” he said. “The way the lake was fishing on Saturday made it a little hard to do, but anytime I could I tried to go the other way.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

1st: Chris Martinkovic, Hamilton, Ohio, five bass, 18-14, $4,700
2nd: Chris Wilkinson, Farmersburg, Ind., five bass, 18-5, $2,240
3rd: Blake Knies, Jasper, Ind., five bass, 16-12, $1,010
4th: Nick Uebelhor, Jasper, Ind., five bass, 15-2, $1,300 (includes $500 Phoenix Bonus)
5th:         Joshua Tyner, Spencer, Ind., four bass, 11-13, $700
6th:         Frank McClain, Scottsburg, Ind., four bass, 11-7, $600
7th:         Brady Bickers, Carrollton, Ky., four bass, 10-2, $575
8th:         Rob Campbell, Trafalgar, Ind., three bass, 9-11, $550
9th:         Jeffery Johnson, Austin, Ind., three bass, 7-15, $525
10th: Brian Funkhouser, Bloomington, Ind., three bass, 7-12, $400

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Wilkinson earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award honors with a 5-pound, 15-ouncer worth $200.

Derrik Cornett of Scottsburg, Indiana, won the co-angler division and the top prize of $2,050 Saturday after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 9 pounds, 12 ounces.

The top 10 co-anglers finished:

1st: Derrik Cornett, Scottsburg, Ind., three bass, 9-12, $2,050
2nd: Dyllan Grace, Scottsburg, Ind., three bass, 8-9, $1,020
3rd: Kalani Borges, Turners Station, Ky., one bass, 6-1, $605
3rd: Roger Neff, Martinsville, Ind., two bass, 5-10, $400
5th:         Gary Higgins, Bloomfield, Ind., two bass, 5-0, $350
6th:         Josh Weber, West Harrison, Ind., two bass, 4-10, $300
6th:         Steve Hanson, Shelbyville, Ind., two bass, 4-6, $290
8th:         Larry Payne, Owensville, Ind., two bass, 4-1, $275
9th:         Jericho Laney, Greenwood, Ind., one bass, 4-0, $260
10th: Monty Radcliff, Austin, Ind., two bass, 3-14, $250

Kalani Borges of Turners Station, Kentucky, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award with a 6-pound, 1-ounce bass, worth $100.

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 15-17 BFL Regional tournament on Kentucky and Barkley Lakes in Calvert City, Kentucky. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top prize of a new Phoenix 518 pro with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard, worth $33,500.

by AnglersChannel

Mississippi’s Howell Picks Up First Career Victory at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Center Hill Lake

Sparta’s League Wins Co-Angler Division

SPARTA, Tenn. (April 27, 2026) – Boater Skip Howell of Okolona, Mississippi, brought a five-bass limit to the scale weighing 18 pounds, 6 ounces, to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Center Hill Lake. The tournament was the third of five events of the season for the BFL Music City Division. Howell earned $2,890 for his victory.

Howell relied on a shallow-water pattern anchored by a vibrating jig to secure the win. Targeting fish in various stages of the spawn, he was able to generate consistent bites in the shallows and put together a strong five-bass limit.

“No doubt, the key bait for me today was a (Z-Man Evergreen Jack Hammer) ChatterBait,” Howell said. “I filled my limit just throwing that.”

While the ChatterBait did most of the heavy lifting, Howell mixed in a few key adjustments to maximize his weight. He caught a fish off a bed early in the day, then later upgraded with one of his biggest bites using forward-facing sonar late in the afternoon.

“I found one on the bed, and then I culled with a 4-10 that I ‘scoped there at the end,” he said. “I saved my three hours at the end to use my forward-facing sonar.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

1st:        Skip Howell, Okolona, Miss., five bass, 18-6, $2,890
2nd:      Cody Mackie, McMinnville, Tenn., five bass, 17-3, $1,015
2nd:      Braxton Campbell, McMinnville, Tenn., five bass, 17-3, $1,015
4th:        Adam Wagner, Cookeville, Tenn., five bass, 17-0, $570
5th:        Drew Boggs, Lebanon, Tenn., five bass, 16-11, $510
6th:        Lee Sinclair, Albany, Ky., five bass, 16-6, $450
7th:        Corey Steakley, Lebanon, Tenn., five bass, 16-4, $430
8th:        Timothy Reagan, Livingston, Tenn., five bass, 16-1, $410
8th:        Shawn Panick, Nolensville, Tenn., five bass, 16-1, $410
10th:     Zach Sparks, Dowelltown, Tenn., five bass, 16-0, $390

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Howell also earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award honors with a 4-pound, 10-ounce bass worth $200.

Michael League of Sparta, Tennessee, won the co-angler division and the top prize of $1,295 Saturday after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 10 pounds, 13 ounces.

The top 10 co-anglers finished:

1st:        Michael League, Sparta, Tenn., three bass, 10-13, $1,295
2nd:      Grant Frazier, Manchester, Tenn., three bass, 10-5, $715
3rd:       Shane Jewell, Lawrenceburg, Tenn., three bass, 10-2, $450
4th:        John Carman, Berea, Ky., three bass, 9-9, $285
5th:        Cole Panick, Nolensville, Tenn., three bass, 9-8, $255
6th:        Richard Payne, Portland, Tenn., three bass, 9-7, $225
7th:        Pop Catalin, Cookeville, Tenn., three bass, 9-6, $220
8th:        Kyle Miller, Fulda, Ind., three bass, 9-5, $210
9th:        David Wiley, Greenbrier, Tenn., three bass, 8-15, $200
10th:     Remington Tatrow, Smithville, Tenn., three bass, 8-7, $195

Shane Jewell of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award after landing a bass weighing 5 pounds even, worth $100.

After three events, Daniel Johnson of Lebanon, Tennessee, now leads the 7 Brew Music City Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 721 points, while Dylan Beard of Dickson, Tennessee, leads the Music City Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 725 points.

by AnglersChannel

Dublin’s Decker Earns First Career Victory at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Kerr Lake

Prospect Hill’s Haigh Wins Co-Angler Division

HENDERSON, N.C. (April 27, 2026) – Boater Christopher Decker of Dublin, Virginia, brought five bass to the scale weighing 15 pounds, 10 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Kerr Lake . The tournament, hosted by the Vance County Tourism Development Authority, was the second of five events of the season for the BFL Piedmont Division. Decker earned $3,150 for his victory.

Decker leaned on a power-fishing approach to earn his first career BFL victory, committing to a spinnerbait pattern that produced from start to finish. Covering a wide range of depths, he targeted fish from extremely shallow areas out to deeper zones, adjusting to changing conditions throughout the day.

“I fished everything – anywhere from six inches to 10 foot,” Decker said of the depths he focused on.

Rather than mixing techniques, Decker stayed locked in with the spinnerbait and trusted it to generate enough quality bites to get the job done.

“Sticking to a spinnerbait, not putting it down,” he said when asked about his key to victory. “All day.”

Decker also made subtle adjustments to match the conditions.

“The spinnerbait was chartreuse and white,” he said. “I just switched it up depending on how the conditions looked.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

1st:        Christopher Decker, Dublin, Va., five bass, 15-10, $3,150
2nd:      Chris Baldwin, Lexington, N.C., five bass, 15-4, $1,840
3rd:       Jason Dew, Hallsboro, N.C., five bass, 15-0, $810
4th:        Michael Belter, Reidsville, N.C., five bass, 14-15, $650
5th:        Kaden Buchmann, Troutman, N.C., five bass, 14-13, $580
6th:        Conrad Manuel, Pilot Mountain, N.C., five bass, 14-10, $500
7th:        Louis Monetti, Huntersville, N.C., five bass, 14-7, $680
8th:        Colin McGough, Glen Allen, Va., five bass, 14-3, $460
9th:        Ron Rousseau, Raleigh, N.C., five bass, 14-0, $440
10th:     Chris Brummett, Lynch Station, Va., five bass, 13-15, $420

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Monetti earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater $200 award with a 4-pound, 10-ouncer.

Allen Haigh of Prospect Hill, North Carolina, won the co-angler division and the top prize of $1,625 Saturday after bringing three bass to the scale that weighed 9 pounds, 13 ounces.

The top 10 co-anglers finished:

1st:        Allen Haigh, Prospect Hill, N.C., three bass, 9-13, $1,625
2nd:      Phillip Ragland Jr., Rustburg, Va., three bass, 9-0, $995
3rd:       Donald Lee, Emporia, Va., three bass, 8-2, $405
4th:        Greg Ravitsky, Fork Union, Va., three bass, 7-15, $325
5th:        Robert Wedding, Welcome, Md., three bass, 7-11, $260
5th:        David Lewis, Abingdon, Md., three bass, 7-11, $260
5th:        Scott Williford, Zebulon, N.C., three bass, 7-11, $260
8th:        Travis Ruff, Connelly Springs, N.C., three bass, 7-5, $230
9th:        David Williams, Fredericksburg, Va., three bass, 7-4, $215
9th:        Eric Nelson, Gainesville, Ga., three bass, 7-4, $215

Ragland Jr. earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award worth $100 after landing a bass weighing in at 4 pounds, 2 ounces.

After two events, Louis Monetti of Huntersville, North Carolina, now leads the 7 Brew Piedmont Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 493 points, while Allen Haigh of Prospect Hill, North Carolina, leads the Piedmont Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 488 points.

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 8-10 BFL Regional tournament on the Potomac River in Marbury, Maryland. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top prize of a new Phoenix 518 pro with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard, worth $33,500.

by AnglersChannel

Millsaps Picks Up Fifth Career BFL Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Keowee

Pickens’ Burgess Wins Co-Angler Division

SENECA, S.C. (April 27, 2026) – Boater David Millsaps of Ranger, Georgia, brought a five-bass limit to the scale weighing 14 pounds, 9 ounces, to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Keowee . The tournament, hosted by Visit Oconee SC, was the third of five events of the season for the BFL Savannah River Division and the first of two events held over the weekend on Lake Keowee in a Savannah River Division double-header. Millsaps earned $2,140 for his victory.

Millsaps relied on a simple but methodical approach to secure the win at Lake Keowee, covering water with a jig and targeting a variety of structure throughout the day. Rather than locking into one specific pattern, he kept his approach versatile, fishing whatever looked productive in front of him.

“I took a jig and just fished everything in front of me,” Millsaps said. “Trees, docks, stumps – whatever I thought looked right.”

Focusing primarily on points that featured stumps, Millsaps was able to generate consistent bites by keying on those high-percentage areas. He said his strategy to fish thoroughly and not rush through spots allowed him to capitalize on opportunities that others may have overlooked. Millsaps leaned into a slow, patient style that matched the conditions and the mood of the fish.

“The key for me in this one was patience,” he said. “A lot of patience. I’m a slow fisherman – real slow. And I fished even slower in this one.”

Millsaps also credited a personal connection for playing a role in his success, noting that the jig he used came from his brother.

“My brother gave me the winning jig,” he said. “As a matter of fact, it’s the second one I’ve won on the jig he gave me.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

1st:        David Millsaps, Ranger, Ga., five bass, 14-9, $2,140
2nd:      Anthony Marks, Spartanburg, S.C., five bass, 14-7, $1,080
3rd:       Randy Childers, Anderson, S.C., five bass, 13-15, $600
4th:        Logan Mills, Chapin, S.C., five bass, 13-11, $500
5th:        Andrew Allen, Waterloo, S.C., five bass, 13-5, $450
6th:        Tim Watson, Martin, Ga., five bass, 13-1, $400
7th:        Joe Anders, Easley, S.C., five bass, 12-5, $890 (includes $500 Phoenix Bonus)
8th:        William Bates, Alpharetta, Ga., five bass, 12-0, $380
9th:        Logan Buttolph, Doswell, Va., five bass, 11-12, $370
10th:     Cliff Humphreys, Candler, N.C., five bass, 11-6, $360

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Boater Brian Tidwell of Seneca, South Carolina, earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award honors with a 4-pound, 9-ouncer worth $200.

Andy Burgess of Pickens, South Carolina, won the co-angler division and the top prize of $1,020 Saturday after bringing a three-bass limit to the scale that weighed in at 8 pounds even.

The top 10 co-anglers finished:

1st:        Andy Burgess, Pickens, S.C., three bass, 8-0, $1,020
2nd:      James Johnson, Seneca, S.C., three bass, 7-3, $540
3rd:       Todd Huntley, Inman, S.C., three bass, 7-2, $350
4th:        Mark Garrett, Lyman, S.C., three bass, 6-12, $250
5th:        Harold Grizzle, Gainesville, Ga., three bass, 6-9, $212
5th:        Randall McJunkin, Pickens, S.C., three bass, 6-9, $312
7th:        Tyler Smith, Florence, S.C., three bass, 6-6, $200
8th:        Jerry Lancaster, Fort Mill, S.C., three bass, 6-4, $190
9th:        Noah Gurkin, Pelzer, S.C., three bass, 6-2, $185
9th:        James Ezell, Mountain Rest, S.C., three bass, 6-2, $185

Randall McJunkin of Pickens, South Carolina, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award after landing a 3-pound, 6-ounce bass worth $100.

by AnglersChannel

Morris Wins Stop Two NPFL at Millwood

Rickey Morris finishes strong on final day to claim victory at the Strike King NPFL Stop Two on Millwood Lake

After two steady days to start the event, Rickey Morris saved his best for last, capitalizing on a key early window to claim the win at the Strike King NPFL Stop Two on Millwood Lake. His three-day total of 48-pounds was enough to best second place by a pound and earn his first NPFL shield.

Morris opened the event with 13-14 on a slower Day One and followed it up with 14-4 on Day Two, steadily learning more about his areas. On Championship Saturday, everything came together. He got going early and never looked back, making the jump from around 16th place after Day Two to seal the victory.

After a slow Day One for big fish, NPFL anglers saw what lives in Millwood on Day Two. Big Bass honors went to Jared Lintner with a 9-0 kicker. Behind him, Hank Cherry weighed in an 8-2 giant as well.

Morris Makes His Move

Despite only coming to Millwood once before this event, Rickey Morris knew he had to learn the lake before he could really start fishing. So that’s what he did, running boat lanes, checking creeks, and figuring out how to navigate for the week. Then came fishing.

“When I finally dropped the motor on Day One of practice, the first thing I wanted to find was a shad spawn, and I looked for it all over,” said Morris. “I had found a few places on the main lake, but heard there had been some activity up the river, so I explored there too.”

With the shad spawn dialed, he knew he needed more. Despite not getting a bite flipping all week, he locked a punch rod in his hand and went to work on Tuesday, the final day of practice.

“I found an area and flipped in a few times and my line swam off,” he said. “But I never set the hook. Later that day, I figured I might want to know what the quality was, so I went back. Five flips later, I caught a 9.92. That was it — I got off the water and called it practice.”

After two consistent days, Morris again knew he needed more. By 9 a.m. this morning, his shad spawn bite had died, but not before he caught a 17.5-pound limit, a solid way to kick off Showdown Saturday. Still not satisfied, he knew a few key bites would make the difference.

“I was flipping this afternoon and I knew something was up,” he added. “The NPFL asked for my location, and then a camera boat showed up. I knew then I might have a shot to win. I was fishing pencil reeds and came to a rounded clump. I culled up with one fish slightly, but it clued me in.”

By the end of the day, Morris had fished every rounded clump he could find and worked his way to an almost 20-pound limit. He flipped junebug in practice but switched to white on Day Three, which made all the difference.

“I can’t even describe it, really,” he said. “I made good decisions and things worked out this week. Even better, my family, my girls; they all got to be here with me. Everyone behind the scenes, it was truly an amazing week.”

Lintner Punches His Way to Second

While Day One was not what Lintner was hoping for, his event actually started even worse. Coming into practice on Sunday, an illness kept him sidelined, giving him only about a day and a half to explore Millwood. While not ideal to have limited time on a new body of water, he made the most of it.

“I had done some research like everyone else using Google and such, and I also used the Deep Dive App,” he said. “I basically prepped for a shallow spring event, but I didn’t prepare for being sick. I finally got on the lake late Monday morning and basically just rode the whole lake and learned how to navigate.”

When he did start fishing, a few key bites on a buzzbait clued him into a pattern. Seeing both shallow and deeper vegetation, he expanded to a punching bite, eventually using both to earn a second-place finish.

“I think overall I caught four fish on the buzzbait and 11 on the punch rig,” he said. “That’s exactly how I like to fish. After a slower Day One, where I was still figuring things out, I decided to mix it up. I started on a big fish spot, caught a good one, and eventually landed the 9-0 on a buzzbait.”

That fish earned him Big Bass honors for the week and anchored his comeback. Once he got into a groove, he was able to generate bites consistently.

“Today, I couldn’t get them to bite the buzzbait at all, so I went straight to punching and got going early,” he added. “I noticed where they were set up and remembered similar-looking areas from practice — the first quarter mile leading into the sloughs. I narrowed it down, and if it had the right depth and grass, I could get bites.”

While his slow start in practice and on Day One hurt his chances at the win, Lintner is taking the positives, leaving Texarkana with solid points, a strong finish and a second-place paycheck.

“You always want more practice, but sometimes too much can make you overlook what’s right in front of you,” he said. “Being sick made it tough, and I probably would have figured things out sooner, but it is what it is. It was a grind, but it worked out.”

Top Ten:

Rickey Morris 48-0
Jared Lintner 47-0
Brock Mosley 46-12
Shane Lineberger 45-2
Matt Herren 44-15
Barron Adams 43-12
Ryan Satterfield 43-5
Ray Hanselman 43-1
Keith Bardolf 42-11
Greg Hackney 41-7

by AnglersChannel

Burkhalter takes narrow lead and extends it into a blowout at Grand Lake

Opens_Turtlebox_BattTender_4C-Raster (2).png

GROVE, Okla. — Wyatt Burkhalter of Alabama took a terrible practice and a lure he’d never thrown before and pieced together a masterful performance at the Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees presented by Battery Tender. After landing in 4th place on Day 1, and rising into a narrow 7-ounce lead on Day 2, he sealed the deal on Saturday with his third consecutive limit over 20 pounds and won by a whopping 11 pounds 10 ounces over Wesley Baxley of Texas

Missouri’s Brock Bila, the current leader in the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers presented by Bass Pro Shops standings, rose from 10th to 3rd today with a three-day total of 54-12. Former Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series pro Casey Scanlon finished 4th with 53-10.

Day 3 started off with a fog delay of approximately an hour, but once Burkhalter arrived at his starting area — a series of main lake rocky points experiencing a shad spawn — the bite started immediately. There were only two problems: the fish that connected with his spinnerbait were small and the ones that missed it were large.

“I had so many 20-pound bags hitting my bait today,” he said. “But I never spun out because I only had one thing to do and that was all I was going to do.”

This is one of the two tournaments in this Opens division in which forward-facing sonar will not be allowed. That didn’t deter or discourage Burkhalter one bit. Instead he leaned into the old school narrative, catching all of his fish using an original Shimano Curado baitcasting reel — “Old Greenie” — and a 1/2-ounce spinnerbait with a gold single Colorado blade, a chartreuse and white skirt and a trailer consisting of a Zoom grub dyed red.

“I figured that everyone throws a red kicker blade here in Oklahoma,” he said. “I’d show them something just a little bit different. But that Oklahoma blade is something new. I’ve never caught a bass on one until here.”

As the day progressed, Burkhalter figured out the pattern within the pattern. The bass stayed in the same areas where the shad spawn took place during low-light conditions, but they moved to specific spots that offered a bit of shade. Once he figured that out, he still didn’t get as many bites as he had earlier in the morning, but their average size increased. Eventually he culled up to 23-14, just 2 ounces less than he’d weighed in yesterday. Those were the 4th and 2nd largest limits of the tournament, respectively, and he was the only angler to weigh in over 20 pounds each day. Baxley was the only other angler to hit the mark even twice.

He found the fish dirt shallow and watched them eat the spinnerbait “like a frog.” That required battering his boat up and into rocky areas at times, but the first prize check of over $40,000 will allow for more than a few cosmetic repairs.

Because he will fish the entire Opens division, this victory qualifies Burkhalter for the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour on Lake Hartwell near Greenville, South Carolina. He hopes to be joined by his tournament fishing mentor, Elite Series pro Justin Hamner, who won the 2024 Bassmaster Classic here in Oklahoma.

“I think I channeled that Grand Lake Bassmaster Classic energy,” Burkhalter concluded.

This was only Baxley’s second Bassmaster Open, but you wouldn’t know it from how he adjusted throughout the competition or from his near-win.

“The first day I thought I knew what was going on,” he said. “Yesterday I found out what was really going on.” After catching 20-7 on Day 1 and 23-15 on Day 2, he struggled to catch 12-11 today, which still gave him a comfortable margin of more than 2 pounds over 3rd. He focused on pre-spawn staging areas where fish were entering major creeks, using a Z-Boss square bill, a JackHammer vibrating jig and a Zaldaingerous swimbait to amass his catch.

“I ran every point between Patricia Island and Horse Creek,” he said. “It was all I knew to do. The difference was that I was fishing deeper than most of the other people around me. My fish were coming from where other people had their boats sitting most of the time.”

Third-place finisher Bila had the only 20-pound bag other than Burkhalter’s today. After catching 15-0 and 19-12 the first two days, and sliding into the overall points lead, he said he had nothing to lose. He expanded upon what had worked well yesterday and managed to locate multiple additional schools of fish. He rotated among them throughout the day.

“I was swinging,” he said. “Hoping for the best.”

That involved locking a bone-colored Clutch Swimbaits Baby Boss glide bait in his hands and fishing it deeper than other competitors using similar lures.

“I had to find a particular combination of current, wind and water color,” he said. “It couldn’t be clean but it couldn’t be dirty. Then I’d count the lure down to 10 or 12 and chop it all the way back. I was fishing it deeper than anyone else. No one was fishing it offshore. Without scope, that’s hard to do.”

Day 1 leader Austin Cranford of Oklahoma slid into 4th place yesterday, and dropped three more spots today to 7th. He weighed in over 15 pounds both of the latter days, unable to capture the 20-plus magic he’d channeled on Thursday. This marked his fifth top 10 finish in an Open or EQ, but perhaps more importantly it allowed him to regroup after a tough start to his inaugural season on the Elite Series.

“I love fishing the Opens,” he said. “No worries, not a care in the world, just go fishing. This will get me back to what I know how to do. I’m ready to roll on to South Carolina. I caught them on a shad spawn here and I’m going to catch them on a herring spawn there.”

Ethan Fields of Illinois caught the Phoenix Boats Big Bass, a 7-2 largemouth. The tournament’s largest bass succumbed to a 1/2 ounce white hair jig, the only fish he caught on that lure this week.

Oklahoma’s Kollin Crawford leads the Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens presented by Battery Tender Division 2 points standings with 386 points. Illinois’ Ethan Fields is in second with 385 points, followed by Missouri’s Brock Bila (384 points), Alabama’s Wyatt Burkhalter (380 points) and Japan’s Yui Aoki (377 points).

The next Bassmaster Open will take place at North Carolina’s Lake Norman later this week. No live sonar will be allowed in that tournament. The next tournament in Division 2 will occur May 20-22 at Kentucky Lake out of Paris, Tennessee. Live sonar will be allowed in that event.

Grove Convention and Tourism Bureau hosted this event.

2026 Bassmaster Opens Series Title Sponsor: Turtlebox

2026 Bassmaster Opens Series Presenting Sponsor: Battery Tender

2026 Bassmaster Opens Series Platinum Sponsor: Progressive, Toyota
2026 Bassmaster Opens Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mountain Dew, Nitro Boats, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2026 Bassmaster Opens Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Lew's, Lowrance, Phoenix Boats, VMC, Yokohama

About B.A.S.S.

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

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

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

Media Contact: Mandy Pascal, Communications Manager, 334-414-8677, [email protected]

2026 Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Grand Lake presented by Battery Tender 4/23-4/25
Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, Grove OK.
(BOATER) Standings Day 3

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

1. Wyatt Burkhalter Coker, AL 15 68-11 200 $41,847.00
Day 1: 5 20-13 Day 2: 5 24-00 Day 3: 5 23-14
2. Wesley Baxley Conroe, TX 15 57-01 199 $16,739.00
Day 1: 5 20-07 Day 2: 5 23-15 Day 3: 5 12-11
3. Brock Bila Republic, MO 15 54-12 198 $12,554.00
Day 1: 5 15-00 Day 2: 5 19-12 Day 3: 5 20-00
4. Casey Scanlon Eldon, MO 15 53-10 197 $11,717.00
Day 1: 5 20-14 Day 2: 5 15-00 Day 3: 5 17-12
5. Michael Harlin Osage Beach, MO 15 53-05 196 $10,880.00
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 22-06 Day 3: 5 18-00
6. Jonathan Pimentel Camdenton, MO 15 53-00 195 $10,043.00
Day 1: 5 19-13 Day 2: 5 16-11 Day 3: 5 16-08
7. Austin Cranford Oklahoma City, OK 15 52-07 0 $9,206.00
Day 1: 5 21-03 Day 2: 5 15-14 Day 3: 5 15-06
8. Ethan Fields Carlyle, IL 15 51-00 194 $8,869.00
Day 1: 5 13-02 Day 2: 5 22-02 Day 3: 5 15-12
9. Justin Layton Kirbyville, MO 15 50-00 0 $8,369.00
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 5 24-13 Day 3: 5 10-00
10. Harmon Marien Eagle River, WI 14 48-15 193 $8,369.00
Day 1: 5 19-00 Day 2: 5 16-12 Day 3: 4 13-03
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
BIG BASS OF TOURNAMENT
Ethan Fields Carlyle, IL 07-02 $500.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 152 880 2337-08
2 154 862 2344-01
3 9 49 163-02
----------------------------------
315 1791 4844-11

by AnglersChannel

Burkhalter weighs in giant bag of Grand Lake bass to claim narrow Day 2 lead

Opens_Turtlebox_BattTender_4C-Raster (2).png

GROVE, Okla. — Wyatt Burkhalter of Alabama didn’t get the weather he wanted on Day 2 of the Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees presented by Battery Tender, but he nevertheless got the desired results. With a 24-pound catch added to his Day 1 weight of 20-13, he’s tallied 44-13 over two days. That’s an average of almost 4 1/2 pounds per fish, which is somehow only good enough for a slim lead of 7 ounces over Wesley Baxley of Texas.

Burkhalter was in 4th place after Day 1 and Baxley was in 5th.

“I have not stopped shaking since blast-off,” Burkhalter said. “It was fish after fish after fish, cull after cull after cull. Every decision was the right decision. I could pull up behind people and catch bass they’d missed. I culled almost all day and had three 5-pounders in my bag.”

He said that he “locked a spinnerbait in my hand,” but so did most of the rest of the field, without producing quite the same level of results. He wouldn’t disclose anything about his presentation or the particular spinnerbait he’s employing but suggested that he’s doing something slightly different that is producing more and bigger bites.

During a lackluster practice, Burkhalter didn’t land a bass over 3 pounds but said that he got a glimpse of a potential pattern on the final day on the water. He has steadily built upon that clue during the competition days.

After a brutally windy Day 1, it appeared that the Chamber of Commerce dialed up different conditions today. There were strong overnight storms but the wind laid down and by 9 o’clock there was bright sun overhead. Those are normally not the best spinnerbait conditions and Burkhalter — who has one prior top 10 in 21 Bassmaster Opens — said that it wasn’t the weather that produced a better bag today, but rather the fact that he covered more water, including new areas.

Baxley is the only other angler who has topped 20 pounds each day. With 20-7 and 23-15, he’s been 6 ounces and 1 ounce behind Burkhalter on Thursday and Friday, respectively. Not surprisingly, he wants the same conditions that the leader prefers.

“I want wind,” he said. “I don’t care which direction it blows as long as it blows.”

While he said that his Day 2 weight in particular looks good on paper it was a day filled with frustration.

“I just keep on losing big fish,” he explained. “The only thing that’s going right is that I’m catching a lot of them. I think that the changing conditions resulted in less fish but more big ones. The calm weather turned off the smaller fish.”

Justin Layton of Missouri accumulated a limit weighing 15-2 on Day 1 to land temporarily in 31st place. Fishing only his first Bassmaster Open, the 43-year-old put together what is so far the best bag of the tournament today. It weighed 24-13 and rocketed him up 28 places into 3rd heading into Saturday.

Day 1 leader Austin Cranford of Oklahoma stumbled a bit, adding 15-14 to his Day 1 catch of 21-3. That dropped the rookie Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series pro into 4th place, 7-12 out of the lead. He was dismayed that the areas he’d had to himself on Thursday were covered up with other competitors’ boats on Friday. Finding only frustration there, he called an audible, switched both baits and locations, and held onto a position in Saturday’s reduced field.

He plans to switch up patterns again and sight fish all day on Saturday in the hopes of piecing together a 25- or even 30-pound bag.

“It’s Grand Lake,” he said. “It definitely possible.”

Tomorrow’s weather is expected to once again be warm, with light and variable winds and occasional clouds.

Yesterday there were six catches over 20 pounds, with none of them managing to hit the 22-pound mark. Today the field of 195 anglers compiled eight limits over 20 pounds, with five of them exceeding 22.

It took 34-12 — an average of 17-6 per day — to squeeze into the top 10. Kristine Fischer, who occupied 6th place after the first day of competition, fell to 11th, missing her first Opens Top 10 by a mere 3 ounces. Three other anglers missed the cut by less than a pound.

This tournament paid down 45 places, and it took 28-12 to meet that mark. Ten anglers missed the money by a pound or less.

The top 72 finishers all had limits both days as did over 65 percent of the total field.

Sam Ausbrooks of Indiana caught the Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the day, a 6-9 largemouth.

The top 10 remaining anglers will launch from Wolf Creek Park on Championship Saturday beginning at 6:30 a.m. CT and return for weigh-in starting at 2:30 p.m. The winner will earn a spot in the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour if he competes in a full division of the Opens.

Follow along with all of the action from the Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Grand Lake O' the Cherokees presented by Battery Tender on Bassmaster.com.

Grove Convention and Tourism Bureau is hosting this event.

2026 Bassmaster Opens Series Title Sponsor: Turtlebox

2026 Bassmaster Opens Series Presenting Sponsor: Battery Tender

About B.A.S.S.

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

Media Contact: Mandy Pascal, Communications Manager, 334-414-8677, [email protected]

2026 Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Grand Lake presented by Battery Tender 4/23-4/25
Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, Grove OK.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2

