Welcher saves the best for last, claims Bassmaster Angler of the Year title
Kyle Welcher of Opelika, Ala., has won the 2023 Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year title.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
August 26, 2023
CLAYTON, N.Y. — After a season of incredible consistency, Kyle Welcher saved his best for last.
Welcher is currently in second place with 79 pounds, 5 ounces at the Minn Kota Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River — and by guaranteeing himself at least a Top 10 finish, he locked up the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year title.
A fourth-year Elite from Opelika, Ala., Welcher outlasted South Carolina pros Brandon Cobb and Patrick Walters to win the AOY title and the $100,000 prize that comes with it.
Official point totals will be determined after the Day 4 weigh-in.
“I don’t think it has really set in yet. I can’t believe it is true yet,” Welcher said. “It is my biggest accomplishment so far. I’m super proud of it and I feel like it will be a good kickstarter.”
The title comes after a disappointing 2022 season that saw Welcher finish 69th in AOY points, well outside of the cut for the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota. While he didn’t necessarily change his approach, Welcher said he found ways to execute and find consistency.
“I always feel like I work as hard as I possibly can,” he said. “Last year was no different. I worked as hard as I felt was humanly possible, I just had bad results. I put in the same amount of work this year, I just had better results.”
While Louisiana’s Tyler Rivet started the season as the AOY leader, it was Welcher and Cobb who duked it out for the top spot most of the year. Entering the St. Lawrence River event, only six points separated the two anglers, and Welcher was able to maximize his area in Lake Ontario to take the title.
His performance at the St. Lawrence River wouldn’t have been possible without a daring run into Lake Ontario on Day 1 of the event. Heavy winds created giant waves across the Great Lake, but Welcher knew if he wanted to win the event or AOY, he needed to make the run.
It worked out as Welcher has caught over 25 pounds in the area each day so far.
“I had a slim lead coming into this and I really came into it thinking that AOY still had to be won,” Welcher said. “I wasn’t going to do anything to lay up. I was going to take the big risk. I would rather lose taking a big risk trying to win than to play it safe and lose. I would never get over it. I took a big risk and it was what saved my week.”
Once he reached the 20-pound mark on Saturday, Welcher knew he had sealed the deal.
Welcher is used to making big gambles. As highlighted in the past, he is a former professional poker player. He played cash games, which reward consistency over big wins. He used some of the same concepts he learned from poker to achieve this title.
“They are both games of incomplete information where you have to make educated guesses to do well. They are very similar as far as decision making,” Welcher said.
The now three-time Classic qualifier made every Day 3 cut during the 2023 season. His first three finishes of 13th, 15th and 18th at Okeechobee, Seminole and Murray, respectively, indicated he could keep himself in contention for AOY.
Okeechobee, in particular, fished to Welcher’s strengths and he was able to cover tons of water.
“After those three, I thought if I could keep it up I would have a shot at AOY,” he said. “That was the point where I knew I needed to keep working hard, go pre-practice and do my research.”
While he finished 41st at Santee Cooper, Welcher then notched a 25th at Lay Lake and then a seventh-place finish at the Sabine River.
In the past, the Northern swing has not been kind to Welcher, but this season was his best in smallmouth country.
“(Before the Northern swing) I was trying to figure out how I could be the most efficient with my electronics, baits, rods, reels, everything so that I could find the smallmouth as fast as possible and catch as many as possible,” Welcher said. “I put a lot of time and effort into figuring out the most efficient way to catch the most numbers of smallmouth I could out of an area in eight hours.”
Welcher finished Day 1 in 39th place at St. Clair, but Day 2 was his most trying of the season. As much of the field was catching 20-pound stringers, Welcher struggled most of the day but managed to land 18-14 on Day 2 to stay above the cut line.
“I had to keep making adjustments and moving spots,” he explained. “I ended up catching 19 pounds, but that wasn’t very good for that tournament. Getting through that day was very tough.”
With a 44th at St. Clair, he then finished 25th at Lake Champlain and is squarely in contention at to win at the St. Lawrence River with one day remaining.
Welcher will be vying for his first Elite Series trophy — and to win it, he will not only have to chase down Walters, the leader, but also fend off both Chris and Cory Johnston as well as Taku Ito and Kyoya Fujita, all noted smallmouth masters.
“I found a couple schools of really big fish. It is a long run to get to them, but they are better than average as far as quality goes,” Welcher said. “I am catching quite a few 5-pounders as opposed to 4-pounders. That makes a big difference in this tournament.”
Welcher and the rest of the Bassmaster Elite Series field will wrap up the season Sunday. FS1 will broadcast live with the leaders beginning at 8 a.m. ETand full coverage will be available on Bassmaster.com.
Welcher takes Day 2 lead in Bassmaster Elite Series event at St. Lawrence River
Kyle Welcher of Opelika, Ala., is leading after Day 2 of the Minn Kota Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River with a two-day total of 53 pounds, 6 ounces.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
August 25, 2023
CLAYTON, N.Y. — If you’re going to have a superlative moment, do it when there’s a lot on the line.
Following that sentiment, Kyle Welcher of Opelika, Ala., sacked up the biggest bag of smallmouth bass he’s ever caught and surged into the lead on Day 2 of the Minn Kota Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River with a total weight of 53 pounds, 6 ounces.
“Today was an absolutely phenomenal day,” said Welcher, who also leads the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings. “That was, by far, the best day of smallmouth fishing I’ve ever had. Yesterday was my second-best day of smallmouth fishing.
“There’s still two days to go. It’s fun to catch them really well, but it’s like the saying, ‘What a difference a day makes.’ I’m just going to try to make good adjustments, stay on top of the fish and catch them.”
After tying Matty Wong of Honolulu, Hawaii, for fifth place on Day 1 with 25-10, Welcher added 27-12 — the second day’s biggest bag. He anchored his Day 2 bag with the day’s biggest bass — a 6-8.
Heading into Semifinal Saturday, Welcher holds an 8-ounce lead over Canadian superstar Chris Johnston, who won the 2020 Bassmaster Elite at the St.Lawrence River.
Along with the $100,000 first-place prize and the coveted blue trophy, the final event of the season will award a berth in the 2024 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota scheduled for March 22-24 in Tulsa, Okla. Welcher said that positioning himself well for the AOY title and a Classic qualification follows his season goals.
“That’s been the plan all year, from the first tournament,” he said. “I’m going to do everything I can to make that plan come to fruition.”
Generally repeating his Day 1 strategy, Welcher swung hard and made a long run to Canadian waters. His bites started early, but amassing his big limit took most of the morning.
“I think the pressure from me sitting on them affected them,” Welcher said. “When I first got there this morning, I caught three or four really quickly, and then I kept going up and down the same stretch and could tell, by the hour, they were getting smarter.”
Welcher said his main area had two stretches of 100 and 120 yards, where he fished scattered rock in 20 to 25 feet. Welcher caught all of his bass on a drop shot. Strategic weight selection was essential to his success.
“I’m trying to throw the lightest weight that I can get away with because, from what I have found, a big smallmouth wants to come up and get a bait,” Welcher said. “They don’t like to get it off the bottom.
“Especially if there are two or three of them there, I feel like the biggest one likes to come up. So, I like to have (a weight) that sinks slower.
“I use a 1/4-ounce if I’m in over 20 feet and if I’m out past 25, I’ll throw a 3/8, just because it’s hard to hit them in the wind.”
The light to moderate winds of Day 2 dramatically contrasted the opening round’s blustery complexion. With strong Southeast winds roiling Lake Ontario, Welcher faced a rough, soaking ride through waves of 6-plus feet.
“It was a lot easier to navigate today, but I had some boat issues, so the ride today was actually scarier,” Welcher said. “I just had more time to fish the good areas today.”
Hailing from Otonabee, Ontario, Johnston is in second place with 52-14. After weighing 28-3 on Day 1, he added a second-round limit of 24-11.
“I’m looking forward to getting back out there,” Johnston said. “I know (no one) is going to feel bad for me, but it was a little tougher day today. I caught lots of fish, but they were all 3 to 4 pounds.
“It’s hard to complain about that, but tomorrow, I could go to those spots and there could be 5s and 6s. You never know about that. I’m usually cursed with one bad day on this place and hopefully, today was my bad day.”
Johnston fished some of the spots he worked on Day 1 and then ran new water. Targeting a mix of rockpiles and breaks in 12 to 25 feet, he caught most of his fish on a drop shot with a SPRO CJ Smasher.
Taku Ito of Chiba, Japan, is in third place with 52-5. After placing ninth on Day 1 with 24-14, Ito added 27-7 — Day 2’s second-heaviest catch (behind Welcher).
Ito, who won the 2021 Elite Series event at the St. Lawrence, said he focused on one spot in Lake Ontario. Taking advantage of the day’s relatively calm conditions, Ito made an hour-long run and found a congregation of heavyweights.
“I fished an area with many 5-pounders, 6-pounders,” Ito said. “Yesterday, I fished in 15 feet. Today, I fished in 25 feet.
“Yesterday, there was too much wind, so (not many) bites. Today, I got more bites. I’m a little bit worried about all this change.”
Ito said he caught his bass on a drop shot and a Neko rig. He enhanced his soft plastics with a Japanese scent formula.
Welcher won the $1,000 Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Day award for his 6-8. Paul Mueller of Naugatuck, Conn., still leads the race for Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Week with the 6-11 he caught on Day 1.
Bryant Smith of Roseville, Calif., holds the lead for VMC Monster Bag of the event with the 29-5 limit he caught Thursday.
Welcher leads the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings with 756 points. Brandon Cobb of Greenwood, S.C., is in second with 728, followed by Patrick Walters of Summerville, S.C., with 714, Drew Cook of Cairo, Ga., with 699 and Joey Cifuentes III of Clinton, Ark., with 699.
Cifuentes leads the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Rookie of the Year standings with 699 points, followed by Japanese pro Kyoya Fujita with 695.
Saturday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. ET at the Antique Boat Museum. The weigh-in will be held at the museum at 3 p.m., with only the Top 10 anglers advancing to Championship Sunday for a chance at the $100,000 first-place prize and automatic Classic berth. FS1 will broadcast live with the leaders beginning at 8 a.m. with continuing coverage on Bassmaster.com.
2023 Minn Kota Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River 8/24-8/27
St. Lawrence River, Clayton NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Kyle Welcher Opelika, AL 10 53-06 104 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 25-10 Day 2: 5 27-12
2. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 10 52-14 103
Day 1: 5 28-03 Day 2: 5 24-11
3. Taku Ito Chiba JAPAN 10 52-05 102
Day 1: 5 24-14 Day 2: 5 27-07
4. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 10 52-01 101
Day 1: 5 24-14 Day 2: 5 27-03
5. Kyoya Fujita Minamitsuru, Yamanashi 10 51-09 100
Day 1: 5 24-10 Day 2: 5 26-15
6. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 10 48-14 99
Day 1: 5 23-11 Day 2: 5 25-03
7. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 10 48-11 98
Day 1: 5 25-06 Day 2: 5 23-05
8. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 10 48-09 97
Day 1: 5 29-05 Day 2: 5 19-04
9. Cooper Gallant Bowmanville Ontario CAN 10 48-05 96
Day 1: 5 26-12 Day 2: 5 21-09
10. John Cox DeBary, FL 10 47-14 95
Day 1: 5 23-10 Day 2: 5 24-04
11. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 10 47-13 94
Day 1: 5 24-01 Day 2: 5 23-12
12. Cory Johnston Cavan CANADA 10 47-02 93
Day 1: 5 19-14 Day 2: 5 27-04
13. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 10 47-01 92
Day 1: 5 22-04 Day 2: 5 24-13
14. Kenta Kimura Osaka JAPAN 10 47-00 91
Day 1: 5 25-12 Day 2: 5 21-04
15. Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 10 46-13 90
Day 1: 5 24-07 Day 2: 5 22-06
16. Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 10 46-09 89
Day 1: 5 23-07 Day 2: 5 23-02
17. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 10 46-08 88
Day 1: 5 21-11 Day 2: 5 24-13
18. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 10 46-06 87
Day 1: 5 22-09 Day 2: 5 23-13
19. Matty Wong Honolulu, HI 10 46-03 86
Day 1: 5 25-10 Day 2: 5 20-09
20. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 10 45-11 85 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 25-04 Day 2: 5 20-07
21. Clent Davis Montevallo, AL 10 45-11 84
Day 1: 5 23-09 Day 2: 5 22-02
22. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 10 44-15 83
Day 1: 5 21-12 Day 2: 5 23-03
23. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 10 44-14 82
Day 1: 5 24-07 Day 2: 5 20-07
24. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 10 44-13 81
Day 1: 5 21-03 Day 2: 5 23-10
25. KJ Queen Conover, NC 10 44-08 80
Day 1: 5 21-00 Day 2: 5 23-08
26. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 10 43-15 79
Day 1: 5 22-12 Day 2: 5 21-03
27. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 10 43-14 78
Day 1: 5 23-03 Day 2: 5 20-11
28. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 10 43-13 77
Day 1: 5 20-06 Day 2: 5 23-07
29. Cole Sands Calhoun, TN 10 43-12 76
Day 1: 5 22-10 Day 2: 5 21-02
30. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 10 43-06 75
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 24-07
31. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 10 43-04 74
Day 1: 5 20-11 Day 2: 5 22-09
32. Jay Przekurat Stevens Point, WI 10 43-03 73
Day 1: 5 23-15 Day 2: 5 19-04
33. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 10 43-03 72
Day 1: 5 20-06 Day 2: 5 22-13
34. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 10 42-11 71
Day 1: 5 19-12 Day 2: 5 22-15
35. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 10 42-10 70
Day 1: 5 21-14 Day 2: 5 20-12
36. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 10 42-08 69
Day 1: 5 22-03 Day 2: 5 20-05
37. Bryan New Saluda, SC 10 42-06 68
Day 1: 5 18-13 Day 2: 5 23-09
38. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 10 42-05 67
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 24-03
39. Kyle Norsetter Cottage Grove, WI 10 42-05 66
Day 1: 5 22-08 Day 2: 5 19-13
40. Will Davis Jr Sylacauga, AL 10 42-04 65
Day 1: 5 21-03 Day 2: 5 21-01
41. Masayuki Matsushita Tokoname-Aichi JAPAN 10 42-02 64
Day 1: 5 17-14 Day 2: 5 24-04
42. Bob Downey Detroit Lakes, MN 10 42-00 63
Day 1: 5 22-09 Day 2: 5 19-07
43. Cody Huff Ava, MO 10 41-14 62
Day 1: 5 22-01 Day 2: 5 19-13
44. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 10 41-13 61
Day 1: 5 18-14 Day 2: 5 22-15
45. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 10 41-11 60
Day 1: 5 21-15 Day 2: 5 19-12
46. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 10 41-09 59
Day 1: 5 18-06 Day 2: 5 23-03
47. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 10 41-04 58
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 23-10
48. Josh Douglas Isle, MN 10 41-02 57 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-11 Day 2: 5 18-07
49. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 10 40-15 56 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-06 Day 2: 5 22-09
50. Joseph Webster Hamilton, AL 10 40-14 55 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-02 Day 2: 5 19-12
51. Jeff Gustafson Kenora, Ontario CANADA 10 40-11 54 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 19-08 Day 2: 5 21-03
52. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 10 40-09 53 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 20-15 Day 2: 5 19-10
53. Jonathan Kelley Old Forge, PA 10 40-04 52 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-00 Day 2: 5 23-04
54. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 10 40-03 51 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 21-14
55. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 10 39-14 50 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 22-04
56. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 10 39-12 49 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 20-05 Day 2: 5 19-07
57. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 10 39-11 48 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 19-00 Day 2: 5 20-11
58. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 10 39-04 47 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 21-04
59. John Soukup Sapulpa, OK 10 39-04 46 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-04 Day 2: 5 21-00
60. Jake Whitaker Hendersonville, NC 10 39-03 45 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 21-03
61. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 10 38-15 44 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 21-05 Day 2: 5 17-10
62. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 10 38-14 43 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 20-13 Day 2: 5 18-01
63. Frank Talley Temple, TX 10 38-14 42 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 5 19-13
64. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 10 38-14 41 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 19-09 Day 2: 5 19-05
65. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 10 38-09 40 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 15-00 Day 2: 5 23-09
66. Buddy Gross Chattanooga, TN 10 38-09 39 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-02 Day 2: 5 21-07
67. Wes Logan Springville, AL 10 38-08 38 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 20-07 Day 2: 5 18-01
68. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 10 38-08 37 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 20-00 Day 2: 5 18-08
69. Logan Latuso Gonzales, LA 10 38-03 36 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 19-15 Day 2: 5 18-04
70. Clark Wendlandt Leander, TX 10 38-02 35 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 20-04 Day 2: 5 17-14
71. Mike Huff London, KY 10 38-00 34 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-13 Day 2: 5 21-03
72. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 10 38-00 33 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 19-13
73. David Williams Newton, NC 10 37-10 32 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 19-15 Day 2: 5 17-11
74. David Fritts Lexington, NC 10 37-10 31
Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 5 18-09
75. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 10 37-09 30
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 5 22-13
76. Chad Pipkens DeWitt, MI 10 37-07 29
Day 1: 5 18-12 Day 2: 5 18-11
77. Gary Clouse Winchester, TN 10 37-06 28
Day 1: 5 19-09 Day 2: 5 17-13
78. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 10 37-05 27
Day 1: 5 16-01 Day 2: 5 21-04
79. Michael Iaconelli Pittsgrove, NJ 10 37-02 26
Day 1: 5 17-04 Day 2: 5 19-14
80. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 10 37-02 25
Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 5 18-01
81. Jason Christie Dry Creek, OK 10 36-15 24
Day 1: 5 14-14 Day 2: 5 22-01
82. Seth Feider New Market, MN 10 35-13 23
Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 17-08
83. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 10 35-09 22
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 20-14
84. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 10 35-09 21
Day 1: 5 16-15 Day 2: 5 18-10
85. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 10 35-06 20
Day 1: 5 20-06 Day 2: 5 15-00
86. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 10 34-10 19
Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 5 19-04
87. Carl Jocumsen Queensland AUSTRALIA 10 34-06 18
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 15-14
88. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 10 34-01 17
Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 5 16-00
89. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 10 33-13 16
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 5 22-06
90. Derek Hudnall Zachary, LA 10 33-10 15
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 19-05
91. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 10 33-09 14
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 5 22-05
92. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 10 33-08 13
Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 5 17-01
93. Skylar Hamilton Jefferson, TN 10 33-06 12
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 22-00
94. Larry Nixon Bee Branch, AR 9 31-13 11
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 4 13-06
95. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 10 31-13 10
Day 1: 5 14-08 Day 2: 5 17-05
96. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 10 30-11 9
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 5 14-06
97. Darold Gleason Many, LA 10 30-01 8
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 15-14
98. Bradley Hallman Edmond, OK 10 29-13 7
Day 1: 5 11-12 Day 2: 5 18-01
99. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 10 29-04 6
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 16-11
100. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 9 27-06 5
Day 1: 4 05-05 Day 2: 5 22-01
101. Koby Kreiger Alva, FL 5 18-13 4
Day 1: 5 18-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
102. Keith Poche Cecil, AL 5 16-05 3
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 06-11 $1,000.00
2 Kyle Welcher Opelika, AL 06-08 $1,000.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 101 509 2012-10
2 99 499 2100-08
----------------------------------
200 1008 4113-02
Bassmaster Classic 2023 Winning Bait Now Licensed, Branded, and Distributed by Northland Fishing Tackle
Northland and Bass Tactics founder, Bryan Gustafson, agree on exclusive deal for streamlined manufacturing, sales, marketing, and distribution of Gussy’s 2023 Classic-winning bait. |
BEMIDJI, Minn. (August 25, 2023) – The 2023 Bassmaster Classic wasn’t the first time that Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson had stacked big weights and solid limits of smallmouth bass on the Tennessee River out of Knoxville, Tennessee. Back in March of 2021, Gussy first put the “moping” technique to use, sinking Kenora, Ontario-designed Smeltinator Jigs to fill his ‘well for weigh-in at the 2021 Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite. Over two years ago, Gussy went wire-to-wire for all four days of the event, weighing 63 pounds, besting second place by an impressive seven pounds. Gussy trailered home to the far north with over $100,000 in his pocket. |
Word of the “moping” technique traveled quickly through social wires, sending serious bassers on the hunt for Gussy’s favored jig head—Bass Tactics’ Smeltinator Jig. Two years later and Gussy did it again ‘moping’ suspended smallmouths with the Smeltinator Jigh on forward facing, proving the money method for a Bassmaster Classic title, the $300K payout and honors as the top bass stick on the planet. |
|
The Smeltinator is hardly new to the fishing scene. The jig and the moping technique has been dominating the Canadian tournament scene for a decade. Gussy, Northland Fishing Tackle founder John Peterson, Canadian professional angler Jamie Bruce, and Bryan Gustafson of Bass Tactics have won many tournaments and cashed big checks at events like the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship and the Kenora Bass Invitational using the Smeltinator Jig and the moping technique. The “Moping” technique involves fishing a fluke or minnow style plastic on the Smeltinator Jig and the Smeltinator Underspin Jig over the top of deep suspending smallmouth bass. The design of the jig allows the bait to hang perfectly horizontal like a real shiner, smelt or minnow. These suspending smallmouths are “feeding up” on these schools of baitfish. Hanging the Smeltinator above actively feeding fish has proven to provide big bites and big tournament weights. |
|
Smeltinator Jig |
As in-the-know bassheads around the world will tell you, getting your hands on Bass Tactics Smeltinator jigs hasn’t been easy, with the small, Kenora, Ontario-based tackle company barely keeping up to product demand. With a relationship that goes back 20 years, Gustafson’s sponsor Northland Fishing Tackle talked seriously with both Gussy and Bass Tactics founder, Bryan Gustafson (no relation), to join forces and push product development, production, marketing, and sales into a much bigger realm. Thus, Northland Fishing Tackle is proud to announce that the company has a licensing agreement with Bryan Gustafson and Bass Tactics to produce, distribute and sell the Smeltinator and Smeltinator Underspin Jigs under the Northland Fishing Tackle brand name. |
|
Northland founder John Peterson, Jeff "Gussy" Gustafson, and Smeltinator creator Bryan Gustafson. |
Northland Fishing Tackle Marketing Director, Mike Anselmo, notes: “I couldn’t be happier with the deal we worked out with Bryan Gustafson to take over the production, distribution and sales of the Smeltinator Jig. The molds, manufacturing, and overall design will remain exactly the same, but will now fall under the Northland Fishing Tackle banner. Bryan Gustafson has a winner on his hands with the Smeltinator. We will step in and make sure that the availability and supply will keep up with the growing demand. That said, in just a short time, anglers across the globe will have no issues getting their hands on these outstanding jigs.” |
|
Major League Fishing Announces 2024 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Schedule
BENTON, Ky. (Aug., 25, 2023) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today the 2024 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals schedule, which will feature six regular-season stops, and showcase 150 of the best anglers in the world competing for hundreds of thousands of dollars across some of the top bass fisheries in the United States.
MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitational anglers will compete over three days in a five-fish, weigh-in format. In addition to lucrative prize money, the winner of each of the six Invitationals will receive an invitation to compete in REDCREST 2025, Major League Fishing’s most prestigious tournament. The season-long Invitational Angler of the Year (AOY) will also earn a berth into REDCREST 2025, for a total of seven REDCREST qualification opportunities throughout the season.
“Our team has compiled a fantastic schedule for 2024 with a lineup of premier fisheries and intense competition,” said Kevin Hunt, MLF Senior Tournament Director. “Our carefully selected venues promise to deliver big limits, intense showdowns and unforgettable moments. We are excited to see who will rise to the challenge and etch their names in angling history.”
Top pros in Tackle Warehouse Invitational AOY standings at the end of the season will receive an invitation to compete in the 2025 Bass Pro Tour.
2024 MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitational Schedule:
Feb. 9-11 Stop 1 at Sam Rayburn Reservoir Brookeland, Texas
Hosted by the Jasper County Development District
March 1-3 Stop 2 at West Point Lake LaGrange, Ga.
Hosted by Visit LaGrange
April 19-21 Stop 3 at Kentucky Lake Calvert City, Ky.
Hosted by the Kentucky Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau
May 10-12 Stop 4 at Lake Eufaula Eufaula, Ala.
Hosted by the Eufaula Barbour County Chamber of Commerce
June 15-17 Stop 5 at Lake Champlain Plattsburgh, N.Y.
Hosted by the City of Plattsburgh & Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau
July 26-28 Stop 6 at Detroit River Trenton, Mich.
Hosted by the Detroit Sports Commission
Full program rules and details for the 2024 MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals will be announced later this year.
For complete details and updated information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals on the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Smith’s record-setting weight leads Day 1 of the Bassmaster Elite Series event at the St. Lawrence River
Bryant Smith of Roseville, Calif., is leading after Day 1 of the Minn Kota Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River with 29 pounds, 5 ounces.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
August 24, 2023
CLAYTON, N.Y. — Momentum matters, and three days after notching the second Top 10 of his career, Bryant Smith kept his season rolling in a major way.
The rookie from Roseville, Calif., weighed in the heaviest single-day, all-smallmouth catch in Bassmaster history Thursday — a 29-pound, 5-ounce limit that leads Day 1 of the Minn Kota Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River.
“I have no words,” Smith said. “That was insane. That was probably the best day I’ll ever have smallmouth fishing, especially in a tournament. And to do it on the final event of the Elite Series; that’s unbelievable.
“I didn’t really have a goal weight this morning. I had a really good day on Wednesday (the final day of practice). My best five weighed (approximately) 32 pounds. I’m looking forward to going back out tomorrow.”
Smith said he had his limit by 9:30 a.m. and reached his final weight a couple hours later. Anchoring his bag with a 6-9, he holds a lead of 1-2 over Canadian standout Chris Johnston, who won the 2020 St. Lawrence Elite.
Fishing near the mouth of the St. Lawrence River, Smith targeted a spot he found in practice. He caught most of his bass on a drop shot with a Strike King 3X Baby Z-Too and a 1/2-ounce weight.
Smith said his spot was nothing special, except for the large group of hefty smallmouth it’s housing.
“It just has fish,” Smith said. “I fished a bunch of similar stuff and I could not get bit. I don’t know how many are left there, but I’m going to try and find out.”
Despite his record-setting performance, Smith lamented what he described as a random bite. With the day’s strong winds whipping local waters into 5- and 6-foot waves, boat control proved challenging.
“A 52-inch shaft on my Lowrance Ghost trolling motor was key to keeping that forward-facing sonar transducer and the whole trolling motor in the water,” Smith said. “I was trying to take my time, trying to be patient.
“I probably only got seven or eight bites. I know I’m around the right ones.”
While the St. Lawrence presents a different scenario from Lake Champlain, carrying forth the smallmouth focus fueled Smith’s fire.
“I’m just fishing with confidence,” he said. “I proved to myself (at the Champlain event) that I can compete against these guys with smallmouth. It gave me a big boost of confidence coming into this event.
“I’m not going to say I’m the best smallmouth fisherman in the world, but I got fortunate that I found a really, really good spot and we’ll see if holds out.”
Hailing from Otonabee, Ontario, Johnston is in second place with 28-3. Looking at the day’s forecast, Johnston set what he thought was a reasonable goal for such a blustery day. A quick start and then a key move allowed him to crush that goal.
“Going out today, I thought, ‘If I can just get 22 to 23 pounds, I can get through this windy day and then, hopefully, tomorrow I can run and gun and go for a big bag,’” he said. “Turns out, I got it today. So, hopefully, I can keep it going.”
Johnston said his day yielded a surprising opportunity he did not find during practice. Starting in Lake Ontario, he put together a solid limit and then headed into the river, where he found big fish on one of his spots.
“I’ve caught some there in the past, but I haven’t caught them there in a couple of years,” Johnston said. “I started pulling into some protected waters and I thought, ‘I’m just going to pull in here.’
“I had 26 pounds at the time and I was very happy, but I thought, ‘I’ve caught many 6s in this area; maybe I can get one here.’ I got a 6 and two 5s.”
Noting that he caught his smallmouth on a drop shot with a SPRO CJ Smasher, Johnston said he’ll work his big-fish spot into his Day 2 rotation.
“I located something pretty special today, but these things have tails and they know how to swim. I might have to relocate them tomorrow, but I’m going to have fun,” he said.
Cooper Gallant of Bowmanville, Ontario, is in third place with 26-12. With a 6-5 anchoring his catch, Gallant said his day turned out much better than he’d anticipated.
“I had the worst practice ever,” Gallant said. “I was kinda stressing a little bit last night, but I woke up this morning and felt good. I got out to the lake and got a few good bites.
“I’m looking forward to getting back out there tomorrow. It’s going to be a little (calmer). Today was pretty gnarly.”
Gallant caught his bass on a drop shot and what he described as a bottom-contact bait. Close attention to his forward-facing sonar was essential for picking out smallmouth hugging the bottom.
“It can be difficult, especially when you’re (Garmin) LiveScoping them,” Gallant said. “If they’re tight to the bottom, it can be very difficult. I was fortunate. A lot of the ones I caught today were 2 to 3 feet off the bottom, so I was able to see them — even if the waves were rocking and rolling.
“The second they’d get a few inches off the bottom and they were mixed in with rocks and boulders, they’re very hard to see.”
Paul Mueller of Naugatuck, Conn., won the $1,000 Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the day award for his 6-11.
Kyle Welcher of Opelika, Ala., leads the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings with 752 points. Brandon Cobb of Greenwood, S.C., is in second with 739, followed by Patrick Walters of Summerville, S.C., with 709, Jay Przekurat of Stevens Point, Wis., with 706 and Joey Cifuentes III of Clinton, Ark., with 696.
Cifuentes leads the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Rookie of the Year standings with 696, followed by Japan’s Kyoya Fujita with 689.
Friday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. ET at the Antique Boat Museum. The weigh-in will be held at the museum at 3 p.m., with only the Top 50 anglers advancing to Semifinal Saturday. Bassmaster LIVE kicks off tournament coverage at 8 a.m. on Bassmaster.com, Tubi and the FOX Sports platforms.