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

1. Wyatt Burkhalter Coker, AL 10 44-13 200
Day 1: 5 20-13 Day 2: 5 24-00
2. Wesley Baxley Conroe, TX 10 44-06 199
Day 1: 5 20-07 Day 2: 5 23-15
3. Justin Layton Kirbyville, MO 10 40-00 0
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 5 24-13
4. Austin Cranford Oklahoma City, OK 10 37-01 0
Day 1: 5 21-03 Day 2: 5 15-14
5. Jonathan Pimentel Camdenton, MO 10 36-08 198
Day 1: 5 19-13 Day 2: 5 16-11
6. Casey Scanlon Eldon, MO 10 35-14 197
Day 1: 5 20-14 Day 2: 5 15-00
7. Harmon Marien Eagle River, WI 10 35-12 196
Day 1: 5 19-00 Day 2: 5 16-12
8. Michael Harlin Osage Beach, MO 10 35-05 195
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 22-06
9. Ethan Fields Carlyle, IL 10 35-04 194
Day 1: 5 13-02 Day 2: 5 22-02
10. Brock Bila Republic, MO 10 34-12 193
Day 1: 5 15-00 Day 2: 5 19-12
11. Kristine Fischer Spring City, NE 10 34-09 192 $7,532.00
Day 1: 5 20-04 Day 2: 5 14-05
12. Steve Tennison Lexington, OK 10 34-09 191 $5,859.00
Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 5 16-00
13. Chris Beaudrie Princeton, KY 10 34-05 190 $5,022.00
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 20-01
14. Kollin Crawford Broken Bow, OK 10 34-02 189 $4,185.00
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 17-15
15. Yui Aoki Minamitsurugun JAPAN 10 33-07 188 $4,185.00
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 18-03
16. Ty Faber Pagosa Springs, CO 10 33-06 187 $4,185.00
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 18-09
17. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 10 33-06 186 $4,185.00
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 15-13
18. Joe Wieberg Freeburg, MO 10 33-05 185 $4,185.00
Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 5 17-12
19. Zane Parker Kingwood, TX 10 32-10 184 $4,185.00
Day 1: 5 16-01 Day 2: 5 16-09
20. Jim Dillard West Monroe, LA 10 32-07 183 $4,185.00
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 5 20-05
21. Rick Harris Jr Carlsbad, NM 10 32-05 182 $4,185.00
Day 1: 5 21-02 Day 2: 5 11-03
22. Dillon Falardeau Hixson, TN 10 32-05 181 $4,185.00
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 14-11
23. Chase Clarke Virginia Beach, VA 10 31-11 180 $4,185.00
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 19-02
24. Brennan Flick West Monroe, LA 10 31-06 179 $4,185.00
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 20-01
25. Hunter Crossland San Angelo, TX 10 31-06 178 $4,185.00
Day 1: 5 14-08 Day 2: 5 16-14
26. Connor Cunningham Springfield , MO 10 31-06 177 $4,185.00
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 16-11
27. Sam Ausbrooks Loogootee, IN 10 31-02 176 $4,185.00
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 16-09
28. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 10 31-00 175 $4,185.00
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 16-13
29. Chris Johnson Farmington, AR 10 30-11 174 $4,185.00
Day 1: 5 12-12 Day 2: 5 17-15
30. Mike McClelland Blue Eye, MO 10 30-08 173 $4,185.00
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 19-02
31. Wyatt Marler Oldfield, MO 10 30-07 172 $3,348.00
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 5 14-11
32. Cole Findley Forsyth, MO 10 30-06 0 $3,348.00
Day 1: 5 18-12 Day 2: 5 11-10
33. A.J. Menssen Bloomington, IL 10 29-15 171 $3,348.00
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 13-12
34. Lonnie Cochran Section, AL 10 29-15 170 $3,348.00
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 5 14-02
35. Brody Robison Dawson, AL 10 29-09 169 $3,348.00
Day 1: 5 16-00 Day 2: 5 13-09
36. Kyle Metzger Pearl River, LA 10 29-09 168 $3,348.00
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 5 14-06
37. Darold Gleason Leesville, LA 10 29-07 167 $3,348.00
Day 1: 5 16-12 Day 2: 5 12-11
38. Jordan Hartman Benton, KY 10 29-06 166 $3,348.00
Day 1: 5 13-12 Day 2: 5 15-10
39. Riley Harris Orange, TX 10 29-05 165 $3,348.00
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 15-00
40. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 10 29-04 164 $3,348.00
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 5 16-10
41. Hugh Cosculluela Spring, TX 10 29-03 163 $3,348.00
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 5 13-07
42. Kyle Schutta Forest Lake, MN 10 29-02 0 $3,348.00
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 14-14
43. Justin Latham Reelsville, IN 10 29-01 162 $3,348.00
Day 1: 5 13-15 Day 2: 5 15-02
44. Bryan Partak Marseilles, IL 10 28-14 161 $3,348.00
Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 5 12-00
45. James Biggs Comanche, TX 10 28-12 160 $3,348.00
Day 1: 5 14-14 Day 2: 5 13-14
46. Matt Pangrac Shawnee, OK 10 28-09 159
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 5 14-09
47. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 10 28-05 158
Day 1: 5 12-12 Day 2: 5 15-09
48. Laker Howell Guntersville, AL 10 28-04 157
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 16-09
49. Tristan McCormick Bon Aqua, TN 10 28-04 156
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 16-05
50. Garrett McWilliams Florence, MS 10 28-03 155
Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 5 13-04
51. Bailey Gay Union, KY 10 28-02 154
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 11-15
52. Cameron Mattison Benton, LA 10 28-02 0
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 15-02
53. Alex Heintze Denham Springs, LA 10 27-14 153
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 13-04
54. Andrew Jones Trussville, AL 10 27-12 152
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 14-11
55. Brad Jelinek Lincoln, MO 10 27-10 151
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 14-12
56. Jaron Burr Bowling Green, KY 10 27-07 150
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 14-14
57. TJ Edwards Jr Tremont, MS 10 27-02 149
Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 5 11-12
58. Nate Caldwell Fort Collins, CO 10 27-02 148
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 13-11
59. Danny Ramsey Trinidad, TX 10 27-01 147
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 15-07
60. Lucas Toliver Paw Paw, MI 10 27-00 146
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 12-11
61. Chris Hellebuyck White Lake, MI 10 26-15 145
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 14-07
62. Cole McAusland Tuscaloosa, AL 10 26-14 144
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 12-10
63. Nathan Reynolds Nashville, TN 10 26-14 143
Day 1: 5 12-13 Day 2: 5 14-01
64. Matt Stefan Junction City, WI 10 26-12 142
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 13-01
65. Jacob Welch Roach, MO 10 26-10 141
Day 1: 5 15-01 Day 2: 5 11-09
66. Trey Schroeder Theodosia, MO 10 26-08 140
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 14-08
67. Niko Romero Coldspring, TX 10 26-08 139
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 13-15
68. Nick Lawler Ava, MO 10 26-07 138
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 11-10
69. Freddy Palmer Estill Springs, TN 10 26-06 137
Day 1: 5 15-14 Day 2: 5 10-08
70. Jordan Knutson Saint Croix Falls, WI 10 26-06 136
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 14-13
71. Grae Buck Green Lane, PA 10 26-06 135
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 12-03
72. Bj Miller Adams, NE 10 26-06 134
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 13-13
73. Jim Moynagh Outing, MN 8 26-05 133
Day 1: 3 10-03 Day 2: 5 16-02
74. Grant Neubauer Medford, WI 10 26-05 132
Day 1: 5 13-03 Day 2: 5 13-02
75. Kyoya Fujita Yamanashi CA JAPAN 10 26-04 0
Day 1: 5 09-02 Day 2: 5 17-02
76. Joseph Hardy China Spring, TX 10 26-04 131
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 11-11
77. Brent Shores Savannah, TN 9 26-02 130
Day 1: 4 07-15 Day 2: 5 18-03
78. Evan Cox-VanVliet Loveland, CO 10 26-02 129
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 09-09
79. Billy Gilbert Hamburg, NY 10 26-02 128
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 5 13-14
80. Brian Post Janesville, WI 10 26-02 127
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 12-08
81. Byron Hill Clermont, FL 10 26-00 126
Day 1: 5 13-15 Day 2: 5 12-01
82. Kevin Ledoux Choctaw, OK 10 25-15 125
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 5 15-03
83. Rylan Hamlin Jackson, MI 10 25-15 124
Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 10-13
84. Brandon Ackerson Afton, OK 10 25-15 123
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 13-12
85. Hayden Marbut Birmingham, AL 8 25-12 122
Day 1: 3 06-02 Day 2: 5 19-10
86. James Campise Brookeland, TX 10 25-12 121
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 5 14-05
87. Ryan Salzman Huntsville, AL 10 25-10 120
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 13-01
88. Josh Pladies Lees Summit, MO 10 25-09 119
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 11-06
89. Jeremiah Kindy Benton, AR 10 25-09 118
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 5 11-12
90. Dylan Fogarty Mechanicsburg, PA 8 25-06 117
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 3 06-15
91. Jeremy Lawyer Sarcoxie, MO 10 25-05 116
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 5 12-10
92. Jason Horton Eucha, OK 9 25-04 0
Day 1: 4 09-14 Day 2: 5 15-06
93. Dalton Head Moody, AL 10 25-04 115
Day 1: 5 10-01 Day 2: 5 15-03
94. Chris Lewis Hallsville, TX 10 25-02 114
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 12-02
95. Jason Adams Guthrie, OK 10 25-01 113
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 5 14-15
96. Adam Rasmussen Sturgeon Bay, WI 10 25-01 112
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 5 12-06
97. Anthony Garcia Los Angeles, CA 10 25-00 111
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 11-06
98. Clark Reehm Elm Grove, LA 10 25-00 110
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 11-07
99. Tommy Parker Delano, MN 10 25-00 109
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 12-10
100. Cody Bird Granbury, TX 10 24-15 108
Day 1: 5 09-10 Day 2: 5 15-05
101. Ryan Michl Newton, IL 10 24-15 107
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 13-05
102. Ian Waterer East Selkirk CANADA 10 24-13 106
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 10-10
103. Chris Whitson Louisville, TN 10 24-12 105
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 11-01
104. Seiji Kato Forney TX JAPAN 10 24-09 104
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 10-00
105. Dylan Welton Middleville, MI 10 24-05 103
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 10-02
106. Blaine Bunney Claremore, OK 10 24-04 102
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 5 13-01
107. Colby Dark West Monroe, LA 10 24-04 101
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 12-15
108. Zachary Ward Cabot, AR 10 24-01 100
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 10-07
109. Andrew Behnke Fond Du Lac, WI 10 23-14 99
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 08-07
110. Ken Day Kennewick, WA 9 23-14 98
Day 1: 4 09-12 Day 2: 5 14-02
111. Kurt Dove Del Rio, TX 10 23-13 97
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 5 10-00
112. Andy Newcomb Camdenton, MO 10 23-12 96
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 5 11-02
113. Blake Schroeder Bullard, TX 10 23-10 95
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 10-04
114. Peyton Harris Birmingham, AL 9 23-08 94
Day 1: 4 07-15 Day 2: 5 15-09
115. Isaac Peavyhouse Monroe, TN 10 23-02 93
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 11-08
116. Kyle Palmer Elora, TN 10 23-01 92
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 10-10
117. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 9 22-15 91
Day 1: 4 08-10 Day 2: 5 14-05
118. Jacob Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 10 22-15 90
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 5 11-13
119. Joey Punko Broomfield, CO 8 22-13 89
Day 1: 5 13-14 Day 2: 3 08-15
120. Tommy Dickerson Orange, TX 10 22-13 88
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 11-02
121. David Perdue Wirtz, VA 9 22-10 87
Day 1: 5 11-12 Day 2: 4 10-14
122. Josh Cruse Pocahontas, AR 10 22-08 0
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 11-02
123. John Engler III Vinton, IA 8 22-07 86
Day 1: 3 08-06 Day 2: 5 14-01
124. Easton Lindus Woodville, WI 10 22-03 85
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 5 11-09
125. Tyler Wolf Creston, IA 10 22-03 84
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 5 11-03
126. Colby Bryant Houston, TX 10 21-15 83
Day 1: 5 09-15 Day 2: 5 12-00
127. Matt Keezer Kirkland Quebec CANADA 10 21-12 82
Day 1: 5 09-12 Day 2: 5 12-00
128. Tanner Visco Antioch, IL 7 21-11 81
Day 1: 5 15-08 Day 2: 2 06-03
129. Brennan Berglund Guntersville, AL 10 21-11 0
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 5 10-07
130. Ryan Thompson Seymour, MO 10 21-09 80
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 5 10-01
131. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 8 21-05 79
Day 1: 3 06-01 Day 2: 5 15-04
132. Chris Bailey Eddy, TX 10 21-03 78
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 5 11-03
133. Sho Egawa Osaka JAPAN 10 21-03 77
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 5 10-02
134. Teb Jones Yalaha, MS 10 21-02 76
Day 1: 5 08-13 Day 2: 5 12-05
135. Trevor McKinney Noble, IL 8 21-02 75
Day 1: 4 10-01 Day 2: 4 11-01
136. Eddie Carper Valliant, OK 9 21-00 74
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 4 07-11
137. Scott Ashmore Broken Arrow, OK 9 21-00 0
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 4 08-00
138. Nathan Thompson Eagan, MN 10 21-00 73
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 5 09-03
139. John Branch Magnolia, KY 10 21-00 72
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 5 09-09
140. Gary Hall Wardville, OK 10 21-00 71
Day 1: 5 09-11 Day 2: 5 11-05
141. John Mark Berry Mount Olive, MS 10 21-00 70
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 5 09-13
142. Anastasia Patterson Sumter, SC 10 21-00 69
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 5 10-04
143. Jeremy Johnson Leavenworth, KS 8 20-11 0
Day 1: 3 09-01 Day 2: 5 11-10
144. Mikey Weems Hull, TX 10 20-05 68
Day 1: 5 09-08 Day 2: 5 10-13
145. Erik Brztowski Lemont, IL 8 20-05 67
Day 1: 4 09-14 Day 2: 4 10-07
146. Jason Bonds Lufkin, TX 7 20-04 66
Day 1: 4 13-12 Day 2: 3 06-08
147. Tim Sprouse Clarksville, TN 10 20-04 65
Day 1: 5 09-08 Day 2: 5 10-12
148. Riley Nielsen Salt Lake City, UT 10 20-03 64
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 09-10
149. Kenta Kimura Osaka OK JAPAN 8 20-02 0
Day 1: 3 07-10 Day 2: 5 12-08
150. Doug Chapin Tigerton, WI 9 20-00 63
Day 1: 4 10-05 Day 2: 5 09-11
151. Trace Freeman Northport, AL 10 19-13 62
Day 1: 5 09-04 Day 2: 5 10-09
152. Clay Henderson Purdy, MO 9 19-08 61
Day 1: 4 08-06 Day 2: 5 11-02
153. Joey Hanna Corsicana, TX 8 19-06 60
Day 1: 4 09-15 Day 2: 4 09-07
154. Brad Ragsdale Fairland, OK 9 19-03 59
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 4 07-12
155. Kole Poindexter Norman, OK 10 19-03 0
Day 1: 5 09-10 Day 2: 5 09-09
156. Nic Rand Paw Paw, MI 9 19-01 58
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 4 07-04
157. Josh Giroldi Beachville Ontario CANA 9 19-00 57
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 4 08-00
158. Marshall Halverson Johnston, IA 8 18-15 0
Day 1: 3 07-01 Day 2: 5 11-14
159. Lane Stephens Owasso, OK 9 18-13 56
Day 1: 4 07-05 Day 2: 5 11-08
160. Andy Beloat Montgomery, TX 8 18-13 55
Day 1: 3 07-08 Day 2: 5 11-05
161. Yukihiro Sawamura Harker Heights, TX 8 18-13 54
Day 1: 4 08-06 Day 2: 4 10-07
162. Darrell Ivey Lebanon, MO 6 18-11 53
Day 1: 1 02-10 Day 2: 5 16-01
163. Chris Miller Spirit Lake, IA 9 18-07 52
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 4 07-06
164. Nick Marsh White Lake, MI 9 18-05 51
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 4 07-12
165. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 8 18-03 50
Day 1: 3 07-07 Day 2: 5 10-12
166. Bo Thomas Edwardsburg, MI 6 17-09 49
Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 1 02-10
167. Rick Pierce Mountain Home, AR 5 17-03 48
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 17-03
168. Cody Bertrand Dyer, IN 7 16-05 47
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 2 05-00
169. Jack York Emory, TX 7 15-15 46
Day 1: 2 03-12 Day 2: 5 12-03
170. Scott Nielsen Murray, UT 7 15-14 45
Day 1: 2 04-10 Day 2: 5 11-04
171. Cory Williams Greenville, KY 5 15-12 0
Day 1: 1 03-03 Day 2: 4 12-09
172. Frank Scalish Mount Gilead, OH 5 15-06 44
Day 1: 4 13-07 Day 2: 1 01-15
173. Jace Lindsay Beckville, TX 6 15-02 43
Day 1: 1 02-03 Day 2: 5 12-15
174. Dave Parsons Yantis, TX 8 14-05 42
Day 1: 5 09-03 Day 2: 3 05-02
175. Luke Kerstetter Seymour, TN 6 14-00 41
Day 1: 3 08-01 Day 2: 3 05-15
176. Wade Denney Nampa, ID 6 14-00 40
Day 1: 3 07-06 Day 2: 3 06-10
177. Brien Vaughn Lampe, MO 5 12-12 39
Day 1: 5 12-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
178. Wyatt Wisian Ardmore, OK 6 12-04 38
Day 1: 2 03-14 Day 2: 4 08-06
179. Tracy Mitchell Springfield, MO 5 12-01 37
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 12-01
180. James Chandler Liberty, TX 5 11-13 36
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
181. Johnny Grice Arp, TX 5 11-10 35
Day 1: 1 02-02 Day 2: 4 09-08
182. Keith Brashers Rogers, AR 5 11-09 34
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
183. David Brand Dittmer, MO 5 11-05 33
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
184. Justin Blackert Olathe, KS 4 10-12 32
Day 1: 3 08-02 Day 2: 1 02-10
185. Dylan Minch Stevens Point, WI 5 10-09 31
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
186. Lance Crawford Broken Bow, OK 5 10-03 30
Day 1: 5 10-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
187. Neal Gilmore Magnolia, TX 3 10-00 29
Day 1: 3 10-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
188. David Boelkins Waukesha, WI 3 09-14 28
Day 1: 3 09-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
189. Jeffrey Barrickman Forsyth, MO 5 09-12 0
Day 1: 5 09-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
190. Ish Monroe Oakdale, CA 4 09-07 27
Day 1: 4 09-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
191. Frank Mixon Abilene, TX 4 09-07 26
Day 1: 2 04-10 Day 2: 2 04-13
192. Kyle Zacharuk Keswick Ontario CANADA 4 08-07 25
Day 1: 1 02-00 Day 2: 3 06-07
193. Bryan Hoffman Andrews, TX 3 08-01 24
Day 1: 2 03-08 Day 2: 1 04-09
194. Steven Doolittle Chelsea, OK 3 07-01 23
Day 1: 3 07-01 Day 2: 0 00-00
195. Clay Dyer Fayetteville, TN 1 01-12 22
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-12
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 152 880 2337-08
2 154 862 2344-01
----------------------------------
306 1742 4681-09

by AnglersChannel

Andrew Rickman dominates at Toledo Bend, shatters B.A.S.S. Nation record

MANY, La. — Andrew Rickman is a big guy, standing a full 6 feet, 6 inches tall.

And this week at the Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Toledo Bend Reservoir presented by Lowrance, the 24-year-old from Canton, Texas was up to big things — historic ones, at that.

Rickman caught a three-day total of 15 bass weighing 95 pounds, 15 ounces which absolutely crushed the previous record for a three-day weight in a Nation event. The former mark of 72-9 was set by Canada’s Doug Brownridge in 2014 on the St. Lawrence River in upstate New York.

Rickman’s performance will long be remembered in B.A.S.S. Nation lore. Not only did he top the previous Nation record by more than 23 pounds, he finished a whopping 13-8 ahead of his nearest competitor at Toledo Bend, that being Georgia’s Daylon Milam, who placed second with 82-7. Trace Antunes III, the Day 1 leader, finished third overall in the boater division with 79-5.

Those three anglers were among a group of six whose total at Toledo Bend topped the previous best for a B.A.S.S. Nation winning weight. Texas anglers Kaden Mueck (fourth, 77-14) and Wyatt Frankens (fifth, 77-9) also eclipsed the old record, as did South Carolina’s Peyton Sorrow (sixth, 76-0).

All were impressive, but none came close to outshining Rickman, who fished Toledo Bend for the first time this week.

He made his mark early on this 185,0000-acre impoundment of the Sabine River, too, catching a 32-3 limit of signature Toledo Bend largemouth on Day 1. That left him trailing only Antunes, whose 36-3 limit on Wednesday was the big bag of the derby.

Antunes came back to the pack on the final two days of the tournament, however, while Rickman charged ahead with authority. He weighed another limit on Day 2, this one tipping the scales for 34-2 (a personal best in competition fishing,) then he added another 29-10 to seal the victory.

Rickman said he established a winning pattern late on the final day of practice.

“I really wasn’t having a great practice at all,” he admitted. “But then I caught a 7-pounder on a stump at the edge of a flat that dropped off into deep water. That gave me a clue. Then I caught a second one the exact same way. That’s when I realized I wasn’t going to fish anything other than that kind of set-up in the tournament. It might take me fishing 40 spots a day to find it, but I knew it would work.”

He was right.

Rickman caught all of his bass around stumps at the edge of Toledo Bend flats in anywhere from 5 to 10 feet of water. The key, he said, was a simultaneous shad spawn where the flats dropped to 30 feet or more.

Fourteen of the keepers he weighed came on a Hideup Coike Sea Urchin (green pumpkin/blue flake). It’s a confidence bait, he said, one that’s been a “go-to” for a year now. He exclusively used Shimano rods and reels, his favorite a 7-4’ spinning rod with a solid tip that aided accurate baitcasting. He fished with 10-pound Seaguar braided line and 17-pound Seaguar leader.

“Once you set the hook with that set up, nothing is breaking off,” he said. “That was huge because my fish were hungry. All of them were post-spawn and they were heading out deep. I had some people fishing around me, but they were too far up on the flats or too far offshore, I think. The key was getting the fish in that in-between phase. It was like their last stop before heading out.”

For all his success at Toledo Bendl, Rickman’s week wasn’t without drama. He carried a 2-5 lead over Antunes into Friday, but he had nothing but 2-pounders in his livewell at 11 a.m. on Day 3.

There was no reason to panic, he said.

“I knew that from the start of the tournament I had to keep running new water,” he said. “Only when I found the spot where they were biting today is when I got nervous. That’s when there was some pressure to get them into the boat.”

Rickman joked after the tournament that his goal was to “finish strong” and go over 100 pounds at Toledo Bend. Falling just shy of that feat, he said he was OK “settling” for 95-15. He pocketed $11,130 with the tournament victory and was one of 40 anglers (20 boaters, 20 nonboaters) to qualify for the 2026 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Lowrance when it’s held Nov. 18-21 at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, S.C.

“My only goal here was to qualify for the Nation Championship,” he said. “Hopefully I do well there. I’d ultimately like to make it to the Opens or the Elites.”

Oklahoma’s Matt Edwards won the nonboater title with a three-day weight of nine bass totaling 21-1 — a 7-4 largemouth on Day 2 being crucial to his success. Edwards caught most of his keeper bass on a 3/4-ounce Rapala Crush City Bronco Bug (green pumpkin with blue tint). He also fished a Neko rig with a 5.3-inch Hayabusa Sixth Sense worm.

The 43-year-old Coast Guard veteran, currently employed by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, pocketed $3,853 for the nonboater win at Toledo Bend.

“My son Lane fished in the boater division,” Edwards said. “I told him I’m not coming down there just to tag along. So, I decided to enter on the nonboater side. But never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d win. I’m in shock.”

Missouri’s Zack Busch finished second among nonboaters with 20-11. Texas’ Mike Casanova placed third with 17-15.

A total of 267 competitors began the tournament, with the Top 20 in each of the two divisions making the cut to Championship Friday. They already were assured part of a $77,000-plus cash purse.

Tyler Gautreaux, a 34-year-old from Houma, La., caught a 10-2 largemouth on Day 1 and claimed $500 for having the tournament’s heaviest bass.

This event was hosted by Toledo Bend Lake Country.

2026 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Title Sponsor: Mercury

2026 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Presenting Sponsor: Lowrance

2026 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Platinum Sponsor: Progressive, Toyota
2026 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mountain Dew, Nitro Boats, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2026 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Lew's, Lowrance, Phoenix Boats, VMC, Yokohama

About B.A.S.S.

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Media Contact: Mandy Pascal, Communications Manager, 334-414-8677, [email protected]

2026 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Toledo Bend presented by Lowrance 4/22-4/24
Toledo Bend Reservoir, Many LA.
(BOATER) Standings Day 3

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

1. Andrew Rickman Canton, TX 15 95-15 0 $11,130.00
Day 1: 5 32-03 Day 2: 5 34-02 Day 3: 5 29-10
2. Daylon Milam Newnan, GA 15 82-07 0 $5,406.00
Day 1: 5 25-05 Day 2: 5 33-07 Day 3: 5 23-11
3. Trace Antunes III Henderson, TX 15 79-05 0 $3,816.00
Day 1: 5 36-03 Day 2: 5 27-13 Day 3: 5 15-05
4. Kaden Mueck Livingston, TX 15 77-14 0 $2,780.00
Day 1: 5 23-07 Day 2: 5 29-08 Day 3: 5 24-15
5. Wyatt Frankens Corrigan , TX 15 77-06 0 $2,767.00
Day 1: 5 28-08 Day 2: 5 26-00 Day 3: 5 22-14
6. Peyton Sorrow Abbeville, SC 15 76-00 0 $2,544.00
Day 1: 5 29-12 Day 2: 5 27-02 Day 3: 5 19-02
7. Bradley Sullivan Shawnee, OK 15 65-06 0 $2,385.00
Day 1: 5 23-00 Day 2: 5 22-10 Day 3: 5 19-12
8. Blake Bullock Seminary, MS 15 63-04 0 $2,226.00
Day 1: 5 30-04 Day 2: 5 17-00 Day 3: 5 16-00
9. Ben Milliken Omaha, NE 15 62-04 0 $1,530.00
Day 1: 5 26-11 Day 2: 5 12-09 Day 3: 5 23-00
10. Chandler Howell Guntown, MS 15 59-11 0 $1,431.00
Day 1: 5 23-04 Day 2: 5 22-10 Day 3: 5 13-13
11. Braden Lankford Wagoner, OK 15 59-09 0 $1,272.00
Day 1: 5 21-01 Day 2: 5 21-03 Day 3: 5 17-05
12. Bailey Walker Many, LA 13 58-07 0 $1,113.00
Day 1: 5 24-13 Day 2: 3 11-00 Day 3: 5 22-10
13. Lane Clark Anderson, SC 15 56-01 0 $874.00
Day 1: 5 21-13 Day 2: 5 20-01 Day 3: 5 14-03
14. Carsen Adcock Haughton, LA 15 53-07 0 $874.00
Day 1: 5 20-05 Day 2: 5 16-03 Day 3: 5 16-15
15. JJ Coco Baton Rouge, LA 15 53-03 0 $874.00
Day 1: 5 19-13 Day 2: 5 18-05 Day 3: 5 15-01
16. Tayson Hathorn Elm Springs, AR 15 53-01 0 $874.00
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 5 26-01 Day 3: 5 15-15
17. Joshua Adams Southlake, TX 15 51-11 0 $874.00
Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 22-12 Day 3: 5 13-13
18. Chase Loftus Iowa City, IA 15 51-06 0 $874.00
Day 1: 5 20-11 Day 2: 5 16-01 Day 3: 5 14-10
19. Dakota Morris Flowermound, TX 15 50-13 0 $874.00
Day 1: 5 20-01 Day 2: 5 16-01 Day 3: 5 14-11
20. John Kyle Pearce Frierson, LA 15 50-06 0 $874.00
Day 1: 5 26-03 Day 2: 5 10-14 Day 3: 5 13-05
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
BIG BASS OF TOURN
Tyler Gautreaux Houma, LA 10-01 $0.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 89 615 1789-05
2 69 487 1421-06
3 20 100 366-10
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178 1202 3577-05

by AnglersChannel

Wildlife Forever and Major League Fishing Launch New Partnership to Expand Getting Families Fishing and Boating Initiative™

White Bear Lake, MN — Wildlife Forever today announced a new partnership with Major League Fishing (MLF) to significantly expand the reach and impact of the Getting Families Fishing and Boating Initiative, a national effort focused on connecting youth and families to fishing, boating and conservation.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing the partnership was signed at Bass Pro Shops Headquarters during the REDCREST 2026 championship event in Springfield, Missouri, marking a major step forward in uniting conservation education with professional angling and industry leadership.

Through this collaboration, MLF anglers will be eligible to receive product grants that include free fishing equipment and conservation education materials. These resources will be distributed through volunteer-led youth fishing clinics and family-oriented outdoor community events nationwide, helping remove barriers to participation while reinforcing stewardship of natural resources.

“This partnership represents a powerful alignment to increase angling participation while coordinating distribution of equipment and conservation education,” said Pat Conzemius, President and CEO of Wildlife Forever. “By working with Major League Fishing and its network of professional anglers, we will expand our ability to inspire the next generation of anglers while instilling the core values of conservation and responsible outdoor recreation.”

Getting Families Fishing and Boating Initiative has reached thousands of youths and families and builds upon the established network of the National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA). NPAA members have long been dedicated to mentoring new anglers, teaching angling basics, and best practices of invasive species prevention. With the added support and coordination of MLF, the program will reach more communities and provide greater access to hands-on outdoor experiences.

MLF anglers and industry sponsors, known for their influence both on and off the water, will play a critical role in delivering these programs, serving not only as ambassadors of the sport but also in a commitment to grow the Getting Families Fishing & Boating brand and nationwide program.
“This partnership allows our anglers and industry partners to give back and truly grow the sport in meaningful ways,” said Dave Washburn, Vice President of Operations for Major League Fishing. “By giving youth and families the equipment and skills to be successful anglers and good stewards of our waters, the collective effort will have compounding benefits for generations.”
Organizations interested in supporting Getting Families Fishing and Boating should contact [email protected].
For more information: wildlifeforever.org

Contact:
Veronica Mangio
Education/Marketing Mgr.
Wildlife Forever
[email protected]

About Wildlife Forever
Wildlife Forever is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to conserving America’s outdoor heritage through conservation education, habitat restoration, and scientific management of fish and wildlife. Learn more about Wildlife Forever programs at www.WildlifeForever.org.

by AnglersChannel

Phoenix Boats signs on as Supporting Sponsor of B.A.S.S.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. today announced that Phoenix Boats has signed on as a supporting sponsor of B.A.S.S. through 2028, reinforcing a shared commitment to performance, innovation and the continued growth of competitive bass fishing.

The partnership brings together two brands with deep roots in the sport. B.A.S.S., the global authority in bass fishing, continues to set the standard for competitive angling through its Bassmaster tournament circuits, media platforms and conservation initiatives. Phoenix Boats, known for building high-performance bass boats with a focus on high quality, fishability, and reliability, has become a trusted name among anglers at every level of competition.

“We’re proud and excited to be a supporting sponsor of Bassmaster,” said Gary Clouse, Co-Founder & CEO/President of Phoenix Boats. “Bassmaster has been a big part of my life dating back to 1974 when I bought my first Bassmaster Magazine and got hooked on bass fishing.” Clouse has fished 139 Bassmaster tournaments including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series from 2019 to 2023, and still fishes the Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens presented by Battery Tender.

Phoenix Boats has earned a reputation for producing tournament-ready boats designed by anglers, for anglers. With a commitment to quality craftsmanship and continuous innovation, the brand has steadily grown its presence in competitive fishing, with many anglers choosing Phoenix for its performance and on-the-water reliability.

“Bassmaster has played a foundational role in building the sport, and we’re proud to support an organization that has helped shape the sport into what it is today” said Teresa Johnson, Co-Founder & COO of Phoenix Boats. “At Phoenix, we’re committed to the long-term growth of bass fishing, and partnerships like this are an important part of that.”

As a supporting sponsor, Phoenix Boats will have a presence across Bassmaster events, including Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series tournaments, the Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens presented by Battery Tender and other key competitions. The partnership will also extend to digital platforms and fan engagement initiatives, helping connect Phoenix with the passionate Bassmaster audience both on-site and online.

The alignment between Phoenix Boats and B.A.S.S. is rooted in a shared focus on advancing the sport while supporting anglers at every stage of their journey. From weekend competitors to Elite Series pros, dependable equipment and strong industry partnerships play a critical role in delivering a successful tournament experience.

“Phoenix Boats represents the kind of innovation and performance our anglers rely on every day,” said Phillip Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of B.A.S.S. “Just as important, they are deeply committed to the communities where they live and work, investing in the people and places that help drive this sport forward. Through their support of anglers at every level and their strong partnership with B.A.S.S., Phoenix continues to play a meaningful role in strengthening the fishing industry as a whole. We’re excited to welcome them back as a supporting sponsor and look forward to continuing to work together to elevate the sport.”

B.A.S.S. continues to grow its reach through premier events like the Bassmaster Elite Series and the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, as well as its expanding youth programs and conservation efforts. Partnerships with brands like Phoenix Boats help ensure that anglers and fans alike experience the highest level of competition, innovation and engagement.

Through this relationship, Phoenix Boats will continue to support the competitive ecosystem that has helped shape modern bass fishing, while reinforcing its position as a brand dedicated to performance on the water and the future of the sport.

About Phoenix Boats

Phoenix Boats is a Tennessee-based manufacturer of high-performance fiberglass bass boats, headquartered in Winchester, Tennessee. Operating from a state-of-the-art facility with more than 200,000 square feet on 52 acres, Phoenix Boats is dedicated to delivering exceptional quality, performance, and innovation. For more information, visit phoenixbassboats.com.

About B.A.S.S.

by AnglersChannel

MLF Bass Pro Tour Pros Bring Hands-On Learning to WOLF School During REDCREST Week

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (April 23, 2026) – As part of REDCREST week festivities, three Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour (BPT) anglers traded their rods and reels for a classroom setting last Thursday, visiting fifth-grade students at the WOLF School for an interactive, hands-on learning experience centered on conservation, careers and competitive fishing.

BPT pros and REDCREST 2026 competitors Edwin Evers , Jake Lawrence and Wesley Strader joined MLF Competition Officials Butch Lansford and Brian Poppe along with MLF Senior Manager of PR and Communications Charity Muehlenweg to engage students in a unique program designed to go beyond a traditional classroom visit.

Rather than simply speaking to the students, the anglers challenged them to think like professionals. Working alongside the pros, students were tasked with building the “perfect bass lake,” considering key elements such as habitat, water quality and fish care. From there, the classroom transformed into a mock tournament setting, with students assigned real-world roles, including tournament director, fisheries biologist and television talent.

Each group was then presented with real scenarios that can occur during a Bass Pro Tour tournament and asked to problem-solve as a team, offering a firsthand look at the many moving parts that go into running a professional fishing tournament.

Photos from the WOLF School visit can be found here.

Students also learned about MLF Fisheries Management Division’s conservation initiatives, water safety and proper fish-handling techniques while exploring a wide range of career opportunities within the fishing and outdoors industry. The interactive format encouraged participation, creativity and critical thinking, highlighted by the “You Be the Biologist” activity, where students applied their knowledge to design and manage a thriving fishery.

The visit concluded with a question-and-answer session, followed by autographs and photos with the anglers.

“We wanted the kids to feel like they were part of the program, not just listening to it,” said Strader. “Getting them involved in building a fishery and running a tournament shows them how much goes on behind the scenes. It’s not just about catching fish – it’s about taking care of the resource, solving problems and working as a team. If even a few of them walk away thinking about a future in the outdoors, that’s a win for all of us.”

Community outreach during REDCREST week is one of the ways Major League Fishing connects competition with conservation and education, using the platform of professional fishing to inspire and engage the next generation.

The WOLF School – short for Wonders of the Ozarks Learning Facility – features state-of-the-art classrooms and resources designed to provide fifth-grade students with immersive, high-quality educational experiences.

Major League Fishing extends its thanks to the WOLF School for hosting the pros during REDCREST week and helping create a meaningful experience for students.

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, Rumble and YouTube.

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

by AnglersChannel

Oklahoma Elite Cranford takes Day 1 lead in wind-blown Grand Lake Open

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GROVE, Okla. — Oklahoma pro Austin Cranford hasn’t been pleased with his results on the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series tour four events into his rookie season, so he jumped into the Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees presented by Battery Tender hoping to get back on track. Through Day 1, it seems to have worked, as the 30 year-old weighed in 21 pounds 3 ounces of bass to lead New Mexico’s Rick Harris Jr. by an ounce.

“It’s no secret that I’ve had a rough year this year,” Cranford said. “I’ve been looking for that one day to get my mojo back. I was in a funk and needed something to finally go right and that starts with just one bite.”

Thursday’s first day of competition proved to be a battle with Mother Nature. Prior to the event, Cranford stated that he expected the water to be in Grand’s bushes, leading to an old-school bush flipping tournament. Instead, the bottom fell out and once-flooded cover sat high and dry. On top of that, the wind blew consistently from the south at 20 miles per hour today, with gusts at time of at least twice that much.

“We’re just getting ready for Buffalo if you’re in Division 1,” Tournament Director Hank Weldon joked.

While Cranford had hoped for rising water that would send big bass rushing to the shallows, once he realized that wasn’t going to happen, he changed course and practiced with the intention of finding where those fish would go. His bag included a 5-8 bass, and he said that it’s hard to amass 20 pounds without at least one of those big bites. He tried to save as much as he could today, and “bailed out” once he had that big bag, partially because he didn’t want other competitors to see where he was fishing. He hopes that the wind will kick up again on Friday, although it’s not supposed to do so.

“I hope that it blows 100 miles per hour,” he said. “The bigger the waves the better. It makes them bite, but I’m afraid that it won’t actually blow tomorrow.”

Harris agreed that the wind “helped a lot” and noted that the falling water moved bass from the willow bushes he’d been fishing onto rock cover.

“I had one big 6-pound bite in practice that keyed me in,” he said. “Those types of fish aren’t random.”

He culled multiple times throughout the day, including one close to check-in time that helped him substantially and said that his prime areas still have lots of quality fish. While he now resides in New Mexico, he cut his teeth fishing and guiding in Texas, most notably on Lake Amistad, and is therefore no stranger to big fish. Earlier in his career he won another AAA tournament on Lake Texoma.

“I’d say Oklahoma has been very good to me,” he said.

Former Elite Series pro Casey Scanlon is in 3^rd place with 20-14.

“The fish are biting,” he said. “But in practice I intentionally avoided a bunch of stuff and felt like I was going to catch a 12-pound limit. I started over in the changing conditions and fished new water all day. It’s always good any time we’re in Missouri, Arkansas or Oklahoma. I feel right at home.”

Scanlon competed in the 2013 Bassmaster Classic on Grand and finished 44^th but didn’t get a shot at Classic redemption until last month in Knoxville. He qualified for his second bite at the apple by winning last year’s Bassmaster Open on Norfork Lake in Arkansas. It was his second career Open win, both in the Ozarks region. If he can make it three, he’ll get a chance to compete in Greenville next March.

Alabama’s Wyatt Burkhalter is an ounce behind Scanlon. He said that after a tough practice he “would have taken 13 pounds and been happy with it.” After today’s washing machine ride, he was glad he didn’t make that deal. It’s his first time at Grand, but he’s hoping that his pattern holds up for two more days.

“I’m good buddies with Justin Hamner, who won the 2024 Classic here,” he said. “Hopefully I’ll get some of that Classic juju.”

Kristine Fischer, a noted kayak angler and BassmastHER Ambassador who has added the Opens to her schedule in recent years, sits in 6^th, with 20-4. She admitted that she’d struggled in making the switch to a larger boat and was concerned that she’d bitten off more than she could chew, but today’s catch had her ebullient on the stage.

“This is what I really needed,” she said.

If she can rise a few spots in the standings over the next two days, Fischer has a chance to become the highest-finishing female angler in Bassmaster Opens history. That high water mark was set in 2013 by Christie Bradley of Virginia, who finished 4^th in an Open at Tennessee’s Douglas Lake. Bradley has been one of Fischer’s mentors.

“Women’s fishing can be tough,” Fischer said. “There’s a lot of gatekeeping. But Christie is one of the ones who has helped me a lot. I’m so blessed to have her in my life. She’s an absolute inspiration.”

While the anglers were understandably tight-lipped about locations and patterns, it appears that in this event where forward-facing sonar is prohibited, most are power fishing. Many went true Oklahoma old school today with big spinnerbaits to take advantage of the windy conditions.

Overall, despite or perhaps because of the conditions, Grand Lake showed why Bassmaster returns again and again. It’s simply loaded with quality bass. Seventy-eight competitors weighed in 13 pounds or more, and a remarkable 146 out of 195 brought 10 or more pounds to the scales. That means it’s a wide-open tournament in terms of who will push through to Championship Saturday.

Jonathan Pimentel of Missouri caught the Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the day, a 5-14 largemouth.

The full field of anglers will launch from Wolf Creek Park beginning at 6:30 a.m. CT and return for weigh-in starting at 2:30 p.m. The Top 10 anglers after Day 2 will compete on Championship Friday and the winner will earn a spot in the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.

Follow along with all of the action from the Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Grand Lake O' the Cherokees presented by Battery Tender on Bassmaster.com.

Grove Convention and Tourism Bureau is hosting this event.

2026 Bassmaster Opens Series Title Sponsor: Turtlebox

2026 Bassmaster Opens Series Presenting Sponsor: Battery Tender

About B.A.S.S.

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

Media Contact: Mandy Pascal, Communications Manager, 334-414-8677, [email protected]

2026 Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Grand Lake presented by Battery Tender 4/23-4/25
Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, Grove OK.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1