2023 Minn Kota Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River 8/24-8/27
St. Lawrence River, Clayton NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 5 29-05 104
Day 1: 5 29-05
2. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 5 28-03 103
Day 1: 5 28-03
3. Cooper Gallant Bowmanville Ontario CAN 5 26-12 102
Day 1: 5 26-12
4. Kenta Kimura Osaka JAPAN 5 25-12 101
Day 1: 5 25-12
5. Kyle Welcher Opelika, AL 5 25-10 100
Day 1: 5 25-10
5. Matty Wong Honolulu, HI 5 25-10 100
Day 1: 5 25-10
7. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 5 25-06 98
Day 1: 5 25-06
8. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 5 25-04 97 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 25-04
9. Taku Ito Chiba, JAPAN 5 24-14 96
Day 1: 5 24-14
9. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 5 24-14 96
Day 1: 5 24-14
11. Kyoya Fujita Minamitsuru, Yamanashi 5 24-10 94
Day 1: 5 24-10
12. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 5 24-07 93
Day 1: 5 24-07
12. Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 5 24-07 93
Day 1: 5 24-07
14. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 5 24-01 91
Day 1: 5 24-01
15. Jay Przekurat Stevens Point, WI 5 23-15 90
Day 1: 5 23-15
16. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 5 23-11 89
Day 1: 5 23-11
17. John Cox DeBary, FL 5 23-10 88
Day 1: 5 23-10
18. Clent Davis Montevallo, AL 5 23-09 87
Day 1: 5 23-09
19. Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 5 23-07 86
Day 1: 5 23-07
20. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 5 23-03 85
Day 1: 5 23-03
21. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 5 22-12 84
Day 1: 5 22-12
22. Josh Douglas Isle, MN 5 22-11 83
Day 1: 5 22-11
23. Cole Sands Calhoun, TN 5 22-10 82
Day 1: 5 22-10
24. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 5 22-09 81
Day 1: 5 22-09
25. Bob Downey Detroit Lakes, MN 5 22-09 80
Day 1: 5 22-09
26. Kyle Norsetter Cottage Grove, WI 5 22-08 79
Day 1: 5 22-08
27. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 5 22-04 78
Day 1: 5 22-04
28. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 5 22-03 77
Day 1: 5 22-03
29. Cody Huff Ava, MO 5 22-01 76
Day 1: 5 22-01
30. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 5 21-15 75
Day 1: 5 21-15
31. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 5 21-14 74
Day 1: 5 21-14
32. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 5 21-12 73
Day 1: 5 21-12
33. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 5 21-11 72
Day 1: 5 21-11
34. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 5 21-05 71
Day 1: 5 21-05
35. Will Davis Jr Sylacauga, AL 5 21-03 70
Day 1: 5 21-03
35. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 5 21-03 70
Day 1: 5 21-03
37. Joseph Webster Hamilton, AL 5 21-02 68
Day 1: 5 21-02
38. KJ Queen Conover, NC 5 21-00 67
Day 1: 5 21-00
39. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 5 20-15 66
Day 1: 5 20-15
40. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 5 20-13 65
Day 1: 5 20-13
41. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 5 20-11 64
Day 1: 5 20-11
42. Wes Logan Springville, AL 5 20-07 63
Day 1: 5 20-07
43. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 5 20-06 62
Day 1: 5 20-06
43. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 5 20-06 62
Day 1: 5 20-06
45. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 5 20-06 60
Day 1: 5 20-06
46. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 5 20-05 59
Day 1: 5 20-05
47. Clark Wendlandt Leander, TX 5 20-04 58
Day 1: 5 20-04
48. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 5 20-00 57
Day 1: 5 20-00
49. Logan Latuso Gonzales, LA 5 19-15 56
Day 1: 5 19-15
49. David Williams Newton, NC 5 19-15 56
Day 1: 5 19-15
51. Cory Johnston Cavan CANADA 5 19-14 54
Day 1: 5 19-14
52. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 5 19-12 53
Day 1: 5 19-12
53. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 5 19-09 52
Day 1: 5 19-09
54. Gary Clouse Winchester, TN 5 19-09 51
Day 1: 5 19-09
55. Jeff Gustafson Kenora, Ontario CANADA 5 19-08 50
Day 1: 5 19-08
56. David Fritts Lexington, NC 5 19-01 49
Day 1: 5 19-01
56. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 19-01 49
Day 1: 5 19-01
56. Frank Talley Temple, TX 5 19-01 49
Day 1: 5 19-01
59. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 5 19-00 46
Day 1: 5 19-00
60. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 5 18-15 45
Day 1: 5 18-15
61. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 5 18-14 44
Day 1: 5 18-14
62. Koby Kreiger Alva, FL 5 18-13 43
Day 1: 5 18-13
62. Bryan New Saluda, SC 5 18-13 43
Day 1: 5 18-13
64. Chad Pipkens DeWitt, MI 5 18-12 41
Day 1: 5 18-12
65. Carl Jocumsen Queensland AUSTRALIA 5 18-08 40
Day 1: 5 18-08
66. Larry Nixon Bee Branch, AR 5 18-07 39
Day 1: 5 18-07
67. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 5 18-06 38
Day 1: 5 18-06
67. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 5 18-06 38
Day 1: 5 18-06
69. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 5 18-05 36
Day 1: 5 18-05
69. Seth Feider New Market, MN 5 18-05 36
Day 1: 5 18-05
71. John Soukup Sapulpa, OK 5 18-04 34
Day 1: 5 18-04
72. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 5 18-03 33
Day 1: 5 18-03
73. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 18-02 32
Day 1: 5 18-02
74. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 5 18-01 31
Day 1: 5 18-01
75. Jake Whitaker Hendersonville, NC 5 18-00 30
Day 1: 5 18-00
76. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 5 18-00 29
Day 1: 5 18-00
77. Masayuki Matsushita Tokoname-Aichi JAPAN 5 17-14 28
Day 1: 5 17-14
78. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 5 17-10 27
Day 1: 5 17-10
78. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 5 17-10 27
Day 1: 5 17-10
80. Michael Iaconelli Pittsgrove, NJ 5 17-04 25
Day 1: 5 17-04
81. Buddy Gross Chattanooga, TN 5 17-02 24
Day 1: 5 17-02
82. Jonathan Kelley Old Forge, PA 5 17-00 23
Day 1: 5 17-00
83. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 5 16-15 22
Day 1: 5 16-15
84. Mike Huff London, KY 5 16-13 21
Day 1: 5 16-13
85. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 5 16-07 20
Day 1: 5 16-07
86. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 5 16-05 19
Day 1: 5 16-05
86. Keith Poche Cecil, AL 5 16-05 19
Day 1: 5 16-05
88. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 5 16-01 17
Day 1: 5 16-01
89. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 5 15-06 16
Day 1: 5 15-06
90. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 5 15-00 15
Day 1: 5 15-00
91. Jason Christie Dry Creek, OK 5 14-14 14
Day 1: 5 14-14
92. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 5 14-12 13
Day 1: 5 14-12
93. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 5 14-11 12
Day 1: 5 14-11
94. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 14-08 11
Day 1: 5 14-08
95. Derek Hudnall Zachary, LA 5 14-05 10
Day 1: 5 14-05
96. Darold Gleason Many, LA 5 14-03 9
Day 1: 5 14-03
97. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 12-09 8
Day 1: 5 12-09
98. Bradley Hallman Edmond, OK 5 11-12 7
Day 1: 5 11-12
99. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 5 11-07 6
Day 1: 5 11-07
100. Skylar Hamilton Jefferson, TN 5 11-06 5
Day 1: 5 11-06
101. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 5 11-04 4
Day 1: 5 11-04
102. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 4 05-05 3
Day 1: 4 05-05
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 06-11 $1,000.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 101 509 2012-10
----------------------------------
101 509 2012-10
MLF Announces Dates & Locations for 2024 Bass Pro Tour
BENTON, Ky. (Aug. 24, 2023) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today the schedule for the sixth season of professional bass fishing’s most competitive circuit – the 2024 Bass Pro Shops Bass Pro Tour. The 2024 season will showcase the world’s top professional bass anglers competing across seven regular-season tournaments for millions of dollars, valuable points in the Bally Bet Angler of the Year race, and qualification into REDCREST 2025 and the General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event.
“We are proud to roll out a schedule with seven new destinations that have never before hosted a Bass Pro Tour event,” said Kathy Fennel, MLF Executive Vice President & General Manager. “Our MLF tournaments create exciting and compelling content for our fans and sponsors. This schedule shines a light on some locations that haven’t hosted a major bass-fishing tournament in some time. The stage is set for a very exciting 2024 season.”
2024 MLF Bass Pro Tour Schedule:
Jan. 30- Feb. 4 Stage One at Toledo Bend Many, La.
Hosted by Toledo Bend Lake Country
Feb. 20-25 Stage Two at Santee Cooper Lakes Clarendon County, S.C.
Hosted by the Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce
March 14-17 REDCREST 2024 at Lay Lake Birmingham, Ala.
Hosted by the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau
April 9-14 Stage Three at Dale Hollow Lake Byrdstown, Tenn.
Hosted by the Byrdstown-Pickett County Chamber of Commerce
April 30- May 5 Stage Four at Lake Eufaula Eufaula, Okla.
Hosted by Vision Eufaula
May 18-23 General Tire Heavy Hitters at Kissimmee Chain Kissimmee, Fla.
Hosted by the Kissimmee Sports Commission
June 4-9 Stage Five at the Chowan River Edenton, N.C.
Hosted by the Town of Edenton, the Chowan County Tourism Development Authority and Harbor Towns Cruises
June 25-30 Stage Six at the James River Richmond, Va.
Hosted by Richmond Region Tourism
Aug. 6-11 Stage Seven at the St. Lawrence River Massena, N.Y.
Hosted by the Town of Massena
Each stage of the 2024 Bass Pro Tour features six days of competition using the catch, weigh, immediate-release format, broadcast live on MLFNOW! and streamed to the Major League Fishing app, MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app, and at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
MLF also announced today that to better align with the REDCREST Outdoor Sports Expo, the REDCREST 2024 competition will be a four-day event. The tournament is scheduled for March 14-17, on Lay Lake in Alabama. The free, family friendly REDCREST Outdoor Sports Expo will be held in Birmingham, March 15-17. In addition, the full 2024 Bass Pro Tour roster will be announced later this fall, and the 2024 MLF Bass Pro Tour, REDCREST and General Tire Heavy Hitters, will air on Discovery Channel beginning in July 2024.
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, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
AC Insider Extra - St. Lawrence River Elite Series
We've partnered up with Bass365 to bring in some AC Insider "Extras" for these last two Bassmaster Elite Series Events. Last week we had plenty of extras featured on our social platforms. If you want the deets on the Lake Champlain Smallmouth Smackdown, click HERE. As always, Greg Hackney's preview was a hit on TikTok so we asked for another How's Hack Gonna Attack This. We've started adding these pieces as YouTube Shorts, so if you haven't subscribed to our channel yet...DO IT! Stay tuned all week for more tidbits and give us a follow on: Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube and sign up for our newsletter Here.
Lester’s grillin’ up a Classic qualification
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
Team Toyota’s Brandon Lester finds himself in an unfamiliar position as the last event of the 2023 Bassmaster Elite Series begins on the St. Lawrence River at Clayton, NY. He’s only missed one Bassmaster Classic in a consistently impressive 10 seasons on tour, but if the Classic started next week, he’d be the first angler outside the qualification line.
So, Wednesday night he turned to therapeutic grilling on the deck of a rental home overlooking Cedar Point State Park boat ramp to ease the stress, not far from where the St. Lawrence River meets massive Lake Ontario.
Locally grown sweet corn and an ample supply of chicken thighs dashed with Montreal chicken seasoning anchored the healthy offering.
“My wife Kim says grilling is my therapy, and Lord knows I need it right now,” grins the ever-pleasant Tennessee angler. “At home I’ve got two Traeger grills and a Weber. I use the Traegers to smoke BBQ, and the Weber offers that irreplaceable charcoal flavor when I do steaks and burgers,” he says.
However, if Lester’s going to qualify for the 2024 Bassmaster Classic in Tulsa, Oklahoma, his ability to get cooking on Lake Ontario is a bit of a pressure-cooker this week.
He landed a 5 pound 6 ounce beast in practice to get his confidence simmering, but he knows that anything short of 22-pounds on Day 1 may not get the job done on this world-class fishery where 20-pound daily limits of smallmouth are simply par for the course.
“I’ll focus on Lake Ontario versus the St. Lawrence River, simply because I can analyze key places on Ontario with more confidence. But I won’t lie, if the wind blows greater than 15 mph, those waves will make it really hard to use forward facing sonar because your transducer is bobbing like a cork,” he explains.
Plus, a recent Bassmaster Open and a Toyota Series event both restricted anglers to only fishing in the river, so the river fish have been pounded far more than Ontario’s beefy population.
The first lure he’ll throw will be a 3/8-ounce drop shot with hopes the winds will stay reasonable and that a 5-bass limit well north of 20-pounds will fill his livewells. In much the same manner a platter of perfectly cooked chicken thighs filled his belly on the eve of one of the most pressure-cooked derbies of his still young but savory career.
Powell primed to shine for B.A.S.S. Nation Western Regional
Grass-roots anglers representing nine states will compete in the 2023 TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Western Regional at Lake Powell Aug. 30-Sept. 1.
Photo by Grant Moxley/B.A.S.S.
August 23, 2023
PAGE, Ariz. — With water levels rising and bass beginning to school, anglers who will be competing at the 2023 TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Western Regional at Lake Powell Aug. 30-Sept. 1 are hitting the fishery at a great time, according to Utah B.A.S.S. Nation president Rick Culver.
“It is a great time of the year to be there,” Culver said. “To me, this is the most dynamic and diverse fishery in the West. It is like no place I have ever fished. The fishing has gotten better every year for the past four or five years even with the low water. It is still going to be hot, but it is a healthy fishery.”
Stretching nearly 186 miles through Utah and into Arizona, the Colorado River impoundment is the second-largest reservoir in the country and provides a scenic background for the final Nation Regional of the season.
The Western Regional will feature teams from Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Anglers will take off starting at 6:10 a.m. MT from the Stateline Boat Ramp and weigh-in will be back at the ramp beginning at 2:10 p.m. Full coverage will be available on Bassmaster.com.
The last Bassmaster event held on Lake Powell was in 2000, an Arizona Invitational that was won with 25 pounds, 8 ounces. Much has changed since then, leaving a lot of unknowns for anglers across the country.
With much-needed rain and snowfall along the path of the Colorado River over the winter, Lake Powell has risen over 50 feet already this year, and Culver anticipated that will only improve the bite. Anglers will be surrounded by high canyon walls as they run and fish.
“It is a desert lake with gin-clear water at that end of the lake,” Culver said. “We are still in a drought, but it has come up 53 feet this year. It is higher than it was at any point last year.”
Lake Powell features both smallmouth and largemouth, and both species will be roaming in schools and wolf packs looking to feed on shad. Anglers will be able to target some of these bass by finding schooling stripers.
“Guys are going to see some epic boils from the striper,” Culver said. “Everything should be schooling up, and there will be wolf packs of smallmouth starting to chase the baitfish. The striper will be busting gizzards. So, if you find the bait, you will find the striper and then the bass.”
The shad will move back toward the back of the canyon pockets, Culver said, and the bass will be located in the pockets on flats and secondary points. A lot of the bass early in the morning will be in 10 feet of water or less, and topwaters like buzzbaits and walking baits will be big players.
“They are going to be feeding and feeding hard, and as long as there is a little chop and the wind isn’t excessive, it will just be a matter of finding the right stuff,” he said. “The water is so clear, but the fish don’t care.”
With the water level rising, Culver anticipates that vegetation, tamarisk and sage brush that haven’t been in the water for years will come into play.
There is also plenty of deeper water, and a drop shot often comes into play on Lake Powell’s deeper points and humps.
There are plenty of opportunities to find bass close to takeoff, but depending on wind and boat traffic, anglers will have opportunities to make long runs up to Bullfrog Bay and up the San Juan arm as well.
The top-finishing boater and nonboater from each state will punch their ticket to the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Championship at Lake Hartwellscheduled for Oct. 18-20. The winner will earn the title of Nation’s Best and receive an invitation to the 2024 Bassmaster Elite Series. The Top 3 finishers will head to Tulsa, Okla., for the 2024 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota.
Bonus Bucks for new baby Esther
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
The truck cab of young bass fishing superstar Cody Huff’s Toyota Tundra looks a lot different on recent trips to Bassmaster Elite Series events. It’s now jam-packed with newborn baby essentials including diaper bags, quilts, infant nutrition formula, and a car seat for sweet baby Esther, born just three months ago.
In fact, about an hour before he challenged for the win on Lake Champlain, Esther and Cody’s wife Kira could be seen pacing the nearby boat ramp parking lot, logging lots of steps to ward off stress as daddy battled to within ounces of victory all day long, before eventually finishing third.
His high finish was good enough for a $30,000 paycheck from B.A.S.S. and a $3,000 bonus as a registered member in the Toyota Bonus Bucks program, as a result of his phenomenal prowess with forward facing sonar technology and a 3/8-ounce VMC Sleek Jig, tipped with a realistic soft plastic trailer.
Like the beefy Champlain smallmouth that jerked his fluorocarbon line all week, the 26-year-old Huff describes the Tundra he bought as a “pullin’ Jesse” with a transmission that never skips a beat, and improved fuel economy too.
All of which added up to $33,000 worth of baby formula, diapers, and perhaps the start of a 529 tax-advantage college savings plan for his daughter Esther.
To cash-in on Toyota Bonus Bucks like Cody, Kira and Esther, please visit https://www.toyotatrucksbonusbucks.com/.
A Pro’s Guide to Battling the Dog Days of Summer
How James Elam Adjusts His Summertime Gameplan to Find Bass Consistently By: Shane Beilue |
Late summer bass fishing is often referred to as the “dog days” for a reason. Air temps have been bumping triple digits throughout the months of July and August, baking the water’s surface to a boil, and the bass seem to go into a funk, making many anglers wait for the first cool front of the fall before venturing back out on the water. Major League Fishing Pro, James Elam, can’t do anything about the heat; however, he does tweak his game plan from his midsummer strategy to stay on the bite in late summer. He explains, “During early to midsummer, the bottom techniques like deep cranking, worms and jigs work well because the bass are grouped up and feeding in schools along the lake bottom. But, there’s a point in time that those schools of shad start to suspend up higher in the water column and the bass start to break up into smaller groups to chase them. So, in late summer, I shift my approach to hunt them down with forward facing sonar". |
|
The Oklahoma pro starts by searching out schools of shad with his Lowrance electronics, focusing his search in the middle of deep coves, the mouths of major creeks, as well as the deeper flats along the main lake area. Once the shad are located from the driver’s seat, Elam will move to the front deck to drop the trolling motor and start scanning the area with his Lowrance Active Target looking for individual bass feeding below or within the balls of shad. “When you see those shad pods grouped tightly toward the surface, that means the bass are pushing them and actively feeding on them. The surface acts as a backstop, meaning there’s simply nowhere else for the shad to escape,” continued Elam. His approach to catch suspended bass is a 1-2 punch, depending upon the mood of the bass. As he details, “I’ll start with a 4-5” LIVETARGET Slow Roll-Shiner rigged on a ⅜ oz Mustad Impact Spring Lock Jig Head. The 5” is easier to see on forward sonar and imitates those larger shad extremely well and I’ll go with a shad pattern such as Silver Pearl”. Elam explains that the technique is rather simple: maintain a good cast away from the fish to avoid spooking with the trolling motor, casting beyond the fish and swimming the paddle tail design of the Slow-Roll Shiner just under the shad, but above the bass below. “The goal is to make that Ghost Minnow appear as a stray baitfish that’s wandered away from the bigger school”, he adds. “Just keep a slow, steady retrieve and if you see the bass following on forward sonar, but not committing, increase the retrieve speed to make them think the shad is getting away. That usually seals the deal”. |
Elam’s rod and reel setup for the Slow-Roll Shiner is a KastKing 7’3” Gittin’ Jiggy Rod from the new Assegai lineup. “This is a fast-medium action rod that sends that swimbait a long way, but has the right action to get a good hookset from a long distance,” he explains. For the reel, the MLF pro relies on the new high-tech iReel from KastKing, which gives him audible metrics such as casting distance and retrieve speed. As he details, “The iReel is such a smooth reel. It has a big spool, a nice drag system and I like getting the cast and retrieve data in real time. I often find the bites are coming at a certain distance away from the boat with a specific retrieve speed, and the iReel lets me monitor that data while I fish”. If the bass are reluctant to chase the paddle tail swim bait, Elam goes more “finesse” in his swim bait set up, incorporating the subtle action of the LIVETARGET Ghost Tail Minnow. “The Ghost Tail Minnow is actually a drop shot bait”, he states, “but I rig it on a homemade ⅛ oz jig head and use it for ‘hover strolling’, which has become really popular on the tournament trail”. |
|
With the hover strolling technique, the Ghost Tail Minnow is fished in similar fashion as the paddle tail; however, the minimal action of the Ghost Tail as it’s allowed to pendulum back to the boat, just above the bass, has proven to be a “bite-getter” when other techniques with forward sonar fail. As he explains, “When fishing this lighter ⅛ oz jig head, it takes longer to get the lure down to the bass, but sometimes that small, subtle profile swimming above them is the only way to get them to eat.” For hover strolling, Elam breaks out the spinning gear, relying upon the KastKing Speed Demon Jig/Worm Spinning Rod paired with a 3000 series KastKing Mega Jaws Elite Spinning Reel. The Speed Demon rod is 7’3” in length and has a fast-medium action for sending the lighter ⅛ oz jig head a long way. Lastly, Elam’s line for hover strolling is a mainline of 20# braid tied to a 10# fluorocarbon leader. |
While Elam admits, both techniques require a good understanding of live sonar technology while watching the shad, bass and the swimbait interact in real time; however, the payoff is a means to keep the action hot… just like the weather. |
Rookie sensation Fujita wins Bassmaster Elite Series event on Lake Champlain
Kyoya Fujita of Minamitsuru, Japan, has won the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain with a four-day total of 86 pounds, 12 ounces.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
August 21, 2023
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — The big bites mostly eluded Kyoya Fujita, but the Elite rookie’s diligence delivered the coveted blue trophy, as the Japanese superstar amassed the winning total of 86 pounds, 12 ounces in the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain.
“This feels great!” Fujita said. “My dream (has been) to win an Elite Series tournament. My dream came true.”
After placing 10th on Day 1 with 21-5, Fujita added 23-14 — the VMC Monster Bag of the event — and took over the Day 2 lead. Fujita held onto the top spot with a Semifinal Sunday limit of 22-9 and closed the deal with his Championship Monday bag that weighed 19 pounds.
The week brought a diverse meteorological mix, which included a storm system that postponed Day 2 from Friday to Saturday. Days 1 and 3 brought mostly sunny conditions, while the even number days saw dimmer, cloudy skies. Wind was a constant challenge.
Heavily geared toward sight feeding, smallmouth like sunshine, so Championship Monday’s dreary conditions, plus a week’s worth of heavy fishing pressure, seemed to be curbing the fish’s aggression. After three days with multiple 4-pounders, Fujita had only one fish over 4 Monday and fell short of the 20-pound mark for the first time.
“It was a struggle today,” Fujita said. “I got on a school of fish (later in the day) and they wouldn’t bite. I kept dropping on them and finally a big one bit my bait on the way down."
A multiple-event winner and four-time Angler of the Year on the Japanese professional bass scene, Fujita edged third-year pro Justin Atkins by 1-6. For his efforts, Fujita won the $100,000 top prize plus a $2,000 bonus for catching the VMC Monster Bag.
Making his fourth Top 10 for the 2023 Elite season, Fujita spent his entire event in the Inland Sea, where he used Garmin LiveScope to target smallmouth bass that were following schools of baitfish. Mostly targeting the east side of Dameas and Knight islands, Fujita worked in depths of 12 to 30 feet.
“I found a big-fish area in practice,” Fujita said. “I found the bass first, then I found the bait.”
Fujita caught his fish on a drop shot with a 4.5-inch Jackall Yammy stickworm cut down to approximately 3 inches and a Damiki-style rig with a 5.2-inch Jackall Revoltage RV-Drift Fry on a 1/8-ounce ball-head jig.
Notably, Fujita’s tournament got off to a rocky start, as a mechanical issue limited his fishing time. He made up ground on Day 2 and continued expanding on his area for the next three days.
Day 4 saw Fujita briefly departing his main waters, as he visited the west side of the Inland Sea and fished the City Reef area. Fujita caught fish there, but none of them contributed to his final weight.
After summarizing his day, Fujita closed with a crowd-charming farewell: “Thank you Daiwa and Jackall and the many Japanese and the American (sponsors) and the Bassmaster crew.”
Finishing second with 85-6, Atkins kept himself near the top all week. He placed fourth on Day 1 with 22-6, then slipped to sixth after weighing 21-6. Atkins' Day 3 bag of 21-3 lifted him to third. His final-round limit weighed 20-7.
Hailing from Florence, Ala., Atkins caught all of his fish on a 1/4-ounce underspin with a Berkley MaxScent Flatworm. He fished a dark-colored bait during dim conditions, while a white bait excelled during sunny times. His darker bait carried a gold willow-leaf blade, while the white version had a silver blade.
“I caught a few on the dark color this morning when it was cloudy and when the sun came out, I caught them on the light color again,” Atkins said. “I didn’t catch quite enough weight on it, but it was a good program.”
Atkins fished the Inland Sea and focused on an area where deep water swung close to a water cabbage edge. This, he said, was the zone where he found his biggest bass chasing bait in practice.
Cody Huff of Ava, Mo., finished third with 85-5. His daily limits weighed 23-3, 20-10, 21-2 and 20-6.
Fishing the Inland Sea, Huff committed to a straightforward game plan based on his dual prowess with forward-facing sonar and the Damiki rig. His rig comprised a 1/8- to 1/2-ounce VMC Sleek Jighead with a 5-inch Strike King 3X Z-Too. The larger profile seemed to trigger the bigger fish.
“The key was just to keep moving, throw at as many fish as you could throw at and the aggressive ones would get it,” Huff said. “Normally, if you get a calm day, you cast to them out there at 60 to 80 feet and you catch a lot more of them.
“When it was windy, there was a lot of noise from waves slapping the boat, so a lot of them were coming really close.”
Jacob Foutz of Charleston, Tenn., took home the Day 4 Phoenix Boats Big Bass and an additional $1,000 for his 4-13. Jay Przekurat of Stevens Point, Wis., and Mark Menendez of Paducah, Ky., shared the $2,000 prize for the overall Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the tournament. Each angler weighed a 5-4. Jason Christie still has a firm grip on the $10,000 check for Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the year with his 9-4 Lay Lake largemouth.
Huff took home an additional $3,000 for being the highest-placing entrant in the Toyota Bonus Bucks program while Ohio angler Alex Redwine, who made his first Top 10 this week, earned $2,000 for being the second-highest placing entrant.
As part of the Yamaha Power Pay program, Atkins earned an additional $2,500 as the highest-placing entrant and Patrick Walters of Summerville, S.C., claimed an additional $1,500 for being the second-highest placing entrant.
Austin Felix of Eden Prairie, Minn., won the $1,000 BassTrakk Contingency award for the most accurate weight reporting.
Kyle Welcher of Opelika, Ala., leads the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings with 652 points. Brandon Cobb of Greenwood, S.C., is in second with 646, followed by Drew Cook of Cairo, Ga., with 622, Przekurat with 616 and Walters with 613.
Joey Cifuentes III of Clinton, Ark., leads the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Rookie of the Year standings with 610 points. Fujita is in second with 595.
2023 Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain 8/17-8/21
Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 4
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Kyoya Fujita Minamitsuru, Yamanashi 20 86-12 104 $102,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-05 Day 2: 5 23-14 Day 3: 5 22-09 Day 4: 5 19-00
2. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 20 85-06 103 $35,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-06 Day 2: 5 21-06 Day 3: 5 21-03 Day 4: 5 20-07
3. Cody Huff Ava, MO 20 85-05 102 $30,000.00
Day 1: 5 23-03 Day 2: 5 20-10 Day 3: 5 21-02 Day 4: 5 20-06
4. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 20 83-01 101 $25,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-01 Day 2: 5 22-00 Day 3: 5 19-13 Day 4: 5 19-03
5. Jay Przekurat Stevens Point, WI 20 83-00 100 $22,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-11 Day 2: 5 21-01 Day 3: 5 20-11 Day 4: 5 18-09
6. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 20 82-02 99 $19,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-14 Day 2: 5 21-14 Day 3: 5 19-14 Day 4: 5 17-08
7. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 20 81-12 98 $18,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-08 Day 2: 5 21-01 Day 3: 5 19-06 Day 4: 5 19-13
8. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 20 81-07 97 $18,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-12 Day 2: 5 21-07 Day 3: 5 19-10 Day 4: 5 20-10
9. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 20 80-06 96 $17,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-10 Day 2: 5 19-14 Day 3: 5 21-10 Day 4: 5 18-04
10. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 20 80-02 95 $15,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-03 Day 2: 5 21-03 Day 3: 5 20-00 Day 4: 5 18-12
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Jay Przekurat Stevens Point, WI 05-04 $1,000.00
2 Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 05-04 $1,000.00
3 Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 05-01 $1,000.00
4 Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 04-13 $1,000.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 05-04 $1,000.00
Jay Przekurat Stevens Point, WI 05-04 $1,000.00
VMC MONSTER BAG
Kyoya Fujita Minamitsuru, Yamanashi, 23-14 $2,000.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 95 493 1702-12
2 98 502 1798-10
3 49 245 898-15
4 10 50 192-08
----------------------------------
252 1290 4592-13
Next Generation EXCELER
DAIWA introduces improved, stylistic, & high-performing spinning reels at an attractive price. |
FOOTHILL RANCH, CA (August 21, 2023) – DAIWA is extremely proud to introduce significant improvements to its ultra-popular EXCELER family—reels that offer striking good looks, smooth performance, confident drag, and more for around $100—in sizes from 1000 to 6000. “We kind of went back to the drawing board with the EXCELER,” says DAIWA Senior Marketing Manager, Marc Mills. “First, we upgraded to a carbon fiber body—ZAION V—so the new version is lighter than current EXCELER models for comparable sizes.” Mills continues: “We also went to an AIRDRIVE ROTOR, so rather than an air rotor, AIRDRIVE ROTORS are much lighter. We also changed the bail to a thinner, lighter (yet solid) AIRDRIVE BAIL. We selected a solid bail wire for its rigidity and resistance to bending during normal use; the thinner, smaller wire is also lighter, which reduces the weight of the rotation, thus reducing the weight of the reel.” |
Countless anglers spanning the globe have proved it: The original EXCELER LT is a smartly-priced reel that can match the performance of many more expensive models. While the previous generation featured Carbon Light Material—the next generation sports a ZAION V body for lighter weight and greater rigidity. Its machined aluminum handle is a comfortable, strong connection to the main gear of the spinning reel. And the retooled EXCELER is extremely smooth utilizing 5 ball bearings and 1 roller bearing to maximize performance. |
|
DAIWA EXCELER Features
MSRP $99.99-$119.99 In a world of you get what you pay for, the re-designed EXCELER spinning reel family gives you more design technology and concept than reels twice the price. AVAILABLE FALL 2023 |
|
Quantum Hires Industry Veteran as Senior Product Engineer
Columbia, SC - August 21, 2023 – Quantum is thrilled to announce that industry veteran Mark Talwin has joined the team and will assume the role of Senior Product Engineer. With over a decade of fishing reel engineering excellence behind him, Mark and the team are poised to write an exciting new chapter for Quantum and deliver a new era of innovation.
“This brand has a rich history and a name that still resonates with avid anglers,” offered Quantum’s Senior Vice President Mike Rice. “With such an accomplished engineer like Mark joining the team, we are laser focused on Quantum’s future.”
“I’m extremely excited to join the massive amount of talent that is now under one roof and driven toward one goal,” said Talwin. “Quantum has all the pieces of the puzzle to deliver the best saltwater gear on the market. “
Mark grew up in Columbia, South Carolina, where he and his wife Brittany now raise their young son, James. When he is not designing reels for Quantum, you will find him putting them to work on his home waters of Lake Murray or along the coast of the southeast.
Mohn Claims Victory at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event on Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien
Miller Wins Strike King Co-Angler Division
PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, Wis., (Aug. 21, 2023) – Boater Dan Mohn of Lansing, Iowa, caught a five-bass limit weighing 16 pounds, 15 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on the Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien . The tournament was the fourth event of the season for the BFL Great Lakes Division. Mohn, who had also won a BFL tournament at Prairie du Chien five years ago to the day, earned $4,514 for his victory.
“I locked up to Pool 9 with a big group,” said Mohn. “I ran around to a bunch of different spots and caught two early and just chipped away and kept culling. I added three others that I weighed throughout the day.
“I ended up using a bunch of different baits,” Mohn continued. “I threw a topwater, I was dragging Big Bite Baits soft plastics on a Carolina rig, and threw a variety of hard baits, including a SPRO Aruku Shad Lipless Crankbait , SPRO jerkbait and a SPRO topwater bait. I was looking at a variety of spots - grass and rock that had current, in 3 to 8 feet of water. It was just a variety of things.”
Mohn said he weighed in all smallmouth, however, he said he caught two largemouth that he culled out late in the day. He said the majority of his fish came from Pool 9, but Pool 10 produced a number of nice bass for him as well.
“The first fish I put in the livewell was my big fish,” Mohn said. “It weighed 3¾ pounds. At that point, I figured I had one down and four to go. My second keeper was over 3 pounds, so I said, ‘This is going good. I only need three more of the right kind of bites.’”
Mohn had four fish over 3 pounds and one just under 3 pounds, and figured if he could cull up to one more bass over 3 pounds, he would have a shot at a high finish in the tournament.
“I tried one more spot on a grass edge and hooked another one that was well over 3 pounds,” Mohn said. “I thought it was going really great, and I had a nice limit at that point.