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

1. Austin Cranford Oklahoma City, OK 5 21-03 0
Day 1: 5 21-03
2. Rick Harris Jr Carlsbad, NM 5 21-02 200
Day 1: 5 21-02
3. Casey Scanlon Eldon, MO 5 20-14 199
Day 1: 5 20-14
4. Wyatt Burkhalter Coker, AL 5 20-13 198
Day 1: 5 20-13
5. Wesley Baxley Conroe, TX 5 20-07 197
Day 1: 5 20-07
6. Kristine Fischer Spring City, NE 5 20-04 196
Day 1: 5 20-04
7. Jonathan Pimentel Camdenton, MO 5 19-13 195
Day 1: 5 19-13
8. Harmon Marien Eagle River, WI 5 19-00 194
Day 1: 5 19-00
9. Cole Findley Forsyth, MO 5 18-12 0
Day 1: 5 18-12
10. Steve Tennison Lexington, OK 5 18-09 193
Day 1: 5 18-09
11. Dylan Fogarty Mechanicsburg, PA 5 18-07 192
Day 1: 5 18-07
12. Dillon Falardeau Hixson, TN 5 17-10 191
Day 1: 5 17-10
13. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 5 17-09 190
Day 1: 5 17-09
14. Bryan Partak Marseilles, IL 5 16-14 189
Day 1: 5 16-14
15. Darold Gleason Leesville, LA 5 16-12 188
Day 1: 5 16-12
16. Evan Cox-VanVliet Loveland, CO 5 16-09 187
Day 1: 5 16-09
17. Kollin Crawford Broken Bow, OK 5 16-03 186
Day 1: 5 16-03
17. Bailey Gay Union, KY 5 16-03 186
Day 1: 5 16-03
17. A.J. Menssen Bloomington, IL 5 16-03 186
Day 1: 5 16-03
20. Zane Parker Kingwood, TX 5 16-01 183
Day 1: 5 16-01
21. Brody Robison Dawson, AL 5 16-00 182
Day 1: 5 16-00
22. Freddy Palmer Estill Springs, TN 5 15-14 181
Day 1: 5 15-14
23. Lonnie Cochran Section, AL 5 15-13 180
Day 1: 5 15-13
24. Hugh Cosculluela Spring, TX 5 15-12 179
Day 1: 5 15-12
24. Wyatt Marler Oldfield, MO 5 15-12 179
Day 1: 5 15-12
26. Joe Wieberg Freeburg, MO 5 15-09 177
Day 1: 5 15-09
27. Tanner Visco Antioch, IL 5 15-08 176
Day 1: 5 15-08
28. Andrew Behnke Fond Du Lac, WI 5 15-07 175
Day 1: 5 15-07
29. TJ Edwards Jr Tremont, MS 5 15-06 174
Day 1: 5 15-06
30. Yui Aoki Minamitsurugun JAPAN 5 15-04 173
Day 1: 5 15-04
31. Justin Layton Kirbyville, MO 5 15-03 0
Day 1: 5 15-03
31. Kyle Metzger Pearl River, LA 5 15-03 172
Day 1: 5 15-03
33. Rylan Hamlin Jackson, MI 5 15-02 171
Day 1: 5 15-02
34. Jacob Welch Roach, MO 5 15-01 170
Day 1: 5 15-01
35. Brock Bila Republic, MO 5 15-00 169
Day 1: 5 15-00
36. Garrett McWilliams Florence, MS 5 14-15 168
Day 1: 5 14-15
36. Bo Thomas Edwardsburg, MI 5 14-15 168
Day 1: 5 14-15
38. James Biggs Comanche, TX 5 14-14 166
Day 1: 5 14-14
39. Ty Faber Pagosa Springs, CO 5 14-13 165
Day 1: 5 14-13
39. Nick Lawler Ava, MO 5 14-13 165
Day 1: 5 14-13
41. Connor Cunningham Springfield , MO 5 14-11 163
Day 1: 5 14-11
42. Alex Heintze Denham Springs, LA 5 14-10 162
Day 1: 5 14-10
43. Sam Ausbrooks Loogootee, IN 5 14-09 161
Day 1: 5 14-09
43. Joseph Hardy China Spring, TX 5 14-09 161
Day 1: 5 14-09
43. Seiji Kato Forney TX JAPAN 5 14-09 161
Day 1: 5 14-09
46. Hunter Crossland San Angelo, TX 5 14-08 158
Day 1: 5 14-08
47. Lucas Toliver Paw Paw, MI 5 14-05 157
Day 1: 5 14-05
48. Riley Harris Orange, TX 5 14-05 156
Day 1: 5 14-05
49. Chris Beaudrie Princeton, KY 5 14-04 155
Day 1: 5 14-04
49. Kyle Schutta Forest Lake, MN 5 14-04 0
Day 1: 5 14-04
51. Cole McAusland Tuscaloosa, AL 5 14-04 154
Day 1: 5 14-04
52. Grae Buck Green Lane, PA 5 14-03 153
Day 1: 5 14-03
52. Josh Pladies Lees Summit, MO 5 14-03 153
Day 1: 5 14-03
52. Ian Waterer East Selkirk CANADA 5 14-03 153
Day 1: 5 14-03
52. Dylan Welton Middleville, MI 5 14-03 153
Day 1: 5 14-03
52. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 5 14-03 153
Day 1: 5 14-03
57. Matt Pangrac Shawnee, OK 5 14-00 148
Day 1: 5 14-00
58. Byron Hill Clermont, FL 5 13-15 147
Day 1: 5 13-15
58. Justin Latham Reelsville, IN 5 13-15 147
Day 1: 5 13-15
60. Joey Punko Broomfield, CO 5 13-14 145
Day 1: 5 13-14
61. Kurt Dove Del Rio, TX 5 13-13 144
Day 1: 5 13-13
61. Jeremiah Kindy Benton, AR 5 13-13 144
Day 1: 5 13-13
63. Jordan Hartman Benton, KY 5 13-12 142
Day 1: 5 13-12
64. Jason Bonds Lufkin, TX 4 13-12 141
Day 1: 4 13-12
65. Matt Stefan Junction City, WI 5 13-11 140
Day 1: 5 13-11
65. Chris Whitson Louisville, TN 5 13-11 140
Day 1: 5 13-11
67. Anthony Garcia Los Angeles, CA 5 13-10 138
Day 1: 5 13-10
67. Brian Post Janesville, WI 5 13-10 138
Day 1: 5 13-10
67. Zachary Ward Cabot, AR 5 13-10 138
Day 1: 5 13-10
70. Clark Reehm Elm Grove, LA 5 13-09 135
Day 1: 5 13-09
71. Nate Caldwell Fort Collins, CO 5 13-07 134
Day 1: 5 13-07
72. Frank Scalish Mount Gilead, OH 4 13-07 133
Day 1: 4 13-07
73. Blake Schroeder Bullard, TX 5 13-06 132
Day 1: 5 13-06
74. Eddie Carper Valliant, OK 5 13-05 131
Day 1: 5 13-05
75. Grant Neubauer Medford, WI 5 13-03 130
Day 1: 5 13-03
76. Ethan Fields Carlyle, IL 5 13-02 129
Day 1: 5 13-02
77. Andrew Jones Trussville, AL 5 13-01 128
Day 1: 5 13-01
78. Scott Ashmore Broken Arrow, OK 5 13-00 0
Day 1: 5 13-00
78. Chris Lewis Hallsville, TX 5 13-00 127
Day 1: 5 13-00
78. Cameron Mattison Benton, LA 5 13-00 0
Day 1: 5 13-00
81. Michael Harlin Osage Beach, MO 5 12-15 126
Day 1: 5 12-15
82. Brad Jelinek Lincoln, MO 5 12-14 125
Day 1: 5 12-14
83. Nathan Reynolds Nashville, TN 5 12-13 124
Day 1: 5 12-13
84. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 5 12-12 123
Day 1: 5 12-12
84. Chris Johnson Farmington, AR 5 12-12 123
Day 1: 5 12-12
84. Brien Vaughn Lampe, MO 5 12-12 123
Day 1: 5 12-12
87. Jeremy Lawyer Sarcoxie, MO 5 12-11 120
Day 1: 5 12-11
87. Adam Rasmussen Sturgeon Bay, WI 5 12-11 120
Day 1: 5 12-11
89. Andy Newcomb Camdenton, MO 5 12-10 118
Day 1: 5 12-10
89. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 5 12-10 118
Day 1: 5 12-10
91. Jaron Burr Bowling Green, KY 5 12-09 116
Day 1: 5 12-09
91. Chase Clarke Virginia Beach, VA 5 12-09 116
Day 1: 5 12-09
91. Bj Miller Adams, NE 5 12-09 116
Day 1: 5 12-09
91. Niko Romero Coldspring, TX 5 12-09 116
Day 1: 5 12-09
91. Ryan Salzman Huntsville, AL 5 12-09 116
Day 1: 5 12-09
96. Chris Hellebuyck White Lake, MI 5 12-08 111
Day 1: 5 12-08
97. Kyle Palmer Elora, TN 5 12-07 110
Day 1: 5 12-07
98. Tommy Parker Delano, MN 5 12-06 109
Day 1: 5 12-06
99. Billy Gilbert Hamburg, NY 5 12-04 108
Day 1: 5 12-04
100. Brandon Ackerson Afton, OK 5 12-03 107
Day 1: 5 12-03
101. Jim Dillard West Monroe, LA 5 12-02 106
Day 1: 5 12-02
102. Trey Schroeder Theodosia, MO 5 12-00 105
Day 1: 5 12-00
103. Tristan McCormick Bon Aqua, TN 5 11-15 104
Day 1: 5 11-15
104. James Chandler Liberty, TX 5 11-13 103
Day 1: 5 11-13
104. Nic Rand Paw Paw, MI 5 11-13 103
Day 1: 5 11-13
104. Nathan Thompson Eagan, MN 5 11-13 103
Day 1: 5 11-13
107. David Perdue Wirtz, VA 5 11-12 100
Day 1: 5 11-12
108. Tommy Dickerson Orange, TX 5 11-11 99
Day 1: 5 11-11
109. Laker Howell Guntersville, AL 5 11-11 98
Day 1: 5 11-11
110. Ryan Michl Newton, IL 5 11-10 97
Day 1: 5 11-10
110. Isaac Peavyhouse Monroe, TN 5 11-10 97
Day 1: 5 11-10
110. Danny Ramsey Trinidad, TX 5 11-10 97
Day 1: 5 11-10
113. Keith Brashers Rogers, AR 5 11-09 94
Day 1: 5 11-09
113. Jordan Knutson Saint Croix Falls, WI 5 11-09 94
Day 1: 5 11-09
115. Ryan Thompson Seymour, MO 5 11-08 92
Day 1: 5 11-08
116. John Branch Magnolia, KY 5 11-07 91
Day 1: 5 11-07
116. James Campise Brookeland, TX 5 11-07 91
Day 1: 5 11-07
116. Brad Ragsdale Fairland, OK 5 11-07 91
Day 1: 5 11-07
119. Josh Cruse Pocahontas, AR 5 11-06 0
Day 1: 5 11-06
119. Mike McClelland Blue Eye, MO 5 11-06 88
Day 1: 5 11-06
121. Cody Bertrand Dyer, IN 5 11-05 87
Day 1: 5 11-05
121. David Brand Dittmer, MO 5 11-05 87
Day 1: 5 11-05
121. Colby Dark West Monroe, LA 5 11-05 87
Day 1: 5 11-05
121. Brennan Flick West Monroe, LA 5 11-05 87
Day 1: 5 11-05
125. Brennan Berglund Guntersville, AL 5 11-04 0
Day 1: 5 11-04
126. John Mark Berry Mount Olive, MS 5 11-03 83
Day 1: 5 11-03
126. Blaine Bunney Claremore, OK 5 11-03 83
Day 1: 5 11-03
128. Jacob Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 5 11-02 81
Day 1: 5 11-02
129. Sho Egawa Osaka JAPAN 5 11-01 80
Day 1: 5 11-01
129. Chris Miller Spirit Lake, IA 5 11-01 80
Day 1: 5 11-01
131. Josh Giroldi Beachville Ontario CANA 5 11-00 78
Day 1: 5 11-00
131. Tyler Wolf Creston, IA 5 11-00 78
Day 1: 5 11-00
133. Kevin Ledoux Choctaw, OK 5 10-12 76
Day 1: 5 10-12
133. Anastasia Patterson Sumter, SC 5 10-12 76
Day 1: 5 10-12
135. Easton Lindus Woodville, WI 5 10-10 74
Day 1: 5 10-10
136. Nick Marsh White Lake, MI 5 10-09 73
Day 1: 5 10-09
136. Dylan Minch Stevens Point, WI 5 10-09 73
Day 1: 5 10-09
136. Riley Nielsen Salt Lake City, UT 5 10-09 73
Day 1: 5 10-09
139. Doug Chapin Tigerton, WI 4 10-05 70
Day 1: 4 10-05
140. Lance Crawford Broken Bow, OK 5 10-03 69
Day 1: 5 10-03
141. Jim Moynagh Outing, MN 3 10-03 68
Day 1: 3 10-03
142. Jason Adams Guthrie, OK 5 10-02 67
Day 1: 5 10-02
143. Dalton Head Moody, AL 5 10-01 66
Day 1: 5 10-01
144. Trevor McKinney Noble, IL 4 10-01 65
Day 1: 4 10-01
145. Chris Bailey Eddy, TX 5 10-00 64
Day 1: 5 10-00
146. Neal Gilmore Magnolia, TX 3 10-00 63
Day 1: 3 10-00
147. Colby Bryant Houston, TX 5 09-15 62
Day 1: 5 09-15
148. Joey Hanna Corsicana, TX 4 09-15 61
Day 1: 4 09-15
149. Erik Brztowski Lemont, IL 4 09-14 60
Day 1: 4 09-14
149. Jason Horton Eucha, OK 4 09-14 0
Day 1: 4 09-14
151. David Boelkins Waukesha, WI 3 09-14 59
Day 1: 3 09-14
152. Jeffrey Barrickman Forsyth, MO 5 09-12 0
Day 1: 5 09-12
152. Matt Keezer Kirkland Quebec CANADA 5 09-12 58
Day 1: 5 09-12
154. Ken Day Kennewick, WA 4 09-12 57
Day 1: 4 09-12
155. Gary Hall Wardville, OK 5 09-11 56
Day 1: 5 09-11
156. Cody Bird Granbury, TX 5 09-10 55
Day 1: 5 09-10
156. Kole Poindexter Norman, OK 5 09-10 0
Day 1: 5 09-10
158. Tim Sprouse Clarksville, TN 5 09-08 54
Day 1: 5 09-08
158. Mikey Weems Hull, TX 5 09-08 54
Day 1: 5 09-08
160. Ish Monroe Oakdale, CA 4 09-07 52
Day 1: 4 09-07
161. Trace Freeman Northport, AL 5 09-04 51
Day 1: 5 09-04
162. Dave Parsons Yantis, TX 5 09-03 50
Day 1: 5 09-03
163. Kyoya Fujita Yamanashi CA JAPAN 5 09-02 0
Day 1: 5 09-02
164. Jeremy Johnson Leavenworth, KS 3 09-01 0
Day 1: 3 09-01
165. Teb Jones Yalaha, MS 5 08-13 49
Day 1: 5 08-13
166. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 4 08-10 48
Day 1: 4 08-10
167. Clay Henderson Purdy, MO 4 08-06 47
Day 1: 4 08-06
167. Yukihiro Sawamura Harker Heights, TX 4 08-06 47
Day 1: 4 08-06
169. John Engler III Vinton, IA 3 08-06 45
Day 1: 3 08-06
170. Justin Blackert Olathe, KS 3 08-02 44
Day 1: 3 08-02
171. Luke Kerstetter Seymour, TN 3 08-01 43
Day 1: 3 08-01
172. Peyton Harris Birmingham, AL 4 07-15 42
Day 1: 4 07-15
172. Brent Shores Savannah, TN 4 07-15 42
Day 1: 4 07-15
174. Kenta Kimura Osaka OK JAPAN 3 07-10 0
Day 1: 3 07-10
175. Andy Beloat Montgomery, TX 3 07-08 40
Day 1: 3 07-08
176. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 3 07-07 39
Day 1: 3 07-07
177. Wade Denney Nampa, ID 3 07-06 38
Day 1: 3 07-06
178. Lane Stephens Owasso, OK 4 07-05 37
Day 1: 4 07-05
179. Steven Doolittle Chelsea, OK 3 07-01 36
Day 1: 3 07-01
179. Marshall Halverson Johnston, IA 3 07-01 0
Day 1: 3 07-01
181. Hayden Marbut Birmingham, AL 3 06-02 35
Day 1: 3 06-02
182. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 3 06-01 34
Day 1: 3 06-01
183. Frank Mixon Abilene, TX 2 04-10 33
Day 1: 2 04-10
183. Scott Nielsen Murray, UT 2 04-10 33
Day 1: 2 04-10
185. Wyatt Wisian Ardmore, OK 2 03-14 31
Day 1: 2 03-14
186. Jack York Emory, TX 2 03-12 30
Day 1: 2 03-12
187. Bryan Hoffman Andrews, TX 2 03-08 29
Day 1: 2 03-08
188. Cory Williams Greenville, KY 1 03-03 0
Day 1: 1 03-03
189. Darrell Ivey Lebanon, MO 1 02-10 28
Day 1: 1 02-10
190. Jace Lindsay Beckville, TX 1 02-03 27
Day 1: 1 02-03
191. Johnny Grice Arp, TX 1 02-02 26
Day 1: 1 02-02
192. Kyle Zacharuk Keswick Ontario CANADA 1 02-00 25
Day 1: 1 02-00
193. Clay Dyer Fayetteville, TN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
193. Tracy Mitchell Springfield, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
193. Rick Pierce Mountain Home, AR 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 152 880 2337-08
----------------------------------
152 880 2337-08

by AnglersChannel

Texas’ Andrew Rickman vaults into lead at Toledo Bend B.A.S.S. Nation qualifier

MANY, La. — Riding the strength of back-to-back 30-pound bags, Andrew Rickman has put himself in prime position to win the Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Toledo Bend Reservoir presented by Lowrance.

Rickman, a 24-year-old angler from Canton, Texas, caught a limit of five largemouth bass weighing 34 pounds, 2 ounces and pulled into the lead Thursday on Day 2 of this three-day derby. That tremendous haul, Rickman’s personal best in tournament competition, gave him a two-day weight of 66-5.

Rickman was in second place after Day 1 with a 32-3 limit (a monster bag by any standard), and then he went bigger. It was a heck of a show from a newcomer to the massive 185,000-acre reservoir that forms a portion of the Louisiana-Texas border.

“Monday’s practice was the first time I’ve ever been to Toledo Bend,” Rickman said, chuckling. “I didn’t know much of anything about it, but it’s worked out well so far.”

Rickman said he’s using a particular technique to excel on a fishery that was unknown to him four days ago. Understandably, he wasn’t quite ready to talk specifics of his lure or presentation just yet, but he noted that everything must be “perfect” to get the biggest Toledo Bend bass in the boat.

“I’ve got the right bait in my hand in front of the big ones,” he said. “They’re not dumb. They’re very smart, really, and you have to make sure everything is 100-percent perfect. The bait’s gotta’ be perfect, the line’s gotta’ be perfect. If you’re using a leader, that’s gotta’ be perfect.

“It’s not like I’m seeing a lot of huge bass,” he added. “But I’ve been blessed to catch the big ones that I have seen.”

Some of those bites have been opportunistic, Rickman said. Others have come in the early morning when Toledo Bend’s legendary largemouth are gorging on forage throughout the fishery.

“There seems to be a couple bite windows in the day, and the main one is first thing in the morning,” he said. “As soon as you can start casting, you’re catching fish. The bluegill are wanting to spawn. The shad are spawning and the bass are following all of it. I caught one on Wednesday that spit up a bluegill that weighed 1/3 of a pound. It’s crazy out there right now.”

Rickman credited some of this week’s success to experience he’s gained the past two years guiding on Lake Fork. He considers Fork home water and it, like Toledo Bend, is renowned for lunker largemouth like the 9-2 he caught Thursday, the heaviest weighed on Day 2.

“I caught that one about 12 o’clock,” Rickman said, “and when I did, she just lost it. She jumped three or four times. She dove underneath the boat and went almost all the way to the other side. After a good amount of scares and near heart attacks, we got her in the boat.”

Rickman said catching 30-pound limits is not for the faint of heart, but he welcomes the nerves that come with a big tournament title within his grasp.

“Thirty pounds, that’s a mega-stringer,” he said. “I don’t know if I have another bag like that out there, but I’m gonna’ do my best to make it happen. I’ll probably be fishing all new water again on Friday. It’s hard not to do that, because everything here is new to me.”

Day 1 leader Trace Antunes III dropped to second overall with a two-day total of 64 pounds. After weighing a tournament-best 36-3 limit on Wednesday, he caught 27-13 on Thursday.

“I pulled up to my starting spot, and the fish had moved out,” said Antunes, 20, of Henderson, Texas. “I left there with about five pounds and I’d already missed three fish. I ran to some other spots I thought would be good and I caught two 6-pounders. That was encouraging, but then one about the same size jumped off. And then right next to it, I worked a bedding fish, a 6- or 7-pounder, for about 30 minutes before she broke off. I tried her about 20 more minutes, but got nothing.

“I had a lot of low 4-pounders today, some 2s and 3s. Then my lower unit went out, and I came in about 30 minutes early … It was just an off day. I don’t think there will be two off days in a row here, but we’ll see. We’ll have less pressure out there, so that can’t hurt.”

Antunes was referring to the cut that took place after Thursday’s weigh-in. The field of 267 anglers (170 boaters, 97 nonboaters) was narrowed to the Top 20 in both divisions, and they’ve already clinched part of the $78,000-plus cash purse. The top boater will win $11,130 and the top nonboater claims $3,853.

Rounding out the Top 5 on the boater side are, third, Georgia’s Daylon Milam, 58-12; fourth, South Carolina’s Peyton Sorrow, 56-14; and fifth, Texas’ Wyatt Frankens, 54-8.

Tyler Gautreaux, a 34-year-old from Houma, La., caught a 10-2 largemouth on Day 1 and remains in the lead for the tournament’s Big Bass Award.

Oklahoma’s Matt Edwards leads the nonboater field with a pair of three-bass limits totaling 19-2. Texas’ Arron Slaten is second with 15-14, and Oklahoma’s Matt Manners is third with 14 pounds.

The Top 18 in each division at Toledo Bend will advance to the 2026 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Lowrance when it’s held Nov. 18-21 at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, S.C.

Follow along with all of the action from the Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Toledo Bend Reservoir presented by Lowrance on Bassmaster.com.

This event is being hosted by Toledo Bend Lake Country.

2026 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Title Sponsor: Mercury

2026 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Presenting Sponsor: Lowrance

About B.A.S.S.

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

Media Contact: Mandy Pascal, Communications Manager, 334-414-8677, [email protected]

2026 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Toledo Bend presented by Lowrance 4/22-4/24
Toledo Bend Reservoir, Many LA.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2

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

1. Andrew Rickman Canton, TX 10 66-05 0
Day 1: 5 32-03 Day 2: 5 34-02
2. Trace Antunes III Henderson, TX 10 64-00 0
Day 1: 5 36-03 Day 2: 5 27-13
3. Daylon Milam Newnan, GA 10 58-12 0
Day 1: 5 25-05 Day 2: 5 33-07
4. Peyton Sorrow Abbeville, SC 10 56-14 0
Day 1: 5 29-12 Day 2: 5 27-02
5. Wyatt Frankens Corrigan , TX 10 54-08 0
Day 1: 5 28-08 Day 2: 5 26-00
6. Kaden Mueck Livingston, TX 10 52-15 0
Day 1: 5 23-07 Day 2: 5 29-08
7. Blake Bullock Seminary, MS 10 47-04 0
Day 1: 5 30-04 Day 2: 5 17-00
8. Chandler Howell Guntown, MS 10 45-14 0
Day 1: 5 23-04 Day 2: 5 22-10
9. Bradley Sullivan Shawnee, OK 10 45-10 0
Day 1: 5 23-00 Day 2: 5 22-10
10. Braden Lankford Wagoner, OK 10 42-04 0
Day 1: 5 21-01 Day 2: 5 21-03
11. Lane Clark Anderson, SC 10 41-14 0
Day 1: 5 21-13 Day 2: 5 20-01
12. Ben Milliken Omaha, NE 10 39-04 0
Day 1: 5 26-11 Day 2: 5 12-09
13. John James Coco Baton Rouge, LA 10 38-02 0
Day 1: 5 19-13 Day 2: 5 18-05
14. Joshua Adams Southlake, TX 10 37-14 0
Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 22-12
15. Tayson Hathorn Elm Springs, AR 10 37-02 0
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 5 26-01
16. John Kyle Pearce Frierson, LA 10 37-01 0
Day 1: 5 26-03 Day 2: 5 10-14
17. Chase Loftus Iowa City, IA 10 36-12 0
Day 1: 5 20-11 Day 2: 5 16-01
18. Carsen Adcock Haughton, LA 10 36-08 0
Day 1: 5 20-05 Day 2: 5 16-03
19. Dakota Morris Flowermound, TX 10 36-02 0
Day 1: 5 20-01 Day 2: 5 16-01
20. Bailey Walker Many, LA 8 35-13 0
Day 1: 5 24-13 Day 2: 3 11-00
21. Parker Batts Dandridge, TN 10 35-10 0 $795.00
Day 1: 5 19-09 Day 2: 5 16-01
22. Sam Taylor Nacogdoches, TX 10 35-07 0 $795.00
Day 1: 5 19-02 Day 2: 5 16-05
23. River Lee Diboll, TX 10 35-01 0 $795.00
Day 1: 5 19-08 Day 2: 5 15-09
24. Lane Edwards Paden, OK 10 34-12 0 $795.00
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 19-08
25. Cody Ross Livingston, TX 10 33-11 0 $795.00
Day 1: 5 19-11 Day 2: 5 14-00
26. Ben Burns Lucas, TX 10 32-09 0 $731.00
Day 1: 5 18-10 Day 2: 5 13-15
27. Ben Cully Conroe, TX 10 32-08 0 $731.00
Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 5 17-02
28. Chance Shelby Denham Springs, LA 10 32-04 0 $731.00
Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 5 16-11
29. Tre' Gautreau Prairieville, LA 10 31-09 0 $731.00
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 5 19-05
30. Andrew Waters Melissa, TX 10 31-09 0 $731.00
Day 1: 5 17-00 Day 2: 5 14-09
31. Happy Johnson Santa Fe, NM 10 30-07 0 $731.00
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 12-15
32. Kenji Yamada Chattanooga, TN 10 29-11 0 $731.00
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 17-05
33. Brent Hill Yukon, OK 10 29-09 0 $731.00
Day 1: 5 16-06 Day 2: 5 13-03
34. Chuck Black Logan, NM 10 29-03 0 $731.00
Day 1: 5 16-15 Day 2: 5 12-04
35. Aaron Brewer Clovis, NM 7 28-08 0 $731.00
Day 1: 2 05-10 Day 2: 5 22-14
36. David Ottman Terry, MS 10 27-15 0 $731.00
Day 1: 5 15-10 Day 2: 5 12-05
37. Tye Grissom Austin, TX 10 27-14 0 $731.00
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 5 12-11
38. Peyton Matherne Walker, LA 10 27-10 0 $731.00
Day 1: 5 15-15 Day 2: 5 11-11
39. Chris Gaudin El Dorado, AR 10 27-09 0 $731.00
Day 1: 5 09-03 Day 2: 5 18-06
40. Mike Bueche Pierre Part, LA 10 27-09 0 $731.00
Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 12-07
41. Skyler Koury Phoenix, AZ 10 27-08 0
Day 1: 5 13-08 Day 2: 5 14-00
42. James Howard Mesa, AZ 10 27-04 0
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 08-13
43. Cameron Naquin Gray, LA 10 25-10 0
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 5 09-13
44. Charles Coger Robert Lee, TX 10 25-08 0
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 10-11
45. Tyler Casteel Dequincy, LA 10 25-01 0
Day 1: 5 10-14 Day 2: 5 14-03
46. Hunter Neuville New Iberia, LA 10 24-14 0
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 5 12-13
47. Ryan Latch Lafayette, LA 10 24-13 0
Day 1: 5 12-13 Day 2: 5 12-00
48. Casey Tissue Vilonia, AR 8 24-12 0
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 3 10-01
49. Matt Martin Brookhaven, MS 7 24-11 0
Day 1: 5 20-12 Day 2: 2 03-15
50. Boyd Gautreau Saint Amant, LA 10 24-11 0
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 12-02
51. Michael Furgerson Claremore, OK 10 24-11 0
Day 1: 5 12-05 Day 2: 5 12-06
52. Dustin Perry Paradise, TX 9 24-09 0
Day 1: 5 15-11 Day 2: 4 08-14
53. Doug McClung Prairieville, LA 10 24-09 0
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 11-05
54. Dean Roberts Lake Charles, LA 10 24-09 0
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 5 13-01
55. Norman Uptain Jr. Globe, AZ 10 24-05 0
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 12-02
56. Kade Palmer Walker, LA 10 23-15 0
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 11-01
57. Mathew Higby Lamar, AR 9 23-15 0
Day 1: 5 12-12 Day 2: 4 11-03
58. Cameron Tull Norman, OK 7 23-10 0
Day 1: 3 09-01 Day 2: 4 14-09
59. John Fuqua Payson, AZ 7 22-12 0
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 2 08-01
60. Nick Ladart Sterlington, LA 8 22-05 0
Day 1: 5 15-00 Day 2: 3 07-05
61. Tyler Gautreaux Houma, LA 7 22-01 0
Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 2 03-08
62. Cory Ramsey De Kalb, TX 7 21-15 0
Day 1: 4 11-04 Day 2: 3 10-11
63. Eric Leger Mamou, LA 9 21-09 0
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 4 08-09
64. Nick Richey Aledo, TX 9 21-01 0
Day 1: 4 09-00 Day 2: 5 12-01
65. Branden Rannekleiv Reeves, LA 10 21-01 0
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 5 09-15
66. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR 9 21-00 0
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 4 09-06
67. Shannon Green Lebanon, MO 8 21-00 0
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 3 09-11
68. Dave Cavell Prairieville, LA 10 21-00 0
Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 5 10-09
69. Lane Haeger Flint, TX 8 20-14 0
Day 1: 4 11-10 Day 2: 4 09-04
70. Marcus Warren Jefferson City, TN 9 20-07 0
Day 1: 4 09-09 Day 2: 5 10-14
71. Ben Burk Norman, OK 9 20-07 0
Day 1: 4 10-06 Day 2: 5 10-01
72. Brian Hickey Pueblo, CO 9 20-05 0
Day 1: 5 13-03 Day 2: 4 07-02
73. Skip Rayborn Jr Hammond, LA 8 20-05 0
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 3 07-05
74. Cayden Reily Baton Rouge, LA 9 20-01 0
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 4 09-06
75. Richard Ballard II Sulphur, LA 10 20-01 0
Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 5 09-12
76. Austin Melville San Tan Valley, AZ 8 20-00 0
Day 1: 3 07-15 Day 2: 5 12-01
77. Ricky Vines El Dorado, AR 9 19-15 0
Day 1: 4 08-12 Day 2: 5 11-03
78. Austin Casteel Sulphur, LA 9 19-09 0
Day 1: 4 05-13 Day 2: 5 13-12
79. Brandon Soliz Robert Lee, TX 9 19-09 0
Day 1: 4 07-09 Day 2: 5 12-00
80. Jered Grooms Ada, OK 8 19-09 0
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 3 08-13
81. Allen Musser Ada, OK 10 19-08 0
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 5 08-07
82. John Pecoraro Youngsville, LA 10 19-05 0
Day 1: 5 09-12 Day 2: 5 09-09
83. Joseph Hart Brookhaven, MS 8 18-05 0
Day 1: 5 12-12 Day 2: 3 05-09
84. Teddy Granier Thibodaux, LA 8 18-05 0
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 3 06-04
85. Jason Pittman Covington, MS 8 18-03 0
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 3 07-10
86. Greg Cooper Monroe City, MO 8 17-04 0
Day 1: 4 08-03 Day 2: 4 09-01
87. Austin Legendre Donaldsonville, LA 8 17-03 0
Day 1: 4 07-03 Day 2: 4 10-00
88. Brannon Long Longview, TX 7 17-01 0
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 2 04-00
89. Brady Schran Zumbrota, MN 7 17-01 0
Day 1: 4 09-08 Day 2: 3 07-09
90. Jeffery Lawson Ellisville, MS 8 16-08 0
Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 3 06-01
91. Stephen Mitchell Ferriday, LA 8 16-07 0
Day 1: 3 05-14 Day 2: 5 10-09
92. Phil Clopton Macks Creek, MO 7 16-06 0
Day 1: 4 11-04 Day 2: 3 05-02
93. Austin Monroe Albuquerque, NM 7 16-03 0
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 2 04-12
94. Corey Wheat Gonzales, LA 5 16-03 0
Day 1: 2 07-04 Day 2: 3 08-15
95. Jeremy Fuentes Carlsbad, NM 6 16-02 0
Day 1: 4 10-14 Day 2: 2 05-04
96. Charley Williams Mannford, OK 6 15-05 0
Day 1: 2 03-01 Day 2: 4 12-04
97. Sam Jenkins Abita Springs, LA 7 15-03 0
Day 1: 5 09-15 Day 2: 2 05-04
98. Randy Campbell Tijeras, NM 7 15-03 0
Day 1: 2 05-07 Day 2: 5 09-12
99. Steve Lund Cave Creek, AZ 8 15-03 0
Day 1: 4 07-11 Day 2: 4 07-08
100. Jacob Sepeda Paradise, TX 6 14-09 0
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 1 02-07
101. Chadwick Washington Yukon, OK 6 14-07 0
Day 1: 3 07-10 Day 2: 3 06-13
102. Nathan Pratt Albuquerque, NM 7 13-09 0
Day 1: 2 03-07 Day 2: 5 10-02
103. Jeff Blackford Hopkins, MO 6 13-02 0
Day 1: 3 06-13 Day 2: 3 06-05
104. Alexander Blanchard Belle Rose, LA 6 12-15 0
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 1 01-02
105. Mike Hill Carlsbad, NM 7 12-06 0
Day 1: 3 05-02 Day 2: 4 07-04
106. Donald Adcock Richland, MS 5 11-10 0
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
107. Grayson Morrow San Angelo, TX 3 11-09 0
Day 1: 3 11-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
108. Scott Dooley Ashland, MO 6 11-09 0
Day 1: 3 06-13 Day 2: 3 04-12
109. Craig Mckenzie Aurora, CO 6 11-08 0
Day 1: 3 06-08 Day 2: 3 05-00
110. Ramsey Romanin Wolcott, CO 3 11-07 0
Day 1: 2 02-12 Day 2: 1 08-11
111. Blake Atchison Ava, MO 5 11-05 0
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
112. Richard Vizcarra Peoria, AZ 5 11-01 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 11-01
113. Gary Bowien Benton, AR 5 10-12 0
Day 1: 2 04-01 Day 2: 3 06-11
114. Brandon Mcdonald Willis, TX 5 10-09 0
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
115. Christopher Acuff Lebanon, MO 5 10-08 0
Day 1: 5 10-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
116. Kelly Burns Avondale, AZ 3 10-08 0
Day 1: 1 02-00 Day 2: 2 08-08
117. Jim Martin Harrison, AR 5 10-07 0
Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
118. Micah Phillips Wagoner , OK 4 10-06 0
Day 1: 4 10-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
119. Duane Pittman Gonzales, LA 3 10-05 0
Day 1: 3 10-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
120. Marshall Brown Smithville, MO 5 10-03 0
Day 1: 5 10-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
121. John Jackson Billings, MO 5 09-14 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 09-14
122. David Bishop Gilbert, AZ 4 09-14 0
Day 1: 4 09-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
123. Keith Hendrix Monroe City, MO 4 09-14 0
Day 1: 3 06-11 Day 2: 1 03-03
124. Cole Lamb Guion, AR 5 09-13 0
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
125. Neal Normand Gonzales, LA 4 09-03 0
Day 1: 4 09-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
126. Mario Carreon Las Cruces, NM 4 08-14 0
Day 1: 3 06-05 Day 2: 1 02-09
127. Michael Louviere New Iberia, LA 5 08-13 0
Day 1: 5 08-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
128. Parker Frew Greenville, MS 5 08-06 0
Day 1: 5 08-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
129. Joseph Bruener Douglass, TX 3 07-11 0
Day 1: 3 07-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
130. Richard Everest Hobbs, NM 4 07-06 0
Day 1: 2 04-03 Day 2: 2 03-03
131. Bryan Trahan Orange, TX 4 07-05 0
Day 1: 4 07-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
132. David Flemming Woodland Park, CO 3 07-04 0
Day 1: 2 03-09 Day 2: 1 03-11
133. JJ Craig Walnut Grove, MS 4 06-15 0
Day 1: 4 06-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
133. Mark Jones Meadville, MS 4 06-15 0
Day 1: 4 06-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
135. Terry Service College Station, TX 3 06-12 0
Day 1: 3 06-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
136. Chase Washburn Shawnee, OK 2 06-11 0
Day 1: 1 01-12 Day 2: 1 04-15
137. Timothy Merkh Bennington, KS 2 06-08 0
Day 1: 2 06-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
138. Ryan Dardano Berthoud, CO 3 06-07 0
Day 1: 3 06-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
139. Gary Little Soso, MS 4 06-03 0
Day 1: 4 06-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Brad Hillebrandt Florien, LA 3 06-01 0
Day 1: 3 06-01 Day 2: 0 00-00
141. Michael Hargraves Seguin, TX 3 06-01 0
Day 1: 1 02-02 Day 2: 2 03-15
142. John Frala Leonard, MO 2 05-13 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 05-13
143. Brian Stangel Albuquerque, NM 3 05-10 0
Day 1: 1 01-04 Day 2: 2 04-06
144. Glenn Connors Springfield, MO 2 05-06 0
Day 1: 2 05-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
145. Bryan Finch Belton, TX 2 05-04 0
Day 1: 2 05-04 Day 2: 0 00-00
146. Derek Cochems Moody, TX 1 03-04 0
Day 1: 1 03-04 Day 2: 0 00-00
147. Jason Westrip Crane, MO 2 03-02 0
Day 1: 2 03-02 Day 2: 0 00-00
148. DaShon Peck The Colony, TX 2 03-02 0
Day 1: 1 01-12 Day 2: 1 01-06
149. Emile Gennaro Wesson, MS 1 02-12 0
Day 1: 1 02-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
150. Cavin Courville Lake Charles, LA 1 02-09 0
Day 1: 1 02-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
151. David Chase Las Cruces, NM 1 02-00 0
Day 1: 1 02-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
152. Michael Hamilton Midwest City, OK 1 01-13 0
Day 1: 1 01-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
153. Travis Merritt Iowa, LA 1 01-09 0
Day 1: 1 01-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
154. Randy Grimes College Station, TX 1 01-06 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-06
155. Joseph Gamboa Elephant Butte, NM 1 01-00 0
Day 1: 1 01-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
156. Brian Bolander Scottsdale, AZ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
156. Josh Bradford Jonesville, LA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
156. Jayden Corr Sunset, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
156. Tyler Duggins West Plains, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
156. Levi Evans Squires, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
156. Kris Lee Coweta, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
156. Cory Leita Victoria, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
156. Matthew Lipari Patterson, LA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
156. Kalib Lund Yuma, AZ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
156. Ira Lynn Spring Branch, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
156. Cody Monlezun Nacogdoches, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
156. Kenneth Moore Red Oak, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
156. Connor Santos Fountain, CO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
156. Richard Wilson Lubbock, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
156. Andrew Wren Wylie, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 89 615 1789-05
2 69 487 1421-06
----------------------------------
158 1102 3210-11
2026 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Toledo Bend presented by Lowrance 4/22-4/24
Toledo Bend Reservoir, Many LA.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 2

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

1. Matt Edwards Paden, OK 6 19-02 0
Day 1: 3 07-01 Day 2: 3 12-01
2. Arron Slaten Shepherd, TX 6 15-14 0
Day 1: 3 09-12 Day 2: 3 06-02
3. Matt Manners Durant, OK 5 14-00 0
Day 1: 2 04-08 Day 2: 3 09-08
4. Mark Shelton Fayetteville, AR 6 13-15 0
Day 1: 3 06-00 Day 2: 3 07-15
5. Zack Busch Bloomsdale, MO 6 13-13 0
Day 1: 3 08-10 Day 2: 3 05-03
6. Jake Beach Opelousas, LA 6 13-00 0
Day 1: 3 05-00 Day 2: 3 08-00
7. Scott Vice Patterson, LA 5 12-11 0
Day 1: 2 05-07 Day 2: 3 07-04
8. Justin Jensen Laurel, MS 5 12-09 0
Day 1: 3 07-15 Day 2: 2 04-10
9. Mike Casanova Frisco, TX 6 12-09 0
Day 1: 3 06-14 Day 2: 3 05-11
10. David Wheat Philadelphia, MS 5 12-02 0
Day 1: 2 04-13 Day 2: 3 07-05
11. Hieu Nguyen Stillwater, OK 5 12-01 0
Day 1: 3 08-13 Day 2: 2 03-04
12. Degan Dougherty Peoria, AZ 4 11-04 0
Day 1: 1 02-05 Day 2: 3 08-15
13. Coy Brown Magnolia, AR 4 11-03 0
Day 1: 3 09-08 Day 2: 1 01-11
14. Tanner Ortega Albuquerque, NM 4 11-02 0
Day 1: 3 07-15 Day 2: 1 03-03
15. Robert Duggar El Dorado, AR 5 11-01 0
Day 1: 2 04-12 Day 2: 3 06-05
16. Jonathan Small Pleasant Hill, MO 6 10-15 0
Day 1: 3 04-00 Day 2: 3 06-15
17. Jordan Schwartzkopf El Mirage, AZ 4 10-12 0
Day 1: 1 05-09 Day 2: 3 05-03
18. John Case Clarksville, AR 3 10-08 0
Day 1: 2 03-13 Day 2: 1 06-11
19. Clinton Everett Surprise, AZ 5 10-07 0
Day 1: 2 04-07 Day 2: 3 06-00
20. Jeremy Barbour Lucedale, MS 4 10-05 0
Day 1: 3 07-09 Day 2: 1 02-12
21. Steve Weaver Oklahoma City, OK 4 10-02 0 $275.00
Day 1: 2 06-05 Day 2: 2 03-13
22. Cliff Martinez Seguin, TX 4 10-01 0 $275.00
Day 1: 3 06-07 Day 2: 1 03-10
23. Brett Martinez Donaldsonville, LA 6 10-01 0 $275.00
Day 1: 3 04-15 Day 2: 3 05-02
24. Casey Cline Peoria, AZ 5 10-00 0 $275.00
Day 1: 3 05-10 Day 2: 2 04-06
25. Anthony Gordon Kirksville, MO 5 09-08 0 $275.00
Day 1: 2 03-04 Day 2: 3 06-04
26. Johnnie Rucker New Canton, MO 3 09-03 0 $275.00
Day 1: 2 07-07 Day 2: 1 01-12
27. Arturo Baquera Noble, OK 4 09-01 0 $275.00
Day 1: 3 06-14 Day 2: 1 02-03
28. Travis Culbreth Brandon, MS 3 08-13 0 $275.00
Day 1: 3 08-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
29. Jon Mohon Sr Hahnville, LA 2 08-11 0 $275.00
Day 1: 2 08-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
30. Glenn Hahn San Antonio, TX 4 08-09 0 $275.00
Day 1: 1 01-13 Day 2: 3 06-12
31. Eli Sepeda Roby, TX 4 08-07 0
Day 1: 2 03-06 Day 2: 2 05-01
32. Kevin Joines Choctaw, OK 3 08-03 0
Day 1: 1 01-09 Day 2: 2 06-10
33. Roger Arthur Truth Or Consequences, 4 08-03 0
Day 1: 2 04-13 Day 2: 2 03-06
34. Paul Martinez Jemez Springs, NM 3 08-01 0
Day 1: 3 08-01 Day 2: 0 00-00
35. Matheuw Forbes Fort Collins, CO 5 07-15 0
Day 1: 2 02-08 Day 2: 3 05-07
36. Kendall Loper Olathe, KS 3 07-12 0
Day 1: 3 07-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
37. Christopher Sanchez Albuquerque, NM 4 07-06 0
Day 1: 3 05-11 Day 2: 1 01-11
38. Shaun Lepper Grand Junction, CO 4 07-06 0
Day 1: 1 02-00 Day 2: 3 05-06
39. Brett Becker Tucson, AZ 4 07-06 0
Day 1: 2 03-05 Day 2: 2 04-01
40. Rick Sanger Grand Junction, CO 4 07-06 0
Day 1: 2 03-11 Day 2: 2 03-11
41. R.J. Leblanc Franklin, LA 3 07-05 0
Day 1: 2 05-04 Day 2: 1 02-01
42. Kim Mills Rio Rancho, NM 4 07-02 0
Day 1: 1 01-11 Day 2: 3 05-07
43. Gary Mills Rio Rancho, NM 4 07-01 0
Day 1: 1 01-11 Day 2: 3 05-06
44. Thomas Edwards Gilbert, AZ 4 07-01 0
Day 1: 3 05-03 Day 2: 1 01-14
45. Bryse Dodson Ava, MO 4 07-00 0
Day 1: 3 05-06 Day 2: 1 01-10
46. James Barber Greenville, TX 3 07-00 0
Day 1: 2 04-11 Day 2: 1 02-05
47. Kyle Klein Hutchinson, KS 4 06-14 0
Day 1: 2 03-02 Day 2: 2 03-12
48. Stephen Branon Centerton, AR 4 06-10 0
Day 1: 1 01-12 Day 2: 3 04-14
49. Tom Worsham Clifton, CO 3 06-05 0
Day 1: 3 06-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
50. John Santos Colorado Springs, CO 2 06-01 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 06-01
51. Kylan Easley Kirksville, MO 3 05-15 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 05-15
52. Ron Price Canon City, CO 2 05-15 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 05-15
53. Rickey Monroe Edgewood, NM 2 05-11 0
Day 1: 1 03-10 Day 2: 1 02-01
54. Alec Carroll Phoenix, AZ 3 05-05 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 05-05
54. Nicholas Estes Saint Joseph, MO 3 05-05 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 05-05
56. Aaron Loper Olathe, KS 3 05-04 0
Day 1: 3 05-04 Day 2: 0 00-00
57. Jake Morrison Phoenix, AZ 3 05-03 0
Day 1: 3 05-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
58. Aaron Landry Napoleonville, LA 2 04-15 0
Day 1: 1 01-04 Day 2: 1 03-11
59. Chris Demiglio Denton, TX 2 04-14 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 04-14
60. Kendall Amos Greenville, MS 3 04-12 0
Day 1: 1 01-08 Day 2: 2 03-04
61. Ricky-Ray Martinez Jr Santa Fe, NM 3 04-11 0
Day 1: 2 03-03 Day 2: 1 01-08
62. Ernie Villa Midland, TX 3 04-11 0
Day 1: 1 01-13 Day 2: 2 02-14
63. Chris Nettles Hickory Creek, TX 2 04-08 0
Day 1: 2 04-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
63. Cody Ralph Brighton, CO 2 04-08 0
Day 1: 2 04-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
63. Joshua Simmons De Soto, MO 2 04-08 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 04-08
66. Shayne Dupree Haslet, TX 3 04-05 0
Day 1: 3 05-05 Day 2: 0 -01-00
67. Eric Baker Oklahoma City, OK 2 04-00 0
Day 1: 2 04-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
68. John Gilbert Mesa, AZ 1 03-15 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 03-15
69. Rachel Chase Las Cruces, NM 2 03-13 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 03-13
70. Scott Hausman Owasso, OK 2 03-13 0
Day 1: 1 02-01 Day 2: 1 01-12
71. Blake Burdette Anderson, SC 2 03-11 0
Day 1: 2 03-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
71. David Walton Willis, TX 2 03-11 0
Day 1: 2 03-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
73. Jordan Fudge Melissa , TX 2 03-09 0
Day 1: 1 01-05 Day 2: 1 02-04
74. Buddy French Ruth, MS 2 03-06 0
Day 1: 1 01-07 Day 2: 1 01-15
75. Jay Quintero-Salazar Phoenix, AZ 2 02-15 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 02-15
76. Jason English San Antonio, TX 1 02-00 0
Day 1: 1 02-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
76. Jim Hays Loveland, CO 1 02-00 0
Day 1: 1 02-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
78. Rick Lewis Madison, MS 1 01-11 0
Day 1: 1 01-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
79. Seth Hausman Owasso, OK 1 01-07 0
Day 1: 1 01-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
80. Marion Daniels Kansas City, KS 1 01-07 0
Day 1: 1 01-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
81. Jerry Miller Mckinney, TX 1 01-06 0
Day 1: 1 01-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
82. Jesse Haworth Kenner, AL 1 01-05 0
Day 1: 1 01-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
83. Mark Cowart Kearney, MO 1 01-03 0
Day 1: 1 01-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
84. Robin Hessling Quincy, IL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
84. Charlie Hewitt Prairieville, LA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
84. Tod Higby Lamar, AR 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
84. Tom Parks Prescott Valley, AZ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
84. David Porter Rockwall, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
84. Kelvin Preis Mountain Home, AR 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
84. William Ross Newalla, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
84. Benjamin Saunders Gardner, KS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
84. Skipper Smith Pearl, MS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
84. Josh Thalman Saratoga Springs, UT 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
84. Karl Voss Sulphur, LA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
84. Brad Weiss Bennington, KS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
84. Phillip White Basehor, KS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
84. Christopher Wilson Tucson, AZ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 26 149 327-07
2 25 130 288-01
----------------------------------
51 279 615-08

by AnglersChannel

Capitalizing on a shad spawn will be key at Lake Norman Open

Opens_Turtlebox_BattTender_4C-Raster (2).png

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Targeting bass feeding around a shad spawn should lead anglers to the top of the leaderboard in a postspawn duel at the 2026 Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Lake Norman presented by Battery Tender according to Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series pro Matt Arey.

“Typically in late April and early May, there will be a full blown shad spawn,” the Shelby, N.C. pro said. “That should be the primary deal for this Open. I think guys can get really well really fast if they find the right stretch first thing in the morning.”

Tournament days for the third stop of the Division I slate are April 30-May 2. Daily takeoffs are scheduled for 6:30 a.m. ET out of Blythe Landing and anglers will begin checking in at 2:30 p.m. The winner will punch their ticket to the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, given they’ve fished all four Division I events. The Top 50 finishers in Division I points will advance to the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers presented by Bass Pro Shops.

The largest reservoir in North Carolina at 32,500 acres, Lake Norman has plenty of space for anglers to spread out. The last time the Opens visited Lake Norman in the fall of 2021, local pro Cody Hoyle claimed the trophy with three-day total of 40 pounds, 4 ounces.

Spotted bass rule the fishery these days, and Arey points out that some of them are big, but having a kicker largemouth or two goes a long way in a tournament setting.

“I can go out and catch 50 bass and I’d be lucky if four or five of them are largemouth,” Arey added. “Whoever wins will have to have some largemouth in their bag. If it was late summer or early fall, you could win with all spotted bass. But this time of year, you have to have some largemouth in your bag.

“I think 14 to 16 pounds a day is going to be really strong,” he added.

Western North Carolina is in the middle of extreme drought conditions, and Lake Norman is several inches below full pool as it currently stands. While the far northern reaches of Lake Norman below the Lookout Shoals Dam won’t have the same current flow, Arey doesn’t see the lower levels having a huge effect during this tournament.

“As long as the water level is fairly consistent, it won’t affect things too much,” the six-time Classic qualifier explained. “It could have a negative effect on some late spawners, but as far as the shad spawn is concerned I don’t think that will have an impact.”

Each section of the lake sets up a little differently. Two warm water discharges pump into the lake, one in Ramsey Creek on the south end and another close to the Highway 150 bridge. The bass in that section of the lake spawn much earlier than the rest of the population.

“This place fishes like several bodies of water,” Arey said. “One thing about Norman, it fishes really big. Tournaments can be won on potentially any section, it just depends on which section is producing the biggest bites that week. You have to figure out the lake in sections. You can get bit everywhere, and that spreads people out and gives people false hope in areas that don’t have the potential.”

Overall, Arey believes the field will be fishing for mostly postspawners, with plenty of those feeding on a threadfin shad spawn around marinas, docks, deep riprap banks, bridge pilling and seawalls. Once the shad spawn dissipates, he expects anglers to target fry guarders and lone postspawn females around floating docks and any other available cover.

“You’ll have some big postspawners doing their recovery under the floating docks and you can target those with a big swimbait. Those shad spawn bass will hang out in the area. They might slide to a community dock or a secondary point,” he said. “It is too early for bream beds and a little early for the brush bite to be good.”

Although diminished, there is a population of Blueback herring that live in Lake Norman as well, a bite that could greatly benefit an angler who is lucky enough to stumble across them.

Georgia’s Cody Stahl leads the Division I points race with 378 points followed by fellow Georgian Buddy Benson in second, also with 378 points. Florida’s Bryson O’Steen is third with 368 points, Texas’s Niko Romero is fourth with 361 points and Tennessee’s Dillon Falardeau is fifth with 359 points. Connor Jacob (358 points), Bo Thomas (354), Chase Clarke (351), David Williams (350) and Jonathan Kelley (348) round out the Top 10.

Follow along with all of the action from the Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Lake Norman presented by Battery Tender on Bassmaster.com.

Visit Lake Norman is hosting this event.

2026 Bassmaster Opens Series Title Sponsor: Turtlebox

2026 Bassmaster Opens Series Presenting Sponsor: Battery Tender

About B.A.S.S.

by AnglersChannel

MLF Fisheries Management Division, Zoeller Pumps Donate $11,000 to James River Basin Partnership

Funding supports septic pump-out rebate program improving water quality in the James River and Table Rock Lake

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (April 23, 2026) – During the REDCREST 2026 Post Game Show on Friday, April 17, the Major League Fishing (MLF) Fisheries Management Division (FMD) , alongside program partner Zoeller Pumps, announced a significant investment in Ozarks water quality efforts with an $11,000 donation to the James River Basin Partnership (JRBP).

Presented by MLF Co-Founder and FMD Co-Director Gary Klein on behalf of Zoeller Pumps, the contribution marks the first of three conservation projects under the newly launched MLF FMD Zoeller Pumps “We Work For Water” program . The funding will directly support JRBP’s long-running “Fresh Flush” Septic Pump-Out Rebate Program, an initiative designed to improve water quality in the James River – the largest tributary feeding into Table Rock Lake.

“Programs like this are exactly what fisheries management should look like – practical, measurable and rooted in community impact,” said Klein. “This investment helps address water quality at its source, ensuring that fisheries like Table Rock Lake remain healthy and productive for generations to come.”

Established in 2003, the Fresh Flush program was one of the first major cost-share initiatives launched by JRBP after the James River was designated as impaired due to severe algae blooms in the late 1990s. Originally funded through Clean Water Act Section 319 grants, the program has since been sustained through a combination of municipal partnerships and private contributions.

To date, more than 6,800 septic systems have been serviced through the rebate program, which typically processes 160 to 200 rebates annually. Homeowners within the basin are eligible to receive up to $150 per property each year to offset the cost of professional septic tank pump-outs.

The program plays a critical role in reducing nutrient loading – specifically nitrogen and phosphorus – from failing or poorly maintained septic systems. These nutrients can contribute to harmful algal blooms that negatively impact fish populations and water quality. Long-term monitoring shows a 25% reduction in phosphorus concentrations in the James River since the program’s inception.

Beyond ecological benefits, the initiative has delivered measurable improvements in public health. By addressing septic system failures in the Ozarks’ porous karst terrain, the program has significantly reduced E. coli contamination levels. From 2015 to 2024, the river achieved an average 84% passing rate for recreational safety standards—an important milestone compared to historically volatile and often unsafe conditions.

The James River arm serves as a critical spawning ground for both largemouth and spotted bass, making water quality improvements essential to sustaining one of the region’s most valuable fisheries.

“This is a great example of how local action can create lasting impact,” Klein added. “When you improve water quality upstream, you’re protecting everything downstream – from fish populations to the communities that depend on these resources.”

The MLF Fisheries Management Division continues to expand its conservation footprint through strategic partnerships like the Zoeller Pumps “We Work For Water” program, supporting initiatives that deliver real-world results for fisheries, habitats and local communities.

For more information about the Fresh Flush program or to apply for a rebate, visit JamesRiverBasin.com.

by AnglersChannel

MLF Toyota Series Southern Division to Wrap Season Next Week at Lake Seminole

BAINBRIDGE, Ga. (April 23, 2026) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats will continue the 2026 season next week with the third and final event of the Southern Division, April 30-May 2, at Lake Seminole in Bainbridge, Georgia – the Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats at Lake Seminole.

The three-day tournament, hosted by Visit Bainbridge, will feature a roster of the region’s best bass-fishing pros and co-anglers competing for a top prize of up to $100,000 in the pro division and a new Phoenix 518 Pro boat with a 115-horsepower outboard motor plus $5,000 in the co-angler division.

Experienced on the lake, boater Landon Tucker of Adel, Georgia, has high hopes for this event. Last year’s Toyota Series event was held about a week earlier, and it took huge weights – the top five all averaged more than 22 pounds per day.

“It’ll be full postspawn, I think,” said Tucker. “They spawned pretty hard a couple of weeks ago. They’ll be out in the trees; there might be a couple on ledges. It’s going to take some weight. A guy I know had about 28 there Saturday in about 3 hours.”

When it comes to Lake Seminole, Tucker loves it because of the challenges the reservoir offers.

“I love the grass, I love the trees,” he said. “I don’t care about bouncing my boat off the trees. It’s intimidating for people who don’t know it, but I’ve been there my whole life. There are so many different things you can do.”

Expect the fishing throughout the week to be pretty good, and for power and finesse techniques to play. Obviously, a minnow and a Coike will be key players for offshore fish at some points in time. But offshore bass there can also fall for a crankbait or a Carolina rig, and you don’t absolutely need LiveScope to fish in the timber in Spring Creek.

“Before ‘Scope, we used to do it all the time with an a-rig or old-school big worms,” said Tucker. “You can still catch ‘em in the trees without it.”

Last year, multiple pros caught 27 pounds or better at least one day of the event, and the weights were astronomical. But that was with full days of forward-facing sonar, not just three hours as is the case this year.

“It’ll be a smashfest, I think,” said Tucker. “That three hours we get will be very key. But if you get a school of them in the trees, you can do it pretty quick.”

This year, Tucker thinks that 22 pounds a day, which works out to 66 pounds total, ought to put you where you need to be to win.

Anglers will take off each day at 7 a.m. CT, launching from the Earle May Boat Basin, located at 100 Boat Basin Circle in Bainbridge. Weigh-ins will also take place at the Earle May Boat Basin, starting at 3 p.m. daily. Fans are invited to attend in person and can also stay connected by following the “MLF Live” weigh-in broadcasts and daily updates on MajorLeagueFishing.com.

In Toyota Series regular-season competition, payouts are based on the number of participants competing in the event, scaling up for every 20 boats over 160 and down for every boat below 160. With a 160-boat field, pros fish for a top prize of up to $75,000, if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard (valued at $33,500). With a 260-boat field, pros fish for a top award of up to $100,000, if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard, plus $5,000 cash.

The 2026 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats consists of five divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern and Southwestern – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the five divisions or the Wild Card division and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning up to $235,000 and qualification to REDCREST 2027. The winning co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard. The 2026 Toyota Series Championship will be held Nov. 5-7 on Pickwick Lake in Counce, Tennessee, and is hosted by Explore Pickwick Lake & Hardin County Tourism.

Proud sponsors of the 2026 MLF Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats include: 7 Brew, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Buffalo, BUBBA, Cigars International, Epic Baits, Grizzly, Mercury, MillerTech, OFF! Deep Woods, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, PirahnO2, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, VOSKER, YETI and Yuengling.

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

by AnglersChannel

B.A.S.S. partners with Tedy’s Team to promote Stroke Awareness Month; Lake Murray Elite event to highlight initiative

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. today announced a new partnership with Tedy’s Team Foundation to promote Stroke Awareness Month in May, using the platform of professional bass fishing to educate anglers and fans about stroke prevention and the importance of recognizing warning signs. As part of the partnership, Tedy’s Team will serve as the title sponsor of the Bassmaster Elite at Lake Murray, May 7-10. In conjunction with the tournament, a 5K race and raffle will be held, with all proceeds benefiting Tedy’s Team and its mission to raise awareness and support stroke prevention efforts.

Tedy’s Team, founded by former NFL linebacker, three-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots and stroke survivor Tedy Bruschi and his wife Heidi, is dedicated to raising awareness, supporting stroke survivors and advocating for education around stroke prevention and recovery. The organization has worked nationwide to empower individuals with knowledge of stroke warning signs and the importance of immediate medical response.

The event will be a focal point for awareness efforts, with anglers, fans and attendees encouraged to wear red during one day of the tournament to show support for stroke awareness and those affected by stroke.

A central component of the awareness campaign is educating fans on the BE FAST warning signs of stroke — Balance difficulties, Eyesight changes, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty and Time to call 911. Recognizing these symptoms quickly and taking immediate action can save lives and significantly improve outcomes, making education a critical part of the partnership’s mission.

“We’re proud to partner with Bassmaster for the upcoming Lake Murray Elite event,” said Tedy Bruschi, Co-Founder of Tedy’s Team Foundation. “This collaboration allows us to engage with a passionate community while raising critical awareness about stroke prevention and the warning signs everyone should know.”

The partnership carries special meaning within the B.A.S.S. organization. B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson, a stroke survivor, has been a strong advocate for raising awareness and hopes to use the Bassmaster platform to make a difference beyond the water.

“Partnering with Tedy’s Team is incredibly special for me,” said Chase Anderson, B.A.S.S. CEO. “As a stroke survivor, I’ve experienced how quickly a stroke can occur and how important it is to recognize the warning signs and act fast. A message I would like to share with the bass fishing community is that Stroke is Preventable, Treatable and Reversible. Tedy Bruschi and the Tedy’s Team Foundation do an outstanding job promoting stroke awareness and the importance of immediate action. I was fortunate that the severity of my symptoms led to quick medical attention, but that’s not the case for many, as strokes often begin with subtle warning signs. I’ve stayed close with the medical team who helped save my life, and that experience continues to drive my passion for raising awareness. I met Tedy at the Bassmaster Classic Celebrity Pro-Am and was inspired by his commitment to promote stroke awareness. I’m proud to work together and engage our anglers and fans throughout May to make a meaningful impact far beyond the water.”

Through the Lake Murray Elite event and additional activations throughout May, B.A.S.S. and Tedy’s Team will work together to share educational messaging around stroke symptoms, prevention and the importance of quick response. The initiative will leverage Bassmaster’s reach across events, digital platforms and social media to connect with millions of anglers and outdoor enthusiasts.

“This partnership represents an opportunity to use the power of our sport to deliver an important message,” said Phillip Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of B.A.S.S. “Our anglers and fans are a tight-knit community, and when we come together around a cause like this, we can make a meaningful impact. Working with Tedy’s Team allows us to raise awareness in a way that’s authentic, personal and far-reaching.”

The Tedy’s Team Bassmaster Elite at Lake Murray will showcase the world’s best anglers competing on one of South Carolina’s premier fisheries while also serving as a platform to promote a life-saving message.

For more information on Stroke Awareness Month and Tedy’s Team, visit Bassmaster.com and Tedysteam.org.

About Tedy’s Team

Tedy’s Team was created in 2005, after Tedy Bruschi suffered a stroke at the age of 31. Our mission is raising awareness of stroke and heart disease while supporting survivors on their journey, giving them the means for a comeback. 20 years in and over $15million raised, we are proud to be a catalyst for change, in regard to stroke and heart disease. Stroke is the nation’s No. 5 killer and a leading cause of disability. Tedy and Heidi, are dedicated to helping survivors through our new Comeback Assistance Program, the Tedy’s Team Center of Excellence in Stroke Recovery at Mass General Hospital’s Institute of Health Professions, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago, funding lifesaving research and bringing awareness of the warning signs of stroke and heart disease. For more information, visit www.tedysteam.org.

About B.A.S.S.

by AnglersChannel

Gill’s Apex Pro-X 2.0 Rain Suit: Built for Speed, Engineered for the Worst Conditions

Jacksonville, FL — April 23, 2026 — The Apex Pro-X 2.0 Rain Suit stands as the highest-performing system in Gill’s lineup, engineered for anglers and boaters operating in extreme, high-speed conditions. Built with XPLORE+® 3-layer waterproof, breathable fabric and a SHIELD® PFAS-free water-repellent finish, it delivers uncompromising protection from wind, rain, and spray while keeping you dry, comfortable, and focused.

Designed for performance on the water, the suit features marine-grade YKK® zippers with storm protection, fully taped seams, and Vortex hood technology for stability at high speeds. Adjustable double cuffs with PU seals and secure storage enhance functionality, while the integrated bib system adds abrasion-resistant panels, a stretch back for mobility, and full-length side zips for easy layering and quick changes.

Built for speed, durability, and total confidence, the Apex Pro-X 2.0 delivers maximum protection with zero compromises.

The Apex Pro-X 2.0 Rain Suit is available now through authorized retailers and online at gillmarine.com/collections/fishing.

About Gill:
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by AnglersChannel

Antunes is in tune at Toledo Bend B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier

MANY, La. — The consensus opinion among competitors and pundits was that conditions were set up for something special to happen during the Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Toledo Bend Reservoir presented by Lowrance.

Boy, were they right.

Trace Antunes III, a 20-year-old from Henderson, Texas, went wild Wednesday on Day 1 of this tournament, catching five largemouth bass for a whopping total of 36 pounds, 3 ounces.

A confluence of near-perfect conditions greeted anglers at Toledo Bend this week, with temperatures in the 70s, partly cloudy skies and a gizzard shad spawn that sent the fabled largemouth bass that swim here into a feeding frenzy. Throw in a number of bedding bass, as well as solo largemouth cruising the 185,000-acre impoundment gorging on shad, and one of America’s finest fisheries was ready for action.

So were the anglers, with eight in the boater division catching limits in excess of 25 pounds on Day 1, including three that went over 30 pounds.

None were as successful on Wednesday as Antunes, who now fishes the Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops for the University of Montevallo (Ala.). He grew up about two hours from Toledo Bend, but with so many productive lakes in northeast Texas closer to home, only rarely fished the sprawling reservoir that straddles the Louisiana-Texas border.

He looked like a Toledo Bend veteran on Day 1 of this derby, though. He fished the gizzard shad spawn early on Wednesday and started strongly with a 6-pounder. He followed with a pair of bedding bass (weighing 7 and 8 1/2 pounds, respectively), and he had a 9-pounder at boatside before she broke off.

Antunes shook off any disappointment, hooking bass of 6 and 5 pounds soon thereafter.

“I had 30-plus pounds by 8, 8:30 this morning,” he said. “Once I had that, I started running new water and I upgraded with a 6 and a 7 1/2. I didn’t have to go to all my spots. I was really happy about that.”

It’s been that sort of week for Antunes, who said he caught a limit of about 40 pounds on his best practice day. That’s all he needed to see, as he spent the rest of practice boating around the massive reservoir looking for additional waypoints to consider.

“There are some really incredible fish swimming around,” he said. “I’m ready to get out there tomorrow. I’ve got four or five other spots that are just as good as the ones I went to today. Hopefully they produce as well as the ones I fished today.”

As big of a bag as Antunes boated, several in the field gave close chase. Andrew Rickman, a 24-year-old from Canton, Texas, stayed close to the leader with a 32-3 limit. Eli Bullock, 23 and of Seminary, Miss., is in third place with 30-4 caught on Day 1.

Knowing a competitor can overtake him with one monster Toledo Bend bite, Antunes was tight-lipped about the techniques he used Wednesday.

“There are a lot of people fishing around me, but they’re fishing the wrong stuff,” he said. “So, I can’t really talk about that. I have to keep pushing.”

And lucky for him, he thinks he has the bass to catch another 30-pound bag — maybe two more.

“I don’t want to sound cocky, but I do (think I can top 30 pounds again),” he said. “I don’t know if I have 36 pounds in me like today. But 30? Yeah. This place is that good.”

A total of 267 anglers are competing across boater and nonboater divisions on Toledo Bend this week. They hail from 18 different states and they’re fishing for a total cash purse worth more than $77,000. The winning boater will win $11,130.

Tyler Gautreaux, a 34-year-old from Houma in south Louisiana, caught a 10-2 largemouth that was the Big Bass of the Day. He ended Day 1 in 25th place with an 18-9 limit.

Arron Slaten, of Shepherd, Texas, leads the nonboater field with a three-bass limit of 9-12. Coy Brown, of Magnolia, Ark., is second with 9-3; and Travis Culbreath, of Alexander City, Ala., is tied with Stillwater, Oklahoma’s Hieu Ngyuen for third among nonboaters (8-13).

The entire field will return to the water Thursday when they take off from Cypress Bend Park beginning at 6:30 a.m. The Day 2 weigh-in is scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m. When that’s complete, the field will be winnowed to the Top 20 competitors in both the boater and nonboater divisions and they’ll fish Friday in the third and final day of the tournament.

The Top 18 will advance to the 2026 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Lowrance when it’s held Nov. 18-21 at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, S.C.

Follow along with all of the action from the Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Toledo Bend Reservoir presented by Lowrance on Bassmaster.com.

This event is being hosted by Toledo Bend Lake Country.

2026 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Title Sponsor: Mercury

2026 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Presenting Sponsor: Lowrance

About B.A.S.S.

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

Media Contact: Mandy Pascal, Communications Manager, 334-414-8677, [email protected]

2026 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Toledo Bend presented by Lowrance 4/22-4/24
Toledo Bend Reservoir, Many LA.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1

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

1. Trace Antunes III Henderson, TX 5 36-03 0
Day 1: 5 36-03
2. Andrew Rickman Canton, TX 5 32-03 0
Day 1: 5 32-03
3. Eli Bullock Seminary, MS 5 30-04 0
Day 1: 5 30-04
4. Peyton Sorrow Abbeville, SC 5 29-12 0
Day 1: 5 29-12
5. Wyatt Frankens Corrigan , TX 5 28-08 0
Day 1: 5 28-08
6. Ben Milliken Omaha, NE 5 26-11 0
Day 1: 5 26-11
7. John Kyle Pearce Frierson, LA 5 26-03 0
Day 1: 5 26-03
8. Daylon Milam Newnan, GA 5 25-05 0
Day 1: 5 25-05
9. Bailey Walker Many, LA 5 24-13 0
Day 1: 5 24-13
10. Kaden Mueck Livingston, TX 5 23-07 0
Day 1: 5 23-07
11. Chandler Howell Guntown, MS 5 23-04 0
Day 1: 5 23-04
12. Bradley Sullivan Shawnee, OK 5 23-00 0
Day 1: 5 23-00
13. Lane Clark Anderson, SC 5 21-13 0
Day 1: 5 21-13
14. Braden Lankford Wagoner, OK 5 21-01 0
Day 1: 5 21-01
15. Matt Martin Brookhaven, MS 5 20-12 0
Day 1: 5 20-12
16. Chase Loftus Iowa City, IA 5 20-11 0
Day 1: 5 20-11
17. Carsen Adcock Haughton, LA 5 20-05 0
Day 1: 5 20-05
18. Dakota Morris Flowermound, TX 5 20-01 0
Day 1: 5 20-01
19. John James Coco Baton Rouge, LA 5 19-13 0
Day 1: 5 19-13
20. Cody Ross Livingston, TX 5 19-11 0
Day 1: 5 19-11
21. Parker Batts Dandridge, TN 5 19-09 0
Day 1: 5 19-09
22. River Lee Diboll, TX 5 19-08 0
Day 1: 5 19-08
23. Sam Taylor Nacogdoches, TX 5 19-02 0
Day 1: 5 19-02
24. Ben Burns Lucas, TX 5 18-10 0
Day 1: 5 18-10
25. Tyler Gautreaux Houma, LA 5 18-09 0
Day 1: 5 18-09
26. James Howard Mesa, AZ 5 18-07 0
Day 1: 5 18-07
27. Happy Johnson Santa Fe, NM 5 17-08 0
Day 1: 5 17-08
28. Andrew Waters Melissa, TX 5 17-00 0
Day 1: 5 17-00
29. Chuck Black Logan, NM 5 16-15 0
Day 1: 5 16-15
30. Brent Hill Yukon, OK 5 16-06 0
Day 1: 5 16-06
31. Peyton Matherne Walker, LA 5 15-15 0
Day 1: 5 15-15
32. Cameron Naquin Gray, LA 5 15-13 0
Day 1: 5 15-13
33. Dustin Perry Paradise, TX 5 15-11 0
Day 1: 5 15-11
34. David Ottman Terry, MS 5 15-10 0
Day 1: 5 15-10
35. Chance Shelby Denham Springs, LA 5 15-09 0
Day 1: 5 15-09
36. Ben Cully Conroe, TX 5 15-06 0
Day 1: 5 15-06
37. Lane Edwards Paden, OK 5 15-04 0
Day 1: 5 15-04
38. Tye Grissom Austin, TX 5 15-03 0
Day 1: 5 15-03
39. Joshua Adams Southlake, TX 5 15-02 0
Day 1: 5 15-02
39. Mike Bueche Pierre Part, LA 5 15-02 0
Day 1: 5 15-02
41. Nick Ladart Sterlington, LA 5 15-00 0
Day 1: 5 15-00
42. Charles Coger Robert Lee, TX 5 14-13 0
Day 1: 5 14-13
43. John Fuqua Payson, AZ 5 14-11 0
Day 1: 5 14-11
43. Casey Tissue Vilonia, AR 5 14-11 0
Day 1: 5 14-11
45. Skyler Koury Phoenix, AZ 5 13-08 0
Day 1: 5 13-08
46. Doug McClung Prairieville, LA 5 13-04 0
Day 1: 5 13-04
47. Brian Hickey Pueblo, CO 5 13-03 0
Day 1: 5 13-03
48. Brannon Long Longview, TX 5 13-01 0
Day 1: 5 13-01
49. Eric Leger Mamou, LA 5 13-00 0
Day 1: 5 13-00
49. Skip Rayborn Jr Hammond, LA 5 13-00 0
Day 1: 5 13-00
51. Kade Palmer Walker, LA 5 12-14 0
Day 1: 5 12-14
52. Ryan Latch Lafayette, LA 5 12-13 0
Day 1: 5 12-13
53. Joseph Hart Brookhaven, MS 5 12-12 0
Day 1: 5 12-12
53. Mathew Higby Lamar, AR 5 12-12 0
Day 1: 5 12-12
55. Boyd Gautreau Saint Amant, LA 5 12-09 0
Day 1: 5 12-09
56. Kenji Yamada Chattanooga, TN 5 12-06 0
Day 1: 5 12-06
57. Michael Furgerson Claremore, OK 5 12-05 0
Day 1: 5 12-05
58. Tre' Gautreau Prairieville, LA 5 12-04 0
Day 1: 5 12-04
59. Norman Uptain Jr. Globe, AZ 5 12-03 0
Day 1: 5 12-03
60. Jacob Sepeda Paradise, TX 5 12-02 0
Day 1: 5 12-02
61. Teddy Granier Thibodaux, LA 5 12-01 0
Day 1: 5 12-01
61. Hunter Neuville New Iberia, LA 5 12-01 0
Day 1: 5 12-01
63. Alexander Blanchard Belle Rose, LA 5 11-13 0
Day 1: 5 11-13
64. Donald Adcock Richland, MS 5 11-10 0
Day 1: 5 11-10
64. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR 5 11-10 0
Day 1: 5 11-10
66. Lane Haeger Flint, TX 4 11-10 0
Day 1: 4 11-10
67. Grayson Morrow San Angelo, TX 3 11-09 0
Day 1: 3 11-09
68. Dean Roberts Lake Charles, LA 5 11-08 0
Day 1: 5 11-08
69. Austin Monroe Albuquerque, NM 5 11-07 0
Day 1: 5 11-07
70. Blake Atchison Ava, MO 5 11-05 0
Day 1: 5 11-05
70. Shannon Green Lebanon, MO 5 11-05 0
Day 1: 5 11-05
72. Phil Clopton Macks Creek, MO 4 11-04 0
Day 1: 4 11-04
72. Cory Ramsey De Kalb, TX 4 11-04 0
Day 1: 4 11-04
74. Branden Rannekleiv Reeves, LA 5 11-02 0
Day 1: 5 11-02
75. Tayson Hathorn Elm Springs, AR 5 11-01 0
Day 1: 5 11-01
75. Allen Musser Ada, OK 5 11-01 0
Day 1: 5 11-01
77. Tyler Casteel Dequincy, LA 5 10-14 0
Day 1: 5 10-14
78. Jeremy Fuentes Carlsbad, NM 4 10-14 0
Day 1: 4 10-14
79. Jered Grooms Ada, OK 5 10-12 0
Day 1: 5 10-12
80. Cayden Reily Baton Rouge, LA 5 10-11 0
Day 1: 5 10-11
81. Brandon Mcdonald Willis, TX 5 10-09 0
Day 1: 5 10-09
81. Jason Pittman Covington, MS 5 10-09 0
Day 1: 5 10-09
83. Christopher Acuff Lebanon, MO 5 10-08 0
Day 1: 5 10-08
84. Dave Cavell Prairieville, LA 5 10-07 0
Day 1: 5 10-07
84. Jeffery Lawson Ellisville, MS 5 10-07 0
Day 1: 5 10-07
84. Jim Martin Harrison, AR 5 10-07 0
Day 1: 5 10-07
87. Ben Burk Norman, OK 4 10-06 0
Day 1: 4 10-06
87. Micah Phillips Wagoner , OK 4 10-06 0
Day 1: 4 10-06
89. Richard Ballard II Sulphur, LA 5 10-05 0
Day 1: 5 10-05
90. Duane Pittman Gonzales, LA 3 10-05 0
Day 1: 3 10-05
91. Marshall Brown Smithville, MO 5 10-03 0
Day 1: 5 10-03
92. Sam Jenkins Abita Springs, LA 5 09-15 0
Day 1: 5 09-15
93. David Bishop Gilbert, AZ 4 09-14 0
Day 1: 4 09-14
94. Cole Lamb Guion, AR 5 09-13 0
Day 1: 5 09-13
95. John Pecoraro Youngsville, LA 5 09-12 0
Day 1: 5 09-12
96. Marcus Warren Jefferson City, TN 4 09-09 0
Day 1: 4 09-09
97. Brady Schran Zumbrota, MN 4 09-08 0
Day 1: 4 09-08
98. Chris Gaudin El Dorado, AR 5 09-03 0
Day 1: 5 09-03
99. Neal Normand Gonzales, LA 4 09-03 0
Day 1: 4 09-03
100. Cameron Tull Norman, OK 3 09-01 0
Day 1: 3 09-01
101. Nick Richey Aledo, TX 4 09-00 0
Day 1: 4 09-00
102. Michael Louviere New Iberia, LA 5 08-13 0
Day 1: 5 08-13
103. Ricky Vines El Dorado, AR 4 08-12 0
Day 1: 4 08-12
104. Parker Frew Greenville, MS 5 08-06 0
Day 1: 5 08-06
105. Greg Cooper Monroe City, MO 4 08-03 0
Day 1: 4 08-03
106. Austin Melville San Tan Valley, AZ 3 07-15 0
Day 1: 3 07-15
107. Steve Lund Cave Creek, AZ 4 07-11 0
Day 1: 4 07-11
108. Joseph Bruener Douglass, TX 3 07-11 0
Day 1: 3 07-11
109. Chadwick Washington Yukon, OK 3 07-10 0
Day 1: 3 07-10
110. Brandon Soliz Robert Lee, TX 4 07-09 0
Day 1: 4 07-09
111. Bryan Trahan Orange, TX 4 07-05 0
Day 1: 4 07-05
112. Corey Wheat Gonzales, LA 2 07-04 0
Day 1: 2 07-04
113. Austin Legendre Donaldsonville, LA 4 07-03 0
Day 1: 4 07-03
114. JJ Craig Walnut Grove, MS 4 06-15 0
Day 1: 4 06-15
114. Mark Jones Meadville, MS 4 06-15 0
Day 1: 4 06-15
116. Jeff Blackford Hopkins, MO 3 06-13 0
Day 1: 3 06-13
116. Scott Dooley Ashland, MO 3 06-13 0
Day 1: 3 06-13
118. Terry Service College Station, TX 3 06-12 0
Day 1: 3 06-12
119. Keith Hendrix Monroe City, MO 3 06-11 0
Day 1: 3 06-11
120. Craig Mckenzie Aurora, CO 3 06-08 0
Day 1: 3 06-08
121. Timothy Merkh Bennington, KS 2 06-08 0
Day 1: 2 06-08
122. Ryan Dardano Berthoud, CO 3 06-07 0
Day 1: 3 06-07
123. Mario Carreon Las Cruces, NM 3 06-05 0
Day 1: 3 06-05
124. Gary Little Soso, MS 4 06-03 0
Day 1: 4 06-03
125. Brad Hillebrandt Florien, LA 3 06-01 0
Day 1: 3 06-01
126. Stephen Mitchell Ferriday, LA 3 05-14 0
Day 1: 3 05-14
127. Austin Casteel Sulphur, LA 4 05-13 0
Day 1: 4 05-13
128. Aaron Brewer Clovis, NM 2 05-10 0
Day 1: 2 05-10
129. Randy Campbell Tijeras, NM 2 05-07 0
Day 1: 2 05-07
130. Glenn Connors Springfield, MO 2 05-06 0
Day 1: 2 05-06
131. Bryan Finch Belton, TX 2 05-04 0
Day 1: 2 05-04
132. Mike Hill Carlsbad, NM 3 05-02 0
Day 1: 3 05-02
133. Richard Everest Hobbs, NM 2 04-03 0
Day 1: 2 04-03
134. Gary Bowien Benton, AR 2 04-01 0
Day 1: 2 04-01
135. David Flemming Woodland Park, CO 2 03-09 0
Day 1: 2 03-09
136. Nathan Pratt Albuquerque, NM 2 03-07 0
Day 1: 2 03-07
137. Derek Cochems Moody, TX 1 03-04 0
Day 1: 1 03-04
138. Jason Westrip Crane, MO 2 03-02 0
Day 1: 2 03-02
139. Charley Williams Mannford, OK 2 03-01 0
Day 1: 2 03-01
140. Ramsey Romanin Wolcott, CO 2 02-12 0
Day 1: 2 02-12
141. Emile Gennaro Wesson, MS 1 02-12 0
Day 1: 1 02-12
142. Cavin Courville Lake Charles, LA 1 02-09 0
Day 1: 1 02-09
143. Michael Hargraves Seguin, TX 1 02-02 0
Day 1: 1 02-02
144. Kelly Burns Avondale, AZ 1 02-00 0
Day 1: 1 02-00
144. David Chase Las Cruces, NM 1 02-00 0
Day 1: 1 02-00
146. Michael Hamilton Midwest City, OK 1 01-13 0
Day 1: 1 01-13
147. DaShon Peck The Colony, TX 1 01-12 0
Day 1: 1 01-12
147. Chase Washburn Shawnee, OK 1 01-12 0
Day 1: 1 01-12
149. Travis Merritt Iowa, LA 1 01-09 0
Day 1: 1 01-09
150. Brian Stangel Albuquerque, NM 1 01-04 0
Day 1: 1 01-04
151. Joseph Gamboa Elephant Butte, NM 1 01-00 0
Day 1: 1 01-00
152. Brian Bolander Scottsdale, AZ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
152. Josh Bradford Jonesville, LA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
152. Jayden Corr Sunset, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
152. Tyler Duggins West Plains, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
152. Levi Evans Squires, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
152. John Frala Leonard, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
152. Randy Grimes College Station, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
152. John Jackson Billings, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
152. Kris Lee Coweta, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
152. Cory Leita Victoria, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
152. Matthew Lipari Patterson, LA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
152. Kalib Lund Yuma, AZ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
152. Ira Lynn Spring Branch, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
152. Cody Monlezun Nacogdoches, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
152. Kenneth Moore Red Oak, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
152. Connor Santos Fountain, CO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
152. Richard Vizcarra Peoria, AZ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
152. Richard Wilson Lubbock, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
152. Andrew Wren Wylie, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 89 615 1789-05
----------------------------------
89 615 1789-05

2026 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Toledo Bend presented by Lowrance 4/22-4/24
Toledo Bend Reservoir, Many LA.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 1