“It seems like wins come when you least expect it,” Mohn added. “I hoped I’d have a decent tournament. I was on decent fish in practice. This is a tough group of fishermen in this division, and it’s hard to win against that competition. I’ve been on a pretty good roll these past few weeks, and people have been telling me when you’re hot, you’re hot, and just ride that momentum while you have it.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Dan Mohn, Lansing, Iowa, five bass, 16-15, $4,514
2nd: Fernando Lobato, Sparta, Wis., five bass, 16-8, $2,397 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
3rd: Tom Monsoor, La Crosse, Wis., five bass, 15-8, $1,265
4th: Mike Brueggen, La Crosse, Wis., five bass, 15-6, $885
5th: Jordan Esser, Galena, Ill., five bass, 14-14, $759
6th: Jeff Ritter, Prairie du Chien, Wis., five bass, 14-11, $946
7th: Brandon Gann, Sparta, Wis., five bass, 14-10, $632
8th: Jerry Hauck, Lancaster, Wis., five bass, 14-7, $569
9th: Kevin Ruh, Onalaska, Wis., five bass, 14-6, $506
10th: Kory Rose, Waterloo, Iowa, five bass, 14-2, $938
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Kory Rose of Waterloo, Iowa, caught a bass that weighed 4 pounds, 13 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $495.
Blake Miller of Cedar Falls, Iowa, won the Strike King co-angler division and $1,897 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 13 pounds, 10 ounces.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Blake Miller, Cedar Falls, Iowa, five bass, 13-10, $1,897
2nd: Brad Juen, La Crosse, Wis., five bass, 12-7, $949
3rd: David Ondrla, Elmhurst, Ill., five bass, 11-8, $633
4th: Jamie Gomez, Holmen, Wis., five bass, 11-2, $443
5th: Matthew Tinsman, Peoria, Ill., five bass, 10-11, $379
6th: Jason Swanson, Waterloo, Iowa, five bass, 10-7, $348
7th: Jason Olson, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., five bass, 10-3, $316
8th: Hertz Skaer, Holmen, Wis., five bass, 9-15, $485
9th: Charles Tremelling, Dodgeville, Wis., four bass, 9-11, $253
10th: Will Ahnen, Fennimore, Wis., five bass, 9-6, $371
Matt Knox of Metamora, Illinois, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $247, catching a bass that weighed in at 3 pounds, 11 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
After four events, Jeff Ritter of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, leads the BFL Great Lakes Division Boater Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 975 points, while Hertz Skaer of Holmen, Wisconsin, leads the Strike King Co-Angler Division AOY race with 968 points.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 19-21 BFL Regional tournament on Lake of the Ozarks in Osage Beach, Missouri. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard.
The 2023 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.
Proud sponsors of the 2023 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, General Tire, Grundéns, Gill, Lew’s, Lowrance, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Wiley X and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
‘Fishing Karma’ Helps Victor’s Smith Post Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Cayuga Lake
Wilkie Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division
UNION SPRINGS, N.Y. (Aug. 21, 2023) – Boater Casey Smith of Victor, New York, caught a five-bass limit weighing 23 pounds, 11 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Cayuga Lake . The tournament was the fourth event of the season for the BFL Northeast Division. Smith earned $4,466 for his victory.
“It was fair day, but a bit of a struggle,” said Smith, who considers Cayuga Lake his home water. “We had a big weather change come through on Friday, and I didn’t practice because I knew the weather was going to change things up. I just fished the conditions and used my knowledge of Cayuga and pieced things together as the day went on.
“I fished typical Cayuga stuff mid-lake,” Smith went on to say. “Grass lines and isolated patches of grass was where I was looking. My baits were standard Cayuga fare as well – a Yamamoto Senko, drop-shot rig, and a crankbait. I bounced around in depths of 10 to 17 feet.”
Smith said he caught about 40 bass during the course of the day – all keepers.
“I had five big bites out of those 40 keepers, and that was a result of the weather,” Smith said. “When the weather came through Friday, it was the biggest cold front we’d had the whole summer. We had a lot of wind out of the north-northwest for the tournament, and what that does at Cayuga is knock the average size of the fish back. I just knew if I just kept swinging the hammer that eventually I’d catch a good one, and that’s what happened. You play the numbers game and set the hook enough, there’s enough big fish in that lake that you’ll catch five big ones.”
Smith said he knew he had about 23 pounds at the end of the day, but he said that no weight is safe on Cayuga heading into weigh-in. He said he figured even 25 to 26 pounds wasn’t a safe bet at the scales. However, Smith won a BFL at Cayuga in August of 2021 with a weight of 22-13.
“You just don’t know,” Smith said. “Any day it could take 25, 26, or 27 pounds to win.
“This feels really good,” Smith added. “It’s my home lake, I grew up there, got married on the lake, all of my family is on that lake, so this is really special. I’ve been working with a group of guys closely with the state and local legislators on the grass there, and I kind of feel like the win was a bit of fishing karma – taking care of the lake and helping protect it, and the lake paid me back.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Casey Smith, Victor, N.Y., five bass, 23-11, $4,466
2nd: Michael Morrin, Waterloo, N.Y., five bass, 22-8, $1,733
3rd: Kyle Gelles, Pingree, Idaho, five bass, 22-5, $2,090 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
4th: Alex Korol, Fairport, N.Y., five bass, 22-4, $809
5th: Jaden Parrish, Liberty, Texas, five bass, 21-6, $693
6th: Alec Morrison, Peru, N.Y., five bass, 21-3, $635
7th: Christopher Sperling, Cato, N.Y., five bass, 20-12, $578
8th: Justin Kubilus, North Abington Township, Pa., five bass, 20-6, $520
9th: David Keppler, Williamstown, N.J., five bass, 19-13, $462
10th: Joseph Thompson, Coatesville, Pa., five bass, 17-15, $404
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Kyle Gelles of Pingree, Idaho, caught a bass that weighed 6 pounds, 5 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $435.
Aaron Wilkie of North Bennington, Vermont, won the Strike King co-angler division and a total of $2,483 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 16 pounds, 14 ounces.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Aaron Wilkie, North Bennington, Vt., five bass, 16-14, $2,483
2nd: Josh Kauffman, Marysville, Pa., five bass, 16-10, $866
3rd: Jesse Jodon, Windber, Pa., five bass, 15-12, $577
4th: Louis Falvo, Seneca Falls, N.Y., five bass, 14-14, $404
5th: Chad Dorney, Slatington, Pa., four bass, 14-9, $347
6th: Alexandre Jelev, Petawawa, Ontario, five bass, 13-0, $318
7th: Jimmy Papineau, Staatsburg, N.Y., three bass, 12-14, $289
8th: Cory Germano, Staatsburg, N.Y., five bass, 12-11, $260
9th: John Snyder, Nazareth, Pa., five bass, 12-8, $231
10th: Chris Siclare, Geneva, N.Y., four bass, 11-15, $202
David Cooper of Rushville, New York, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $217, catching a bass that weighed in at 6 pounds, 1 ounce – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
After four events, Alex Korol of Fairport, New York, leads the BFL Northeast Division Boater Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 939 points, while Ethan Lee of Jermyn, Pennsylvania, leads the Strike King Co-Angler Division AOY race with 928 points.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 5-7 BFL Regional tournament on the Potomac River in Marbury, Maryland. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard.
The 2023 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.
Proud sponsors of the 2023 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, General Tire, Grundéns, Gill, Lew’s, Lowrance, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Wiley X and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Allen Hayes and Danny Bishop win ABT Wheeler Lake with 23.23
Allen Hayes and Danny Bishop win ABT Wheeler Lake with 23.23
By Jason Duran
The final stop of the ABT 2023 regular season was held at Wheeler Lake in Decatur. 225 teams from the north division competed for the top prize of $10,000. In this final event, numerous factors were at stake including the AOY points race where the top 9 teams qualified to fish the BASS Team Championship and the top 75 move on to fish the ABT Championship. Teams reported tough fishing in practice, but the team of Allen Hayes and Danny Bishop caught 23.23 for the win lapping field by over two pounds to win $10,000.
Allen and Danny blasted off as boat number 216. Due to the high boat number, they were “hoping that no one would be in our area when we got there.” When they showed up to their area, they were surprised no one else was there, so they quickly went to work. On their second cast, they both caught a fish; one weighed 2-pounds, and the other was over 4-pounds. They were able to spend all their fishing time in that area. They described the area as a “river channel ledge that was holding fish because of a hard spot.” They found the area using side scan in practice and noticed there was an abundance of bait in the area. Other fishermen came to the area throughout the day, however, they were there first and were able to hold their ground and protect the area. They started out early with a topwater and crankbait, but quickly realized they needed to make a bait change because it seemed like the fish “didn’t really want to chase the bait.” They made a change to Texas rigged large worms and creature baits in June bug and green pumpkin color. Once they made the change, they were able to fill out their limit and upgrade it to 23.23- pounds. Once they reached that weight, they decided to head back and do their best to protect their fish. They arrived back at the landing 4.5 hours early and waited for the scales to open at 1:30. They weighed in as the first team and lead wire to wire over a very tough ABT field. With this win, they collected the $10,000 payday and automatically qualified for the ABT Championship.
The second-place team of Walker Brown and Sloan Pennington caught 20.65. The team shared, “we caught several small ones in practice, and if we stayed in and around Decatur and the grass, we could get bit. We just never caught any big ones. We spent two and half days looking around for hard spots that should be holding big fish this time of year. On tournament day, we knew we were going to stay in the grass all day.” The first cast of the day they used a “Zoom Ol Monster worm. We cast it all over the Decatur Flats. The goal was to spend time covering lots of water with the trolling motor. We only cranked the big motor twice, but we probably covered three miles on the trolling motor today. We also used a Buck Eye Mop Jig. We never could find the kicker fish; our biggest was 4.25. We were looking for one over 5 pounds. We tried to fish our own water and fish for fish that had not seen as many baits hopefully. We have struggled some this year, so this second place feels good.” With this finish, they collected $5,000 and moved in to 58th place in AOY which qualifies them to fish the ABT Championship.
The third-place team of Bryan Dowdy and Kyle Lewellen caught 18.65. “We put a lot practice time into this event. This lake has been our nemesis; we have never cashed a check here, so we put in the time to find some fish. We put together three patterns. We found some deep fish, some creek fish and some dirt shallow fish. Today we weighed in half our bag from deep and half from dirt shallow. We started out this morning on a deeper spot using a worm and spinnerbait. We really had to wait this morning for the fish to bite, but when they did, we caught a 3-pounder, a 4 –pounder, and 3.80 on back-to-back casts. The first six fish we caught gave us 17-pounds. From there, we went dirt shallow targeting wood and lily pads using a frog and a Jig.“ This finish moves them into 6th place in the AOY standing and qualifies them to fish the BASS Team Championship and the ABT Championship. They collected a $3,000 ABT check, a $500 Garmin bonus, and a $2,500 Phoenix Boats payday.
The top ten standings are below for a complete list of standings please visit: https://www.alabamabasstrail.org/wheeler-lake/results/
John Kellett and Zeke Gossett claim the title of Anglers of the Year for the North Division and also qualify with the other top 9 teams to fish the BASS Team Championship:
PLACE ANGLERS POINTS
1 John Kellett/Zeke Gossett 1021
2 Michael Wooley/Joe Wooley 992
3 Mark Mccaig/Tim Hurst 979
4 Shane Meers/James Meers 975
5 Wesley Sams/Jordan Wiggins 969
6 Bryan Dowdy/Kyle Lewellen 968
7 Damien Willis/Tyler Kiker 967
8 Justin Bussey/Ben Webb 960
9 Craig Daniel /Jackie Flack 940
Download and listen to the ABT Podcast on your favorite Podcast app by searching for “Alabama Bass Trail Podcast.” The Podcast is released each week on Tuesday.
For Live coverage from this event and others visit https://www.youtube.com/@alabamabasstrailtv
The sponsors of the 2023 Alabama Bass Trail include: Phoenix Boats, Academy Sports, Alabama Power, America’s First Federal Credit Union, American Trailer Rental Group, BAJIO, Big Bite Baits, Bill Penney Automotive, Black Rifle Coffee Company, Anheuser – Bush, Inc., E3 Sports Apparel, Fish Neely Henry Lake.com, Garmin, Jack’s, Lew’s, Mtn Dew, Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, Power-Pole, Strike King, Sweet Home Alabama, T-H Marine, Yamaha, YETI Coolers.
Fujita extends lead at Bassmaster Elite Series event on Lake Champlain
Kyoya Fujita of Minamitsuru, Japan, is leading after Day 3 of the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain with a three-day total of 67 pounds, 12 ounces.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
August 20, 2023
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — Matching the day’s bright complexion, Japanese superstar Kyoya Fujita again outshined the field and maintained his lead at the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain with a three-day total of 67 pounds, 12 ounces.
Following a dim and drizzly Day 2, Semifinal Sunday’s morning clouds quickly yielded to mostly sunny conditions, which clearly cracked the whip on Champlain’s smallmouth bass. Capitalizing on the favorable conditions, the rookie Elite from Minamitsuru, Yamanashi, Japan, who led Day 2, complemented his first two limits of 21-5 and 23-14 with a Day 3 bag that weighed 22-9.
Fujita started the day with a 7-ounce lead over Alex Redwine of Blue Ash, Ohio. After Sunday’s performance, he heads into Championship Monday leading Missouri pro Cody Huff by 2-13.
“Today was very tough,” Fujita admitted. “Short bite, short bite, short bite — miss, miss, miss. I had no big fish in the morning. But in the afternoon, I had two big fish.”
Making his fourth Top 10 for the 2023 Elite season, Fujita has camped in one main area of the Inland Sea, at Champlain’s upper end. He’s basically hunting down active smallmouth that are following schools of baitfish.
Fujita said his main baits are a drop shot with a 4.5-inch Jackall Yammy stick worm cut down to 3 inches and a Damiki-style rig with a 5.2-inch Jackall Revoltage RV-Drift Fry on a 1/8-ounce ball-head jig.
The vast Inland Sea has hosted several of the event’s top performers, but Fujita seems to have dialed in the sweetest spot.
“In practice, I looked through a lot of places, but the area I’m fishing has the most big fish,” Fujita said with the help of an interpreter.
Forward-facing sonar has dramatically improved the way anglers search broad areas and, with three graphs on his bow, Fujita has kept a keen eye on his targets. Although he declined to share specifics, he noted the distance at which he sets his Garmin LiveScope has played a key role in his success.
“I’m looking at fish on the bottom and suspended fish,” Fujita said. “Both were non-active today. I was really struggling.”
Fujita said he responded to this challenge with mobility.
“I moved around more today,” he said. “I caught fish in five different spots. I was able to go back to some of these spots multiple times and catch fish.”
After catching approximately 50 bass on Day 2, Fujita boated 15 today. Noting that he’s sticking with that same game plan, Fujita said he knows he has to step on the gas in the final round.
“Nothing has changed from the beginning of the tournament; it’s just getting tougher and tougher every day,” Fujita said. “I need a big fish tomorrow.
“I know it’s going to be tough, but there will be fewer people. I’m going to keep doing the same thing and catch every fish I see.”
Huff, who led Day 1, holds the second-place spot with 64-15. His daily limits went 23-3, 20-10 and 21-2.
Also fishing the Inland Sea, Huff spent his day hunting bass on forward-facing sonar. He threw a Damiki rig with a Strike King 3X Z-Too and a Baby Z-Too.
“I would like to tell you a really cool story on how you go and find ‘em, but it’s just covering a ton of water until you see them,” Huff said. “They’re not everywhere, but when you get into an area that’s got them, it’s like there’s a big school.
“Sometimes, that school’s together; sometimes, it’s spread out. Sometimes, I’m picking off singles, doubles and triples. Other times, they’re in groups of 20 to 30 fish.”
Huff said the sun helped him find more fish and the ones he found seemed more aggressive.
Justin Atkins of Florence, Ala., is in third place with 64-15. Turning in a consistent performance, Atkins has weighed bags of 22-6, 21-6 and 21-3.
Bucking the trend of Damiki rigs and drop shots, Atkins has been catching his bass on a 1/4-ounce underspin with a Berkley MaxScent Flat Worm. In the dim conditions of Day 2, he found that going to an all-black bait/trailer package worked best, but Day 3 required an adjustment.
“I had to go back to the (white) bait I caught them on when it was sunny the first day,” Atkins said. “Yesterday, I couldn’t get them to bite the lighter-colored bait. Today, they started eating it right off the bat.”
Bryan Schmitt of Deale, Md., who won the 2021 Elite at Champlain, earned the $1,000 Phoenix Boats Big Bass award for the day with his 5-1.
Jay Przekurat of Stevens Point, Wis., and Mark Menendez of Paducah, Ky., share the overall lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Week honors, each with a 5-4.
Fujita is currently in the lead for the VMC Monster Bag award with his Day 2 limit of 23-14.
Kyle Welcher of Opelika, Ala., leads the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings with 652 points. Brandon Cobb of Greenwood, S.C., is in second with 646, followed by Drew Cook of Cairo, Ga., with 622, Przekurat with 616 and Patrick Walters of Summerville, S.C., with 612.
Joey Cifuentes III of Clinton, Ark., leads the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Rookie of the Year standings with 610 points. Fujita is in second with 595.
Monday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. ET at Plattsburgh City Marina. The weigh-in will be held at the marina at 3 p.m. Bassmaster LIVE will stream beginning at 8 a.m. on Bassmaster.com.
2023 Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain 8/17-8/21
Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Kyoya Fujita Minamitsuru, Yamanashi 15 67-12 104
Day 1: 5 21-05 Day 2: 5 23-14 Day 3: 5 22-09
2. Cody Huff Ava, MO 15 64-15 103
Day 1: 5 23-03 Day 2: 5 20-10 Day 3: 5 21-02
3. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 15 64-15 102
Day 1: 5 22-06 Day 2: 5 21-06 Day 3: 5 21-03
4. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 15 64-10 101
Day 1: 5 22-14 Day 2: 5 21-14 Day 3: 5 19-14
5. Jay Przekurat Stevens Point, WI 15 64-07 100 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-11 Day 2: 5 21-01 Day 3: 5 20-11
6. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 15 63-14 99
Day 1: 5 22-01 Day 2: 5 22-00 Day 3: 5 19-13
7. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 15 62-02 98
Day 1: 5 20-10 Day 2: 5 19-14 Day 3: 5 21-10
8. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 15 61-15 97
Day 1: 5 21-08 Day 2: 5 21-01 Day 3: 5 19-06
9. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 15 61-06 96
Day 1: 5 20-03 Day 2: 5 21-03 Day 3: 5 20-00
10. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 15 60-13 95
Day 1: 5 19-12 Day 2: 5 21-07 Day 3: 5 19-10
11. Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 15 60-09 94 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-06 Day 2: 5 18-09 Day 3: 5 21-10
12. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 15 59-13 93 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-06 Day 2: 5 20-07 Day 3: 5 20-00
13. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 15 59-13 92 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-10 Day 2: 5 20-06 Day 3: 5 19-13
14. Cory Johnston Cavan CANADA 15 59-04 91 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-14 Day 2: 5 19-03 Day 3: 5 20-03
15. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 15 59-02 90 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-09 Day 2: 5 18-14 Day 3: 5 20-11
16. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 15 59-00 89 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-13 Day 2: 5 19-09 Day 3: 5 18-10
17. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 15 59-00 88 $11,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-04 Day 2: 5 19-01 Day 3: 5 19-11
18. Cooper Gallant Bowmanville Ontario CAN 15 58-13 87 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 5 21-04 Day 3: 5 20-06
19. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 15 58-09 86 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-12 Day 2: 5 20-11 Day 3: 5 19-02
20. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 15 58-02 85 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 20-14 Day 3: 5 19-01
21. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 15 58-02 84 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-11 Day 2: 5 20-00 Day 3: 5 19-07
22. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 15 58-00 83 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-09 Day 2: 5 20-04 Day 3: 5 18-03
23. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 15 57-14 82 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-07 Day 2: 5 19-10 Day 3: 5 18-13
24. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 15 57-13 81 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-08 Day 2: 5 19-04 Day 3: 5 17-01
25. Kyle Welcher Opelika, AL 15 57-11 80 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 21-00 Day 3: 5 20-02
26. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 15 57-08 79 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 19-04 Day 3: 5 19-05
27. Carl Jocumsen Queensland AUSTRALIA 15 57-03 78 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 19-14 Day 3: 5 18-13
28. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 15 57-01 77 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-05 Day 2: 5 17-11 Day 3: 5 20-01
29. Wes Logan Springville, AL 15 56-08 76 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-11 Day 2: 5 17-15 Day 3: 5 18-14
30. Taku Ito Chiba JAPAN 15 56-06 75 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 5 17-14 Day 3: 5 19-07
31. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 15 56-01 74 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-13 Day 2: 5 18-04 Day 3: 5 19-00
32. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 15 55-14 73 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 20-07 Day 3: 5 16-08
33. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 15 55-14 72 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 19-15 Day 3: 5 17-15
34. Jason Christie Dry Creek, OK 15 55-06 71 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-07 Day 2: 5 15-12 Day 3: 5 18-03
35. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 15 55-00 70 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-03 Day 2: 5 18-04 Day 3: 5 17-09
36. Bryan New Saluda, SC 15 54-10 69 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 18-08 Day 3: 5 18-11
37. Gary Clouse Winchester, TN 15 54-02 68 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-09 Day 2: 5 17-13 Day 3: 5 15-12
38. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 15 54-01 67 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-09 Day 2: 5 18-01 Day 3: 5 16-07
39. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 15 53-13 66 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 5 18-07 Day 3: 5 16-13
40. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 15 53-13 65 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 5 18-07 Day 3: 5 17-05
41. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 15 53-04 64 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 20-00 Day 3: 5 15-12
42. Matty Wong Honolulu, HI 15 53-02 63 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-10 Day 2: 5 18-12 Day 3: 5 12-12
43. Bradley Hallman Edmond, OK 15 52-13 62 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-05 Day 2: 5 17-02 Day 3: 5 15-06
44. Logan Latuso Gonzales, LA 15 52-05 61 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 19-07 Day 3: 5 14-07
45. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 15 51-08 60 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 18-03 Day 3: 5 14-13
46. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 15 51-08 59 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 17-10 Day 3: 5 15-07
47. Cole Sands Calhoun, TN 15 51-04 58 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 17-15 Day 3: 5 14-06
48. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 15 51-02 57 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-02 Day 2: 5 16-14 Day 3: 5 15-02
49. Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 15 47-14 56 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 18-06 Day 3: 5 11-08
50. Bob Downey Detroit Lakes, MN 10 36-05 55 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 20-02 Day 3: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Jay Przekurat Stevens Point, WI 05-04 $1,000.00
2 Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 05-04 $1,000.00
3 Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 05-01 $1,000.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 95 493 1702-12
2 98 502 1798-10
3 49 245 898-15
----------------------------------
242 1240 4400-05
Rookie Fujita moves into lead at Bassmaster Elite Series event on Lake Champlain
Kyoya Fujita of Minamitsuru, Japan, is leading after Day 2 of the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain with a two-day total of 45 pounds, 3 ounces.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
August 19, 2023
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — Everyone is allowed the same amount of fishing time, but after an opening round disappointment, Kyoya Fujita was particularly motivated to make the most of a full Day 2.
Returning to the same area of the Inland Sea where he fished on Day 1, the rookie from Minamitsuru, Yamanashi, Japan, tallied a two-day total of 45 pounds, 3 ounces to lead the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain.
After placing 10th on Day 1 with 21-5, Fujita added 23-14 — the event’s heaviest bag and leader for VMC Monster Bag honors. He heads into Semifinal Sunday with a 7-ounce lead over Alex Redwine of Blue Ash, Ohio.
“I had a boat problem on Day 1, so I couldn’t fish everything I wanted to fish,” Fujita said through a translator. “Today, I had more time to fish, so I did better.”
Fujita said he caught his fish on a drop shot and a minnow-style bait on a light ball-head jig. Keeping his distance, watching his fish on Garmin LiveScope and making precise presentations with a medium retrieve speed was the key to his success.
With cloudy skies and intermittent rain dimming the scene, Lake Champlain bore the turbid aftermath of a storm system that postponed the tournament’s second round by one day. While other competitors reported struggling to find consistency, Fujita said the Day 2 conditions did not hinder him.
“(The weather) was no problem,” he said. “I didn’t change anything from Day 1.”
Fujita’s action started early, as BassTrakk showed him with a limit of approximately 17 3/4 pounds shortly after 8 a.m. The first angler to report reaching 20 pounds, he continued to pick off quality fish and made his final cull around 12:30.
Fishing some of the same spots he visited on Day 1, Fujita expanded on his main area. He did most of his work on one particularly productive spot, but rotating through a handful of other spots allowed him to accumulate his leading weight.
“I don’t know why this one spot was better,” he said. “I located that spot in practice, and I just kept fishing it. My area had a lot of baitfish and that was important.
“I had a good day; I caught (approximately) 50 fish.”
Throughout the day, the Bassmaster LIVE cameras showed Fujita’s trademark calm, measured demeanor. Clearly, this relaxed style facilitated his flawless performance.
“The key to my success was I never lost a fish today,” Fujita said.
Redwine, who placed second on Day 1, also spent his day in the Inland Sea. He added a limit of 21-14 to his first-round bag of 22-14.
After a slow start, Redwine benefited from an afternoon day-maker, as he anchored his limit with a 5-pounder around 2:30. An hour later, he followed with a 4.
“I started on the same spot where a lot of things happened the first day early on,” Redwine said. “I caught one decent one and a few smaller ones, and I gave myself until about 11 o’clock. I left there and spent two hours elsewhere and caught one 4 1/2-pounder.
“I gave myself another two hours before going back to that starting spot and just grinding it out. Later in the day, the fish just set up better. I think the wind just slicked off and the rain stopped momentarily, so the fish were able to sit up higher in the water column and commit to my baits.”
Fishing in 20 to 40 feet, Redwine caught his fish on a Damiki rig. Sometimes, he’d vertically drop on the fish, but most of his presentations were casting.
Bryant Smith of Roseville, Calif., is in third place with 44-1. After placing fifth on Day 1 with 22-1, Smith virtually mirrored his performance with a 22-pound bag.
Making the strongest showing of his rookie season, Smith said the Lake Champlain fishery is like nothing he’s encountered in any of the West Coast’s diverse fisheries. However, he noted that his comfort level is growing daily.
“I know what I’m doing now, and I have confidence in it,” Smith said. “I know what to look for; the whole thing is just running into the right groups of fish.”
Like much of the field, Smith committed to the Inland Sea and used his Lowrance Active Target forward-facing sonar to hunt fish that were relating to bait schools. Referencing his contour map for likely areas, he caught his fish on a Damiki rig and a drop shot.
Mark Menendez of Paducah, Ky., took the day's Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 5-4 and shares the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the tournament with Jay Przekurat of Stevens Point, Wis.
Brandon Cobb of Greenwood, S.C., leads the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings with 660 points. Kyle Welcher of Opelika, Ala., is in second with 643 points, followed by Drew Cook of Cairo, Ga., with 619, Przekurat with 616, and Patrick Walters of Summerville, S.C., with 613.
Joey Cifuentes III of Clinton, Ark., leads the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Rookie of the Year standings with 598. Fujita is in second with 595.
Sunday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. ET at Plattsburgh City Marina. The weigh-in will be held at the marina at 3 p.m. FS1 will broadcast live with the leaders at 8 a.m. before coverage shifts to Bassmaster.com.
2023 Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain 8/17-8/21
Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Kyoya Fujita Minamitsuru, Yamanashi 10 45-03 104
Day 1: 5 21-05 Day 2: 5 23-14
2. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 10 44-12 103
Day 1: 5 22-14 Day 2: 5 21-14
3. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 10 44-01 102
Day 1: 5 22-01 Day 2: 5 22-00
4. Cody Huff Ava, MO 10 43-13 101
Day 1: 5 23-03 Day 2: 5 20-10
5. Jay Przekurat Stevens Point, WI 10 43-12 100 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-11 Day 2: 5 21-01
6. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 10 43-12 99
Day 1: 5 22-06 Day 2: 5 21-06
7. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 10 42-09 98
Day 1: 5 21-08 Day 2: 5 21-01
8. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 10 41-06 97
Day 1: 5 20-03 Day 2: 5 21-03
9. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 10 41-03 96
Day 1: 5 19-12 Day 2: 5 21-07
10. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 10 40-12 95
Day 1: 5 21-08 Day 2: 5 19-04
11. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 10 40-08 94
Day 1: 5 20-10 Day 2: 5 19-14
12. Matty Wong Honolulu, HI 10 40-06 93
Day 1: 5 21-10 Day 2: 5 18-12
13. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 10 40-06 92
Day 1: 5 20-13 Day 2: 5 19-09
14. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 10 40-00 91
Day 1: 5 19-10 Day 2: 5 20-06
15. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 10 39-13 90
Day 1: 5 19-06 Day 2: 5 20-07
16. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 10 39-13 89
Day 1: 5 19-09 Day 2: 5 20-04
17. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 10 39-07 88
Day 1: 5 18-12 Day 2: 5 20-11
18. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 10 39-06 87
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 20-07
19. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 10 39-05 86
Day 1: 5 20-04 Day 2: 5 19-01
20. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 10 39-01 85
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 20-14
21. Cory Johnston Cavan CANADA 10 39-01 84
Day 1: 5 19-14 Day 2: 5 19-03
22. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 10 39-01 83
Day 1: 5 19-07 Day 2: 5 19-10
23. Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 10 38-15 82
Day 1: 5 20-06 Day 2: 5 18-09
24. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 10 38-11 81
Day 1: 5 18-11 Day 2: 5 20-00
25. Cooper Gallant Bowmanville Ontario CAN 10 38-07 80
Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 5 21-04
26. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 10 38-07 79
Day 1: 5 19-09 Day 2: 5 18-14
27. Gary Clouse Winchester, TN 10 38-06 78
Day 1: 5 20-09 Day 2: 5 17-13
28. Carl Jocumsen Queensland AUSTRALIA 10 38-06 77
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 19-14
29. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 10 38-03 76
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 19-04
30. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 10 37-15 75
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 19-15
31. Logan Latuso Gonzales, LA 10 37-14 74
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 19-07
32. Wes Logan Springville, AL 10 37-10 73
Day 1: 5 19-11 Day 2: 5 17-15
33. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 10 37-10 72
Day 1: 5 19-09 Day 2: 5 18-01
34. Kyle Welcher Opelika, AL 10 37-09 71
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 21-00
35. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 10 37-08 70
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 20-00
36. Bradley Hallman Edmond, OK 10 37-07 69
Day 1: 5 20-05 Day 2: 5 17-02
37. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 10 37-07 68
Day 1: 5 19-03 Day 2: 5 18-04
38. Jason Christie Dry Creek, OK 10 37-03 67
Day 1: 5 21-07 Day 2: 5 15-12
39. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 10 37-01 66
Day 1: 5 18-13 Day 2: 5 18-04
40. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 10 37-00 65
Day 1: 5 19-05 Day 2: 5 17-11
41. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 10 37-00 64
Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 5 18-07
42. Taku Ito Chiba JAPAN 10 36-15 63
Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 5 17-14
43. Cole Sands Calhoun, TN 10 36-14 62
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 17-15
44. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 10 36-11 61
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 18-03
45. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 10 36-08 60
Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 5 18-07
46. Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 10 36-06 59
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 18-06
47. Bob Downey Detroit Lakes, MN 10 36-05 58
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 20-02
48. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 10 36-01 57
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 17-10
49. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 10 36-00 56
Day 1: 5 19-02 Day 2: 5 16-14
50. Bryan New Saluda, SC 10 35-15 55
Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 18-08
51. Jonathan Kelley Old Forge, PA 10 35-14 54 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-11 Day 2: 5 17-03
52. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 10 35-11 53 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 19-14 Day 2: 5 15-13
53. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 10 35-11 52 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-06 Day 2: 5 19-05
54. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 10 35-04 51 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 19-00 Day 2: 5 16-04
55. Skylar Hamilton Jefferson, TN 10 35-03 50 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-00 Day 2: 5 19-03
56. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 10 34-12 49 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-02 Day 2: 5 21-10
57. Mike Huff London, KY 10 34-11 48 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 5 18-04
58. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 10 34-11 47 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 16-08
59. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 10 34-09 46 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 16-07
60. John Cox Debary, FL 10 34-04 45 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-10 Day 2: 5 17-10
61. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 10 34-04 44 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 16-13
62. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 10 34-03 43 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 15-12
63. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 10 34-01 42 $3,500.00
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 19-04
64. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 10 34-00 41 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 17-13
65. Frank Talley Temple, TX 10 33-11 40 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 5 19-10
66. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 10 33-11 39 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 16-03
67. Seth Feider New Market, MN 10 33-09 38 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 17-07
68. Jeff Gustafson Kenora, Ontario CANADA 10 33-08 37 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 5 17-11
69. Kenta Kimura Osaka JAPAN 10 33-03 36 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-01 Day 2: 5 17-02
70. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 10 32-13 35 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 20-05
71. Darold Gleason Many, LA 10 32-09 34 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 15-01 Day 2: 5 17-08
72. Clark Wendlandt Leander, TX 10 32-03 33 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-12 Day 2: 5 18-07
73. David Williams Newton, NC 10 32-01 32 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-13 Day 2: 5 15-04
74. KJ Queen Conover, NC 10 31-12 31
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 5 20-08
75. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 10 31-11 30
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 5 16-08
76. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 10 31-02 29
Day 1: 5 15-05 Day 2: 5 15-13
77. Keith Poche Cecil, AL 10 31-01 28
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 16-14
78. Chad Pipkens DeWitt, MI 10 30-05 27
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 16-01
79. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 10 30-04 26
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 16-00
80. Koby Kreiger Alva, FL 10 30-00 25
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 15-03
81. Jake Whitaker Hendersonville, NC 9 29-14 24
Day 1: 4 11-14 Day 2: 5 18-00
82. Will Davis Jr Sylacauga, AL 10 29-14 23
Day 1: 5 12-05 Day 2: 5 17-09
83. Clent Davis Montevallo, AL 10 29-02 22
Day 1: 5 16-12 Day 2: 5 12-06
84. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 10 29-01 21
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 5 13-14
85. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 10 28-08 20
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 5 15-13
86. Michael Iaconelli Pittsgrove, NJ 10 28-02 19
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 16-13
87. Buddy Gross Chattanooga, TN 10 28-02 18
Day 1: 5 15-10 Day 2: 5 12-08
88. Derek Hudnall Zachary, LA 10 27-13 17
Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 5 12-14
89. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 10 27-10 16
Day 1: 5 13-08 Day 2: 5 14-02
90. David Fritts Lexington, NC 10 27-07 15
Day 1: 5 16-00 Day 2: 5 11-07
91. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 10 26-14 14
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 17-01
92. John Soukup Sapulpa, OK 10 25-15 13
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 14-05
93. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 8 25-11 12
Day 1: 5 16-08 Day 2: 3 09-03
94. Masayuki Matsushita Tokoname-Aichi, JAPAN 9 25-10 11
Day 1: 4 07-15 Day 2: 5 17-11
95. Larry Nixon Bee Branch, AR 10 25-07 10
Day 1: 5 09-04 Day 2: 5 16-03
96. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 8 24-05 9
Day 1: 5 14-08 Day 2: 3 09-13
97. Joseph Webster Hamilton, AL 8 24-02 8
Day 1: 3 06-02 Day 2: 5 18-00
98. Kyle Norsetter Cottage Grove, WI 10 23-14 7
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 10-07
99. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 8 18-12 6
Day 1: 3 04-15 Day 2: 5 13-13
100. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 5 14-09 5
Day 1: 2 06-01 Day 2: 3 08-08
101. Josh Douglas Isle, MN 5 14-08 4
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 14-08
102. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 5 11-13 3
Day 1: 2 06-11 Day 2: 3 05-02
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Jay Przekurat Stevens Point, WI 05-04 $1,000.00
2 Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 05-04 $1,000.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 95 493 1702-12
2 98 502 1798-10
----------------------------------
193 995 3501-06
Fishin' Tip Friday - Cranking with KVD
AC Insider, Vance McCullough, gets the chance to talk with LOTS of anglers and he's been sitting on LOTS of short, sweet, and simple fishing tips from some of the best in the business. We're going to start dropping some of these on Fridays so that you too can become a better angler! We're kicking it off with one of the greatest of all time, Strike King Pro Kevin VanDam.