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

1. Arron Slaten Shepherd, TX 3 09-12 0
Day 1: 3 09-12
2. Coy Brown Magnolia, AR 3 09-08 0
Day 1: 3 09-08
3. Travis Culbreth Brandon, MS 3 08-13 0
Day 1: 3 08-13
3. Hieu Nguyen Stillwater, OK 3 08-13 0
Day 1: 3 08-13
5. Jon Mohon Sr Hahnville, LA 2 08-11 0
Day 1: 2 08-11
6. Zack Busch Bloomsdale, MO 3 08-10 0
Day 1: 3 08-10
7. Paul Martinez Jemez Springs, NM 3 08-01 0
Day 1: 3 08-01
8. Justin Jensen Laurel, MS 3 07-15 0
Day 1: 3 07-15
8. Tanner Ortega Albuquerque, NM 3 07-15 0
Day 1: 3 07-15
10. Kendall Loper Olathe, KS 3 07-12 0
Day 1: 3 07-12
11. Jeremy Barbour Lucedale, MS 3 07-09 0
Day 1: 3 07-09
12. Johnnie Rucker New Canton, MO 2 07-07 0
Day 1: 2 07-07
13. Matt Edwards Paden, OK 3 07-01 0
Day 1: 3 07-01
14. Arturo Baquera Noble, OK 3 06-14 0
Day 1: 3 06-14
14. Mike Casanova Frisco, TX 3 06-14 0
Day 1: 3 06-14
16. Cliff Martinez Seguin, TX 3 06-07 0
Day 1: 3 06-07
17. Tom Worsham Clifton, CO 3 06-05 0
Day 1: 3 06-05
18. Steve Weaver Oklahoma City, OK 2 06-05 0
Day 1: 2 06-05
19. Mark Shelton Fayetteville, AR 3 06-00 0
Day 1: 3 06-00
20. Christopher Sanchez Albuquerque, NM 3 05-11 0
Day 1: 3 05-11
21. Casey Cline Peoria, AZ 3 05-10 0
Day 1: 3 05-10
22. Jordan Schwartzkopf El Mirage, AZ 1 05-09 0
Day 1: 1 05-09
23. Scott Vice Patterson, LA 2 05-07 0
Day 1: 2 05-07
24. Bryse Dodson Ava, MO 3 05-06 0
Day 1: 3 05-06
25. Shayne Dupree Haslet, TX 3 05-05 0
Day 1: 3 05-05
26. Aaron Loper Olathe, KS 3 05-04 0
Day 1: 3 05-04
27. R.J. Leblanc Franklin, LA 2 05-04 0
Day 1: 2 05-04
28. Thomas Edwards Gilbert, AZ 3 05-03 0
Day 1: 3 05-03
28. Jake Morrison Phoenix, AZ 3 05-03 0
Day 1: 3 05-03
30. Jake Beach Opelousas, LA 3 05-00 0
Day 1: 3 05-00
31. Brett Martinez Donaldsonville, LA 3 04-15 0
Day 1: 3 04-15
32. Roger Arthur Truth Or Consequences, 2 04-13 0
Day 1: 2 04-13
32. David Wheat Philadelphia, MS 2 04-13 0
Day 1: 2 04-13
34. Robert Duggar El Dorado, AR 2 04-12 0
Day 1: 2 04-12
35. James Barber Greenville, TX 2 04-11 0
Day 1: 2 04-11
36. Matt Manners Durant, OK 2 04-08 0
Day 1: 2 04-08
36. Chris Nettles Hickory Creek, TX 2 04-08 0
Day 1: 2 04-08
36. Cody Ralph Brighton, CO 2 04-08 0
Day 1: 2 04-08
39. Clinton Everett Surprise, AZ 2 04-07 0
Day 1: 2 04-07
40. Jonathan Small Pleasant Hill, MO 3 04-00 0
Day 1: 3 04-00
41. Eric Baker Oklahoma City, OK 2 04-00 0
Day 1: 2 04-00
42. John Case Clarksville, AR 2 03-13 0
Day 1: 2 03-13
43. Blake Burdette Anderson, SC 2 03-11 0
Day 1: 2 03-11
43. Rick Sanger Grand Junction, CO 2 03-11 0
Day 1: 2 03-11
43. David Walton Willis, TX 2 03-11 0
Day 1: 2 03-11
46. Rickey Monroe Edgewood, NM 1 03-10 0
Day 1: 1 03-10
47. Eli Sepeda Roby, TX 2 03-06 0
Day 1: 2 03-06
48. Brett Becker Tucson, AZ 2 03-05 0
Day 1: 2 03-05
49. Anthony Gordon Kirksville, MO 2 03-04 0
Day 1: 2 03-04
50. Ricky-Ray Martinez Jr Santa Fe, NM 2 03-03 0
Day 1: 2 03-03
51. Kyle Klein Hutchinson, KS 2 03-02 0
Day 1: 2 03-02
52. Matheuw Forbes Fort Collins, CO 2 02-08 0
Day 1: 2 02-08
53. Degan Dougherty Peoria, AZ 1 02-05 0
Day 1: 1 02-05
54. Scott Hausman Owasso, OK 1 02-01 0
Day 1: 1 02-01
55. Jason English San Antonio, TX 1 02-00 0
Day 1: 1 02-00
55. Jim Hays Loveland, CO 1 02-00 0
Day 1: 1 02-00
55. Shaun Lepper Grand Junction, CO 1 02-00 0
Day 1: 1 02-00
58. Glenn Hahn San Antonio, TX 1 01-13 0
Day 1: 1 01-13
58. Ernie Villa Midland, TX 1 01-13 0
Day 1: 1 01-13
60. Stephen Branon Centerton, AR 1 01-12 0
Day 1: 1 01-12
61. Rick Lewis Madison, MS 1 01-11 0
Day 1: 1 01-11
61. Gary Mills Rio Rancho, NM 1 01-11 0
Day 1: 1 01-11
61. Kim Mills Rio Rancho, NM 1 01-11 0
Day 1: 1 01-11
64. Kevin Joines Choctaw, OK 1 01-09 0
Day 1: 1 01-09
65. Kendall Amos Greenville, MS 1 01-08 0
Day 1: 1 01-08
66. Buddy French Ruth, MS 1 01-07 0
Day 1: 1 01-07
66. Seth Hausman Owasso, OK 1 01-07 0
Day 1: 1 01-07
68. Marion Daniels Kansas City, KS 1 01-07 0
Day 1: 1 01-07
69. Jerry Miller Mckinney, TX 1 01-06 0
Day 1: 1 01-06
70. Jordan Fudge Melissa , TX 1 01-05 0
Day 1: 1 01-05
70. Jesse Haworth Kenner, AL 1 01-05 0
Day 1: 1 01-05
72. Aaron Landry Napoleonville, LA 1 01-04 0
Day 1: 1 01-04
73. Mark Cowart Kearney, MO 1 01-03 0
Day 1: 1 01-03
74. Alec Carroll Phoenix, AZ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
74. Rachel Chase Las Cruces, NM 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
74. Chris Demiglio Denton, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
74. Kylan Easley Kirksville, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
74. Nicholas Estes Saint Joseph, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
74. John Gilbert Mesa, AZ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
74. Robin Hessling Quincy, IL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
74. Charlie Hewitt Prairieville, LA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
74. Tod Higby Lamar, AR 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
74. Tom Parks Prescott Valley, AZ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
74. David Porter Rockwall, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
74. Kelvin Preis Mountain Home, AR 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
74. Ron Price Canon City, CO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
74. Jay Quintero-Salazar Phoenix, AZ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
74. William Ross Newalla, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
74. John Santos Colorado Springs, CO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
74. Benjamin Saunders Gardner, KS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
74. Joshua Simmons De Soto, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
74. Skipper Smith Pearl, MS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
74. Josh Thalman Saratoga Springs, UT 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
74. Karl Voss Sulphur, LA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
74. Brad Weiss Bennington, KS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
74. Phillip White Basehor, KS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
74. Christopher Wilson Tucson, AZ 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 26 149 327-07
----------------------------------
26 149 327-07

by AnglersChannel

Shallow-water anglers should thrive at Kerr Reservoir

SALLISAW, Okla. — For the first time, the Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops will visit Kerr Reservoir in Oklahoma, and Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series sophomore Blake Capps believes shallow-water anglers will have a chance to dominate.

“The river system as a whole has been fishing better than it has in years,” said Capps, who lives in Muskogee, Okla., near the shores of Kerr. “It is booming. It has taken some serious weight to win local tournaments. It is a shallow fisherman’s dream.”

Tournament days for this College Series Legends Trail event are scheduled for April 29-30 at the Cherokee Nation Park located in Sallisaw, Okla. Teams will launch beginning at 6:30 a.m. and return for weigh-in starting at 2:30 p.m. The Top 10% of the field will advance to the Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops later this year.

The 2026 Strike King Bassmaster High School Series and the 2026 Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Junior Series will follow after the College Series event, with competition taking place at Kerr Reservoir for both trails on May 3.

Kerr Reservoir has been featured many times when the Bassmaster Tournament Trail has visited the Arkansas River in Muskogee, but this will be one of the first times the reservoir has the entire spotlight. Teams will be allowed to lock down through Lock & Dam 15 but will not be allowed to lock up to Pool 16, where much of the recent tournament history resides.

Still, there will be plenty of territory for teams to cover, and according to Capps this section of the Arkansas River is fishing better than it ever has. Both the Illinois River below the Tenkiller Dam and the Canadian River below the Eufaula Dam flow into Kerr Reservoir, the latter providing plenty of fishable water.

“You can go a long way in the Canadian, and it will be a big player, but Eufaula Lake pushes out so much red clay and dirt that you get massive sandbars,” Capps said. “But the Canadian is a winning area.”

In recent years, Kerr has seen a resurgence in aquatic vegetation, including hydrilla, lily pads and reeds. Capps said he expects frogging and flipping to be key strategies in this tournament, particularly for those anglers targeting postspawn largemouth.

“A few years back, we had some extreme flooding, and the bass didn’t get a good spawn in,” Capps said. “The water stayed up so long that it killed all the vegetation. Well, in the last two years, all of that grass has come back and come back healthier than it ever has been. There is more grass there than there has been in the last 10 years.”

Two main creeks draw a lot of attention on Kerr: Sallisaw Creek and San Bois Creek. If anglers can avoid hitting stumps, Sallisaw Creek has plenty of potential, while San Bois Creek provides tons of options.

“San Bois is like its own lake,” Capps said. “It has its own water color. It has old railroad tracks, water willow and strip pits.”

Along with frogs and flipping, top baits will likely include ChatterBaits, swim jigs, squarebills and some topwaters. For the late spawners, creature baits and Yamamoto Senkos will play a role.

“You can catch prespawners, spawners and postspawners in the same place,” Capps added.

For more information on the Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Kerr Reservoir presented by Bass Pro Shops, the Strike King Bassmaster High School Series at Kerr Reservoir and the Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Junior Series at Kerr Reservoir visit Bassmaster.com.

These events are being hosted by C herokee Nation.

2026 Bassmaster College Series Title Sponsor: Strike King

2026 Bassmaster College Series Presenting Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops

2026 Bassmaster College Series Platinum Sponsor: Progressive, Toyota
2026 Bassmaster College Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2026 Bassmaster College Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Lew's, Lowrance, Phoenix Boats, VMC, Yokohama

2026 Bassmaster College Series Youth Sponsors: Seaguar

About B.A.S.S.

by AnglersChannel

Team of Benton and Iaconelli win Inaugural Bassmaster Tuesday Night LIVE

BRANSON, Mo. — Eight Bassmaster Elite Series pros, divided into four randomly-selected teams, competed in the inaugural Bassmaster Tuesday Night LIVE tournament on Missouri’s Table Rock Lake. After three hard-fought hours of competition, the team of Drew Benton and Mike Iaconelli prevailed with a six-bass limit weighing 15 pounds, 7 ounces.

For just about all of these suddenly-ready-for-prime-time-players, it was a return to their roots — a winner-take-all format, a parking lot weigh-in, more than a little bit of trash-talking, and consistent demonstrations of their hypercompetitive nature. Tournament director Mark Zona ruled with an iron fist, although some of his rules, like the fact that competitors had to file any protests directly in the face of the alleged rule violator, seemed more focused on creating drama than on solving problems.

Tournament emcee Dave Mercer made light of some of the gaps in the regulations: “I think Chris Johnston called every local around here to get information.”

If he did, it helped, but not quite enough. Benton and Iaconelli beat the back-to-back Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year and his partner Bryan New — known as “AOY and the Other Guy” — by 5 ounces. Depending on who told the story, the 2nd place team may have been helped or may have been hindered by the fact that New forgot to fill the gas tank on his boat prior to blastoff, limiting their range but maximizing their fishing time.

Drew Cook and 2022 Bassmaster Classic champion Jason Christie — considered by some to be the pre-tournament favorites – were 3rd with 13-8.

Team “Kyle Squared,” consisting of 2023 AOY Kyle Welcher and Kyle Patrick, rounded out the top four with three fish for 7-1.

The anglers seemed energized and excited by the format. Christie said that he substantially supplemented his income throughout high school, college and his early coaching years by squeezing in as many weeknight “fruit jar” tournaments as he could.

“That’s how I made a living” he said. “We’d have 75 to 80 boats. If you won and had big bass you could make several thousand dollars in just a few hours.”

One of the oddities of this format was seeing Iaconelli, the 2003 Bassmaster Classic champion and 2006 AOY, as well as Christie, the 2022 Classic champ, fishing out of the back of the boat. At one point Christie stood poised with the net, waiting for Cook to hook a finicky bass. Iaconelli, meanwhile, was sure to note that “I am the best net man in the business.”

Benton agreed: “He is an absolute net ninja,” he said.

Indeed, while there was a huge amount of diverse bass fishing talent in the four boats, strategy played as much of a role as any lure. Ike and Christie both resolved to let their particular Drew work on bed fish while they mopped up with finesse tactics.

For Iaconelli, it was a return to the 1990s. He brought the co-angler mindset that he developed in his bass club days, then in AA and AAA events. He recognized that as Benton worked on fish that he could see, there were doubtlessly many others around that they couldn’t see. Accordingly, he took a painstaking approach to finding those fish.

“It was all about the wacky rig, wacky rig, wacky rig,” he emphasized. “With the Power-Poles down, I’ve got what I’ve got. I focused on using light line and a finesse bait. I would make casts aimed at covering water, 6 inches different each time. I’d make a cast and the next would be 6 inches to the right, and so on. Then I’d work the other bank the same way.”

It was important that each member of each team weigh in at least one fish, as no single angler was permitted to compile a team’s entire limit.

Benton’s key sight fishing tools were two Japanese soft plastics, a Nories Front Flapper and a Nories Latterie. Behind him, Iaconelli utilized a 5-inch Berkley General soft stickbait, which he characterized as “the best bait to clean up the scraps.”

It was equally strange to see Christie, a Type A personality and one of the greatest closers of the sport’s modern era, in the back of the boat. He welcomed this event as a learning experience and like Iaconelli sought to contribute to the team while letting Cook do his own heavy lifting. The Tennessee-Tombigbee champion left the venue impressed and satisfied, even if they didn’t win.

“What I actually learned is that what happens to me when I sight fish isn’t abnormal,” the Oklahoma pro said. “Sometimes you pull in looking for one and it’s not there or it’s acting weird. I expected Drew to be able to find and catch those fish every time, but it happened to him, too. He’d move on to the next one. That makes me feel better about myself.”

Overall, the event drew raves from everyone involved. Despite some pairings that might have seemed likely or perhaps intended to cause friction, there was nothing but praise for the format. Rather than leaving the venue dejected, the also-rans left determined to come back stronger, while Benton demanded an opportunity to defend his team’s title.

There was even speculation that Iaconelli, who won this inaugural event to add bragging rights to his unparalleled list of titles, would return to college in search of that championship, too.

“This turned out better than I expected,” Mercer concluded. “I was excited to see the awesomeness and the awkwardness of it all. I don’t think anyone could have predicted that Ike and Benton would flow as good as they did. Please feed us more of this.”

He and broadcast partner Mark Zona refused to put any brakes or limitations on their coverage and the assembled fans — several hundred somehow managed to find the unannounced weigh-in site — ate it up. Zona likewise fed off of that energy.

“I’m never restrained,” he said. “I think I’ve always called it like I’ve seen it, but we were able to give it a little more tonight. With all of the weird, negative stuff that sometimes infects this sport, this was just about fun competition and making people smile. This is what bass fishing really is.”

Head over to Bassmaster.com for full coverage from the inaugural Bassmaster Tuesday Night LIVE tournament — including the complete LIVE show.

About B.A.S.S.

by AnglersChannel

MLF Bass Pro Tour Set for Debut at Beaver Lake with Yuengling Light Lager Stage 5 Presented by YETI

Rogers set to host 51 pros competing for $600,000 purse on historic Northwest Arkansas fishery

ROGERS, Ark. (April 22, 2026) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour (BPT) makes its first-ever stop at Beaver Lake next week, April 30–May 3, as Yuengling Light Lager Stage 5 Presented by YETI brings the league’s high-intensity, every-fish-counts format to Northwest Arkansas.

Hosted by Destination Rogers, t he four-day tournament will feature 51 of the world’s top professional anglers competing for a $125,000 top prize and their share of a $600,000 purse, along with valuable Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) points in hopes of qualifying for REDCREST 2027 – the Bass Pro Tour championship – and the Kubota Heavy Hitters all-star event. Competition will unfold under MLF’s catch, weigh, immediate-release format, where every bass over the 1-pound, 8-ounce minimum counts and SCORETRACKER® – the MLF live leaderboard – keeps the pressure on throughout the day.

The field brings together a dynamic mix of the Bass Pro Tour’s biggest stars and rising contenders, led by reigning Bass Pro Tour Angler of the Year, 12-time tour winner and REDCREST 2026 champion Jacob Wheeler and three-time REDCREST champion Dustin Connell. Proven veterans and fan favorites like Edwin Evers, Ott DeFoe and Zack Birge continue to anchor the roster, bringing both consistency and championship pedigree to every event on the schedule.

“Rogers is thrilled to welcome the MLF Bass Pro Tour to Beaver Lake next week,” said J. R. Shaw, Executive Director at Destination Rogers. “Outdoor recreation in Arkansas fuels our state’s economy, and events like this support small businesses and bring great awareness to Rogers and Northwest Arkansas as a premier outdoor recreation destination. Destination Rogers looks forward to partnering with the Major League Fishing staff and community in hosting this prestigious tournament.”

The event will mark a significant milestone for the Bass Pro Tour, as Beaver Lake – a longtime staple across MLF (previously FLW) competition – hosts its inaugural BPT event. MLF has previously held 28 tournaments on the fishery, primarily at the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit (formerly FLW Tour) and Phoenix Bass Fishing League levels, but Stage 5 introduces a new dynamic with SCORETRACKER® and the tour’s catch, weigh, immediate-release format.

Bass Pro Tour angler Mark Rose of Wynne, Arkansas, said Beaver Lake is entering the event in strong shape, and he expects the fishery to show out.

“The lake has been fishing really good,” Rose said. “The weights are better than they’ve ever been. Years ago, if you had 10 or 11 pounds at Beaver Lake, you were doing really well in a tournament. Now we’re seeing high teens and beyond – it’s a really healthy fishery.”

While all three species of bass are expected to be in play (largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass) Rose said he believes spotted bass will likely dominate the leaderboard – especially under the BPT’s catch, weigh and immediate-release format.

“I think spotted bass are going to be the most dominant species,” Rose explained. “They’re the most abundant in Beaver Lake, and we’re going to see a lot more spots being caught.”

As the event lines up with the late spring transition, Rose expects a mix of familiar Ozark patterns, with an emphasis on bank-oriented fishing.

“You’re going to see a lot of what we just saw at REDCREST on Table Rock Lake – worms, bottom baits, shaky heads and Ned rigs,” he said. “There will be some fry-guarding fish, maybe a little more topwater starting to come into play, but for the most part it’s going to be pretty standard springtime fishing.”

Despite the presence of forward-facing sonar in clear water, Rose doesn’t anticipate it dominating the event.

“There’s always going to be a ‘scope bite, but I don’t think it’ll be the overwhelming factor,” Rose said. “With the weather we’ve got coming in – cooler nights and mild days – it’s not really setting up for a big offshore deal. I think a lot of it is still going to happen relating to the bank.”

Compared to nearby Table Rock Lake, Rose noted that Beaver’s layout could subtly shift how the event unfolds.

“Beaver doesn’t have as much river influence as Table Rock,” he said. “You’ve got some, but not nearly as much stained water options. It’s really just a smaller version overall, but I do think we’ll see a slightly higher catch rate here. REDCREST had a 2-pound minimum, but with the 1-pound, 8-ounce minimum on Beaver Lake, that extra half-pound is going to make a difference, especially with spotted bass.”

Anglers will arrive each morning at 6:15 a.m. CT to Prairie Creek Recreation Area, located at 9314 N. Park Road in Rogers, Arkansas. Anglers will return to Prairie Creek Recreation Area each evening following the end of competition at 3:45 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to watch the event live online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® livestream and follow along with SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

On Saturday and Sunday, May 2-3, from 3–6 p.m., MLF invites fans of all ages to Bass Pro Shops located at 2300 S. Promenade Boulevard in Rogers, for the MLF Fan Experience & Watch Party. Fans can watch the Bass Pro Tour pros live on the MLFNOW!® big screen, enjoy free food for the first 100 fans each day, enter hourly giveaways, browse MLF merchandise and the bargain bait bin, participate in a casting contest and cheer on their favorite anglers. Live music begins at 4 p.m., followed by Top 10 angler interviews and the trophy presentation at 5 p.m., including autographs and photos with Bass Pro Tour finalists. The first 50 kids ages 14 and under will receive a free rod and reel each day.

Student anglers from 6th grade through college are invited to join MLF pros at the free Columbia PFG Student Angler Clinic on Saturday, May 2 from 2–6 p.m. The clinic will also be held at Bass Pro Shops, located at 2300 S. Promenade Boulevard in Rogers, and offers a unique opportunity for students to learn from Bass Pro Tour pros, gain hands-on fishing instruction and compete in the national MLF Casting Competition. For more information or to register to the Columbia PFG Student Angler Clinic, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The Yuengling Light Lager Stage 5 at Beaver Lake Presented by YETI 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 2026 Bass Pro Tour features a field of 51 of the best professional anglers in the world, competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual Heavy Hitters all-star event and the REDCREST 2027 championship.

The full field of anglers will compete in the two-day Qualifying Round on Thursday and Friday. After the two-day Qualifying Round is complete, the pro with the heaviest two-day total will advance directly to Sunday’s Championship Round. Anglers who finish 2nd through 25th will advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed, and the remaining anglers compete to finish in the top nine to advance to Sunday’s Championship Round. In the final-day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $125,000.

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

Television coverage of the Yuengling Light Lager Stage 5 at Beaver Lake Presented by YETI will premiere as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Sept. 19 on Discovery. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on Outdoor Channel.

Proud sponsors of the MLF Bass Pro Tour include: Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing Co., Bass Force, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Force, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Black Buffalo, BUBBA, Cigars International, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Lowrance, Mercury, MillerTech, NITRO Boats, OFF! Deep Woods, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Star brite, Suzuki Marine, Toyota, Yuengling and Zenni.

by AnglersChannel

That’s just Classic Billy

Billy Nicholas doesn’t have to work at the Bassmaster Classic every year for Vexus® Boats. He owns the highly renowned Venice Fishing Lodge where he and his bride Renata host over 1,000 guided clients a year when they’re not overseeing a ranch in San Marcos, Texas.

The man’s got plenty to do. But when Vexus co-founder Keith Daffron, who had known Billy for several years prior to the start of Vexus in 2017, found his crew in a jam while constructing their Bassmaster Classic booth five years ago in Fort Worth, he made a desperate call to Billy.

“My brother Kevin and the boys were in a bit of a meltdown in the midst of setting-up, and knowing Billy’s talent for construction I called him to see if he could help. He told me he’d drop everything and be there in 3 hours. Sure enough he did. That’s just classic Billy. A faithful friend and team player. He helped save us, and he’s been a big-time part of our booth construction and tear down at every Bassmaster Classic since,” says a highly appreciative Daffron.

So why does he keep showing up two days before the first fishing fans arrive at the Expo to climb step ladders and hammer truss work into place?

“The comradery and the friendship. Pure and simple. There’s a family atmosphere at Vexus that’s mighty rare, and I don’t mind lending a hand in order to be a part of it,” says the straight-shooting Nicholas, who has also coached baseball when not ranching or winning redfish tournaments.

Nicholas’ heartfelt connection to the custom boat builders ultimately started as an angler who simply admired Forrest L. Wood.

“I had enormous admiration for Keith’s grandpa, Forrest. I often feel like he was among the last of the true gentlemen. He never said a bad word about anybody amid all his success, and Randy Hopper is a whole lot like that too,” reflects Nicholas.

Having been a part of the Vexus family since day one, Nicholas has had a rare view to the evolution of the now soaring brand. He says it’s always been about quality and innovation in the boat building process. Noting that he saw the commitment Randy Hopper, Lance Newton, and Keith Daffron made to those attributes from the very start -- all of whom learned from Forrest L. Wood.

No surprise then, just hours after Forrest passed away in early 2020, Billy called. Not to ask if he was needed or what could be done to help. It was to say he would be there in a few hours…Classic Billy.

To learn about the ACX 2210 center console Billy depends on in the challenging conditions of the Mississippi River Delta, and all the custom built Vexus boats, please visit https://vexusboats.com/model/acx2210/overview/.

by AnglersChannel

Optimal water levels and timing should produce shootout at Bassmaster Open at Grand Lake

Opens_Turtlebox_BattTender_4C-Raster (2).png

GROVE, Oklahoma — A combination of perfect water levels and big bass anxious to rush the bank should produce giant bags for anglers competing in the Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees presented by Battery Tender. That has competitors like Oklahoma Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series rookie Austin Cranford anxious to blast off.

Competition days will be April 23-25 with daily takeoffs from Wolf Creek Park at 6:30 a.m. CT and weigh-ins each day at the same location at 2:30 p.m.

Cranford lives a few hours away in Norman, but has spent ample time on this 46,000 acre reservoir and understands its tendencies. It’s not a secret to many other competitors, either. The big lake has been the host to numerous Bassmaster events over the decades, including the 2013, 2016 and 2024 Bassmaster Classics.

“It’s been a really, really warm year this year so far,” he said. “Around home, the fish started spawning in mid-March. Grand is a little bit further north, so they’re generally a week or two behind us. Judging by weights in local tournaments, the big main wave hasn’t gone up yet. This is exactly the week when it usually goes down.”

Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens presented by Battery Tender Division 1 and Division 2 will both include two events with forward facing sonar and two without. Grand Lake, the second event of Division 2, will not allow anglers to use this technology. Cranford said it likely won’t matter. While the technology always plays some role in anglers’ plans when it is allowed, it wouldn’t provide a huge advantage in this instance.

“Those fish are sitting with their noses looking at the bushes, waiting to flood the bank,” he explained. “They don’t like to spawn unless they have a bunch of shallow cover, and right now they have a lot of shallow cover. There’s going to be lots of bush flipping, lots of frogging and lots of spinnerbaits.”

What makes it particularly promising is that the water is currently about 3 feet high. That puts exactly the right amount of cover in the water. Weather always factors into fishing tournament outcomes and in Oklahoma the conditions seem to change hourly. This region has been hit with volatile daily weather shifts in recent days, with occasional storms and stiff winds persisting through the tournament, although daily high temperatures should remain in the upper 70s. Cranford said that one monkey wrench that could enter the equation is if the water were to suddenly rise.

“That could hurt the weights, if it got like 6 feet high,” he said. “At that point they’d get away from us and be hard to catch, but they usually don’t let it get too far out of control. It’s not like Eufaula or Fort Gibson where it gets 12 feet high. But the worst thing that could happen is they’re already spawning, the water comes up and they don’t move.”

Another issue could be if prime areas muddy up. If the entire system stays reasonably clean, the lake will fish big. If it gets dirty in certain zones, that will push more anglers into more confined areas. Despite the prevailing spawn, he wouldn’t expect much sight fishing to go down under any circumstances, but stained water will reduce that option even more.

He expects that if things stay stable the currently ideal conditions will produce a three-day winning weight in the 65 pound range and that it will take at least an 18 pound average – if not 20 – to make it to the final day of competition. How anglers get their remains to be seen. It could be three consistent bags or we could see a 25- to 26-pound limit followed up by two in the 18-19 pound range. The big bass, he believes will be in the 7- to 8-pound range.

While sight fishing shouldn’t rule the day, that doesn’t mean that heading to the premier stands of bushes will be the only way to catch bass. Cranford believes that there could also be a bit of a shad spawn.

“Anyone who finds that can get right real quick,” he said. “And if you find them, they should reload in the same places each day.”

Most of all, he understands that it’s rare to get conditions so promising, and no one looking to be competitive can lay off the gas for even a moment.

“This is what Oklahoma guys dream of. We’ve all been on that incredible bush flipping bite and it’s definitely one of my favorite things to do.”

Follow along with all of the action from the Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Grand Lake O' the Cherokees presented by Battery Tender on Bassmaster.com.

Grove Convention and Tourism Bureau is hosting this event.

2026 Bassmaster Opens Series Title Sponsor: Turtlebox

2026 Bassmaster Opens Series Presenting Sponsor: Battery Tender

About B.A.S.S.

by AnglersChannel

BOTE Expands Fishing Lineup With New ProRider Aero Hybrid Fishing Platform

The dual-launch includes an updated Rackham Aero and the new Modular Rail Rac system for a fully customizable, ultra-stable fishing experience

MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. - April 20, 2026 - BOTE (https://www.boteboard.com), the leader in innovative water lifestyle gear, today announces two new inflatable fishing platforms, the ProRider Aero and a redesigned Rackham Aero. The introduction of these new inflatable platforms offers anglers more ways to customize their experience on the water.

Building on the success of legacy platforms like the Rackham, Rover, and HD, BOTE continues to expand its fishing ecosystem with a technical lineup of watercrafts and accessories. This dual-launch gives anglers two distinct options: a pedal-driven hybrid or a wide, stable stand-up platform.

“With this launch, we are addressing the two most important needs in the fishing market: customization and stability,” said Zack Eckert, General Manager of BOTE. “The ProRider is a category-jumping hybrid for the conventional angler, while the remastered Rackham Aero is quite simply the most stable, inflatable fishing SUP we have ever built.”

Built with military-grade AeroBOTE construction, the 12’6” ProRider Aero is designed for hands-free propulsion, featuring compatibility with BOTE’s Pedal Drive and Rudder System. The setup includes the Rail Rac modular rigging system, making it easy to bolt on rod holders and electronics using standard slide track mounts. The ProRider also features a two-chamber recessed deck that lowers the angler's center of gravity, which is helpful when casting in wind or choppy water. As a true hybrid, it includes a removable seat and a 4-piece hybrid paddle.

The redesigned Rackham Aero remains the most stable inflatable in the BOTE lineup. At 38” wide with a 400 lb capacity, it shares the two-chamber recessed deck design found in the ProRider. The updated design also simplifies the deck layout to reduce line snags, while still supporting a range of fishing accessories and mounts.

The ProRider Aero ($1,899) and the remastered Rackham Aero ($1,499) are available now at boteboard.com and select retailers.

ProRider Aero Specs:

Construction: AeroBOTE Technology (Two-Chamber Design)
Dimensions: 12′6″ L x 38″ W x 7″ D
Capacity: 400 LBS
Hull Design: Flat Bottom with Entry Rocker & Recessed Deck for Superior Stability
Key Features: Pedal Drive Compatible, Modular Rail Rac System, PowerPole Micro Mounting, Sandspear Sheath, Aero Paddle Sheath, and MAGNEPOD™ integration.
Optimized For: Conventional fishing, pedal drive efficiency, and hands-free angling with a fully rigged, customizable deck.
Portability: Entire platform and accessories pack into an included rolling travel bag.

Rackham Aero Specs:

Construction: AeroBOTE Technology (Two-Chamber Design)
Dimensions: 12’ L x 38″ W x 7″ D
Capacity: 400 LBS
Hull Design: Flat Bottom with Entry Rocker & Recessed Deck for Superior Stability
Key Features: MAGNEPOD™ Duo (dual magnetic mounts), Sandspear Sheath, KULA Cooler tie-downs (front/rear), and Removable Aero Paddle Sheath.
Optimized For: Dedicated standing, sight casting, and fly fishing with a clean, open deck.
Portability: Entire platform and accessories pack into an included rolling travel bag.

About BOTE:
BOTE is driven by a singular yet broad-reaching mission: To Stand Apart through industry-shaping innovation, fresh ideas and simplicity to create a product that defines a lifestyle. It is this mission that keeps BOTE pushing the boundaries of both technology and style to bring customers a product that not only looks beautiful and performs flawlessly, but that stirs the soul and inspires adventure. Born from stand up paddle boards and now pioneering inflatable kayaks, floating dock systems, and more -- BOTE continues to strive for advancement and embrace individuality. Learn more at: https://boteboard.com.

Media Contact:
Tess Barker

ECHOS Brand Communications

[email protected]

by AnglersChannel

Beacon Flashes New Colors

The expanded Beacon Technical Hoodie lineup blends advanced fabric tech with the timeless aesthetic of the woods and marsh

MUSKEGON, Mich. (April 21, 2026) – There is an adage in the outdoors: Many anglers hunt, but all hunters fish. It’s a nod to a shared identity—one that Whitewater Fishing is now reflecting in its latest release.

Whitewater is expanding its popular Beacon Technical Hoodie lineup to include two of the most iconic patterns in the heritage of the sportsman: Vintage Duck Camo and Mossy Oak^® Bottomland^®.

NEW Vintage Duck Camo

NEW Mossy Oak Bottomland

Technical Performance Meets Heritage Style

The move follows a significant shift in high-performance fishing apparel toward "heritage-tech"—the merging of advanced, mariner-grade fabrics with the timeless patterns of the field. This expansion isn't a pivot in purpose, but a reflection of the modern angler’s style.

“The Beacon was engineered for the boat, but it resonates with the lifestyle of the overall sportsman,” said Whitewater Marketing Director, Steve Allie. “By integrating Vintage Duck Camo and Bottomland, we are pairing the patterns these guys have worn for generations with a technical chassis designed specifically for the demands of the water.”

Engineering for the Run

Despite the heritage aesthetic, the Beacon remains a specialized tool for the mariner. Its foundation is a fabric-first, 4-way stretch 288g polyester face, engineered specifically to solve the friction common in layered systems. This high-mobility textile is smooth enough to slide effortlessly under a rain shell or heavy bibs without bunching, yet the hearty, fleece-lined interior provides enough thermal mass to stand alone as a rugged outer layer during high-velocity movement. Because the fabric stretches and recovers in every direction, it ensures that the technical fit never compromises the angler's range of motion.

The Beacon’s technical signature is purpose-built for running the lake or coast. While standard hoodies become a sail in a 50-mph boat ride, the Beacon features a three-panel, fitted hood with a rear pass-through vent. This allows wind to escape, neutralizing pressure and anchoring the hood firmly in place. This is complemented by an integrated stealth gaiter. Built directly into the collar with laser-cut ventilation, it provides instant concealment and UPF 50+ protection from wind and sun without the need for extra, loose gear that can get lost in the shuffle.

Functionality extends to the deck with zero-loss storage. The zip-closure kangaroo pouch is a departure from traditional pouch designs – here, phones, keys, and calls are secured behind zippers, ensuring that what goes into the pocket stays there, even in heavy chop or while leaning over the gunwale.

Open Water Grey

Heathered Grey

Black

The Standard for the Modern Sportsman

The expansion of the Beacon Technical Hoodie is a testament to Whitewater’s commitment to the culture of the sport. By merging iconic heritage patterns with mariner-grade engineering, Whitewater provides the modern sportsman a garment that respects the past while outperforming the present. Whether utilized as a foundational mid-layer or a standalone shield against the elements, the Beacon ensures that the focus remains on the next cast, not the conditions.

Beacon Technical Hoodie FEATURES:

288g smooth, 4-way stretch polyester face for easy layering
Warm fleece interior
UPF 50+ sun protection
Built-in gaiter for weather protection
Laser-cut ventilation holes for breathing
Invisible shock cord hood adjusters
Zip closure kangaroo pouch pocket
Fitted three-panel hood
Rear hood pass-through allows wind to escape
Ideal for layering or midweight standalone

COLORS: NEW Vintage Duck Camo, New Mossy Oak Bottomland, Black, Dark Grey Heather, and Open Water Grey

SIZES: SM – 3XL

MSRP $79.99

by AnglersChannel

Gamakatsu Introduces GSPECX™ Performance Eyewear

Precision Optics Built for Serious Anglers

Tacoma, WA- Gamakatsu, a global leader in premium fishing innovation, proudly announces the launch of its all new GSPECX™ Performance Sunglasses, a purpose built eyewear system designed to give anglers a critical visual advantage on the water. Developed from the water up with fishing specific applications in mind, GSPECX™ represents a significant evolution in performance optics, combining advanced lens technology with durable, ergonomic frame design to meet the demands of modern anglers.

At the core of the GSPECX™ system is a sophisticated multi-layer polarized lens platform engineered to dramatically reduce glare, enhance contrast, and improve overall clarity in dynamic light conditions. Built using a layered construction that includes hydrophobic coatings to shed water, anti-reflective treatments to eliminate back glare, and scratch resistant layers for long term durability, the GSPECX lens system is designed to perform in everything from low light morning conditions to bright, high glare afternoon sun. This integrated approach not only enhances underwater visibility, but also reduces eye fatigue, allowing anglers to stay focused and effective throughout the day.

A key differentiator within the GSPECX lineup is the integration of premium polarized lenses from TALEX, widely regarded for their precision craftsmanship and optical performance. Handcrafted in Osaka, Japan, TALEX lenses are built using proprietary filtration technology designed to block harmful light while maintaining exceptional brightness and clarity, rather than simply darkening the field of view. This results in a more natural visual experience that allows anglers to see deeper into the water with greater detail and less distortion.

TALEX lens technology is built around three core visual performance characteristics. Natural color reproduction, contrast enhancement, and brightness optimization, each tuned to specific fishing conditions. Natural color lenses provide a true to life view that excels in bright, open-water environments, while high contrast lenses enhance depth perception and make it easier to distinguish structure, cover, and fish movement below the surface. Brightness enhancing lenses are optimized for low light scenarios, allowing more light transmission without sacrificing glare reduction, making them ideal for early mornings, overcast days, or heavily stained water.

With six unique lens color options available in the GSPECX lineup, these sunglasses allow anglers to spot what others are missing beneath the surface. All lenses are rated UV400, blocking more than 99% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. While many lenses only filter up to 380 nm, these go further shielding your eyes from the most penetrating UV radiation for complete protection. This level of specialization allows anglers to dial in their eyewear based on both environment, technique, as well as eye protection and comfort.

The GSPECX lineup features a diverse range of frame styles, each engineered with a specific on the water application in mind. From ultra lightweight performance frames designed for all day wear, to more aggressive wrap style designs that maximize coverage and block peripheral light, every model is built for function first. Ergonomic fit systems, including adjustable nose pads and soft touch contact points, ensure a secure and comfortable fit whether running across open water or making precise casts in tight cover. GSPECX Performance Sunglasses are engineered with crystal clear, near zero distortion lenses that deliver unmatched clarity, reducing eye fatigue and providing all day comfort on the water.

Engineered with advanced glare reduction and full UV protection, these polarized polycarbonate lenses by TALEX are built from premium, handcrafted components in Japan to deliver outstanding optical clarity and performance. The frames are constructed from premium nylon, offering an ideal balance of impact resistance and ultra lightweight comfort, while adjustable nose pads and earpieces provide a secure, fully customizable fit. Professional anglers have consistently noted the superior clarity of GSPECX compared to other brands, emphasizing that sunglasses are one of the most critical tools for success on the water. The ability to clearly see underwater structure, weed beds, and fish in shallow water gives anglers a decisive advantage, which is why Gamakatsu partnered with some of the best sight fishermen in the world during development. Their approval underscores the performance of GSPECX, and if they trust what they see, you can too.

Each pair of GSPECX Performance Sunglasses is delivered as a complete system, including a protective EVA hard case and premium microfiber cleaning cloth. This all-in-one approach ensures anglers have everything they need to protect and maintain their investment from the moment they hit the water.

The GSPECX Performance Sunglasses lineup is now available offering a wide variety of frame styles and TALEX lens configurations to match the needs of anglers across all disciplines. With this launch, Gamakatsu continues its commitment to innovation, delivering products that help anglers fish more effectively, confidently, and comfortably.

From humble beginnings as Japan’s smallest fishing hook manufacturer in 1955, Gamakatsu has evolved into the world’s preeminent hook manufacturer. Continuous manufacturing upgrades and cutting-edge innovation have fueled Gamakatsu’s growth as a leading producer of fishing hooks, apparel, and performance gear. When anglers purchase Gamakatsu products, they are investing in original designs manufactured exclusively by the company. Gamakatsu remains committed to testing new materials and advancing technology that continues to set the industry standard. For more information, please visit www.gamakatsu.com.

by AnglersChannel

Abu Garcia - Revo Reels Big Bass Classic presented by Lake Murray Country

Event Details

$155,000 GUARANTEED PRIZES & PAYOUTS

3 DAY EVENT
April 24th - 26th (Friday-Sunday)

Entry Fee: Three Day $250 | Two Day $175 | One Day $125 | Youth $75 (Entry fees are per angler)

Location: Lake Murray, South Carolina

Weigh-in Site: Dreher Island State Park, 3677 State Park Rd, Prosperity, SC 29127

Click here to view the new rules regarding forward-facing sonar and angler eligibility.