Bass fishing’s all-time leading money winner, Kevin VanDam recently fished his final regular season tournament. After a career that included numerous championship titles and Anger of the Year Awards, VanDam reflects on a technique that helped him amass well over $7,000,000 in winnings – cranking.
“When cranking, in almost every situation, the most important thing is to make sure you’ve got the right bait for the depth zone that you’re fishing so you can hit the bottom or the cover.
“Ninety percent of the time, it’s the bottom. Whether it grass, gravel, rocks, a crankbait is most effective when it deflects. You want to make sure that you’re hitting something with it.
If you can’t, then it’s all about stopping and starting it. Erratic movements, out of any bait, are what trigger bass. With a crankbait, stopping and starting it and speed reeling it on the bottom as it’s deflecting is that trigger.”
VanDam is known for his ability to manage a tournament clock as much as his understanding of fish behavior. A crankbait suits his fast-paced style. “The reason I love it so much is it’s one of the most efficient lures for a specific depth zone.
“I use line size to help control the running depth. If you need the bait to run a little shallower, use heavier line. If you want it to run deeper, go with lighter line.
“The most important thing is understanding the depth it runs and making sure you’re in contact with something.”
Another smallmouth smackdown expected for Bassmaster Elite Series event at St. Lawrence River
Clayton, N.Y., will host the Minn Kota Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River August 24-27.
Photo by James Overstreet/B.A.S.S.
August 18, 2023
CLAYTON, N.Y. — The very thing that makes the St. Lawrence River/Lake Ontario fishery one of the nation’s premier destinations has, in recent years, increased its challenge level. Suffice it to say, the world is well aware of what swims in these pristine waters. But despite ever-increasing attention, Canadian standout and Bassmaster Elite Series pro Jeff Gustafson expects fireworks for the Minn Kota Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River.
Competition days will be Aug. 24-27 with daily takeoffs from the Antique Boat Museum at 7 a.m. ET and weigh-ins each day back at the museum at 3 p.m. Full coverage will be available on Bassmaster.com.
“From reading about the recent (St. Croix Bassmaster Open held in July), it sounded like the fishery is getting a lot of pressure and it’s getting harder to fish,” said Gustafson, the reigning champion of the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota. “It’s not as easy as it used to be to just go out and catch fish.
“Even though everybody wants to fish the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario right now, it still remains the top smallmouth destination for me and many anglers because of the crazy numbers of big fish.”
A historically healthy fishery with an abundant natural forage base of crawfish, alewives, smelt and darters, bolstered by tremendous numbers of invasive gobies, the St. Lawrence never fails to impress. However, last year’s Elite event on this fishery yielded particularly astounding results, which helped it earn the No. 2 overall spot on the 2023 Bassmaster Magazine 100 Best Bass Lakes list.
For the first time in B.A.S.S. history, the 100-pound mark was broken with all smallmouth bass. Elite veteran Cory Johnston holds the honor of reaching that mark first with his second-place total of 100 pounds, 5 ounces, while then-rookie Jay Przekurat eventually won the tournament with 102-9 of all smallmouth. Several others came close to earning the coveted Century Club belt, as each of the Top 5 broke 98 pounds.
Central to the likelihood of another strong showing is the tournament’s takeoff site. Clayton, N.Y., sits about 12 1/2 nautical miles from Cape Vincent where Lake Ontario flows into the St. Lawrence. This proximity puts into play the entirety of tournament boundaries — from Lake Ontario downriver to the Moses-Saunders Dam at Massena.
While the river’s shoals and boulder-strewn flats hold plenty of competitive smallies — along with a mostly underutilized population of largemouth like the ones Brock Mosley exploited for his third-place finish at the Elite event held here in 2020 — conventional wisdom has long held that winning bags come from Lake Ontario. For one thing, the swift current created by a Great Lake piling into a river’s narrower form means St. Lawrence fish expend more energy and burn more calories.
By comparison, lake fish can stake out favorable habitat, gorge on gobies and maintain most of their weight. The St. Lawrence will likely kick out a big bag or two, and hearing of Top 10 anglers weighing in a mix of lake and river bass is not uncommon. But when anglers can fish Lake Ontario, the biggest weights come from the big waters.
And then there’s the access thing. As Gustafson notes, the river, with its famed 1000 Islands region (technically, 1,864 official islands), offers a lot of protected waters. The St. Lawrence is no cakewalk on windy days, but there is nothing like an angry Lake Ontario.
“Because of the weather and how big the lake is, those fish get protected to the point that they’re not getting pounded on every day,” Gustafson said. “That’s the main variable — the wind takes the fun out of that place real quick if it starts blowing.
“On Lake Ontario, if you start pushing 15 mph, you’re gonna start to be uncomfortable out there.”
A rough Ontario’s certainly not for the faint of heart, but even those made of sturdier stuff still find the big waves problematic. Forward-facing sonar plays an intrinsic role in the smallmouth hunt, but when bows pitch skyward, trolling motors and sonar transducers become less effective.
Anywhere on the St. Lawrence/Lake Ontario fishery it’s hard to consistently beat a drop shot, but anglers will also catch fish on Ned rigs, jerkbaits, crankbaits and wacky- or Neko-rigged worms. In shallow-lake scenarios, a topwater occasionally tempts aggressive bass, while a light marabou jig can work wonders.
As Gustafson points out, a Carolina rig often proves productive, especially on those bouncy days. With a big weight punching through the wind and keeping your bait on the bottom, this leadered presentation can be a day saver.
“On that body of water, it seems like there’s always some big fish up shallow,” Gustafson said of Lake Ontario’s perimeter opportunities. “There are a lot of flats in that primo depth of 4 to 10 feet with a mix of sand and boulders.
“With the water being as clear as it is, if you get a nice day when it’s sunny and bright and calm, that seems to get those shallow fish more active and they’re easy to see. When it gets dark and cloudy and hard to see, it makes that program not as good.”
If the weather allows full access to tournament waters, most of the field will spend at least part of their time in Lake Ontario. For this scenario, Gustafson expects anglers will need 22 1/2 to 23 pounds a day to make the Top 10. For a four-day winning total, he expects 100 pounds.
“The only thing that could really jeopardize that is if we have really rough weather that prevents us from fishing the way we want to fish,” he said. “As long as we don’t have any monster wind days, I think it’s going to take some weight.
“It’s pretty exciting going to a smallmouth venue knowing that you’ve got to catch 25 a day to be a player. It’s kinda scary, but it’s also exciting, for sure.”
However the numbers shake out, there will be more at stake than the coveted blue trophy and the $100,000 first-place prize. The winner will earn an automatic berth into the 2024 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota. This final tournament will also decide the winners of both the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year title and the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Rookie of the Year race.
The Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Year $10,000 bonus will also be awarded. Currently, Jason Christie's 9-4 Lay Lake largemouth holds this honor.
Bassmaster LIVE kicks off tournament coverage Thursday and Friday mornings at 8 a.m. ET on Bassmaster.com, Tubi and the FOX Sports platforms, while FS1 will broadcast live with the tournament leaders Saturday and Sunday.
Arey left home without sonar
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
For a top pro angler like Team Toyota’s Matt Arey, showing up to a Bassmaster Elite Series event with no sonar units is like NASCAR great Martin Truex Jr. showing up to Talladega without a steering wheel.
That’s exactly what happened to begin Arey’s week in preparation for a slugfest on Lake Champlain when he got 10 hours into a 14-hour drive and realized his Lowrance units were back home in Shelby, NC.
“You’d think after 15 years as a pro, that would never happen, and I’m typically super thorough about packing and preparing, but I truly just overlooked them,” confesses Arey, who always takes his graphs off his boat to prevent damage or theft.
Of course, he phoned his number one fan and teammate, wife Emily, and asked her to express ship them to Plattsburgh. She did. However, a certain freight company failed to get them to Arey overnight, so he began phoning fellow pros for help, and several jumped to his aid.
“That’s the amazing thing about these guys. They’re blood thirsty competitors, but when a guy needs help, they’re right there to take care of you. Brandon Lester, Scott Canterbury and John Cox networked to round-up three Lowrance graphs for me to practice with,” says the grateful North Carolina State alum.
Finally, at five o’clock Wednesday, as practice concluded, his Lowrance units finally arrived from home at Lake Champlain, just in time to begin competition.
He actually had the SD card with a collection of Champlain waypoints in the boat, but he swears those honey holes proved totally worthless in practice, making the fact he dropped 19-pounds on the scales on Day 1 even more impressive.
“I found one good area in practice and leveraged it for all it was worth,” smiles Arey, who amid a crisis, found out the true soulful goodness of his fellow competitors, and subsequently turned a pretty impressive hot lap on the massive bass factory straddling the New York-Vermont border.
B.A.S.S. postpones Day 2 of Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain
August 18, 2023
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — B.A.S.S. officials are postponing Day 2 competition at the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain due to forecasted severe thunderstorms and winds gusting to 25 mph that are expected to make conditions unsafe for boating and related tournament activities.
The full field of anglers will now compete on Saturday, with only the Top 50 advancing to Sunday’s semifinal round. The Top 10 will compete for the championship on Monday.
Daily takeoffs will be held at 7 a.m. ET from Plattsburgh City Marina and weigh-ins will be held each day back at the marina at 3 p.m. FS1 will broadcast live with the leaders beginning at 8 a.m. Full coverage will be available on Bassmaster.com.
Huff takes early lead at Bassmaster Elite Series event on Lake Champlain
Cody Huff of Ava, Mo., is leading after Day 1 of the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain with 23 pounds, 3 ounces.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
August 17, 2023
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — Cody Huff knew he had options, but the second-year pro from Ava, Mo., stuck with his strength and sacked up 23 pounds, 3 ounces to lead Day 1 of the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain.
Anchoring his bag with a 5-pound smallmouth, Huff leveraged his renowned forward-facing sonar skills to hunt down sizable bass in Champlain’s Inland Sea region.
“I would rather go out and use my electronics and spend my whole day throwing at fish, instead of just running the bank and casting,” Huff said. “I had an awesome day, but I didn’t expect that. I knew I was on some good ones, but whenever I got around, they got to biting.
“It’s kinda crazy here because there are so many fish, you don’t know if you’re going to catch a 3-pounder or a 5-pounder. They’re just all mixed together, but it’s a heck of a lot of fun.”
Huff said he worked an area of approximately one square mile with depths of 20 to 50 feet. The key, he said, was covering water and continuously hunting fish that were following bait schools.
“They’re really just moving a lot. They’re never on a waypoint,” Huff said. “They’re in an area swimming.”
Huff said his action started early and he was able to put himself in a good position within an hour of takeoff.
“I had 20 pounds by 8 o’clock and then I just picked off a few big ones throughout the day,” he said. “I caught a lot of bass and had a lot of fun.
“I caught a lot of them out of the same area. It’s a big area, but I really don’t know what (attracts them.) They’re just in there eating, and I hope they stay put.”
Doing most of his work with a finesse bait, Huff said that calling an audible was the key to his success.
“I actually caught all of my fish on a bait that I hadn’t really thrown that much in practice, but the conditions changed and the fish’s mood kind of changed,” he said. “I caught some big ones on it early and just rolled with it.
“I wanted to change my presentation because of the wind. The boat was moving a lot and the fish were moving a lot, so I was just trying to present the bait correctly to them.”
Huff spent his practice dialing in the area that delivered his Day 1 weight. The results, he said, fueled his optimism for the tournament’s potential.
“I knew I had a chance of doing good, but I didn’t know how good,” Huff said. “I caught a couple of 4- and 5-pounders and saw a bunch more on my (Garmin) LiveScope.
“I didn’t throw on them, so I really didn’t know if they were all big. It turned out a lot of them were pretty big.”
Alex Redwine of Blue Ash, Ohio, is in second place with 22-14. Noting that he caught most of his weight prior to 10 o’clock, Redwine attributes his success to getting his weight before the fish scattered.
“The reason I was able to capitalize on those bites was because I was able to catch what I caught before (the area) got too pressured,” he said. “There was a lot of boat pressure on them and those fish were definitely feeling it.
“I was able to catch my fish and get out of there with what I got in time.”
Redwine spent his day in the Inland Sea area, where he focused on covering as much water as possible to find the aggressive fish. This, he said, proved more challenging than it was during practice.
“It was a good one here, a good one there,” Redwine said. “It’s not the same as I saw in practice. The fish are not as grouped up; they’re a lot more scattered, and I think that’s because of the pressure they’ve been getting.”
Jay Przekurat of Stevens Point, Wis., is in third place with 22-11. Working broad areas with abundant bait schools, Przekurat caught all of his fish on one finesse rig with two different bait colors.
Przekurat, the 2022 Rookie of the Year, who claimed his first Elite Series win last year at the St. Lawrence River, said the second half of his day yielded his best results.
“I caught my biggest fish late, it was like 2:30 when I caught that one,” Przekurat said. “The fishing just picked up. The fish kept moving up and up in the water column and, finally, they just started reacting.
“Before that, I would have so many follows; I don’t know how many big ones would follow my stuff. Finally, I connected with that one, then I made another pass and caught another big one and the same exact spot.”
Przekurat claimed the day's Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 5-4.
Brandon Cobb of Greenwood, S.C., leads the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings with 645 points. Przekurat is in second with 618, followed by Kyle Welcher of Opelika, Ala., with 617, Patrick Walters of Summerville, S.C., with 613, and Drew Cook of Cairo, Ga., with 607.
Joey Cifuentes III of Clinton, Ark., leads the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Rookie of the Year standings with 607.
Friday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. ET at Plattsburgh City Marina. The weigh-in will be held at the marina at 3 p.m. Bassmaster LIVE kicks off tournament coverage at 8 a.m. ET on Bassmaster.com, Tubi and the FOX Sports platforms.
2023 Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain 8/17-8/20
Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Cody Huff Ava, MO 5 23-03 104
Day 1: 5 23-03
2. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 5 22-14 103
Day 1: 5 22-14
3. Jay Przekurat Stevens Point, WI 5 22-11 102 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-11
4. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 5 22-06 101
Day 1: 5 22-06
5. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 5 22-01 100
Day 1: 5 22-01
6. Matty Wong Honolulu, HI 5 21-10 99
Day 1: 5 21-10
7. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 5 21-08 98
Day 1: 5 21-08
7. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 5 21-08 98
Day 1: 5 21-08
9. Jason Christie Dry Creek, OK 5 21-07 96
Day 1: 5 21-07
10. Kyoya Fujita Minamitsuru, Yamanashi 5 21-05 95
Day 1: 5 21-05
11. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 5 20-13 94
Day 1: 5 20-13
12. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 5 20-10 93
Day 1: 5 20-10
13. Gary Clouse Winchester, TN 5 20-09 92
Day 1: 5 20-09
14. Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 5 20-06 91
Day 1: 5 20-06
15. Bradley Hallman Edmond, OK 5 20-05 90
Day 1: 5 20-05
16. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 5 20-04 89
Day 1: 5 20-04
17. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 5 20-03 88
Day 1: 5 20-03
18. Cory Johnston Cavan CANADA 5 19-14 87
Day 1: 5 19-14
18. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 5 19-14 87
Day 1: 5 19-14
20. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 5 19-12 85
Day 1: 5 19-12
21. Wes Logan Springville, AL 5 19-11 84
Day 1: 5 19-11
22. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 5 19-10 83
Day 1: 5 19-10
23. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 5 19-09 82
Day 1: 5 19-09
23. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 5 19-09 82
Day 1: 5 19-09
23. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 5 19-09 82
Day 1: 5 19-09
26. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 5 19-07 79
Day 1: 5 19-07
27. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 5 19-06 78
Day 1: 5 19-06
28. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 5 19-05 77
Day 1: 5 19-05
29. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 5 19-03 76
Day 1: 5 19-03
30. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 5 19-02 75
Day 1: 5 19-02
31. Taku Ito Chiba, JAPAN 5 19-01 74
Day 1: 5 19-01
32. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 5 19-00 73
Day 1: 5 19-00
33. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 5 18-15 72
Day 1: 5 18-15
33. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 5 18-15 72
Day 1: 5 18-15
33. Cole Sands Calhoun, TN 5 18-15 72
Day 1: 5 18-15
36. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 5 18-13 69
Day 1: 5 18-13
37. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 5 18-12 68
Day 1: 5 18-12
38. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 5 18-11 67
Day 1: 5 18-11
38. Jonathan Kelley Old Forge, PA 5 18-11 67
Day 1: 5 18-11
40. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 5 18-09 65
Day 1: 5 18-09
41. Carl Jocumsen Queensland AUSTRALIA 5 18-08 64
Day 1: 5 18-08
41. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 5 18-08 64
Day 1: 5 18-08
43. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 18-07 62
Day 1: 5 18-07
43. Logan Latuso Gonzales, LA 5 18-07 62
Day 1: 5 18-07
45. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 5 18-07 60
Day 1: 5 18-07
46. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 18-03 59
Day 1: 5 18-03
46. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 5 18-03 59
Day 1: 5 18-03
48. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 5 18-02 57
Day 1: 5 18-02
49. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 5 18-01 56
Day 1: 5 18-01
50. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 5 18-00 55
Day 1: 5 18-00
50. Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 5 18-00 55
Day 1: 5 18-00
52. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 5 17-08 53
Day 1: 5 17-08
52. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 5 17-08 53
Day 1: 5 17-08
54. Bryan New Saluda, SC 5 17-07 51
Day 1: 5 17-07
54. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 5 17-07 51
Day 1: 5 17-07
56. Cooper Gallant Bowmanville Ontario CAN 5 17-03 49
Day 1: 5 17-03
57. David Williams Newton, NC 5 16-13 48
Day 1: 5 16-13
58. Clent Davis Montevallo, AL 5 16-12 47
Day 1: 5 16-12
59. John Cox DeBary, FL 5 16-10 46
Day 1: 5 16-10
60. Kyle Welcher Opelika, AL 5 16-09 45
Day 1: 5 16-09
61. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 5 16-08 44
Day 1: 5 16-08
62. Mike Huff London, KY 5 16-07 43
Day 1: 5 16-07
63. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 5 16-06 42
Day 1: 5 16-06
64. Bob Downey Detroit Lakes, MN 5 16-03 41
Day 1: 5 16-03
64. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 5 16-03 41
Day 1: 5 16-03
66. Seth Feider New Market, MN 5 16-02 39
Day 1: 5 16-02
67. Kenta Kimura Osaka JAPAN 5 16-01 38
Day 1: 5 16-01
68. David Fritts Lexington, NC 5 16-00 37
Day 1: 5 16-00
68. Skylar Hamilton Jefferson, TN 5 16-00 37
Day 1: 5 16-00
70. Jeff Gustafson Kenora, Ontario CANADA 5 15-13 35
Day 1: 5 15-13
71. Buddy Gross Chattanooga, TN 5 15-10 34
Day 1: 5 15-10
72. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 5 15-05 33
Day 1: 5 15-05
73. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 5 15-03 32
Day 1: 5 15-03
73. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 5 15-03 32
Day 1: 5 15-03
75. Darold Gleason Many, LA 5 15-01 30
Day 1: 5 15-01
76. Derek Hudnall Zachary, LA 5 14-15 29
Day 1: 5 14-15
77. Koby Kreiger Alva, FL 5 14-13 28
Day 1: 5 14-13
77. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 14-13 28
Day 1: 5 14-13
79. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 5 14-08 26
Day 1: 5 14-08
80. Chad Pipkens DeWitt, MI 5 14-04 25
Day 1: 5 14-04
80. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 5 14-04 25
Day 1: 5 14-04
82. Keith Poche Cecil, AL 5 14-03 23
Day 1: 5 14-03
83. Frank Talley Temple, TX 5 14-01 22
Day 1: 5 14-01
84. Clark Wendlandt Leander, TX 5 13-12 21
Day 1: 5 13-12
85. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 5 13-08 20
Day 1: 5 13-08
86. Kyle Norsetter Cottage Grove, WI 5 13-07 19
Day 1: 5 13-07
87. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 5 13-02 18
Day 1: 5 13-02
88. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 5 12-11 17
Day 1: 5 12-11
89. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 5 12-08 16
Day 1: 5 12-08
90. Will Davis Jr Sylacauga, AL 5 12-05 15
Day 1: 5 12-05
91. Jake Whitaker Hendersonville, NC 4 11-14 14
Day 1: 4 11-14
92. John Soukup Sapulpa, OK 5 11-10 13
Day 1: 5 11-10
93. Michael Iaconelli Pittsgrove, NJ 5 11-05 12
Day 1: 5 11-05
94. KJ Queen Conover, NC 5 11-04 11
Day 1: 5 11-04
95. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 09-13 10
Day 1: 5 09-13
96. Larry Nixon Bee Branch, AR 5 09-04 9
Day 1: 5 09-04
97. Masayuki Matsushita Tokoname-Aichi, JAPAN 4 07-15 8
Day 1: 4 07-15
98. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 2 06-11 7
Day 1: 2 06-11
99. Joseph Webster Hamilton, AL 3 06-02 6
Day 1: 3 06-02
100. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 2 06-01 5
Day 1: 2 06-01
101. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 3 04-15 4
Day 1: 3 04-15
102. Josh Douglas Isle, MN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Jay Przekurat Stevens Point, WI 05-04 $1,000.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 95 493 1702-12
----------------------------------
95 493 1702-12
Darold will ‘double splash’ for Champlain Smallies
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
Comical Louisiana pro, Darold Gleason hails from a place where crawdads are savored by humans and largemouth alike. However, this week he finds himself competing in a region of America on the Canadian border where their bigger saltwater cousins, lobsters, get top billing.
The good news is, his beloved Carolina rig --- aka “The Double Splash Rig” --- with a plastic crawfish or V & M Pork Shad at the end of a leader behind the 1-ounce egg sinker, works everywhere, and that includes Lake Champlain.
“Drop shots and chasing roaming fish in the middle of the water column with forward facing sonar will be the techniques that most likely challenge for the win here. But if the south wind blows 15-20 mph like they’re forecasting, it’s going to be really hard to fish like that, and that’s where the Carolina rig is so much more efficient,” explains the longtime Toledo Bend fishing guide.
In fact, Gleason says the Carolina rig has caught more fish for his clients during his highly successful 15-year fishing guide career than any other technique by a wide margin.
“Whether you’re my guide client or an Elite Series pro, when you’re targeting fish near the bottom in 25 to 35 feet of water, there just aren’t many bass fishing techniques that allow you to maintain bottom contact and give you a true sense of what yourlure is doing down there more so than a Carolina rig,” explains Gleason.
One cool tip he offers is to use a clear bead between the heavy egg sinker and the 2-way swivel, because he believes the red colored beads that many anglers use attract bass that focus on biting the bead and sinker, rather the bait behind it.
As far as what he’s chowing on this week, it’s neither crawdads or lobster, but instead a fantastic cheeseburger from he and wife Randi’s Recteq wood pellet grill.
“That’s what we had last night, with a side of mac ‘n cheese that I added a gentle splash of Louisianan hot sauce to, of course,” grins Gleason, who threatens to feed Champlain smallmouth a solid portion of his trusty “Double Splash” rig for breakfast on Day 1 of competition Thursday.
Especially if the wind is blowing like a scene from the Discovery Channel’s award-winning show ‘Deadliest Catch’ when they went lobstering in high seas.
SRD20 Vinyl Protectant Gets It Right
Lafayette, LA (August 16, 2023) – Considering the investments in their on-water platforms, it’s no wonder boaters and anglers tend to be serious when it comes to keeping their vessels spic and span. The one spot where many fall short, however, is tackling vinyl, plastic and rubber surfaces after they’ve cleaned, restored and protected their hulls. It’s for exactly that reason more and more boat owners are turning to SRD20’s new wave Vinyl Protectant to finish the job. It provides the perfect accent to a great hull shine and proves the axiom “little things mean a lot.” |
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again,” states Stewart Delcambre, the company’s founder. “Cleaning your boat shouldn’t be that hard. Still, you might as well go ahead and finish the job right. There’s no way to better compliment that nice, clean hull finish than by refreshing your vinyl seating, cushions, hoses and rub rails – especially if you’ve already given yourself a great start with our SRD20 Pink Soap for Boats, SRD20 Graphene Ceramic Spray Coating and Protectant, and/or SRD20 Waterless Wash and Wax.” As opposed to most vinyl cleaners, SRD20 Vinyl Protectant is a lotion, not a spray. Sold in an 8-ounce bottle, it relies on a unique blend of polymer protectants to guard against cracking and fading due to the harmful impacts of UV rays while restoring and protecting vinyl, plastic and rubber. In keeping with SRD20’s entire product line it’s incredibly easy to use – and a little goes a long way. Simply apply a small amount to the surface of interest and spread it around for full coverage using an applicator pad, folded microfiber cloth or soft bristle brush. Allow the lotion to dwell and penetrate for several minutes before wiping off any access. |
|
“As a lotion,” notes Delcambre, “this product really gets absorbed by the surface, providing superior protection, appearance enhancement, and a natural luster that looks great without overstating itself. Its restorative effects also significantly outlast most sprayable formulas.” SRD20 offers easy-to-apply, easy-to-remove, long-lasting and highly effective boat cleaning and protectant products. Infused with cutting-edge nanotechnology that works at a micro level to provide superior results, they make boat cleaning and maintenance a snap. In addition to its SRD20 Vinyl Protectant, the company’s all-star line-up includes its popular SRD20 Graphene Ceramic Spray Coating and Protectant, SRD20 Waterless Wash and Wax, and SRD20 Pink Soap for Boats. All SRD20 products are made in the USA and available at Amazon.com and SRD20.com. |
|
TEXAS TEAM TRAIL Announces Increased Team of Year Payout for 2024!
SPRINGFIELD, MO. (August 16, 2023) – Outdoor Teamwork’s is excited to announce the Team of the Year Payout for the 2024 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Texas Team Trail presented by Progressive.
Today, the leadership at Outdoor Team Works and Texas Team Trail are pleased to announce the 2024 Progressive Team of the Year payout, which will feature an even larger payout than in 2023, giving all anglers even more opportunity to take advantage of cash and prizes after the championship on Toledo Bend this coming season.
For 2024 the Team of the Year will once again win a Ranger Z518 powered by a Mercury motor in addition to free entries into the 2025 regular season, a set of Bass Pro Shops Guide Wear and more. The remaining teams finishing in the top 10 will also be awarded a variety of prizes as listed below.
New, for the 2024 season, will be a reward for teams finishing between 11th and 25th that are qualified owners of Ranger, Triton, and Nitro Boats. This means that teams finishing in the top 25 in the 2024 Team of the Year standings will have a shot at the largest variety of prizes offered by any team circuit in the nation when it comes to the team of year payout.
2024 TXTT Team of the Year Payout
1st Place- PROGRESSIVE Team of the Year
o Ranger Z518 w/Mercury motor package
o Free entries into all four regular season Texas Team Trail events in 2024
o Bass Pro Shops GuideWear set for each team member.
o Free 2025 TXTT memberships for each member
2nd Place
o $2,000 cash payout
o Free entries into all four regular season Texas Team Trail events in 2024.
o Bass Pro Shops GuideWear set for each team member.
o $500 Bass Pro Shops Gift Card
o Free 2025 TXTT memberships for each member
3rd Place
o $1,500 cash payout
o Bass Pro Shops GuideWear set for each team member.
o $250 Bass Pro Shops gift card
4th Place
o $1,000 cash payout
o $200 Bass Pro Shops gift card
5th Place
o $750 cash payout
o $200 Bass Pro Shops gift card
6th-10th Place.
o $500 cash payout per team
11th-25th Place
o $250 Bass Pro Shops gift card to each WRMG Contingency Eligible Team
2024 TXTT Schedule:
Feb. 17, 2024
o Sam Rayburn - Brookeland, TX
March 23, 2024
o Sam Rayburn - Brookeland, TX
April 13, 2024
o Lake Fork - Yantis, TX
May 4, 2024
o Belton Lake - Belton, TX
June 8-9, 2024 *Championship*
o Toledo Bend - Many, TX
For more information on the Texas Team Trail, including photos and official tournament results from the past, visit texasteamtrail.com. Be sure to also check out the tournament schedule for the 2024 Texas Team Trail and subscribe to the e-newsletter list for all the up-to-date information, registration announcements, sponsor incentives, and Outdoor TeamWorks news.
Travel Tuesday - Ultimate Guide to El Salto and Picachos
Half Past First Cast, a fishing travel website and travel consultancy, has compiled 150 articles about traveling to and fishing Mexico’s best bass fisheries. Their “Ultimate Guide to El Salto and Picachos” includes travel hacks, packing tips, gear guides and extensive trip reports that will help anglers whether they’re making their first trip South of the Border or their fiftieth.
“It’s hard to have a bad trip to any Anglers Inn property down there,” said outdoor writer Pete Robbins, one of the co-founders of the site. “At the same time, every trip can be made slightly better with more information. We keep track of flight schedules and fares, changes in the customs process, and the gear that is proven to work. Without any tackle advertisers, we’re beholden to no one, so you can make sure that your luggage always contains the right items.”
When Robbins and his wife Hanna started the website, they’d already been to the Sinaloan lakes a dozen or so times, but with at least a couple of additional trips each year, they continue to amass information. They’ve also launched a YouTube channel that includes many of their best tips and tricks.
“We made some mistakes in our early trips,” Hanna said. “Maybe we flew the wrong routes or depended on a layover that was too short, or we didn’t bring enough of a certain lure. We don’t want anyone to go through that – ever. Sometimes we’ll go back and look at our notes and it’ll jar our memories and help us, as well as our friends, to maximize every minute.”
Since starting the guide, the couple has attracted the attention of other lodge owners. Now they host trips in Alaska for trout and salmon, in Guatemala for sailfish, and in Panama for saltwater species including tuna and billfish. They’re building up a library of articles on those locales as well, and since many of their fellow travelers are less fluent in those types of fishing, even articles about the “basics” are critical to making the most of what might be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
“Fishing is supposed to be fun,” Hanna concluded. “We’ll hold your hand as much as needed, or simply encourage you to try something new. Most of our traveling friends feel the need to go back to Mexico as often as possible, as we do. We learn from them and there are ways to embrace what’s new while also feeling like you’re returning home. At the same time, we want to see the world with a rod and reel in hand, and we’re looking for likeminded people to join us.”
To Visit Half Past First Cast, go to: www.halfpastfirstcast.com
To View the Ultimate Guide to El Salto and Picachos, go to: https://www.halfpastfirstcast.com/el-salto-and-picachos
Contacts:
Pete Robbins Phone: (703) 282-2722
Hanna Robbins Phone: (703) 932-6299
Email: fishmore@halfpastfirstcast.com
Top 8 college anglers battle for Classic berth at Bassmaster College Bracket on Milford Lake
Auburn University's Tucker Smith and Hayden Marbut will be among the eight anglers competing at the Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Lew's in Junction City, Kan., for a spot in the 2024 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota.
Photo by Chase Sansom/B.A.S.S.
August 15, 2023
JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — Eight of the country’s best college anglers will launch on Milford Lake from Junction City, Kan., Sept. 29-Oct. 2 during the Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Lew’s, fishing for a berth in the 2024 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota.
The 2023 Bassmaster College Team of the Year — Easton Fothergill and Nick Dumke from the University of Montevallo — automatically punched their ticket to the College Classic Bracket to compete alongside the Top 3 teams from last week’s Strike King Bassmaster College Series National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops in this individual, elimination-style tournament.
Joining Fothergill and Dumke, who finished fifth at the National Championship, will be national champions Hayden Marbut and Tucker Smith from Auburn University, Levi Mullins and Matthew Cummings from Bethel University and a second Montevallo team, Brody Robison and Jack Alexander.
This is the second trip to the College Classic Bracket for Smith, who finished second by just 3 ounces in 2021.
“The last time I was there, it really hurt my feelings,” Smith said of the narrow loss. “It will be good to be back and get another chance at it.”
Located several miles northwest of Junction City, Milford Lake is home to the Kansas state-record smallmouth, a 6-pound, 14-ounce fish caught in early April 2010. The lake has hosted a couple of Bassmaster tournaments through the years, including the 2018 College Classic Bracket and the 2021 TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Central Regional.
On Day 1 of the event, all eight anglers will compete individually to determine seeding — based on weighing in the biggest bag — and set the bracket for head-to-head competition. Morning action on Days 2 and 3, the first two elimination days in the tournament, will be broadcast on FS1 beginning at 8 a.m. CT on Saturday and 7 a.m. on Sunday. The final day of competition will be streamed on Bassmaster.com.
In addition to a spot in the Bassmaster Classic, the College Classic Bracket champion will also earn paid entry into the 2024 St. Croix Bassmaster Opensand the use of a Toyota Tundra and a Nitro Boat.
For full coverage of the tournament, visit Bassmaster.com.
Tingen ‘Glides’ to Win at Two-Day Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super Tournament on Lake Keowee
Backman Claims Victory in Strike King Co-Angler Division
SENECA, S.C. (Aug. 14, 2022) – Boater Justin Tingen of Moore, South Carolina, weighed in six bass over two days totaling 21 pounds, 2 ounces, to win the two-day MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super Tournament Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Keowee in Seneca, South Carolina. The tournament, hosted by Visit Oconee, was the fifth and final regular-season event for the Bass Fishing League Savannah River Division. Tingen earned $4,943 for his victory.
“On Friday I started out fishing a buzzbait and a frog, and within 30 minutes I had a 3½-pounder blow my buzzbait out of the water,” said Tingen, who notched his second career BFL win – both two-day Super Tournaments. “I jerked it a little too quickly and missed him. Usually, when they do that, they don’t come back and eat it again. So, I reeled up as quickly as I could, fired the frog out there, and he ate it that time. That was a good number one fish to help settle me down.”
Tingen said he followed that fish with a few 1½- to 2-pounders, but knew that wasn’t going to help him win, so at 2 p.m. he approached a bream bed he had found the prior week. He threw a worm and a frog on the bed and attracted interest from bass, but no bites.
“Then I made the best decision that I made all weekend, and it won me the tournament,” Tingen said. “I told my co-angler, ‘When fish won’t eat anything, they’ll eat a glide bait.’ So I reached in my rod box, grabbed the glide bait, made a perfect cast up underneath a walkway on a dock and I see a 4-13 coming out from underneath the dock. It came up and just annihilated the glide bait.”
Tingen’s baits included a bream-colored finesse buzzbait, a black Zoom Horny Toad a gizzard shad-colored SPRO KGB Chad Shad 180 Glide Bait, and he ended the first day of competition in fifth place. He said he knew he needed to change up his approach, so he made a plan to run new water in the mid-lake area on Day 2.
Tingen’s plan for Saturday didn’t start out like he hoped, and he had only one 3-pound spotted bass and two “little rats” at 11 a.m. He went into a pocket he had never been in, saw a bream bed and found a large bass. He cast a worm, the fish bit, and Tingen set the hook on nothing. The fish moved away, and Tingen threw a Zoom Horny Toad at it. The fish swam away again. He then tried the glide bait, threw it right to the fish, twitched it a few times, and the bass bit.
“That was the game-winning decision,” Tingen said. “The glide bait did it when nothing else would work.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
1st: Justin Tingen, Moore, S.C., six bass, 21-2, $4,943
2nd: Bo Price, Seneca, S.C., six bass, 20-5, $2,471
3rd: Brandon Addis, Seneca, S.C., six bass, 19-11, $1,648
4th: Lane Clark, Anderson, S.C., six bass, 19-6, $1,153
5th: Roger Gosnell, Inman, S.C., six bass, 18-14, $989
6th: Sean Clayton, Seneca, S.C., six bass, 18-11, $906
7th: Tyler Thompson, Liberty, S.C., six bass, 18-4, $1,124
8th: Brent Willey, Anderson, S.C., six bass, 18-0, $1,241 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF5 contingency bonus)
9th: Joe Anders, Easley, S.C., six bass, 17-9, $909
10th: Tim Watson, Martin, Ga., six bass, 17-8, $577
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Matthew O’Connell of Brooks, Georgia, caught a bass that weighed 5 pounds, 3 ounces that was the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $607.
Stacy Backman of Walhalla, South Carolina, won the Strike King Co-angler Division and $2,441 Sunday after catching a two-day total of six bass weighing 14 pounds, 10 ounces.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers were:
1st: Stacy Backman, Walhalla, S.C., six bass, 14-10, $2,441
2nd: Chris Lind, Anderson, S.C., six bass, 14-10, $1,220
3rd: Logan Brown, Fletcher, N.C., five bass, 14-5, $1,514
4th: Nicholas Gurkin, Simpsonville, S.C., six bass, 13-3, $570
5th: Johnny Hancox, West Union, S.C., six bass, 12-14, $488
6th: Harold Addison II, Columbia, S.C., six bass, 11-7, $597
7th: Chris Wilson, Easley, S.C., six bass, 10-10, $407
8th: Corey Veal, Royston, Ga., five bass, 10-9, $366
9th: Mark Garrett, Walhalla, S.C., five bass, 10-4, $325
10th: Robert Thomas, Travelers Rest, S.C., six bass, 10-4, $285
Logan Brown of Fletcher, North Carolina, caught the largest bass in the Strike King Co-angler Division, a fish weighing in at 4 pounds, 13 ounces. The catch earned him the Berkley Big Bass Co-angler award of $300.
With the regular season now complete, boater Paul Marks of Cumming, Georgia, won the 2023 Bass Fishing League Savannah River Division Boater Angler of the Year (AOY) race with a five-event total of 1,346 points to earn the $1,000 boater AOY award. William Bensel of Abbeville, South Carolina, won the 2023 Strike King Co-Angler Savannah River Division AOY race with 1,287 points and earned the $500 Strike King Co-angler of the Year award.
Now, the top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the division based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will advance to compete in the Oct. 12-14 Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Lake Eufaula in Eufaula, Alabama. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard.
The 2023 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six Regional Championships where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the MLF Toyota Series, the pathway to the MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.
Proud sponsors of the 2023 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, General Tire, Grundéns, Gill, Lew’s, Lowrance, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Wiley X and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Jezek Casts Ned Rig to Victory at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at the Ohio River
Amanda Black Wins Strike King Co-Angler Division
PADUCAH, Ky. (Aug. 14, 2023) – Boater Cole Jezek of Salem, Illinois, caught a five-bass limit weighing 12 pounds, 7 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on the Ohio River at Paducah Presented by FVP . The tournament was the fourth event of the season for the BFL Illini Division. Jezek earned $10,296, including the lucrative $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus, for his victory.
“I had checked some stuff out the day before, so I headed up the Tennessee River,” said Jezek. “I had won this event there previously, in 2014, so I had a gut feeling with the amount of current that was running that I knew where I wanted to start.”
Jezek began his day with a bang, and his Ned rig produced a limit by 7:20.
“I had the weight just perfect to where I was just ticking the rock, and when it got by the right rock the smallmouth were just sitting there,” Jezek said. “We went to work on them pretty quick.”
Jezek said he relocated near the dam, but the crowded conditions didn’t produce any quality bass for him. He returned to his starting spot and culled two more times. Jezek said he caught a total of eight bass - all keepers - during the tournament.
“Every fish I caught … they just kept getting bigger,” Jezek said. “At one point I had a 3.54-pound fish sitting in the livewell, and that river is tough, so I knew I was sitting in a pretty good position to have a chance to win.
“This win feels really good,” Jezek added. “My dad was there at weigh-in to share the win with me. That was his first time to be there to experience the weigh-in ceremony, so this is really special to me.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Cole Jezek, Salem, Ill., five bass, 12-7, $10,296 (includes $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
2nd: Bryan Godwin, Marion, Ky., five bass, 11-11, $1,648
3rd: James Williams, Charleston, Ill., four bass, 10-10, $1,399
4th: Jerry Waters, Hampton, Ky., five bass, 10-6, $769
5th: Jeremy Mull, Pawnee, Ill., five bass, 9-10, $659
6th: Justin Berger, Murray, Ky., five bass, 9-1, $604
7th: Daniel Hodge, Fort Knox, Ky., five bass, 8-15, $549
8th: Riley Walk, Neoga, Ill., five bass, 8-14, $694
9th: Coty Fowler, Brookport, Ill., five bass, 8-7, $439
10th: James Jarvis, West Frankfort, Ill., four bass, 7-15, $385
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Scott Neighbors of Makanda, Illinois, caught a bass that weighed 4 pounds, 12 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $405.
Amanda Black of Toledo, Illinois, won the Strike King co-angler division and a total of $1,648 Saturday, after bringing four bass to the scale that totaled 11 pounds, 7 ounces.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Amanda Black, Toledo, Ill., four bass, 11-7, $1,648
2nd: Earl Ross, Jr., Soddy-Daisy, Tenn., five bass, 9-8, $824
3rd: Richard Skiff, Edwardsville, Ill., four bass, 7-15, $549
4th: Carlton Maddox, Seymour, Ill., three bass, 7-2, $385
5th: Hayden Swain, Tamaroa, Ill., five bass, 6-14, $330
6th: Kim Sapetti, Chatham, Ill., three bass, 6-13, $302
7th: Nate Stephens, Metropolis, Ill., three bass, 6-5, $275
8th: Lucas Tanner, West Frankfort, Ill., four bass, 5-12, $247
9th: Ryan Murphy, Paris, Ill., three bass, 5-10, $420
10th: Dale Renth, Mascoutah, Ill., four bass, 5-9, $192
Truman Ross of Whitwell, Tennessee, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $202, catching a bass that weighed in at 4 pounds, 1 ounce – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
After four events, Garrett McDowell of Windsor, Illinois, leads the BFL Illini Division Boater Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 973 points, while Aaron Arning of Walnut Hill, Illinois, leads the Strike King Co-Angler Division AOY race with 936 points.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 12-14 BFL Regional tournament on Dale Hollow Lake in Byrdstown, Tennessee. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard.
The 2023 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.
Proud sponsors of the 2023 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, General Tire, Grundéns, Gill, Lew’s, Lowrance, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Wiley X and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Trombly Posts 10th Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Detroit River
Crider Jr. Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division
TRENTON, Mich. (Aug. 14, 2023) – Boater Mike Trombly of Belleville, Michigan, caught a five-bass limit weighing 22 pounds, 3 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on the Detroit River. The tournament was the third event of the season for the BFL Michigan Division. Trombly earned $3,963 for his victory.
“We had heavy winds throughout the day, and I made a long run in heavy waves to get where I needed to fish,” said Trombly, who notched his 10th career win, including eight BFL victories and two Toyota Series titles. “I caught a big fish right off the bat on a drop-shot. I fished around in that area in big waves and was able to finish off my limit with some 2-pounders.”
Trombly said he slowly began making his way toward the weigh-in site, stopping to hit points along the way. Around noon, he stopped at a spot that held a good number of bigger fish in 30 to 32 feet of water and finished off his final weigh bag.
“The last stop I made that had the big fish on it I told my co-angler, “I think I’m starting to become relevant in this tournament,’” Trombly said with a laugh. “I could tell just because of the quality I was catching. I knew there was a chance.”
Trombly said he used a (Berkley PowerBait MaxScent) Flat Worm with the drop-shot rig to catch his smallmouth, rigged on a 1/0 hook with a ½-ounce weight. The setup produced 12 bass for Trombly – all except one were keepers. He said he focused on the north shore, some areas of the river, and open water on Lake Erie.
“It’s awesome to win,” Trombly said. “It never gets old. It’s a blessing to be able to win in this division. We’ve got some tremendous smallmouth fishermen in this division.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Mike Trombly, Belleville, Mich., five bass, 22-3, $3,963
2nd: Nolan Mandel, Harrison Township, Mich., five bass, 21-15, $2,481 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
3rd: Noah Stauffer, Gowen, Mich., five bass, 20-14, $1,322
4th: Chris Hellebuyck, White Lake, Mich., five bass, 20-9, $1,595
5th: Evan Eldred, Gaines, Mich., five bass, 19-13, $793
6th: Patrick Goodman, Sturgis, Mich., five bass, 19-12, $727
7th: Cody Kelley, Plainwell, Mich., five bass, 19-6, $660
8th: Scott Dobson, Clarkston, Mich., five bass, 19-4, $594
9th: Pat Upthagrove, Monroe, Mich., five bass, 18-14, $495
9th: Matthew Kime, Holland, Ohio, five bass, 18-14, $495
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Kyle Malone of Troy, Ohio, caught a bass that weighed 5 pounds, 13 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $535.
Billy Crider, Jr., of Kettering, Ohio, won the Strike King co-angler division and a total of $1,981 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 19 pounds, 1 ounce.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Billy Crider, Jr., Kettering, Ohio, five bass, 19-1, $1,981
2nd: Ashley Shirto, Novi, Mich., five bass, 18-8, $991
3rd: Tyler Land, Coatsville, Ind., five bass, 18-5, $662
4th: Edward Huddleston, Monroe, Mich., five bass, 18-2, $462
5th: Aaron Stahley, Batavia, Ohio, five bass, 17-13, $379
5th: Jeffrey Thomson, Birmingham, Mich., five bass, 17-13, $379
7th: Gavin Weted, Adrian, Mich., five bass, 17-4, $330
8th: Tom Bauer, Martinsville, Ind., five bass, 17-1, $297
9th: Robert Miller, Litchfield, Mich., five bass, 16-8, $264
10th: Ryan Kauffman, Ankeny, Iowa, five bass, 15-15, $231
Christopher Majerle of Trenton, Michigan, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $267, catching a bass that weighed in at 6 pounds, 3 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
After three events, Mike Trombly of Belleville, Michigan, leads the BFL Michigan Division Boater Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 744 points, while Hunter Ingle of Fort Wayne, Indiana, leads the Strike King Co-Angler Division AOY race with 711 points.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 12-14 BFL Regional tournament on Dale Hollow Lake in Byrdstown, Tennessee. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard.
The 2023 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.
Proud sponsors of the 2023 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, General Tire, Grundéns, Gill, Lew’s, Lowrance, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Wiley X and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Tennessee Angler Brent Anderson Wins MLF Toyota Series at St. Lawrence River Presented by Rabid Baits
After pulling in a handful of top 10’s on the St. Lawrence River over the years, Anderson said he is thrilled to finally finish at the top of the leaderboard.
“I came to the St. Lawrence River for the first time three years ago, and fell in love with this place,” said Anderson. “I’ve fished hundreds of lakes and there have been two fisheries – Dale Hollow and the St. Lawrence River – that are close to my heart and just have a special mystique about them. It’s been a big goal of mine to take home a win there.”
Anderson said he was feeling pretty good coming into the event – not expecting the win – but very familiar with the river and optimistic that he could pull in consistent weights each day. While many anglers make long runs west on the fishery toward Lake Ontario, Anderson said he prefers the less risky option of staying close to the Massena area.
“I typically stay within 50 miles of Massena because I can guarantee myself pretty consistent weights, but I’ve come up short in the past due to that,” said Anderson. “If the guys that make the run have even two really good days, my consistent weights won’t seal the deal.
“I’ve finished in the top 10 multiple times on the St. Lawrence, but I believed if I just stayed with that game plan and kept betting on consistency, it would work out,” Anderson continued. “I didn’t know this was going to be the week it came to fruition, but I’m glad it was.”
Anderson said he fished in the 10- to 50-foot-range, throwing a custom finesse football jig with a Z-Man Finesse TRD trailer, drifting along stretches of shoals.
“This win feels amazing,” said Anderson. “I’ve won ten Phoenix Bass Fishing League tournaments on various fisheries, but I’d never won a Toyota Series event. I’ve been close several times – mostly here – so to complete the package and take home a win is incredible.”
The top 10 pros on the St. Lawrence River finished:
2nd: Gary Miller, Stouffville, Ontario, 15 bass, 66-1, $17,500
3rd: Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark., 15 bass, 65-9, $12,750
4th: Tommy Dickerson, Orange, Texas, 15 bass, 65-1, $10,750
5th: Brett Carnright, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 15 bass, 65-0, $9,750
6th: Clay Reece, Lexington, Ky., 15 bass, 63-2, $8,375
7th: Alec Morrison, Peru, N.Y., 15 bass, 62-5, $7,300
8th: Douglas Reed, Bridgeton, N.J., 15 bass, 62-3, $6,300
9th: Kyle Cortiana, Broken Arrow, Okla., 15 bass, 61-15, $5,300
10th: Jason Gramada, Les Cedres, QC, 15 bass, 61-12, $4,200
Pro Rod Mackinnon of Middletown III, New York, won the $500 Day 1 Berkley Big Bass award in the pro division Thursday with a bass weighing 6 pounds, 9 ounces. On Friday, pro Gary Miller of Stouffville, Ontario earned the $500 Berkley Big Bass prize after bringing a 6-pound, 9-ounce bass to the scale.
Anderson took home an extra $35,000 as the highest finishing Phoenix MLF Bonus member. Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $35,000 per event in each Toyota Series tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the Phoenix MLF Bonus contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.
Taylor Wisniewski of Lexington, Kentucky won the Strike King Co-angler Division Saturday with a three-day total of 14 bass weighing 23 pounds, 11 ounces. Wisniewski took home the top prize package worth $33,500, including a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard motor.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers on the St. Lawrence River finished:
2nd: Akira Okuyama, Forest Hills, N.Y., 15 bass, 55-3, $5,375
3rd: Mason Chapman, Lenexa, Kan., 15 bass, 53-9, $4,300
4th: Greg McDavid, Blountville, Tenn., 15 bass, 52-10, $3,650
5th: Christopher Dam, Staatsburgh, N.Y., 14 bass, 52-1, $3,350
6th: Cooper Jet, Norton Shores, Mich., 15 bass, 50-7, $2,650
7th: Braxton Clements, Donalsonville, Ga., 15 bass, 50-3, $2,150
8th: Greg Flippen, Powhatan, Va., 15 bass, 49-1, $1,825
9th: Tim McGlenn, Welcome, Md., 15 bass, 48-10, $1,530
10th: Christian Rich, Eufaula, Ala., 13 bass, 47-14, $1,290
With two regular-season events in the Toyota Series Northern Division now complete, pro Brett Carnright of Plattsburgh, New York leads the Northern Division Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 516 points, while Richard Bleser of Burlington, Wisconsin, leads the Strike King Co-angler Division AOY race with 507 points.
The Toyota Series at St. Lawrence River, hosted by the Town of Massena, was the second of three regular-season events for the Toyota Series Northern Division Presented by Rabid Baits. The next event for Toyota Series anglers will be the Toyota Series at the Potomac River Presented by Rabid Baits, September 21-23, in Marbury, Maryland. For a complete schedule of events, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The 2023 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats consists of six divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern, Southwestern and the Western Division Presented by Tackle Warehouse – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the six divisions or the Wild Card division and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning up to $235,000 and a qualification to REDCREST V. The winning Strike King co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard. The 2023 Toyota Series Championship will be held Nov. 2-4 on Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri, and is hosted by ExploreBranson.com.
Proud sponsors of the 2023 MLF Toyota Series include: 4WP, 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Black Rifle Coffee Company, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, Fox Rent a Car, General Tire, Gill, Grundéns, Lew’s, Lowrance, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Next Gen Lithium, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Wiley X and YETI.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Toyota Series updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Auburn claims wire-to-wire victory in Bassmaster College Championship at Pickwick
Hayden Marbut and Tucker Smith of Auburn University have won the Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship at Pickwick Lake presented by Bass Pro Shops with a three-day total of 53 pounds, 12 ounces.
Photo by Chase Sansom/B.A.S.S.
August 12, 2023
COUNCE, Tenn. — Thanks to an afternoon rally that produced several largemouth over 3 1/2 pounds, Auburn University’s Tucker Smith and Hayden Marbut caught 18 pounds on Saturday to win the Strike King Bassmaster College Series National Championship at Pickwick Lake presented by Bass Pro Shops with a three-day total of 53 pounds, 12 ounces.
Smith and Marbut never trailed in the event, claiming the lead on Day 1 with a 20-8 bag before landing 15-4 on the second day.
Together, it is the duo’s second victory in a Bassmaster Championship event. Their first win was also in wire-to-wire fashion at the 2020 Bassmaster High School National Championship at Kentucky Lake.
After winning that tournament, Smith and Marbut had conversations about what it would be like to win the College Championship when they teamed back up at Auburn. They made that hope a reality in their first season reunited as partners.
“The last couple of years we have joked about winning both National Championships. For it to actually happen and our dreams to come true this week, it is unbelievable,” Marbut said.
This victory only adds to Smith’s already impressive resume. Along with his three High School Championship titles, he won the 2021 Bassmaster College Team of the Year title with partner Logan Parks as well as the Bass Pro Shops U.S. Open on Table Rock Lake.
The College Series Championship was an event Smith and Parks struggled with in their two attempts together, but Smith felt like this year at Pickwick would be different.
“We fished hard and, in the previous years I fished with Logan, we fished hard too but we didn’t get close,” Smith said. “This one felt different. This one felt special.”
With the victory, the Auburn anglers earned a spot in the Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Lew’s. Smith finished second to Tristan McCormick at the 2021 Bracket on the Alabama River by 3 ounces and he has been anxious to get back ever since.
“The last time I was there, it really hurt my feelings,” Smith said. “It will be good to be back and get another chance at it.”
History pays off for Auburn on final day
Entering Championship Saturday, Smith and Marbut had a feeling their best two spots were drying up. After catching around 12 pounds between the two areas before midday, they made the decision to scrap their game plan and move to a ledge that has historically produced for them.
“At 12 o’clock we had 12 pounds,” Marbut said. “For it to happen in the last hour and a half, it is crazy.”
In practice, they scanned this particular spot and found only a couple of bass occupying it, but when they needed it the most, the spot was loaded and Smith and Marbut were able to quickly upgrade their final total.
“We threw the trolling motor down and there were a ton of fish there. It was magical,” Smith said. “It was a place that got hit by the current really well. It was near the main channel and once the clouds came over, it seemed like the bass grouped up really well and started feeding.”
While the current was almost too strong on Day 2, Marbut and Smith noticed it slowed down on the final day, which helped the bite as well.
A sneaky, offshore game plan
Smith and Marbut stayed offshore all week, hoping to find less-obvious places other competitors would overlook. They had two areas that produced best, one deep and one shallow. Both were relatively close to takeoff at Pickwick Landing State Park.
“We had never fished those spots until this tournament,” Smith said.
The majority of their weight the first two days came from the deeper school of bass, which was located in about 20 feet of water with shells on the bottom.
“We caught almost all of our weight on the first day and a good bit of our weight the second day off of it,” Marbut said. “It was kind of up on a flat, away from where most people would scan. I think only one other boat found it.”
Their secondary, shallow school was in about 12 feet of water.
“It was way off the river,” Marbut said. “And that’s what we looked for. We focused on looking for sneakier stuff that not everyone would find.”
To catch their fish, they used a rotation of baits which included an unnamed 5-inch swimbait, a 3/4-ounce Picasso tungsten football jig with a Yamamoto Yama Craw trailer, a 3/8-ounce drop shot with a morning dawn colored Roboworm FAT straight-tail worm and a Damiki rig.
Mullins, Cummings fish magic docks to finish second
With a three-day total of 50-13, Levi Mullins and Matthew Cummings from Bethel University finished second. It was the duo’s second straight Top 12 in the College Championship — and while they came up just a little short of the win, they earned a spot in the Classic Bracket.
“I’ve watched three of my teammates go and start their careers there. Now we are going to have that opportunity. It is crazy to think about that.” Mullins said.
“Losing the National Championship is a rough feeling, but knowing you are going to the Bracket makes that a little easier,” Cummings added.
As hard as they tried, Mullins and Cummings could not find a consistent offshore bite during practice. So, on the first day, the Bethel duo ran down to a set of magical docks they have fished in the past and milked the area for three days, catching 18-5, 14-14 and 17-10.
The final day was tough, but they filled their limit two minutes before running back to weigh in.
Brush was a key piece of cover underneath several of the docks, and bream and shad were plentiful in the area. Mullins skipped a 3/8-ounce Missile Baits Ike's Mini Flip Out jig in Bamer craw with a Missile Baits Mini D Chunk trailer most of the week while Cummings threw a Texas-rigged Senko in green pumpkin with a 3/16-ounce weight.
On the final two days, a ChatterBait also produced important keeper bites.
“Those docks have saved our tails three times now in tournaments,” Cummings said.
One area carries Montevallo to third
With bags of 17-8, 15-4 and 16-7, Brody Robison and Jack Alexander from the University of Montevallo finished third with a total of 49-3. Robison and Alexander spent most of practice scanning offshore areas of Pickwick Lake and found one spot that produced the majority of their bag.
“It was a straight river ledge, but there was a hard spot that stuck out into the current,” Robison said. “It was a great place for shells to group up and it also made a good feeding area for white bass and bass. We hung out there and tried to get five bass and we did it somehow.”
A drop shot, Damiki rig and Strike King 10XD were their three best baits.
Bracket details
The Top 3 teams punched their ticket to the College Classic Bracket presented by Lew’s, details of which will be announced at a later date. Nick Dumke and Easton Fothergill from the University of Montevallo already claimed their spot by winning the Team of the Year title. Full coverage of the event will be available on Bassmaster.com.
The winner of the Bracket will compete in the 2024 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota in Tulsa. Okla., and receive paid entry into the 2024 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens with the use of a fully loaded Nitro Boat and Toyota Tundra.
2023 Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship at Pickwick Lake
presented by Bass Pro Shops 8/10-8/12
Pickwick Lake, Counce TN.
(BOATER) Standings Day 3
Angler Club/School Pts
1. Hayden Marbut - Tucker Smith Auburn University 250
Day 1: 5 20-08 Day 2: 5 15-04 Day 3: 5 18-00 Total: 15 53-12
2. Matthew Cummings - Levi Mullins Bethel University 249
Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 14-14 Day 3: 5 17-10 Total: 15 50-13
3. Brody Robison - Jack Alexander University of Montevallo 248
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 15-04 Day 3: 5 16-07 Total: 15 49-03
4. Tyler Campbell - Parker Guy Emmanuel University 247
Day 1: 5 17-13 Day 2: 5 16-06 Day 3: 4 14-06 Total: 14 48-09
5. Easton Fothergill - Nick Dumke University of Montevallo 246
Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 15-12 Day 3: 5 14-00 Total: 15 48-01
6. Joey Bissing - Jackson Paden University of Tennessee 245
Day 1: 5 17-12 Day 2: 5 13-15 Day 3: 5 16-00 Total: 15 47-11
7. Adrian Urso - Cole Hadlock Murray State University 244
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 17-11 Day 3: 5 15-07 Total: 15 47-08
8. Blake Bullock - John Mark Berry Blue Mountain Christian Universi 243
Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 5 18-03 Day 3: 5 14-12 Total: 15 47-00
9. Evan Sutton - Grant Olsen McKendree University 242
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 19-02 Day 3: 5 15-12 Total: 15 46-09
10. Hunter Suchsland - Cade Ludwig University of Nebraska-Lincoln 241
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 5 14-04 Day 3: 5 15-13 Total: 15 46-06
11. Tallis Morrison - Jonathan Hanna Erskine College 240
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 5 18-05 Day 3: 5 13-04 Total: 15 44-03
12. Kyle Zainitzer - Avery Whitwell University of North Alabama 239
Day 1: 5 19-08 Day 2: 5 12-15 Day 3: 3 09-01 Total: 13 41-08
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 60 459 1290-14
2 33 352 974-04
3 10 57 180-08
----------------------------------
103 868 2445-10
Auburn's Smith, Marbut maintain lead on Day 2 of Bassmaster College Championship at Pickwick Lake
Hayden Marbut and Tucker Smith of Auburn University are leading after Day 2 of the Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship at Pickwick Lake presented by Bass Pro Shops with a two-day total of 35 pounds, 12 ounces.
Photo by Chase Sansom/B.A.S.S.
August 11, 2023
COUNCE, Tenn. — Tucker Smith and Hayden Marbut find themselves in familiar territory after Day 2 of the Strike King Bassmaster College Series National Championship at Pickwick Lake presented by Bass Pro Shops.