GUARANTEED OVERALL GRAND PRIZE: $58,570

2026 NITRO® Z18 rigged with a Mercury® 150 L Pro XS® FourStroke
Minn Kota® Ultrex® QUEST™ 24V, 115-lb thrust, Bow Humminbird® XPLORE™ 9, Console Humminbird® XPLORE™ 9, Hot Foot® throttle, genuine two-tone cover, NITRO® trailer w/powder-coat finish & GALVASHIELD® Impact corrosion & chip protection, tandem-axle upgrade w/2 brakes, 18" black tire/wheel upgrade with spare and fiberglass fenders. To learn more about NITRO® boats, visit the website at Nitro.com.

Guaranteed Total Hourly Paybacks: $63,525
1st: $1,000
2nd: $500
3rd: $300
4th: $250
5th: $225
6th: $200
7th: $175
8th: $150
9th: $125
10th: $100

Youth Division Total Payback: $600
1st: $300
2nd: $200
3rd: $100

Early Entry Prizes: $30,000
Abu Garcia Veritas® BFS 7'1" Casting Rod- Value $119.95

Click here to see the rod.

Early entry prizes go to the first 250 two or three-day online entrants. One-day and youth entries are not eligible for an early entry prize.

Early entry prizes may be picked up on the day listed below or during any tournament day. Please don't call our offices about early entry prizes. There is a prize counter at the top of each event page. Prizes are gone when the counter shows zero. We will post the date the counter goes to zero on the site. *Another angler may pick up your early entry prize if you cannot attend.

Early Entry Prize Pick-up
Thursday, March 12th, from 4-6 pm at Wildwood Park. You may also pick up prizes on any of the tournament days.

Event Registration
Registration for an Event closes at 9:00 p.m. on the Thursday before the Event begins for a three-day entry. There will be no morning registration on Friday, Saturday, and/or Sunday of the Event. Participants may register online before the Event or in person at the designated time above during prize pickup hours. Once an event begins, participants who register late online must do so before 9:00 p.m. on Friday and before 6 p.m. on Saturday for the remaining days and must also adhere to the off-limits rules listed in section 6.02. Click here to see rule 6.02

**ANDROID USERS**
If you have an Android and aren't receiving texts from us, you will need to search for the number 833-933-1717 in your text app and accept that it is not spam.

Start Time
Because we host our tournaments at different times of year, we will notify everyone of the start time the week of the tournament. We will notify you via text message. Start time (first cast) for each tournament will be safe light and set by the tournament director. You may launch and be on the water, but you may not begin fishing until we notify you of the first cast. Please do not call our offices regarding the start time. We will post the start-fishing time on this page and text the time the week of the event. You will also be sent a live leaderboard link once the event begins.

Weigh-in Times: All days of the event
8-9 am
9-10 am
10-11 am
11 am-12 pm
12-1 pm
1-2 pm
2-3 pm

Fish Size Limits
Largemouth - 14" minimum
Smallmouth - 12" minimum
Spotted - no size limit

by AnglersChannel

Before REDCREST, MLF Pros Give Back with Suzuki Marine Lake Cleanup at Table Rock Lake

Anglers, volunteers unite for conservation effort at Table Rock Lake State Park Marina

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (April 21, 2026) – Before the first cast of Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2026 Presented by Mercury Marine and Lowrance, a group of Major League Fishing (MLF) pros traded rods and reels for trash bags, teaming up with Suzuki Marine and H2Ozarks to give back to the fishery that would soon take center stage.

On Thursday, April 16, eight MLF Bass Pro Tour anglers – Keith Carson, James Elam, Matt Becker, John Hunter, Nick Hatfield, Jacob Wheeler, Adrian Avena and Dean Rojas – joined approximately 30 volunteers for a shoreline cleanup at Table Rock Lake State Park Marina. The group spent an hour combing the high-traffic public area, each volunteer armed with a bag and a shared goal of leaving the lake better than they found it.

LINK TO PHOTO GALLERY FROM EVENT

Despite the short timeframe, the impact was immediate. Volunteers filled bags, and even wheelbarrows, with trash collected from the shoreline.

“It’s important for us as anglers to give back to the places that give us so much,” said Suzuki Marine pro angler Keith Carson of DeBary, Florida. “We spend our careers on these lakes, and taking a little time to help clean them up and protect them for the future means a lot. It’s also really cool to see everyone come together, especially with kids involved, learning how important it is to take care of our fisheries.”

The cleanup effort was part of REDCREST week community outreach, a continued emphasis for MLF to make a positive impact in host communities beyond competition days. Anglers were fully engaged throughout the event, interacting with fans and working alongside volunteers, with several even bringing their children to participate.

One of the day’s standout moments came as pro Adrian Avena worked side by side with his son, a powerful reminder of the role today’s anglers play in passing down a passion for conservation to the next generation.

The partnership with Suzuki Marine continues to highlight a shared commitment to environmental stewardship. Through initiatives like the Suzuki Marine Lake Cleanup, the organizations aim to support cleaner waterways and healthier fisheries across the country.

“We’re proud to partner with Suzuki Marine and H2Ozarks to make a positive impact here at Table Rock Lake,” said Joe Opager, Senior Director of Communications for Major League Fishing. “REDCREST is about showcasing the best anglers in the world, but it’s also about leaving a lasting impression on the communities and fisheries that host us. This was a simple effort, but a meaningful one, and something we’re excited to continue building on.”

by AnglersChannel

La Crosse Angler Mike Brueggen Earns 12th Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Mississippi River

Holmen’s Plank Wins Co-Angler Division

LA CROSSE, Wis. (April 19, 2026) – Boater Mike Brueggen of La Crosse, Wisconsin, brought a five-bass limit to the scale weighing 21 pounds, 5 ounces, to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on the Mississippi River in La Crosse . The tournament, hosted by Explore La Crosse, was the first of five events of the season for the BFL Great Lakes Division. Bruggen earned $3,920 for his victory.

Brueggen said he spent the day keying on shallow fish that repositioned following the strong cold front and heavy winds. Targeting grass flats that had been loaded with bait just days earlier, he relied on a red squarebill crankbait and a modified vibrating jig to trigger reaction bites.

“I had some in the drain with shallow water on it, and with that cold front and a lot of wind, it pushed those fish off the shallow flat,” Brueggen said. “I kind of guessed it right – I’m not saying I knew they were going to, but I guessed it right and they did.”

A key part of his setup was a customized approach to his vibrating jig, designed to keep it higher in the water column over the submerged vegetation. Brueggen said he used a straight-tail trailer to match the presentation and even modified the bait to enhance its performance.

“It would ride higher, and I drilled some weight out so it would ride even higher yet,” he explained.

The adjustment allowed him to effectively cover water and stay above the grass, where fish were actively feeding. The strategy produced steady action throughout the day, with Brueggen boating an estimated 40 to 50 bass.

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

1st:        Mike Brueggen, La Crosse, Wis., five bass, 21-1, $3,920
2nd:      Hunter Vanduyse, Green Bay, Wis., five bass, 20-7, $1,860
3rd:       Jim Jones, Big Bend, Wis., five bass, 19-7, $1,030
4th:       Kyle von Ruden, Stoddard, Wis., five bass, 18-4, $740
5th:       Wyatt Becker, West Salem, Wis., five bass, 17-13, $650
6th:       Mike Feldermann, Galena, Ill., five bass, 16-11, $560
7th:       Mark Myers, Cedar Falls, Iowa, five bass, 16-9, $530
8th:       Casey Goode, La Crosse, Wis., five bass, 16-8, $1,000 (includes $1,000 Phoenix Bonus)
8th:       Devin Teigen, Nelson, Wis., five bass, 16-8, $500
10th:     Ty Kreis, Brady, Neb., five bass, 16-4, $460

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Brueggen also earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award after landing a 5-pound, 11-ouncer, worth $200.

Wil Plank of Holmen, Wisconsin, won the co-angler division and the top prize of $1,860 Saturday after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 13 pounds, 3 ounces.

The top 10 co-anglers finished:

1st:        Wil Plank, Holmen, Wis., three bass, 13-3, $1,860
2nd:      Kevin Clark, Lancaster, Wis., three bass, 12-6, $980
3rd:       Dan McAdams, Reedsburg, Wis., three bass, 12-2, $465
4th:       Jason Swanson, Wauwatosa, Wis., three bass, 11-12, $370
5th:       Philip Olson, Wauwatosa, Wis., three bass, 10-7, $325
6th:       David Ondria, Elmhurst, Ill., three bass, 10-1, $280
7th:       Austin Frye, Ontario, Wis., three bass, 9-13, $262
7th:       Nicholas Howell, Mackinaw, Ill., three bass, 9-13, $262
9th:       Jordan Pekar, South Milwaukee, Wis., three bass, 9-8, $250
10th:     Brian Brecka, Alma, Wis., three bass, 9-7, $230

Ron Mairet of Columbus, Junction, Iowa, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award after landing a 5-pound, 15-ounce bass worth $100.

After one event, Mike Brueggen of La Crosse, Wisconsin, now leads the 7 Brew Great Lakes Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race, while Wil Plank of Holmen, Iowa, leads the Great Lakes Division Co-Angler of the Year race.

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 22-24 BFL Regional tournament on 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 prize of a new Phoenix 518 pro with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard, worth $33,500.

by AnglersChannel

Mansfield’s Parker Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Oconee Presented by Precision Sonar

Carrollton’s McGouirk Wins Co-Angler Division

BUCKHEAD, Ga. (April 19, 2026) – Boater Weston Parker of Mansfield, Georgia, brought a five-bass limit to the scale weighing 15 pounds, 5 ounces, to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Oconee Presented by Precision Sonar . The tournament was the third of five events of the season for the BFL Bulldog Division. Parker earned $4,000 for his victory.

Parker said that he won at Lake Oconee by adjusting as the conditions changed throughout the day. He started the morning targeting fish feeding on shad with a topwater presentation, but quickly recognized the bite was fading.

“We were in a shad spawn throwing a little topwater, and it got tough fast,” Parker said. “So, I made the decision that if I was going to have a chance in this tournament that I need to start flipping docks.”

Making the shift to dock fishing proved to be the turning point, as Parker focused on high-percentage targets that could produce quality bites. Rather than chasing numbers, he committed to areas where each bite had the potential to be a good one.

“I made a decision this morning to kind of fish stuff that I knew if I got bit on, it’d be a decent bite,” he said. “And that actually paid off for me. It feels great to know I made the right decision and got the win.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

1st:        Weston Parker, Mansfield, Ga., five bass, 15-5, $4,000
2nd:      Frank Kitchens III, Oxford, Ga., five bass, 15-2, $2,500 (includes $500 Phoenix Bonus)
3rd:       Nolan Holloway, Madison, Ga., five bass, 14-8, $1,000
4th:       Matt Henry, Milledgeville, Ga., five bass, 14-1, $800
5th:       Brandon Martin, Lula, Ga., five bass, 13-15, $700
6th:       Nicholas Tunney, Marietta, Ga., five bass, 13-14, $600
7th:       Greg Rikard, Leesville, S.C., five bass, 12-12, $825
8th:       John Duvall, Boca Raton, Fla., five bass, 12-8, $550
9th:       Jae Evans, Boca Raton, Fla., four bass, 12-7, $525
10th:     David Millsaps, Ranger, Ga., five bass, 11-7, $400
10th:     Kevin Underwood, Gillsville, Ga., five bass, 11-7, $400

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Pro Roger Stubbs of McDonough, Georgia, also earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award after landing a 5-pound, 8-ounce bass worth $200.

Dennis McGouirk of Carrollton, Georgia, won the co-angler division and the top prize of $2,100 Saturday after bringing three bass to the scale that totaled 15 pounds, 9 ounces.

The top 10 co-anglers finished:

1st:        Dennis McGouirk, Carrollton, Ga., three bass, 15-9, $2,100
2nd:      Jackson Riddle, Watkinsville, Ga., three bass, 9-10, $1,000
3rd:       Robert Enke, Columbus, Ga., three bass, 9-6, $500
4th:       Richard Causey, Perry, Ga., three bass, 8-5, $450
5th:       Donald Dills, Mineral Bluff, Ga., three bass, 8-1, $350
6th:       Don Payne, Loganville, Ga., three bass, 7-13, $300
7th:       Bill Martynuska, Alpharetta, Ga., three bass, 7-12, $290
8th:       Chad Batten, Dahlonega, Ga., three bass, 7-9, $275
9th:       Patrick Watson, Newnan, Ga., three bass, 7-5, $260
10th:     Cameron McBride, Temple, Ga., three bass, 7-2, $250

McGouirk earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award after landing a 6-pound, 8-ounce bass worth $100.

After three events, John Duvall of Madison, Georgia, now leads the 7 Brew Bulldog Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 729 points, while Jaquas Dobbs of Conyers, Georgia, leads the Bulldog Division Co-Angler of the Year race with 728 points.

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 15-17 BFL Regional tournament on Clarks Hill Lake in Appling, Georgia. Boaters will fish for a top award of a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard worth $50,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top prize of a new Phoenix 518 pro with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard, worth $33,500.

by AnglersChannel

Reed’s magical spot carries him to victory at Caddo/Bistineau

SHREVEPORT, La – Caddo Lake has always suited Casey Reed’s run-and-gun fishing style, but it was a vastly different approach that carried the Virginia native to his best tournament yet on the fishery that splits Louisiana and Texas.

With a total of 196.5 inches, Reed won the 2026 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series at Caddo Lake/Lake Bistineau presented by Native Watercraft, edging out second-place Dontrell Sullivan by a quarter inch to earn the $10,500 first-place and a berth in the 2026 Kayak Series National Championship.

“I’ve been chasing a Bassmaster trophy for the last six years. I’ve wanted one so bad, and after practice I was just hoping to do well enough to cash a check,” Reed said. “The last few hours of practice, I found a spot where I knew I could go catch some fish. I didn’t know what it would turn out to be, but it turned out to be a magical spot.”

Reed has been towards the top of the Angler of the Year race each of the last two seasons, and adding a win to his 20th place finish at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes puts him in contention once again this season.

Securing a berth in the National Championship, however, might change how he approaches the rest of the season.

“I always worry about making the Championship. It is the best event we have, and it is not easy to qualify for,” Reed said. “To have that out of the way takes some stress off. I (don’t really) have to worry about points, I can fish to win it.”

After a stormy and windy Day 1, much cooler temperatures greeted anglers to start the second day. Even still, three anglers reached the 100-inch threshold with multiple competitors eclipsing the 90-inch mark.

Normally, Reed’s Caddo Lake strategy is to fish as many cypress trees as he possibly can with his signature shaky head setup. This week was much different, as Reed maximized one small area to catch the winning bass. The spot was a small flat in 5 feet of water between groups of cypress trees where postspawn largemouth were feeding on baitfish.

“The bass just kept coming through, and you had to be there right when they came through,” he explained. “They weren’t there all the time, but they’d show up and it’d be fast and furious for a few minutes.”

Several feeding windows opened throughout the day, especially on Day 1, and Reed would use his eyes or his forward-facing sonar to make accurate casts to where the bass were feeding. A golden shiner-colored Yo-Zuri Rattl'n Vibe produced many of his best bites while a ChatterBait, squarebill crankbait and a shaky head also caught key bass.

Reed stayed in his primary spot the entirety of Day 1 essentially, leaving only a couple times to let it rest before playing defense once he reached 96.25 inches. He then opened Day 2 by landing a 22.75-incher, his biggest of the tournament, and filled out a limit by mid-morning.

The bite got tougher as the day progressed, and Reed was forced to make a move to a similar spot. That move produced a 21-incher. Two casts later, he upgraded again.

“I was through the roof excited,” he said. “Right there, in my mind, I had a feeling everything was meant to be today. Everything was going right.

Sullivan spent his time on Caddo Lake as well, landing limits measuring 100.25 inches and 96 inches for a total of 196.25 inches.

“It feels pretty close to winning one,” Sullivan said. “Being this close and being up here with the class of anglers we fish against, it is nice to be at the top for once.”

Capitalizing on a shad spawn helped the North Carolina angler achieve a quick start with a Bizz Baits buzzbait on Day 1, but with a much cooler morning on Day 2, the water temperatures dropped and the shad did not return.

Bites were hard to come by up shallow, but Sullivan made a move to a bluegill bed in 6 feet of water he found in practice and filled out his initial limit. Around that bed, he rotated between a white Z-Man Evergreen JackHammer with a Keitech Easy Shiner and a black and blue JackHammer paired with a Bizz Baits Minner.

“I think the cold might have pushed some fish out to the bluegill bed,” he said.

After checking another area, he returned to the bluegill bed and landed an 18-inch on the JackHammer and then a 21-incher on a jerkbait. With only a couple minutes left on the clock, Sullivan hooked up with a bass he felt might have put him over the top, but it pulled off before he could get a look at it.

Kobi May, a Carson-Newman student-angler, finished third with 193 inches. The Tennessean caught 98.5 inches before landing 94.5 inches on the second day.

“My personal best coming into this week was a 6-pounder and I broke that five times. I caught a 10.65 the last day of practice,” May said. “It fished really well this week.”

Using a Hideup Coike, May targeted cypress trees near creek channels.

“(Sunday) I put my head down and stuck in one area,” he said. “I tried to catch (Casey) and (Dontrell) two but never could. That’s the way it goes.”

Tennessee’s Ron Butler Jr. and Texas’s Guillermo Gonzales rounded out the Top 5 with 191.75 inches and 190.25 inches respectively. Michigan’s Myles Sayles caught the Big Bass of the Tournament, a 24.75-inch largemouth that bit on Day 1.

Full results of this event can be found on Bassmaster.com and TourneyX.

This event is being hosted by Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission.

2026 Bassmaster Kayak Series Title Sponsor: Newport

2026 Bassmaster Kayak Series Presenting Sponsor: Native Watercraft
2026 Bassmaster Kayak Series Angler of the Year Sponsor: Pro-Guide Batteries

About B.A.S.S.

by AnglersChannel

More Than a Motor: Suzuki Marine’s All-In Push to Protect the Waters We Fish

By Danny Blandford, AC Insider

From royalty-free micro-plastic patents and sustainable fuel at the dock, to rolling up their sleeves at REDCREST 2026, Suzuki Marine is proving that conservation is more than a tagline.

Suzuki Motor Corporation has been making headlines in quick succession with conservation moves that could ripple through the recreational boating and fishing world. The company is opening up its proprietary micro-plastic collection technology to competitors — at no charge — while simultaneously teaming up with Fuel 1 to make cleaner-burning marine fuels available at Suzuki dealerships across the country, and lending to support to cleanup efforts nationwide.

Giving away the blueprint: Royalty-free micro-plastic patents

In a move described as the first of its kind for the company, Suzuki announced it will make 34 patents related to its outboard motor micro-plastic collecting device available on a completely royalty-free basis. The offer covers patents already granted as well as applications still in the pre-grant phase, and applies to companies and organizations both in Japan and internationally.

The technology itself is no small feat. Suzuki developed what it calls the world’s first micro-plastic collecting device designed to integrate directly into an outboard motor’s engine-cooling system. Because outboard motors already pump seawater through the engine while running, the device simply intercepts that flow after cooling is complete, filtering out micro-plastics before the water is expelled back into the ocean — all without any measurable impact on engine performance or cooling efficiency. Boats equipped with the device collect micro-plastics passively, just by being underway.

The patent portfolio also includes improvement inventions that address real-world complications, such as a parallel bypass channel that kicks in if the collecting filter becomes clogged, preventing any reduction in the engine’s cooling ability.

Suzuki currently offers the micro-plastic collecting device as standard equipment on five outboard models: the DF140BG, DF115BG, DF140B, DF115B, and DF100C. By opening up the technology, Suzuki is betting that wider adoption across the marine industry will do more for ocean health than keeping the patents proprietary.

Companies or organizations interested in licensing the technology can reach Suzuki’s dedicated consultation desk at [email protected].

Sustainable fuel at the dock: The Fuel 1 partnership

Separately, Suzuki Marine announced a partnership with Fuel 1 that will bring sustainable, ethanol-free marine fuel directly to Suzuki dealerships. Under the program, Fuel 1 will provide free Micro-Station Deployment — fully branded portable fueling stations installed at participating dealer locations at no cost to the dealer.

The fueling solution uses PurFuels’ 93-octane, ethanol-free fuel developed specifically for marine operating conditions. For boaters and anglers, ethanol-free fuel means better performance, reduced risk of fuel system corrosion, and fewer headaches after extended storage — issues that have long plagued boats running standard pump fuel. Dealers unable to support a fixed fueling station can also participate through portable distribution options, including 20-gallon exchange pods and tote programs.

IN THEIR WORDS

“Making sustainable marine fuels more accessible in different areas of the country is a great win for our dealers and customers alike. This partnership is also a major step in Suzuki Marine’s ongoing effort to reduce the environmental footprint of boating.”

— Brandon Cerka, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Suzuki Marine

The program is designed to serve multiple goals at once: helping dealers meet a genuine consumer demand, supporting the performance and reliability of customer vessels, and advancing the sustainability goals the entire recreational boating industry has been pushing toward. Cerka added that Suzuki has long supported industry education around cleaner-burning fuels and views the Fuel 1 partnership as a concrete next step in getting sustainable fuel into more boaters’ hands through their most trusted local resource — their Suzuki dealer.

On the water, doing the work: REDCREST 2026 cleanup at Table Rock Lake

Suzuki Marine put its conservation message into boots-on-the-ground action at REDCREST 2026, partnering with Major League Fishing and H2Ozarks for a litter cleanup event at Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri. The event drew anglers, families, and fishing fans of all ages for a morning of picking up litter along one of the Ozarks’ most beloved waterways.

The cleanup is part of Suzuki Marine’s CLEAN OCEAN PROJECT — and a deliberate extension of that mission beyond saltwater. Freshwater fisheries like Table Rock Lake face many of the same litter and pollution pressures as coastal environments, and Suzuki’s decision to partner with MLF at one of competitive fishing’s biggest events sent a clear signal: conservation is a year-round commitment, not just a saltwater talking point.

Adding serious star power to the morning was eventual REDCREST winner Jacob Wheeler, who joined Suzuki pros Adrian Avena, Keith Carson, Matt Becker, and other members of the Suzuki pro staff on the water. Anglers Channel was on the ground for the event, and the turnout reflected genuine enthusiasm from the competitive fishing community for taking care of the lakes they fish.

Cleanup supplies were provided by the organizers, and participants were encouraged to bring friends and family. The relaxed, community-focused format — capped with a celebration of the morning’s work — made the event as much about building conservation culture within the fishing community as it was about the bags of litter hauled off the shoreline.

The bigger picture

Taken together, the three initiatives — royalty-free patents, sustainable fuel at the dock, and hands-on community cleanups — paint a picture of a marine manufacturer actively trying to reduce the environmental footprint of recreational boating on multiple fronts simultaneously. The royalty-free patent release falls under Suzuki’s broader “SUZUKI CLEAN OCEAN PROJECT” initiative, which focuses on protecting marine ecosystems in cooperation with partners around the world. The Fuel 1 deal attacks the problem from the emissions side. And events like the REDCREST cleanup build the grassroots conservation culture that sustains all of it.

For anglers, that means the brands and pros they already follow are increasingly aligned with keeping fish populations healthy and waterways clean — and showing up to prove it. Both programs are available now; ask your local Suzuki Marine dealer for details on the sustainable fuel partnership.

by AnglersChannel

Jacob Wheeler Wins Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2026 Presented by Mercury and Lowrance at Table Rock Lake

Birchwood, Tennessee pro wins REDCREST title with 21 bass weighing 51 pounds, 11 ounces to earn top prize of $300,000

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (April 19, 2026) – With 2 ½ hours left to fish in Bass Pro Shops REDCREST Presented by Mercury & Lowrance, Jacob Wheeler sat on the front deck of his bass boat and made a phone call. Trying to distract himself from the fact that the $300,000 prize and REDCREST trophy that had long eluded him were within reach, Wheeler FaceTimed his wife, Alicia, and their two children, Olivia and Hudson, during the final period break.

At that point, Wheeler led his nearest pursuer by more than 17 pounds. With postfrontal conditions making for a tough bite on Table Rock Lake, just about everyone knew that the title that had long seemed inevitable was now imminent – including Olivia. The 7-year-old asked, “Daddy, you’re going to win, right?”

“I’m just like, ‘Honey, I’m going to try, but it’s not a guarantee,’” Wheeler said with a laugh. “’It’s okay if I don’t. We’re going to try our hardest.’”

Was that Wheeler trying not to get ahead of himself? Sure. But he had good reason not to get too excited. Since winning the Forrest Wood Cup in 2012 at age 21, Wheeler has accomplished just about everything there is to accomplish in tournament bass fishing: 11 Bass Pro Tour wins, a Bassmaster Elite Series win, four Fishing Clash Angler of the Year titles. But despite four top-six finishes, he had yet to win Major League Fishing’s championship event.

Sunday, he finally got it done.

After pulling away from the rest of the Championship Round pros early, Wheeler cruised to a 51-pound, 11-ounce total on 21 scorable bass. That topped runner-up Takahiro Omori by 13-3 and earned Wheeler the one piece of hardware he’s been missing – the REDCREST trophy.

“It’s just been the thorn in my side,” Wheeler said. “I’ve had some really close calls. The ball has not bounced my way in these tournaments.

“It means the world. It really does.”

Ever since Table Rock was revealed as the playing field for REDCREST, Wheeler has been eyeing this event – and for good reason. His first career BPT win came on the fishery in 2019.

But he didn’t spend more time studying or pre-practicing than he does for any other tournaments. For events that occur around the bass spawn, he thinks doing so is counterproductive.

So, instead of out-working the competition, he out-strategized them.

“I might not have been on the best fish, but I just played my hand right,” Wheeler said.

During practice, Wheeler found a group of prespawn smallmouth at the end of a main-lake point in Long Creek. When he returned there to start Day 1, he discovered a healthy population of spawners, too. He boated 10 scorable bass for 24-4 during the opening hour of the event, taking an early lead. He wound up finishing the day in third with 52-2, which put him 14 pounds clear of the Lucas Oil Cut Line.

That strong start afforded Wheeler the luxury of using Day 2 to explore new water. Even though weights zeroed between the Qualifying Round and Championship Round, Wheeler pointed to Saturday as the day he won the event.

On Day 2, Wheeler opted to conserve his period with forward-facing sonar until Period 3, using the early hours to expand the shallow largemouth bite he chased without the technology. He found a few productive stretches where he could get bunches of bites on a bladed jig. Then, once he topped the 75-pound mark, he cut off his hooks. Even when he fell to ninth place in the third period, just one spot inside the cut, Wheeler stuck to his strategy, knowing every fish he could save might be crucial. He estimated that half the smallmouth he caught during his big first period of the Championship Round were spawners he pinpointed on Saturday afternoon.

“Yesterday, my boat official was like, ‘You’re 4 pounds out from 10^th and 11^th. Do you maybe want to put a hook on?’” Wheeler said. “I’m like, ‘Nah.’ I was playing it so tight. Yesterday was the day I won this tournament.”

Prior to Championship Sunday, Wheeler couldn’t sleep. Once on the water, it didn’t take him long to calm his nerves and claim the top spot on SCORETRACKER®.

His first bass of the day, a 4-pounder, gave him the lead 15 minutes after lines in. He never relinquished the top spot. He quickly added seven more scorable bass to bring his total to 20-15 within the first hour.

That opening flurry was made possible by the type of breaks that haven’t gone Wheeler’s way in past editions of REDCREST. He hooked and lost the same 4-pounder on Day 1, and some fresh fish that weren’t there Friday moved into the area to spawn.

“The one big one I lost on Day 1, that fish was still there, and I ended up catching that one – that was that 4-pounder I caught this morning,” he said. “So, there’s things like that that happened, that was like the grace of God.”

From there, Wheeler transitioned to running individual spawners that he’d marked on Day 2. Showcasing his trademark efficiency, he added six more scorable bass for more than 15 pounds, bringing his Period 1 total to 35-11. The second-best single period of any angler throughout the event, that essentially turned the rest of the day into a race for second. He maintained a 10-plus-pound lead until lines out.

While using his new Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 XL transducer to target smallmouth, Wheeler utilized the one-two punch of a jighead minnow and a Ned rig. He mixed a 4.25-inch Rapala CrushCity Freeloader and a 4.5-inch CrushCity Mooch Minnow with a CrushCity Salted Ned Roll . After turning off his transducers and heading to shallower, stained water, he fooled most of his largemouth with a Z-Man Evergreen JackHammer ChatterBait paired with a Freeloader in either sungill or green pumpkin magic.

Despite his early lead, Wheeler thought he still needed to stack up about 30 pounds of largemouth to finally hoist the trophy. But it didn’t take long to see that the bluebird skies had hampered the shallow bite. The situation was eerily similar to the most recent Bass Pro Tour event – the Championship Round of Stage 4 on Lake Brownwood, a grinder in which Wheeler also grabbed an early lead then held on to win.

“That cold front did the same thing it did on Brownwood,” Wheeler said. “Yesterday, they bit. It’s the same exact scenario happened today. First day of the front, they’re okay; they bite still. Second day of the front, it’s like a ghost town.”

Once his boat official counted down to lines out and the win finally became official, Wheeler let the tears flow. He dedicated the victory to his late father, who died from cancer just a few days before REDCREST 2025.

“It was super emotional, because my dad told me he wanted me to win one for him before he passed away, and (not doing so) was just a tough one to swallow,” Wheeler said.

But his prevailing emotion was relief. Wheeler can finally stop hearing about how he hasn’t won the big one.

“This is the thing: I can brush off a Jake Lawrence last-minute buzzer-beater win and placing second (in the
regular-season),” Wheeler said. “But you only get once a year to take a crack at this tournament. And so, it just means more.”

It means more than perhaps any previous win for Wheeler’s résumé, too. He further bolstered his standing as the dominant angler of his era and one of the greatest of all time. Since the inception of the Bass Pro Tour in 2019, he’s up to 12 wins to go along with four Angler of the Year titles. He joins Kevin VanDam as the only angler ever to win multiple tour championship events and four-plus AOY crowns.

In the afterglow of his win, Wheeler wasn’t ready to think about greatest-of-all-time debates. But it’s not lost on him what finally adding a REDCREST trophy to his collection means to his legacy.

“Does it define my career? No. I don’t really feel like it does,” Wheeler said. “But it definitely adds an additional layer to it. And that to me is what it’s about. Like, wow, you got it done in the event that you can only fish once a year. And that in and of itself is what I’m so thankful for.”

The top 10 pros at REDCREST 2026 Presented by Mercury and Lowrance on Table Rock Lake finished:

1st:        Jacob Wheeler, Birchwood, Tenn., 21 bass, 51-11, $300,000
2nd:      Takahiro Omori, Tokyo, Japan, 15 bass, 38-8, $50,000
3rd:       Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., 12 bass, 32-15, $40,000
4th:       Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., 12 bass, 29-7, $28,000
5th:       Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., 12 bass, 28-1, $25,000
6th:       Alton Jones Jr., Lorena, Texas, nine bass, 24-14, $20,000
7th:       Mark Daniels Jr., Shorter, Ala., 10 bass, 23-14, $18,000
8th:       Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark., eight bass, 20-9, $16,000
9th:       Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas, seven bass, 17-3, $14,500
10th:     Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., five bass, 12-8, $12,500

Full results from the event can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Overall, there were 111 scorable bass weighing 279 pounds, 10 ounces caught by the final 10 pros on Sunday. Throughout the entire three-day event, the 35 competitors in REDCREST 2026 caught a total of 985 scorable bass weighing 2,421 pounds, 15 ounces.

Pro Alton Jones Jr., of Lorena, Texas, won the $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award Sunday with a 4-pound, 10-ounce largemouth bass that he caught in Period 1 on a jighead minnow. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day of the tournament.

Television coverage of MLF’s Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2026 Presented by Mercury and Lowrance at Table Rock Lake will premiere as a one-hour episode in December on CBS, immediately following an NFL game.

Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2026 Presented by Mercury and Lowrance showcased the top 35 MLF anglers from 2025 – including the top 30 anglers from the Bass Pro Tour – competing for the prestigious REDCREST Championship and a total prize pool of more than $700,000.

The 2025 Bass Pro Tour featured 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 finish in the top 30 and qualify for Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2026 Presented by Mercury and Lowrance. The field also featured the 2025 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Champion, 2025 Toyota Series Pro Division Champion and International Division Champion, 2025 All-American Boater Champion and the highest finishing member of the 2025 College Fishing National Championship team from the Toyota Series Championship.

Proud sponsors of the MLF Bass Pro Tour and REDCREST 2026 include: Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing Co., B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Force, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Black Buffalo, BUBBA, Cigars International, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Lowrance, Mercury, MillerTech, NITRO Boats, OFF! Deep Woods, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Star brite, Suzuki Marine, Toyota, Yuengling and Zenni.

by AnglersChannel

Foutz finds late-day kicker for Bassmaster Elite win at Arkansas River

MUSKOGEE, Okla. — Family’s important to Jacob Foutz, so when he made a promise to his great grandmother Judy Fisher, he intended to keep it. Two years after her passing, Foutz fulfilled his oath by winning the Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite at Arkansas River.

After tallying a four-day winning total of 72 pounds, 4 ounces, Foutz linked a transitional moment in his final day to that longstanding family commitment.

“This afternoon, I had 30 minutes before I locked (back to Pool 16 from Pool 15) and I had gone back for a big one I had seen on bed,” said the 27-year-old from Philadelphia, Tenn. “My great grandma was my biggest fan. Every time I saw her, I promised her a blue trophy.

“That big fish wasn’t there and I said, ‘Grandma, if you’re watching, I can use a 5-pounder right now.’ About 5 minutes later, I caught a 6-1. You can’t script it any better than that.”

Foutz placed seventh on Day 1 with a bag of 18-1 and moved up to second a day later with 18-15. Adding 20-10 on Semifinal Saturday, Foutz took over the lead by a margin of 6-9.

A leaner Championship Sunday yielded 14-10, but Foutz finished with a winning margin of 6-13 of Austin Felix and collected the $100,000 top prize.

“I’ve been waiting for this since I was 5 years old,” Foutz said. “Bass fishing is all I’ve ever known. I love it more than anything else in the world. This is something I’ve dreamed of since I was a little, little boy.”

With the event based on Pool 16, tournament boundaries also comprised pools 17 and 15. All week, Foutz camped in a couple of shallow backwater areas in the Illinois River, which branches off the east side of Kerr Lake (Pool 15).

With no other anglers fishing that area, Foutz found was able to explore at his leisure. His key area was a shallow gravel bank where he monitored bedding bass and roaming fish with Garmin Perspective Mode — a wide-angle live sonar view ideal for shallow waters.

Foutz caught his bed fish on a Texas-rigged Burtek Cranking Bug. He also caught several keepers by blind casting the area with a Megabass Magdraft swimbait.

“Coming into this week, I didn’t think I was on that much, I just kinda figured it out as the week when on,” Foutz said. “When it’s your time, it’s your time.”

A 6-pound class fish always matters, especially on a fishery where 5-pounders are eye-openers. However, the timing could not have been any better.

Around noon, Foutz found himself with a limit of just under 10 pounds as the scheduled 1:30 lock time loomed closer. Unbeknownst to him, Felix and third-place Pat Schlapper were chipping away at his lead.

Sensing that his opportunity was in jeopardy, Foutz resolved to fish until the last minute. His persistence paid off with a late-day kicker that slammed the door shut.

“I saw some wood (on the bottom) but I didn’t see the fish,” Foutz said. “I just made a blind pitch out there and my mind started moving.”

Hailing from Eden Prairie, Minn., Austin Felix finished second with 65-7. Staying in the hunt all week, the 2020 Bassmaster Elite Series Rookie of the Year turned in daily weights of 18-15, 16-12, 13-12 and 16-0.

Also committing his tournament to Pool 15, Felix fished various habitat features. Flexibility and adaptability were his allies.

“You had to go with the flow and fish what you could,” he said. “Fortunately, I put my bait in front of 20 of the right ones (four days of 5-bass limits).”

Felix caught his fish on a 3/8-ounce Tree Shaker Tackle swim jig and a Texas-rigged Strike King Rage Bug. He used two versions of the Texas rig — one with a 7/16-ounce weight for deeper spots and a 5/16-ounce setup for finessing shallower cover.

Considering the run down to the Webbers Falls Lock and Dam accessing Pool 15, locking time and the run to the prime fishing areas, Felix said his fishing day amounted to approximately 3 1/2 hours.

“The key was keeping your head down and fishing what was in front of you,” Felix said. “You couldn’t really run around so there wasn’t time for a Plan B or C. Fortunately, I got in an area where, even when the weather changed, a different section would go off and I could get a few bites every day.”

Schlapper, who makes his home in Eleva, Wis., finished third with 64-10. His daily weights were 17-6, 13-12, 17-0 and 16-8.

Anchoring his final bag with a 5-pounder, Schlapper focused on various shallow backwater habitat similar to his Upper Mississippi River home waters where he claimed his second of two Elite wins in 2025 (also the Sabine River).

“This river fits my style of fishing; it’s one of my favorite places now,” Schlapper said. “There’s a lot of fish and a lot of cool cover to fish.

“I caught a lot of my fish on a swim jig that I make myself from Do-it-Molds. It’s so fun when you watch them come up and you watch the bait disappear.”

Cole Sands of Johnson City, Tenn., won the $2,000 Phoenix Boats Big Bass award with a 6-13.

Trey McKinney of Carbondale, Ill., won the $1,000 award for leading the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year points with 354. Cory Johnston of Otonabee, Canada is second with 353, followed by Sands with 325, Dakota Ebare of Brookeland, Texas with 320, and Caleb Hudson of Lincolnton, Ga., with 317.

Seth Feider of New Market, Minn., won the $2,000 Rapala CrushCity Monster Bag with 21-3.

Carl Jocumsen of Queensland, Australia won the $1,000 BassTrakk Contingency prize for the angler whose BassTrakk estimates are closest to their official weight.

Jason Christie of Dry Creek, Okla., won the $4,000 Toyota Bonus Bucks contingency award for the highest-placing eligible angler. Luke Palmer of Coalgate, Okla., won the $3,000 second-place award.

Schlapper won the $2,500 Yamaha Power Pay contingency award for the highest-placing eligible angler. Christie won the $1,500 second-place award.

Caleb Hudson of Lincolnton, Ga., leads the Pro-Guide Batteries Bassmaster Elite Series Rookie of the Year standings with 317 points.

Visit Muskogee hosted this event.

2026 Bassmaster Elite Series Title Sponsor: Progressive

2026 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Progressive, Toyota
2026 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Humminbird, Mercury, Mountain Dew, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2026 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Lew's, Lowrance, Phoenix Boats, VMC, Yokohama

About B.A.S.S.