The Auburn University duo leads the 131-boat field with a two-day total of 35 pounds, 12 ounces, and have a chance to pull off the wire-to-wire win, similar to their 2020 Bassmaster High School Championship victory at Kentucky Lake.
“This tournament is huge,” Smith said. “The High School National Championships were the biggest deal to me ever at the time. This one now is an even bigger deal to me. We want to make the Classic Bracket, and we are going to put our heads down and try.”
It was a much tougher Day 2 for Smith, Marbut and the rest of the teams on the water Friday. After catching 20-8 the first day, the Auburn anglers caught just 15-4. But they still lead Emmanuel University’s Tyler Campbell and Parker Guy by 1-9.
“It was a lot tougher today,” Marbut said. “We had a handful of places we thought we could get bites on, but we only ended up getting bites on one or two places. We expected it to be a lot tougher, but it really was a grind today.”
While many anglers were hoping for more current after practice, they may have received too much as the TVA pulled over 70,000 cubic feet per second out of Pickwick Lake.
“We could tell that it was stronger today,” Smith said. “Hopefully they turn it down a little bit so we can catch some fish.”
Using their forward-facing sonar, Marbut said they found the bass more scattered and suspended than they were on Day 1, where they noticed bass more on the bottom.
But Smith and Marbut still filled their limit by 10 a.m. Instead of the “fun” baits, like big crankbaits, Smith said they had to slow down and finesse fish on Day 2 with a drop shot, football jig and a small swimbait.
“It was nice that we caught some early,” Smith said. “We thought we could run a bunch of places and catch a couple more and upgrade, but that did not happen. The fish are diminishing every day it seems like.”
During the first two days, Smith and Marbut bounced around between several areas, but on Championship Saturday, Smith said they will likely be staying in their best areas most of the day.
“Tomorrow we are going to run a couple places we know have fish and pray to God we catch five good ones,” Smith said.
Coming into the day in ninth with 17-13, Guy and Campbell added 16-6 to jump into second with a total of 34-3. This is Guy’s second-straight Top 12 finish in the National Championship after placing fourth last year at Winyah Bay with teammate Brooks Anderson.
The Emmanuel team has also fished primarily offshore this week, mixing in some other patterns when the time is right.
“Today was crazy,” Guy said. “We made a big long run yesterday and today. We caught a big one yesterday but today it didn’t work. We came back here and we pulled in on one place, a typical ledge school, and caught a couple and caught a limit.”
After catching a big one on that spot, they went and fished a couple other areas to add a couple more key fish. On their best ledge, bass are sitting on top in 20 feet of water and then all the way down the drop into 28 feet of water.
The key for Guy and Campbell has been slowing down their presentations.
“Fishing slow is a big, big deal right now. I see a lot of people fishing really fast and throwing big moving baits. We tried to slow way down and get some of those bites that other people aren’t getting,” Guy said.
“We were able to pull in behind people and get bites,” Campbell added. “We were counting rocks.”
The University of Montevallo duo of Nick Dumke and Easton Fothergill moved into third with a two-day total of 34-1. After landing 18-5 on Day 1, the 2023 Bassmaster College Team of the Year added 15-12 on Day 2 to become the first Team of the Year to reach the final day of the National Championship since the award’s inception in 2018.
“We have yet to be in a position to win a big event like this and to be here and have a shot is something we have been dreaming about for a long time,” Dumke said. “It means the world to be here.”
So far this week, Dumke and Fothergill have focused most of their time offshore, hoping to save the shallow bass they found until the final day. The majority of their bass have come on one offshore area where they have a group of around 100 bass located. It isn’t a typical school, however, as these bass are spread out.
They also aren’t easy to catch, and Dumke and Fothergill threw six or seven different baits to land their final limit.
Braydon Kelley and Trey McMeen of East Texas Baptist University landed the Big Bass of the Day, a 7-0 largemouth. Cole and Clay Taylor of Lander University still hold Big Bass of the Tournament honors with a 7-12 largemouth they caught on Day 1.
The Top 12 remaining teams will launch from Pickwick Landing State Park at 6 a.m. CT Saturday and return for weigh-in at 2 p.m. The Top 3 teams will punch their ticket to the College Classic Bracket presented by Lew’s, details of which will be announced at a later date. Dumke and Fothergill have already claimed their spot by winning Team of the Year. Full coverage will be available on Bassmaster.com.
The winner of the Bracket will compete in the 2024 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota in Tulsa. Okla., and receive paid entry into the 2024 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens with the use of a fully loaded Nitro Boat and Toyota Tundra.
2023 Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship at Pickwick Lake
presented by Bass Pro Shops 8/10-8/12
Pickwick Lake, Counce TN.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Club/School Pts
1. Hayden Marbut - Tucker Smith Auburn University 250
Day 1: 5 20-08 Day 2: 5 15-04 Total: 10 35-12
2. Tyler Campbell - Parker Guy Emmanuel University 249
Day 1: 5 17-13 Day 2: 5 16-06 Total: 10 34-03
3. Easton Fothergill - Nick Dumke University of Montevallo 248
Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 15-12 Total: 10 34-01
4. Matthew Cummings - Levi Mullins Bethel University 247
Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 14-14 Total: 10 33-03
5. Brody Robison - Jack Alexander University of Montevallo 246
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 15-04 Total: 10 32-12
6. Kyle Zainitzer - Avery Whitwell University of North Alabama 245
Day 1: 5 19-08 Day 2: 5 12-15 Total: 10 32-07
7. Blake Bullock - John Mark Berry Blue Mountain Christian Universi 244
Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 5 18-03 Total: 10 32-04
8. Adrian Urso - Cole Hadlock Murray State University 243
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 17-11 Total: 10 32-01
9. Joey Bissing - Jackson Paden University of Tennessee 242
Day 1: 5 17-12 Day 2: 5 13-15 Total: 10 31-11
10. Tallis Morrison - Jonathan Hanna Erskine College 241
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 5 18-05 Total: 10 30-15
11. Evan Sutton - Grant Olsen McKendree University 240
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 19-02 Total: 10 30-13
12. Hunter Suchsland - Cade Ludwig University of Nebraska-Lincoln 239
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 5 14-04 Total: 10 30-09
13. Mike Pierlott - Max Pierlott UNC Charlotte 238
Day 1: 5 15-10 Day 2: 5 14-15 Total: 10 30-09
14. Kaleb Brown - Cole Moulton Lander University 237
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 15-03 Total: 10 30-07
15. Austin Parr - Hunter White Erskine College 236
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 5 18-01 Total: 10 30-02
16. Dylan May - Carson Palmer Carson-Newman University 235
Day 1: 5 16-15 Day 2: 5 12-10 Total: 10 29-09
17. Henry Mcpherson - Matthew German University of Alabama 234
Day 1: 4 11-05 Day 2: 5 17-03 Total: 9 28-08
18. Tim Herrmann - Justin Botts Bryan College 233
Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 13-04 Total: 10 28-06
19. Hudson Choquette - University of Montevallo 232
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 13-07 Total: 10 28-01
20. Mason Hoke - Jayce Garrison Sam Houston State University 231
Day 1: 5 13-08 Day 2: 5 14-08 Total: 10 28-00
21. Dalton DeFelice - Connor Tonkel Southwestern Michigan College 230
Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 11-07 Total: 10 27-09
22. Dalton Eury - Zeb Roberts Catawba Valley Community College 229
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 5 12-02 Total: 10 27-05
23. Aric Szambelan - Tyler Flacke Missouri State University 228
Day 1: 5 19-15 Day 2: 3 07-00 Total: 8 26-15
24. Ben Brockwell - Kentucky Christian University 227
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 4 13-11 Total: 9 26-09
25. Beau Browning - Drake Sturgill University of Montevallo 226
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 11-06 Total: 10 25-10
26. Nathan Reynolds - Banks Shaw University of North Alabama 225
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 4 10-09 Total: 9 25-05
27. Cole Taylor - Clay Taylor Lander University 224
Day 1: 4 18-12 Day 2: 2 06-02 Total: 6 24-14
28. Kyle Workman - Evan Barker Campbellsville University 223
Day 1: 4 10-08 Day 2: 5 14-06 Total: 9 24-14
29. James Willoughby - Jacob Pfundt University of Montevallo 222
Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 3 09-01 Total: 8 24-10
30. Merrick Diaz - Cade Hayford Campbellsville University 221
Day 1: 5 13-14 Day 2: 4 10-12 Total: 9 24-10
31. Szymon Piton - Gavin Clevenger Carson-Newman University 220
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 4 10-09 Total: 9 24-09
32. Hayden Pirman - Luke Chaddock West Virginia University 219
Day 1: 5 19-09 Day 2: 2 04-14 Total: 7 24-07
33. Nate Triplett - Cy Lambert University of North Alabama 218
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 4 13-00 Total: 9 24-04
34. Dylan Fogarty - Hunter Fillmore Bethel University 217
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 12-10 Total: 10 24-04
35. Dylan Nutt - Carter Nutt University of North Alabama 216
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 4 11-12 Total: 9 23-13
36. Will Oberman - Wil Rigdon Campbellsville University 215
Day 1: 5 16-00 Day 2: 3 07-05 Total: 8 23-05
37. Anderson Jones - Max Muzones Lander University 214
Day 1: 4 10-06 Day 2: 4 12-15 Total: 8 23-05
38. William Tew - Brayden Nichols LSU - Shreveport 213
Day 1: 5 10-08 Day 2: 5 12-10 Total: 10 23-02
39. Drake Hemby - Ewing Minor Carson-Newman University 212
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 4 08-07 Total: 9 23-00
40. Tripp Bowman - Matthew Nesbit LSU - Shreveport 211
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 3 08-03 Total: 8 22-12
41. Jared Hubbard - Riley Hendricks Lander University 210
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 4 08-05 Total: 9 22-09
42. TJ McKenzie - Seth Jenkins Emmanuel University 209
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 2 04-11 Total: 7 21-00
43. Connor Cartmell - Andrew Vereen Coastal Carolina University 208
Day 1: 2 07-02 Day 2: 4 13-10 Total: 6 20-12
44. Tyler Hudson - Evan Mcnaughton Western Kentucky University 207
Day 1: 5 15-01 Day 2: 3 05-07 Total: 8 20-08
45. Bryant Martin - Luke Batts LSU - Shreveport 206
Day 1: 4 09-02 Day 2: 3 11-00 Total: 7 20-02
46. Hunter Townsend - Jonathan Wehner Jr James Madison University 205
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 3 09-06 Total: 8 20-00
47. Chris Baker - Elijah Kelley Kentucky Christian University 204
Day 1: 5 19-07 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 19-07
48. Gus McLarry - Jared West Texas A&M Commerce 203
Day 1: 2 05-11 Day 2: 5 13-10 Total: 7 19-05
49. Zachary Ward - Easton Bouma Drury University 202
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 2 04-09 Total: 7 19-04
50. Corey Morris - Brayden Mercer East Texas Baptist University 201
Day 1: 1 01-14 Day 2: 5 17-05 Total: 6 19-03
51. Sam Smith - Connor Jacob Auburn University 200
Day 1: 4 09-14 Day 2: 3 09-05 Total: 7 19-03
52. Nate Kimberling - Matt Kavanaugh University of Idaho 199
Day 1: 3 05-13 Day 2: 5 13-03 Total: 8 19-00
53. Jeremy Monda - Bryson O'steen Florida Gateway College 198
Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 3 08-11 Total: 8 18-15
54. Ryan Lachniet - Clay Oberman Campbellsville University 197
Day 1: 2 05-00 Day 2: 5 13-14 Total: 7 18-14
55. Hayden Gaddis - Ben Cully Carson-Newman University 196
Day 1: 4 09-01 Day 2: 4 09-13 Total: 8 18-14
56. Lane Clark - Adam Seagle Erskine College 195
Day 1: 5 13-12 Day 2: 2 05-00 Total: 7 18-12
57. Jonah Potts - Drew Fromm Wabash Valley College 194
Day 1: 3 06-01 Day 2: 5 12-10 Total: 8 18-11
58. Turner Hart - Summer Dees Bryan College 193
Day 1: 4 10-02 Day 2: 3 08-09 Total: 7 18-11
59. Jaxson Freeman - Maxwell Trotter McKendree University 192
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 2 07-02 Total: 7 18-05
60. Dylan Akins - Chase Carey Emmanuel University 191
Day 1: 4 09-00 Day 2: 4 09-05 Total: 8 18-05
61. Brandon Martin - Cole Holloway Emmanuel University 190
Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 1 01-13 Total: 6 18-04
62. Braylon Eggerding - Adrian College 189
Day 1: 4 15-00 Day 2: 1 03-00 Total: 5 18-00
63. Trey Schroeder - Lane Stephens McKendree University 188
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 1 03-08 Total: 6 17-15
64. Evan Fields - Campbellsville University 187
Day 1: 3 07-10 Day 2: 3 10-05 Total: 6 17-15
65. Riley Faulkner - Cole Rankin Carson-Newman University 186
Day 1: 3 09-11 Day 2: 4 08-03 Total: 7 17-14
66. Jacob Butts - Mark Kershaw-Klara USC Union 185
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 1 03-04 Total: 6 17-11
67. Seth Slanker - Jackson Swisher Florida Gateway College 184
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 1 03-00 Total: 6 17-07
68. Noah Vanderwall - Daniel Borrousch Purdue University 183
Day 1: 5 10-14 Day 2: 3 05-15 Total: 8 16-13
69. Noah Trant - Evan Howe Northwestern State University 182
Day 1: 5 13-12 Day 2: 1 02-14 Total: 6 16-10
70. TJ Edwards Jr - Blue Mountain Christian Universi 181
Day 1: 2 09-05 Day 2: 2 07-05 Total: 4 16-10
71. Will Ahnen - Caleb Knoll University of Wisconsin-La Cross 180
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 2 04-15 Total: 7 16-09
72. Tyson Verkaik - Carson Kamien University of Florida 179
Day 1: 1 02-01 Day 2: 5 14-07 Total: 6 16-08
73. Aaron Jagdfeld - Elliot Wielgopolski Adrian College 178
Day 1: 4 12-08 Day 2: 2 03-14 Total: 6 16-06
74. Andrew Ready - Harley Collins Webber International University 177
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 1 02-09 Total: 6 16-02
75. Colby Carrier - Justin Frey Bethel University 176
Day 1: 3 06-15 Day 2: 4 09-02 Total: 7 16-01
76. Sam Hanggi - Sam Hoesley Auburn University 175
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 1 02-13 Total: 6 15-12
77. Nicholas Holtgrave - Colsyn Head McKendree University 174
Day 1: 2 06-13 Day 2: 4 08-15 Total: 6 15-12
78. Grant Williams - Nathan MacDonald Mississippi State University 173
Day 1: 5 13-14 Day 2: 1 01-12 Total: 6 15-10
79. Jake Thornbury - Morgan Miracle Campbellsville University 172
Day 1: 2 06-06 Day 2: 4 09-00 Total: 6 15-06
80. Tommy Dunaway - Seth Jones Florida Gateway College 171
Day 1: 5 09-05 Day 2: 2 05-11 Total: 7 15-00
81. Chase Hubble - Brent May University of Florida 170
Day 1: 3 07-11 Day 2: 2 07-02 Total: 5 14-13
82. Ryan Park - Sam Niemeyer Murray State University 169
Day 1: 4 09-06 Day 2: 2 05-00 Total: 6 14-06
83. Hayden Scott - Jerry Brumbaugh Jr. Adrian College 168
Day 1: 1 03-01 Day 2: 5 11-03 Total: 6 14-04
84. Brenton Godwin - Hunter Odom University of Montevallo 167
Day 1: 2 05-11 Day 2: 3 08-08 Total: 5 14-03
85. Kaden Proffitt - Cason Ragsdale East Texas Baptist University 166
Day 1: 4 10-05 Day 2: 2 03-11 Total: 6 14-00
86. Owen Januszewski - Matt Mosby Adrian College 165
Day 1: 2 04-12 Day 2: 3 08-09 Total: 5 13-05
87. Tyler Cory - Scott Sledge University of Montevallo 164
Day 1: 4 07-05 Day 2: 3 05-14 Total: 7 13-03
88. Smith McGregor - Ben Ivey University of North Alabama 163
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 13-01
89. Jordan Brewer - Sam Harvey Auburn University 162
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 12-15
90. Reese Walters - Garrett Walters University of Alabama 161
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 12-14
91. James Gillis - Blake Richards Clarkson University 160
Day 1: 4 09-01 Day 2: 2 03-08 Total: 6 12-09
92. Hunter McClaskey - Landon Lawson King University 159
Day 1: 2 05-13 Day 2: 3 06-10 Total: 5 12-07
93. Caleb Dachenhaus - Sam Shoemaker Adrian College 158
Day 1: 3 06-10 Day 2: 2 05-10 Total: 5 12-04
94. Landon Surrett - Hampton Shull Lander University 157
Day 1: 2 04-09 Day 2: 2 07-06 Total: 4 11-15
95. Braden Cox - Joel Berelsman Ohio State University 156
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 10-13
96. Merritt Arnold - Chance Schwartz University of Montevallo 155
Day 1: 3 10-10 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 10-10
97. Cole Dodson - Tyler Cain University of Montevallo 154
Day 1: 2 04-01 Day 2: 3 06-04 Total: 5 10-05
98. Levi Thibodaux - Chance Shelby LSU - Shreveport 153
Day 1: 2 05-05 Day 2: 2 04-10 Total: 4 09-15
99. Corey Yaden - Caleb Barrow Brewton-Parker College 152
Day 1: 3 09-12 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 09-12
100. Stevie Mills - Brady Duncan Carson-Newman University 151
Day 1: 4 09-08 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 09-08
100. Jackson Smith - Sawyer Williams Bethel University 151
Day 1: 4 09-08 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 09-08
102. Andrew Blanton - Jamison Bagwell Lander University 149
Day 1: 4 09-07 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 09-07
103. Kyle Simmons - Brett Halstead Kansas State University 148
Day 1: 1 02-10 Day 2: 3 06-12 Total: 4 09-06
104. Bennett Slinkard - Carty Shoen Auburn University 147
Day 1: 2 05-12 Day 2: 2 03-08 Total: 4 09-04
105. Cal Culpepper - Ryan Thomas University of Montevallo 146
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 09-02 Total: 3 09-02
106. Brooks Anderson - Max Heaton Emmanuel University 145
Day 1: 1 03-09 Day 2: 3 05-09 Total: 4 09-02
107. Jordan Pennington - Andrew Oswalt University of Montevallo 144
Day 1: 1 02-00 Day 2: 2 06-11 Total: 3 08-11
108. Cabe Mackey - William Hammond Catawba Valley Community College 143
Day 1: 2 05-11 Day 2: 1 02-01 Total: 3 07-12
109. Luke Glasgow - Logan Barrett Mississippi State University 142
Day 1: 2 05-04 Day 2: 1 02-06 Total: 3 07-10
110. Peyton Harris - Dalton Head University of Montevallo 141
Day 1: 3 07-08 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 07-08
111. Eric Wawrzyniak - Dylan Crystaloski Penn State University 140
Day 1: 1 02-06 Day 2: 2 04-15 Total: 3 07-05
112. Clayton Easter - Trevor Easter Tarleton State University 139
Day 1: 1 02-02 Day 2: 3 05-02 Total: 4 07-04
113. Colton Hill - Tomas Matual McKendree University 138
Day 1: 2 02-15 Day 2: 2 04-04 Total: 4 07-03
114. Myles Steward - Trey Zagrzebski University of Wisconsin-Stevens 137
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 07-02 Total: 2 07-02
115. Nick Redlin - Benjamin Redlin University of Wisonsin-Plattevil 136
Day 1: 2 04-15 Day 2: 1 02-02 Total: 3 07-01
116. Braydon Kelley - Trey McMeen East Texas Baptist University 135
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 07-00 Total: 1 07-00
117. Braden Fairbanks - Kentucky Christian University 134
Day 1: 2 06-03 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 06-03
118. Seth Elkins - Dale Hansard Jacksonville State University 133
Day 1: 2 04-15 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 04-15
119. Garrett Warren - Jake Peck Auburn University 132
Day 1: 1 02-05 Day 2: 1 02-04 Total: 2 04-09
120. Nathan Lee - Chase Bolden University of Wisconsin-Plattevi 131
Day 1: 2 04-02 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 04-02
121. Jake Monti - Samuel Dunson UNC Charlotte 130
Day 1: 1 04-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 1 04-00
122. Wes Bailey - Lake Norsworthy Blue Mountain Christian Universi 129
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 03-12 Total: 2 03-12
122. Blake Milligan - Matthew Parrish Auburn University 129
Day 1: 2 03-12 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 03-12
124. Garrett Thompson - Ethan Perry West Virginia University 127
Day 1: 1 03-09 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 1 03-09
125. Christian Turner - John Gray Coastal Carolina University 126
Day 1: 1 03-03 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 1 03-03
126. Fisher Hill - Paris Mccullers Murray State College 125
Day 1: 1 02-04 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 1 02-04
127. Jacob Silver - Western Carolina University 124
Day 1: 1 02-03 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 1 02-03
128. Logan Plueger - Charlie Wright University of Montevallo 123
Day 1: 1 01-11 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 1 01-11
129. Mitch Johnson - Gunner Whitaker Kentucky Christian University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
129. Giancarlo Russo - Florida Gateway College 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
129. Zachary Verbrugge - Mohave Community College 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 60 459 1290-14
2 33 352 974-04
----------------------------------
93 811 2265-02
Auburn duo maximizes offshore bites to take Day 1 lead at Bassmaster College Series Championship on Pickwick Lake
Hayden Marbut and Tucker Smith of Auburn University are leading after Day 1 of the Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship at Pickwick Lake presented by Bass Pro Shops with 20 pounds, 8 ounces.
Photo by Chase Sansom/B.A.S.S.
August 10, 2023
COUNCE, Tenn. — Taking advantage of the increase in current generation, the Auburn University duo of Tucker Smith and Hayden Marbut claimed the Day 1 lead at the 2023 Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship at Pickwick Lake presented by Bass Pro Shops by catching a limit of largemouth weighing 20 pounds, 8 ounces.
They hold a 9-ounce lead over Missouri State’s Aric Szambelan and Tyler Flacke, who fell just an ounce shy of breaking the 20-pound mark. Hayden Pirman and Luke Chaddock of West Virginia University are third with 19-9.
In 2020, Smith and Marbut were crowned Bassmaster High School National Champions on Kentucky Lake, leading that event from start to finish. Now, they have teamed up again at Auburn and continue to show they are a winning combination.
“It would be really cool to win both,” Marbut said. “We still have a lot of fishing left to do. We have two more days.”
So far, Pickwick has fished better than many teams had expected. Five bags over 19 pounds hit the scales on the opening day, and if the Top 12 cut was made today, Carson-Newman’s Dylan May and Carson Palmer would be the final team in with 16-15.
The improved numbers likely have a lot to do with the influx of rain from heavy thunderstorms that have moved through the area the last few days.
“(The Tennessee Valley Authority) was pulling about 30,000 (cubic feet per second) all week and they are pulling 50,000 today and are supposed to pull 55,000 tomorrow,” Marbut commented.
While it looked good on paper, there were plenty of lulls throughout the day for the Auburn team. Of the 30 areas they fished, only three produced bites. Still, Smith said the duo landed the majority of their weight by 9 a.m.
“We bounced around and hit a bunch of places, but it was tough during the midday,” Smith said. “We made one stop at the end of the day and caught a big one.”
Fishing mainly offshore ledges, the duo has found schools in about 12 feet of water all the way out to 20 feet of water. Of those schools, they said three are better than the rest, one in shallow water and the other two deep.
To catch their bass, they have been rotating through the standard ledge-fishing arsenal, baits like deeper-diving crankbaits, swimbaits and jigs.
“We have some that not everyone found,” Marbut said. “We scanned the whole practice and looked for some sneakier stuff that not everyone would be on.”
Using forward-facing sonar, Marbut and Smith have noticed most of their bass have been relating to the bottom of the ledge. Many of their spots don’t have baitfish around — and when a ball of shad does show up, it scatters the bass.
“We’ll see some bait come over the top of them and the bass will start chasing them. It kind of pulls them off the place, so it’s not really the best,” Smith said.
It was a slow start for Szambelan and Flacke. But when showers moved out of the area around midday, the bass began to bite and the Missouri State duo was able to take advantage.
“We stayed calm, kept our heads up and kept fishing,” Flacke said. “We had our final bag around 1.”
Similar to Smith and Marbut, Szambelan and Flacke are focusing on offshore ledges, finding more bass in the 12- to 15-foot range. A couple of baits, including a drop shot and small swimbait, produced most of their weight.
“We have a handful of spots, but they are all getting pressured by a bunch of different guys,” Szambelan said. “We found seven schools in practice. They were pretty good when we found them, but we were only able to hit one or two today.”
Forward-facing sonar has helped them pick off some of the bass that are suspended or roaming. Szambelan said it has been about 50/50 as to whether the bass were set up on the bottom or suspended.
While it didn’t go exactly as they planned, Pirman and Chaddock caught their 19-9 Day 1 limit in areas where they found success during practice.
After a lull, the West Virginia duo discovered a new pattern and was able to make a couple of key culls. They switched between deep and shallow areas and power fished with a couple of baits.
With more sun in the forecast Friday, they hope the secondary pattern will hold up.
Cole and Clay Taylor from Lander University in South Carolina caught a 7-12 largemouth to take Big Bass of the Day honors.
The full field will take off from Pickwick Landing State Park at 6 a.m. CT and return at 2 p.m. for weigh-in. The field will be cut to the Top 12 after the Day 2 weigh-in. Full coverage will be available on Bassmaster.com.
2023 Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship at Pickwick Lake
presented by Bass Pro Shops 8/10-8/12
Pickwick Lake, Counce TN.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Club/School Pts
1. Hayden Marbut - Tucker Smith Auburn University 250
Day 1: 5 20-08 Total: 5 20-08
2. Aric Szambelan - Tyler Flacke Missouri State University 249
Day 1: 5 19-15 Total: 5 19-15
3. Hayden Pirman - Luke Chaddock West Virginia University 248
Day 1: 5 19-09 Total: 5 19-09
4. Kyle Zainitzer - Avery Whitwell University of North Alabama 247
Day 1: 5 19-08 Total: 5 19-08
5. Chris Baker - Elijah Kelley Kentucky Christian University 246
Day 1: 5 19-07 Total: 5 19-07
6. Cole Taylor - Clay Taylor Lander University 245
Day 1: 4 18-12 Total: 4 18-12
7. Matthew Cummings - Levi Mullins Bethel University 244
Day 1: 5 18-05 Total: 5 18-05
7. Easton Fothergill - Nick Dumke University of Montevallo 244
Day 1: 5 18-05 Total: 5 18-05
9. Tyler Campbell - Parker Guy Emmanuel University 242
Day 1: 5 17-13 Total: 5 17-13
10. Joey Bissing - Jackson Paden University of Tennessee 241
Day 1: 5 17-12 Total: 5 17-12
11. Brody Robison - Jack Alexander University of Montevallo 240
Day 1: 5 17-08 Total: 5 17-08
12. Dylan May - Carson Palmer Carson-Newman University 239
Day 1: 5 16-15 Total: 5 16-15
13. Brandon Martin - Cole Holloway Emmanuel University 238
Day 1: 5 16-07 Total: 5 16-07
14. TJ McKenzie - Seth Jenkins Emmanuel University 237
Day 1: 5 16-05 Total: 5 16-05
14. Hunter Suchsland - Cade Ludwig University of Nebraska-Lincoln 237
Day 1: 5 16-05 Total: 5 16-05
16. Dalton DeFelice - Connor Tonkel Southwestern Michigan College 235
Day 1: 5 16-02 Total: 5 16-02
17. Will Oberman - Wil Rigdon Campbellsville University 234
Day 1: 5 16-00 Total: 5 16-00
18. Mike Pierlott - Max Pierlott UNC Charlotte 233
Day 1: 5 15-10 Total: 5 15-10
19. James Willoughby - Jacob Pfundt University of Montevallo 232
Day 1: 5 15-09 Total: 5 15-09
20. Kaleb Brown - Cole Moulton Lander University 231
Day 1: 5 15-04 Total: 5 15-04
21. Dalton Eury - Zeb Roberts Catawba Valley Community College 230
Day 1: 5 15-03 Total: 5 15-03
22. Tim Herrmann - Justin Botts Bryan College 229
Day 1: 5 15-02 Total: 5 15-02
23. Tyler Hudson - Evan Mcnaughton Western Kentucky University 228
Day 1: 5 15-01 Total: 5 15-01
24. Braylon Eggerding - Adrian College 227
Day 1: 4 15-00 Total: 4 15-00
25. Nathan Reynolds - Banks Shaw University of North Alabama 226
Day 1: 5 14-12 Total: 5 14-12
26. Zachary Ward - Easton Bouma Drury University 225
Day 1: 5 14-11 Total: 5 14-11
27. Hudson Choquette - University of Montevallo 224
Day 1: 5 14-10 Total: 5 14-10
28. Tripp Bowman - Matthew Nesbit LSU - Shreveport 223
Day 1: 5 14-09 Total: 5 14-09
29. Drake Hemby - Ewing Minor Carson-Newman University 222
Day 1: 5 14-09 Total: 5 14-09
30. Jacob Butts - Mark Kershaw-Klara USC Union 221
Day 1: 5 14-07 Total: 5 14-07
30. Trey Schroeder - Lane Stephens McKendree University 221
Day 1: 5 14-07 Total: 5 14-07
32. Seth Slanker - Jackson Swisher Florida Gateway College 219
Day 1: 5 14-07 Total: 5 14-07
33. Adrian Urso - Cole Hadlock Murray State University 218
Day 1: 5 14-06 Total: 5 14-06
34. Beau Browning - Drake Sturgill University of Montevallo 217
Day 1: 5 14-04 Total: 5 14-04
35. Jared Hubbard - Riley Hendricks Lander University 216
Day 1: 5 14-04 Total: 5 14-04
36. Blake Bullock - John Mark Berry Blue Mountain Christian Universi 215
Day 1: 5 14-01 Total: 5 14-01
37. Szymon Piton - Gavin Clevenger Carson-Newman University 214
Day 1: 5 14-00 Total: 5 14-00
38. Merrick Diaz - Cade Hayford Campbellsville University 213
Day 1: 5 13-14 Total: 5 13-14
38. Grant Williams - Nathan MacDonald Mississippi State University 213
Day 1: 5 13-14 Total: 5 13-14
40. Lane Clark - Adam Seagle Erskine College 211
Day 1: 5 13-12 Total: 5 13-12
40. Noah Trant - Evan Howe Northwestern State University 211
Day 1: 5 13-12 Total: 5 13-12
42. Andrew Ready - Harley Collins Webber International University 209
Day 1: 5 13-09 Total: 5 13-09
43. Mason Hoke - Jayce Garrison Sam Houston State University 208
Day 1: 5 13-08 Total: 5 13-08
44. Smith McGregor - Ben Ivey University of North Alabama 207
Day 1: 5 13-01 Total: 5 13-01
45. Jordan Brewer - Sam Harvey Auburn University 206
Day 1: 5 12-15 Total: 5 12-15
45. Sam Hanggi - Sam Hoesley Auburn University 206
Day 1: 5 12-15 Total: 5 12-15
47. Ben Brockwell - Kentucky Christian University 204
Day 1: 5 12-14 Total: 5 12-14
47. Reese Walters - Garrett Walters University of Alabama 204
Day 1: 5 12-14 Total: 5 12-14
49. Tallis Morrison - Jonathan Hanna Erskine College 202
Day 1: 5 12-10 Total: 5 12-10
50. Aaron Jagdfeld - Elliot Wielgopolski Adrian College 201
Day 1: 4 12-08 Total: 4 12-08
51. Dylan Nutt - Carter Nutt University of North Alabama 200
Day 1: 5 12-01 Total: 5 12-01
51. Austin Parr - Hunter White Erskine College 200
Day 1: 5 12-01 Total: 5 12-01
53. Evan Sutton - Grant Olsen McKendree University 198
Day 1: 5 11-11 Total: 5 11-11
54. Will Ahnen - Caleb Knoll University of Wisconsin-La Cross 197
Day 1: 5 11-10 Total: 5 11-10
54. Dylan Fogarty - Hunter Fillmore Bethel University 197
Day 1: 5 11-10 Total: 5 11-10
56. Henry Mcpherson - Matthew German University of Alabama 195
Day 1: 4 11-05 Total: 4 11-05
57. Nate Triplett - Cy Lambert University of North Alabama 194
Day 1: 5 11-04 Total: 5 11-04
58. Jaxson Freeman - Maxwell Trotter McKendree University 193
Day 1: 5 11-03 Total: 5 11-03
59. Noah Vanderwall - Daniel Borrousch Purdue University 192
Day 1: 5 10-14 Total: 5 10-14
60. Braden Cox - Joel Berelsman Ohio State University 191
Day 1: 5 10-13 Total: 5 10-13
61. Hunter Townsend - Jonathan Wehner Jr James Madison University 190
Day 1: 5 10-10 Total: 5 10-10
62. Merritt Arnold - Chance Schwartz University of Montevallo 189
Day 1: 3 10-10 Total: 3 10-10
63. William Tew - Brayden Nichols LSU - Shreveport 188
Day 1: 5 10-08 Total: 5 10-08
64. Kyle Workman - Evan Barker Campbellsville University 187
Day 1: 4 10-08 Total: 4 10-08
65. Anderson Jones - Max Muzones Lander University 186
Day 1: 4 10-06 Total: 4 10-06
66. Kaden Proffitt - Cason Ragsdale East Texas Baptist University 185
Day 1: 4 10-05 Total: 4 10-05
67. Jeremy Monda - Bryson O'steen Florida Gateway College 184
Day 1: 5 10-04 Total: 5 10-04
68. Turner Hart - Summer Dees Bryan College 183
Day 1: 4 10-02 Total: 4 10-02
69. Sam Smith - Connor Jacob Auburn University 182
Day 1: 4 09-14 Total: 4 09-14
70. Corey Yaden - Caleb Barrow Brewton-Parker College 181
Day 1: 3 09-12 Total: 3 09-12
71. Riley Faulkner - Cole Rankin Carson-Newman University 180
Day 1: 3 09-11 Total: 3 09-11
72. Stevie Mills - Brady Duncan Carson-Newman University 179
Day 1: 4 09-08 Total: 4 09-08
72. Jackson Smith - Sawyer Williams Bethel University 179
Day 1: 4 09-08 Total: 4 09-08
74. Andrew Blanton - Jamison Bagwell Lander University 177
Day 1: 4 09-07 Total: 4 09-07
75. Ryan Park - Sam Niemeyer Murray State University 176
Day 1: 4 09-06 Total: 4 09-06
76. Tommy Dunaway - Seth Jones Florida Gateway College 175
Day 1: 5 09-05 Total: 5 09-05
77. TJ Edwards Jr - Blue Mountain Christian Universi 174
Day 1: 2 09-05 Total: 2 09-05
78. Bryant Martin - Luke Batts LSU - Shreveport 173
Day 1: 4 09-02 Total: 4 09-02
79. Hayden Gaddis - Ben Cully Carson-Newman University 172
Day 1: 4 09-01 Total: 4 09-01
79. James Gillis - Blake Richards Clarkson University 172
Day 1: 4 09-01 Total: 4 09-01
81. Dylan Akins - Chase Carey Emmanuel University 170
Day 1: 4 09-00 Total: 4 09-00
82. Chase Hubble - Brent May University of Florida 169
Day 1: 3 07-11 Total: 3 07-11
83. Evan Fields - Campbellsville University 168
Day 1: 3 07-10 Total: 3 07-10
84. Peyton Harris - Dalton Head University of Montevallo 167
Day 1: 3 07-08 Total: 3 07-08
85. Tyler Cory - Scott Sledge University of Montevallo 166
Day 1: 4 07-05 Total: 4 07-05
86. Connor Cartmell - Andrew Vereen Coastal Carolina University 165
Day 1: 2 07-02 Total: 2 07-02
87. Colby Carrier - Justin Frey Bethel University 164
Day 1: 3 06-15 Total: 3 06-15
88. Nicholas Holtgrave - Colsyn Head McKendree University 163
Day 1: 2 06-13 Total: 2 06-13
89. Caleb Dachenhaus - Sam Shoemaker Adrian College 162
Day 1: 3 06-10 Total: 3 06-10
90. Jake Thornbury - Morgan Miracle Campbellsville University 161
Day 1: 2 06-06 Total: 2 06-06
91. Braden Fairbanks - Kentucky Christian University 160
Day 1: 2 06-03 Total: 2 06-03
92. Jonah Potts - Drew Fromm Wabash Valley College 159
Day 1: 3 06-01 Total: 3 06-01
93. Nate Kimberling - Matt Kavanaugh University of Idaho 158
Day 1: 3 05-13 Total: 3 05-13
94. Hunter McClaskey - Landon Lawson King University 157
Day 1: 2 05-13 Total: 2 05-13
95. Bennett Slinkard - Carty Shoen Auburn University 156
Day 1: 2 05-12 Total: 2 05-12
96. Brenton Godwin - Hunter Odom University of Montevallo 155
Day 1: 2 05-11 Total: 2 05-11
96. Cabe Mackey - William Hammond Catawba Valley Community College 155
Day 1: 2 05-11 Total: 2 05-11
96. Gus McLarry - Jared West Texas A&M Commerce 155
Day 1: 2 05-11 Total: 2 05-11
99. Levi Thibodaux - Chance Shelby LSU - Shreveport 152
Day 1: 2 05-05 Total: 2 05-05
100. Luke Glasgow - Logan Barrett Mississippi State University 151
Day 1: 2 05-04 Total: 2 05-04
101. Ryan Lachniet - Clay Oberman Campbellsville University 150
Day 1: 2 05-00 Total: 2 05-00
102. Seth Elkins - Dale Hansard Jacksonville State University 149
Day 1: 2 04-15 Total: 2 04-15
102. Nick Redlin - Benjamin Redlin University of Wisconsin-Plattevil 149
Day 1: 2 04-15 Total: 2 04-15
104. Owen Januszewski - Matt Mosby Adrian College 147
Day 1: 2 04-12 Total: 2 04-12
105. Landon Surrett - Hampton Shull Lander University 146
Day 1: 2 04-09 Total: 2 04-09
106. Nathan Lee - Chase Bolden University of Wisconsin-Plattevi 145
Day 1: 2 04-02 Total: 2 04-02
107. Cole Dodson - Tyler Cain University of Montevallo 144
Day 1: 2 04-01 Total: 2 04-01
108. Jake Monti - Samuel Dunson UNC Charlotte 143
Day 1: 1 04-00 Total: 1 04-00
109. Blake Milligan - Matthew Parrish Auburn University 142
Day 1: 2 03-12 Total: 2 03-12
110. Brooks Anderson - Max Heaton Emmanuel University 141
Day 1: 1 03-09 Total: 1 03-09
110. Garrett Thompson - Ethan Perry West Virginia University 141
Day 1: 1 03-09 Total: 1 03-09
112. Christian Turner - John Gray Coastal Carolina University 139
Day 1: 1 03-03 Total: 1 03-03
113. Hayden Scott - Jerry Brumbaugh Jr. Adrian College 138
Day 1: 1 03-01 Total: 1 03-01
114. Colton Hill - Tomas Matual McKendree University 137
Day 1: 2 02-15 Total: 2 02-15
115. Kyle Simmons - Brett Halstead Kansas State University 136
Day 1: 1 02-10 Total: 1 02-10
116. Eric Wawrzyniak - Dylan Crystaloski Penn State University 135
Day 1: 1 02-06 Total: 1 02-06
117. Garrett Warren - Jake Peck Auburn University 134
Day 1: 1 02-05 Total: 1 02-05
118. Fisher Hill - Paris Mccullers Murray State College 133
Day 1: 1 02-04 Total: 1 02-04
119. Jacob Silver - Western Carolina University 132
Day 1: 1 02-03 Total: 1 02-03
120. Clayton Easter - Trevor Easter Tarleton State University 131
Day 1: 1 02-02 Total: 1 02-02
121. Tyson Verkaik - Carson Kamien University of Florida 130
Day 1: 1 02-01 Total: 1 02-01
122. Jordan Pennington - Andrew Oswalt University of Montevallo 129
Day 1: 1 02-00 Total: 1 02-00
123. Corey Morris - Brayden Mercer East Texas Baptist University 128
Day 1: 1 01-14 Total: 1 01-14
124. Logan Plueger - Charlie Wright University of Montevallo 127
Day 1: 1 01-11 Total: 1 01-11
125. Wes Bailey - Lake Norsworthy Blue Mountain Christian Universi 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
125. Cal Culpepper - Ryan Thomas University of Montevallo 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
125. Mitch Johnson - Gunner Whitaker Kentucky Christian University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
125. Braydon Kelley - Trey McMeen East Texas Baptist University 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
125. Giancarlo Russo - Florida Gateway College 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
125. Myles Steward - Trey Zagrzebski University of Wisconsin-Stevens 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
125. Zachary Verbrugge - Mohave Community College 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 60 459 1290-14
------------------------------
60 459 1290-14
Water level could shuffle the deck during Bassmaster Elite Series event at Lake Champlain
Plattsburgh, N.Y., will host the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain August 17-20.
Photo by James Overstreet/B.A.S.S.
August 10, 2023
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — The formula is usually pretty clear, but Elite Series pro Bryan Schmitt believes recent meteorological events could play a role in at least influencing, if not determining, the outcome of the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain.
Competition days will be Aug. 17-20 with daily takeoffs from Plattsburgh City Marina at 7 a.m. ET and weigh-ins each day back at the marina at 3 p.m. Full coverage will be available on Bassmaster.com.
One of the most picturesque fisheries the Elites visit, this 435-square-mile natural lake straddling the New York/Vermont border delights anglers with the bass fishing trifecta — diversity, quantity and quality. In a sentence, Lake Champlain abounds with big numbers of largemouth and smallmouth bass, many of which bulge with day-making dimensions.
“That’s what I think is so cool about Champlain,” said Schmitt, the Maryland native who won the last Elite event on Champlain in 2021, as well as a 2016 Bassmaster Open there. “There are some lakes you go to that have both species, but the history is that, if you want to win, you gotta target (one or the other).
“I feel certain there is winning potential with both species. You could win with just one.”
As Schmitt notes, summer events tend to favor the smallies, and with the rapid developments in forward-facing sonar technology, the search has become increasingly time efficient. While largemouth like to park, smallmouth can be more mobile. So, casting to specific fish with drop shots, Ned rigs, jerkbaits, etc., watching their reactions in real time and then making the appropriate adjustments sharpens the game.
“Offshore areas with a grass and rock mix will play for smallmouth,” Schmitt said. “Also, I think your traditional points and isolated boulders are usually the deal.”
Along with the smallmouth parade, just about every Champlain tournament sees largemouth make a strong showing. This year, Schmitt believes the lake’s water level could open the door for even greater green-fish impact.
In early July, a slow-moving rain event dropped a massive volume of water on the Champlain Valley and had the lake flirting with flood stage. Two weeks before the tournament’s start date, Champlain stood about 3 feet above its normal summertime level.
“That’s a humongous amount of water for that lake and, typically, that helps out the largemouth dramatically,” Schmitt said. “You get all of this shoreline cover that now has plenty of water under it. Like cattails, reeds, pads — anything on the bank that normally doesn’t have any (significant amount of) water during the summertime.
“Champlain (previously) had a long streak of lower water, and I believe a lot of vegetation has grown up and it now has water on it.”
Schmitt said flipping cover with jigs and Texas-rigged worms and creature baits, frogging, skipping docks and throwing topwater walkers and buzzbaits will put largemouth in the boat. Mornings, he said, usually produce the better reaction bites, as largemouth like to tuck into and under cover during the heat of the day.
One specific variable the water level could influence involves the area colloquially known as “Ti” — the narrowing lower lake region near Fort Ticonderoga. With vast fields of shallow vegetation and shoreline cover, Ti fishes more like a Southern largemouth fishery, where frogs, flipping and swim jigs can introduce you to a real Champlain lake monster (look up the legend of “Champ”).
“So, that’s going to be the wild card,” Schmitt said of the Ti factor. “With all this higher water, it’s going to be like a cup of fresh life for Ticonderoga fishing. There are giant bags to be caught there, and it can be tricky when the water’s low. But with the water up, it could get interesting.”
Ultimately, Schmitt’s leaning more toward a smallmouth-heavy show. With popular areas in the midlake region and the Inland Sea sure to deliver brown-bass bonanzas, we’ll likely see the majority of the field resisting the lower lake’s siren song.
Moreover, even if Ti ignites, this potential gold mine carries significant liabilities. For one thing, this area is notoriously fickle, and once you commit to the nearly 70-mile run from Plattsburgh, that’s pretty much your day.
The other very real consideration involves the potential for rough water. Given Champlain’s north-south orientation, a wind blowing right down the pipe can turn this place into a washing machine.
“It’s a huge time gamble (in calm weather),” Schmitt said. “If it’s calm, you can make the run in about an hour, but you’ll usually have to stop for gas. If it gets snotty, it can end your day because you can’t get back.
“I’m kind of intrigued to see what could be down in Ti. Can it be won there? Yes and no — it’s a lot to ask for four days. A guy could do two or three days down there and be willing to leave it and do something else for a day or two.”
Whatever course anglers take, Schmitt said Champlain holds enough smallmouth to last four days, but a winning game plan will almost certainly comprise multiple spots. There will be many mixed bags of smallmouth and largemouth, and the daily big fish will likely be of the green variety.
Based on past events and current conditions, Schmitt’s looking for daily weights of 19 1/4 to 19 1/2 pounds to make the Top 10 cut for Championship Sunday. He expects a four-day total of 81 to 82 pounds to earn the blue trophy and the $100,000 top prize.
The Champlain event will be followed by the season finale for the Elite Series on the St. Lawrence River in Clayton, N.Y., Aug. 24-27. The final two events of the season will decide the winner of the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year title and the $100,000 first-place prize that goes with it.
Going into the Champlain event, South Carolina pro Brandon Cobb leads the race with 573 points. He is followed closely by Alabama pro Kyle Welcherwith 572 points, Louisiana’s Tyler Rivet with 532, Florida’s John Cox with 532 and Georgia’s Drew Cook with 529.
The final two events will also decide the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Rookie of the Year, which offers a $10,000 bonus to the winner. With two victories so far this season, Arkansas pro Joey Cifuentes III leads the race with 516 points, followed by Japan’s Kyoya Fujita with 491 and Alabama pro Will Davis Jr. with 460.
Bassmaster LIVE kicks off tournament coverage Thursday and Friday mornings at 8 a.m. ET on Bassmaster.com, Tubi and the FOX Sports platforms, while FS1 will broadcast live with the tournament leaders Saturday and Sunday.
New Bassmaster College Series format creates opportunities for more anglers
August 10, 2023
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Officials have unveiled a new format for the Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops beginning with the 2024 season. Under the new format, which helps meet the booming demand for college teams to compete, there is more priority placed on the Bassmaster College Team of the Year standings to qualify for both the National Championship and the College Classic Bracket presented by Lew's.
“Over the past few years, college fishing has surged in popularity, and, even with expanding our field size, B.A.S.S. had a massive waiting list of more than 460 teams that wanted to compete in our 2023 College Series events,” said Glenn Cale, tournament manager for the College, High School and Junior Series. “This new format opens avenues for more teams to compete while also prioritizing a team’s overall body of work throughout the season and rewarding a strong National Championship showing.”
Beginning in 2024, the Bassmaster College Series will have two divisions, each with three tournaments, rather than the current four-tournament series. Each tournament will be capped at 250 teams, with the Top 25 teams from each event qualifying for the College Series National Championship.
Teams may only register for one division and will be competing against other teams in their division for valuable Team of the Year points. The Top 20 from each division’s TOY standings will qualify for the National Championship.
Unlike in years past, National Championship results will now factor into crowning a Bassmaster College Team of the Year, with each division’s Top 20 teams vying for the title.
Alongside the Top 20 anglers in each division and tournament qualifiers, the National Championship event will also include up to two qualifiers from each state’s B.A.S.S. Nation College circuit.
The Top 3 teams in the overall Bassmaster College Team of the Year standings — regardless of division — and the National Champions will advance to the College Classic Bracket to compete head-to-head in bracket-style competition for a berth in the iconic Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota. The 2022 College Classic Bracket champion Louis Monetti, part of the UNC Charlotte Team of the Year, became just the third college qualifier in history to make the Championship Sunday cut at the Bassmaster Classic earlier this year, finishing 23rd.
The tournament schedule and registration dates for the 2024 Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops are set to be released later this summer.
Schultz to miss final two Bassmaster Elite events
August 9, 2023
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Bernie Schultz of Gainesville, Fla., is taking a medical hardship and will be unable to fish the final two Elite Series events of the 2023 season. While moving a large-screen television, the Elite Series veteran suffered a complete tear of his bicep, which will require season-ending surgery.
While Schultz initially hoped to tough it out through the final two events, his orthopedic surgeon suggested that waiting three weeks would drastically decrease the likelihood of a successful surgery.
“It hit hard when I got the news,” Schultz said. “I was really looking forward to the New York swing of the season, which makes this a huge disappointment in itself. I truly felt like I could improve my standing in the AOY points.
“When you sign up to fish the Elite Series it’s a full-on commitment, and missing these last two events makes me feel like I’ve let down my sponsors, the fans and my fellow Elite Series anglers.”
Schultz’s current 50th-place position in the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year race would have given him a good chance of qualifying for the 2024 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota — especially considering his successful history in the state of New York.
Schultz is set to have surgery on the first day of practice of the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain. After surgery, the nine-time Classic qualifier will begin his road to recovery and already has his sights set on the 2024 season.
“It’s tough, but I’ll get through it,” he said. “It’s going to take about four months of physical therapy and recovery, then hopefully everything turns out the way we plan and I get back full mobility and strength in that arm. I’m already looking forward to getting to that point and prepping for next year.”
After the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at Lake St. Clair, Schultz drove his boat over to New York rather than drive it all the way back to his home state of Florida. He plans to fly back to New York during the Minn Kota Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River to retrieve his boat and also join Bassmaster LIVE to share his insight on a body of water in which he has an abundance of knowledge.
Full coverage of the final two Elite Series events can be found on Bassmaster.com.
Foundation Outdoor Group Acquires Mud Hole Custom Tackle and American Tackle
Oviedo, FL, August 9. 2023 - Foundation Outdoor Group has made a significant announcement regarding its recent acquisition of Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Inc. and American Tackle Company International, Inc. This strategic move positions the company as the industry's largest supplier of fishing rod components, supplies, equipment, and rod building instruction. The acquisition combines the strengths of these two renowned companies allowing Foundation Outdoor Group to better serve its customers worldwide.
Under the acquisition and merger, Foundation Outdoor Group will take charge of both Mud Hole's Florida headquarters and American Tackle's operations in Florida, Europe, and Asia. This expanded reach allows the company to focus on enhancing its presence in both the direct-to-consumer and business-to-business markets, globally. Expressing his enthusiasm about this development, Tom McNamara, CEO of Foundation Outdoor Group, stated, "We're thrilled to unite the forces of American Tackle and Mud Hole to provide superior service to our customers around the globe. This acquisition not only streamlines the operations but also enables us to offer an even wider range of high-quality brands to both our consumer and business clientele."
With a passion for innovation and excellence, American Tackle Company has earned a reputation for revolutionizing the fishing tackle industry by garnishing 15 industry Best Product Awards including its recent 2023 ICAST Best of Show Award. By combining cutting-edge technology, expert craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of anglers' needs, backed by the industry's best Sales. Service and Development Teams, the company offers a comprehensive range of solutions that elevate the fishing experience to new heights.
Mud Hole Custom Tackle, the recognized leader in the field of custom rod building and tackle crafting supplies worldwide, remains devoted to providing unparalleled products, exceptional value, and top-notch customer service. With a strong e-commerce presence and a wealth of valuable educational content, Mud Hole continues to support the thriving consumer rod building community. Offering an extensive inventory that features the finest components from distinguished brands, rod builders can trust Mud Hole to deliver a diverse range of options. empowering them to
create their own custom designs with absolute precision and perfection.
The Mud Hole and American Tackle brands will join Foundation Outdoor Group's wide-ranging brand portfolio, which includes MHX premium fishing rod blanks, CRB quality rod building tools, supplies, and components, and the industry leading ProProducts line of thread and adhesives. Moving forward, the Foundation Outdoor Group business-to-business sales and solutions team will meet and exceed the needs of OEM fishing rod manufacturers and distributors throughout the world.
Brook Oliva, President and COO of Foundation Outdoor Group, expressed excitement about the future, saying, "This marks an exhilarating time for our industry, particularly for our valued customers. By leveraging the expertise and market leadership of American Tackle, Mud Hole, and their affiliate brands, we can bring even more value to the marketplace and extend our services to a broader audience of consumer and business outdoor enthusiasts, regardless of their location."
Foundation Outdoor Group will maintain its 86,000 square foot (8,000 sqm) headquarters office and distribution center in Oviedo, Florida and operate global offices in Europe and Asia. Both Mud Hole and American Tackle anticipate no impact to existing business operations or customer experience as the acquisition is completed over the next several weeks.
3 Lasting Lessons from KVD’s Final Tournament
Courtesy of Luke Stoner - Dynamic Sponsorships
Photos courtesy of Garrick Dixon/Major League Fishing
While we all knew Minn Kota Stage Seven presented by Suzuki would be the final regular-season tournament Kevin VanDamfished, I don’t think the gravity of the situation was felt until Saturday’s Knockout Round. Entering the semifinal round of competition, you started to hear more emotion in KVD’s voice during interviews. All the sudden the weight of the moment was tangible.
When VanDam lit up the SCORETRACKER that morning and power-fished himself into the lead, he captivated the attention of the entire fishing industry. It felt like everyone, even those competing against him, wanted to see KVD hoist the trophy on Sunday and put the perfect end to his unparalleled career.
While he didn’t get his fairytale finish, ultimately finishing in second place, the consensus greatest bass angler of all time did continue his legacy of teaching and offered a few more lasting lessons during his final event.
KVD has been educating people on bass fishing for over thirty years, and the Team Toyota pro went out dropping knowledge even greater than ‘how to catch smallmouth off flats’ or ‘how to crank an offshore ledge’.
Integrity
As well-known as he is to fishing fans for his trophies and accolades, VanDam is similarly praised amongst industry pundits for his class, professionalism, and integrity.
KVD leads mostly by example, but after paying his respects to fellow BPT competitor Randall Tharp, who left the spot they had been sharing on Saginaw Bay to VanDam Saturday morning, he imparted some wisdom regarding integrity in the sport of bass fishing.
“In this day and age… integrity in bass fishing is not what it used to be,” VanDam warned. “Guys like Tharp get it… The one thing you should never sacrifice is your integrity. There is no trophy or check out here that’s worth giving that up, because that’s all you have in the end.”
KVD’s tips have helped thousands of people catch bass over the years, but for future of tournament fishing, perhaps no lesson is of greater importance than his input on integrity and character.
How to be an ambassador
Simply stated, there is no one who works harder to promote not only his sponsors, but the sport of bass fishing, than Kevin VanDam. KVD has been the living, breathing definition of an ambassador in fishing for decades. This didn’t stop during his last tournament, as the Kalamazoo-not-so-kid-anymoreproceeded to set an example for all to follow.
He helped organize and host a riverfront cleanup in Bay City through The Kevin VanDam Foundation in conjunction with Costa Sunglasses during Stage Seven. As a Michigander, he engaged in extra interviews and press obligations all through the week. He happily completed every league or sponsor request, video, picture, social media post, and anything else that was asked of him even with his emotions running high and time running thin.
Finally, when cameras were rolling before he launched for the Championship Round, KVD delivered a powerful and emotional interview where he made sure to praise his wife Sherry and theirtwo sons. Reminding us that as important as tournament fishingis, family is everything and “the reason” as he put it.
The bar is set for being an ambassador in the sport of bass fishing and it’s initialed with three letters… K-V-D.
How to lose
VanDam’s final lesson came in the way he lost.
Ask any pro angler and they will tell you that you’ll lose far more than you’ll win in tournament fishing. When 80 Bass Pro Tour competitors show up for each event, only one leaves a winner, which means 79 leave as losers. Getting beat is a harsh reality that every aspiring tournament angler must come to terms with. When Stage Seven officially concluded, VanDam was among the first people to congratulate Matt Becker on his victory.
But until the clock ran down to zero, KVD’s famous competitive spirit was alive and on full display. With less than 14-minutes in the final period, VanDam strapped his rods down and pulled his trolling motor to make one last-ditch effort to chase downBecker. One final, miserable boat ride in the pouring rain to try and make magic happen.
“I feel like staying here would be giving up… we’ve gotta run and give that rockpile a chance,” VanDam said as he apologized to his camera man and marshal. “I could catch back-to-back five-pounders there… you just never know. But I can’t give up, I never have, and I won’t start now.”
KVD’s catch phrase is, “It’s all about the attitude”. Losing may be a reality in tournament fishing, but VanDam showed it should never be accepted until you’ve exhausted all possibilities. Hescratched, clawed, and fought for the win with a positive attitude regardless of the seemingly insurmountable deficit. He didn’t fold, pack it in, or bask in the moment.
He went out on his own terms, slinging a spinnerbait in the wind and rain until the final bell rang. What a fitting way to close out the most legendary career in the history of tournament bass fishing.
Winans wins first Bonus Bucks check since boating accident
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
It’s no small miracle Brady Winans is standing, and not confined to a wheelchair, as seen in the photo with members of his Hunt Regional Medical Center physical therapy support team, in his hometown of Greenville, Texas.
Winans, a long time fishing industry sales rep for brands like Huk, Costa, 6th Sense, and Falcon Rods broke more bones than Humpty Dumpty following a horrific fog-related crash, when his longtime fishing partner’s bass boat hit the rip rap dam on Cedar Creek reservoir two weeks before Christmas in a winter fishing trip 19 months ago.
Ejected from the boat at 40 mph, Winans body was tossed on to the jagged rocks, fracturing several portions of his body, including his back. He was then transported by helicopter from the top of the dam they’d planned to throw an Alabama Rig on just a few minutes earlier.
“I broke a lot of big stuff. Including my back, collar bone, ribs, femur, and my ankle was basically a bag of broken pieces,” says the 48-year-old father of two young boys.
“So, yea, the people you see in the photo with me, along with the incredible staff at UT Tyler, where I was hospitalized for three months, are like family. They’re the crew that had to put Humpty Dumpty back together again,” grins the always comical Winans.
Word of his accident spread quickly to fellow anglers as well as his fishing industry family, and the display of generosity that precipitated still brings him to tears.
“For starters, my long time boss Russell Cecil, who is a great salesman, but an even better person, assured me that no matter how long it took me to recover, I’d always have a job with Sunbelt Sales, and that if I needed to work from home, instead of visiting our dealers for a while, that was fine too,” says Winans.
To further assure financial support, anglers and the fishing industry rallied big time. A GoFundMe account raised $45,000, top pros raffled off fishing trips in his honor and fishing companies donated thousands of dollars in merchandise to a silent auction. Plus, 6th Sense lure company sold special edition “Build Back Brady” t-shirts that raised another $9,000, and 85 teams showed-up to raise even more money at a benefit tournament on Lake Tawakoni.
“When you see all that. When people ranging from Bassmaster Classic Champions to people you’ve never met are contributing their time and money to help heal you, there’s just no way I could give up physically or mentally,” he says.
But for more than himself or anybody else, Brady Winans has battled for his wife, Val and their two boys. “I’m so blessed to have a sweet wife who’s a nurse, and I’ll tell you, a huge percentage of my will and motivation comes from her, because I don’t want to let her down.”
Winans hasn’t let anybody down. In fact, he’s inspired thousands, largely by frequently posting his challenges and progress on social media.
And yes, he’s back in a bass boat. Fishing from the back deck with Stan Lawing, where he threw a 6th Sense Vega frog and a 6th Sense braid swim jig in a highly competitive Bass Champs team trail event recently to finish in 37th place, good enough for his first Toyota Bonus Bucks check since the accident.
The new Tundra CrewMax Limited he purchased is equipped with hand control brake and accelerator devices, because he’s still working hard to regain full use of his legs, ankles and feet. And while he does in fact utilize a wheelchair frequently, he’s extremely self-motivated to use his Loftstrand crutches as much as possible, with the ultimate goal of someday needing neither.
Nobody’s betting against him. Not his physical therapy team. Not his friends nor fellow anglers. And certainly not the head coach and quarterback of his support team, Val, the one he fights hardest for, along with their two young sons, in the on-going effort to Build Back Brady.
To learn more about how anglers like Brady are benefiting from Toyota Bonus Bucks, please visit https://www.toyotatrucksbonusbucks.com/.
The Biggest Little Swimbait
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Of Salmon, Steelhead and Stripers
DAIWA effectively targets them all with new Metallia rod series. |
FOOTHILL RANCH, CA (August 8, 2023) – On a mission to provide the needed actions and features to assist salmon and steelhead anglers – including crossover West Coast striper fishing situations – DAIWA introduces its new 14 model Metallia SS rod series, constructed from durable HVF Nanoplus graphite blanks and backed by a five-year limited warranty. Within eight spinning and six casting rods for a multitude of fishing techniques and situations, DAIWA’s new Metallia SS series includes the right rods for everything from pulling plugs, bobber-dogging, twitching, drifting, and bottom-bouncing. Certainly, efficient from a boat, models are also ideal for fishing from shore. The series also includes one-piece ‘shooter rods’ that can crossover for NorCal striper fishing. |
“While the focus with the Metallia SS rods centers on salmon and steelhead fishing, with recent fishing regulations in California extremely limiting the opportunities for anglers there, it was a must that we provide anglers fishing the Bay, Delta, and other area waters the right rods for success with the available striper fishery,” said Scott Byrne, who works extensively with DAIWA’s dealers in the NorCal region. “Anglers in the area are not going to stop fishing. If you can’t tackle a salmon or steelhead, the next best thing is to target big stripers.” |
Also, part of the DAIWA development team on the Metallia SS rods series through his efforts with tackle shops in the Pac NW, Mark Landry notes that salmon and steelhead anglers will appreciate the comfortable and sure feel from the natural cork grips with an extended front section. “Anglers will also take notice of DAIWA’s X45 Bias construction to prevent blank twisting and how it contributes to longer casts,” said Landry. “And the lightweight yet durable Fuji Fazlite guides are designed to encourage long casts, while still being sensitive to the bend of the rod.” He notes the series includes two ideal all-around boat rods, the Metallia SS MTLA902MHFS and MTLA932MFB, while bank anglers will enjoy the 9’9” MTLA992MLFS spinning rod for float/bobber-dogging techniques. |
|
|
Offered with fast actions (outside of the 10’6 and 11’6 ‘R’ power parabolic/moderate short-absorbing action) and powers ranging from light, medium-light, medium, medium-heavy, and heavy, the Metallia SS series rods vary in one-piece lengths from 7’6” to 8’, and in two-piece models in lengths including 8’6”, 9’, 9’3”, 9’9”, 10’6”, and 11’6. |
|
“These new Metallia SS rods demonstrate further development by DAIWA in designing more rods addressing the needs for salmon, steelhead, and striper anglers,” said DAIWA’s senior marketing manager Marc Mills. “Anglers have gravitated to DIAWA’s Lexa, Ballistic, and Fuego reels, and now we have the right rods to match them up with salmon, steelhead, and stripers. And watch for additions to the Metallia SS series over the new few years.” |
|
DETAILS:
MSRP $179.99 to $189.99 |
|
Massena Readies for MLF Toyota Series at St. Lawrence River
MASSENA, N.Y. (Aug. 7, 2023) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats is set to visit Massena, New York, and the St. Lawrence River this week, Aug. 10-12, for the second event in the Toyota Series Northern Division Presented by Rabid Baits – the Toyota Series at the St. Lawrence River Presented by Rabid Baits.