-30-

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

Media Contact: Mandy Pascal, Communications Manager, 334-414-8677, [email protected]

2026 Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite at Arkansas River 4/16-4/19
Arkansas River, Muskogee OK.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 4

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

1. Jacob Foutz Philadelphia, TN 20 72-04 101 $101,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 5 18-15 Day 3: 5 20-10 Day 4: 5 14-10
2. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 20 65-07 100 $20,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 16-12 Day 3: 5 13-12 Day 4: 5 16-00
3. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 20 64-10 99 $15,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 13-12 Day 3: 5 17-00 Day 4: 5 16-08
4. Jason Christie Dry Creek, OK 20 63-08 98 $12,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-04 Day 2: 5 18-02 Day 3: 5 14-04 Day 4: 5 12-14
5. Fisher Anaya Eva, AL 20 63-00 97 $11,750.00
Day 1: 5 20-04 Day 2: 5 16-13 Day 3: 5 14-00 Day 4: 5 11-15
6. Luke Palmer Atoka, OK 20 62-04 96 $11,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 20-08 Day 3: 5 15-08 Day 4: 5 13-12
7. Cory Johnston Otonabee CANADA 20 61-15 95 $10,500.00
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 16-13 Day 3: 5 16-08 Day 4: 5 13-03
8. Caleb Hudson Lincolnton, GA 20 59-03 94 $11,300.00
Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 5 17-09 Day 3: 5 11-09 Day 4: 5 11-00
9. Cole Sands Johnson City, TN 20 58-13 93 $13,200.00
Day 1: 5 17-13 Day 2: 5 11-02 Day 3: 5 17-15 Day 4: 5 11-15
10. Trey McKinney Carbondale, IL 19 55-13 92 $11,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 16-14 Day 3: 5 15-08 Day 4: 4 07-04
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 05-13 $1,000.00
2 Caleb Hudson Lincolnton, GA 06-08 $1,000.00
3 Cole Sands Johnson City, TN 06-13 $1,000.00
4 Jacob Foutz Philadelphia, TN 06-01 $1,000.00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Cole Sands Johnson City, TN 06-13 $2,000.00
RAPALA CRUSHCITY MONSTER BAG

Seth Feider Elko New Market, MN 21-03 $2,000.00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 98 495 1394-09
2 97 494 1285-08
3 44 232 591-03
4 9 49 129-01
----------------------------------
248 1270 3400-05

by AnglersChannel

Foutz surges into the lead in Bassmaster Elite at Arkansas River

MUSKOGEE, Okla. — On a day marked with significant weather impact, Jacob Foutz looked like he was fishing different waters than the other 49 semi-finalists competing in the Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite at Arkansas River.

In a way, he actually was, as the pro from Philadelphia, Tenn., has enjoyed three days of complete solitude in a backwater area of the Illinois River branching off the east side of Kerr Lake (Pool 15). During that time, Foutz has amassed a total of 57 pounds, 10 ounces, which sends him into Championship Sunday with a cozy lead of 6-9 over the first two days’ leader Fisher Anaya.

“It feels like I’m fishing in a different fishery; clean water, big ole bass — I can’t complain,” Foutz grinned. “Where I caught them today, I found it yesterday, but it’s part of the same backwater area I’ve been fishing.”

Keeping himself in the hunt, Foutz started with a seventh-place bag of 18-1 and moved up to second with a Day 2 limit that went 18-15. Adding his best effort — a third-round limit of 20-10 — puts him squarely in the driver’s seat.

A major storm system, which brought big winds toward the end of Friday’s weigh-ins, dropped air temperatures by about 15 degrees and lingered the blustery conditions throughout Day 3. Fortunately, Foutz was fishing in protected backwaters.

Most importantly, while many of his competitors have fished shad spawns and other bass postspawn patterns, Foutz believes the cooler water coming through the Illinois has kept his area a little behind the Arkansas River’s seasonal schedule.

“Where I’m fishing, the water temperature is just now getting into the low 60s, so it seems like they’re just now starting to spawn,” he said. “They’ve just reloaded and reloaded all three days. I think most of the fish I’ve caught have been bedding, but I’ve caught some just winding around.

“This scenario has just developed as the tournament has gone on. I just went to an area where I had a few bites in practice. I didn’t really know what was there, but we’ve learned pretty quickly.”

Foutz caught most of his fish by watching a broad area with Garmin Perspective Mode. He used a Texas-rigged Burtek Cranking Bug for the bed fish and a Megabass Magdraft swimbait for blind casting the general area.

Foutz did the biggest chunk of his Day 3 work from about 10:15 to 10:40 a.m., during which he boated a trio of chunky fish of 5 1/4, 4 and 4 3/4 pounds (unofficial BassTrakk weights). This Semifinal Saturday smackdown clearly positioned him to win his first blue trophy.

Looking ahead to Championship Sunday, Foutz said he’ll return to the Illinois River in hopes that his area has enough fish to crank out one more big bag.

“I feel like I’m running out of fish, but I did see some left in there and it still seems like they’re coming,” he said. “I’m not getting a bunch of time to fish (given the travel and locking time both ways), but I left some fish, I saw some more this afternoon that I didn’t try to catch.”

Hailing from Eva, Ala., Anaya is in second place with 51-1. After leading Days 1 and 2 with limits of 20-4 and 16-13, Anaya added 14 pounds on Day 3.

Following the same general game plan that had served him well for two days, Anaya started his day throwing a jerkbait for spotted bass and then a 3/8-ounce swim jig with a Zoom Ultra-Vibe Speed Craw for largemouth. That plan put four spots and one largemouth in his weigh-in bag.

“I just went fishing today and got fortunate enough to catch one big one late in the day that helped my bag,” said Anaya, who won the season’s second Bassmaster Elite at Lake Martin. “That big one was sitting in the same patch of grass that I’ve fished every day, so I’m gonna fish it again tomorrow and then run some new water.”

Jason Christie of Dry Creek, Okla., is in third place with 50-10. He has turned in daily weights of 18-4, 18-2 and 14-4.

Coming off a win in the previous Bassmaster Elite at the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, Christie has committed to locking down to Kerr Lake and working a familiar area that he grew up fishing. He stayed busy, but the big fish he located the previous two days did not cooperate today.

“I caught 50 or 60 fish, but I just never had that quality bite,” Christie said. “I’ve fished this river for years and the way I fish, you move around. You flip a log here, a reed head there, a grass patch there.

“I haven’t been able to do that; I’ve been handcuffed to one area, basically, the whole time. Hopefully, it doesn’t blow tomorrow so I can move around and have a chance to catch a big bag.”

After doing a lot of work with a Heddon Zara Spook the first two days, Christie caught most of his Day-3 fish on a Booyah Mobster swim jig.

Cole Sands of Johnson City, Tn. holds the Phoenix Boats Big Bass lead with a 6-13.

Trey McKinney of Carbondale, Ill., leads the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year points with 358. Cory Johnston of Otonabee, Canada is second with 355, followed by Sands with 324, Dakota Ebare of Brookeland, Texas with 320, and Caleb Hudson of Lincolnton, Ga., with 317.

Bassmaster LIVE action of Championship Sunday can be found on FS1 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. before heading to Bassmaster.com for afternoon coverage. All weigh-ins will be available live on Bassmaster.com starting at 4 p.m. ET.

Visit Muskogee is hosting this event.

2026 Bassmaster Elite Series Title Sponsor: Progressive

About B.A.S.S.

-30-

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

Media Contact: Mandy Pascal, Communications Manager, 334-414-8677, [email protected]

2026 Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite at Arkansas River 4/16-4/19
Arkansas River, Muskogee OK.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 3

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

1. Jacob Foutz Philadelphia, TN 15 57-10 101
Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 5 18-15 Day 3: 5 20-10
2. Fisher Anaya Eva, AL 15 51-01 100
Day 1: 5 20-04 Day 2: 5 16-13 Day 3: 5 14-00
3. Jason Christie Dry Creek, OK 15 50-10 99
Day 1: 5 18-04 Day 2: 5 18-02 Day 3: 5 14-04
4. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 15 49-07 98
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 16-12 Day 3: 5 13-12
5. Cory Johnston Otonabee CANADA 15 48-12 97
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 16-13 Day 3: 5 16-08
6. Trey McKinney Carbondale, IL 15 48-09 96
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 16-14 Day 3: 5 15-08
7. Luke Palmer Atoka, OK 15 48-08 95
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 20-08 Day 3: 5 15-08
8. Caleb Hudson Lincolnton, GA 15 48-03 94 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 5 17-09 Day 3: 5 11-09
9. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 15 48-02 93
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 13-12 Day 3: 5 17-00
10. Cole Sands Johnson City, TN 15 46-14 92 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-13 Day 2: 5 11-02 Day 3: 5 17-15
11. Seth Feider Elko New Market, MN 15 46-11 91 $7,000.00
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 21-03 Day 3: 5 15-11
12. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 15 46-03 90 $7,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-10 Day 2: 5 13-04 Day 3: 5 17-05
13. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 15 45-14 89 $7,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 14-09 Day 3: 5 15-14
14. Kyle Norsetter Cottage Grove, WI 15 45-12 88 $7,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-14 Day 2: 5 13-15 Day 3: 5 16-15
15. Bob Downey Detroit Lakes, MN 15 45-01 87 $7,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 5 14-09 Day 3: 5 13-10
16. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 15 45-00 86 $7,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-04 Day 2: 5 14-13 Day 3: 5 12-15
17. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 15 44-09 85 $6,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 16-09 Day 3: 5 14-07
18. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 15 44-03 84 $6,500.00
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 15-04 Day 3: 5 14-13
19. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 15 43-14 83 $6,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-06 Day 2: 5 15-10 Day 3: 5 09-14
20. Chris Johnston Peterborough Ontario CA 15 43-12 82 $6,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 15-03 Day 3: 5 15-08
21. Jake Whitaker Hendersonville, NC 15 43-06 81 $6,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-10 Day 2: 5 13-11 Day 3: 5 14-01
22. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TN AUSTRALIA 15 42-14 80 $6,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-08 Day 2: 5 19-03 Day 3: 5 10-03
23. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 15 42-05 79 $6,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-00 Day 2: 5 13-15 Day 3: 5 09-06
24. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 15 42-05 78 $6,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-04 Day 2: 5 15-00 Day 3: 5 11-01
25. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 15 42-03 77 $6,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-01 Day 2: 5 10-12 Day 3: 5 14-06
26. Patrick Walters Eutawville, SC 15 42-01 76 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 12-14 Day 3: 5 11-11
27. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 15 41-10 75 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 5 12-02 Day 3: 5 13-15
28. Will Davis Jr Sylacauga, AL 15 41-08 74 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 11-11 Day 3: 5 12-04
29. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 15 41-08 73 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 17-00 Day 3: 5 12-15
30. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 15 40-06 72 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-10 Day 2: 5 10-10 Day 3: 5 13-02
31. Wes Logan Springville, AL 15 40-06 71 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-15 Day 2: 5 14-06 Day 3: 5 12-01
32. Chris Zaldain Boyd, TX 15 40-02 70 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 5 17-13 Day 3: 5 11-05
33. Tristan McCormick Bon Aqua, TN 15 40-02 69 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-10 Day 2: 5 12-08 Day 3: 5 11-00
34. Jordan Lee Cullman, AL 15 40-01 68 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 15-05 Day 2: 5 12-14 Day 3: 5 11-14
35. Dakota Ebare Brookeland, TX 15 39-12 67 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 5 13-05 Day 3: 5 13-02
36. Beau Browning Hot Springs, AR 15 39-10 66 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 15-00 Day 2: 5 14-10 Day 3: 5 10-00
37. Cody Meyer Eagle, ID 15 39-04 65 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 11-00 Day 3: 5 11-11
38. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 15 39-02 64 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-00 Day 2: 5 10-11 Day 3: 5 12-07
39. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 15 38-05 63 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 5 13-14 Day 3: 5 11-12
40. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 15 37-08 62 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 11-10 Day 3: 5 09-11
41. Andrew Loberg Guntersville, AL 15 36-02 61 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 14-06 Day 3: 5 08-13
42. Bryan New Leesville, SC 15 36-01 60 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 11-13 Day 3: 5 08-01
43. Matt Messer Warfield, KY 15 34-11 59 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 16-08 Day 3: 5 06-10
44. Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 10 33-15 58 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-13 Day 2: 5 16-02 Day 3: 0 00-00
45. Kyle Welcher Valley, AL 15 33-14 57 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 15-00 Day 3: 5 07-04
46. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 14 33-11 56 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 5 10-07 Day 3: 4 06-06
47. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 13 33-05 55 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 10-09 Day 3: 3 04-12
48. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 11 31-12 54 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 5 15-14 Day 3: 1 01-07
49. Jeff Gustafson Kenora, ON Ontario CANA 12 31-07 53 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 12-02 Day 3: 2 03-14
50. Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 12 30-08 52 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 13-11 Day 3: 2 02-07
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 05-13 $1,000.00
2 Caleb Hudson Lincolnton, GA 06-08 $1,000.00
3 Cole Sands Johnson City, TN 06-13 $1,000.00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 98 495 1394-09
2 97 494 1285-08
3 44 232 591-03
----------------------------------
239 1221 3271-04

by AnglersChannel

Birge Tops 100 Pounds to Pace Qualifying Round at Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2026

Final 10 pros now set for Championship Sunday and final-day shootout for $300,000 top prize

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (April 18, 2026) – Pro Zack Birge of Blanchard, Oklahoma, has elevated his game to a new level during the first half of the 2026 season. Long a consistent force on the Bass Pro Tour, the Oklahoma pro has notched three Top 10s and a win in the first four regular-season events of 2026, plus an NPFL victory.

He’s one more day on Table Rock Lake away from climbing into another stratosphere of stars at Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2026 Presented by Mercury & Lowrance.

Birge added 19 scorable bass for 47 pounds, 4 ounces on Saturday’s second day of qualifying. The second-best day of anyone on the water, that brought his two-day total to 102-6, which topped the leaderboard. Day 1 leader Drew Gill of Mount Carmel, Illinois, finished second with 91-5.

As a result, Birge will lead the Top 10 pros out of Long Creek Marina Sunday morning in the fight for the championship trophy. Weights will zero overnight, then Birge and the rest of an absolutely stacked Top 10 will duke it out in the Championship Round with $300,000 on the line.

After putting plenty of distance between himself and the Lucas Oil Cut Line on Day 1, Birge estimated he spent 90% of Saturday running new water. In fact, he spent the entire second half of the day in a different area, miles up the lake from where he fished Friday.

“After the forward-facing period, I fished one stretch that I caught some on yesterday, and that was it,” Birge said. “Everything else was new.”

That has Birge excited, not so much because he’s identified areas that he can return to but because he knows what to look for. He plans to spend much of the Championship Round running more new water in search of fresh fish.

“More than anything, just the fact that I can run around and keep fishing new stuff and continue to get bit,” he said of his takeaways from Saturday.

Like much of the field, Birge has been using his one allotted period with forward-facing sonar at the start of each day. During that time, he’s targeting groups of bait-chasing bass with a jighead minnow and a topwater before transitioning to shallower targets in the latter two periods. Predicting it’ll take at least 50 pounds to win, he thinks the biggest key will be finding flurries of scorable bites with his transducers turned off.

“All I have to do is pull into a few places like that where I caught a [3 ½-pounder], another one that was almost 3,” he said. “Little short pockets that you can fish fast and get three or four bites in each one of them is what we’re going to have to have tomorrow to have a shot at it.”

Birge’s game plan will be the same on Sunday. The biggest decision he’ll face is whether to fish in the area where he spent Day 1 or later in the day on Day 2. They’re far enough apart that he thinks running back and forth would waste too much time.

“They’re a long ways apart from each other, and time is crucial in this thing,” he explained. “So, it kind of sucks to have to make a run to get to a different area.”

Birge is no stranger to the Championship Round at REDCREST. This marks the fifth time in six appearances at the event that he’ll finish in the Top 10.

Coming into the event, his goal was simply to make the cut and give himself a shot at hoisting the trophy. Now that he’s cruised through the first two days, he hopes to continue riding the momentum from his stellar season to the biggest win of his career.

“All you can do is get there and then let the chips fall however they will,” he said. “The first order of business is getting to the last day. Once you’re there, you just dial in the best you can and then hope for a good outcome. Maybe this time is mine.”

Like Birge, pro Drew Gill’s reward for dominating the opening day of competition was the ability to spend all of Day 2 searching new water. While he knew he’d need to add a tad more weight to his total to avoid stressing about the cut line, he never revisited any of the areas that produced for him on Friday.

“When you start (the day) practicing, it gives you the ability to catch some practicing, where you never have to touch any of your good stuff,” the ever-strategic Gill explained. “What happens in a situation like this if you try to get comfort fish under you is you catch comfort fish, and then you catch practice fish, and then you caught the comfort fish for no reason.”

While checking out new areas, Gill added another 20-14 on eight scorable bass. More important, he found a new area where he thinks he stack up some weight in a hurry during his period with forward-facing sonar on Championship Sunday.

“I didn’t find anywhere that I’m like, ‘Oh man, this is like a barn-burner, incredible ‘Scope area,’” he said. “But to my existing ‘Scope area, I added another area that is equal to or slightly better than most of the other stuff I have.”

After utilizing forward-facing sonar in Period 1 for the second day in a row, Gill headed to the banks and spent the rest of the day throwing a glide bait. He used the big bait “purely as a search tool” to identify areas with aggressive bass that he can return to with finesse worms.

“Just for drawing power, trying to get some inquisitive bass to show themselves,” Gill said of the glide. “I ended up catching a couple on it unintentionally. Those were just ones that clobbered it so hard and so quickly that I couldn’t do anything about it.”

He found a few more promising spots, although he said the latter two periods will be more like a “milk run of different places and stretches,” whereas he hopes to spend his period with forward-facing sonar hunkered down in one or two areas.

Put those two patterns together, and Gill is optimistic he can hit the 60-pound mark during the Championship Round. Will that be enough to claim his first championship trophy against such a stout field? He’s not sure.

But, if he executes well enough to eclipse 60 pounds, Gill is content to let the chips fall where they may.

“I don’t know what to expect tomorrow,” he said. “I’m just going to go catch what I can catch. And whatever everybody else is catching is not going to determine at all what I do, because I prepared the entire week to fish my tournament in this manner, throwing a Senko down the bank for postspawn largemouth and fishing for spawning smallmouth. That is how I have done it so far, that is how I prepared, and those are the fish I got found and the fish I’m dancing with.”

The top 10 pros that now advance to Championship Sunday at REDCREST 2026 on Table Rock Lake are:

1st:        Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., 43 bass, 102-6
2nd:      Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., 37 bass, 91-5
3rd:       Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark., 34 bass, 86-15
4th:       Alton Jones Jr., Lorena, Texas, 35 bass, 83-4
5th:       Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas, 33 bass, 82-10
6th:       Mark Daniels Jr., Shorter, Ala., 32 bass, 82-5
7th:       Takahiro Omori, Tokyo, Japan, 31 bass, 81-0
8th:       Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 34 bass, 80-8
9th:       Jacob Wheeler, Birchwood, Tenn., 31 bass, 76-11
10th:     Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., 31 bass, 72-7

Finishing in 11th through 35th place are:

11th:     Brody Robison, Dawson, Ala., 29 bass, 72-7, $10,000
12th:     Jake Lawrence, Paris, Tenn., 27 bass, 68-3, $10,000
13th:     Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn., 26 bass, 66-12, $10,000
14th:     Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, 29 bass, 66-12, $10,000
15th:     Matteo Turano, Puryear, Tenn., 27 bass, 66-10, $10,000
16th:     Luca Della Ciana, Perugia, Italy, 27 bass, 66-4, $10,000
17th:     Justin Cooper, Zwolle, La., 27 bass, 65-10, $10,000
18th:     Ron Nelson, Berrien Springs, Mich., 26 bass, 64-4, $10,000
19th:     Nick Hatfield, Afton, Tenn., 26 bass, 62-10, $10,000
20th:     John Hunter, Shelbyville, Ky., 26 bass, 62-4, $10,000
21st:     Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., 21 bass, 56-12, $5,000
22nd:    Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., 22 bass, 53-10, $5,000
23rd:     Edwin Evers, Talala, Okla., 22 bass, 53-4, $5,000
24th:     Jacob Wall, New Hope, Ala., 20 bass, 52-11, $5,000
25th:     Keith Carson, DeBary, Fla., 20 bass, 49-12, $5,000
26th:     Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, 21 bass, 48-14, $5,000
27th:     Steve Lopez, Oconomowoc, Wis., 18 bass, 46-4, $5,000
28th:     Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Tenn., 18 bass, 40-10, $5,000
29th:     Adrian Avena, Marmora, N.J., 17 bass, 39-13, $5,000
30th:     Marshall Hughes, Hemphill, Texas, 16 bass, 38-7, $5,000
31st:     Colby Miller, Elmer, La., 15 bass, 36-8, $5,000
32nd:    Mark Davis, Mount Ida, Ark., 16 bass, 35-15, $5,000
33rd:     James Elam, Cleveland, Okla., 13 bass, 30-10, $5,000
34th:     Roger Fitzpatrick, Eldon, Mo., 12 bass, 30-4, $5,000
35th:     Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., 12 bass, 27-12, $5,000

Full results throughout the event will be posted at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Overall, there were 421 scorable bass weighing 1,044 pounds, 11 ounces caught by the 35 pros on Day 2.

Newest Bass Fishing Hall of Fame inductee Takahiro Omori of Tokyo, Japan, won the Day 2 $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award on Saturday with a 4-pound, 15-ounce largemouth bass that he caught on a bladed swimjig in Period 1. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day of the tournament.

The full field of 35 anglers competed in the two-day Qualifying Round on Friday and Saturday. Now with the Qualifying Round complete, the top 10 pros – based on two-day cumulative weight – 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 $300,000.

The final 10 anglers will launch Sunday from Long Creek Marina, located at 1368 Long Creek Road in Ridgedale, Missouri, at 7:15 a.m. Fans are invited to attend all launch events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLF NOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The free, family-friendly MLF Outdoor Sports Expo will also take place throughout the weekend, April 17–19, at Bass Pro Shops, located at 1 Bass Pro Drive in Springfield, offering something for fans of all ages. Attendees can shop the latest in fishing, boating and outdoor gear, enjoy live seminars, meet Bass Pro Tour anglers and Bass Fishing Hall of Famers like Kevin VanDam, Skeet Reese, Gary Klein and Jimmy Houston, and snap photos with special guests Skye and Marshall from Paw Patrol. Kids 14 and under can score a free Shakespeare rod and reel presented by KY3 (first 200 each day, Saturday and Sunday), while MLF members can access exclusive giveaways, including autograph cards and free lures for the first 50 members daily. With hourly prizes and daily $500 Bass Pro Shops shopping sprees presented by KTTS, the Expo delivers nonstop action all weekend long.

The three-day event showcases the top 35 MLF anglers from 2025 – including the top 30 anglers from the Bass Pro Tour – competing for the prestigious REDCREST Championship and a total prize pool for more than $700,000.

The 2025 Bass Pro Tour featured 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 finish in the top 30 and qualify for Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2026 Presented by Mercury and Lowrance. The field also features the 2025 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Champion, 2025 Toyota Series Pro Division Champion and International Division Champion, 2025 All-American Boater Champion and the highest finishing member of the 2025 College Fishing National Championship team from the Toyota Series Championship.

The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live on Championship Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT. MLFNOW!® is livestreamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app and Rumble.

by AnglersChannel

Sullivan capitalizes on early shad spawn to lead Day 1 at Caddo/Bistineau

SHREVEPORT, La. — After practice for the 2026 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series at Caddo Lake/Lake Bistineau presented by Native Watercraft, Dontrell Sullivan’s goal was to just catch a limit on Day 1. Not only did he achieve that goal, but he also caught the biggest limit of the opening round.

The Garner, N.C., angler landed 100.25 inches on Caddo Lake to claim the Day 1 lead, anchoring his limit with a 22-inch largemouth. Sullivan will enter the final day with a 1.75-inch cushion over Tennessee’s Kobi May.

“This is my biggest bag in a Bassmaster or national event,” Sullivan said. “After practice, I had the mindset that I would be happy if I got five bites today.”

Conditions in east Texas and western Louisiana were a bit precarious during Saturday’s opening round as 211 anglers battled gusty winds and thunderstorms during the morning hours. Even still, 20 anglers caught limits measuring 90 inches or better across the two fisheries and 46 anglers caught 85 inches or more.

Sullivan has visited the area twice in recent years, but both tournaments were during the fall. During practice, the Raleigh-area angler found it difficult to trigger bites, but on the final day of practice he landed two decent keepers on back-to-back casts, which helped him decide his starting area.

“Practice was pretty bad. I didn’t catch any fish during practice that were even close to the (size) I caught today,” he said.

When he arrived this morning, he discovered a shad spawn happening around lily pads and other vegetation, and was able to take advantage. He landed two solid keepers right after lines in and landed two more soon after.

“I got lucky, because I had marked an offshore spot close by and that was actually where I was going to start,” he explained. “They started blowing up on shad and I was able to pick up a couple nice ones.”

Once the shad spawn dissipated, Sullivan targeted shallow cypresses, coaxing a couple key bites before moving to the other side of the lake to practice for Day 2. There, he landed the 22-incher.

“I don’t know if there are any more in that area,” Sullivan said. “After I caught that one, I headed back to the ramp.”

Four different baits produced key strikes for Sullivan on Day 1. He added that all the bass he caught were in a postspawn phase hunting for easy meals in shallow water.

“They were definitely finicky,” he said. “It was hard to get bites in practice, and you had to cover a lot of water. I was fortunate I didn’t have to do that this morning.”

Conditions are expected to be fairly different on Day 2. While the wind is expected to blow again, bluebird skies and post-front conditions will set in. Sullivan isn’t sure how that will affect an already tough bite but hopes he can capitalize on the shad spawn again before the grind begins.

“I think if I repeat what I did today, I’ll have to (excel) in the first hour or two of daylight,” he said.

May is second with 98.5 inches followed by 2025 Kayak Series National Champion Wyatt Hammond in third with 97 inches. Indiana’s Mike Elsea is fourth with 97 inches and North Carolina’s Jared Stanley is fifth, also with 97 inches.

Miles Sayles caught the Big Bass of the Day, a 24.75-inch largemouth.

The full field of anglers will compete again on Day 2 and can launch from any approved public area on Caddo or Bistineau. Lines in is scheduled for 6:30 a.m. and lines out is set for 2:30 p.m. At the conclusion of the tournament, the top finishers will be announced at Louisiana Downs in Bossier City, La., at 5:30 p.m.

Coverage of the 2026 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series at Caddo Lake/Lake Bistineau presented by Native Watercraft can be found on Bassmaster.com.

This event is being hosted by Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission.

2026 Bassmaster Kayak Series Title Sponsor: Newport

2026 Bassmaster Kayak Series Presenting Sponsor: Native Watercraft
2026 Bassmaster Kayak Series Angler of the Year Sponsor: Pro-Guide Batteries

About B.A.S.S.

by AnglersChannel

Anaya maintains whisper thin lead in Bassmaster Elite at Arkansas River

MUSKOGEE, Okla. — Fisher Anaya adjusted his Day 2 game plan in an effort to maximize his first-round findings, but when that strategy showed signs of fracturing, the pro from Eva, Ala., regrouped and caught what he needed to maintain his lead in the Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite at Arkansas River.

After leading the field with a Day 1 limit of 20-4, Anaya carried a lead of 1-3 into the second round. Adding 16-13 today, he held on to the top spot with a two-day total of 37-1 and heads into Semifinal Saturday with only an ounce margin over Jacob Foutz.

“I’m gonna have to find some more fish, if I’m gonna have a shot at this thing, because I’m running low,” Anaya said. “Today, I didn’t get very many bites. I could see the fish on ’Scope (forward facing sonar), but it’s just going downhill. There are not many there and a lot of them are smaller.”

With the event based on Pool 16, tournament boundaries also comprise pools 17 and 15. Avoiding the big crowds that locked downriver to Kerr Lake (Pool 15), Anaya started Day 1 in Pool 17, caught two of his weight fish and then finished his day with greater productivity in 16.

Day 2 saw Anaya commit to Pool 16. While he was targeting largemouth, which typically grow bigger, Anaya was thankful for a spotted bass rally that got his day going.

“I ran to my area where I caught my big ones yesterday and they were gone,” Anaya said. “I don’t know where they went. I caught like 13-pounds of spots out of there on a jerkbait and a frog and just kinda went looking.

“There were a lot of 2 1/2- to 2 3/4-pounders there, so I caught them while I could to calm my nerves and then went looking.”

Later in the day, Anaya shifted to his big-fish areas.

“I got lucky and swam a jig in grass patches for about an hour and a half and caught one largemouth right at 5 and one 4-pounder and that sealed the deal for me.”

Day 2 brought sunshine early, with clouds eventually overtaking the sky, as a significant weather system approached the area. The Day 3 forecast calls for daytime highs in the mid-60s, as opposed to upper 70s for the event’s first two days.

Assessing his third-round options, Anaya said he’ll likely follow an inverted version of his Day 1 game plan.

“I’m gonna have to go looking tomorrow,” he said. “I’m probably gonna lock up to Pool 17, after I fish a couple of stretches in Pool 16 and see where it gets me.”

The wildcard will be Semifinal Saturday’s weather complexion. Anaya’s aware of the likely impacts, but he’s confident that returning to Pool 17 will serve him well.

“I think the fish are bigger up there (than in Pool 16) and you can get more bites up there,” he said. “I’m gonna go see what I can do. Fingers crossed that they bite tomorrow.”

Having weighed a second-round bag comprising three spotted bass and two largemouth, Anaya said he anticipates needing another mixed bag on Day 3.

“I think, in general, you’re gonna have to win this tournament on largemouth,” he said. “I think if you have some bigger-than-average spots, you can make a run at it with spots.

“In practice, I caught two or three spots over 4, so I know there are big ones up there (Pool 17). I’m gonna need a mixed bag to win this tournament, so I’m gonna go chase the spots for a little bit and then go head hunting.”

Hailing from Philadelphia, Tenn., Foutz added 18-15 to his Day 1 bag of 18-1 and improved from seventh to second with a 37-pound total.

Having found a good area in Pool 15, Foutz said he has enjoyed the ideal scenario of solitude and abundance.

“It seems like the fish are coming to me and I was able to expand on my area today,” he said. “Hopefully, they keep coming to me and I can keep catching them for a couple more days.

“I’m catching some sight fishing and some just fishing. My biggest ones have come sight fishing. I don’t want to get too overly optimistic, but I haven’t seen another boat in two days.”

Anchoring his bag with a 6-pound bed fish, Foutz caught his fish on Texas-rigged Burtek Cranking Bug and a Megabass Magdraft swimbait.

Caleb Hudson of Lincolnton, Ga., is in third place with 36-10. After catching a second-place limit of 19-1 in the opening round, he added 17-9

Backing up the 5-4 he caught on Day 1, Hudson added a 6-8 today.

“I’m around a lot of big ones, but they’re really tough to get to bite,” he said. “I just have to luck into a couple of them and then scrounge out a limit. That’s what I’ve done the last two days.”

Hudson again stayed in Pool 16 and caught his big fish on a dropshot. He caught two more on a jighead minnow and two on a squarebill.

Trey McKinney of Carbondale, Ill., leads the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year points with 356. Cory Johnston of Otonabee, Canada is second with 348, followed by Hudson with 322, Cole Sands of Johnson City, Tenn., with 307, and Dakota Ebare of Brookeland, Texas with 306.

Saturday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. CT at Three Forks Harbor. The weigh-in will be held at the harbor at 3 p.m.

Bassmaster LIVE will be available all four days of the event, starting on Bassmaster.com and Roku Sports Channel April 16 and 17. FS1 will host the morning session on April 18 from 8-11:30 a.m. ET before heading to Bassmaster.com from 12:30-3 p.m. On Sunday, April 19 action can be found on FS1 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. before heading to Bassmaster.com for afternoon coverage. All weigh-ins will be available live on Bassmaster.com starting at 4 p.m. ET.

Visit Muskogee is hosting this event.

2026 Bassmaster Elite Series Title Sponsor: Progressive

About B.A.S.S.

-30-

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

Media Contact: Mandy Pascal, Communications Manager, 334-414-8677, [email protected]

2026 Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite at Arkansas River 4/16-4/19
Arkansas River, Muskogee OK.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 2

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

1. Fisher Anaya Eva, AL 10 37-01 101
Day 1: 5 20-04 Day 2: 5 16-13
2. Jacob Foutz Philadelphia, TN 10 37-00 100
Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 5 18-15
3. Caleb Hudson Lincolnton, GA 10 36-10 99 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 5 17-09
4. Jason Christie Dry Creek, OK 10 36-06 98
Day 1: 5 18-04 Day 2: 5 18-02
5. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 10 35-11 97
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 16-12
6. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 10 34-00 96
Day 1: 5 18-06 Day 2: 5 15-10
7. Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 10 33-15 95
Day 1: 5 17-13 Day 2: 5 16-02
8. Trey McKinney Carbondale, IL 10 33-01 94
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 16-14
9. Luke Palmer Atoka, OK 10 33-00 93
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 20-08
10. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 10 32-15 92
Day 1: 5 19-00 Day 2: 5 13-15
11. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TN AUSTRALIA 10 32-11 91
Day 1: 5 13-08 Day 2: 5 19-03
12. Cory Johnston Otonabee CANADA 10 32-04 90
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 16-13
13. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 10 32-01 89 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-04 Day 2: 5 14-13
14. Bob Downey Detroit Lakes, MN 10 31-07 88
Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 5 14-09
15. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 10 31-04 87
Day 1: 5 16-04 Day 2: 5 15-00
16. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 10 31-02 86
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 13-12
17. Seth Feider Elko New Market, MN 10 31-00 85
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 21-03
18. Patrick Walters Eutawville, SC 10 30-06 84
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 12-14
19. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 10 30-05 83
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 5 15-14
20. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 10 30-02 82
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 16-09
21. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 10 30-00 81
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 14-09
22. Beau Browning Hot Springs, AR 10 29-10 80
Day 1: 5 15-00 Day 2: 5 14-10
23. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 10 29-06 79
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 15-04
24. Jake Whitaker Hendersonville, NC 10 29-05 78
Day 1: 5 15-10 Day 2: 5 13-11
25. Will Davis Jr Sylacauga, AL 10 29-04 77
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 11-11
26. Tristan McCormick Bon Aqua, TN 10 29-02 76
Day 1: 5 16-10 Day 2: 5 12-08
27. Cole Sands Johnson City, TN 10 28-15 75
Day 1: 5 17-13 Day 2: 5 11-02
28. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 10 28-14 74
Day 1: 5 15-10 Day 2: 5 13-04
29. Chris Zaldain Boyd, TX 10 28-13 73
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 5 17-13
30. Kyle Norsetter Cottage Grove, WI 10 28-13 72
Day 1: 5 14-14 Day 2: 5 13-15
31. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 10 28-09 71
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 10-09
32. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 10 28-09 70
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 17-00
33. Wes Logan Springville, AL 10 28-05 69
Day 1: 5 13-15 Day 2: 5 14-06
34. Chris Johnston Peterborough Ontario CA 10 28-04 68
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 15-03
35. Jordan Lee Cullman, AL 10 28-03 67
Day 1: 5 15-05 Day 2: 5 12-14
36. Matt Messer Warfield, KY 10 28-01 66
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 16-08
37. Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 10 28-01 65
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 13-11
38. Bryan New Leesville, SC 10 28-00 64
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 11-13
39. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 10 27-13 63
Day 1: 5 17-01 Day 2: 5 10-12
40. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 10 27-13 62
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 11-10
41. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 10 27-11 61
Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 5 12-02
42. Cody Meyer Eagle, ID 10 27-09 60
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 11-00
43. Jeff Gustafson Kenora, ON Ontario CANA 10 27-09 59
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 12-02
44. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 10 27-05 58
Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 5 10-07
45. Andrew Loberg Guntersville, AL 10 27-05 57
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 14-06
46. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 10 27-04 56
Day 1: 5 16-10 Day 2: 5 10-10
47. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 10 26-11 55
Day 1: 5 16-00 Day 2: 5 10-11
48. Kyle Welcher Valley, AL 10 26-10 54
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 15-00
49. Dakota Ebare Brookeland, TX 10 26-10 53
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 5 13-05
50. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 10 26-09 52
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 5 13-14
51. John Cox Debary, FL 10 26-08 51
Day 1: 5 15-01 Day 2: 5 11-07
52. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 10 26-06 50
Day 1: 5 13-08 Day 2: 5 12-14
53. Cody Huff Ava, MO 10 26-06 49
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 13-06
54. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 10 26-05 48
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 12-02
55. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 10 26-04 47
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 5 12-04
56. Brock Reinkemeyer Warsaw, MO 10 26-01 46
Day 1: 5 13-12 Day 2: 5 12-05
57. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 10 26-01 45
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 5 13-06
58. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 10 25-15 44
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 12-15
59. Jay Przekurat Stevens Point, WI 10 25-14 43
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 10-10
60. Paul Marks Cumming, GA 10 25-14 42
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 5 14-01
61. Easton Fothergill Grand Rapids , MN 10 25-14 41
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 12-08
62. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 10 25-13 40
Day 1: 5 15-00 Day 2: 5 10-13
63. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 10 25-13 39
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 13-06
64. Tyler Williams Barnett, MO 10 25-09 38
Day 1: 5 12-13 Day 2: 5 12-12
65. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 10 25-08 37
Day 1: 5 14-14 Day 2: 5 10-10
66. Blake Capps Muskogee, OK 10 25-02 36
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 5 11-05
67. John Garrett Union City, TN 10 25-01 35
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 5 13-13
68. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 10 25-00 34
Day 1: 5 13-12 Day 2: 5 11-04
69. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 10 24-14 33
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 13-08
70. Kyoya Fujita Yamanashi CA JAPAN 10 24-11 32
Day 1: 5 09-09 Day 2: 5 15-02
71. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 10 24-08 31
Day 1: 5 09-14 Day 2: 5 14-10
72. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 10 24-08 30
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 5 13-08
73. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 10 24-06 29
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 12-08
74. Cliff Pace Ovett, MS 10 24-05 28
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 5 13-02
75. Sam Hanggi Knoxville, TN 10 24-01 27
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 5 10-04
76. JT Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 10 23-15 26
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 12-01
77. Aaron Jagdfeld Rochester Hills, MI 10 23-12 25
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 10-12
78. Taku Ito Dalton GA JAPAN 10 23-10 24
Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 5 08-04
79. Emil Wagner Marietta, GA 10 23-07 23
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 12-01
80. Evan Kung Pickering Ontario CANAD 10 23-05 22
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 10-14
81. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 10 23-04 21
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 5 11-02
82. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 10 23-03 20
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 5 11-01
83. Logan Parks Auburn, AL 10 23-01 19
Day 1: 5 13-15 Day 2: 5 09-02
84. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 10 22-14 18
Day 1: 5 13-14 Day 2: 5 09-00
85. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 10 22-12 17
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 08-02
86. Pake South Winnsboro, TX 10 22-07 16
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 09-06
87. Wesley Gore Clanton, AL 10 22-05 15
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 10-02
88. Nick Trim Galesville, WI 10 22-02 14
Day 1: 5 09-09 Day 2: 5 12-09
89. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 10 22-01 13
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 5 08-01
90. Cooper Gallant Bowmanville Ontario CAN 10 21-07 12
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 08-15
91. Austin Cranford Oklahoma City, OK 10 21-07 11
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 5 10-10
92. Tucker Smith Birmingham, AL 10 21-04 10
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 5 09-07
93. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 9 20-13 9
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 4 09-08
94. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 10 20-05 8
Day 1: 5 10-01 Day 2: 5 10-04
95. Kyle Patrick Cooperstown, NY 8 19-04 7
Day 1: 3 06-06 Day 2: 5 12-14
96. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 8 19-03 6
Day 1: 5 13-02 Day 2: 3 06-01
97. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 10 19-02 5
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 5 08-05
98. Kenta Kimura Osaka OK JAPAN 7 17-13 4
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 2 05-11
99. Buddy Gross Chattanooga, TN 10 17-03 3
Day 1: 5 09-04 Day 2: 5 07-15
100. Robert Gee Knoxville, TN 7 16-03 2
Day 1: 2 05-09 Day 2: 5 10-10
101. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 05-13 $1,000.00
2 Caleb Hudson Lincolnton, GA 06-08 $1,000.00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 98 495 1394-09
2 97 494 1285-08
----------------------------------
195 989 2680-01

by AnglersChannel

Drew Gill Leads Day 1 at Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2026 Presented by Mercury and Lowrance at Table Rock Lake

Mount Carmel, Illinois pro boats 29 scorable bass weighing 70 pounds, 7 ounces to take early lead after day 1, full field of 35 pros to compete again Saturday

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (April 17, 2026) – The opening day of Bass Pro Shops REDCREST Presented by Mercury & Lowrance lived up to the pre-tournament hype, with Table Rock Lake yielding scorable bass of all three species (four if you count meanmouth, the smallmouth-spotted bass hybrid). In fact, Drew Gill accounted for all four by himself among his 29 scorable bass.