The three-day tournament, hosted by the Town of Massena, will feature a roster of the region’s best bass-fishing pros and Strike King 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 Mercury outboard motor in the co-angler division.
This event marks the seventh time in eight years that the Toyota Series Northern Division has visited the St. Lawrence River, so most competitors should be pretty familiar with the world-class fishery. The river has been fishing very good, lately, and weights are expected to be strong for this tournament – most anglers are predicting five-bass limits weighing 20 to 24 pounds a day to be a good target.
Drop-shot rigs are expected to be the main tactic, with anglers’ electronics being a crucial element to locating the bountiful smallmouth. Other smallmouth staples like Ned rigs, tubes, jerkbaits, swimbaits and hair jigs will be strong players as well.
Anglers will launch at 6 a.m. ET each day from the Massena Intake Boat Launch, located at 1415 State Highway 131 in Massena. Weigh-ins will also be held at the Marina and will begin at 2 p.m.Fans are welcome to attend and encouraged to follow the event online through the “MLF Live” weigh-in broadcasts and daily coverage at 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 scaling down for every boat below 160. With a 160-boat field, pros fish for a top prize of $40,000, plus an extra $35,000 if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard (valued at $33,500). With a 260-boat field, pros fish for a top award of $65,000, plus an extra $35,000 if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard (valued at $33,500) plus $5,000 cash.
The 2023 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats consists of six divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern, Southwestern and the Western Division Presented by Tackle Warehouse – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the six divisions or the Wild Card division and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning up to $235,000 and a qualification to REDCREST 2024. The winning Strike King co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard. The 2023 Toyota Series Championship will be held Nov. 2-4 on Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri, and is hosted by ExploreBranson.com.
Proud sponsors of the 2023 MLF Toyota Series include: 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Black Rifle Coffee Company, E3, Favorite Fishing, Fox Rent a Car, General Tire, Gill, Grundéns, Lew’s, Lowrance, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Next Gen Lithium, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Wiley X and YETI.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Toyota Series updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Ohio’s Fricke ‘Finally’ Records Elusive Victory at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at the Ohio River in Maysville
Smith Wins Strike King Co-Angler Division
MAYSVILLE, Ky. (Aug. 7, 2023) – Boater Dave Fricke of Hamilton, Ohio, caught a five-bass limit weighing 11 pounds, 13 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on the Ohio River in Maysville presented by Rabid Baits . The tournament was the fourth event of the season for the BFL Buckeye Presented by Rabid Baits Division. Fricke earned $3,963 for his victory.
“I found some fish in practice,” said Fricke, who said he concentrated his efforts near the Manchester Islands east of Maysville. “I went in today and caught four of them pretty much right away.
“The fish were shallow – 1 to 3 feet – on flats and blowing up on bait,” Fricke continued. “I went through a series of baits and found they would hit the drop shot. After I had the fourth fish, I thought I had a good shot of doing well, because they were decent fish.”
Fricke said he relocated to check some main river spots but returned to his primary area and caught two more quality fish. Fricke caught eight fish during the tournament, including six keepers. Although he had posted six BFL 10-top finishes prior to Saturday’s tournament, a BFL win had remained elusive.
“I’m still shocked,” Fricke said. “Finally! I’ve waited a long time for this. Three out of four I should have won. I had the winning fish on. I saw the fish. It was really haunting me.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:
1st: Dave Fricke, Hamilton, Ohio, five bass, 11-13, $3,963
2nd: Kenneth Pincombe, Hamilton, Ohio, five bass, 9-0, $1,981
3rd: Bob Robinson, Lebanon, Ohio, four bass, 7-5, $1,822 (includes $500 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus)
4th: Scott Manson, Covington, Ohio, four bass, 7-0, $925
5th: David Hoheisel, Westerville, Ohio, two bass, 6-7, $1,328
6th: William Redmond, Sciotoville, Ohio, five bass, 5-15, $693
6th: Clayton England, Germantown, Ky., five bass, 5-15, $693
8th: Doug Ruster, New Palestine, Ind., five bass, 5-14, $1,111
8th: Tim Adams, Burlington, Ky., three bass, 5-14, $561
10th: Christopher Helfer, Baltimore, Ohio, three bass, 5-11, $462
Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
David Hoheisel of Westerville, Ohio, caught a bass that weighed 4 pounds, 7 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $535.
Jordan Smith of Middletown, Ohio, won the Strike King co-angler division and a total of $1,963 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 5 pounds, 12 ounces.
The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:
1st: Jordan Smith, Middletown, Ohio, five bass, 5-12, $1,963
2nd: Jeff Campbell, Fairfield, Ohio, two bass, 4-9, $981
3rd: Brian Zelinskas, Beavercreek, Ohio, two bass, 3-14, $655
4th: Matt Fisher, Glouster, Ohio, three bass, 3-12, $1,008
5th: Chris Malas, Cincinnati, Ohio, two bass, 3-8, $393
6th: Josh Whitehead, Kent, Ohio, two bass, 3-5, $360
7th: Walter Hammond, Lees Summitt, Mo., two bass, 3-2, $294
7th: Kevin Pierce, Eldorado, Ohio, three bass, 3-2, $294
7th: Sam Scroggins, Owenton, Ky., three bass, 3-2, $294
10th: Jordan Garrett, Portsmouth, Ohio, three bass, 3-1, $229
Adam Radovic of Brecksville, Ohio, earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $265, catching a bass that weighed in at 2 pounds, 12 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.
After four events, Chris Martinkovic of Hamilton, Ohio, leads the BFL Buckeye Presented by Rabid Baits Division Boater Angler of the Year (AOY) race with 951 points, while Steve Sorrell of Beavercreek, Ohio, leads the Strike King Co-Angler Division AOY race with 939 points.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 5-7 BFL Regional tournament on the Potomac River in Marbury, Maryland. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard.
The 2023 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.
Proud sponsors of the 2023 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, General Tire, Grundéns, Gill, Lew’s, Lowrance, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Wiley X and YETI.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Rather Outdoors Appoints Marcus Parker to Senior Vice President of Sales - North America
Columbia, SC - August 7, 2023 – Rather Outdoors, a leader in fishing equipment and innovation, hires Marcus Parker to fulfill the role of Senior Vice President of Sales - North America.
Parker has a rich background within the fishing industry and has been a regional pro staff member for Strike King since 2010, accomplishing numerous top 10 finishes on various tournament trails. Before joining Rather Outdoors, Parker worked in sales at Lakeshore Learning Materials and brings a wealth of knowledge to the sales team at Rather. Parker’s first day was July 12th, and he has hit the ground running ever since. He is in the process visiting each of the North American Rather Outdoors offices with plans to travel internationally to meet with stakeholders and key strategic partners to encourage a grass roots approach to leadership within his new position.
“Over the last 13 years, the people that I have come across – whether it be Strike King at the beginning, and even through this transition – I have always felt a sense of family. That is why I am here. I was successful where I was at, but the leadership of Ken and Rocky and their love for the outdoors, the sport, and their employees – I look forward to adding to that. I also look forward to implementing a non-endemic approach that could bring even more success to our business,” shares Parker.
Parker plans for expansion and continuing to build on the legacy that exists within the brands under Rather Outdoors, with an emphasis on growing distribution channels within new markets. Starting as a tournament angler and being able to re-enter the fishing industry in this new endeavor is a “full circle” experience for Parker.
The Florida native currently resides in Pearland, Texas with his wife of 16 years, Sarah, and two children, Luke and Jonah. Parker is passionate about competitive bass fishing, golf, basketball, and the outdoors in general. Above all, Parker’s foundation is rooted in his faith and his love for Jesus.
“Marcus may be new to the Rather Outdoors team, but he has been like family to us for years,” says Rocky Kalsow, Rather Outdoors President - North America. “This is not really his first day on the job; it’s more like the next logical step in a very long and prosperous collaboration,” shares Kalsow.
Rookie Matt Becker Clinches First MLF Bass Pro Tour Win and Angler of the Year at Minn Kota Stage Seven at Saginaw Bay Presented by Suzuki
Tennessee Pro Catches a Five-Bass-Limit Weighing 22-11 on Final Day to Earn Top Award of $100,000 – Takes Home an Additional $100,000 for 2023 Bally Bet Angler of the Year
BAY CITY, Mich. (Aug. 6, 2023) – Despite inclement weather and a stacked field on Championship Sunday, Favorite Fishing pro Matt Becker of Ten Mile, Tennessee weighed a five-bass limit totaling 22 pounds, 11 ounces to earn his first Bass Pro Tour win and the top award of $100,000 at the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour Minn Kota Stage Seven at Saginaw Bay Presented by Suzuki. Becker’s two-day total of 10 bass weighing 40-9 earned him the win by a whopping 5-pound, 1-ounce margin over the winningest angler of all time, Bass Pro Shops pro Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Michigan , who was competing in his last Bass Pro Tour event before retirement, , and finished in second with a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 35-8.
Coming into the final event of the season at Saginaw Bay, Becker, Jacob Wheeler and Ott DeFoe were separated by only three points in the Bass Pro Tour Bally Bet Angler of the Year (AOY) race, and while all three pros were still in contention late into the final day, it was Becker who moved up from fourth place to clinch the AOY title and take home an additional $100,000.
“I’ve always wanted to win an Angler of the Year trophy, so that was my ultimate goal coming into this event,” said an emotional Becker. “I’m just a poor kid from Pittsburgh, but this was my dream, and I just can’t believe we did it. Anything is possible through Christ, I’ll tell you guys that. If I can do it, anybody can.”
“About half-way through the second period, I realized we could win this tournament and AOY, and I still can’t believe it actually happened,” said Becker. “I expanded to a different area yesterday during the Knockout Round where I’d only had one bite during practice. I went out there at the end of the first period yesterday and started getting a couple bites and caught a decent bag that put me in fifth place and advanced me to the Championship Round.”
Becker spent most of Championship Sunday in the mid-section of Saginaw Bay, around Charity Island.
“This morning I started out a little close to the ramp, but about halfway through the first period I moved out to Charity Island,” said Becker. “I’d found a stretch out there during the Knockout Round, and it didn’t take long for me to find this magic sweet spot. It wasn’t very big, but it had one little school of only about 10 to 15 smallmouth– but they were all 4 to 5 pounds.
“I still don’t know why they were there or what they were doing, but I just happened to stumble onto them and ended up catching 22 pounds pretty quick,” continued Becker. “It was just incredible.”
Becker was using a 7-foot, 2-inch medium-heavy Favorite Fishing Hex Rod, throwing a drop-shot rig with a Yamamoto Shad Shake worm with 15-pound Seaguar Smackdown braid and a 10-pound Seaguar Tatsu Fluorocarbon leader.
“I typically throw the natural shad color, but with the water being a little bit dirty and especially with it being so cloudy and dark today, I went with Becker’s Magic Juice,” said Becker. “That’s a color I designed specifically for tournaments like this, so to win the tournament and AOY on the bait that I designed is just incredible.
“This is the best field of professional anglers in the game, no doubt,” Becker continued. “This field is stacked and that’s exactly why I wanted to be on the Bass Pro Tour – I wanted to fish against the best anglers in the world and see if I could prove myself and compete with them.
“Showing up to the first event this year, I really wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d never really fished much against Wheeler or VanDam or any of the greats in the sport, so I was kind of curious how I would be able to compete against this field.
“I had an average finish at the first event in Florida, but it’s really just been uphill ever since,” said Becker. “I’ve finished with four top 10’s in the last six tournaments, so that’s been a really good way to end the season.”
The top 10 pros from the Minn Kota Stage Seven at Saginaw Bay Presented by Suzuki finished:
2nd: Kevin VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., 10 bass, 35-8, $45,000
3rd: Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala., 10 bass, 34-7, $38,000
4th: Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, 10 bass, 32-9, $32,000
5th: Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas, 10 bass, 32-9, $30,000
6th: Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., 10 bass, 31-14, $26,000
7th: Mark Daniels Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., 10 bass, 31-9, $23,000
8th: Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., 10 bass, 31-8, $21,000
9th: Bryan Thrift, Shelby, N.C., 10 bass, 30-9, $19,000
10th: Cody Meyer, Star, Idaho, 10 bass, 29-5, $16,000
Overall, there were 124 scorable bass weighing 301 pounds, 14 ounces caught by the 10 pros Sunday, which included 20 3-pounders, 7 4-pounders and one 5-pounder.
Becker also won Championship Sunday’s Berkley Big Bass Award, with a smallmouth totaling 5 pounds, 5 ounces, in the third period. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day, and a $3,000 bonus to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass of the tournament. Spencer Shuffield of Hot Springs, Arkansas earned the $3,000 Berkley Big Bass award for the overall largest bass of the event with his 5-pound, 11-ounce largemouth that was weighed on Day 3 of competition.
The Minn Kota Stage Seven at Saginaw Bay Presented by Suzuki featured anglers competing using the MLF catch, weigh, immediate-release format, with each angler’s five (5) heaviest bass per day tallied as their day’s weight. Anglers worked to catch their heaviest five fish each day, while also feeling the pressure and intensity of the live scoring SCORETRACKER® leaderboard. Minimum weights are determined individually for each competition waters that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.
The six-day bass-fishing event showcases 80 of the top professional anglers in the world, competing for a purse of more than $805,000, including a top payout of $100,000 and valuable Angler of the Year (AOY) points in hopes of qualifying for the General Tire Heavy Hitters All-Star event and REDCREST 2024, the Bass Pro Tour championship.
Television coverage of the Minn Kota Stage Seven at Saginaw Bay Presented by Suzuki will air with a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, November 11, on the Discovery Channel. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on the Outdoor Channel.
The 2023 MLF Bass Pro Tour featured a field of 80 of the top professional anglers in the world competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, fishing for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2024, the Bass Pro Tour championship, held March 13-17, 2024, on Lay Lake in Birmingham, Alabama.
Proud sponsors of the 2023 MLF Bass Pro Tour include: 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, Ark Fishing, ATG by Wrangler, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bally Bet, Bass Cat Boats, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, Daiwa, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, Ferguson, Fox Rent A Car, General Tire, Grundéns, Humminbird, Lowrance, Minn Kota, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Power-Pole, Rapala, Star tron, T-H Marine, TORO, Toyota, U.S. Air Force, Yellowstone Bourbon, Yo-Zuri and Zoom Baits.
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, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Michigan’s Kevin VanDam Leads Top Ten to Championship Round at Minn Kota Stage Seven at Saginaw Bay Presented by Suzuki
VanDam Catches Five-Bass-Limit Weighing 21-8 to Lead Knockout Round, Final 10 Anglers Set for Championship Sunday in the Competition for $100,000
BAY CITY, Mich. (Aug. 5, 2023) – Kalamazoo, Michigan’s own Kevin VanDam – the all-time winningest angler in the history of professional bass fishing, announced his retirement earlier this year, but proved to the field today that he’s not interested in finishing the season as just a participant – he’s here to win. VanDam went on an early morning flurry, catching eight scorable bass Saturday – his best five weighing 21 pounds, 8 ounces – to lead the Knockout Round and advance with the final 10 anglers to the final day of competition at the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour Minn Kota Stage Seven at Saginaw Bay Presented by Suzuki.
VanDam quickly rose to the top of the leaderboard early in Period 1 and never looked back. His limit gives him a 2-pound, 13-ounce cushion over pro Dakota Ebare of Brookeland, Texas, who ended the day with a five-bass-limit weighing 18-11, good for second place. Harrison, Tennessee’s Jacob Wheeler – the reigning Bally Bet Angler of the Year (AOY) – sits in third place with a limit weighing 17-15, while General Tire pro Ott DeFoe finished the day in fourth with 17-14. Favorite Fishing pro Matt Becker also weighed in five bass totaling 17-14 to round out the top five.
“Really solid day today, for sure,” said VanDam. “I couldn’t have scripted it any better. Being in this position is everything you could ask for. I gave it everything I had, trying to catch as much as I could today, and it’s still going to be a shootout again tomorrow. There’s just no guarantee that we’ll get the same type of bites tomorrow, but I went out and accomplished everything I wanted to accomplish today and have had a blast having fun this week.
“This is my last regular-season pro level tournament, so I really wanted to fish every single day and I’m going to get to do that,” VanDam continued. “I just can’t put into words how much that means.”
The Michigan pro spent the majority of his time Saturday in the mid-section of the main lake, throwing a Strike King Thunder Cricket and he also added a keeper on a drop-shot rig.
Although VanDam caught a combination of largemouth and smallmouth during the Qualifying Round, where he finished in second place, he targeted strictly smallmouth during the Knockout Round – a move that certainly paid off for the eight-time Angler of the Year (AOY) winner.
“I feel so blessed and have had so much support from my family,” said an emotional VanDam. “Both of my sons are here – one of them flew in from Nashville just to be here this week – and it means a lot that they are here and I’m going to have a lot of family and friends around tomorrow as well.”
The Michigan native has collected just over $7 million in tournament winnings and 26 tournament wins in his storied career, and it seems he’s got his sights set on another tour-level trophy.
“It’s just so special to be in this position going into the final day of this event,” said VanDam. “I know the other nine guys are going to give it everything they’ve got to try to take home that trophy, but I can promise you this – so am I.
“This has been such a special week, all in all, and I had no expectations it would turn out like this, and I’m so thankful for all the support I’ve had over the years. I’ve gotten to know so many friends, and the people in this industry is really what makes this sport so special. I’m looking forward to getting back out there and we’re going to be swinging for the fences tomorrow. “
The top 10 pros from Saturday’s Knockout Round that now advance to Sunday’s Championship Round on Saginaw Bay are:
2nd: Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas, five bass, 18-11
3rd: Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., five bass, 17-15
4th: Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., five bass, 17-14
5th: Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Tenn., five bass, 17-14
6th: Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, five bass, 17-12
7th: Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala., five bass, 17-0
8th: Bryan Thrift, Shelby, N.C., five bass, 16-14
9th: Mark Daniels Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., five bass, 16-11
10th: Cody Meyer, Star, Idaho, five bass, 16-7
12th: Gerald Spohrer, Gonzales, La., five bass, 16-6
13th: Jeremy Lawyer, Sarcoxie, Mo., five bass, 16-5
14th: Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark., five bass, 16-2
15th: Terry Scroggins, San Mateo, Fla., five bass, 16-1
16th: Alton Jones Jr., Waco, Texas, five bass, 15-13
17th: Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala., five bass, 15-12
18th: Russ Lane, Prattville, Ala., five bass, 15-2
19th: Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark., five bass, 15-1
20th: Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., five bass, 15-0
21st: Ryan Salzman, Huntsville, Ala., five bass, 14-11
22nd: David Walker, Sevierville, Tenn., five bass, 14-11
23rd: Jeff Sprague, Point, Texas, five bass, 14-10
24th: Mitch Crane, Columbus, Miss., five bass, 14-8
25th: Greg Vinson, Wetumpka, Ala., five bass, 14-6
26th: Britt Myers, Lake Wylie, S.C., five bass, 14-4
27th: Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, five bass, 13-12
28th: Bradley Roy, Lancaster, Ky., five bass, 13-10
29th: Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., five bass, 13-8
30th: Jordan Lee, Cullman, Ala., five bass, 13-6
31st: Anthony Gagliardi, Prosperity, S.C., five bass, 13-5
32nd: Andy Morgan, Dayton, Tenn., five bass, 13-1
33rd: Cliff Pace, Petal, Miss., five bass, 12-15
34th: Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., five bass, 12-12
35th: Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., five bass, 12-9
36th: Brent Chapman, Lake Quivira, Kan., five bass, 12-3
37th: Fred Roumbanis, Russellville, Ark., five bass, 12-1
38th: Roy Hawk, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., five bass, 11-13
39th: Randall Tharp, Port Saint Joe, Fla., four bass, 9-11
40th: Edwin Evers, Talala, Okla., two bass, 7-5
Overall, there were 481 scorable bass weighing 1,185 pounds, 15 ounces caught by the 40 pros Saturday, which included 73 3-pounders, 22 4-pounders and three 5-pounders.
VanDam tied with San Mateo, Florida’s Terry Scroggins for Saturday’s Berkley Big Bass Award, each weighing in a bass totaling 5 pounds, 2 ounces, to claim a share of the daily award. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day, and a $3,000 bonus to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass of the tournament.
The six-day bass-fishing event showcases 80 of the top professional anglers in the world, competing for a purse of more than $805,000, including a top payout of $100,000 and valuable Angler of the Year (AOY) points in hopes of qualifying for the General Tire Heavy Hitters All-Star event and REDCREST 2024, the Bass Pro Tour championship.
The 40 Anglers in Group A competed in their two-day qualifying round on Tuesday and Thursday – the 40 anglers in Group B on Wednesday and Friday. After the two-day qualifying round, the top 20 anglers from each group advanced to Saturday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round, weights were zeroed, and the remaining 40 anglers competed to finish in the top 10 to advance to the Championship Round. In Sunday’s final day Championship Round, weight carries over from the Knockout Round and the angler with the heaviest two-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.
The final 10 anglers will launch Sunday at 7:30 a.m. ET from the Golson Boat Launch, located at 1598 N. Johnson St. in Bay City. The General Tire Takeout will be held at the launch location, beginning at 4 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com .
As part of the event, on Sun., Aug. 6, the MLF Fan Experience will be taking place at Wenonah Park in Bay City from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF will welcome fans of all ages to celebrate fishing and the outdoors with free giveaways, local vendors, photo opportunities with pro anglers and PAW Patrol characters and the opportunity for fans to hang out and watch the pros live on the MLFNOW! ® big screen during the MLF Watch Party. The first 100 kids onsite will get a free rod and reel combo, and fans can also check out the latest gear and offerings from MLF and MLF sponsors including Toyota, Suzuki, the U.S. Air Force, Humminbird, Minn Kota and Kubota.
The final 10 Championship Round Bass Pro Tour anglers will also be on hand at the trophy celebration to meet and greet fans, sign autographs and take selfies on Sunday, including Knockout Round leader and Kalamazoo’s own Kevin VanDam, celebrating his final regular-season professional tournament with fans.
The Minn Kota Stage Seven at Saginaw Bay Presented by Suzuki features anglers competing using the MLF catch, weigh, immediate-release format, with each angler’s five (5) heaviest bass per day tallied as their day’s weight. Anglers strive to catch their heaviest five fish each day, while also feeling the pressure and intensity of the live scoring SCORETRACKER® leaderboard. Minimum weights are determined individually for each competition waters that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.
The 2023 MLF Bass Pro Tour features a field of 80 of the top professional anglers in the world competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, fishing for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2024, the Bass Pro Tour championship, held March 13-17, 2024, on Lay Lake in Birmingham, Alabama.
The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee, Marty Stone and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live on Championship Sunday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET. MLFNOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.
Television coverage of the Minn Kota Stage Seven at Saginaw Bay Presented by Suzuki will air with a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, November 11, on the Discovery Channel. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on the Outdoor Channel.
Proud sponsors of the 2023 MLF Bass Pro Tour include: 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, Ark Fishing, ATG by Wrangler, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bally Bet, Bass Cat Boats, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, Daiwa, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, Ferguson, Fox Rent A Car, General Tire, Grundéns, Humminbird, Lowrance, Minn Kota, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Power-Pole, Rapala, Star tron, T-H Marine, TORO, Toyota, U.S. Air Force, Yellowstone Bourbon, Yo-Zuri and Zoom Baits.
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, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Sprague Wins Group B Qualifying Round at Minn Kota Stage Seven at Saginaw Bay Presented by Suzuki via Tiebreaker Over Myers
Texas Pro Catches Two-Day Smallmouth Total of 33-10 To Win Group B Qualifying Round, Field of 40 Set for Saturday’s Knockout Round
BAY CITY, Mich. (Aug. 4, 2023) – As time expired on the SCORETRACKER® leaderboard, Friday, there was a tie atop the leaderboard. Day 1 leader, pro Britt Myers of Lake Wylie, South Carolina, and pro Jeff Sprague of Point, Texas , both had caught 33 pounds, 10 ounces, over the two-day Group B Qualifying Round and were tied for first. Sprague, however, had a 4-pound, 12-ounce smallmouth in his limit on Friday. Myer’s biggest bass was a 4-3, so Sprague earned the Qualifying Round win via tiebreaker for Group B at the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour Minn Kota Stage Seven at Saginaw Bay Presented by Suzuki.
The remaining 40 anglers – the top 20 from each group – now advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round, where weights are zeroed, and the anglers compete to finish in the top 10 to advance to the Championship Round on Sunday. Weights will carry over from the Knockout Round into the Championship Round, which will feature the final 10 anglers competing for the heaviest two-day cumulative total and the top prize of $100,000.
“Today was an awesome day. We didn’t catch a whole lot of fish, but the ones we did catch today were the right ones,” said Sprague, who was the only angler inside the top 20 to weigh in all smallmouth bass. “Those fish are just a bigger class of fish out there, and I do feel like those are the fish that you have to be around to win this event. So, I laid off of them pretty quick, today, hopefully saving those them for the Knockout Round.”
Sprague said he has been catching his fish this week with a drop-shot rig, throwing three different baits. He said that if his smallmouth don’t cooperate over the weekend, he also has a largemouth area as a backup.
“There are a lot of fish where I’m fishing, but I don’t know if anyone else from Group A has also found that water and I’ll be sharing it or not, so we’ll find out tomorrow,” Sprague said. “If I’m not sharing it, then I feel really good about this area.
“If they don’t fire, I’ve got some really good largemouth that if I have to run to them, I can do that too,” Sprague continued. “I’d really rather catch those brown ones, though – they’re bigger. And there are a ton of them there – I’m seeing way more than I’m catching on my (Lowrance) Active Target. It’s just a matter of getting them to bite.”
Sprague said that he has two goal weights in mind for Saturday, which vary based on the conditions.
“If it’s calm, I think you’ll need at least 17 pounds to advance, and if it’s windy again, I think 16 will get you in the Championship Round,” he went on to say.
The top 20 pros from Group B that now advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round on Saginaw Bay are:
2nd: Britt Myers, Lake Wylie, S.C., 10 bass, 33-10
3rd: Randall Tharp, Port Saint Joe, Fla., 10 bass, 33-2
4th: Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., 10 bass, 32-10
5th: Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, 10 bass, 31-15
6th: Mark Daniels, Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., 10 bass, 31-9
7th: Alton Jones, Jr., Waco, Texas, 10 bass, 30-10
8th: Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala., 10 bass, 30-9
9th: Casey Ashley, Donalds, S.C., 10 bass, 29-13
10th: Jeremy Lawyer, Sarcoxie, Mo., 10 bass, 29-9
11th: Cody Meyer, Star, Idaho, 10 bass, 29-5
12th: Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark., 10 bass, 29-4
13th: Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala., 10 bass, 29-2
14th: Jordan Lee, Cullman, Ala., 10 bass, 28-15
15th: Cliff Pace, Petal, Miss., 10 bass, 28-9
16th: Mitch Crane, Columbus, Miss., 10 bass, 28-6
17th: Gerald Spohrer, Gonzales, La., 10 bass, 28-4
18th: Terry Scroggins, San Mateo, Fla., 10 bass, 28-3
19th: Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Tenn., 10 bass, 27-15
20th: Brent Chapman, Lake Quivira, Kan., 10 bass, 27-5
22nd: James Elam, Tulsa, Okla., 10 bass, 27-3
23rd: Cliff Crochet, Pierre Part, La., 10 bass, 27-1
24th: Stephen Browning, Hot Springs, Ark., 10 bass, 26-11
25th: Alton Jones, Sr., Lorena, Texas, 10 bass, 26-11
26th: Jacob Wall, New Hope, Ala., 10 bass, 26-0
27th: Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn., 10 bass, 25-11
28th: Luke Clausen, Spokane, Wash., 10 bass, 25-4
29th: Dylan Hays, Hot Springs, Ark., 10 bass, 25-1
30th: John Hunter, Shelbyville, Ky., 10 bass, 24-15
31st: Josh Butler, Hayden, Ala., 10 bass, 24-14
32nd: Jared Lintner, Covington, Ga., 10 bass, 24-1
33rd: Shin Fukae, Osaka, Japan, 10 bass, 23-6
34th: Timmy Horton, Muscle Shoals, Ala., 10 bass, 23-0
35th: Scott Suggs, Alexander, Ark., 10 bass, 21-4
36th: Jeff Kriet, Ardmore, Okla., 10 bass, 20-11
37th: Boyd Duckett, Guntersville, Ala., 10 bass, 19-8
38th: David Dudley, Lynchburg, Va., eight bass, 17-11
39th: Jonathon VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., eight bass, 16-1
40th: Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J., four bass, 8-3
Overall, there were 456 scorable bass weighing 1,072 pounds, 9 ounces caught by the 40 pros Friday, which included 48 3-pounders, 12 4-pounders and one 5-pounder.
Friday’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award was awarded to pro Alton Jones, Jr., of Waco, Texas, who weighed in a 5-pound largemouth which bit his bladed swimjig early in Period 1. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day, and a $3,000 bonus to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass of the tournament.
The six-day bass-fishing event showcases 80 of the top professional anglers in the world, competing for a purse of more than $805,000, including a top payout of $100,000 and valuable Angler of the Year (AOY) points in hopes of qualifying for the General Tire Heavy Hitters All-Star event and REDCREST 2024, the Bass Pro Tour championship.
The 40 Anglers in Group A competed in their two-day qualifying round on Tuesday and Thursday – the 40 anglers in Group B on Wednesday and Friday. Now that each two-day qualifying round is complete, the top 20 anglers from each group advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed, and the remaining 40 anglers compete to finish in the top 10 to advance to the Championship Round. In Sunday’s final day Championship Round, weight carries over from the Knockout Round and the angler with the heaviest two-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.
Anglers will launch each day at 7:30 a.m. ET from the Golson Boat Launch, located at 1598 N. Johnson St. in Bay City. Each day’s General Tire Takeout will be held at the launch location, beginning at 4 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com .
As part of the event, on Sat., Aug. 5 and Sun., Aug. 6, the MLF Fan Experience will be taking place at Wenonah Park in Bay City from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF will welcome fans of all ages to celebrate fishing and the outdoors with free giveaways, local vendors, photo opportunities with pro anglers and PAW Patrol characters and the opportunity for fans to hang out and watch the pros live on the MLFNOW! ® big screen during the MLF Watch Party. The first 100 kids onsite each day will get a free rod and reel combo, and fans can also check out the latest gear and offerings from MLF and MLF sponsors including Toyota, Suzuki, the U.S. Air Force, Humminbird, Minn Kota and Kubota.
On Sunday, the final 10 Championship Round Bass Pro Tour anglers will be on hand at the trophy celebration to meet and greet fans, sign autographs, and take selfies. Kalamazoo’s own Kevin VanDam will be onsite throughout the weekend to celebrate his final regular-season professional tournament with fans.
The Minn Kota Stage Seven at Saginaw Bay Presented by Suzuki features anglers competing using the MLF catch, weigh, immediate-release format, with each angler’s five (5) heaviest bass per day tallied as their day’s weight. Anglers strive to catch their heaviest five fish each day, while also feeling the pressure and intensity of the live scoring SCORETRACKER® leaderboard. Minimum weights are determined individually for each competition waters that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.
The 2023 MLF Bass Pro Tour features a field of 80 of the top professional anglers in the world competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, fishing for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2024, the Bass Pro Tour championship, held March 13-17, 2024, on Lay Lake in Birmingham, Alabama.
The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee, Marty Stone and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live on all six days of competition from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET. MLFNOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.
Television coverage of the Minn Kota Stage Seven at Saginaw Bay Presented by Suzuki will air with a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, November 11, on the Discovery Channel. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on the Outdoor Channel.
Proud sponsors of the 2023 MLF Bass Pro Tour include: 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, Ark Fishing, ATG by Wrangler, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bally Bet, Bass Cat Boats, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, Daiwa, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, Ferguson, Fox Rent A Car, General Tire, Grundéns, Humminbird, Lowrance, Minn Kota, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Power-Pole, Rapala, Star tron, T-H Marine, TORO, Toyota, U.S. Air Force, Yellowstone Bourbon, Yo-Zuri and Zoom Baits.
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, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.