Gill got off to a strong start Friday, using forward-facing sonar in Period 1 to grab an early lead. That shouldn’t surprise anyone. But the 23-year-old electronics whiz actually extended his advantage after locking up his transducers. The net result was a 70-pound, 7-ounce total that has Gill 15-5 ahead of Zack Birge in second place and more than 30 pounds clear of the Lucas Oil Cut Line. The leaderboard is tightly bunched from there, with Jacob Wheeler and Wesley Strader both over the 50-pound mark and within 5 pounds of Birge.

Anyone watching on the MLFNOW! livestream could tell Gill enjoyed himself Friday, and not just because he held the lead for much of the day. He fished in his wheelhouse, throwing a jighead minnow while using forward-facing sonar and a variety of finesse worms without it. Catching an estimated 45 total bass (including every species Table Rock had to offer) was icing on the cake.

“I had a ball,” Gill said. “I caught them my favorite way of catching them: I got to throw a worm and [shake] a minnow. When I had ‘Scope, I caught all smallmouth but two, and when I didn’t have ‘Scope, I caught all largemouth but two. … Table Rock just has a ton of fish. It's fun. Catching fish is fun.”

Anticipating a heavyweight event, Gill set the ambitious goal of trying to rack up 40 pounds while using forward-facing sonar in Period 1. He didn’t quite get there, but his 37-9 total on 16 scorable bass still gave him the lead, 5 pounds ahead of Wheeler.

During the opening period, Gill targeted “object-related smallmouth” with the Big Bite Baits Spotlight Minnow he designed. Doing so required a level of precision that illustrated why Gill is widely regarded as one of the best in the world with forward-facing sonar.

“Most of the fish I caught today doing that, I threw three to five casts at to catch,” he explained. “And those have to be in succession. So, you have to be dead-on with your cast, get them hot, and do that three to five times in a row to get them hot enough to catch them.”

Gill’s prowess with modern electronics has powered his rapid rise to the top of the sport and his four wins and 20 Top 10s in 32 tour-level events since 2024. But what had Gill even more excited after Day 1 is the success he found without forward-facing sonar. He shifted gears, targeting primarily largemouth in shallower water, and added another 13 scorable bass for 32-14 across the second and third periods.

“My no-‘Scope deal right now is good enough, and our conditions on Sunday are good enough that, no-‘Scope wise, I think I’m on the right track if I can put down a really big ‘Scope day like I did today,” he said.

There’s no prize for topping the two-day Qualifying Round at this event, but Gill’s strong start earned him a luxury that he thinks will boost his chances of winning his first championship event. He should be able to spend much of Saturday scouting for new water without worrying about falling out of the Top 10. That will be key, because he doesn’t think there are enough smallmouth left where he started Friday to power a similarly strong forward-facing sonar period.

“I don’t have enough ‘Scope stuff right now to have any chance to win on Sunday,” he said. “Doing what I’m doing, it’s not one of those situations where you’re like, ‘Oh, I had more; I just didn’t realize.’ No, you know what you have. And once you catch them, they’re not going to get caught again, so I’m going to need to find some new ones tomorrow.”

Gill plans to run new water from the get-go on Day 2, only returning to the areas where he knows he can get a bite if he’s forced to.

“I do not intend to weigh a single scorable off of anywhere that I know has a fish already,” he said.

While he’s hoping to locate fresh fish, Gill doesn’t have to worry about finding a different way to catch them. He’s all-in on minnowing and worming, two techniques in which he has supreme confidence.

“What I’m doing right now, I committed my entire practice to,” he said. “It's what I wrapped my entire week around, and it’s the approach that I felt was best for me personally to have a chance to win this tournament. Every chip is in for me. I’m dancing with the one that brought me.”

The standings after Day 1 of REDCREST 2026 on Table Rock Lake are:

1st:        Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., 29 bass, 70-7
2nd:      Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., 24 bass, 55-2
3rd:       Jacob Wheeler, Birchwood, Tenn., 21 bass, 52-2
4th:       Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn., 20 bass, 50-13
5th:       Edwin Evers, Talala, Okla., 17 bass, 40-3
6th:       Mark Daniels Jr., Shorter, Ala., 15 bass, 39-13
7th:       Matteo Turano, Puryear, Tenn., 15 bass, 38-14
8th:       Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, 16 bass, 38-7
9th:       John Hunter, Shelbyville, Ky., 16 bass, 38-5
10th:     Brody Robison, Dawson, Ala., 15 bass, 38-3
11th:     Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 17 bass, 38-3
12th:     Alton Jones Jr., Lorena, Texas, 16 bass, 37-7
13th:     Takahiro Omori, Tokyo, Japan, 15 bass, 37-5
14th:     Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas, 15 bass, 37-2
15th:     Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., 15 bass, 36-13
16th:     Jake Lawrence, Paris, Tenn., 15 bass, 36-11
17th:     Keith Carson, DeBary, Fla., 14 bass, 35-5
18th:     Justin Cooper, Zwolle, La., 14 bass, 34-3
19th:     Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark., 14 bass, 34-0
20th:     Nick Hatfield, Afton, Tenn., 14 bass, 31-8
21st:     Jacob Wall, New Hope, Ala., 11 bass, 29-0
22nd:    Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Tenn., 11 bass, 25-0
23th:     Ron Nelson, Berrien Springs, Mich., nine bass, 22-0
24th:     Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., nine bass, 21-0
25th:     Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, nine bass, 20-10
26th:     Adrian Avena, Marmora, N.J., nine bass, 20-2
27th:     Colby Miller, Elmer, La., eight bass, 19-10
28th:     Marshall Hughes, Hemphill, Texas, nine bass, 19-8
29th:     Luca Della Ciana, Perugia, Italy, eight bass, 19-4
30th:     James Elam, Cleveland, Okla., eight bass, 17-10
31st:     Mark Davis, Mount Ida, Ark., seven bass, 15-14
32nd:    Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., five bass, 15-1
33rd:     Steve Lopez, Oconomowoc, Wis., six bass, 14-5
34th:     Roger Fitzpatrick, Eldon, Mo., four bass, 10-10
35th:     Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., three bass, 7-2

Full results throughout the event will be posted at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Overall, there were 453 scorable bass weighing 1,097 pounds, 10 ounces caught by the 35 pros on Day 1.

Bass Pro Shops pro Ott DeFoe of Blaine, Tennessee, on the Day 1 $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award Friday with a 4-pound, 12-ounce largemouth bass that he caught on a bladed swimjig in Period 3. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day of the tournament.

The full field of 35 anglers will compete in the two-day Qualifying Round on Friday and Saturday. After the Qualifying Round is complete the top 10 pros, based on two-day cumulative weight, 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 $300,000.

Anglers will launch each morning from Long Creek Marina, located at 1368 Long Creek Road in Ridgedale, Missouri, at 7:15 a.m. Fans are invited to attend all launch events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLF NOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The 2025 Bass Pro Tour featured 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 finish in the top 30 and qualify for Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2026 Presented by Mercury and Lowrance. The field also features the 2025 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Champion, 2025 Toyota Series Pro Division Champion and International Division Champion, 2025 All-American Boater Champion and the highest finishing member of the 2025 College Fishing National Championship team from the Toyota Series Championship.

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

by AnglersChannel

Anaya’s adjustment delivers Day 1 lead in Bassmaster Elite at Arkansas River

MUSKOGEE, Okla. — Fisher Anaya ran away from most of the field, but meeting back in the middle salvaged his day and positioned him atop the Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite at Arkansas River with a 20-pound, 4-ounce limit.

With the event based on Pool 16, tournament boundaries also comprise pools 17 and 15. The largest percentage of the field locked downriver to Pool 15, for what is generally considered the greatest concentration of quality fish in this region of the river.

Anaya, a Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series rookie from Eva, Ala., calculated the considerable time required for locking into Pool 15, versus the shorter time he’d need to reach Pool 17. Factoring in his practice results, plus his experience at the previous Elite event, he chose the upriver option.

“I locked down at the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway with like 50 other guys and I was like, heck with traffic,” Anaya said. “I locked up today and there was eight or nine of us in the lock. It wasn’t bad.

“I had a better practice up there (Pool 17). I caught 20 pounds the first day of practice and when I went down to Pool 15, I had four fish one day and 15 pounds the next. I just canned that area because I didn’t feel like making a long run.”

As Anaya explained, time management ultimately determined his game plan.

“I didn’t think I could catch them fast enough in the short time I’d have to fish,” he said. “I just gave myself more time to fish.”

Anaya, the 2025 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Angler of the Year, reached Pool 17 and found that lower water conditions had altered the scenario. He was able to catch two big fish that he had marked in practice, but around midday, Anaya realized he needed to make a change.

After that, he returned to Pool 16 where he found greater productivity with fish relating to grass patches and a few fry guarders (male bass protecting hatchlings).

“I found one patch of grass and caught three big ones on three casts,” Anaya said. “I got a little bit lucky, but I think luck plays a big factor on this place.

“I caught the two fish from Pool 17 on a 3/8-ounce ChatterBait, but in Pool 16, it was a little bit of everything. I caught one on a ChatterBait, one on a swim jig, one on a wacky rig, one on a jerkbait. I weighed two from Pool 17 and three from Pool 16.”

Finding the fish in a less-cooperative mood, Anaya realized that success hinged on persistence.

“Making a lot of casts in the same general area was the key,” he said. “I threw like 10 times in this one patch of grass and finally on my 11th cast, I caught a 4-pounder.

“I think it was about fishing stuff really thoroughly and not leaving any open gaps. You’ll eventually run it across one’s nose and eventually, he snaps at it.”

In both pools, Anaya said he was looking for grass and clean water. He’s confident that Pool 17 holds enough opportunity for another shot on Day 2, but he’ll likely change his starting order.

“I’m probably gonna stay in Pool 16 to start,” he said. “If I struggle, I might go up to Pool 17.

“I only have a handful of areas that have what I’m looking for and I think everyone else has found them,” Anaya said. “There’s gonna be some boats in there and it’s gonna be crowded, so I just have to out-fish them.

Caleb Hudson of Lincolnton, Ga., is in second place with 19-1. The first angler to weigh in, Hudson spent his day in Pool 16.

“I didn’t have a good practice, so I decided to stay in one backwater area all day,” Hudson said. “The area I fished was about 3 acres. I got up on plane one time today while I was fishing.

“I got lucky and caught my big one — 5-4 — early and that kinda set the mood. That was my third fish and after I caught that one, I knew I just had to catch five fish. I just put my head down and went after it.”

Noting that his area had the cleanest water he has seen anywhere on the river, Hudson said he caught most of his fish over rock — a point that countered his expectations.

“In practice, I planned to stay on the bank, but first thing this morning, I pulled up on my first spot and there was a boat where wanted to get, so I just move around some,” Hudson said. “I saw a stump, cast at it and something came off of it.

“I caught that one and then eased out a little deeper and caught everything else on isolated rock.”

Hudson caught all of his fish on an 1/8-ounce Gamakatsu jig head with a Zoom minnow and a Coike Fullcast rigged on a No. 3 Gamakatsu round bend treble with a 1/32-ounce nail weight.

Brandon Palaniuk of Rathdrum, Idaho is in third place with 19-0. Spending most of his day in Pool 15, Palaniuk said he found he could either fish long stretches or target specific spots. Both strategies produced, but he spent more time pursuing the latter.

“I ran around a lot today; I actually thought I was gonna run out of gas,” Palaniuk said. “I’m fishing specific places and covering a lot of water.

“I caught them on a little bit of everything. I caught them on the bottom, on the top and in between.”

Hank Cherry of Lincolnton, N.C. holds the Phoenix Boats Big Bass lead with a 5-13.

Trey McKinney of Carbondale, Ill., leads the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year points with 342. Cory Johnston of Otonabee, Canada is second with 331, followed by Cole Sands of Johnson City, Tenn., with 325, Hudson with 323 and Drew Cook of Cairo, Ga., with 311.

Friday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. CT at Three Forks Harbor. The weigh-in will be held at the harbor at 3 p.m.

Visit Muskogee is hosting this event.

2026 Bassmaster Elite Series Title Sponsor: Progressive

About B.A.S.S.

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

Media Contact: Mandy Pascal, Communications Manager, 334-414-8677, [email protected]

2026 Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite at Arkansas River 4/16-4/19
Arkansas River, Muskogee OK.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1

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

1. Fisher Anaya Eva, AL 5 20-04 101
Day 1: 5 20-04
2. Caleb Hudson Lincolnton, GA 5 19-01 100
Day 1: 5 19-01
3. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 5 19-00 99
Day 1: 5 19-00
4. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 5 18-15 98
Day 1: 5 18-15
5. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 5 18-06 97
Day 1: 5 18-06
6. Jason Christie Dry Creek, OK 5 18-04 96
Day 1: 5 18-04
7. Jacob Foutz Philadelphia, TN 5 18-01 95
Day 1: 5 18-01
8. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 5 18-00 94
Day 1: 5 18-00
9. Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 5 17-13 93
Day 1: 5 17-13
9. Cole Sands Johnson City, TN 5 17-13 93
Day 1: 5 17-13
11. Will Davis Jr Sylacauga, AL 5 17-09 91
Day 1: 5 17-09
12. Patrick Walters Eutawville, SC 5 17-08 90
Day 1: 5 17-08
13. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 5 17-06 89
Day 1: 5 17-06
14. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 5 17-04 88 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-04
15. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 5 17-01 87
Day 1: 5 17-01
16. Bob Downey Detroit Lakes, MN 5 16-14 86
Day 1: 5 16-14
16. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 5 16-14 86
Day 1: 5 16-14
18. Tristan McCormick Bon Aqua, TN 5 16-10 84
Day 1: 5 16-10
18. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 5 16-10 84
Day 1: 5 16-10
20. Cody Meyer Eagle, ID 5 16-09 82
Day 1: 5 16-09
21. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 5 16-04 81
Day 1: 5 16-04
22. Trey McKinney Carbondale, IL 5 16-03 80
Day 1: 5 16-03
22. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 5 16-03 80
Day 1: 5 16-03
22. Bryan New Leesville, SC 5 16-03 80
Day 1: 5 16-03
25. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 5 16-00 77
Day 1: 5 16-00
26. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 5 15-10 76
Day 1: 5 15-10
26. Jake Whitaker Hendersonville, NC 5 15-10 76
Day 1: 5 15-10
28. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 5 15-09 74
Day 1: 5 15-09
29. Jeff Gustafson Kenora, ON Ontario CANA 5 15-07 73
Day 1: 5 15-07
29. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 5 15-07 73
Day 1: 5 15-07
29. Cory Johnston Otonabee CANADA 5 15-07 73
Day 1: 5 15-07
32. Taku Ito Dalton GA JAPAN 5 15-06 70
Day 1: 5 15-06
33. Jordan Lee Cullman, AL 5 15-05 69
Day 1: 5 15-05
34. Jay Przekurat Stevens Point, WI 5 15-04 68
Day 1: 5 15-04
35. John Cox Debary, FL 5 15-01 67
Day 1: 5 15-01
36. Beau Browning Hot Springs, AR 5 15-00 66
Day 1: 5 15-00
36. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 5 15-00 66
Day 1: 5 15-00
38. Kyle Norsetter Cottage Grove, WI 5 14-14 64
Day 1: 5 14-14
38. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 5 14-14 64
Day 1: 5 14-14
40. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 5 14-10 62
Day 1: 5 14-10
41. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 5 14-07 61
Day 1: 5 14-07
42. Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 5 14-06 60
Day 1: 5 14-06
43. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 5 14-03 59
Day 1: 5 14-03
44. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 5 14-02 58
Day 1: 5 14-02
45. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 5 14-00 57
Day 1: 5 14-00
45. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 14-00 57
Day 1: 5 14-00
47. Wes Logan Springville, AL 5 13-15 55
Day 1: 5 13-15
47. Logan Parks Auburn, AL 5 13-15 55
Day 1: 5 13-15
49. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 5 13-14 53
Day 1: 5 13-14
50. Blake Capps Muskogee, OK 5 13-13 52
Day 1: 5 13-13
50. Sam Hanggi Knoxville, TN 5 13-13 52
Day 1: 5 13-13
52. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 5 13-12 50
Day 1: 5 13-12
52. Brock Reinkemeyer Warsaw, MO 5 13-12 50
Day 1: 5 13-12
54. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 5 13-09 48
Day 1: 5 13-09
55. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 13-08 47
Day 1: 5 13-08
56. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TN AUSTRALIA 5 13-08 46
Day 1: 5 13-08
57. Easton Fothergill Grand Rapids , MN 5 13-06 45
Day 1: 5 13-06
58. Dakota Ebare Brookeland, TX 5 13-05 44
Day 1: 5 13-05
59. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 5 13-02 43
Day 1: 5 13-02
60. Chris Johnston Peterborough Ontario CA 5 13-01 42
Day 1: 5 13-01
60. Pake South Winnsboro, TX 5 13-01 42
Day 1: 5 13-01
62. Cody Huff Ava, MO 5 13-00 40
Day 1: 5 13-00
62. Aaron Jagdfeld Rochester Hills, MI 5 13-00 40
Day 1: 5 13-00
62. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 13-00 40
Day 1: 5 13-00
65. Andrew Loberg Guntersville, AL 5 12-15 37
Day 1: 5 12-15
66. Tyler Williams Barnett, MO 5 12-13 36
Day 1: 5 12-13
67. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 5 12-11 35
Day 1: 5 12-11
67. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 5 12-11 35
Day 1: 5 12-11
69. Cooper Gallant Bowmanville Ontario CAN 5 12-08 33
Day 1: 5 12-08
69. Luke Palmer Atoka, OK 5 12-08 33
Day 1: 5 12-08
71. Evan Kung Pickering Ontario CANAD 5 12-07 31
Day 1: 5 12-07
71. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 5 12-07 31
Day 1: 5 12-07
73. Wesley Gore Clanton, AL 5 12-03 29
Day 1: 5 12-03
74. Kenta Kimura Osaka OK JAPAN 5 12-02 28
Day 1: 5 12-02
74. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 5 12-02 28
Day 1: 5 12-02
74. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 5 12-02 28
Day 1: 5 12-02
77. JT Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 5 11-14 25
Day 1: 5 11-14
77. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 5 11-14 25
Day 1: 5 11-14
79. Paul Marks Cumming, GA 5 11-13 23
Day 1: 5 11-13
79. Tucker Smith Birmingham, AL 5 11-13 23
Day 1: 5 11-13
81. Kyle Welcher Valley, AL 5 11-10 21
Day 1: 5 11-10
82. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 11-09 20
Day 1: 5 11-09
82. Matt Messer Warfield, KY 5 11-09 20
Day 1: 5 11-09
84. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 5 11-06 18
Day 1: 5 11-06
84. Emil Wagner Marietta, GA 5 11-06 18
Day 1: 5 11-06
86. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 5 11-05 16
Day 1: 5 11-05
87. John Garrett Union City, TN 5 11-04 15
Day 1: 5 11-04
88. Cliff Pace Ovett, MS 5 11-03 14
Day 1: 5 11-03
89. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 5 11-00 13
Day 1: 5 11-00
89. Chris Zaldain Boyd, TX 5 11-00 13
Day 1: 5 11-00
91. Austin Cranford Oklahoma City, OK 5 10-13 11
Day 1: 5 10-13
91. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 5 10-13 11
Day 1: 5 10-13
93. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 5 10-01 9
Day 1: 5 10-01
94. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 5 09-14 8
Day 1: 5 09-14
95. Seth Feider Elko New Market, MN 5 09-13 7
Day 1: 5 09-13
96. Kyoya Fujita Yamanashi CA JAPAN 5 09-09 6
Day 1: 5 09-09
96. Nick Trim Galesville, WI 5 09-09 6
Day 1: 5 09-09
98. Buddy Gross Chattanooga, TN 5 09-04 4
Day 1: 5 09-04
99. Kyle Patrick Cooperstown, NY 3 06-06 3
Day 1: 3 06-06
100. Robert Gee Knoxville, TN 2 05-09 2
Day 1: 2 05-09
101. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 05-13 $1,000.00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 98 495 1394-09
----------------------------------
98 495 1394-09

by AnglersChannel

Glide Baits and Birthday Candles at REDCREST

Courtesy of Vexus Boats

Vexus® anglers Jacob Wall and Keith Carson are two of just 35 pros with a shot to win $300,000 this weekend on Table Rock Lake at MLF’s REDCREST Championship. Wall is fired up to sling his signature “Wall Hanger” glide bait around, and Carson is hoping his 39^th birthday present will be a check for $300K!

Q: After three days of practice, what excites you most about this event?

Wall: The fact that only 35 of us are on a 43,000-acre lake with plenty of room to not crowd each other.

Carson: I feel good about the bedding bass I found, as well as the forward-facing sonar fish I can catch.

Q: What’s going to be the biggest challenge for you in this tournament?

Wall: Knowing when to stay on a spot, and when to leave it.

Carson: Keeping pace to catch enough scoreable fish to make Sunday’s Top 10.

Q: It’s a birthday weekend for Keith Carson, what’s the coolest birthday gift each of you have ever received?

Wall: Some awesome new rain bibs when I was about age 14, so I could fish in the rain and not get cold and soaked.

Carson: A red Huffy bicycle when I was 8. That bike provided me some serious new-found freedom!

Q: What two lures will you use the most this weekend?

Wall: Wacky rigged 5” Senko and a 7” Duckett Wall Hanger glide bait I designed.

Carson: Wacky rigged 5” Berkley General and a Berkley Lab Series Minnow.

Q: Vexus owner and MLF color analyst, JT Kenney wants to know when was the last time you encountered a situation on the water that made you glad you were in a Vexus.

Wall: Saginaw Bay last year. The waves were huge and my AirWave™ seats totally saved my spine.

Carson: Lake Erie. I was 27 miles from the shoreline, had to run through 6-foot waves, and I got back safely in a Vexus AVX 2080 without spearing a single wave.

by AnglersChannel

CHAOS ON TABLE ROCK: MARK DANIELS JR. BRACES FOR A MOVING TARGET AT REDCREST

By Walker Smith, Courtesy of Dynamic Sponsorships

Mark Daniels Jr. walked off the water after his final practice session with more questions than answers and at Table Rock Lake, that might be the most honest read anyone can give right now. The 2026 Major League Fishing REDCREST is shaping up to be a grinder, not a shootout. For MDJ, a seasoned pro who thrives when instinct meets execution, this event already feels like one of those tournaments where decision making will outweigh patterning.

“Practice has been all over the place,” Daniels Jr. said. “The fish are doing a lot of very different things and it’s a little concerning to me, to be honest. It’s changing on not only a daily basis but almost hourly. I’ve found prespawn fish, spawning fish and post-spawn fish. It’s tough to lock into one particular thing.”

That single observation sums up the puzzle of Table Rock Lake right now. Mid-April often brings transition but rarely this much overlap. MDJ has seen bass cruising banks, guarding beds and suspending offshore; sometimes within the same stretch of water. It’s created a scenario where running a single pattern for an entire competition day feels like a losing proposition.

Instead, REDCREST could become a timing game. Anglers who adjust by the hour, even by the minute, will likely separate themselves. That plays directly into one of the biggest factors looming over this event: technology.

“Forward-facing sonar is definitely going to play,” Daniels Jr. said. “Whoever wins is going to have to make the most of their forward-facing period. There are lots of fish chasing balls of bait in the morning and there will be guys who will catch a bunch in the mornings.”

Early mornings could bring flurries of activity, especially for anglers dialed into suspended fish tracking bait. In a format where every scorable bass counts, a quick start can either build momentum or create pressure for the rest of the field.

MDJ has seen enough in practice to know that those windows won’t stay open long. As the sun rises and boat traffic increases, fish behavior shifts. Then comes the wind which is arguably the most unpredictable element in play this week.

“The wind has been kicking up really bad in the afternoons, and it’s supposed to stay that way throughout the tournament,” he said.

That afternoon wind could do more than just make boat control difficult. It could reposition fish, muddy certain areas and make previously productive stretches nearly unfishable. At Table Rock, where long pockets and winding channels create drastically different conditions within short distances, anglers may find themselves constantly relocating just to stay in manageable water. Daniels Jr. described it as a lake of extremes.

“The way this lake lays out, you can fish one spot and it’s flat calm. Then you go around the corner and you can hardly stay in a spot because of the wind.”

That variability adds another layer of complexity. It’s not just about finding fish but also about finding fish in areas you can effectively fish. Despite the chaos, one thing is clear: there are plenty of bass in the system. The problem is size.

“You can catch a bass however you prefer right now,” Daniels Jr. said. “But the non-scoreable bass are everywhere. There might be a few 5-pound largemouth caught in this tournament but this lake is not giving off big-fish vibes.”

That’s a critical detail in the REDCREST format, where minimum weights determine what counts. Numbers matter but efficiency matters more. Wasting time catching undersized fish can derail an otherwise solid period.

MDJ knows that firsthand. In practice, he’s had stretches where bites came easily, just not from the right class of fish. It’s a frustrating place to be, especially on a fishery known for producing quality bass under the right conditions. This week, those conditions feel just slightly off. Water temperatures are a big part of that equation.

“The water temperature is about 63 in the morning and creeps up to 67 or 68 degrees in the afternoons,” Daniels Jr. said. “There’s a little cold front coming in on day two of the tournament and it might make things a little tough.”

That incoming front could stall the spawn, reposition fish yet again and tighten their feeding windows. It’s another variable in an already unpredictable mix and one that could reward anglers who keep an open mind.

For MDJ, the key will be balance. He’s shown throughout his career an ability to blend power-fishing instincts with a willingness to adapt. At Table Rock Lake, that adaptability may be his greatest asset. He’ll likely keep multiple rods on deck with something for forward-facing sonar fish, something for shallow targets and something in between. The days of committing entirely to one approach are gone, at least for this event.

Instead, success will come from reading the moment. If baitfish activity pops up on electronics early, MDJ will be ready. If the wind pushes him into dirtier water, he’ll adjust. If the bite slows, he’ll move and move quickly. Standing still, both literally and figuratively, doesn’t seem like an option this week. The anglers who advance deep into REDCREST will likely be the ones who embrace the chaos rather than fight it.

MDJ appears to understand that. Even with the uncertainty, there’s a quiet confidence in his approach. Not because he’s solved the lake but because he knows how to navigate situations like this. Sometimes, that’s more important than having a perfect practice. Table Rock Lake isn’t giving up easy answers. It’s offering clues, although fleeting, inconsistent and sometimes contradictory and daring anglers to interpret them in real time. For Mark Daniels Jr., that challenge is both frustrating and familiar.

As the tournament begins, one thing feels certain. No single pattern will carry an angler through all four days. Adjustments will decide everything. In a week where conditions change by the hour, the angler who stays the most flexible may ultimately be the one holding the trophy.

by AnglersChannel

Gizzard shad will be key to winning Nation qualifier at Toledo Bend

MANY, La. — A special window could be opening when anglers arrive for the Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Toledo Bend Reservoir presented by Lowrance. That’s according to Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens presented by Battery Tender pro Jace Lindsay.

“I know what happens when you get on the right stuff, and it can get really crazy,” said Lindsay, of Beckville, Texas. “If those schools of postspawners are pushing off and they are fresh, I really think it will take over 75 pounds to win. It is one of my favorite times of year to fish Toledo Bend.”

Tournament days are scheduled for April 22-24, with tournament takeoffs and weigh-ins set for Cypress Bend Park in Many, La. The full field will compete the first two days before the field is cut for the final day. The top 10% of boaters and nonboaters will punch their ticket to the 2026 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Lowrance, details of which will be announced later.

One of the largest reservoirs in the country, Toledo Bend has been kicking out impressive numbers of giant largemouth bass for decades. The Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series last visited in February 2024. A better indication of what could go down in this event can be drawn from looking at the April 2023 Bassmaster Open won by Ben Milliken.

Bass were mostly in a spawning and postspawn phase, and while there were bass caught off the bed, Milliken dialed in a bite centered on a gizzard shad spawn. Lindsay anticipates whoever wins this event will take advantage of those spawning gizzards.

“That is where you are going to find the bigger groups of big bass. You can do some damage in a tournament on something like that,” Lindsay said. “A lot of people overlook the gizzard shad spawn. Here in east Texas, if you find the right spot with a gizzard spawn going on, there will be a group of 10 to 15 bass that are 8 and 9 pounds. It is crazy when you see it.”

That spawn typically occurs around shallow clay points with hard spots. Lindsay also noted that the threadfin shad spawn should be starting, which could also yield impressive numbers in a hurry using buzzbaits and ChatterBaits.

Along with foraging on the shad spawn in the mornings, bass will likely be making their move toward warm-season areas. Hard spots and standing timber will be the main draws. There is also plenty of grass in the fishery right now, but Lindsay doesn’t necessarily see that as a winning pattern for this tournament.

“It is anything goes that time of year,” Lindsay said. “The lake is full of bass. If you find timber with bait on it, you can catch them around that too.”

Many baits could come into play, depending on where the bass are in the spawning process. Glidebaits, big crankbaits, oversized swimbaits and Carolina rigs could all come into play in deeper water, with wacky rigs and Texas-rigged creature baits tempting bass still hanging around the shallows.

Follow along with all of the action from the Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier at Toledo Bend Reservoir presented by Lowrance on Bassmaster.com.

This event is being hosted by Toledo Bend Lake Country.

2026 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Title Sponsor: Mercury

2026 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Presenting Sponsor: Lowrance

About B.A.S.S.

by AnglersChannel

More details on the inaugural NPFL Military Classic

WILKESVILLE, Ohio—The National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) will conduct the inaugural Military Classic, September 23-25, 2026, on Douglas Lake, hosted by Jefferson County and the State of Tennessee. The event is limited to 200 two-angler teams and offers bass tournament competition, fellowship and fun.

“The NPFL has strong military roots,” notes League founder Al McCulloch. “Our president, Brad Fuller, is an Air Force veteran and several of our staff members also served our country. We want to give back to those who have given so much in order that we can enjoy peace, prosperity and bass fishing. None of this would be possible without the support of local authorities like the State of Tennessee and Jefferson County.”

The tournament will be open to any angler possessing one of the following: (1) a DD214 (Certificate of Uniformed Service) with a discharge of “general” or better, or (2) a current/valid Department of Defense or Department of Homeland Security (United States Coast Guard only) issued ID showing any of the following: Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, Dependent, Retired.

The tournament will be conducted by the NPFL and incorporates most NPFL competition rules. Live imaging sonar (also known as “forward-facing sonar”) will be prohibited just as it is prohibited in all NPFL professional events.

The Military Classic schedule includes two days of tournament practice (September 21 and 22), a fellowship dinner (September 22 at 5:30 p.m. ET) sponsored by the NPFL and the Jefferson County Convention & Visitors Bureau, and three days of competition (September 23-25). Entry fees are $180 per two angler team and include a $10 entry for each daily big bass prize ($30 total). One hundred percent (100%) of entry fees will be paid out to the top-ranking teams.

Launch and weigh-in will be held at the Dandridge Boat Ramp off Chestnut Hill Road near Dandridge Municipal Park and John D. Hoskins Bridge.

Complete rules and registration materials are available here.

Anyone interested in sponsorship or providing financial or other support for the Military Bass Classic should contact Al McCulloch at (314) 853-0353 or [email protected].

About the National Professional Fishing League

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

Media Contact: Ken Duke — (407) 574-1898 or [email protected].

by AnglersChannel

Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees to host 2026 TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. today announced that Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees in Grove, Okla., will serve as the host site for the 2026 TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, scheduled for Dec. 9-12.

The championship will bring together top grass-roots team trail anglers from across the country to compete on one of the most respected fisheries in the United States. The four-day event will feature team competition followed by an individual finale, where qualifying anglers will compete for a coveted berth in the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.

“We’re incredibly excited to host the 2026 Bassmaster Team Championship on Grand Lake,” said Brent Malone, Executive Director of the Grove Convention and Tourism Bureau. “It’s an honor to welcome anglers and fans from around the world to experience Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees. We’re ready to roll out the red carpet for them. Anytime we get to showcase one of the best fisheries in the United States — along with one of the finest facilities and a community that truly loves fishing — it’s a special opportunity. Bassmaster has become a tremendous partner to our city, and we’re always thrilled to host any of their events.”

The TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship represents one of the most unique and exciting formats in competitive bass fishing. Teams will compete over the first two days of the event, combining weights to determine the top-performing duos. From there, the Top 5 teams will advance to the Bassmaster Classic Fish-Off, where they will compete head-to-head for the final spot in the 2027 Bassmaster Classic — bass fishing’s most prestigious championship.

Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, often simply referred to as Grand Lake, is widely recognized for its versatility and consistent production of quality largemouth bass. Spanning more than 46,000 acres with over 1,300 miles of shoreline, the lake features a diverse mix of structure, including rock banks, docks, timber and offshore ledges, providing a variety of patterns for anglers to explore.

December on Grand Lake presents a dynamic challenge, with anglers often targeting bass transitioning between fall and winter patterns. Water temperatures, weather fluctuations and changing baitfish movements create opportunities for both shallow and offshore techniques, making adaptability a key factor in success. Competitors can expect to utilize a wide range of approaches, from power fishing along rocky banks and docks to finesse presentations in deeper water.

“Grand Lake is a proven fishery that offers both consistency and the potential for big limits, which makes it an ideal location for the Team Championship,” said GL Compton, B.A.S.S. Nation Tournament Manager. “The layout of the lake and the seasonal conditions in December will challenge anglers to make smart decisions and adjust quickly. It’s the kind of venue that rewards versatility, and we’re excited to see how these teams perform on such a respected body of water.”

Grove, Okla., has established itself as a premier destination for competitive fishing, with a strong history of hosting major Bassmaster events and a community that embraces anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. The area offers excellent access, facilities and local support, ensuring a first-class experience for competitors and fans alike.

The TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship also highlights the strength of grass-roots fishing, bringing together anglers who have qualified through local and regional circuits to compete on a national stage. The opportunity to advance to the Bassmaster Classic adds an additional level of excitement and stakes, as anglers chase a dream that begins at the club level.

“Events like the Team Championship showcase the foundation of our sport, where everyday anglers have the opportunity to compete for something truly special,” Compton added. “Grand Lake provides the perfect setting for that kind of competition, and we’re looking forward to an outstanding event.”

The 2026 TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship is expected to draw anglers, families and fans from across the country, delivering both high-level competition and a celebration of the passion that drives bass fishing at every level.

For more information on the Bassmaster Team Championship, visit Bassmaster.com.

This event is being hosted by the City of Grove and the Grove Convention and Tourism Bureau.

2026 Bassmaster Team Championship Title Sponsor: TNT Fireworks

2026 Bassmaster Team Championship Platinum Sponsor: Progressive
2026 Bassmaster Team Championship Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mountain Dew, Nitro Boats, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2026 Bassmaster Team Championship Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Lew's, Lowrance, Phoenix Boats, VMC, Yokohama

About B.A.S.S.

by AnglersChannel

MLF Fisheries Management Division Completes Habitat Restoration Project at Lake Waco

WACO, Texas (April 14, 2026) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Fisheries Management Division (FMD), in partnership with Kubota Tractor Corporation, successfully completed a large-scale habitat restoration project at Lake Waco on Wednesday, April 8, enhancing fish care and long-term sustainability for one of Central Texas’ premier fisheries.

Working from Airport Beach Park and in coordination with an existing Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) habitat site, the project focused on the installation of MossBack Fish Habitat “Tournament Recovery Zones.” These specially designed structures are intended to support the recovery of bass and crappie, helping ensure healthier fish populations and improved post-release survival rates.

The effort brought together a strong coalition of local and industry partners, including MLF pros Alton Jones Jr. of Lorena, Texas, and Kelly Jordon of Flint, Texas, along with MLF co-founder and Bass Fishing Hall of Famer Gary Klein of Mingus, Texas , volunteers from the Waco Bass Club and Texas B.A.S.S. Nation, and biologists from Texas Pro Lake Management (TPLM) and the TPWD Inland Fisheries Waco District staff. Equipment support was provided by WC Tractor of Waco, which supplied two Kubota SVL 75-3 track loaders, while TPWD and TPLM contributed work boats for mapping and deployment.

“We’ve seen firsthand how the Bass Pro Tour’s catch, weigh and immediate-release format can shine a spotlight on some incredible, under-the-radar fisheries,” said Steven Bardin, MLF Fisheries Biologist. “With the support of Kubota, we’re excited to help enhance habitat on Lake Waco in a way that will benefit anglers for years to come.”

The newly installed habitat structures have been strategically GPS-mapped, giving local anglers the ability to locate productive fishing areas while also encouraging increased youth and community engagement on the water.

“These projects are what it’s all about – giving back to the lakes that give us so much,” said Jones Jr. “When you can come together with local anglers, biologists and partners to build something that’s going to help fish populations thrive long after we’re gone, that’s a win for everyone who loves this sport.”

The Lake Waco project is part of a broader MLF Fisheries Management Division habitat restoration initiative across Texas this month, with a similar project scheduled for Lake Brownwood on April 22. These efforts continue to highlight the collaboration between the professional fishing industry, conservation experts and host communities, all working toward the shared goal of preserving and enhancing fisheries for future generations.

by AnglersChannel

Catchin’ up with Card for a preview of this week’s Elite Series event

South winds blew 20-25 mph all day Monday during the first day of practice for this week’s Bassmaster Elite Series event on the Arkansas River at Muskogee, OK. We caught up with veteran pro Brandon Card, a Vexus® pro from North Carolina, at the end of a gusty day on the river to hear his early thoughts on the week ahead.

Q: There have been a handful of Bassmaster Open events here at Muskogee, but never an Elite Series. You live 15 hours east of here in North Carolina, have you ever fished here, or was today your first day on these waters?

Card: I spent two days in the Kerr pool about eight years ago looking around, but today is the first time I’ve been here since then.

Q: How would you describe this place to fishing fans who aren’t familiar with it?

Card: Pretty dingy water, and I think it will get dirtier with more wind and rain forecasted. But dirty water doesn’t bother me. I prefer being able to see my lure about 8” deep, versus 3” deep. That sounds minor, but it can make a big difference in how well they bite.

Q: Elite Series pros will be permitted to lock-up toward the Verdigris River, or lock-down river into Robert S. Kerr Reservoir. What percentage of them would you guess will lock-down river into Kerr?

Card: I’d guess 50%.

Q: What will be the biggest challenge this week?

Card: Figuring out where to spend your time in practice, because there’s so many river miles you have to be careful not to spread your time too thin. I’m already racking my brain on where to start the day on Tuesday.

Q: Given the fact the wind blew 25-mph most of the day, how grateful were you to be able to ride the waves while sitting on the unique, cushy, AirWave™ seats in your Vexus® VXs21?

Card: Ah, man, I love these seats! They’ve been my favorite feature of a Vexus since the first day I test drove one.

Q: What three lures will you be leaning on a bunch this week?

Card: Swim jig, buzzbait, and a Yo-Zuri 3D pencil topwater, that lure has been very good to me every time that we’ve come to Oklahoma for an Elite event.

by AnglersChannel

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